Last year our son was diagnosed with autism. He is the center of our world. Some of the projects I share are centered on creating the most comfortable environment and life for my little guy. Our journey is just beginning; as a family we are learning to embrace all the small things that make this a wonderful crazy life.
I love simple and classic styles with a mix of whimsy and fun. I have a passion for do-it-yourself décor, home projects and anything that keeps my creative mind going. I enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to make something on my own. {Better yet, simply by using things I already have around me} I believe style does not have to be compromised by a budget; no matter what that budget may be.
I started Under the Table and Dreaming as place to share a little piece of my world and ‘these’ creative passions of mine. With the right inspiration, I believe everyone can be creative. I am inspired by many great things in this wonderful world and hope you leave here feeling a little the same!
Thank you for taking the time to stop by,
“Every day is an opportunity to be creative – the canvas is your mind, the brushes and colours are your thoughts and feelings, the panorama is your story, the complete picture is a work of art called, ‘my life’. — Innerspace
My Inspiration
58 comments:
I am the mom of 5 boys and my middle son was diagnosed with autism at 2 1/2. He is now 7 1/2. Feel free to visit my blog or email me anytime at vintagemama4@live.com
Rachel Knoblich
It is really great to see how you are handling you family challenges with such a positive outlook. Your blog is beautiful and very well put together. Please visit me at Three Dogs At Home, I am making some changes and would love your input.
I just came across your website from a link my Aunt posted on Facebook, it was a link about your "recycled shopping bag wreathe"...what a fabulous idea!!! Your site is truly precious...what wonderful creativity you share!!! I am also VERY jealous of your craft room!!!!
~Dana Collier McKenzie, Perry, GA
I was blog bouncing and I'm not even sure what brought me to your blog... but as I scrolled down I saw your lovely video about your son. My prayers and thoughts will be with your family. My son is 14 and was diagnosed when he was 7. He's come such a long way! Don't give up your fight. Sometimes it can be so hard, but it's always worth it. I'm sure you already know that.
Tee
I'm speechless right now...my heart goes out to you. Your little boy is just gorgeous!
Love your blog and your creations!
I'm quite impressed! Not only are your crafts beautiful, but the tutorial photos are each a work of art in themselves! "YOU GO GIRL" !
Val
www.workofourhands.blogspot.com
I just came upon your site and I love it. Great job and thank you for sharing your talents and inspiration.
Linda
New England Fine Living
Hi, I just recently stumbled across your blog and i love all your ideas, really wonderful. I also have a son who was diagnosed with Autism one year ago, he is 3 1/2. If you ever need info or just some support, email me SLorton82@aol.com
Wonderful blog!
I watched your video about you precious little boy. I am inspired by your courage, and strength. I am going on the the Autism speaks website to see how to contribute to the efforts for a cure. Thank you for making us more aware.
I "fell" into your website and love it. I am a grandmother of an autistic boy. You are so right when you said, Just because they can't speak doesn't mean they have nothing to say. My "Austin" doesn't speak but he has taught ME so many special things. Like what is REALLY important in life. LOVE
Deborah aka Nightsewer@aol.com
Hi, hope its OK to contact you here. would love to include your blog on our giveaway blog network: Giveaway Scout (http://www.giveawayscout.com). Have a look and if interested drop us a line on our contact form (http://www.giveawayscout.com/contact/). thanks, Josh
Hi, Stephanie. I'm enjoying reading your blog. Just curious about your blog title and wondering if you are a DMB fan as well ;-).
Keep up the good work!
Stephanie, I love the creativity of your blog.I am a new blogger and am just learning! It is fun to read blogs like yours. Good work!
I just came across your page through "stumbleupon.com" and i found your work amazing! you're very inspiring :)
Hi Stephanie, you have a fabulous blog, and I am so touched by your precious little boy, and I'm looking forward to visiting often, Many prayers and love to you and your family.
Your home is beautiful. My son (Jack, 6) also has autism as well as Mosaic Down syndrome. I am glad I found your blog...
<3
Hi Stephanie,
Ive been browsing your blog and commenting, then I thought well let me read her "about me" and I knew there was somethin keepin me here. My daughter who I commented about on your playroom post was diagnosed last 9/11 on the autism spectrum. That is why I was such a fanatic about her playroom, Ive since downsized with all the centers and such because she is in a special services preschool program through our school district. I would love to talk to you more...my email is lucky7design@yahoo.com.
I just stumbled on your blog while browsing...had to share that I'm an Autism Support Teacher (Grades K-2) in PA. I was so excited to find your blog and see your love for your son! Please know that you and your family are in my prayers...and I am sure your son will make progress...it's amazing what students can do when they are in a structured and research-based program! Stay strong :)
Just found your blog today. I've been making weighted lap buddies for my 4-year old daughter to help her control her hyperactivity on the recommendation of her OT. She said it is also useful for autistic children and helps them focus. I'll be happy to make one for your little guy if it's helpful to you.
