When were helping were happy and we sing as we go...

Saturday is a special day is the day we get ready for Sunday.... we worked hard all day to prepare for Sunday. Our van was filthy, so the kiddos helped us CLEAN it of course with a happy spirit. Now it sparkles...until we go down the road and all the dust from the fields covers it again - oh well at least I know it has been cleaned inside and out. I love a clean vehicle!

Cole likes to squirt the water.
Conner and Cole help out with the rims.
Dad showing the boys how to clean.

Conner and Cole were great helpers...thanks dudes!

Lindsey - "A Child's Prayer"

Lindsey and her friend Jasmine Hanna put together a musical number to "A Child's Prayer" to perform in Sacrament Meeting. Lindsey on the piano and Jasmine on her flute. I am so proud of them, at age 13 I am not sure I would have the guts to play in front of that many people. They did a wonderful job! Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Morris and the Lopez's for coming to support her.I love how far Lindsey has come on the piano. She can play lots of songs out of the Primary Song Book, Hymn book, and is currently working on some of Jenny Phillips songs and Phantom of the Opera songs. I love to hear her play. I think she finally enjoys practicing her piano songs and truthfully some days she just goes in and plays, YEAH!

Future Suns Basketball Star

Today we got to attend one of Crew's basketball games. He is one of the younger boys on the team and he did a great job! His Dad and Uncle Jason Maguet are his coaches, lucky guy! Cole, Crew and Carly after the game! Go Suns!

First Parent Support Group

Went to my first autism parent support group Thursday night. Wow, these families are much more knowledgeable and experienced then I am. They were wonderful! Full of love and support willing to share all that they have learned. I left feeling a bit overwhelmed, but happy to know I had made some new friends that are willing to share and help me (us) along our journey.

Hanging at the ball field

Lisa & Ryan got to get a way for their anniversary so we had Jase and Whitney with us at the ball field. Conner's game didn't start until 12:30 Saturday, so we met early and had a picnic at the park and played before Conner's game. Oma and Jase, they had gone to the Dollar Store before the game and got some fun things to help keep kiddos busy. Jase picked out a bat and ball!
Somehow Carly and Whitney ended up with the big umbrella. They kept COOL and busy lounging on the blanket. They played so good together - it was fun having Whitney sleep over. They played Barbies, attempted swimming (still to cold), played outside and watched several movies. I love this age because they are independent.
One of Cole's favorite things to do at Conner's games is bring his big dump truck filled with cars and his lion and tiger and play in the dirt.
We all had a great time! Conner won his game and we survived the heat!

Lance - Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Lance! He is my younger brother who is taller than all of us! Lance is an AWESOME Dad! He loves being a dad and can't wait to get baby #3 another BOY!

Lance has lots of wonderful qualities....

*he will help anyone move or do whatever is needed.

*a pleaser...if he tells you he is on his way that could mean several things: he is either around the corner, just left wherever he has been, or almost ready to leave (you never know when to expect the guy - poor Heather)

*he loves clothes/shoes (the best dresser)

*keeps his lawns immaculate

*strong testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ

*coaching Crew's basketball team

*loves to talk on his cell phone

*a hard worker

*a great brother/friend

We love you Lance! He can be quite crazy sometimes...check out the pants! Sure hope you have had a super fun birthday - glad you are my brother!

Uncle Richard is OLD?

Uncle Richard has had a BIRTHDAY! He is married to Liesl, Erik's twin sister. Uncle Richard is a very fun outgoing uncle. He laughs, teases and kids around with everyone. His favorite comedian is Brian Regan. He loves to be outdoors - hiking, caneoing, camping, taking pictures of Heavenly Father's creations. He has a very amazing talent, photography.
He loves to take pictures of the temples - he has traveled many places getting some really cool shots of different temples. Check out his website http://richardwebbtemples.com/
He prefers to take pictures of still objects, but every year we have him take our family picture! Thanks Uncle Richard. I have learned one of his favorite restaurants is Sweet Tomato! We love you and hope you have a Happy Birthday!

We have begun a new journey...

February 16 we began a new journey...Cole was diagnosed with Autism. This has brought lots of change into our lives. One of the biggest change is trying hard to take one day at a time. I am trying hard to put my faith in the Savior that he will lead me and guide me in this journey.

It all began in September 2008 I started to feel like something wasn't quite right with Cole. I took him into our pediatrician and told him I was concerned with Cole and some of his behaviors. A few were: he struggled with his peers, lined his cars up and that something just didn't seem right. Well he did a few things with Cole and said, "I don't see anything let's keep an eye on him and talk again at his 3 year old check-up in November." I was fine with that. Well November came and the feeling that something was not right with Cole and we needed to find out what it was. At Cole's 3 year check-up our doctor saw a few more of Cole's behaviors (no eye contact, speech delayed, I told him that he was a horrible sleeper up 2-3 hours every night in the middle of the night, picky eater, stopped using his fork and spoon, speech seemed to be delayed, wanted to play alone when with cousins, repeats things over and over, licks hands, runs around our island over and over, etc...), but still not to alarmed. Erik went with me and helped me describe better some of the behaviors we were seeing. The doctor gave us a referral to some developmental pediatricians to have him evaluated, "saying it takes months to get an appointment that we should make one and then if we decided that we didn't think it was necessary we could cancel."

