I am pleased to bring you another Twitter friend today. She has chosen to take life’s challenges and do something about them, instead of let them bury her in despair. I’m proud of her for that, and glad to know her. She is also the author of “Glitter Fixes Everything” in Wit & Wisdom from the Parents of Special Needs Kids. And now, here is Lisa in her own words…

My name is Lisa Gallegos, I’m mother to seven kids, two dogs, a cat, and best friend to my husband/boyfriend for the last 11 years. I’m a blogger, worry wart, autism advocate, and in the last few years have found myself as a crafter. I started on a whim a few years ago by making holiday decorations for my own personal use. Then one year my husband suggested I try to sell them. I went from making them for me, to selling to friends and family. It was good for extra cash around the holidays but being the stay at home mom that I am in the failing economy, I decided I either needed to go bigger with my jars or find work outside of the home.

I was still really slow getting started but got a big push when we found out this year we were losing our home. I jumped on Facebook, wrestled with a name, and Jars By Lisa was created. The last few years was devoted to just making jars for the big holidays–Halloween, Christmas, Valentines day. But then it dawned on me that I could be making Autism awareness jars! I searched high and low for puzzle piece themed stickers or paper punches, anything that I could find and put on a jar to create the look. But my searches always came up with nothing.

I ventured into Michael’s Arts n Crafts because it was always my muse. I could walk into that store and get lost in all the things I wanted to do or make. But even Michael’s had nothing for me. It was hard realizing yet again I live in a world where Autism isn’t on the forefront of everyone’s mind. It got me a little dejected, but after speaking to one of the employees, I had a new plan. Why not use real puzzles?!! My pack rat mind had a box at home filled with loose pieces from my own kids puzzles. I also then turned to my friends and fellow Autism moms from a group I’m in, asking them to donate their old puzzles to me.

Then I started my journey in making these jars. I trimmed them down and painted them, and using a sticker maker I put them on the jars. It felt fulfilling to make something that meant so much to me, but could also mean so much to others as well. I expanded my colors over the last few months to customize for certain companies.

Like the one I made for Emily over at Lemonade for Autism

and Askate

It’s still a small thing for me, but with big possibilities. It’s a way for me to stay home with my kids and create awareness for my son and so many others.

I could never say my entire life has been easy. Throwing in Autism, ADHD, SPD, and all the other amazing quirks of my kids has been an experience. But I remember what my mom always told me, and as silly as some of them seem, I hold on to them and remember them when times get bad.

“When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.”

“It’s better then a sharp stick in the eye.”

Those two quotes make me laugh and smile, and I realize that things are always better then they seem. I also remember that my great-grandmother who lived to be 103, made it through wars and met Pancho Villa’s son and even had a pressed rose from him! She loved her life and her grandkids and her great-grandkids, and she even got to meet her great-great-grandkids when they were born. I carry her strength and her knowledge with me everyday. Even in the darkness there is always a way to find a light switch!

Please make sure you stop by Lisa’s shop and see if there’s anything you could use for your Christmas shopping or gift-giving lists! These would make great banks for kids, or you could use them as your gift wrapping and fill with all kinds of things. You could bless her family and cross something off your list at the same time.