tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78517570057246079082023-11-16T00:58:37.703-07:00Scooter's AdventureKris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-15990828552535754002010-05-16T14:19:00.002-07:002010-05-16T14:26:19.933-07:00Been Awhile Again!So it has been awhile since I last wrote. Sorry, but this is a busy time of year as we in facilities build and fix and prepare everything we need for this coming camp summer. We have been jacking up a cabin and replacing a rotten log, remodeling the old office, working on the pools and the list goes on. <div><br /></div><div>Anyway I found this link and thought it was interesting. </div><div><a href="http://republicanwhip.house.gov/YouCut/">Pick Your Cut</a></div><div>This link actually allows us as voters to help decide where our government should cut spending. Republicans will list 5 choices each week and whichever one wins the vote will go to the floor for an up or down vote. Hey who knows maybe it is just more politics, but I am for anything that allows me a little more say and CUTS instead of raises taxes!</div><div><br /></div><div>Check it out and let me know what you think.</div><div>Kris</div>Kris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-18178570384340102502010-02-27T17:12:00.002-07:002010-02-27T17:15:56.437-07:00Gunner On A RollSo we are sitting at the breakfast table and Gunner starts to sing..."God is great" in that first line I am thinking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hmmm</span> must be a song that he learned in preschool. Then he finished "beer is good and people are crazy". Guess my country music roots aren't the best influence on the young lad. He also right after that started quoting a bud light commercial...my my if you think of it keep this boy in your prayers he is pretty <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ornery</span>.<div><br /></div>Kris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-5171103501685107842010-02-24T20:05:00.003-07:002010-02-24T20:08:27.046-07:00Another Gunner LaughLast night Gunner and I were chasing each other through the house and having a blast. We were wearing our socks and sliding around the corners hiding and scaring each other, just having fun! Gunner ran into a dead end with the office and with no place to hide when I came in he was standing at attention.<div><br /></div><div>Gunner (in a really low voice): "Gunner isn't here" (I was cracking up)</div><div>Me: Where is he?</div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Gunn</span>: He went that way.</div><div>Me: Who are you?</div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Gunn</span>: I am the guard who tells people where Gunner went</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe you had to be there, but it was funny.</div>Kris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-11159349961914266982010-02-22T20:17:00.001-07:002010-02-22T20:36:15.613-07:00The Gunner Show<div>My 5 year old Gunner is quite the dancer. I found this out this past Saturday night at the dining hall here at UCYC. We had a guest group of middle/high school students in camp and they were sitting around after dinner listening to some music and talking, that is until the "nooma nooma" song came on. Upon hearing it Gunner jumps up and starts dancing. It was fun to watch the guest group start watching and then eventually start dancing. You can see in the video he was the leader and by the end everyone was either watching or dancing with him. It ended with a big round of applause and high fives for Gunner.</div><div><br /></div><div>This has me thinking that this is what Jesus meant when He said we need to be like children. No one told Gunner how to dance, no one told him he was doing it right or wrong he was just following His heart and it was contagious. He has never had dance lessons, hasn't learned music or dance theory. He was just having fun and was passionate (check out the expression on his face while dancing). </div><div><br /></div><div>I want my relationship with Papa to be so fresh and so alive, so grounded in Him and His Word in me that when I follow Him it will lead others to follow Him. When I hear His song I don't want to analyze it, parse it or beat it to death, I just want to jump up and do what it is He is asking of me. I don't want to become so educated like the pharisees of Jesus' day that I can't recognize God when He is standing in front of me. I don't want to become set in my ways, I want God to do a new thing in my life and in my journey with Him. Don't expect to see me dancing like Gunner anytime soon, but I hope that who Christ is in me and who I am in Him is contagious and that I live it with fun-loving passion...like a kid.</div><div><br /></div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.twitvid.com/player/61687"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.twitvid.com/player/61687" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always" allownetworking="all" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Kris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-87661645525615809122010-02-01T07:35:00.002-07:002010-02-01T07:42:30.598-07:00The Gramm-whocares-y'sI don't care about the Grammy's I have never given two cents for any of those types of shows. My thought has always been who cares!