Mommy & Me Photography Blog » Personal

bounce for autism

Denise Olson — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:08:12 +0000

Jack Jack, who was diagnosed with PDD-NOS last year has made tremendous improvements with his speech and language development with the help of all our doctors, therapists and teachers at Kaiser {Dr. Amy Gruber and Dr. Jean Sakimura} and Dr. Sara Powers Rice, the RCEB {Wen}, at Happy Talkers {Erin}, with STE Consultants {Elaina} and …with the early intervention program at the Alameda Co office of education {Denise & Adrienne} . As a preschooler at the Harvest Park Preschool {many thanks to Emily, Jennifer, Linda, Barbara and Ashley}, his talents are really shining through and we are so thankful for the program!!!

Through the Pleasanton Mothers Club, we participated in a “bouncing” event at the Pleasanton Pump it Up. Jack Jack, along with many of his friends had a BLAST!!! You can Bounce too, by becoming a virtual Bouncer for Autism. Join the Autism Society and Pump IT Up to raise money to improve the lives of all living with autism.
Participating in the Bounce for Autism is easy! and Fun!!!

Bounce for Autism is proudly sponsored by:

Autism Society of America

Pump it Up

random acts – Oakland Fire Department

Denise Olson — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:04:01 +0000

The fire trucks were approaching Lake Merritt and the little boy with his fireman boats and “engine 12″ fire coat ran to the scene to watch as the fire fighters and paramedics rescue another life. The little boy waited and waited ever so patiently for the job to be done, because all he wanted was a ride in the fire truck. The little boy had never been so close to a fire truck…the excitement was unbearable. But then the firemen and paramedics emerged from their heroic adventure only to see this little boy sporting their company…..Fire engine #12. Not only was the little boy filled with glee that finally he would get to go into the fire truck, the men of Company 12 were greeted by a little mascot. Because their work was done, the nature of the injury was not fatal, the little boy got his wish granted and got to sit in the fire truck. Thank you Oakland Fire Department for your random act of kindness!!! You made this little boy’s day!!!!

As I was looking through the internet for the company’s information, I stumbled upon their site: “Oakland Firefighters Random Acts“… although letting the little boy sit the firetruck was not an official “Random Act”, it was indeed a true random act of kindness.

a celebration with Cinderella…

Denise Olson — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 01:28:51 +0000

At the end of January, we celebrated Maddie’s 5th birthday party. Every year we throw a birthday bash for her, and every year it turns more and more into a huge glorious production. This year, I decided to bring in entertainment {for my sanity, although, it was still totally crazy here!!}. I met up with networking friend, Jenny Waters, owner of the Social Butterfly and co-owner of the Cinderella Company to discuss my intentions and plan of action for Maddie’s party. We mutually decided on Cinderella for storytelling, singing, magic and face painting….and a coronation ceremony for Princess Maddie. WOW!!!! When Cinderella came to door, Maddie was more than surprised….she was totally enchanted!!!! With 17 knights, princess maidens and little blossoms running wild with sword fights, makeovers, play doh, food, and candy…Cinderella stole the show and bestowed a whole bit of her magic upon them….

Thank you Cinderella…..as Maddie said on her delightful day, “This is the BEST Party EVER!!!”.

Happy New Year….

Denise Olson — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:44:11 +0000

Happy New Year everyone….
This year was full of many events….
~Jackson was diagnosed with Autism in Feb ‘09 and has since undergone many therapies and is currently enrolled in a wonderful preschool with children specializing with his similar condition….despite the diagnosis, he is the MOST social animal alive and so full love; soccer camp is next in line…
~Maddie started preschool and has been loving it. She recently started ballet and tap dancing and is learning to become the glorified princess she wants to become…
~Derrick graduated from high school, got a scholarship to play football for West Liberty University and played as a freshman for the team, which ended their season being one of the top 8 teams in the country….quite an accomplishment…going strong, he has already begun training for the next season…
~Keith took on a new opportunity and decided to work for a public profitable company, Life Technologies. Although on the road much of time, he loves what he does because he is one of the best at what he does…he turned 40 this year…
~the loss of both of my grandmothers was sad, yet both sustained a huge life of over 90 years…so proud to say that I’m their granddaughter. They will be dearly missed…
~our families, whether dealing with the loss of loved ones, or fighting battles of illnesses…much was endured and the strength of family helped them through…
~as for me, elected to the board of directors of the PPGBA (www.PPGBA.org), met many new and wonderful friends and reconnected with many, created a brand for my biz and worked diligently on marketing material and a web presence, trying to balance family with work {augh!!!}, and also turned the dreaded 40…

hoping for a prosperous, simplified year….

{additional calendars can be purchased HERE}