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

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).

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)