This is Melanie...I just wanted to post another sweet miracle that happened a couple days ago.  Most of you know that I had been teaching McKennlie piano for a few years before her accident.  Since returning home from the hospital, I've tried a couple times to get her to play.  She does really well with her right hand, but not so much with the left.  It's amazing to me that she still can read music and she remembers everything she was taught, she just can't get her lefty to do what she wants it to.  At first, it was all she could do to hold her left hand still while resting it on the keys, so we'd leave it alone for a week or so then try again.  Every time we'd try it would improve a little each time.  Well, I'm happy to report that for the first time, she played a song with both hands together, on beat, and I even played a duet part with her!  I cried and cried tears of joy and gratitude, and squeezed her so tight.  She was so happy.  She is now starting back into her lessons once a week.  She's back one level from where she was before, but I KNOW she'll get back to it.  The doctors say the piano will make huge improvements for her brain.  They are so pleased.  She had her 6 month checkup yesterday and everyone was amazed as usual.  Since we've used all of our visits for outpatient therapy, we are taking it upon ourselves to be her full-time therapists.  Chris does PT with her, Cheryn, Chris' Mom, will be in charge of Speech, and I will be doing piano and OT.  We are so thankful for the continued miracles we are seeing.  Thank you to all that continue to pray for our angel.  We are still feeling so much love and support.  We love you all!!

November 11, 2012

What another great week! McKennlie had a great week at school! She is doing awesome with her work and loves being able to be around her friends everyday! She played in the snow yesterday and had a ball. She continues to learn new things everyday and today she jump roped for the first time since her injury! McKennlie is still willing to help or do what her mom and dad ask of her. She is our miracle girl and teaches us what faith, trust, and miracles are each day!

November 1, 2012

Hello everyone.  This is Melanie.  I just wanted to post an update on McKennlie.  If anyone would have told Chris and I in the hospital, that in 4 and a half months McKennlie would be walking around trick or treating all by herself, I don't know if we would have believed it.  Well everyone, she continues to amaze us everyday.  Halloween was so much fun.  We are so grateful that our sweet little girls got to hang out all night walking together from house to house trick or treating.  I definitely look at things a lot differently now.  I'm so grateful for every little thing.  Things I would never have thought twice about like walking up to a doorstep without falling, and McKennlie being able to walk longer than Bella without getting tired.  McKennlie is now attending school full time, even on therapy days!  Of course, she exceeded my goal of her getting back to full time school in January.  She never waits for anyone.  Through this entire trial she has always been steps ahead of where everyone told her she would be.  Today at physical therapy, her therapist did a few things that she hasn't done with her in weeks to see how much she has improved.  I couldn't believe how her balance had improved from the last time.  Where before she would kneel on one knee and completely lose her balance.  She would only be able to hold her position for a few seconds before one of us had to help hold her up as she hit a ball.  Today she stayed strong the entire time without wavering at all.  She would hit 10 balls kneeling on one knee, then switch to the other side.  Just her entire movement in her body is improving from week to week. I continue to get assignments out of her back pack with 100%  written on a lot of the pages, and she completely rocks at her multiplication. I can't even begin to explain how grateful Chris and I are for the continued service that we receive on a daily basis.  SO many things that have not gone unnoticed.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  Thank you for the all the prayers, and love you have given.  Please continue to pray for our angel.  We're not there yet, but certainly on our way!

September 28, 2012

 Okay blog followers I am repenting for not writing for so long! McKennlie continues to improve daily! Some of her new accomplishments include being able to run! You heard right she can run! She also had her voice tested again to see how nasally it is and she has dropped from the seventies down to the teens! Which is awesome because it means that her voice is being pushed from her diaphragm and not through her nose! She has also started back to school for a few hours a week by herself! McKennlie loves it, but it is hard on Mel to just leave her! She also was able to visit her friends down at PCMC and she is a bit of a rock star down there! They are always AMAZED at how great our miracle girl is doing! Thank you for you for your continued prayers, concern, and faith in our behalf! We love you!

September 16, 2012

Sorry that it has been a week since the last update! McKennlie is still continuing to improve and is showing everyone what a modern day miracle looks like! Her walking has become much more steady and she also is moving much faster! She is all over the place by herself and loves the freedom that gives her! She has been able to go back to good 'ol Hooper Elementary twice this week (once for computers and once for library)! She has enjoyed seeing her friends and going to school but it wears her out fast and so they are going to continue to take her twice a week and try to stay for longer each time to help her to build up some stamina.  McKennlie also was able to attend all 3 hours of church for the first time and loved going to primary! Another thing that she has learned to do is JUMP! We are so glad that our girl is getting stronger and healthier each day! We are and will be eternally grateful for the miracle that has changed each of our lives forever! Thank you again for your prayers and faith in McKennlie's behalf they have been heard, felt, and answered!

September 9, 2012

McKennlie had a very good week this week! She was able to start her at home school. She is doing very well and has remembered a lot of her knowledge and anything she has forgotten only takes a quick reminder and she is back on track! She also was able to go to her friends birthday party and had a ball with her friends and seemed to love every minute of it! They are continuing to focus alot in therapy on balance and McKennlie is improving every week! Tomorrow she is going to school for a bit to do computers with her class! She will do great and I am sure that it will be so fun to see her classmates! Keep the prayers coming! All of your faith and prayers are helping McKennlie heal!

September 6, 2012

McKennlie is still doing really well! She continues to do therapy everyday! Sometimes at home and sometimes at therapy! They have been spending most of their time at PT focusing on balance and retraining her twitch muscles how to rebalance herself! She is now walking by herself all over the house! The other night she was wandering from room to room and Chris asked her " what are you doing?" and she said " I just like walking!". It is so great to she her become more and more independent! She also started her at home school this week! We are so grateful for the continued progress and for all of your love, prayers, and support! Keep those prayers coming!