The holidays came and went with much frustration. Taking Cole anywhere was a nightmare. His first day of Sunbeams was almost his last (a story for another day). I began calling several of the referred doctors. The response I was getting was we aren't making anymore appt.'s check back in 6 months or we are 6-9 months out for an appointment. I was so frustrated. Of course, pleading with the Lord that we had to be seen soon. Our prayers were answered and we got an appt. at the Melmed Center in Scottsdale set for 2 weeks later. Within days I received a packet full of questions about Cole and his behaviors, health, etc... We spent 4 hours filling them out and sent them back so they could review them before our first appt.

Monday, February 2, Cole, myself and Oma went for our first appt. at the Melmed center. For 2 1/2 hours we meet with Dr. Bilog (developmental pediatrician) answering questions, testing Cole, watching him play, and answering even more questions I left there emotionally drained. Set up an appointment to come back 2 weeks later for more testing and an 1/2 hour of discussion of what the dr. was leaning toward as a diagnoses for Cole. From the first appt. to the final written report it took a month and Cole was officially diagnosed with Autism.

Woe, that is a lot to take in. I spent several days/nights with lots of emotions. Luckily for us we have an amazing support group, our family and amazing friends. First and for most I knelt in prayer asking Heavenly Father to help me and Erik. Very quickly he sent angels to help us. A wonderful primary president Laura Richins, Peggy Peterson (Cole's one on one adult friend in Sunbeam class), Kaylene Barrus (my cousin who has an autistic son - that I totally admire), Ally Crandall (a cousin full of advice and info.), Heather Solomon (a dear friend), Moe Edwards (a dear friend with an autistic nephew, she took me over to see how his amazing mother as helped him be successful), Wendy Brimhall (set up a park day with her friend Heidi who is an Autism Specialist), my family, Erik's family and Erik who went with me to the temple where we felt peace. Let me tell you there have been so many angels sent our way - some through anonymous notes sent with encouraging words, to dear friends who insisted on bringing us dinner, to my mom seeing my need to get away and dropping her plans to go with me on a quick weekend trip to Utah, to my sister LaSchelle opening her doors to a much needed get a-way, to sisters and sister-in-laws and brothers who have just been there to listen. I have already met some amazing people and have experienced several tender mercies (in which one day I will share).

Where we are today:

*Cole attends an early intervention preschool 3 days a week for 2 1/2 hours "Little Coyotes"

including him there is 7 kiddos in his class with 3 teachers

*we have an ABA therapist coming into our home every other week

*DDD approved (that is the state program that has no money to share)

*waiting for the federal program to come out and evaluate Cole - hoping for some funding so we can have some therapist come into our home

*Weekly occupational therapy (Fiesta Pediatrics)

*Weekly speech therapy (Fiesta Pediatrics)

*Signed up for a 5 week Jump Start program at SARC for this summer

*Trying to organize a "social" group

*planning weekly thematic units to help Cole develop more language

*I am reading every minute I can trying to learn more about Autism and what I can do to help Cole

*Will attend my first Parent support group next week

*Cole goes to Sunbeams without crying with Sis. Peterson

***trying to enjoy our journey with Cole each day with a cheerful heart...

FIFTEEN and ready for her learners permit??!!

Kayla - It's your BIRTHDAY - h-a-p-p-y - DAY!

We love you and hope you have a great birthday.

Being on spring break and getting to sleep in is a great start to a super birthday!

Wish we were there in UTAH to sing to you and treat you to a Bahama Bucks!

You're a gorgeous young lady with a beautiful voice (this picture was taken at one of her voice recitals)! I am pretty sure Kayla's favorite thing to do is TEXT?! Am I right? Kayla is a sweetheart and a fun gal to hang out with. We love you and hope you have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! OH ya, in Utah you can get your permit once you turn 15 - wow!

One of COLE'S favorite places to go...

Wednesday, April 15 we went to one of Cole's favorite places ...I will give you one guess.

There are lots of wild animals there?

Of course the ZOO!
I thought before it gets too hot we had to go visit the zoo again. The weather was absolutely gorgeous - I think the temperature was 65 degrees and windy. The animals were awake and out and about. We even got to see the...
LION walk around. Almost all the animals we visited were walking around and giving us a good show.
The baby monkey won the prize for the most entertaining. He played with his mom and this sheet. It was so cute.
Thanks Cole for a fun play date and for my friend Wendy Brimhall for going with us. We sure enjoyed your company!

Easter fun on a rainy/sunny weekend.

Our Saturday started off a little different than we had planned. Every year since we've been married we have gone with Erik's family out onto the desert for a Easter egg hunt. The kids love it - all their cousins and extended cousins are there, but this year it was raining! We were all sad! Luckily for us we had a back up plan, our ward Easter breakfast and egg hunt. It was fun - due to the rain the egg hunt was very simple!

