Third year Day 176 - Saturday June 7, 2014

This morning Bridgett said, was it Sally Delby or Sally Conrad that we took Irish Dance lessons from? First of all, she only took lessons for two months!  Anyway, I said, actually it was both!  She was Sally Delby when you started taking lessons.  Towards the end of the girls taking lessons, she got divorced, and went back to her maiden name, Sally Conrad.  So, both names are correct!  It was another one of those random memories! 

Third year Day 175 - Friday June 6, 2014

Today is Stephany's 18th birthday!  Wow!  Our baby is now an adult!  We only have adult children now! We celebrated with the family in the morning, because Mark had to leave to Utah by noon.  He had political meetings last night, so we couldn't celebrate early.  So, we had breakfast together and sang, did presents, and blew out the candles; no one wanted cake in the morning:)  It was a nice relaxing morning and we all had fun.  Stephany still isn't feeling well enough to do much.  Arrianne offered to take her to a movie, but that's too long for her.  But, we had hamburgers for dinner (gluten free buns).  It was a splurge, because Stephany and Bridgett are both allergic to beef, but I said for your birthday it won't hurt just this once.  Also we had potato salad, watermelon and corn on the cob.  This is really Stephany's traditional birthday dinner.  I good old summer time meal!  Mark made it to Utah safely.  He has a reunion tomorrow morning, in Goshen.  He will stay at the new place and then plan to visit Scott and Jenn before coming home.  Neither of them will be able to attend the reunion.  Mark took down some beds for the place so when Bridgett and I go down next month we will be set up to stay there.  At the last minute, Arrianne reminded him to take a fan.  He said that when he got there it was 77 in the house, so he was really glad he had the fan to cool him off until the air conditioning could catch up.  We had left everything turned off, including the air conditioning, of course. 

Third year Day 174 - Thursday June 5, 2014

Today I woke up and remembered that during the night I had awakened with an idea.  I will call to the Pulmonary Doctors and talk to an administrator.  Maybe they can get it removed from collection from their end.  Then of course, I remembered that their office is so hard to get a hold of!  The phone number on the statement is for the billing office only, and they almost never answer their phone.  You just get a recording.  Twice before I had to call the hospital to get a phone number, and then you get a menu to choose from and the only extension that ever answers is the gal that schedule appointments, and she mostly doesn't answer either!  I figure they mostly work with people in the hospital, so they don't really have to answer any of the phones!  Whatever!  So, anyway, I called around and finally got a schedule person to answer.  She put me in touch with Teri, who supposedly is the office manager.  I spoke to her and explained the situation.  She looked in the computer and said that she could see that we paid that amount back in 2012, but that the payment wasn't applied to those invoices.  In fact, she couldn't figure out if it had been applied to any invoices.  She said that she would check it out and then get back to me.  I held off on mailing the certified letter, hoping that we just get it worked out from this end and removed from collection.  We'll see! 

Third year Day 173 - Wednesday June 4, 2014

Well, you'll never believe it, but I received a collection letter from the Utah Pulmonary Doctors!  I mean, it was May of 2013 when I received their last bill, and finally got all of the kinks worked out so that would be paid. They had been sending those last three invoices with some of the information missing, but finally did it correctly and the insurance company paid them.  I have EOB's showing the checks they received. Now, they have picked out two little invoices, totaling $234.00, which were paid back in 2012 personally by me, and they have sent those to collection.  They seriously have mayhem in their billing department!! I called the collection agency and tried to explain, offering to fax proof or email it, but they don't accept faxes or emails!  Can you believe that!  Also, they said that I had like less than 20 days to prove to them that I paid the invoices or Bridgett will be sent to collection.  They expect me to send them a detailed letter, along with photocopies to substantiate it.  I said, it's taken over 10 days for me to get your letter. You mean if you don't get this exactly in time, you will send it anyway?  Can't you make a note and give it a few extra days?  There answer was a not friendly NO.  GRRRRR!  It gets so frustrating dealing with these things!  And, I finally thought it was all paid and DONE!  Well, I got the letter written and photocopied up the proof, and now I will have Mark take it and mail it certified tomorrow.  Brother!