September 2, 2012

McKennlie is still doing great and is improving everyday! She is super funny and makes us and herself laugh! She is still going to therapy and works really hard to listen and do what the therapists ask!  So many people are continuing to do so many awesome things for this family! Multiple people are doing fundraiser items for them tomorrow at Tomato Days in Hooper to! Make sure to go check out these awesome chicken coops! Yes you heard me right chicken coops! Only in Hooper ;) ! They look amazing!!!!

August 30, 2012

McKennlie has had a great few days and continues to make strides towards a full recovery. At physical therapy she was able to do some amazing things! She not only walked on the treadmill at a higher speed but sideways and backwards as well! She also learned how to stand up by herself from a sitting position on the floor! We are so glad that Caleb is here and their family is loving having the baby brother home! Please continue to pray for McKennlie and also for her family! They sure have a lot on their plate right now and could really use our Heavenly Fathers help! McKennlie gets to start home school next week and I am sure she will show all of us how smart and amazing she is!

Here is the info for the Golf Tournament!!! Check it out!!! Should be great fun!!!

August 27, 2012

Caleb Christopher Provost has officially arrived!!! He was born at 10 am this morning. Caleb weighed in at 6 lbs 4oz and was 20 1/2 inches long! He and Mel are both doing great and he has tons of dark hair and is absolutely adorable!!! McKennlie and Bella both were able to hold him and they love him to pieces! He decided he could not wait until this morning to start coming! Mel started contracting last night and they went to the hospital at 2:30 am!!!! We are so happy to have this little man join the awesome Provost family!! Congrats to Chris and Mel!

August 26, 2012

McKennlie has had a great couple of days! She was able to get herself out of the car walk up the stairs into the house and then walk to her room and change into her pj's by herself! She is getting so much stronger and is continuing to learn and master new things! Baby Caleb is going to make his arrival very soon! We all can't wait to hold the newest member of the Provost family!

August 24, 2012

McKennlie has officially graduated to water and drinks it all the time and loves it! She is doing great with it and is not coughing or choking! Way to go McKennlie! Her walking has also become much more stable and she is practicing a ton! They have all of her outpatient therapy scheduled and most weeks she has therapy 3 days a week! This weeks major excitement is the pending arrival of baby Caleb!  

August 22, 2012

McKennlie has had a busy couple of days! She was able to go meet her fourth grade teacher and see where her desk is! She is not going to be attending regular school just yet, but it was fun for her to be able to go see her new class for this year! She will start her at home schooling just after Labor day and she is excited to be able to have her third grade teacher Mrs. Goldsberry for her tutor! This week she also has her evaluations for outpatient PT and OT. Mel is still hanging in and baby Caleb is still hanging out which is great because Bella started 1st grade today!!! Keep praying for our girl! Also one of Chris's good friend has put together a benefit golf tournament for their family!

September 21^st at 8:00 at Glen Eagle Golf Course in Syracuse. Sign in starts at 7:30.

$60 per player and that includes 18 holes, cart, lunch and prizes.

The tournament will be a 4 man scramble and you need to get your own team.

To register or for questions please call Jake Raymond 801-549-8685. Must be registered bySeptember 7^th.

August 19, 2012

Here are a few pics from the PARTY! If you have any please email them to tyler@buxtonmasonry.com. Thank you to everyone who came and helped it was a great night! McKennlie is walking so great that Chris and Mel have stopped counting! What an awesome weekend and here's to an amazing week to come! We are now on Caleb countdown!! I think he will come this coming weekend! You are all welcome to guess! Lets see who can get the closest ;)!!!!

August 18, 2012

What an amazing party for an amazing girl! McKennlie had a great time seeing all of her friends and family and so did Chris and Mel! A huge thank you to everyone who helped and put in so much effort to make sure that McKennlie had an awesome party! McKennlie was even treated to her very own fireworks show because she missed the 4th and 24th of July! She loved every minute of it and even came inside after and raised her record on steps by herself to 78! She is such a trooper and keeps working so hard! I will post some pics of the party tomorrow:)!  We are so grateful for all the amazing people that surround this family and serve them and love them!

August 16, 2012

There are good days and then there are great days. Today was a great day! McKennlie went down for her first out patient therapy today and did amazing! She really likes her new therapists and was able to show them how much she can really do! She was able to walk 65 steps on her own today! It is AMAZING to watch her go! She is getting so much stronger and her balance is getting tons better everyday! Chris and Mel are SO OVERWHELMED with how wonderful everyone has been to their family! Tomorrow is the PARTY and we can't wait for you all to see how great our girl is doing and tell each of you how grateful we are for such great friends and family! The address to Chris and Mel's is 6273 W 5300 S Hooper! 6-8 Tomorrow see you all there!

August 14, 2012

Today was awesome! Mel went to the doctor and baby Caleb is doing great he is 6 lbs and all looks well!  Mel is hanging strong and doing awesome with all the stress! McKennlie had a funeral today for her honey bear that she has been having to drink from and she said "goodbye forever that's all"! She was not sad to see him go! McKennlie also had an all time record of steps by herself today of 24!!!!!! Way to go McKennlie! Before long we are going to have to chase her down! Also don't forget the PARTY on Friday from 6-8! Love you all and thanks for praying for our girl!

August 12, 2012

Today I asked McKennlie what she thought I should write on the blog and she said "nothing"!  Then she thought about it for a minute and said "I took 12 steps by myself"! I think that is definitely blog worthy! Okay so we are changing the welcome home party yet again. Now it will be Friday August 17th from 6-8. If everyone would please bring a treat to share that would be great! Mel and baby are still doing great and she goes back to the doctor on Tuesday and I will keep you posted.