In the afternoon we colored eggs. Everyone had a good time.

Cole loved putting the eggs in and immediately out of the water.
Carly, Conner and Erik were trying to make cool designs.
Cute PINK egg Carly!
Conner loved one of the eggs Erik did to match his shirt!

Sunday Erik, Lindsey and Conner had to leave early to practice their songs they were to sing in church. Sadly I didn't get a picture with all of them. Lindsey had a cute new outfit on and her hair looked super cute. I was able to snatch a few of Cole and Carly.

What a handsome dude!

Carly full of style!

Wait Mom I need to grab a stash for church!

After church we got to go hear Ramie sing her beautiful song. It will be great to hear this wonderful talent grow. Of course we went over to Oma and Papa's for a BBQ and Easter egg hunt. Everyone hunted and I think everyone got a turn to hide. Hiding the eggs was a huge hit this year. Carly you are such a cutie pie!

Ramie, Carly and Whitney did a great job hiding eggs.

Oma entertaining the little ones while they anxiously wait to hunt for eggs.

Conner - you are one cool kiddo!

Lindsey telling me what a "wonderful" Mom I am! What do you want? I reply!

Sienna on the hunt!

Lindsey and Erik actually not beating each other up with the plastic bats.

Cute kiddos!

A trip to Oma's - Cole has to get his OREO fix!!

Case - what a happy little guy!

Crew excited about hunting for eggs! He got a turn to hide and did a great job!

Look at all these "WONDERFUL" kiddos! Lining the kids up every year is a tradition (we miss the Romney's)! Thanks Oma and Papa for a fun night.

After we left we stopped by and said hello to Erik's parents. They were so excited to see us. Happy Easter!

Ran away for the weekend...

My dear husband has been sick for weeks now and decided he needed to take some time off of work, so he could get better. He has been fighting ashma, sinus infection and allergies. I forgot he hadn't schedule one of his weeks off so he took it unexpectedly. Tuesday I had a thought about running away to Utah to see the Romney's. Threw the idea out there and with such last minute planning Mom was the only one who could go (glad she could go). Late Wednesday night we decided to go for it.

We worked Thursday together and left shortly after work. The plan was to stop either in Vegas or St. George sleep and finish the drive Friday morning. Well let's just say we drove all night (had our Dr. Pepper's, music and sunflower seeds to keep us awake) and arrived at the Romney's at 6:30am Utah time. We weren't that tired and excited to get there. As we got into Provo it started snowing. Lance let us use his GPS - aka Gracie which kept us on track. Thanks bud!

The kids didn't know we were coming so we were trying super hard to be quiet. At the front door we were slipping our snowy wet shoes off and I hit the doorbell, nice job! Luckily we didn't wake anyone up. LaSchelle was trying to wake the older two up for school, so I climbed into bed with Kayla and scared her to death. Courtney was off at an overnight Science trip and Tanner didn't have to wake up for awhile, so we slipped our PJ's on and went to bed to catch some sleep-eye for a few hours. Woke up around 10:30am and got ready so we could go to lunch. LaSchelle treated us to Rio Cafe, yummy. After that we were off to SHOP! Utah has some really fun stores. We were trying to get home before Courtney (she would be home earlier than Tanner, but she beat us)! She called looking for her mom and wondered who's bags were in her room. She saw us pull up and ran out excited as all. We hide in Tanner's room and when he went to put his backpack away, with LaSchelle and Courtney following, we surprised him. They were all so cute and excited to have us there. We loved it!
Big bad Tyler in his Wendy's work clothes. He had to work Friday night until 1am. Poor guy had to wake up Saturday morning early to take his ACT test.
Shopping at this amazing store in Lehi, Rod Works. Each person could buy one thing 50% off. It was an amazing sale with amazing decorating things. This is our 2nd time there in one day. Kayla being a great sport, the line was long and she was hungry! Courtney decided to pass on our 2nd trip there.

Tanner pulling out the snacks during General Conference. He has such a cute personality!

Second session and look all FOUR are asleep. Good thing they T-vood it.

Also during conference, don't let these two fool you they are texting each other and Tyler has quite a snack stash.

Now they are really asleep - I guess us staying up late the night before watching a movie wasn't the best idea.

Relaxing and enjoy conference.

Courtney on her white board being creative.

Sunday afternoon we went for a drive and found our house in American Fork.

We lived here for 3 1/2 months when I was 10 years old. All us kids remember is playing with the Nielsen's, going to parks and having fun.

Aunt Candace, my mom's older sister, came over and had dinner with us. She also went on our ride with us. She shared some funny stories and was so much fun.

Aunt Candace and Mom

Sunday night we played UNO! Sad the kiddos had school the next day, so we couldn't keep them up super late.

Nice dew Tyler! He is such a good young man and a lot of fun! We had a blast and sure enjoyed having a few days with the Romney's. Thanks for a great time and for letting us get-away on such short notice.

Mom thanks for a fun time and for going with me, I love you!

Erik thanks for supporting me on this quick decision to get-away, love ya!