tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186312342011-09-19T05:33:33.205-07:00MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.comBlogger861100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-50226432628104419132011-08-30T16:19:00.000-07:002011-08-30T16:21:57.757-07:00

Latest Missoulian article about Mikaslyn's recovery from hip surgery: http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_13fdbc74-b8cd-11e0-85b9-001cc4c03286.html So now it's official that we're moving to Connecticut. Just gotta sell the house. Rick started his new job on August 1st and the kids and I are here until it sells. It just went on the market on Monday, August 23 so we have some time before

MJ's Mom - Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451810259259205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-51590428334810463652010-11-29T15:33:00.000-08:002011-01-14T14:35:39.138-08:00

Nov 9th Missoula family seeks donations to help cover costs of 8-year-old's leg surgery http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_c5fdae10-ec8c-11df-86ca-001cc4c03286.html Nov 12th Missoula Family Raises Money For Daughter's Rare Surgery http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/25775949/detail.html Nov 18th Missoula 8-year-old recovers from lifesaving hip surgeryhttp://missoulian.com/news/

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-17767452605935441102010-11-03T21:15:00.000-07:002010-11-28T21:16:27.308-08:00

We are back from Seattle. I think we have a plan for going forward and keeping the seizures to a minimum until the hip surgery. Dr Yngve, the Texas Doc, called today, not an assistant, the doctor. The next available date is November 16th so we committed to that date. The UTMB financial people want payment by Nov 12th so we only have a few days to raise thousands of dollars. Every

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-73259133098297722472010-11-01T21:11:00.000-07:002010-11-28T21:14:00.877-08:00

‎3 seizures during neuro visit this morning. erg! off for breakfast and bath before EEG. MJ had a seizure during the EEG. It really upset her but that means the DR will have something to look at. Overall it was not a fun experience but it is over. Pray we learn something from it.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-21652126592685654772010-10-31T21:10:00.000-07:002010-11-28T21:10:39.677-08:00

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-75048652626768372812010-10-29T21:06:00.000-07:002010-11-28T21:06:44.325-08:00

We just received enough donations to make it to Seattle for the appt with the neurologist. THANKS EVERYONE !!!!

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-3502204645443571352010-10-27T21:48:00.000-07:002010-10-27T21:48:45.979-07:00

Urgent Need!  We need to get to Seattle on Sunday night for a Monday morning  appointment with MJ's neurologist.  Does anybody have any frequent flier miles that they could donate?  This is came up very suddenly and we don't have the $600+ on such short notice.  MJ has been having seizures and we need to figure out why.  She had two yesterday and another today.  She also is in a great deal of

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-55267889729319405672010-10-25T11:57:00.000-07:002010-10-25T11:57:06.500-07:00

I talked to Ellen who is one of Max Baucus' staffers on the Finance Committee who works in DC. She was very helpful. As of October 1st insurers can no longer exempt pre-existing conditions on medical insurance policies. That should mean that we can purchase private pay insurance for MJ for the first time in a very long time. I asked Ellen to find out where we could purchase a policy. YES - I do

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-89023046012763292132010-10-14T20:57:00.000-07:002010-11-28T20:58:41.908-08:00

FINAL DECISION was made known to MJ's family today that the Texas hospital - UTMB WILL NOT take her insurance so the reality of raising $75000 and possibly MORE is a total REALITY!!!!

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-10860242485854573102010-10-14T08:59:00.000-07:002010-11-28T21:04:09.576-08:00

The MOPS sale made the Missoulian Newspaper.http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_ccc124c0-d738-11df-a80e-001cc4c03286.html

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-24376331018293126172010-06-02T16:30:00.000-07:002010-06-02T16:32:49.680-07:00

Well . . . today we were in for a surprise that we did not expect or want! Mikaslyn woke up this morning with her body in full on super shivers (her body was shaking like she had a bad fever but did not). Then after 10 minutes of this shivering, she had a full blown grand mal seizure. She has not had a seizure for 5 YEARS!Rick called 911 when her body was shivering because we had no idea what

MJ's Mom - Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451810259259205312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-28017310581598280902010-06-02T16:25:00.000-07:002010-06-02T16:29:43.116-07:00

Shriner's was a bust except for we got to spend time with Uncle Dave who drove over from western Washington to hang out with "Luke" while Rick and I took Mikaslyn to her appointment. The doc at Shriner's had the same opinion as the surgeon in Seattle so no go on surgery to fix her hip. The amazing thing during this trip was the view on the x-ray of her right hip which is absolutely perfect.