August 11, 2012

We have the most fabulous news ever today! McKennlie is officially home!!! They came home last night. McKennlie had HOSPITALITIS bad and Chris and Mel decided it was time to bring their little girl home! They are all so happy to be home and sleeping in their own beds! McKennlie has figured out how to crawl just since they arrived home last night!  Woooohooo! We are still planning on the party for McKennlie on Wednesday August 15th from 6-8 pm at Chris and Mel's backyard!

August 9,2012

Today marks the two month mark from the day of the accident. It is amazing to think back through all the tears, smiles, blessings,  heart stopping moments, relief, graditude and every other emotion you can imagine! We are so grateful that we are where we are today and that McKennlie has come so far towards her recovery. Yesterday McKennlie said " I took 6 steps and I have 6 days until I get to go home"! We are all so overwhelmed with all of the tender mercies from each of you and from our Father in Heaven. We are going to be having a BIG SURPRISE PARTY for McKennlie next Wednesday August 15th it will start at 6:30 and go until 8:30. We will be having it in Chris and Mel's backyard. They would love to see all of the people they love so much and we know you all can't wait to see McKennlie!

August 8, 2012

McKennlie worked hard again today! She said that she has HOSPITALITIS! She was able to stand by herself and balance for one minute and 30 seconds today! Way to go McKennlie! They are still planning on coming home on August 15th and we are so excited to have them all back home!  Keep praying that she will be able to walk! We know that with Heavenly Fathers help she can do anything!

August 7, 2012

Today was another great day! McKennlie was able to push her wheelchair instead of ride in it on the way to therapy! First she pushed a big yellow lab which is amazing for two reasons. First McKennlie does not like dogs and usually will not allow one within ten feet of her and second she was walking!!!  After the puppy push she was able to push her dad the rest of the way to the therapy room! She was able to have more water today and really loved it! I think by the time she goes home she will be able to have whatever food and drink she wants! ( if she can get it past her mom ;) ) Mel went to the doctor today and baby Caleb is doing great he is up to 5 lbs 11 oz. and Mel is doing great too! They are thinking August 27th he will be making his grand entrance to the Provost fam!

August 6, 2012

McKennlie had a good day today. Lisa her physical therapist was back and she really made McKennlie work hard today! McKennlie showed her new found balance standing and she even started to step to correct her balance when she would start to tip. She did amazing in music therapy today and played some tunes on the keyboard. She is a little frustrated with lefty because the small motor skills have not quite caught up to her right, but we know they will!  Sara Jäger ( one of McKennlie's doctors from the PICU) came to see her today and was so impressed with McKennlie and how she is doing! She also brought McKennlie some hair bows for her birthday! McKennlie's miracle has touched so many lives and we are so grateful that McKennlie is willing to do hard things! Count down to coming home is on and we can't wait to bring our girl home and for this sweet family to be able to be together!

August 5, 2012

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIRACLE GIRL MCKENNLIE! McKennlie had an awesome day today.  She was able to go to her newest cousin Kate's baby blessing and see the Strong family. She had a great time and loved just hanging out and seeing her family. Then they jumped  in the car and drove from Eagle Mountain to Roy to see the Provost side! She had pizza and loved every second of it! She had a special cake that Grandma and Grandpa Provost had made for her that was covered in soccer ball rings! As I sat and watched McKennlie blow all 9 candles out on her cake I just kept thinking how blessed we are to have this sweet girl still here today. I know without any doubt that her healing is a miracle from a loving Heavenly Father who hears and answers our prayers. I can not wait for all the birthdays and other special occasions we will be able to share with our sweet McKennlie!

August 4, 2012

Today was day one in McKennlie's birthday extravaganza weekend! She started with therapy of course! She was able to conquer the computer game she has been working on in speech. McKennlie was able in PT to stand balancing by herself for 24 seconds!!! It is the first step in gaining strength and balance to be able to walk! She went to Brave today with Bella and Chris and Mel. She loved it and was able to go to dinner at Tucano's! Yummy! Tomorrow is her 9th birthday and you can bet the celebrations will continue!

VOLLEYBALL CAMP TOMORROW!

Hey all you McKennlie fans don't forget about they volleyball camp tomorrow August 4, 2012 at 8:00 am  Ben Lomond High School! $40.00 is the fee for the camp and the first 50 people there get a free HELP HEAL MCKENNLIE t-shirts! This is another great way to help the Provost family!

August 2, 2012

McKennlie had a good day today. She really liked music therapy today. She has been working on drumming the beat of different songs with her hands and keeping on the rhythm. Today they had her keep the beat with her feet while walking. She did great and it was a lot of fun! Her teachers came for a visit today (kindergarten, 3rd, and 4th grade). They were able to watch McKennlie in speech therapy and see all the work that out girl has been doing! We are excited for this weekend. McKennlie's newest cousin Kate is going to be blessed Sunday and it is McKennlie's 9th birthday! Maybe she will get the gift of walking ;)! Keep praying for our girl!

August 1, 2012

McKennlie had another swallow test today. We were all hoping that she would pass nectar because that was the goal that the speech therapists had set for her for when she goes home.  But in true McKennlie fashion she not only passed for nectar but for liquids as well!! She was able to have water today for the first time since the accident! In PT today they had her doing crunches on the exercise ball. Ouch! She did awesome! We all are praying for another miracle for our girl that she will be able to walk when we leave in 2 weeks! I truly believe that she will because the determination of this girl is like nothing I have ever witnessed before. Please pray for her and this amazing family that Heavenly Father will allow them this tender mercy.

July 31,2012

POOL TIME!

We want a pitcher ;)

Get down and give me 20!

Catch Dad!

