Brittany has completed one month of school. She is doing amazingly well. She tires easy, but is keeping up with her classes and working very hard. She continues with her physical therapy and is progressing.
Erika tried out for a swim team she basically made the team, but he wants her to have some private lessons before she actually starts (build some endurance). She has met 2x's with one of the assistants high school student. Yesterday she swam 6 laps!!! This will be good for her because of the injuries she sustained.
Brianna is having fun with her competitive soccer.
The exciting news this week was that Donald finished his Fast ForWord program at school. He was the very 1st student to start the program when he was in 3rd grade. Quite a few students have finished before him, but he has worked diligently the last 2 years going to school early. This program computer based and designed to help struggling readers and addressed some of the auditory problems he has. They say steady wins the race and I am so proud of him.
We've had a rough (cold) January, but February has started off nice.
Jennifer
Friday, February 10, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
It has been a little over 5 months since the car accident. God has been so good to us!!! We had a nice Christmas with Don's parents here. I think the visit was therapeutic for them to be able to see Brittany and Erika doing better.
The big news is Brittany returned to school full time on January 9. She was excited to do this. She has missed her normal routine and of course all her friends. It is a long day for Brittany and she is tired, but it is a good tired. Pray that she will be able to keep up. Brittany continues physical therapy 2x's a week and continues to get stronger. Next on her agenda is to start driving again, take the driving course and get her license that she had planned to get last August.
Erika is doing wonderful. She finished her physical therapy in December. She can do anything in gym class!!
The wound on Erika's head continues to heal, but not at the rate we would like. She wants to hit the pool so we are working diligently to get this healed.
Donald and Brianna continue to be troopers.
As our family has healed physically I ask that you continue to pray for our emotional well being. Pray that each of us can adapt and accept the changes that have occurred as a result of the accident. No matter how subtle change is hard to accept.
I ask specifically that you pray for me. I think the stress of it all has hit my body (specifically my neck and back). I'm trying some physical therapy myself. I also am working hard to let the kids do the things that they enjoyed before the accident. It is hard because I just want them close to home.
I had good intentions of sending out Christmas cards, but it just didn't happen. I got a beautiful picture frame with several pictures of the kids. My friend said what else could you get for Christmas you already have the best gift. She was so right.
My prayer for you is that God will bless you in 2012. Your love and concern has blessed and will continue to bless us.
Jennifer
For those that want to continue to hear how the kids are doing particularly Brittany I plan on posting/reflecting on the 7th of each month.
The big news is Brittany returned to school full time on January 9. She was excited to do this. She has missed her normal routine and of course all her friends. It is a long day for Brittany and she is tired, but it is a good tired. Pray that she will be able to keep up. Brittany continues physical therapy 2x's a week and continues to get stronger. Next on her agenda is to start driving again, take the driving course and get her license that she had planned to get last August.
Erika is doing wonderful. She finished her physical therapy in December. She can do anything in gym class!!
The wound on Erika's head continues to heal, but not at the rate we would like. She wants to hit the pool so we are working diligently to get this healed.
Donald and Brianna continue to be troopers.
As our family has healed physically I ask that you continue to pray for our emotional well being. Pray that each of us can adapt and accept the changes that have occurred as a result of the accident. No matter how subtle change is hard to accept.
I ask specifically that you pray for me. I think the stress of it all has hit my body (specifically my neck and back). I'm trying some physical therapy myself. I also am working hard to let the kids do the things that they enjoyed before the accident. It is hard because I just want them close to home.
I had good intentions of sending out Christmas cards, but it just didn't happen. I got a beautiful picture frame with several pictures of the kids. My friend said what else could you get for Christmas you already have the best gift. She was so right.
My prayer for you is that God will bless you in 2012. Your love and concern has blessed and will continue to bless us.
Jennifer
For those that want to continue to hear how the kids are doing particularly Brittany I plan on posting/reflecting on the 7th of each month.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Saturday December 17th
Erika and I traveled to Seattle on December 4th. Thankfully at night traffic was relatively light and we had no trouble finding our hotel. Erika had her 1st appointment on Monday. We met with rehab psychologist.
Tuesday she had testing from 9AM to 1:30 with the psychologist and speech therapist. We left right from there to pick up Brittany and Michelle at the airport. I immediatley turned over the combat driving to Michelle. We got to spend Tuesday afternoon/evening with Kristi and Makelya Finley (friends who use to live in Fairbanks) going to the malls.
On Wednesday, Brittany had appointments with the rehab doctor, occupational therapist, physical therapist, psychologist, school teacher and speech therapist. These were back to back appointments from 9 to 2. (Erika had plenty of time to work on school work) Then we had our last appointment for Erika with the psychologist and speech therapist.