MJ's Mom - Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451810259259205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-87182593852420364272010-05-18T13:33:00.001-07:002010-05-18T13:33:59.653-07:00

Pray for a successful visit.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-21141949992873998342010-05-14T21:40:00.000-07:002010-05-14T21:41:27.966-07:00

This evening two girls from Mikaslyn's second grade class came over.  They both brought their mother's and a siblings.  It was pretty busy here for a while.  Mikaslyn really seemed to enjoy the company even though they mostly played in the yard since it was such a beautiful evening.  I think everyone had a wonderful time.  Mikaslyn was a little upset when everyone left and the only thing she said

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-26799123301300583132010-05-14T11:00:00.000-07:002010-05-14T22:00:55.391-07:00

We want Mikaslyn to go to summer school since she loves being around other kids.  School is clearly good for her.  We are concerned about it though.  She went a couple years ago and was really lame.  They seem to spend all their time chasing kids with behavior problems and mostly left her to herself.  I left Janis Gaare a message about my concerns.  Of course she has not returned my call.  She is

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-69978632338704937302010-05-07T22:41:00.000-07:002010-05-14T21:47:35.985-07:00

We went to the St Ignatius healing room again this afternoon.  It went better than the first time.  We are making progress.  Magregor went this time and had a great time playing with everyone.  He has fun everywhere he goes. The people there really do care and they definitely believe in and want to minister healing.  I highly recommend them if anyone has issues.  They pray for healing in all

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-46356505113369628992010-04-23T11:01:00.000-07:002010-04-30T11:05:42.858-07:00

Mikaslyn recently started Hydro Therapy at Community Medical.  Hydro Therapy is physical therapy in a heated pool that is at least 85 degrees.  It has to be very warm to be therapeutic.  Earlier this week Kristine adapted her AFO's (ankle foot orthotics) to account for her different leg lengths.  Today  in the pool she was walking. 

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-50077801836338635542010-04-16T10:54:00.000-07:002010-04-30T11:01:08.130-07:00

A friend recently told us that there is a healing school in Spokane, WA.  Kristine and I did some research in the Internet and found that there are Healing Rooms through out the world and the nearest one is in St Ignatius, Montana.  That's just 45 minutes away so we went today. It was a great experience.  These wonderful people really believe in and are committed to healing through God's Word. 

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-77062529999320688072010-04-15T10:42:00.001-07:002010-04-15T10:42:51.170-07:00

We heard from Shriner's this morning.  Mikaslyn has an appointment at Shriner's Spokane for May 19th.  It is an evaluation that will last 2 to 3 hours.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-88609134246446535972010-04-15T10:30:00.001-07:002010-04-15T10:30:05.365-07:00

Mikaslyn had her first physical therapy session in the therapy pool Community Medical yesterday.  It went great and she had a wonderful time, 45 minutes in the warm water.  She was so excited to be in the pool that the therapist could not do much therapy with her though.  No big deal since it was the first time.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-6504025482614771402010-04-13T13:34:00.001-07:002010-04-13T13:34:57.863-07:00

Talked to Cary Mielke, MD today.  He was very helpful but didn't have any concrete recommendations about Mikaslyn's hips.  He said that operating on the hips at her age could go either way and that doctors would disagree about whether is was advisable.  He told me that he had operated on 8 year olds and had it go well and poorly.  He is willing to look at the CT scan and give us his opinion and

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-91656263579809717152010-04-11T22:35:00.001-07:002010-04-11T22:35:51.206-07:00

Mikaslyn was crying tonight while Kristine was reading to her.  Reading is one of Mikaslyn's favorites things to do.  If she was crying it was pain in her hip causing it.  She had even been given Ibuprofen a little before that so it must have really hurt.  When Kristine told me about it later she was crying because it just hurts so much to see Mikaslyn suffer.Please pray for Mikaslyn.  Pray that

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-9453069406929680362010-04-06T14:27:00.000-07:002010-04-06T14:27:18.173-07:00