Sorry blog followers I was a major slacker yesterday! But on the bright side today was a great day and I have pics to post! McKennlie had an amazing day in therapy and continues to get stronger each day! One of the things that kids with her type of injury tend to struggle with is their short term memory. This is not the case with McKennlie.  She has an amazing memory and will memorize different things they teach her in therapy and then later in the day she will repeat it back to the therapists.  Her small motor skills continue to improve on both hands and she is now able to hit a ball that Chris pitches to her! She was able to go to the pool for PT today and absolutely loved it! She is getting very good at the trike, push ups on the exercise ball, and rolling.  McKennlie's speech continues to get stronger and some of the sounds that were difficult she is mastering! Keep the prayers coming and THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all you are doing for this family!

July 29, 2012

McKennlie was able to have another ride pass today and it was time to visit the grandparents!  She walked into Grandma's and said "it smells good"! She ate and ate and then ate some more! She is able to eat all by herself now and loves a good meal! It is so good to see her having fun and being her! We are excited for this week and feel like there are great things on the horizon! Keep the prayers coming.  We are on the count down to coming home!!

July 28, 2012

Today was such a fun day! McKennlie did therapy this morning and worked on strengthening her left arm. Then she went to the zoo and had an awesome time! She loved seeing all the animals and having her buddy Brendan push her around the zoo in her wheelchair. He was pushing her up a big hill and she told him to put his back into it! She is so funny and happy and it is awesome to be around her. After the zoo we went out to dinner and McKennlie has remembered how to roll her tongue! Her favorite part of dinner was the molten chocolate cake hands down! Thanks to everyone who helped or participated in the 5K for McKennlie today! We love you and are so grateful for everything you are doing for us!

Ok Blogger peeps!!! I am going to start with an apology right off the bat!!! I am sitting in as a substitute blogger! Cheri is at youth conference and so today it is up to me!!  ;)
Today was yet another great day for McKennlie! Just a week ago the therapists had her working with a computer and helping her to navigate the mouse and today she was able to work the mouse all by herself! Moving it all around and clicking on things all by herself!!!
This weekend she has TWO ride passes!!!!  The one tomorrow she wants to go to the zoo. Sunday she is going to visit her Grandmas and Grandpas!!!  Talking with Mel tonight she was saying how neat it is that one day McKennlie will need help with something and a couple days later it will just click and she will do it no problem!!! Times like this we know it is our Heavenly Father answering all of our prayers!!
Tyler

July 26, 2012

McKennlie was a biker chic today! She was able to ride the trike all over the second floor of the hospital. She did an entire flight of stairs today! Each day she continues to amaze all of us and her therapists. She is so positive and is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. She is still working toward walking on her own by August 15th. Please continue to pray for her and for Mel and baby Caleb to stay put until they get McKennlie home and settled.

Facebook post from Mel!!!

Well everyone......They told us a tentative date. August 15th we will be going home from the hospital. Please keep praying she will be able to get as strong as possible before that day. We love and miss everyone so much, and we will never be able to thank you for everything you are doing for us!

July 25, 2012

Today McKennlie decided that everything was funny today! She was super giggly and could not stop laughing. She worked really hard in therapy and has reached a lot of her goals, but has set a new one for herself. She really wants to walk by herself by the time she goes home! Please pray for her that she will be able to. She is getting tired of being at the hospital and all of her outings are so good for her spirits. We are grateful for McKennlie's postive attitude and her never quit attitude!

July 24, 2012

Today in honor of the pioneer children McKennlie walked for 5 minutes straight on the treadmill! She also worked Grandma Provost at tic tac toe! She did awesome in therapy! In speech her therapist is giving her some exercises to help to continue to strengthen her soft pallet. Some of them are really hard! When they are telling McKennlie what to do everyone in the room is trying to do it as well! (you can't help yourself) Mel went to the doctor today and baby Caleb is doing great! He is 5 lbs. 3 oz. and is no longer breech! He decided to cooperate and turn into the correct position and now he just has to stay. They are thinking McKennlie will have 2 ride passes this week. One on Saturday and one on Sunday. We think spending some time away from the hospital is so great for everyone especially McKennlie! Keep up the prayers for McKennlie. We need her really strong by the time Caleb is ready to come!

MCKENNLIE PROVOST VOLLEYBALL CAMP!!!!!!!
Saturday, August 4th @ Ben Lomond HS!!!!
Check it out!!!

July 23, 2012

McKennlie had a great day again today. The most exciting development is that McKennlie's real voice is starting to come through in some of what she says! It is an amazing thing to hear HER voice! She did awesome in PT and was able to stand up by herself while leaning against a barrel with her right hand and throwing bean bags with her left. She gets to have her dad sleep over with her tonight so her mom can go to her Dr.'s appointment tomorrow. Her favorite physical therapist is back and we are so glad! She pushes McKennlie really hard, but McKennlie still loves her! We a so grateful for each of our many blessings and for the tender mercies we receive each day!

July 22,2012

Today was a relaxation day for McKennlie! She really needed it because she has worked her guts out this last week! She was able to take the sacrament for the first time today! She really enjoys going to church and spending Sunday with her family.  We think this coming week is going to be an amazing one with tons of new progress and accomplishments! Mel is loving the AC at the hospital and can not believe how hot it is when they leave for a ride pass!

July 21, 2012

McKennlie did great today! In PT she was able to play soccer! She has started stopping the ball and then kicking it with both her right and left legs! Mel said she scored over 20 goals and was loving every minute of it! McKennlie had her ride pass today and went to Uncle Tyler and Aunt Cheri's!( we were so excited!) She chose what she wanted for dinner and chose lasagne. She ate great and then worked the boys at sequence! She is doing so great and it is so fun to see all of the improvement she is making. Her core muscles are getting so much stronger and she will sit up by herself from laying flat. She will NEVER tell you that she is tired no matter how hard she has worked and how exhausted she is! She is definitely a trooper!

