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!