Dr. Ford called today to follow up on Mikaslyn's Seattle surgery.  I explained what a bozo Dr Sung was and what he had come up with.  I also told her that Dr. Yngve thought that a functioning hip would be less painful than a dislocated one.  She totally agreed that no mater what that would be the better way to go.  She eloquently stated that doctors often don't agree on the best course of action.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-88056364282572438992010-04-04T14:27:00.000-07:002010-04-06T14:31:08.768-07:00

My Grandmother in Nebraska passed away yesterday.  It is so sad!  She did live 98 years so it is not a tragery but she will be missed by many people including the Montana Larson's.  I only wish she could have met Magregor.  She would have really enjoyed that.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-89371891235347905652010-04-03T14:42:00.000-07:002010-04-06T14:42:45.137-07:00

Dr Yngve called today after reviewing Mikaslyn's CT scan.  He thinks that surgery could improve her hip function and reduce her pain.  He believes that putting the femur in the socket would be less painful than where it is now.  That the load would be spread over a wider area and therefore it would be less painful.  That was so good to hear after the negative assessments.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-84063927379197398052010-04-01T20:35:00.001-07:002010-04-01T20:36:37.493-07:00

Well - we received our first 'second opinion' relating to Mikaslyn's left hip and he agrees with the original doctor that said her hip is inoperable and she pretty much would never walk but "we are not afraid of evil reports"!

MJ's Mom - Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451810259259205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-2932969231734679202010-03-28T21:10:00.000-07:002010-03-28T21:22:57.141-07:00

Letters to two different orthopedic specialists went out yesterday with the CT Scan and medical reports for their analysis and recommendations. Pray for good responses!!!!

MJ's Mom - Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451810259259205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-23944888125797004032010-03-26T12:52:00.000-07:002010-03-28T21:23:41.516-07:00

Mikaslyn fell out of bed last night. We are working on getting a better enclosure for her and now have kicked up the pace on getting it done. She is healthy and okay.

MJ's Mom - Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451810259259205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-88258415281316587872010-03-26T10:01:00.001-07:002010-03-26T10:01:31.005-07:00

Missoulian 3/25/10:Learning to float: Missoula woman teaches totsMagregor is featured in this article but none of the pictures are of him.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-2590960729115079152010-03-25T14:53:00.001-07:002010-03-25T14:53:12.711-07:00

We met with Dr Hardy today about abnormalities in the EKG performed in the Seattle Childrens Hospital mess.  Dr Hardy is in Missoula but is affiliate with Seattle Childrens and is nationally known to be an expert.  Dr Hardy was very friendly and personable.  He and his staff thoroughly examined all the test results and ran some more tests.  He determined that there were some very minor problems

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-90921515531242178642010-03-25T14:44:00.001-07:002010-03-25T14:44:07.225-07:00

Ginny is specifically praying for Mikaslyn's complete healing and financial breakthrough.  The fast started about 10 days ago but feel free to pray and fast with her. 

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-454902303851903132010-03-19T21:34:00.001-07:002010-03-19T21:34:16.637-07:00

The all ball boy got another couple of balls yesterday. He really got into the new tee ball set.  It is such a good toy for him since it give my something to do outside and develops his motor skills.  It is just fun watching him learn and interact with his mom and me.Mikaslyn is doing well considering.  Abby and Alexandra were by for a while this evening and she really seemed happy.  She has also

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-45053983005610512012010-03-15T11:39:00.001-07:002010-03-15T21:47:00.735-07:00

Ginny taught a class Sunday night and at the end of class they were praying for Mikaslyn and us. While they were praying in the Spririt one of the gals asked Ginny: "does she have short blonde hair and blueist green eyes and is she in a wheelchair?" Ginny said yes. Marsha saw in the Spirirt (Vision) Jesus kneeling right next to Mikaslyn with his arms around her and talking to her and

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-70552271562031975322010-03-15T09:43:00.001-07:002010-03-16T07:05:48.558-07:00

Mikaslyn fell asleep late and was up very early.  She was very up this morning though and seemed very excited about returning to school after almost a week.  Magregor didn't sleep well and was up several times.  He fine fine today though. School went well today but she was tired

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-8315636535633542452010-03-15T09:41:00.001-07:002010-03-15T21:27:08.609-07:00