July 20, 2012

McKennlie did great again today. She is becoming quite the drummer in music therapy and can lay down a wicked beat! She is glad that the weekend is here and she will get a bit of a rest! She is still working very hard and never quits even if she is tired! We are grateful for all the people McKennlie has in her corner and we know she will continue to amaze all those around her!

July 19, 2012

The head neuro surgeon came in today to check on McKennlie and told Mel that he sees a lot working at Primarys, but that no doubt McKennlie is a miracle! We already knew that, but it's still nice to hear! McKennlie not only walked on the treadmill today but did it with weights on her ankles. She is doing better each day and has an amazing attitude and perseverance. She is reading during her therapies and also does problem solving. McKennlie is looking forward to her next ride pass and getting another field trip. We love her smiles and laughs and thank our Father in Heaven each day for our miracle girl!

July 18, 2012

McKennlie had yet more spectacular break throughs today! She did more work in PT in the swing and loved it. She also did more pushups, rolling and holding herself up on her elbows while laying on her tummy. She did some truly awesome work in speech therapy today! She was able to write her first and last name the numbers 8,12, and 17 and the words SWEET SIXTEEN! All of these have significance. The number 8 was in answer to how old are you, the number 12 how old are you when you go to young women's and 17 for how old do you have to be when you date! (lucky Christopher almost had an extra year on the whole dating thing, but Mel reminded her you have to be sweet...... And McKennlie said SWEET SIXTEEN and then wrote it out on the white board!) Each day McKennlie shows us that she is still the smart, sweet, awesome little girl as before! We are so excited to see some more awesomeness tomorrow!

July 17, 2012

Today was Bella's birthday! McKennlie did great in therapy and was able to spend the afternoon with her little sister laughing and having a ton of fun. It is the moments of sisters being sisters that make things seem somewhat normal again. McKennlie is doing four different kinds of therapy each day physical, occupational, speech, and music. She stays extremely busy and works super hard each day! Chris and Mel are doing an amazing job trying to juggle all the different things in their life and I know they feel your prayers in their behalf! Please continue to pray for our girl. Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers I have no doubt.

July 16, 2012

McKennlie has had another great day with more accomplishments. She was able to walk on a treadmill today in physical therapy. The therapists helped steady her and she held on to the top and was able to go for 3 minutes the first time and 2 minutes the second time. She also was able to go I the swing for the first time today. She thought that was a fun change! She did some work on months of the year and did a great job remembering which holidays fall in which month. She is doing well with her eating, but it is really hard to get enough liquids in each meal.(do you drink your 8 glasses of water each day? Me neither!). She has also figured out how to spit when she is brushing her teeth! It is amazing how many things we do each day that we just take for granted! So tonight as you spit when you brush your teeth remember to be grateful you can!

5K Fundraiser Info

http://helphealmckennlie.eventbrite.com/
This is a link to the site with all the info for this awesome event!!!!

July 15, 2012

McKennlie had a fabulous day today! She was able to attend church and also had a primary lesson. Today was her first ride pass and she was elated to be able to leave the hospital and go see her Uncle Austin and Aunt Adrienne. She had so much fun she did not want to leave! We were able to have a birthday party for Bella today and it was amazing to watch McKennlie sing to her little sister!  Bella had fun opening her presents and having cake and ice cream. Bella will be 6 on Tuesday and is such a great joy to her parents and McKennlie.   Each day it is amazing to see the progress and determination of McKennlie. McKennlie is doing great in meeting her nutrition goals and is so happy that the feeding tube is gone.  We can not begin to express the gratitude we feel for all we have been blessed with.  

July 14, 2012

McKennlie is rolling all by herself on the floor. She can also push up on her elbows and look up when she is on her belly. Her favorite part of the day was playing soccer in physical therapy. She stood up and the therapists helped her balance and Mel rolled her the soccer ball to her and she booted it 30 times. Her friend Tori was trying to show her that she had painted her toenails green in Mckennlie's honor and McKennlie could not see them so she used her stomach muscles and sat up. We are so excited for each new progression. Please keep praying for our girl! We know that faith and prayers and a loving merciful Heavenly Father will get our girl better.

July 13, 2012

Today was another good one. McKennlie is getting so much stronger and is able to do so much more each day. She is loving her new wheel chair and is going to be flying around the halls in it in no time. McKennlie was able to have her feeding tube pulled today! Woooohooooo! Last tube! She is working on her hand eye coordination. Tonight for dinner she had spaghetti and meatballs and pancakes! We are just so happy she is eating all on her own with no tube. On Sunday McKennlie has a ride pass and their family will all be gone from the hospital after 3 pm. We are so happy with McKennlie's progress and everyday is a whole new set of miracles!

July 12, 2012

McKennlie had a very good day in therapy! She was able to sit cross legged and held herself up for one full minute. She is learning to do stairs and she was able to stand on her own for a little bit today while holding on to the railing. The doctors are telling us if McKennlie can go two more days with no feeds through her feeding tube and reaching her goals of food and liquid intake she will be able to have her feeding tube pulled. We need prayers that McKennlie's soft pallet will get stronger to help with swallowing and talking. We are so thankful for all your love and prayers for our little miracle girl!

