This is Eden sitting next to a HUGE waterfall up at Diamond Lake. It's only about 20 miles from our house. So, I thought this will be fun for a Family Saturday. We fished and caught 7 trout, bbq, and hiked. It was a really good day for Eden. He is such a sweety.

We have been having a lot of hard times with Eden lately. For those that don't know, Eden was diagnosed with Asberger's (Autism) in September 2010. It took me 2 long years to get him diagnosed and finally we had a path to follow for speech and physical therapy, as well as educational needs. It hasn't been an easy road.

Education needs have been hard to meet. His IQ tests were really high and did not qualify for S.E. (Special Education) but needed behavioral management. He couldn't get that because he doesn't qualify for S.E. And he wasn't receiving speech at all! And it is also mandated for every child with an autist spectrum diagnosis to have special education as well. So, this led to the decision to homeschool.

Eden was having a hard time adjusting to a classroom setting and behaving poorly. School officals were calling constantly and we have found a solution. He will be at home full time and I will be transporting him for speech therapy.

Joel and I have also decided to look into treatment options for Eden. Like I said earlier, he is having a really hard time with any activity; church, school, park, home, etc. We believe we need to get a another licensed professional in the picture and discuss medication. *No dirty faces* I am fully aware and don't believe in medication unless it is of absolute neccesity. We hvae come to that point and only want the best for Eden. He will be seeing the doctor tomorrow. Updates to come.



*Thought it would be fun to add this cute photo. Joel and Eden holding hands at Diamond Lake. They sure love each other.*


Love,
Staci

New School Year = More Growth

Hi Everyone! Well, today marks a day. In another two weeks school will begin. Joel and I have decided to homeschool this year. We researched (and researched some more) to find what kind of a curriculum we wanted to follow. We wanted to definitely to keep it christian based and be able to implement our gospel beliefs in daily learning. And, I have found the perfect format to do so. I can across a family that has done homeschooling for over 27 years!! Yes, that is amazing. Diane has taught all of her 9 children and now helps with her grandchildren.

The curriculum we decided to purchase is 1st grade level and looks like so much fun. We received it in the mail yesterday and I have yet to put it down! I'm just as interested as Eden is. He's even begun his math workbook already because he likes it so much!!

With schooling here at home, I will be able to implement a lot more responsibility that I want Eden to be learning. For example, today he was interviewed and hired for 3 jobs. He is now responsible for feeding our dog, cleaning up all dishes after breakfast and lunch (and sometimes dinner) and he will be in charge of making sure his morning cares are all done WITHOUT being asked (i.e. brush teeth, dressed, make bed). He will earn 1 penny for chores being accomplished and at the end of the month, Joel and I plan on having a FHE that discussed tithing and start him on that as well. And Eden feels so important having his jobs, he even called the neighbor boy over to tell him how much responsibility he has now and is earning a paycheck! LOVE IT!!!

But it hasn't been all work today. Eden and I were able to enjoy 2 hours in the pool today, moved the yard and weeded the garden. I would have to say we had a successful day! Can't wait for more to come.

Love,
Staci

The Nelson Family

Hi Everyone! Jeez, it has been forever since I have been on blogspot. I promise, I will be on more often to share our stories! Well, I guess I will start at the beginning.

Brittany & Joel

Joel and I met online (yes, online) and started talking when I first moved over to Idaho. We hit it of right away and were talking via email, usps and phone all the time. We were able to open up and talk about things that we hadn't shared with others and feel comfortable about it. We were excited to hear from each other! This lasted about 5 months before we actually met. I had went down to visit my Mom in Libby and drop Eden off for 2 weeks. On my way home to Idaho, I stopped and met him and the kids for the first time.

Elizabeth with our "grandma" Abbey. We saved her from a neglected home this year!

Just like it was ment to be, the time was amazing. Brittany, Howard, Emily and Elizabeth were so sweet and kind to make my time memorable. We went to lunch that day, shopping (I got a cute candle) and played wii all evening. I stayed over at my Dad's that night and then went back to Idaho the next day. We continued our communication while I was back to work and decided that I wanted to come back to Montana. Eden was also having a hard time in school and really missed the family in Montana. About a month later, I was back in Montana.

Emily (12), Joel, Brittany (15)-on bottom, Eden (6), Howard (13), Elizabeth (9)

Time really flew by from October to January and a lot happened. Joel and I were able to spend almost every weekend together until I moved to Saint Regis. We had the kids a lot and they really enjoyed being together. We had decided to be married January 29, 2011.




We had a small ceremony held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel in Superior, MT. Our Branch President, Mark Farris performed the marriage and we had our closest friends and family there. Although it was a civil marriage, we have full intentions of being sealed in early 2012. It was a really nice ceremony and followed up with a dinner at the church. We then went home for the night to celebrate as a "family".

Howard & Eden

So, we are going on 6 months now and really enjoying our time. We have lots of laughs and enjoy trying new things. We have our fair share of struggles, but through Heavenly Father we can accomplish anything! Joel and I still have a goal to be sealed in the temple. We are in the process of adopting Eden to Joel, so he will be included in our sealing as well. Eden is so excited too!!!

Emily, Brittany & Joel goofing off

We have been so blessed to have the Gospel in our lives. Joel is the 2nd Counselor in Elders Quorum and I am Enrichment Leader. I have a R.S. Meeting this Thursday. Eeeeek, talk about nerve wracking. But it should be lots of fun. I have put a lot of time and effort into this night. Please, keep me in your prayers for a great night of testimony and faith!