Much better day for all of us.  Mikaslyn had 3 good meals and seemed like herself again.  It was really nice in Missoula so we went for a drive.  She really enjoyed that and also hanging out on the back deck in the sun reading books with her Mom.  Magregor was very happy of be outside in the yard.  He is so active and so much fun. My parents called this evening.  They had seen a article on the

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-69409385945842012552010-03-13T22:15:00.001-08:002010-03-13T22:15:38.012-08:00

Mikaslyn has seemed depressed since she got back from Seattle.  I don't blame her.  Having all those doctors say she is never going to walk and that her hip cannot be repaired depresses me and I wasn't there.  She has been so tired and quiet.  It is difficult to get her to eat or drink.  She is just so down.  Today was a little better.  Alexandra came by to work with her and that definitely

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-44065465588284341712010-03-12T22:33:00.001-08:002010-03-12T22:33:51.371-08:00

God - I want my daughter to be healed so badly.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-39322833168287941772010-03-11T21:16:00.001-08:002010-03-11T21:16:13.123-08:00

I think the reality of the situation is settling in on Kristine and I.  It was a really difficult day emotionally.  We don't understand why this black cloud over our lives and especially over Mikaslyn won't leave.This evening was good though.  We went out to dinner at Higgins Alley.  To show how difficult it was today we prayed that dinner would go well on the way over and it did go well.  Both

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-49411011990927644372010-03-11T11:30:00.001-08:002010-03-11T11:30:45.820-08:00

Childrens Hospital called this morning.  The EKG performed on Mikaslyn Tuesday in that debacle has some issues.  We don't know what they are exactly but the doc in Seattle wants us to take her to a pediatric heart specialist.  Fortunately there is a good one in Missoula, Dr. Bruce Hardy.  Childrens is getting the test results to Dr Hardy and we will see him sometime after that.Kristine and I keep

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-73949163317281562902010-03-10T13:43:00.001-08:002010-03-10T13:43:07.024-08:00

After many hours of unexpended tests, delays and sitting in the wait area not know what was going on, Dr Sung and five other doctors told Kristine and Mikaslyn that Mikaslyn's left hip has too much damage for them to repair.  This was a complete shock to us all.  Dr. Kit Sung had seen her X-rays and scheduled the surgery.  We believed that he was confident that he could do the reconstruction

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-43943073240075238242010-03-09T17:43:00.001-08:002010-03-09T17:43:08.291-08:00

Mikaslyn and Kristine are in Seattle today meeting with doctors preparing for the upcoming hip surgery.  We also received a large reclining wheelchair so that we can transport Mikaslyn around the house in her body cast.  This is looking pretty real.  Monday is the surgery.  Please keep us in your prayers.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-26779302099895456592010-03-06T21:28:00.001-08:002010-03-06T21:28:56.145-08:00

Mikaslyn is definitely a little off tonight. We are praying that she will bounce back quickly and be 100% for the surgery on the 15th.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-85353807225169076672010-03-05T20:58:00.001-08:002010-03-05T20:58:26.735-08:00

Talked to Dr. Yngve Wednesday about Mikaslyn's hips now that he has seen the X-rays. He asks very interesting questions and is very good at explaining the issues and procedures.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-18655400886380314612010-03-05T20:55:00.001-08:002010-03-05T20:55:14.707-08:00

Many comments on how cute it is. So many people asked Kristine for a picture she posted some on Facebook.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-40669432549435151732010-03-04T17:53:00.001-08:002010-03-04T17:53:12.765-08:00

Mikaslyn got a haircut today. She is getting ready for 4 weeks in a body cast. It is very short and very cute. I will get a picture to share when I can.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-48773200828595957192010-03-04T17:47:00.001-08:002010-03-04T17:47:49.329-08:00

Picked up Mikaslyn from Speech Therapy at the University this afternoon.  They were ecstatic with her progress.  She was making great sounds and laughing with Lauren.  It was really fun to watch.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1290263434512028272010-02-07T21:03:00.000-08:002010-02-07T21:03:59.139-08:00

My cousin Nancy and her husband were in town so they came by to visit.  It was nice to see them and they finally gor to meet my wife and children. Mikaslyn is still not feeling 100%.  She goes to the doctor Monday if she doesn't look better in the morning. It was fun to watch the Saints win the Suber Bowl.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-10852162365831781462010-02-06T20:56:00.000-08:002010-02-07T20:59:12.442-08:00