July 11, 2012

McKennlie is talking so much more and in full sentences. She gets frustrated when we can't figure out what she is saying because she knows exactly what she wants to say. She was able to meet all of her food and fluid intake goals and did not have to get any feeds through her feeding tube today. She was able to crawl today with only one therapists helping her. Lefty has woken up and is doing so many new things. They have started putting McKennlie in a new sports model wheel chair that is completely up right with no head rest. She did great in it today and I think she will be in it all the time very soon. They did a hearing test today and said McKennlie can hear better than most people! No shock there we try to whisper and she will answer the questions from our conversations. We can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

July 10, 2012

McKennlie has become quite the little eating machine. She was able to have real blueberry pancakes for breakfast and Mac and cheese for lunch. (not blended up) She sang the whole ABC song today in music therapy and is still working hard on those sounds that are hard to make.(t,s,k) She continues to get stronger and the therapists have her sitting completely upright in her wheelchair for her sessions to help her continue to strengthen her neck and core. Mel went to her doctors appointment for baby Caleb today and he is 4 lbs.! Mel has decided this pregnancy will go by the fastest because she has so much else to think and worry about. She also said it is the best summer pregnancy because where she is its 72 degrees all day long! In situations like these always best to look for the silver lining!

July 9, 2012

Today was an awesome day! McKennlie was able to eat so much food that she only had to have 1 full feed and 1 partial feed through her feeding tube. She is so happy to have real food and she feels much better. Her speech is becoming clearer each day and she is singing. She is still working so hard at therapy and blows the therapists minds with her progress and determination. McKennlie is enjoying teasing her mom and doing what ever her dad asks. We are so amazed with her progress. Please keep praying McKennlie needs it and so do we! We love you and are so grateful for your love, support, and faith.

July 8, 2012

Today was McKennlie's day of rest and she needed it. She went to church services down at PCMC with her family. She also learned how to blow! How great since her birthday is less than a month away! She is ready to blow out some candles! Her dad said her favorite word of the day is no;). We are just so glad she has started to find her voice.

July 7, 2012

McKennlie has decided to talk! She just started and it made her and everyone around her so happy. She is so much fun to be around and beat her cousins and her mom at UNO today! She has started eating food which is interesting because they have to purée everything!?! She had tacos for lunch that looked like sweet potatoes, but smelled and tasted like tacos. She has learned to identify an itch and scratch it awwwwww. She is giving high fives with both hands and her fine motor skills are getting even better with her right. Who would have thought that four weeks later she would be back to here. She is amazing now and always has been. Keep praying for our girl we have high hopes that she can be doing really awesome by the time Caleb gets here.

July 6, 2012

McKennlie is going to get to eat some food! Woooo hooooo! She passed part of her swallow test which means she can have thicker foods like pudding, but not liquids yet. She did great in her therapies. She and Grandma Provost are reading Harry Potter and they both enjoy their time reading. Mel and Chris have become professionals at caring for McKennlie and do most everything she needs help with. Yesterday McKennlie, Bella, and Ashlyn were all in McKennlie's bed together! Talk about 3 little monkeys! Her left hand has improved a lot in the last two days. We are always so impressed how fast the new things come. McKennlie is extremely dedicated and works her hardest every time. It is an absolute inspiration to never give up and that we take so much for granted. She teaches us new life lessons everyday. Tomorrow it will be one month from her accident and it boggles the mind to think of all the ups and downs, but mostly the amount of miracles we have witnessed.

July 5, 2012

McKennlie was an absolute rock star today! She did awesome in all her therapies today! She was able to do 3 sets of ten pushups on an exercise ball! She is doing awesome with her walking and gets stronger each day. She is doing so good swallowing and is doing it on command that they are going to do another swallow test to see if she is ready for some food tomorrow. I forgot to mention that they did another CT scan this week and everything looks the same so that means no shunt and no more CT's. She was able to have a jam session with music therapy and was trying to sing along to Justin Beibers " Baby". Her right hand is doing so great she has about 15 different signs she does with her right and lefty is starting to move too! We can not wait until she can tease us out loud! Her voice is coming I can feel it!

Donations and fundraising

Here is a link to someone that is helping this family out! Thanks to everyone for all you are doing. www.rubyblueinc.blogspot.com

July 3, 2012

McKennlie continues to impress and progress! She was able to walk to the bathroom (with help) and went potty twice today! We are so excited and so was she. In each of her therapies today they reviewed things she has learned previously and was able to improve in each thing. She LOVES to tease and it is hard to not laugh at it because she is really good at it. Bella has done so great and has been so sweet to her sister. McKennlie loves to have her right in the bed with her and they laugh and play so great together. Chris and Mel are still hanging strong and continue to support their girl. Please continue to pray for McKennlie and the doctors and therapists working with her that they will know how to best help our girl. Happy 4th of July to everyone tomorrow! Enjoy your families and be safe. We love all of you.

July 2, 2012

McKennlie rocked it again today! She is still getting better each day and impressing the therapists and doctors. Wally one of the neuro surgeons said the only word for her recovery to this point is AMAZING! We agree we think it is amazing in fact we think it is a miracle. McKennlie is starting to find her voice and make more sounds she has said mom and hi. We can not wait until she is telling all of us what she wants. Her little personality has come to the surface and we love it! She was hitting her Uncle Tyler with a pillow and laughing each time! ( he so deserved it!) McKennlie's strength increases everyday and her determination never wavers. She is an amazing example of enduring trials with a smile!

July 1, 2012

Today McKennlie had a nice rest. She was able to enjoy her break from therapy. She continues to be a joy to everyone around her. Chris, Mel, and Bella were able to go to Chelsea's baby Chloe's blessing today. McKennlie was able to hang out with Grandma and Grandpa Provost. She has learned to close her lips and is moving forward each day. It is amazing to see Heavenly Fathers plan for each of us. We are so blessed to have the knowledge of a Savior who knows each of our pain, hurt, sorrow and also knows how to help us feel of His love and comfort. Each day we feel the comfort of the Holy Ghost and have great hope in the Savior Jesus Christ.