<br /><br />So if I could make an award show here are just a few of the people I think should be on the list:<br />The hard working single mom or dad<br />Law Enforcement Agents<br />Firemen<br />Educators<br /><br />Who would you put on the list?Kris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-81489762440063401882010-01-31T09:28:00.007-07:002010-02-01T17:00:30.867-07:00LabelsI like to read labels when I am in the grocery store. It is good to know what is on the inside of a can of soup. Labels can help me stay away from something inside a package that I don't want to put inside my body. Labels can really be helpful and a good thing...BUT I don't like labels when it comes to people.<br /><br /><br /><br />Why?<br /><br /><br /><br />Labels on cans of food are dead on accurate because the maker know what is on the inside, but when it comes to people only our "Maker" knows what is on the inside. My walk with God over the past two years has really caused me to take a deeper look inside, it has brought me to a place of introspection. I have realized how judgmental I used to be and in the process I have realized how I have labeled in the past and then made assumptions about what was inside (what was going on in that person's heart). I understand that biblically we are called to "judge people by their fruit" but I think sometimes we aren't judging fruit as much as we are assuming we know more about that person than we do (slap a label on that person from a distance then condemn them to hell). Surface relationships don't allow for knowing where a person is really living inside. One can't judge a book by its cover and I don't want to be a person who will judge a person only by the books they read. I guess I am writing this because our society tends to use labels for people, and I see this in Christian circles too. I am writing this because it is really on my heart that I don't want to label someone without knowing what is on the inside. Jesus said that some saying "Lord Lord" wouldn't make it to heaven which means that there were people who were labeled as followers by human standards, but were not accurately labeled. He knows hearts and can see through feeble human attempts to label others. I just know that God has brought me to a good place a place of wonder and awe for his unfailing love and his incredible justice. He has brought me to a place of reverence for who He is, and a place where more than ever I want to know Him and his heart. The world can label me however they want but my Maker knows what is on the inside and I keep working on my heart to be more like His.Kris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-20535733677115865722010-01-26T20:41:00.003-07:002010-01-26T20:49:13.077-07:00Butterfly CircusI was moved to write tonight by watching a 20 minute movie by my lovely wife. I had no idea what I was getting into, but I literally believe that this is one of the best movies I have ever watched. It says so much so incredibly well. Take the time to watch it and then post your thoughts here, I would love to have a conversation about what this film says to you. You can see the film in full screen by going to <a href="http://www.thedoorpost.com/">The Doorpost Film Project</a> and search for Butterfly Circus.<br /><br /><br /><iframe id="dpWidget" height="300" src="http://www.thedoorpost.com/embed/?film=4dd298f102c77b625cf37a9e7744ac68" width="540"></iframe>Kris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-66832079105261514152010-01-10T12:15:00.000-07:002010-01-10T12:14:23.263-07:00Eye, eye!So one thing I want to start doing better is writing on my blog. I have an uncle in Ks who checks it regularly so I want him to have something to read this year.
<br>
<br>I went to the eye Dr. Friday (this is my local Dr. who will take care of me from here - not my surgeon) to get fitted for a new lens. The Dr. said we basically 3 options. One is to try and put a new posterior lens in, newer technology but all the connective tissue used to hold that lens was damaged and removed so that is not a good option at all. The second option (suggested by the surgeon) is an older style of lens an anterior lens. This a pretty good option as the lens is placed in front of where the original lens was, it has been around a long time and works pretty well. The down side is that at some point down the road I will likely have to have it replaced (15 - 20 years) and it isn't as good of technology as the other two options. The final option is to simply use a contact lens. Obviously this option is the least invasive and the simplest way to go. My local Dr. recommends this option at least to start with because there is no surgery, it gives my eye more time to heal and a contact can even correct scars on the cornea. I still have stitches in my eye and a contact can be used over the stitches and my Dr. would like to leave the stitches in longer as that helps it have less scar tissue on the cornea and will make sure it is completely healed. All this to say I will be getting a contact lens on Wednesday. I like this option for the fact it is easy, fast and high quality vision (I am hoping anyway). I also like it because it is not invasive and I can choose surgery as technology improves or if I don't like messing with a contact. So that is the plan for now, we will see how it goes and go from there.