Third year Day 172 - Tuesday June 3, 2014

So we got Stephany's heavy metal test back.  One of the practioners thought she might have mercury poisoning, so we did this test.  Actually, her mercury level was fine, but we did find out that she had high levels of lead and cesium.  I've never even heard of cesium!  So, now that we had already had the water tested for mercury and a bunch of other things, we need to test again for these specific metals.  It's all a big puzzle and we are trying to figure it all out!  Today I went online and helped Bridgett apply for the Pathways program in Orem.  Now we will wait and see what happens, but we are excited about it.  Orem is a new location and they don't have an assigned missionary couple yet, so now I am left wondering if they will have enough people sign up and if they will be able to have the program there for sure.  Otherwise, we'd have to pick another location and hope there is room there still.  Well, no sense in worrying.  I'm sure it will all work out.

Third year Day 171 - Monday June 2, 2014

We continue to watch hummingbirds out the large dining room windows.  I'm just loving it, and surprisingly, so is everyone else (even those who didn't like the idea at first).  When I was young and lived in College Station, Texas, we had lots of big windows.  We lived in a beautiful neighborhood, and our place was a block long.  There was a stream flowing through the back edge of the property and there were hundreds of birds daily.  Each morning and evening we could sit and listen to the birds and watch them.  We even had male cardinals (so pretty) and that was so fun to see.  Mom had a big birding book, and we would identify birds.  I really loved that and I have missed seeing so many birds. 

Third year Day 170 - Sunday June 1, 2014

This morning before church, I talked to Bridgett about something a therapist told me long ago regarding TBI.  She said, Bridgett still has all of the information in her brain that she used to have, she just can't access it well.  She said to think back to the old library card catalog drawers.  If someone dumped them all out on the ground (there'd be LOTS of them), and then asked you to find a certain card, would it be hard to do?  Yes, and that is a somewhat simplified explanation of what has happened to Bridgett's brain (and everyone else whose had a severe TBI).  So, she is in the process of reorganizing all of those cards, to get them back in a place where she can find them again.  This takes time.  So, Bridgett and I talked about this.  She understand the concept, although I'm not sure if she can picture the card catalog boxes:)  We went to church today and had an amazing day.  Today was fast Sunday, and right away Bridgett turned to me and asked if she could go up and bear her testimony.  I told her to ask her dad (she was sitting between us).  I wanted to make sure that he approved so he wouldn't say later, why did you let her do that!  Anyway, he said that would be nice and then I panicked and thought, I will just lose it and sob while on the stand with her, so I told her to ask Mark to go up with her, which he did.  When it was her turn, she got up very composedly and greeted everyone and then bore her testimony.  It was amazing!  I was so happy and I was trying very hard not to sob out loud so that everyone would hear me (including Bridgett).  She looked beautiful up there and my heart was so full!  Afterwards, Mark bore his testimony and then they both came back.  My heart had been racing and I had been crying, but I hugged her and I was so proud of her.  Later on I got up as well, after I was more composed.  After the meeting Bridgett wanted to speak to Alicia Stanfill.  Actually during the meeting she said to me, see that women in a red jacket?  That's Sister Stanfill, I can tell from the back.  Sister Stanfill was Bridgett's seminary teacher for two years.  Anyway, Bridgett feels a special closeness with her.  They spoke for a few minutes, and then Bridgett said, I'll see you next week.  Alicia said, oh Bridgett, next week Vern and I will be in Billings (he's an area rep now), but let's do this.  I will think about you and you think about me on next Sunday, OK?  Bridgett was excited and said OK.  We told Mark and the kids later that day.  Bridgett was really excited about it.