June 30, 2012

McKennlie is tired today. She did not sleep well last night and is exhausted from therapy all week. She is still remembering new things everyday! She remembered how to stick her tongue out, cross her fingers, and to do the sign for bird. She and Bella have watched Punky Brewster together and today they played together! Bella had McKennlie laughing out loud. Her core and neck continue to get stronger and she is having an easier time turning her head and her head nods(yes,no) are becoming very distinguishable. She loves having her family around her and we may have snuck a couple tastes of frosting ;). Which she loved by the way! She is doing math 9x5 and she shows us with her fingers the answer! We are so aware of all that is being done in our behalf by amazing family, friends, and a loving Father in Heaven. Thank you, we can not begin to express our gratitude. We are grateful for the miracles that have been performed in our lives.

June 29, 2012

Sorry blog peeps I was a slacker yesterday! McKennlie is still doing great. She is doing 5-6 hours of therapy each day and she works her guts out every time. She is starting to build up more strength and stamina. She is gaining more neck strength and is having an easier time keeping her head up. She is smiling and laughing. She has learned to do the peace sign, I love you sign, and waves hi and goodbye. Her swallow study showed that she is not quite ready for more food yet, but we know it will come soon. She is doing simple math and recognizes words, letters, numbers and colors. We love all our different therapists and they love our McKennlie. Chris and Mel are troopers and are doing such a good job juggling everything. Baby Caleb is doing well. Mel had a doctors appointment this week and he weighs 3 lbs.. Chris has started working just a few hours each day, then to the hospital, then home with Bella at night. Thanks for all your support we love all of you.

June 27, 2012

Today McKennlie is officially out of the trauma unit and into rehab! Can I get a woooo woooo! She is doing so great and is progressing everyday. She is laughing and smiling all the time now and it is fabulous to see our happy girl back! She is doing a lot more therapy and is awake a lot more. She is doing a great job with her swallowing and is getting to have some food. They will be doing a swallow test in the next couple days and if she passes she will get even more food. McKennlie has not forgotten how to tease and she is very good at it! We can't believe her progress. She is retaining what she is learning and does better each time. We are so grateful for the hope and faith of all of you for McKennlie.

June 26, 2012

We had a very busy day today! Lots of therapy! McKennlie is learning lots of new stuff everyday. She is learning to stand again ( with help from her therapists), but it is so great to see her work on getting her strength back to her cute little soccer legs. They did a CT scan to make sure the fluid on her brain was not getting to high(because they pulled the drain). It came back within the normal range which we think is great. They will do one more CT next week and if that is normal they will not do anymore unless she seems to have a problem. After rehab today McKennlie was able to watch Punky Brewster and she still smiled in all the places that she thought were funny before:). It is amazing how these tender mercies give us so much hope and strength. We love our girl and are so proud of the strides she is making to get better. As always please continue to pray for McKennlie.

June 25,2012

McKennlie was able to do a lot more therapy today. She was able to stay awake for almost twice as long. She worked so hard and it is always fun to see her do new things. It is absolutely amazing to see her huge smile again! I think her favorite part of therapy was being able to taste a sucker :)! They changed her feeds to longer and less frequent. Mel & Chris always light up when they see her and miss Bella is so sweet with her. It is amazing to see this awesome family continue to be so faith filled throughout this experience. We can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

June 24,2012

McKennlie has had a great day.  She did some new things for her daddy today.  The one we were most impressed with was that McKennlie was able to point out Mel's favorite number 3! She is becoming more and more alert which is so awesome.  Her tech David made her smile today by telling her about a patient that he could never get to smile and finally he told him he was going to do the booty shake AKA hamster dance and McKennlie grinned!  We are constantly amazed by the lives our little miracle touches.  Chris and Mel's youth from their ward went on trek this last week and EVERY person had a Help McKennlie Heal band!  It is so awesome to see these great kids be inspired by our sweet girl.  We know that their prayers in her behalf have been answered.  They also had the opportunity to share McKennlie's story with Sister Elaine Dalton the General YW President.  I know I say thank you in every post, but we are so grateful for all the prayers and service in our behalf. 

June 23, 2012

Today has been a great day! McKennlie has started yawning! She also gave us her first smile! She is still doing therapy everyday, and she was able to have her first real bath. One of the things we are most excited about is she is figuring out how to swallow and is starting to do it consistantly. She is such a joy to be around and it is so fun to see her do all of her new stuff. We love the new area of the hospital that she is in and are loving all her new nurses. We are so grateful for all the people who are helping us get our girl better. McKennlie continues to fight. You can see her trying so hard to do what the therapists ask of her. We are so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father and for all His tender mercies. Please continue to pray for McKennlie's recovery.

June 22, 2012

Today has been a huge milestone McKennlie is out of the PICU. She also had her EVD pulled. She is doing so great! All her vitals are stable and all she has left are her feeding tube, and an IV. She is still working with physical therapists and has learned to say yes with one squeeze and no with two squeezes. Last night Christopher asked if she wanted some brussel sprouts he got two definite squeezes! Lol. We are so proud of our miracle girl.

June 21, 2012

McKennlie had a good night. They clamped her EVD (her drain for brain fluid) last night at seven. Her pressures were up and down for about 45 minutes, but leveled off and did great. She went down this morning for a CT scan. She did great and tolerated it very well. Which we were very grateful for because the last scans were way too eventful. She is still doing physical therapy and is still sleeping a lot. Her storming seems to have slowed which is great. They are weening her off the meds for the storming. Thank you again for all you are all doing. We love all of you!

June 20, 2012

McKennlie is doing great today. Still very sleepy and gets tired so fast. The speech therapist came in and McKennlie is learning new things every time. She has had no fever today YAY! They took away the cooling blanket. Which is great because McKennlie hated it! We are losing tubes and wires daily. She is still in the PICU. She is doing great with her breathing and has been a champ off of the vent. Keep the prayers coming they are being answered and we are seeing miracles.