<br>K
<br>Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®Kris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-14789455173429174232009-09-01T21:04:00.001-07:002009-09-01T21:04:20.161-07:00DanI don't have a lot of information, but will let you know what I do know. <br>Last week Dan was in the hospital in Flag had the pins all removed and while in there they found an infection. Last Thursday they sent him home with a pick line (similar to an IV) of antibiotics. Today at 6:30 am he called them because of the pain. They had him come to Flag asap so Amy took him up. They admitted him and he had surgery at 3 pm to clean the infection out of his left wrist. He is staying overnight and will meet with an infectious disease doc tomorrow. Hopefully we will know more after that, please pray for Dan as he fights this infection. <br>KKris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-74578045936389195662009-08-25T22:25:00.001-07:002009-08-25T22:25:43.477-07:00Dan's HandsIt has been a little while since I have updated Dan's status in part because he is doing so well. He has had an appointment about the hearing in his left ear and they believe there is dried blood behind the eardrum, so the Dr. Has him putting olive oil drops in that ear which has loosened some of the blood and it has come out so that is improving. The neurological testing went well and the eye Dr. said the muscles around his left have been causing the vision issues in his left eye and that has been getting better. So lots of good news. <br>He was scheduled to have the pins removed from both hands Thursday, but his left wrist developed some serious swelling and pain. So we went to the Dr. Today and he was immediately concerned and the infection could undo all the work he did in that wrist. So he put Dan in surgery today, removed all the pins from both hands and cleaned out the left wrist joint. They took a culture and will give him an iv antibiotic based on that culture. Unfortunately because they have to be so aggressive and use iv antibiotics he will be in the hospital a week or two. Dan is in great spirits and the Dr. was quite optimistic. He is in room 3616 in Flagstaff Regional Medical Center, keep him in your prayers. <br>Dan's parents are coming in tomorrow so pray for their safe travel. <br>KrisKris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-6537764985994012042009-08-13T21:20:00.002-07:002009-08-13T21:26:17.862-07:00Two More WeeksDano went to the Dr. today regarding his wrists and goes back in two weeks to have the cast and external fixator removed. He will be sedated, but not completely out and said he would be able to kind of watch the surgery. I'm not sure what that means, but sounds like fun. The Dr. also said in his right had he will most likely have most or all of his mobility in the motion for swinging a hammer, but will lose some the other way...if that makes sense. The Dr. was excited about getting to see and talk to Dan, his last visit Dan didn't see the Dr. that did the surgery but an associate. Dan's belly wound is looking really good and you can see skin growing back in and it is getting smaller all the time. Dan has been doing well and keeping busy working in the camp store and other jobs that don't require any lifting. I am still amazed that he is doing this well in such a short period of time...simply a miracle. His eyesight is improving, but he his still going to see an eye Dr. down in Phoenix on Monday, I am anxious to see how that turns out.<br />KKris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-81968864328545364782009-08-08T09:52:00.005-07:002009-08-08T15:31:43.614-07:00The Anger Button<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZ6bz5cf9R4bS_sYzLzd4_-qsnwYe0VY4-OhQJh4ZssNgEL0cU1WBRV36tvR7bIsx0sRQJPoyYug2SMD1HDmQXIU-EmEnrX5vK9H9RyFkfBfeBS5Sso2hug0l3Axwcg_LLbUhKyyEUtQ/s1600-h/slap1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367724147610432866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZ6bz5cf9R4bS_sYzLzd4_-qsnwYe0VY4-OhQJh4ZssNgEL0cU1WBRV36tvR7bIsx0sRQJPoyYug2SMD1HDmQXIU-EmEnrX5vK9H9RyFkfBfeBS5Sso2hug0l3Axwcg_LLbUhKyyEUtQ/s320/slap1.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Don't press the anger button!!