Caroline
My husband, two kids and I just moved into our home on July 1st. Well, we didn't sleep in here until the 15th because it took that long to clean, repair and demo. We textured and painted (primer for now) all but two small rooms and the two bathrooms.
I stumbled onto your blog through a friends blog list. I LOVE IT! I have visited your blog every day for nearly a week. I spend hours following the other blogs with home decor ideas.
I have since come to love what a good can of spray paint can do. UGLY smoke stained light switches and covers look new thanks to Krylon Fusion.... love that stuff. And I continue to find inspiration every day. Thanks for giving us a window to your home so that we may be inspired!
Michelle DeShon
Hi Stephanie,
I just happen to stumble across your blog because I was interested in your Showcase Sunday, THEN I strolled down the page and saw the Autism Speaks video. Such a small world! I have a 8 year son with Autism. I truly love your blog and will keep it as a favorite. Will also try and share some of my crafts too. Nice to know you.
♥ Karen
Hi Stephanie,
I just posed above and realized I didn't post through blogger. So here it is! :)
I love this web site. Almost all your crafts are ones I'd like to try. Usually I can't find anything to fit "my likes", but yous do almost 100 perccent of the time. Thank you for taking time for sharing such wonderful projects. I have a friend coming up to visit for a few days and I think we'll have a day of crafts, making things from your web site. Again thanks for all you do. Kathy Tienter
Hi Stephanie, I read your story about your beautiful little boy and I know just how you feel. My son has autism as well. Debbie
I was just thinking about the name of your blog, we saw Dave Mathew's Band last night. Did you take the name from his song? If so, did you see him on this tour? Love all your posts, thank you for all the great Xmas handmade ones. Filing them away on my to-do's!
I have just been looking over your blog and came across your story. I just want to tell you to hang on. My son was diagnosed with Autism when he was in 4th grade. He just graduated from High School. We were told he would probably never be in regular ed classes and that we may want to home school him. He remained in public school the entire time. He will be starting college in January. Don't let what others say stop you for fighting for your son, you are his best advocate! Blessings to you and your family!
My oldest son is also autistic, among other things. I love to get to know other Mom's who truly embrace the differences in their children and learn to incorporate these challenges into their family life, rather than be ruled by them. It's not a "typical" life, but fantastic nonetheless! I'm glad I happened upon your blog, and I joined in on your linky party today. I look forward to future posts.
All my best,
www.thatredheadedstepchild.com
My daughter is one of the "1 in 150" as well. Beautiful video. We will never give up on our kids!
bonjour de france j'aime votre blog. je suis touché par votre histoire. je vous souhaite du bonheur avec votre famille. votre petit garçon est adorable.vos créations sont superbe plein de bonnes idées facile à réaliser. bisous de france . gisèle; j'essai de mettre ce commentaire!! je suis peux douèe en informatique
Hi, i just visited your blog.I love it. My name is Maria and i am from Greece! My best wishes to you and your wonderful family!
I love your projects. I just started the wreath with the plastic bags. My daughter (8yrs.) caught me reading the post about the bird seed wreath. We'll be trying that one out this week. Thank you so much.
Check with your local public schools. Our schools offered a Learning Steps starting at the age of 3 and it really helped my niece. She is 7 years old and in the second grade now. She went from not talking or willing to draw or write to always having paper and pen and talking. Good luck and God Bless your family.
Love your blog. You are so inspirational. Your video you made about your sweet little boy CJ was incredible and heartfelt. Thanks so much for sharing. My 8 year old son has ADHD and Aspergers. Every day is a challenge, but every day is also such a BLESSING. We can truly learn from these sweet little babes. I wish you all the best!
bonsoir Stéphanie, votre blog est magnifique, merci pour les tutos. J'embrasse très fort votre petit garçon en ce jour de Téléthon en France où toutes nos pensées vont plus particulièrement vers les petits malades.
So much love for CJ! He is truly blessed to have you as a mother!
I, too, stumbled across your blog because of the crafting connections. But now that I'm here...I just retired from working with children and adults on the Autism Spectrum for somewheres around 35 years (Behaviorist). What an amazing journey it's been. And I am quite aware of the challenges your son and family may face.
But you are absolutely right...the earlier the intervention as well as the quality and quantity is the best you can provide. I don't know where you live but here in NJ we have tremendous services and insurance has begun picking up much of the costs.