Third year Day 169 - Saturday May 31, 2014

Today was our 34th anniversary!  34 wonderful years!  I am so thankful to my husband for everything we share together.  We met when I was 17, so this is the point where I've known him for 2/3 of my life!  We had a great day together! We wanted to go out and eat, but since I'm being really careful with my macrobiotic practice right now, there are not many options.  I can have fish and so salmon was a good choice.  However, every place I called in Bigfork only has sweeten salmon (yuck from my perspective) and so we settled on Applebee's in Kalispell.  Nothing fancy, but good.  We also wanted to look at some decking at Home Depot, so it all worked out.  It seemed fun (and weird) to take our time shopping, and eating out together.  Scott called the house and the kids told him we were gone to town alone and he said WHAT?  Hah!  Jenn was also amazed!  But, it was very nice to just get to be alone and talk and not to have to rush back for something.  Later on in the evening, we all played a game of hand and foot (cards) with the kids.  All in all it was a very fun, and relaxing day.  Thanks honey for 34 amazing years!  I told the kids that when we got married, we thought it was so weird that people said after so many years they loved each other more than they did before.  We loved each other so much, I just couldn't picture it.  Well, after 34 years, what we realize is that we love each other just as much (which is probably saying a lot to people now a days!), but now we can say that we survived that many years together as well.  We made it through the hard times, we pulled together when we could have pulled apart, we worked together to work things out, and well, we just hung in there and worked to keep that love alive!  I love you so much honey!

Third year Day 168 - Friday May 30, 2014

Today was my mother-in-laws 83rd birthday.  Happy Birthday Beth!  We called and sang to her; she's amazing and going strong!  A funny thing happened today.  Bridgett went into my room to take a nap.  She often feels chilly (her internal thermostat has not ever really normalized since the wreck) so she kept her hoodie on, as always.  I had to sneak into the room and I saw that she had pulled the string tight so that the hoodie was covering her face all the way, with only her nose peeking out!  It looked hilarious and I had a hard time not laughing out loud! 

Third year Day 167 - Thursday May 29, 2014

Today was a hectic day for sure!  Mark stayed home in the morning and played games with Bridgett.  I took Stephany into town for appointments.  First we went to Vern's and saw him about many issues.  Second we went to Dr. Stebbins for a retainer check.  Everything was fine there and he said maybe get a new set of retainers before fall.  Then we went next door to Dr. Colonna's office.  So, Stephany has needed to get this taken care of for a long time, but during the time she had braces, there was a problem. Dr. Han had to remove one of the clear brackets on an upper tooth, and when he did that, part of the enamel was pulled off.  He did a temporary fix on the tooth, and then said that we needed to see a dentist to get it fixed for real, after Stephany's braces were off.  This of course caused Stephany stress and worry when she actually had all of the brackets removed. However, Dr. Stebbins removed them himself and there was no problem. So, when we saw Dr. Colonna today he explained that the "break" in the tooth was actually very significant.  He kept calling it a fracture.  I finally said, you mean the tooth actually broke?  He said, actually, yes.  It broke up under the gum and it was a significant break.  It took him about an hour to get it fixed.  It was a little nerve racking to sit there and watch (and worry!).  Sometimes I wish I could turn off that worry part of the mind!  Anyway, it finally was finished and we were able to head home, after stopping for a few groceries.  At least its done now, finally!  Stephany was putting it off because she was worried about it.  Also, Dr. Hans temporary "fix" was doing just fine so there was no worry about hurrying it up, at least that we could see.  Stephany had to get feeling good enough to go in to get it done.  She doesn't feel that good yet, but at least good enough to get it fixed finally.  BTW Dr. Stebbins office is paying Dr. Colonna's bill.  Thanks Dr. Stebbins:) 

Third year Day 166 - Wednesday May 28, 2014

Bridgett always used to have her special names she called me (sweet, nice names) and sometimes I miss having her call me those names.  Today I said to her, do you remember the name you used to call me?  She said, mother dearest!  She remembered!  So, she called me that and I do love the sound of that name:)  If only she spontaneously did that from time to time again....

Third year Day 165 - Tuesday May 27, 2014

I forgot to mention that I ordered a hummingbird feeder from Amazon and put it up.  I love birds and love to watch them. The feeder is the Aspects 407 Jewel Box Window Hummingbird Feeder.  It attaches by suction to the window and the birds then are so close and fun to watch.  Everyone has been enjoying watching them!  We have seen so many differents hummingbirds already.  Also we are able to see first hand that they are territorial.  One will come and when a second one comes up the first one leaves.  Sometimes they chase each other away.  Almost all of the time you can see a bird if you just wait for a few minutes.  My chair at the table is directly opposite the feeder, so I have a great view. Of course, I'm the one who really loves watching:)  I have my Audubon Society field guide to birds of North America, and I have been looking them up.  However, there are many different variations, that's for sure!  Some are just gorgeous (males).  Anyway, its been fun for me and relaxing as well!  Bridgett says neat but could really care less:)