June 19, 2012 #2

McKennlie had a very eventful day today. She was able to have her vent pulled HOORAY! She is doing so great working with the physical and occupational therapists and is trying so hard to do whatever they ask her to do. She has pushed against them with her legs, squeezed their hand and let it go, and gave her a high five (with a little help). She is doing so great doing her breathing on her own. This little girl is truly our miracle. She just keeps moving forward even when the experts said she wouldn't or couldn't. We are so grateful for this wonderful blessing from our Father in Heaven that he is allowing us to keep this angel. Keep the prayers coming we are going to need them through out her recovery. The physical therapists have asked that we limit visitors to allow them more productive time with Kennlie (so she is not tired out). They need her at her very best so they can help her get better. They are going to be working with her a lot more and lots of visitors will wear her out. Thank you again for all you have done for our family.

June 19, 2012

Day 11. McKennlie had a good night last night. All her numbers were good and they were able to do a vent test( they turn the ventilator all the way off for 1 hour and see how she does on her own). She passed with flying colors. We think they will pull the vent with in the next 24 hours. They did X-rays this morning to clear her C spine and all preliminary results look great. We still need your faith and prayers. Everyday we see improvement and we know our girl can not only survive this, but that she is going to continue to exceed any expectation the doctors have for her.

Family night for Mckennlie. Tonight from 6:30-9:30 with a prayer at 9:30. Potluck, bake sale, etc. address is the cul de sac at 6200 west and 5200 south in Hooper!!!!

June 18, 2012

Day 10. Today McKennlie tracked ( eyes moving from left to right) in front of the doctor. She would not do it for the doctor so the doctor asked Mel to come over and tell her to look to the right and she did! She also has her gag reflex back woohoo! We never thought we would be so excited to see someone gag lol. She is looking for her parents and it is so sweet to see her search for them. We are still battling a fever. The doctor has a theory that she may be thyroid storming. We just want to say thank you again to everyone who is praying, or helping this cute family in any way. It is overwhelming to see and feel of your love. Each day we see McKennlie fighting to improve and she is.

June 17, 2012#2

Mckennlie is having a good day today. She is still struggling with a fever, but all of her other numbers look really good. She got a new pair of kicks to prevent her Achilles tendon from shrinking. (we call them her Punky Brewster shoes) She is starting to move with more purpose today. Everyday she does a little better despite constant obstacles. The best news of the day is that she looked at Mel, really looked at her! McKennlie made a fathers day card for her daddy with a little help from her awesome nurse Deanna. It is amazing that when we start to feel overwhelmed and down it is our awesome McKennlie that picks us back up. We are so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that knows us and loves us. While you are praying for this little girl and her family please also express gratitude for the many miracles that He has blessed us with.

June 17, 2012

Day 9. McKennlie had an okay night. She is struggling to maintain her body temp. She has a fever and is shivering. Chris & Mel were able to go to the church services at PCMC. They are so tired, but they keep the faith. Bella has enjoyed getting to come visit McKennlie and loves when they all read together. We think McKennlie will do well today as her gift to her daddy on Fathers day! Please keep praying for us.

June 16, 2012

Today McKennlie is starting to show more signs of movement. We are so proud of every little thing she does. She has been opening her eyes a bit, but is not focusing on anything yet. She is holding stable with her vitals. She is reacting to noise and pain which we think is great. The doctors are not super positive, but we are. We are going to continue in faith, because our sweet girl's time is not over. McKennlie can do this with our Heavenly Fathers help. Thank you for your prayers and love. We love you all and so appreciate your support.

June 16, 2012

Day 8. McKennlie had a pretty stable night last night given what a hard day she had yesterday. Mel and Chris are staying with her and cheering their sweet little girl on. We know everyone wants to see them to hug them and give them support, but they need to focus all their attention to McKennlie right now. The best support you can give is to pray and post messages here on the blog. Mel checks them everyday and your love always lifts her up.

June 15, 2012 #2

Today was another rough day. McKennlie coded while she was down in MRI. She has become more stable tonight, but we really still need your prayers and faith. Chris and Mel have had a tremendously hard day and could also use your prayers. Our girl is still fighting with every thing she has and we have faith that McKennlie is going to be our miracle.

Please pray

Ok everyone time to start praying again. She needs them now.

June 15, 2012

Day 7.  Today McKennlie is doing well she is starting to come out of the coma meds.  The doctors are starting to see some signs of more awareness ( pupils reacting, eyelids closing to protect eyes, and some coughing).  We are hoping our girl will try to breathe and help the ventilator.  We are still just waiting, hoping, praying, and using all the faith we have.  Her pressure seems to be holding which is great.  She looks so great with her hair all braided and toes painted.  She definitely is our miracle girl and she keeps surpassing the doctors expectations which is just what McKennlie does she has ALWAYS surpassed expectations.  We love you all and are so grateful for your prayers, concern, and love!  We can feel it, it is tangible and brings great comfort.  Chris said today that our Father in Heaven is so merciful and we are so thankful for his mercy.

June 14, 2012

Day 6.  Today we reached our 120 hr goal.  They have completely weened McKennlie from the coma meds and they are telling us it will take about 48 hours for us to see any change.  Melanie was able to paint McKennie's cute crooked toes bright green. The nurses also washed and combed out her poor hair it took them 2 1/2 hrs to untangle it.  We know we received a miracle on Monday this week and we are so grateful.  We are going to need another miracle as our sweet girl starts to come off of the meds.  Please continue to pray for her it is all of ours and your faith that is allowing us the opportunity to see these miracles first hand.