Spa Day

Last night was the first night Kiersten was able to sleep through the night. Getting the rest she needed, really made a difference. She woke up and was in minimal pain. Today was Kiersten's little spa day. She was able to get her hair washed and nails cleaned, she even got her nails and toe nails painted.

Kiersten loved her nurses today. They took tremendous care of her. She told her nurse that she was an angel.

She had no problem getting up for Physical Therapy. She always says, "Well I have no choice."

She opened up her eyes completely today and kept them open for almost the entire day. She even smiled while she was sitting up. It usually makes her nauseous. I guess today was just her day.

These are the wonderful Physical Therapists that helped her walk while she was in the ICU.

Kiersten had been asking for her friend JP every day. Jp and Spencer were wonderful and drove all the way from Cedar City this morning to see her.

I told her that I would take pictures of her flowers so that she could see how beautiful they are.

She even had a little visit from the missionaries.

Kiersten has been hilarious depending upon what nurse she has. She told her nurse today that she gives her two thumbs up.

The second time she walked today she was just a cruising. I couldn't even get her to slow down enough to get a picture.

She has made such great progress that she was able to move out of the ICU and onto another floor. It was so funny because the hospital heard about Kiersten and her support team and knew that these smaller rooms were not going to cut it. So they were wonderful and gave her, what we tell Kiersten is the VIP room. It is the largest on the floor and even has a pull out couch.

Kiersten wanted me to come sit by her. She even asked for a hug. I freaking love this girl.

She asked that I get a picture of the KAB crew.

These kids have inspired me. They have been with Kiersten every step of the way. There is such a special feeling in her room, no wonder everyone wants to be there.

Tonight Kiersten was supposed to attend the Dave Matthews Concert. She was so sad she had to miss it. So one of her sweet friends Collin went home and got his guitar to play her, her own private concert. She is loved by so many. Thank you again to everyone for your kindness. I am blown away at how thoughtful people are. You have and continue to help Kiersten on her road to recovery. It was the hardest thing to leave tonight, but I was so grateful for the time I was able to spend with her.

I love you baby girl! Thank you for uplifting me and making me a better person. Keep on climbing.

Why We Love Kiersten

Today has been one of the more rough days. But like John Clarke said, "Go back a little to leap further." Kiersten has been in a lot of pain, but continues to show her strength. Through the pain she was able to walk four times today. This girl is beyond impressive. Our cousin Amelia stopped by today. She gave Kiersten the best foot and hand rub. It helped put her at ease. She was so thankful for Amelia's healing hands.

Kiersten loves all of her visitors. She can't see very well right now because of the swelling around her eyes, so she has everyone in the room give her a roll call, so she can know who is there. It's amazing how she knows who everyone is, just by hearing their voice. Her room has turned into a floral shop. She has received the most beautiful flowers. She has us show them to her daily.

I saw this sweet little pig in the gift shop today. I thought Kiersten might like it, little did I know she would want to kiss it.

Kiersten truly has the best friends. They have been so wonderful to come sit with her and help in any way possible.

Her swelling has decreased, and did I mention how fantastic she looks.

Towards the end of the afternoon Kiersten's pain really started to increase. It was very difficult for us to watch. I know how much my mom wanted to take the pain away for her. My cousin Abbey, did something very touching tonight in her 6:00 spin class that I know helped Kiersten get through the pain she was feeling. She posted on Facebook, "Kiersten we are riding for you tonight in my cycle class. You are a rock star! Get ready to feel some good healthy vibes tonight, because my 6pm cycle class is powerful! I love you Kiersten, you will get better every day! Know it!" To Abbey's surprise she showed up to her spin class to find the sweetest lady named Coy Barret, who had made something for everyone to wear during the class. She pinned this saying on all of those who attended the class, "Today We Ride For Kiersten." Abbey said it was the most powerful class she has ever taught. It touched Kiersten and many others deeply. Thank you Abbey and Coy for giving Kiersten the boost that she needed. You never know much you can change someone's life by one simple act of kindness.

Tonight is the last night that I get to spend with my sister girl before I fly back to California to be with my hubby. I cannot express how grateful I am for having been able to spend this time with her. She has built me up and made me want to be better. She has taught me that with determination I can get through any obstacle that I am faced with. I stand taller today for having Kiersten in my life. My testimony has been strengthened by her example. I have witnessed the power of the Priesthood exercised in her behalf. I know that it is real and through it we can be healed. Thank you Uncle Ryan for the beautiful blessing you gave Kiersten today and for all of you that have been there for my family. Tandra and Mags your help was so appreciated. I thought I would let Kiersten know a few reason why I love her.

You are the most positive person I know.

You have a smile on your face, even when you are in pain.

You make everyone laugh.

You are wonderful with children.

You are going to make the best mom.

You are the most amazing daughter, sister, friend, cousin, niece, and granddaughter anyone could ask for.

You have a powerful testimony that radiates.

You are a strength to everyone around you.

You never talks bad about others.

You have the cutest style around.

You have the best taste in music.

You are a fantastic cook.

You are very independent.

You are talented in so many things: golfing, skiing, long boarding,and so much more.

You are strong and have more will-power than anyone I know.

You are determined.

You love everyone around you.

You are the best company.

You are a great listener.

You are beautiful inside and out.

You have gorgeous hair.

You are dependable and loyal.

You express your gratitude and appreciation.

You are real and are happy being you.

You are honest.

You are trustworthy.

You make others feel comfortable no matter the situation.

You love Pocahontas.

Day Five

Yesterday we were able to take the sacrament while being here at the hospital. They also shared a thought with us before they left. It was very touching.

"We long to be close to the Lord, for we know that He loves each of us and desires to encircle us 'eternally in the arms of his love' (2 Nephi 1:15). His touch can heal ailments spiritual, emotional, or physical."

Annie C. Pingree, "To Look, Reach, and Come unto Christ." Ensign, Nov. 2006,113

Last night went great. Kiersten was singing to us and dancing with her arms. She was using the magic wand that Nick bought for her, as her microphone. She had us rolling with laughter. We had tears rolling down our faces. Some of her friends had to walk out because they were laughing so hard. They told us the nurses were out there laughing as well. It was so great to see her moving around and again being so positive. She said it was because she had her party crew with her.

Kiersten is doing well today. It is only morning and she has already walked once. They found a little fluid in her lungs, but the Doctor said having her walk will help flush the fluid out of her lungs.

Her eyes were even wide open for the first time. She has also started eating solid foods.

You are amazing sister girl. Keep up the good fight!

"Some blessings come soon, some come late. And some don't come until heaven. But for those who embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. It will be alright in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come."

"Don't you quit."

"You keep walking."

"You keep trying."

"There is help and happiness ahead."

Elder Holland

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.