Las Vegas

Andy and I just got back from a weekend in Vegas. Andy's brother Sam, let us use their time share. THANKS SAM and EM! It was so nice. The weather was 80 degrees, we laid out by the pool and got sunburned. Okay let me clarify, Andy got sunburned. It's not his fault its mine. I am horrible at applying sunscreen. I don't smooth it around very well. Well lets just say I missed a huge spot on the left side of his back where he has some splotchy red spots. Funny, I recall the same thing happened on our honeymoon to Hawaii, in Lake Mead while we were dating, and at Aunt Kaylas a couple of times. Lets just say I am living up to my reputation at being the worst sunscreen applier ever. I hope that he can forgive me. It was a much needed break from reality. We vegged the weekend away! I have the most wonderful, patient husband in the world! Thanks Andy for a great weekend!!!

Can't Get Any Better Than This!

Maddie is amazing! It only took us four tries to finally get her picture coming down the slide!

These are some pictures of Sydney's birthday party that she spent with some cousins at Kangaroo Zoo.

Andy and I had the opportunity to go to Mason's school on Monday. He received an academic award. There was an assembly in which he was presented with this award. I was so proud of him. He is a very happy and talkative child, sometimes he talks too much in class. Earlier in the year Andy and I got a few phone calls from his teacher. She was asking for our help to find a way to not be so distracting in class. (I wonder where he gets that from?) Mason has done an amazing job. He quickly took responsibility by bringing notes home and having us sign them. His teacher said he is doing wonderful. He has found some self control. Despite all talking in class he has been able to keep up with his school work. He is very smart. What an accomplishment. Good job Mason!! Keep up the good work. Your dad and I are so proud of you!

Happy Birthday Sydney!!

Sydney's birthday is next week , but I wanted to post a tribute to her. She is amazing!!
Sydney is a very special girl. She keeps us moving. She has a funny sense of humor and loves to play jokes and be silly. March is the month that we get to celebrate her. Sydney is my biggest helper. She sat through many therapy sessions with Cole and Ada and I have found that she quickly picked up on things too. She talks to Cole like I do, she sits Ada up on all fours to help her learn to crawl. It's like having two of me around. I appreciate her so much. I don't know what I am going to do when she goes to school all day next year. I love her so much.
Sydney loves to play with friends, jump on the tramp, and go to gymnastics. She can do a cartwheel.
Her favorite food is Top Ramen, (yucky) her favorite color is "pink and purple" . I think she thinks that is one color. She loves library day at school.
She has the most beautiful hair! Happy Birthday Sydney! We love you!

Cardiologist Report

I took Ada to the cardiologist today for a check up. They did an echocardiogram. The doctor said her heart looked great! I was so relieved. He wants to see her in 6 months for another check up. YeeHaw! I am so glad that she is doing well. So now that she is a little older we get to go see an Ear Nose and Throat Dr. On another note, I have just been called to teach in the Relief Society. What were they thinking? I am the kind of person who likes to go to church and just be there. I am the one who listens and never makes a comment. Our callings are supposed to help us learn and grow and this one will definately be a stretch for me. Its so nice to have so little to report, it must mean that we have found a sense of normalcy for a while. I just want to thank our neighbors next door. Little does Shirley and Greg know how much their family has been a blessing in our lives. I appreciate their children and how patient they are with Cole. Little Carter does wonders for Cole. He is a great friend and has helped Cole to learn to enjoy being social. It does my heart good. Andy and I appreciate all of their help.

Cute Pictures!!

Just look at my bracelet. Isn't it pretty?

I am a big cheeser!

Ada age 1 years

This is true Ada form. She is always smiling!

Princess Ada

Draper Temple

Andy and I had the opportunity last night to take the kids to the Draper Temple Open house. They were so excited. They had you ride a shuttle up to the temple grounds to accomodate for parking. Cole thought that was wonderful. It is a beautiful temple and I was excited to see my kids reactions. We had gone over some pictures of the insides of some temples the night before for family night to prepare them. Mason was our tour guide. Sydney exclaimed how she wished she could wear the light fixtures for they were gorgeous crystal chandeliers. Cole's favorite part was the baptismal font. (the oxen of course) On the way home Mason said that he felt the spirit in the celestial room. He also explained to Andy and I that if parents can't have kids, but they adopt they can be together forever if they kneel at the altar together. I couldn't believe that what we had taught them the night before had actually stuck! Because he and Sydney and Cole were very busy doing headstands while we did Family Night! It just goes to show you they listen to more than we think they do. (Selective hearing I think) It was a wonderful night to share together. I have a testimony of temples. What a blessing it is to have them on the earth. I want to live my life so that my family can be together forever! PS. I had Ada's pictures taken recently. To view some of them go to toriejanephotography.blogspot.com

Up for the Challenge

What an exhausting week this has been. Cole had a hard time on Sunday and it threw me for a loop. It was a reminder to me that we can't stop his therapies. But cost is a big issue. Because of the cost I inquired of our health insurance. They will cover speech and occupational therapy IF.... its not for autism or down syndrome. NICE! Those are the two reasons that I need it. Although there is some hope. Some legislatures here in Utah and other states around the US are working to pass a law that will make insurances cover these therapies for autism. I of course, promptly emailed our legislator. Who knows what will happen. I am praying. Andy and I spent all day yesterday making phone calls to different people that would possibly take BCBS. I set an appointment for next week with one of them that I even remotely felt good about. He has been going to another center. We asked them about seeing if they would network through BCBS, but they said no since they wouldn't be able to charge as much as they wanted. So good therapy is only for the rich and privelaged. Whatever! It's been disheartening, but Andy and I keep praying. He's come a long way and I will see to it that he gets what he needs. It's worth the money. It's a good thing Cole is so stinkin cute. On a lighter note, Ada is doing well. She is scooting around the floor and can eat like a madman. She loves to eat! It does my heart good to see her go to town on a piece of pizza. I usually have to tell her when she is done or she would just keep eating. Right now she is healthy. Mason and Sydney are doing well in school and love it.