Third year Day 164 - Monday May 26, 2014

Memorial Day.  Quiet day here.  We puttered around the yard and Mark did some scraping of paint on the eves off the back deck.  We played monopoly and lived through it.  Actually it was farmopoly; Bridgett and I bought it for Mark a while back and its our first time playing it.  There are so many different versions of monopoly!  Bridgett has dogopoly, from the dog.  The hardest thing was figuring out if you had been landed on, because everyone knows the properties on the original monopoly and we didn't have a clue on these ones:)

Third year Day 163 - Sunday May 25, 2014

Today was another day that Bridgett felt good enough to go to church.  She was able to sit through most of the meeting, and then Mark again walked with her in the halls.  Stephany and Arrianne were able to go to church at the singles ward in Lakeside for the second week in a row.  Stephany still has bad mornings, but by the time church starts there she is able to attend since its in the afternoon.  YES!

Third year Day 162 - Saturday May 24, 2014

Today Bridgett sat down and played the piano, which she does from time to time.  She turned to me and said, aren't the top line of notes "every good boy does fine" and the bottom line of notes "good boys do fine always"?  Yes!  She remembers those little phrases to that everyone learns to remind them of the names of the notes on the staff.  This is the first time she's remembered that, and spontaneously too!  I have never reminded her of that since the wreck.  Bridgett took piano lessons from a woman here in Ferndale her senior year.  I wonder if she has any openings and would be willing to work with Bridgett again.  Of course, I use to teach piano, but it's just hard to be everything to everybody!  I have lots of responsibilites, many of which cannot be passed to someone else, so if I can find someone to help out with some things, I'm going to!

Third year Day 161 - Friday May 23, 2014

Today Bridgett remembered that there is a creek on our property in town at the log house.  She all of the sudden remembered the creek and the willow trees and the "tree house" they had out there.  We talked about walking in the fields with the cows and horses and climbing the trees, etc.  It was very fun for her to remember and think of all of the fun times the kids had there in the field.  She has now also remembered walking the barbed wire fence, checking the electric fence, riding the four wheeler, feeding the cows, etc.  Yes!!  It's not like she remembers big blocks of her life though.  She just remembers little bits and pieces, here and there, etc.  There is still a whole lot she hasn't remembered yet, but as she still is remembering things every day or so, we are still very hopeful that she will eventually remember many things about her life. 

Third year Day 160 - Thursday May 22, 2014

I was listening to some music today and happened to listen to Lovely Rita Meter Maid by the Beatles.  Anyway, remember how they say "military" man, kind of like militry?  Well, that's how Bridgett always likes to pronoun it, although she knows its not the way that every one else would say it; she just likes the way it sounds.  When she heard the Beatles sing it that way, she said, I love the Beatles!  I just love it that they talk like I do!  

Third year Day 159 - Wednesday May 21, 2014

Today Bridgett had one of her days where she was asking me a lot of deep doctrinal questions.  She is funny because she says, I'm sorry, but I just want to know!  Today she said, I'm sorry for asking so many questions but it's not like God's my right hand man and I can just ask Him questions whenever I want!!  AAhhhhh, never a dull moment with Bridgett around!  So, anyway, as always, I tried to answer the questions that I could and then finally I told her that some things we just don't know the answers to and probably won't in this life! 

Third year Day 158 - Tuesday May 20, 2014

Another appointment with Dr. Jen Hawes today.  All of my girls have such messed up hormones!  It's hard to understand since I never had any problems when I was young.  But, we just work to adjust things as we can.  All of them are on various supplements to regulate their hormones.  Bridgett did try going on birth control pills after losing her ovary, but had disastrous results.  She was on two different pills, but both made her feel like she was morning sick all of the time (sounds familiar, right, just like I am when I am pregnant), and she was actually so nauseous that she even vomited off and on.  She was just miserable all of the time, and finally had to quit her job because she missed so many days.  At length, she came home to Montana and spent several months here so that I could help her.  Final outcome---stop taking the pill.  Now, after trying to regulate everyone without birth control pills for so long, we are at the point to deciding to try it.  Especially for Arrianne, who has had years of problems, and is now at the point of having a couple of days a month that she's entirely useless.  Migraines, etc.  We have tried everything natural under the sun, to no avail.  So, she finally tried the pill and made it for 10 days and had to stop.  I know it takes a bit of time to adjust, but she had horrible migraines every day and terrible cramping, spotting, face breaking out, etc. the entire time.  So, she needed to stop.  We met with Jen today to get another answer, which was to switch to something else.  Apparently the amount of estrogen in the pill she was taking it too high and so she will switch to something else next month.  Arrianne is going to be the guinea pig for the girls.  We'll see how she does and if all goes well, we'll try it for the other girls:)  Bridgett and Arrianne have the profile of PCOS, Polycystic ovary syndrome.  Bummer!