Please let me know if you ever have questions regarding resources etc.
ps...love your crafts :)
I am also a stumbler. I was looking at your blog from another link and came across your Autism story this way. I am a mom of 3 and all of my children are somewhere on the spectrum. Our youngest who is now 4 was non-verbal. After being enrolled in intense therapy for close to 2 and 1/2 years, he is a talker. Comprehension is still an issue but the therapy has made such a difference. We struggle daily with tasks like teeth brushing, dressing, toileting etc. The hardest part I think for me has been the isolation and the " Oh they will be fine" comments from well meaning people. It is a hard life but these children are worth it. Thanks for telling your story.
ichoosebuzzlightyear@gmail.com
Just came here from a comment somewhere. I have 4 grown sons with their own families. We never had many problems, and for this I thank the Lord above. I am sure with a Mom like you, your little boy is going to get there. Blessing on your family and strength to you.
your sight really did inspire me.
i feel happy:)
hope your life stays positive !
They suspect my daughter has Asperger's Syndrome. She tested when she barely turned 5 and was right on the border. She is the reason I started crafting in the first place and it has grown into my only escape sometimes.
Your little boy is lucky to have such an awesome mom.
I came across your site through another blog that showed your rose wreath as her inspiration. I've been clicking all over your site for over an hour now! You truly have a creative gift. But perhaps your greatest gift is that of being a mother. I just watched your video of your precious son. What a blessed boy he is to have such an amazing, loving and dedicated mother. And what a blessing he is to you and your Husband as well. May the Lord renew your strength and spirit each day.
Missy
Loving this Blog! Love all the makeover ideas and can't decide with one is my fav! I am a new follower, come visit me! I am a new blogger. Thanks... http://iadapt-daily.blogspot.com/
I just came across your blog and it is AMAZING! You offer an abundance of inspiration! I am in the process of creating my own decor and lifestyle blog, and would appreciate any advise or tips you may have!
Just joined your site....love your stuff! Very inspirational.
goldenolive1.blogspot.com
I just used your template to make my Sunburst Mirror. Thanks so much!
http://lorrinteriors.blogspot.com/2011/09/sunburst-mirror.html
Laura
Very touching video, my prayers are with you and your family
Thanks so much for sharing your son's story. He is so lucky to have a mother as caring as you!
I've been trying to decide which charity to donate some proceeds from our Holiday sales to, and after watching your video contacted Autism Speaks and am excited to help raise money for the North Carolina branch.
Thanks so much!!!
Kristen
I was on the lovely site called Stumbleupon that brought me to your blog. My first thought was "We have the same name!" I scrolled through your home page and fell in love with so many of your ideas. You're little boy is precious and I wish all the happiness in the world to your family. I'll definitely be looking to your ideas for inspiration.
Hi Stephanie!
Im so glad to meet you...I found you through a craft on Pinterest!
You have a beautiful blog and your son is precious!
Im following you in friendship xo
Deborah xoxo
Oops forgot to say..Im (purehunnybee) on your followers list xo
Deborah
Congratulations!Your blog is wonderful!Full of love and inspiration!I am going to follow you!Have a nice weekend with your nice family!
Oh my! I LOVE your blog! I came upon it from a pin on Pinterest and I have been looking at your blogs for 2 hours! I will definitely continue to follow you on here. You have so many inspiring ideas.
I saw a couple of posts about your little guy. I hope that he is doing well. You are truly an inspiration to all moms. :)
Having so much fun looking around your blog, its fantastic! My son has Aspergers. Loving your sugar hand scrub!
Also, random fact, your name is also Stevie Nicks real name! ;)
I just stumbled across your site yesterday while trying to find some decorating ideas. In that short time I have been on here quite a bit!! I'm am loving your great tutorials and am so inspired!! I have already picked up items to make the 2 mirrors and plan on doing the rosewood wreath with my little ones. Your son is beautiful and your story is so touching thank you for sharing. God Bless you and your family.
Sara
Like many I stumbled across your blog this early morning because I could not sleep. I haven't read much of your blog but did read many of the comments below the video. Your video on autism is very well done and stated. It certainly reaches the heart.
I have a stepson who is autistic and is now 36 years old who lives in a group home setting and participates in a day program. He is not a lost cause and as someone mentioned the one thing autistic children does is it teaches you to love them just as they are. You are a fighter that is great, but what you also have is other interests and I commend you for that. You can get so lost in taking care of the autistic child that you forget who you are - so seems the case of the mother of my stepson. Your little guy is adorable by the way.
Hi Stephanie Lynn,
I discovered your website today and spent hours browsing it. You are amazingly talented and I can't wait to see more of your projects.
Found your blog from bouncing around Pinterest....
Might you be a Dave Matthews Band fan? Just askin!
Your blog is a fun one to pole around on. Thanks for sharing.
Dana
dmbfaninwa
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