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

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

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

October 22, Saturday

We started the week off with celebrating Brittany's 17th birthday!!!  We had lunch on Sunday with friends from church.  On Monday the rifle team had a surprise party for her.  What a blessing to be able to celebrate this day. 

Brittany had her first outpatient PT.  She did very well.  She continues with OT and speech.  Brittany was able to shoot a whole target this week standing.  Her aim is pretty right on now if she can continue to build her endurance.( a match requires shooting 6 targets)  She was granted a waiver that is allowing her to participate even though she is only enrolled in 2 classes.

Erika continues to go to school half days.  She has enjoyed getting to return to her ELP class. Erika got to go outside for a couple recesses this week, but after a rough go one day she decided maybe  indoor recess wasn't such a bad idea after all.  She will see the orthopedic Dr. later this week.  Please pray this week for the wound on her head to heal quickly she is eager to hit the swimming pool, but this is holding her back.

The big news this week for Brianna was that she was asked to join the Eclipse 98 competitive soccer team.  Needless to say she was very excited and she has worked hard toward this.  Go Brianna Go Eclipse. (I will thank Michelle in advance since I know that since Cristina is playing I'll have help.)

I can't leave Don and Donald out they left yesterday with two friends Mr. Robert and Grandpa Robert to go hunting for a bison.  Don has been putting in for this permit for 20+ years and of all years his name was drawn.  They will return tomorrow. (So far the bison are winning) They will have a few more opportunities, but it would be nice if they could get one before the deep freeze settles in.


Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refugee in Him.  (NIV)

God Bless All of You

Jennifer

Saturday October 15th

Erika attended school half day all week.  :)   She was caught playing badminton standing up when the agreement was she would sit in a chair to play during PE.

Erika also started outpatient physical therapy this week and was excited  to get to take a few steps without her crutches.

Brittany was able to shoot two shots in air rifle standing this week.  (Shot 9's)  She will be continuing to build up her strength.

Brittany saw the orthopedic doctor on Friday and is now full weight bearing on her right side.  She is only required to use one crutch.  She will start outpatient PT this week. 

Thank you for the continued prayers.

"Oh Lord My God,
I cried to you for help
And you have healed Me"

Psalm 30:2


Jennifer (operator of the looney bin)

Sunday, 10pm

Monday:  Erika began school with math class, recess, and lunch with much success. She is excited to be back.

Tuesday:  Erika attended her first Girl Scout meeting of the year.

Wednesday:  Brittany was able to shoot air rifle with the rifle team.  She has been allowed to participate!

Thursday:  Erika's last homebound physical therapy.  Now on to outpatient therapy!

Friday:  Beth and Leiah Reichel made a surprise visit to see the Stickel's and Bennett's.  They were able to help celebrate Tim's birthday.  Pictures to come later.

Saturday:  Brianna scored three times in her soccer game!

Continued prayers for psychological healing for all the victims and their caretakers.

³ His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
1 Peter 1:3 NIV

Michelle Mondelli

Saturday, 10pm

(photo courtesy of Grandma Jo)


The week in review:

 Sunday:  It was a great day and I wish I had my camera at church!  It was the first time since the accident that all the Bennett's and Stickel's were able to worship together.  Even Granddaddy joined them!

Tuesday:  Brittany began school at Lathrop.  She is taking 2 classes, math and Honors Art.  She also continued her Occupational and Speech Therapy in the Outpatient setting.  Erika also had her last homebound speech therapy and tutoring session.

Friday (Erika):  The big news is Erika is cast free!  She will need crutches for the next month, but is full weight bearing on both legs.  She is ultra-excited!  She will be starting school on Monday, beginning with math, lunch, and recess.  (She's got the important stuff in!)  Please pray for a smooth transition.

Friday (Brittany):  Brittany got the final medical clearance she needs to be able to participate on the Lathrop Rifle Team.  Because she is not taking a full case load, she needs a waiver to compete.  Please pray she gets this waiver.  Competing has been her goal since they took the ventilator out.

Saturday (today):  Granddaddy and Grandma Jo left this morning to go back home in Juneau.Their departure was bittersweet. They were appreciated by many for the help, emotional support, and love they were able to provide while they were here, but it's good thing that Don and Jennifer feel like they can function as a family, again.  

Saturday (Brianna):  Brianna played in her first competitive soccer game this morning.  (Yes, it's indoor soccer.)  The team didn't win, but it is a milestone.  It was her first game since the accident. 

Jennifer is glad to be home, (this is the longest she's been home since before the accident,) but is a bit overwhelmed with the amount of decisions and tasks that come with having children with a variety of "new" needs.  She is glad she has the daily challenges because it means life at the "Looney Bin #1" is working on the return to normal (whatever that is/was!).

He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalms 91:4 

Michelle Mondelli
(of the Looney Bin #2)