Interesting discussion with Dr Yngve (ing-vee) about Mikaslyn's hips and what to do.  He asked some very good questions.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-25355379185176697672010-02-05T20:59:00.000-08:002010-02-07T21:00:45.788-08:00

Alexandra and Abby were aver for dinners.  Actully Alexandra made dinner and Abby made desert.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-31878583367397369582010-02-05T09:08:00.000-08:002010-02-05T09:32:20.299-08:00

Mikaslyn is still sick.  She is drinking though so that will keep her out of the hospital.  Thank you Jesus that she can now drink from at straw! The rest of the familty is staying healthy. Your prayers are alway appreciated.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-19196807178024361022010-02-04T22:06:00.000-08:002010-02-04T22:06:16.873-08:00

Horrifying - enough said. Talked to a woman in Missoula who took her daughter to Shriner's Hospital in Spokane.  She had nothing but good to say about it.  She did warn me that some doctors hate Shriner's so be aware that they may react.  She went on to tell some horror stories.  The moral of the story, do your our research.  Don't depend on a few "experts".  Even doctors have personal problems

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-9166664104309650282010-02-04T15:36:00.000-08:002010-02-04T15:36:03.491-08:00

Part of the fun of having a child with special needs is the way people treat you.  Here is a story from one of our freinds with a special needs child.  Today she found out that her bible study had changed locations.  Unfortunately they forget to tell her that it had been moved.  I really hope that it was an oversite but often it isn't.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-20304162634458188442010-02-04T15:31:00.000-08:002010-02-04T15:40:06.981-08:00

1:00 PM - Finally getting to work.  Between dealing with Mikaslyn being sick and talking to doctor's assistances the morning is gone. I did get some good news though.  There is an alternative to the invasive, painful surgery that has been recommended for Mikaslyn's hips. It is called S.L.O.B. aka Summit Shelf performed by Dr Nuzzo in New Jersey.  (Details about Alternative). Philippians 4:19 -

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-43208280121042763832010-02-04T09:08:00.001-08:002010-02-04T09:09:34.278-08:00

Mikaslyn and Kristine had a rough time last night.  Mikaslyn throw up and gagged several times.  Kristine was up several times with her.  They both look a little tired today.  I got off easy since I was only up once with Magreagor.  Sleep - it should not an optional extra! It is snowing in Missoula this morning.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-54005645034673494242010-02-03T08:58:00.000-08:002010-02-05T09:31:38.389-08:00

Kristine went to a meeting last night organized by HHS.gov to talk to parents about how to keep parents informed about programs and changes to programs.  Interesting meeting but few people showed up.  Our government wants to know how to better do it's job and no one shows up.  No wonder it is so screwed up.  Kristine went becasue she is not happy the way things are being run and thought if she

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-12461053861680150232010-02-02T09:15:00.000-08:002010-02-02T09:25:36.420-08:00

I guess her stomach didn't feel right.  Mikaslyn came home from school this morning after throwing up.  She seemed fine this morning but would not eat any breakfast.  She does that sometimes since she know that she will get whatever is left at school. It could be that she didn't get enough sleep.  I checked her about midnight and she was awake.  Gave her a remedy and she was soon asleep. No

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1158252784575586302006-09-14T09:39:00.000-07:002006-09-14T09:53:04.596-07:00

Mikaslyn, Melanie and Kristine had a wonderful visit with Jim and Jenny Wilkinson's at their Little Big Horn Canyon cabin. We arrived late Sunday night after dark (yep - it's true, it's easier to find your way in daylight) after a wonderfully long 3 1/2 hour visit with Ruth Kelley. She is such a treat to visit! Rick made her a huckleberry pie and I thought she was going to rip it from my hands

MJ's Mom - Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451810259259205312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1156215059332600592006-08-21T19:43:00.000-07:002006-08-21T19:50:59.343-07:00

Tony Wertz had a second "reception" for Lizzie's wedding at the Wertz/Horsky cabin in Lincoln. It was fun to see everyone in a little more relaxed and less hectic atmosphere.