Third year Day 157 - Monday May 19, 2014

Today Stephany did a test for Mercury in her body.  The test was a four hour test and then had to be picked up by FedEx and sent to the lab.  It was a strange thing about the pick up.  I scheduled it last week, and so we could plan which day to do it.  They said that they could never pick it up after 12:00, and we couldn't finish the test before 12:00, so I had to schedule to have it picked up the next day (Tuesday).  Then it turned out that the local guys called this afternoon and said they could never pick it up before 2:00 and so it would have to be later tomorrow. Whatever!  Apparently the toll free number guys are not too good about knowing what the local guys really do!  The test has been mailed now, and we will await the results.  Meanwhile, Mark got a sample kit from ME Labs, so that he could test the water.  We have been needing to do that for a while but just haven't gotten around to it.  So, we'll see what the water sample shows.

Third year Day 156 - Sunday May 18, 2014

It's kind of amazing in a cool way, that every Sunday Bridgett wakes up and knows it is Sunday.  She always wants to get ready for church, but sometimes after getting ready she is in too much pain to go to church:(  But at least her intent is to go.  Also, sometimes by the time we get to church she is feeling less than good.  There has only been twice that we had to turn around and go back without going inside.  Or, many times she gets there and after 30 minutes she is completely done in and needs to leave.  Today she made it through most of the meeting, and only had to get up and walk for the last 15 minutes.  Mark offered to walk with her and so around and around the building they went.  Our hallways go around the entire building, go it is a perfect course for walking:)

Third year Day 155 - Saturday May 17, 2014

Today I spent some time on the internet, researching about Namenda and Aricept. It turns out that Aricept has the fewest side effects and actually I was very concerned about the side effects of the Namenda. I will talk to Faith about it; for now, we will just wait and see.  Actually, I should get a hold of Bob and Glenda and get their opinion as well. 

Third year Day 154 - Friday May 16, 2014

This morning the girls stayed home and Mark drove me into the cemetery to Chris's grave.  I know that the tulips I bought won't last too long, but I do want to leave them there anyway.  I forgot to explain that one reason why I had a hard time finding the grave is that there isn't a headstone there yet.  However, Julie said that there is a solar light and a little flag at the head of the grave.  She also gave me marker number and row, but I called and talked to the cemetery and they said you need three coordinates to find the grave.  Although he explained the location, I left those notes home accidentally, but Mark drove almost exactly to the spot and we only wandered around looking for about one minute before finding it.  Last night I sat in the beauty of the cemetery and had some tears of love and remembrance.  I was a little more subdued today.  I placed the tulips and then got a few pictures.  Mom asked me to send her a picture and so while I was at it I sent one to Julie as well.  Apparently she, Stratton, and Kennedy are leaving this weekend to Utah for a couple of weeks. 

