Disney and Autism

This morning, Mama J sent me an article from Deseret News that explains how Disney can help people with autism in 10 ways. While reading it, some old memories were brought back. According to the article:

"1. Disney makes you more positive

2. Kids can bond with Disney characters

3. Disney is all about imagination

4. Disney movies don't always have parents

5. Disney can help kids learn

6. Disney can help you learn manners

7. Disney has vibrant characters

8. Disney parks make things easier for those with autism

9. Disney can help with speech skills

10. Disney teaches you not to worry"

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865607921/?user=app

I've been a big fan of Disney since I was very little, as long as I can remember. I would spend a lot of time everyday watching the movies and TV shows on Disney. For me, it was like being transported into another world where there is adventure, happiness, laughter, fun and love. Because of my autism, I think watching Disney and other kids' shows were part of the reason I overcame it... And became the person I am today.

While there may not be a cure for it today or in the future, the only thing we can do for those with autism are to love them, teach them and help them overcome their autism. That's what my parents, sisters, teachers and friends did for me. They did it in ways that have been helping me advance. I think of it as the best therapy after all.

Baby Chaffin

Say 'Hello' to my new nephew, Tanner Clyde Chaffin. We are so blessed and thankful to have this beautiful bundle of joy in our lives.

 It's hard to raise a baby and be a parent for this little guy, but I'm positive that Nina and Andrew will be great parents. They love him so much!

Breana, Mama J, José and I feel lucky that we got to hold him on our visit at the hospital the day he was born. We just have to wait for Lexie, her family, and Grandpa Jones to come and have their turns to hold him. Small, but CUTE!

Congratulations, Nina and Andrew on the new baby!

Great Things Come To Pass

"By small and simple things are great things brought to pass," (Alma 37:6). Good things have happened since my 4th semester at BYU-Idaho has ended this past Wednesday. I've made a list of them.

1. Yesterday, a miracle happened. While I was traveling home on the bus, it broke down before we even reached the Utah sign. It was unexpected because I only planned on coming home for summer vacation. The driver pulled over once and examined the bus, only to find nothing wrong with it. Nobody had any idea what happened. The driver called the mechanic and was assured that the replacement bus would be on its way and was encouraged to keep on going for at least 20 miles. He followed that counsel. We were then asked to pray for the bus to function well and safe arrivals to our destinations. I was one of those who prayed and our prayers were answered. After we passed the Utah sign, the bus started working again. We were blessed!
2. This morning, we welcomed a beautiful baby boy to the Jones family. There's no name for him yet as the new parents are still deciding. Nina went to the hospital last night after she was given the signal that it was time. Mom went with her and Andrew to the hospital and was up all night with them. The labor was painful for Nina, but the delivery was successful and the baby made it safe and sound, including his mama. We are so thankful for his arrival and that he could be a part of this family. I don't have pictures yet, but I will take them and post them when I have the chance.
3. I received a tender mercy of the Lord on Thursday, besides the bus incident. I didn't pass my final for my science foundations class, but my grade is still a solid C. I have passed all of my other classes and I'm proud of myself. I may not have passed the science tests or been able to complete or pass all of the assignments for my class, but I know that I've done the best I could and passed. It's not just getting the right answers for the assignments that matters the most, it's also the amount of effort that we put forth in the hard things.

Life is neither easy nor perfect for everyone, not even me. But, I can have a good, happy life depending on the choices I make. I have a family who is loving, supportive and respectful; friends who I can look up to for guidance to making right choices and want me to feel included in the things we do; a home with a roof over my head; clothes and shoes to wear; food and water to eat and drink; and the Gospel. These are the important things in my life, plus many others that I could think of.

Finish Strong

Today was one of those crummy days when I didn't feel good about myself. I don't know why, but I think it's from the stress that I've been going through since the beginning of this week. There's this stress from homework, a big paper, waking up early, not exercising enough, walking to and from school in the blazin' hot weather, and getting the semester over with.

Maybe I'm just putting so much pressure on myself where everything has to be perfect and that has been my only focus.

After I ate dinner, I did my first attempt on making brownies. As you can see the baking tray was a little messy, but the brownies were still delicious. I was starting to feel pretty good about things when I was working on them. I felt like I'd forgotten about everything else that don't seem to really matter at the minute. When the brownies came out and tasted really good, I think it was a reminder for me that nobody is perfect. But, we can still do the best we can in things. My parents have taught me well; just finish things strong.

That's what I'll do.

The Atonement

I'm grateful every day for the gift of the Atonement. I say it in my prayers every day and night. Before Christ died on the cross, He asked His Father to forgive the people who persecuted, betrayed and rejected Him, and the soldiers who whipped Him, spat on Him, and nailed Him to the cross "for they knew not what they do." We were given the Atonement so that we could start over and begin individually as a new person.

I'm not a perfect being like God is. No one on this Earth is perfect. We all make mistakes. But, it doesn't mean that God loves us less. I don't believe in that. He is merciful, loving, peaceful, kind, patient, forgiving, compassionate and listening. He knows us and our hearts. Making mistakes also doesn't define who we are. Only our hearts do.

While we make mistakes every day, shouldn't we continually strive to do what is right and good to all men despite the circumstances?

I've learned that lesson from my own experiences and mistakes. I sometimes wish I never made those mistakes because I feel guilty and ashamed of myself. But, I've learned that I'm still a child of God because He created me. He knows who I am and my heart. He knows everyone else's hearts as well. We're not perfect, but not less.

¡Feliz Día del Padre!

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful fathers everywhere! I'd especially like to wish Happy Father's Day to my daddy, who was there for me, my sisters and everybody when we needed him. He's protected us... provided for us... and loved us. He still does today! I'm so grateful for him, the Priesthood, and the great father he has been to us since we were born. He's been an amazing man, a loving father and a great husband. The song below is called "My Little Girl," by Tim McGraw.

I love you, Daddy. I'm thankful to have you in my life. You've been a blessing to me as you still are. :')

You baptized every one of us so we could become members of the LDS Church and be sealed to the family for time and eternity.

You've been faithful to Mom and treated her like a queen.

You wanted to spend every minute with us, even in the hottest places we've been to as a family.

You came to our graduations to support us and show us how proud you are of us for the hard work and effort we put forth in our goals.

You taught us how to love and care for others.

Even when you were hurt, you still came for us.

You've taken us horse-back riding since we were little.

For a long time, Dad, you've kept us together and you still are today. Through your love, support, commitment, and the Priesthood you've been holding for years, you always will keep us together no matter what happens in the future.

I Am Who I Am

Who am I, really? My full name is Micaela Jones, but others know me better as Caela and I like it that way. What is good and special about me that everyone should know, besides my autism?

I am kind.

I am adventurous.

I can make people laugh.

I'm athletic and I love basketball.

I'm a writer and an artist.

I'm very friendly and a good friend.

I do my homework early and get it done on time.

I'm very patient.

I'm a skilled archer.

I love to read good books.

I'm a good aunt.

I'm a smart student and hard worker.

A wonderful sister.

My parents are proud of me for doing my best in things.

I'm a beautiful young woman.

I am the luckiest girl in the world.