Brittany was pleased with her appointment with the rehab doctor. She was given permission to resume activities (contact) next summer, she can do a few now with precautions and limits. Most exciting is that the Dr. said Brittany can resume driving (Mom and Dad think spring will be a good time to pick this back up).
The doctor wants Brittany to continue physical therapy for a couple more months she would like to see her pelvis/hip stronger.
Brittany worked with the PT and OT. She has gained alot of strength since she was there in September all the measurements had improved.
Next we met with the psychologist, school teacher, and speech therapist. This was an emotional meeting for both of us. I think I have been so focused on Brittany's physical well being that I had not fully recognized the emotional toll this has had on Brittany. She opened up about her feelings of missing friends and not being at school full time.
The new semester will bring change for Brittany. She will be returning to school full-time. She will continue PT, but as Erika would say she has graduated from OT and speech.
Brittany may have some long term subtle changes, but God has truly blessed us with a Christmas blessing. He has answered our prayers.
Erika's evaluation went very well. All her testing went well her personal weakness was in her working memory, but it was minimal. Again our prayers have been answered.
To celebrate their good checkups and my birthday we went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. You should start with dessert because after eating dinner we didn't have dessert. Took Michelle and Brittany back to the airport.
On Thursday, Erika saw a plastic surgeon to have her eyelid evaluated. Her eyes do not droop. Sometimes the eyelid and the way it is healing gives the appearance that her eye droops. Erika is adamant that she will not be having anything done to it and since mom and dad got their question answered that there is nothing that needs to be done medically everyone was happy with the appointment. They did find one last lonely stitch and removed it!
Now that all of our appointments were over it was time for some fun. We decided to visit the American girl doll store. After all the Seattle combat driving, I couldn't believe it a guy backed into us in the parking lot!! Ugh after an 11/2 hour we got to go to the store. We then changed hotels closer to our friends. Spent the evening with the Finley's and Erika got to have Mikaelya for a sleepover. Spent Friday with Kristi, Dustin, and Mikaelya before flying home.
On December 13th Brittany and Erika saw their orthopedic doctor. Erika has graduated from PT. She will get to return to regular gym class in January. Brittany will continue PT and her own exercise routine. Both girls are healing well, but I ask for your prayers that they have no long term problems from the change in their pelvis.
I look back on these four months and what a long journey it has been in someways, but how much progress they have made in a relatively short time. The Great Physician has truly blessed us.
Jennifer
Let all who seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee;
And let those who love Thy salvation say continually,
"Let God be magnified."
Psalm 70:4
Tuesday she had testing from 9AM to 1:30 with the psychologist and speech therapist. We left right from there to pick up Brittany and Michelle at the airport. I immediatley turned over the combat driving to Michelle. We got to spend Tuesday afternoon/evening with Kristi and Makelya Finley (friends who use to live in Fairbanks) going to the malls.
On Wednesday, Brittany had appointments with the rehab doctor, occupational therapist, physical therapist, psychologist, school teacher and speech therapist. These were back to back appointments from 9 to 2. (Erika had plenty of time to work on school work) Then we had our last appointment for Erika with the psychologist and speech therapist.
Brittany was pleased with her appointment with the rehab doctor. She was given permission to resume activities (contact) next summer, she can do a few now with precautions and limits. Most exciting is that the Dr. said Brittany can resume driving (Mom and Dad think spring will be a good time to pick this back up).
The doctor wants Brittany to continue physical therapy for a couple more months she would like to see her pelvis/hip stronger.
Brittany worked with the PT and OT. She has gained alot of strength since she was there in September all the measurements had improved.
Next we met with the psychologist, school teacher, and speech therapist. This was an emotional meeting for both of us. I think I have been so focused on Brittany's physical well being that I had not fully recognized the emotional toll this has had on Brittany. She opened up about her feelings of missing friends and not being at school full time.
The new semester will bring change for Brittany. She will be returning to school full-time. She will continue PT, but as Erika would say she has graduated from OT and speech.
Brittany may have some long term subtle changes, but God has truly blessed us with a Christmas blessing. He has answered our prayers.
Erika's evaluation went very well. All her testing went well her personal weakness was in her working memory, but it was minimal. Again our prayers have been answered.
To celebrate their good checkups and my birthday we went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. You should start with dessert because after eating dinner we didn't have dessert. Took Michelle and Brittany back to the airport.
On Thursday, Erika saw a plastic surgeon to have her eyelid evaluated. Her eyes do not droop. Sometimes the eyelid and the way it is healing gives the appearance that her eye droops. Erika is adamant that she will not be having anything done to it and since mom and dad got their question answered that there is nothing that needs to be done medically everyone was happy with the appointment. They did find one last lonely stitch and removed it!