Third year Day 153 - Thursday May 15, 2014

This morning Bridgett had an appointment with Dr. Bret Lindsay in Kalispell.  We really like him.  Bridgett was funny as always.  First of all, the nurse was a man and when we got into the examination room, there were two of those stools that roll.  He went to sit on one and she said she wanted to sit on the other one instead of the regular chair.  Then she proceeded to just have a great time rolling around the room and chatting, and laughing with the nurse. When Dr. Lindsay came in, she had a great time talking to him.  I was remembering when she first met with him, how she couldn't sit for more than like five minutes.  Then every time she has been better about sitting and talking.  The last time we saw him, about nine months ago, she probably sat for like 20 minutes and talked to him.  So today we were there for like almost an hour and she sat for the entire time and talked to him.  I even offered to have Mark walk with her (so I could take alone with Dr. Lindsay) but she declined and said that she was doing just fine and could stay in the room.  So, I didn't talk alone with him!  Anyway, we talked about more physical therapy for Bridgett.  I told him that for the past two months, Bridgett has been telling me that she wants to swim this summer, twice every day, out to the sand bar in our bay.  Of course, she can't swim without more physical therapy, because of her neck. Really, her neck is doing so much better, but the muscles are weak and need to be strengthened. He gave us a prescription for that.  Next we talked about speech therapy, which at this point we would do strictly for help with memory and cognition.  He gave us a prescription for that. He said that Lynn Beauclair, who we saw before, is probably the best in the valley in that regard. Next we talked about medication.  The Aricept did not work out for her so he gave us another prescription to try called Namenda, which he said had fewer side effects.  However, he did say that with her intermittent dizziness problems, it might not work.  I will go home and read more about it.  We asked him about a psyiatrist that Richard Taylor told us about, and he said he'd set up an appointment with her for us.  She apparently does some kind of brain stimulation.  We don't know much about it, but we will meet with her and talk about it.  We briefly talked about weight issues, and he said that many people have problems with weight after a brain injury.  He had no other suggestions about that.  So ended our appointment with Dr. Lindsay.  Later in the evening I had an appointment at the stake center for an interview;  I met with President Thorderson.  He started out by saying that he had just had a text message from Brita.  That got me thinking about Bridgett and texting.  I really miss those days of talking on the phone with her and texting her about things.  It made me sad to think about it and so I tried not to dwell on it too much.  At the stake center, I saw several of my friends and got to visit really quick with them, including Meridel Barden (big hugs!), Jill Reichner, Anita Bergman and Bob and Ginny Reed.  Oh, right before my interview, I stopped and got some beautiful tulips and went to the Conrad Cemetery and tried to find Chris's grave.  Remember that I was here when he passed, but the funeral was delayed and I had to leave and take Bridgett to Utah as she was in such pain.  Otherwise I would have cancelled and stayed here.  Anyway, I never have been to the cemetery, and I have been thinking about it for about a month and wanting to go.  I tried to follow Mark's description, but couldn't find the grave.  I finally left and will try again with Mark. 

Third year Day 152 - Wednesday May 14, 2014

Today Bridgett said, didn't we use to go down the river, down bumpy, wavy water, in this thing that we could all sit in, that was gray and wasn't an inner tube.  I said, do you remember what it is called and she thought for a minute and then said a raft.  Yes!  She described it as light gray with dark gray..correct!  She couldn't remember the word for rapids, but when I gave her the clue of starts with an r, she got it.  Then she couldn't remember where we would go, so I told her down the North Fork.  It's cool when she remembers these things! 

Third year Day 151 - Tuesday May 13, 2014

Today Bridgett remembered that she used to have in her room at the log house (that she shared with Arrianne when she was younger) a long ribbon hanging on the wall with all of their hair bows on it.  She named many of the colors and described some of the different ones.  She could even picture where it was hanging in their room.  Cool!, but random memories:)

Third year Day 150 - Monday May 12, 2014

Today I got a hold of Witheys Health Food Store about buying cashew butter for Bridgett.  Since she is allergic to peanut butter and almond butter we are trying to find a substitute for her.  Her favorite snack is apples with peanut butter, or I should say was peanut butter.  Anyway, we tried sun butter (made with sunflower seeds) but she didn't like that.  We tried several brands.  Next we tried cashew butter and she liked it.  It's pretty expensive, but Joe Withey offered to let us buy it by the case, so I am going to do that.  The bottles are half the size of almond butter for the same price.  Whatever.  So, my only question now is, will she be prone to getting allergic to cashews easier since she is allergic to other nuts.  Note to self....find out!