MJ's Mom - Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451810259259205312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1155963291298395222006-08-18T21:54:00.000-07:002006-08-18T21:54:51.310-07:00

It was great to get together with the Wertz clan in celebration of the wedding of Tony Wertz' only daughter, Elizabeth. We had a wonderful time! The wedding was on August 5 at Holy Parish Episcopal Church with the reception to follow at Heritage Hall at Fort Missoula. Dinner was fabulous - Salmon and Prime Rib. Mikaslyn was tired after 5 hours of fun so we went home prior to the bank playing.

MJ's Mom - Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451810259259205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1152823894067135242006-07-13T13:48:00.000-07:002006-07-13T13:51:34.070-07:00

We were able to clear away the furniture at Jim's cabin to make room for her to get some exercise. She did really well!

MJ's Mom - Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451810259259205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1152823692040877032006-07-13T13:46:00.000-07:002006-07-13T13:48:12.040-07:00

She did so well again this year . . . sitting up high on the horse and holding on with two hands, some of the time.

MJ's Mom - Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451810259259205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1152823604919751482006-07-13T13:45:00.000-07:002006-07-13T13:52:35.130-07:00

Mikaslyn is working on feeding herself. What fun and HOW EXCITING!The first photo is of Mikaslyn feeding herself a fig newton. Yum!

MJ's Mom - Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451810259259205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1152823494121492562006-07-13T13:43:00.000-07:002006-07-13T13:44:54.123-07:00

While swinging one beautiful afternoon in May, Mikaslyn feel asleep. I took a picture to capture the moment. So sweet.

MJ's Mom - Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451810259259205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1146433801792593262006-04-30T11:52:00.000-07:002006-04-30T14:50:01.826-07:00

We finally made it to Florida after more than a year of fundraising for the Upledger Institute Intensive CranioSacral Therapy which was one week of intense cranio-sacral therapy for Mikaslyn. The week was very successful for her and we are hoping to continue to experience more progress. We were also able to have a quasi-family vacation with one day of poolside reading/tanning for Kristine and a

MJ's Mom - Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451810259259205312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1145078569979589582006-04-14T22:18:00.000-07:002006-07-13T13:43:09.203-07:00

Rick and Kristine FINALLY got to go skiing together in Big Sky country. We got passes to Big Mountain in Whitefish and got help for the entire day so we could have a day together. The snow was pretty good for late Spring skiing but the weather was spectacular. Just a touch of fog which Big Mountain is notorious for but mainly the weather was fantastic.

MJ's Mom - Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451810259259205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1145078268700035752006-04-14T22:09:00.000-07:002006-04-14T22:17:48.710-07:00

Mikaslyn's preschool class put on "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and her part was one of the plums. They had a special button for her to activate that would say her line for her. The class made their own puppets during class at the beginning of the week for the Thursday puppet show. It was super!The photos we took did not come out so well but we took a video of the entire performance. If you'd

MJ's Mom - Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451810259259205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1142371614233030172006-03-14T13:25:00.000-08:002006-03-14T13:29:02.630-08:00

More Info

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1140126515431195762006-02-16T13:46:00.000-08:002006-03-25T14:15:50.046-08:00

Today I had an impromtu meeting with Bipin, Megan and Thomas from Tipu's Tiger restaurant. They alluded to the fact that they would like to have a fund raiser for Mikaslyn on St. Patrick's day. Such nice people to think of our daughter and how to help her!

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1140126334307679272006-02-16T13:39:00.000-08:002006-03-25T14:03:06.506-08:00

Mikaslyn was doing a great job mimicking sounds that I made this morning. It started while I was playing with sounds just to entertain her. I made a gravelly la la sound with my mouth wide open. She thought it was funny and started giggling. I kept doing it and playing with sounds that I could make with my mouth wide open so that she could see what I was doing to make the sounds. She kept

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1139616131332834702006-02-10T15:57:00.000-08:002006-02-10T16:06:55.606-08:00

Obviously this information is late in coming but I wanted to share the cutest picture of Mikaslyn that was provided by her Co-Teach preschool teacher, Mary, at our parent/teacher conference highlighting Mikaslyn during her 2005 Fall Semester.We think this program is the best. There are 3 special needs kids and 11 peers which helps kids grow up without inhibitions to others who are "different".