<br /><br /><div></div><div>My friend Jim and I have realized after much research that there is a very tender spot that is directly linked to the extreme anger part of the brain. We discovered this by some "friendly" slaps to the button. Someone who will remain nameless (although that person is very close to me) "playfully" slapped Jim on the back of the head...twice. After the second time my friend came to me and explained how big of an issue this was for him and his ability to manage his anger. I then passed this on the "nameless" person mentioned above. Then it became personal! I unintentionally made a comment referring to my friend Jim as a lady (this is unusual because these comments are usually intentional). He then slapped me in the back of the head, not hard just a gentle slap at the anger button...I got angry instantly and it even caught me off guard. It was at this point that we had a highly intelligent discussion regarding our extensive brain research (basically 3 slaps on the back of the head).<br /><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KI3tl87ttbIvxH206tKX0n5DNgnYegTGP7OFi8uW54UYGaVwsuhrr9C0IZ74jS64pDyh6RvAYKWtJZ8b3vbmoHZ4WujnCKZ44XxKXUPP5Mr5BeYn_7QiMGjq9gBlVLvN1TTZK2zBU14/s1600-h/slap2edit.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367723398661268994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KI3tl87ttbIvxH206tKX0n5DNgnYegTGP7OFi8uW54UYGaVwsuhrr9C0IZ74jS64pDyh6RvAYKWtJZ8b3vbmoHZ4WujnCKZ44XxKXUPP5Mr5BeYn_7QiMGjq9gBlVLvN1TTZK2zBU14/s320/slap2edit.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>There must be a nerve from here to the anger part of the brain. We are in the process of sending this study to the AMA as I am sure they are interested in the extensive process of testing we have done. If you have any anecdotal information you would like to add please feel free to contact me.</div><br /><div>Don't Slap me Dookie,</div><br /><div>K</div></div></div>Kris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-9637495026401436202009-08-08T09:41:00.002-07:002009-08-08T09:48:02.916-07:00Karl and Shyla UpdateI talked to Karl this morning and here is the latest info.<br /><br />Shyla should be released today, she has a broken arm as we already know and either a badly bruised foot or it may possibly be broken. There are not spinal/brain/internal injuries. She does have some tenderness in her neck but they have taken the neck brace off and she doesn't have any serious injuries. Karl, Shyla and her Dad will be headed back to Prescott as soon as she is released. She will likely have the arm set in CA, but will have the foot further checked out here in Prescott. At this point it looks like they will have to meet the deductible for the auto insurance, but the insurance will take care of everything else. Pray for their safe travel and that they would be able to locate Shyla's wallet. Karl sounded good and things are so much better than they could have been.<br />KKris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-79526990016741899842009-08-06T17:39:00.002-07:002009-08-06T17:45:17.823-07:00Dan Barker Medical FundI talked to Michelle today and can give better information regarding the medical fund for Dan. At this time we have raised $10,500 for Dan's expenses and have used about $3000 to pay bills. As far as we know from the insurance company Dan has a $2000 deductible that has been met. There is also $4,000 max out of pocket for "in network" bills and $8,000 max out of pocket for "out of network" bills. We aren't sure what has happened so that that has been in or out of network, but the max out of pocket total is $14,000. Going forward Dan is going to try and stay in network, but with all the medical that he has been through it is safe to try and raise the full amount. So many people have been so generous and it is greatly appreciated. If you have further questions don't hesitate to ask.<br />In him,<br />KrisKris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-80807418217026566832009-08-06T17:27:00.002-07:002009-08-06T17:39:44.127-07:00Karl and ShylaIf you don't know, two of our summer staff were in a rollover car accident on CA today. Karl was driving and said he thinks he dozed off for just a moment and they went off the shoulder into soft mulch. The car rolled, Karl was buckled in and was unhurt. Shyla was thrown from the car and landed fortunately in the soft mulch and was taken to the hospital. At this point they have done lots of tests, but have only found that her radius is broken. All the other tests have come back negative. All positive news, there is still a chance of her having other injuries but from what Karl said not necessarily likely. Shyla's Dad is on his way driving from Prescott. Karl is going to continue to send me updates and I will post them on my blog. Praise God that things weren't worse and continue to pray for Shyla. Also pray that her Dad would have a safe trip.