Now that all of our appointments were over it was time for some fun. We decided to visit the American girl doll store. After all the Seattle combat driving, I couldn't believe it a guy backed into us in the parking lot!! Ugh after an 11/2 hour we got to go to the store. We then changed hotels closer to our friends. Spent the evening with the Finley's and Erika got to have Mikaelya for a sleepover. Spent Friday with Kristi, Dustin, and Mikaelya before flying home.
On December 13th Brittany and Erika saw their orthopedic doctor. Erika has graduated from PT. She will get to return to regular gym class in January. Brittany will continue PT and her own exercise routine. Both girls are healing well, but I ask for your prayers that they have no long term problems from the change in their pelvis.
I look back on these four months and what a long journey it has been in someways, but how much progress they have made in a relatively short time. The Great Physician has truly blessed us.
Jennifer
Let all who seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee;
And let those who love Thy salvation say continually,
"Let God be magnified."
Psalm 70:4
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Saturday, November 19th
Yesterday and today we celebrated Donald and Erika's 11th birthday. We got to go swimming last night with Tim, Kaylee, Jesse, Juliana, PJ and 2 classmates. Then we had a sleepover three girls upstairs three boys downstairs. Tonight we had some of our Fairbanks family for a birthday celebration at home. The Taylor's, Mondelli's, and Mellon's joined us.
I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I know this Thanksgiving I will be reflecting on how much our family has to be thankful for. We have been blessed by God and so many people those close to us and those we've never met, but have touched our lives.
I am not going to blog next week, but please keep us in your prayers. Brittany, Erika, Michelle, and I will be traveling to Seattle from December 4 - 9th for follow- up evaluations (and hopefully a little fun).
I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I know this Thanksgiving I will be reflecting on how much our family has to be thankful for. We have been blessed by God and so many people those close to us and those we've never met, but have touched our lives.
I am not going to blog next week, but please keep us in your prayers. Brittany, Erika, Michelle, and I will be traveling to Seattle from December 4 - 9th for follow- up evaluations (and hopefully a little fun).
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Sunday November 13th
I realized this morning that I forgot to blog last night. Erika had a successful return to full school days this week. I think she is more tired than she likes to admit, but it is a good tired. She continues to work hard in PT and is looking forward to getting to go swimming this Friday to celebrate her 11th birthday. Please continue to pray for Erika's physical healing, but also for some of her anxieties to lessen. She has been through a lot for a 10 year old to understand.
Brianna and Donald have been willing helpers (the majority of the time). While they have healed physically I want to share how proud of them I am for their academic achievements through this stressful time. Brianna just received an award certificate for earning a 4.0. Donald made a great gain in his reading (first time I remember having to change his IEP because he was reaching the goal).
Brittany continues to work hard in speech, OT, and PT. She is also planning to take a history course through BYU. She should start it in the next few weeks. Brittany is doing well in her Algebra and Art class. Brittany would like to return to school full time next semester. This is a huge goal for her. Prayers would be appreciated. Her OT recommended she have further evaluation of her hand so she will be seeing her orthopedic Dr. on Tuesday please pray that no surgery will be required.
I know I said I would post some new pictures and I will try soon.
Jennifer
Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you.
New Century Version I Peter 5:7
Brianna and Donald have been willing helpers (the majority of the time). While they have healed physically I want to share how proud of them I am for their academic achievements through this stressful time. Brianna just received an award certificate for earning a 4.0. Donald made a great gain in his reading (first time I remember having to change his IEP because he was reaching the goal).
Brittany continues to work hard in speech, OT, and PT. She is also planning to take a history course through BYU. She should start it in the next few weeks. Brittany is doing well in her Algebra and Art class. Brittany would like to return to school full time next semester. This is a huge goal for her. Prayers would be appreciated. Her OT recommended she have further evaluation of her hand so she will be seeing her orthopedic Dr. on Tuesday please pray that no surgery will be required.
I know I said I would post some new pictures and I will try soon.
Jennifer
Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you.
New Century Version I Peter 5:7
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Saturday Nov. 5, 2011
Brittany and Erika continue to get stronger each day. Erika seems to be on a faster course than Brittany at the moment. Therapies continue several days a week for both girls. Erika will return to school full days this coming Monday. Thank you for your continued prayers over the past three months. It has been a long journey and I try to face each day recognizing the blessings we have been given.
Jennifer
Jennifer
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Saturday, October 29th
This was an exciting week!!! Erika, Brittany, and Kaylee are all crutch free. The girls continue to work hard in their therapies. Please pray for them to be patient while having to wait to return to some of their physical activities it's not easy. I can tell the girls are still experiencing some discomfort, but just seeing them walk reminds me of how excited parents are when their baby takes their first steps. I am reminded daily how truly blessed we are. Next week I will get the real blogger (Michelle) to help me post some pictures. Thank you for the continued prayers.
Jennifer
Jennifer
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