MJ's Mom - Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451810259259205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1139592733409095282006-02-09T09:30:00.000-08:002006-02-10T11:10:31.946-08:00

As of March 1st we will be living on ASF income only. This will be great for us all especially Mikaslyn.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1138504434886577872006-01-28T19:12:00.000-08:002006-01-28T19:14:48.663-08:00

Remember baby . company name . comThis is public and that is private.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1138504293705008302006-01-27T19:05:00.000-08:002006-01-28T19:11:33.716-08:00

Today Tamara and Paula ,her adaptive equipment specialist and physical therapist respectively, came by with a new (to us) walker for Mikaslyn. It is much different than the old one and works much better. It is so responsive that if she turns it turns. She can also walk right up to objects and grab them. The walker does not get in her way and it really is a big improvement.Pictures as soon as

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1138290924167521112006-01-25T07:52:00.000-08:002006-01-26T07:56:06.760-08:00

Cezar called today to give us the news about their healthy, happy daughter, Olivia. He is emailing pictures so I will post one if they don't mind.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1137976178488919622006-01-22T16:17:00.000-08:002006-01-22T16:29:38.500-08:00

We had a great time hiking in the Lolo forest.This is near Fish Creek which is near Lolo Pass. We originally when to Fish Creek before Mikaslyn was bron looking huckleberries. Then last weekend we wanted to take a drive so we decided to see what it looked like in the winter. It turns out to be a snowmobile trail which is perfect for Mikaslyn's sled. So yesterday I modified it so that her seat

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1137639214794189972006-01-18T18:49:00.000-08:002006-01-18T18:53:34.806-08:00

I was finally able to get to scanning in the photographs taken at the CDC Christmas party this year. The one image that was not caught on film was Mikaslyn pulling Santa's beard. Oh it was cute. As you can see, she ended up with another Tigger.

MJ's Mom - Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451810259259205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1136960706816269392006-01-10T22:24:00.000-08:002006-01-10T22:33:12.623-08:00

Mikaslyn was sooo happy to be back at school.These are some pictures from last week, Mikaslyn is playing with Janiece, her Hab-Aid.She likes my boxes.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1136584082251760572006-01-05T13:42:00.000-08:002006-01-06T13:48:02.260-08:00

Linda, one of Mikaslyn's Hab-Aids, took her to the public library for story time. There was another non-verbal child there who walked up to Mikaslyn and started babbling to her. Mikaslyn mimicked one of the sounds the child made. This is a firrt and one of the important developmental steps toward speech.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1136584423329806532006-01-04T13:30:00.000-08:002006-01-12T12:57:56.000-08:00

I am very sad to report that Mandye our older lab passed away this morning. She was 13 and very old. She died of old age and we will miss her for a long time. She was a good, loyal and loving dog. She loved walks, swimming, chasing sticks and attention.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1135186944616684802005-12-31T09:41:00.000-08:002006-01-06T13:55:28.640-08:00

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1134847116184221932005-12-17T11:16:00.000-08:002005-12-17T16:09:29.553-08:00

It's 15 degrees today and I am taking Sabrina for a bike ride at Fort Missoula. The wind chill was brutal.This evening is the Spoon Gordon Christmas Party.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1135186405759378662005-12-14T09:27:00.000-08:002005-12-21T09:33:25.770-08:00

Tonight Mikaslyn was very fussy and would not go to sleep. I thought possibly she was hungry but wanted to get her to communicate this if she was. I took a small picture of a plate of food the we are using to indicate hunger / food and showed it to Mikaslyn. After a minute of me telling her I would feed her if she grabbed the picture she reached out and took hold of it. When she did that I

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1134847239185405172005-12-06T11:19:00.000-08:002005-12-17T11:21:45.280-08:00

Mikaslyn is off Medicaid as she gets no more therapies. What's next?

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1131559208163339152005-11-06T09:58:00.000-08:002005-11-09T10:24:51.996-08:00

Mikaslyn had her first smoky joe.This picture is her at preschool at the University of Montana. She is already a college girl.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1131078138081456672005-11-03T20:19:00.000-08:002005-11-03T20:22:18.090-08:00

I didn't like the Microsoft blog so I am trying Blogger. They are the big guns in blogs so lets give it a try.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18631234.post-1135186711123360992005-10-28T09:33:00.000-07:002005-12-21T09:40:31.793-08:00

Here she is with the her sucker.

MJ's Dad - Ricknoreply@blogger.com0