<br />KrisKris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-77406695312846441622009-08-06T08:01:00.003-07:002009-08-06T08:21:55.302-07:00Not For the QueasySo Dan and I went to Flag on Tuesday and had a good time, I gave him a lot of crap and he gave it back and we laughed a lot. The Dr. who did the surgery to repair his intestines is a great guy. He came in and asked Dan if he was still using the tube in his stomach, Dan said no and the Dr. said let's take it out. Dan was not mentally ready for that and while the Dr. was pulling it out Dan was laughing and in pain. It was pretty funny to watch. The Dr. also allowed Dan to get rid of the wound vac. Dan just showers daily (an improvement right) and puts <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">neosporin</span> and a dry dressing on his belly wound. I put a picture of it down at the bottom if you are queasy you may not want to look. The Dr. was very clear that very few people could have survived that fall. It is really sobering to talk to a Dr. who sees a lot of people in ICU say Dan one of very, very few people who have survived that. The Dr. also told Dan to walk (trying to walk more everyday), eat 3 meals and 3 snacks a day whether hungry or not and stay busy around camp doing what he can.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Yesterday Dan went to the Ear, Nose, Throat Dr. and did better than expected on the hearing test. He is hearing tone out of his left ear, but can't understand language. The Dr. took dried blood out of his ears, but there is dried blood behind the eardrum in his left ear that is causing the problem So Dan is putting a few drops of olive oil in his ear to loosen up the dried blood and then will go back in early September to have it removed. Hopefully he will regain all his hearing back after they remove the dried blood. Notice I said he would hear, not so sure if he will listen.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>With his hands he has 2 more weeks with the external <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">fixator</span> on his right hand and the cast on his left. After that they will look at doing surgery on both hands to remove the pins and the he will have a splint of his left hand and a cast on his right. Going to be a bit on the wrists, but he is doing pretty well in spite of it all.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Dan has had some fun with "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-fall" and "post-fall" - if you ask him if he remembers something he will as if it was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-fall or post-fall...or if he has forgotten something he will blame it on being a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-fall memory. Life is good and Dan is really doing well.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thanks for your prayers for Dan and the support. Don't forget to check out what <a href="http://nehuskerfans.blogspot.com/">Chris <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Herrington</span> </a>is doing to raise money for Dan and pitch in if you can.</div><br /><div>Kris</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrwlP_bVL2HtZqEXMTiIbrl7fFLzMvUziZHPCBV3U3VLqS9lcs98LpOqmBsrw5OWgFbYuAQ8g1hRvh-QS4q6E-2hcVCjP4D26EySjWxXW-3bzU2GW6FY0yUppg_Qik7TlWqpGvdMcW1g/s1600-h/Dan+Belly.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366870744590106066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrwlP_bVL2HtZqEXMTiIbrl7fFLzMvUziZHPCBV3U3VLqS9lcs98LpOqmBsrw5OWgFbYuAQ8g1hRvh-QS4q6E-2hcVCjP4D26EySjWxXW-3bzU2GW6FY0yUppg_Qik7TlWqpGvdMcW1g/s320/Dan+Belly.jpg" /></a></div><div>Notice where his bellybutton has moved to and in the upper right you can see where the stomach tube was located. The Dr. said that the red in the wound was created by the wound vac so that skin could grow over it. </div>Kris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-8940731414326600192009-08-04T07:40:00.002-07:002009-08-04T07:46:42.760-07:00Dan UpdateI am sorry I haven't given an update on Dan in a while. He is doing really well, just having him walking around camp, helping in the store and talking makes me forget that I even need to give an update. As you can tell he is doing great. He will have casts on his hands for another 3 weeks or so then he will have to have surgery to remove some pins in his wrists. He has the braces off so slowly he is beginning to eat more solid food. I am taking him to the Dr. today in Flag so I should have a little more information to share after that.<br /><br />On another note we are continuing to raise money for medical expenses. We know that the max out of pocket is $10,000 but think there may be some additional expenses that are not covered by insurance. Dealing with insurance companies can be a bit challenging at times so I apologize for the lack of information. <br /><br />Chris Herrington has a plan to help raise money for Dan I appreciate his willingness to sacrifice and do something for Dan like this. Head over to his blog and check it out and support Chris as he supports Dan.<br /><a href="http://nehuskerfans.blogspot.com/2009/07/dan-barker.html">http://nehuskerfans.blogspot.com/2009/07/dan-barker.html</a><br /><br />KrisKris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-13410404892952502802009-07-27T07:01:00.002-07:002009-07-27T07:06:44.587-07:00Another Day in ParadiseI had a great day yesterday and today is off to a great start so it is just another day in paradise. Just thought I would let you know what was happening with Dan this morning, his mom Linda is taking him to Flagstaff to see the plastic surgeon and he hopes to get the braces off although we will have to see. Linda is leaving from Flag to go home and will take her well deserved vacation. Dan's friend Terry Strong is going to bring him home. We will have a list of Dr. appointments that we will be going on and I will keep you posted on how things go with those. Dan is doing really well at home and is progressing well. I have a statement in my box at work regarding his medical fund and will post that information soon. Hope you have a great day.