Third year Day 149 - Sunday May 11, 2014

Today is Mother's Day.  Arrianne stayed home with the girls and I got to go to church with Mark.  It was great to have a chance to be at church, as it has been many weeks since I got to go and even longer since I got to sit through an entire meeting!  Afterwards, the girls and I cooked together and we had a very nice lunch.  I was able to call and talk to my mother, who I love so much.  I got to take a nap (woo hoo) and talk to Jenn and Jaclyn.  The kids played games with Mark and me in the evening.  Mark and the kids bought me a fushia for the front porch and also flowers to plant outside in the back deck planters and I'm excited to get that done.  He and I will go to the nursery by Swan River school  this week and find out why all of my annuals that I plant on the porch seem to die....

Third year Day 148 - Saturday May 10, 2014

Today Bridgett suddenly remembered the movie "Pete's Dragon" and started telling me things and asking a few questions.  For instance, isn't it Pete's dragon that flies to rescue that lady's boy friend?  What's the dragon's name.  I didn't tell her right off and had her think about it and then she remembered Elliott.  Usually if I don't give her the answer and she takes a bit to think about it, she remembers the answer.  Sometimes I may have to give her the first letter of something and then she remembers the name of it or whatever.  Overall she remembers words and names pretty well.  People from the past...not so much.  Their names, yes. But actual incidents, no.  That is not many of those incidents, but more and more all of the time.  I remember talking on the phone to one of the corporate people with Bridgett's health insurance.  The lady said that her sister was 16 years old, crossing the highway on foot in the fog, and struck by a semi.  She said that her sister has never remembered anything before the accident, and it is now 20 years later.  She said the sad thing is that their mother died a couple of years before the accident, and so she doesn't remember anything about her mother.  She said that when they all get together, the sister gets mad if they talk about the past, because she doesn't remember anything about it.  Actually, I think that has helped Bridgett, to talk about stories from the past.  Maybe if that girl's mother had been alive, she would have helped her remember things, but who knows.  I'm just glad that Bridgett is remembering things, even if it is slowly.....

Third year Day 147 - Friday May 9, 2014

Bridgett has been feeling just kind of exhausted lately. Overall she is not having a bunch of pain, just not feeling good especially by evening.  She is eating very carefully and overall is having fewer stomach aches.  It's hard to pin point some things because they could be attributed to brain issues or actually other issues.  I will keep watching it and discuss it with her doctor if it keeps up.  Her hormones are way off and that might be the cause.  We have an appointment set up for the 20th to discuss hormone issues.....

Third year Day 146 - Thursday May 8, 2014

Today Bridgett remembered about grandma Noland's big bean bag that she used to have in the living room.  You could fit several people on it and everyone loved to have the chance to sink into the softness!  I guess that every time we went to grandma's house, it was a favorite spot for all of the kids.  I'm glad she remembers!

Third year Day 145 - Wednesday May 7, 2014

Arrianne's day to get her teeth cleaned.  Bridgett helped me out today, organizing some things around the house.  Actually Bridgett used to love organizing anything and everything.  She still talks about organizing my whole library of books, alphabetically.  I have things in sections of books, like nutrition, religion, parenting, etc.  She usually would come home from Utah and reorganize all of the movies we own, sometimes to the consternation of everyone else, haha. She actually had a real knack for doing that.  I have suggested her helping me many times over the past couple of years, but she usually doesn't feel good enough to really want to do it.  But, today she was enthusiastic and helpful.  We got quite a bit done, and hopefully over this summer we can get lots more done:)

Third year Day 144 - Tuesday May 6, 2014

Today Stephany had a dentist appointment in Whitefish, to get her teeth cleaned.  Arrianne and Bridgett had fun at home while we were gone. It's so nice to have Arrianne around!  They have such a good time together!  We are all having a great time together actually!  Today Bridgett remembered singing together as a family at reunion almost every year, when they have a talent segment.  She remembered the song...."One Tin Soldier" that our family would sing (among others). Mark taught that song to all of us and we really ham it up...especially Mark and the kids! 

Third year Day 143 - Monday May 5, 2014

Cinco de Mayo. When I talked to Bridgett about taking a college class this fall, her first response was, great, now I can make some friends!  She asked if she could get her phone working again so that she can text people:)  That's our Bridgett talking right there!  She was a texting queen!  She even sometimes would text people in her sleep!  I talk in my sleep and sometimes walk in my sleep, as do some of my kids, but I think that Bridgett is the only one in our family who texts in her sleep.  Kind of weird the next day, based on who you texted in your sleep and what you said:)