Tough Little Cookie

Today has been an incredible day. I know that it is because of all of the prayers that have been answered. Kiersten has shown a tremendous amount of progress. There have been many sweet and tender moments in her room today. Earlier this morning the Physical Therapist came by. Kiersten was able to sit up and stand with their help. It was very difficult on her and she had to lay back down. I couldn't believe that she was able to do that. We have all been strengthened and uplifted by Kiersten's amazing will-power. All I have to say is she is one determined girl. I guess it is that indian princess inside of her. She was able to hold her water bottle up all by herself.

Our cousin Heather and her husband came by to visit, along with many others.

Dr. Reichman also stopped by to check on her. He told her that he had heard she stood today. Kiersten then proceeded to tell him that she wanted to go to school. He told her that she would have to start walking today if she wanted to go to school. We couldn't believe he already wanted her walking. But little did we know Kiersten was ready to fight. We were told the Physical Therapist would be back in a few hours.

The rest of the family showed up in perfect timing. They got here right before Kiersten's Physical Therapists came back.

Little did we know, she was ready to walk.

With the help of her Physical Therapists she sat up. She then proceeded to take her first steps since the accident.

She opened her eyes and said with determination, "I am going to school." We were all in tears. What an amazing girl!

She was able to get her hair washed today. She couldn't have been more thrilled. They found all sorts of rock and twigs.

Sister girl get some rest! You have had a quite a day.

Day Four

Today is day four after Kiersten's accident. The swelling has gone down tremendously, although her pain has increased, and she has to receive a blood transfusion. She lost a lot of blood during the car accident. The doctors said that today would be a little more difficult being the second day after surgery. On the positive side of things, she will begin Physical Therapy today, and her Singles Ward is fasting for her. I know that through all of this she is being very blessed. Kiersten amazes me more and more every day. She has been hilarious to all of her visitors and nurses. She is quite the little entertainer. Her friends and family have been so sweet to come visit her daily. She holds onto her turtle and bear and it gives her the comfort she needs.

My mom is incredible. She hasn't left her side. I know that Kiersten gets a lot of her strength from her. I love this picture because Kiersten is smiling. You can see her passion for life and her will to fight.

She was so excited when Jordan brought her his Marine's water bottle. It made her entire day. Kiersten had been begging for it before the accident. I love the quote on the bottle and find it very applicable, "Pain is weakness leaving the body."

Here are some pictures that Brittany took from the accident scene. If you look close you can see Brittany. She is standing where the truck landed after it rolled three times. Off in the distance is a vehicle on the highway where they rolled from.

They had to cut Kiersten out of her side of the truck.

The girls were saved from wearing their seat-belts. We love you Kiersten. Hang in there.

Sister Girl

We were thrown with quite a whirlwind Thursday night. We received a phone call from my mom with news that Kiersten and her friend Brittany had been in a roll over accident, in Nephi, while driving down to Cedar City for school. My heart sunk. I didn't know what to do. All I wanted to do was be with my baby sister. Tyson and I waited up all night to hear the extensiveness of their injuries. We were notified that Kiersten has 35 staples in her head, a broken rib, broken back, and orbital fracture in her left eye. Brittany has some broken fingers,toes,a punctured lung, and a broken rib. All I could do was cry. My mom kept us updated while the doctors worked on Kiersten. She was given a very sweet blessing by the doctor in Nephi before she was transported by ambulance to Utah Valley Regional, where they thought she was going to have to have surgery on her eye. By the time she arrived her eye swelling had gone down. It was a miracle and shows the power of the Priesthood. My sweet father-in-law and husband made it possible for me to fly back to Utah to be by my sister's side. I arrived Friday evening and spent the night in the hospital with my mom. It is great to be here and to see and hear all of the support from so many family and friends. So many prayers have been answered. I know that our Heavenly Father is watching over and protecting her. Today Kiersten went into surgery to have six screws put into her back. She was blessed with a wonderful neurosurgeon named Dr. Reichman, who took tremendous care of her. It will be a six-month recovery to allow the screws to fuse to her spine. Kiersten is so strong and a fighter and we all know she will make it through this. We are ever so grateful that Kiersten and Brittany are with us today. Here are a few pictures of my little brown bear.

Kiersten and her best friend Brittany. Kiersten said, "I am so happy we are both alive so we can be best friends forever."

Their sweet bishop came to visit.

I love how positive Kiersten is. Thumbs up!

She finally got to brush her teeth today! She was so happy.

I am so blessed to have Kiersten as my sister. She is such a great example to me.

Kiersten loves visitors and appreciates every one.

My Hero

It is difficult to write this without getting emotional, but I wanted to let my mom know how wonderful I think she is. I feel so blessed that I get to have her as my mother. I was able to spend a week with her last week and I just sat back and admired all of the hard work that she does day in and day out. She has always been my support and back bone. She has gotten me through so many difficult times. I know I can call her at any time and she will be there to lend a listening ear. She has provided for my family in ways that I don't know possible. Somehow she just keeps on going. Her testimony radiates. Her example of hope, faith, and forgiveness burn within me. My mother never gives up and always ends up on top.

For my birthday she made me the most fantastic adorable purse. Her talents are beyond my comprehension. She blesses our family with them daily. The quilts, blankets, dresses, purse, and so much more are some of my most prized possessions. She always writes the sweetest cards for our birthdays. I have saved all of them over the years and cherish them greatly.

Mom you taught me the love for the piano, books, hard work, endurance, the importance of the gospel, how to always look at the bright side of things, to stay positive even when times are difficult. You are the most beautiful mother. I always feel lucky to say that's my mom. One day I hope I can become as selfless and nurturing as you have been to me.

I love you with all of my heart mom and don't know what I would do without you!

Newport Beach

Tyson and I have been in Newport for the past week. It was so wonderful to relax and spend time with family. This was the first of many trips with the Parker/Clevleand family. Tyson's family goes every year for one week to Newport. I can't complain. I fell in love with Newport. The weather was a bit brisk but it was beautiful. We spent the week shopping, eating great food, laughing, playing nertz, walking up and down the boardwalk, eating Pinkberry, did I mention eating Pinkberry, laying out at the beach, and much more. I love this picture of my hubby!

Tyson and I rode some beach cruisers up and down the boardwalk. It was so much fun to be on a bike again!

Here is a picture of the Parker clan. I feel so blessed to be part of this family. I love how close everyone is. Each night a different family was in charge of dinner. The food was fantastic. I hope one day I can cook like all of them.

Pinkberry was a hit. We went there almost every night. Coconut and Mango was our favorite. We loved that you can have as many toppings as you would like, as long as they fit in the cup. Please believe we loaded up.

Tyson was able to go golfing with his uncle's and cousin's. I made sure he got a picture so I could document.

We loved laying out at the beach. We got a little burnt, but it was worth it. I enjoyed watching Tyson play with our niece Brielle in the sand. He is going to be the best dad!

We went with Cara and John for the day to Laguna. We ate at BJ's and walked around the shops.

I saw the Newport Temple for the first time. It was beautiful. One of the highlights of the trip for me was our last Sunday there. We all got together for a family testimony meeting. It was great hearing others testimonies. They are all such great examples to me. Another highlight, Knotts Berry Farm biscuits, I thoroughly enjoyed eight of them. I am already on the count down for next year.

We decided while we were in Newport that we would extend our vacation and pay a surprise visit to UTAH. I have to say, although I love California, it feels good to be back.