<br />KKris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-44370883635437741572009-07-25T15:45:00.003-07:002009-07-25T15:50:47.054-07:00Grown Up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHh3fvJW0n1JOoNPT2jukJMlwEkjCBJXvfkKvA1UGOImwA0LT76pvEar9Ugg3cteGjcMIFGcfNzPBA2EVEp9HkLFHUJIEM21ZBJKeCMJc05bt-B5A4mPp5iFqY2hmgctHQo6nUM3WqkQ/s1600-h/IMG00011.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 276px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362532849818104914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHh3fvJW0n1JOoNPT2jukJMlwEkjCBJXvfkKvA1UGOImwA0LT76pvEar9Ugg3cteGjcMIFGcfNzPBA2EVEp9HkLFHUJIEM21ZBJKeCMJc05bt-B5A4mPp5iFqY2hmgctHQo6nUM3WqkQ/s320/IMG00011.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I know this is a bit of a fuzzy picture, but you take a picture of two 4 yr <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">olds</span> without them moving and let me know how it goes.<br /><br />Took this picture of Gunner and his friend Jordan today and I got to thinking about it. Oh to be four again. In their mind they are anything they want to be. I have been thinking about that and my life. I can change who I am if it is something I want to be. I also had this thought today...Dan is wondering what God wants him to do since He brought him this far. What about me, Jesus gave me my life back too, maybe not physically (although I have had my share of near misses) but for sure spiritually. So am I really seeking what it is God has for me? How about you? Are you really seeking what God has for you?<br />KKris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-81818169700046703102009-07-22T20:12:00.004-07:002009-07-22T20:24:40.900-07:00Amazing Photo...Amazing TripOn June 11<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> my brother Greg and I took 14 guys from Prescott Christian Church on a river trip in the Grand Canyon. We put in at Diamond Creek and take out on Lake Mead, it is about 75 river miles and this was an awesome trip. There are two highlights that for sure are worth mentioning.<br /><br /><br /><br />River mile 231 rapid can be a real nasty rapid. The last paddle raft through got too far to the left and nearly flipped. Everyone ended up swimming the last half of the rapid which can be pretty scary stuff. We finally got all the swimmers in the boats, but we were still missing two guys. It is so tough when that happens. As it turned out two guys were stranded on the bank halfway down the rapid above a huge eddy. Couldn't swim against the eddy current and we didn't want them to take the risk of swimming the rapid and it was impossible to climb to us along the bank. We finally got two throw bags of rope tied them to a life vest and floated the rope to them and were able to pull them to safety. Doesn't sound nearly as exciting as it was...just ask Ray and Jim the two guys who were stranded.<br /><br /><br /><br />The second mentionable was this incredible likeness of a Native American naturally etched on the canyon wall. Bill took a great photo and I did a little work on it to make it easier to find. I have never seen this before, not sure if it will be there when I go back, but it was pretty cool. It is a little grainy in the photo that I uploaded, but was as good as I could get for now. If you click on the picture and get it to full screen it is a little better. I guess Someone was watching over the trip for us.<br />K<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdov8Tncii52oN1BnJFgTM6GVjP-zvpEsI4gaEzJMImCVgsp7aNnWzwEX3FroLbTnILPVuVTSO8g0fvRMvHyD7cJB89B78cAFl8RHv52cUhEI8kgqtvo8URUCW6XBjaOignaMjMrozOA/s1600-h/WatchingInset.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 570px; HEIGHT: 327px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361490556173707618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdov8Tncii52oN1BnJFgTM6GVjP-zvpEsI4gaEzJMImCVgsp7aNnWzwEX3FroLbTnILPVuVTSO8g0fvRMvHyD7cJB89B78cAFl8RHv52cUhEI8kgqtvo8URUCW6XBjaOignaMjMrozOA/s320/WatchingInset.jpg" /></a>Kris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-51898188263529464732009-07-22T16:00:00.004-07:002009-07-22T16:14:40.162-07:00Home Sweet Home<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0cbG3yVVx32vxnPYYkyIk7cJdPYy1KWKFP9Kqoz-C1roCpcKDI9EAjJgVRKTqNHU7hUFjbA19OQN-zIoewK-PBO8tv6TQPwC5DPmEQKqR0BienuoeQQ8-_XXoTEuFThPUtN4d50DlPo/s1600-h/Karis+006.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 244px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361426357091934578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0cbG3yVVx32vxnPYYkyIk7cJdPYy1KWKFP9Kqoz-C1roCpcKDI9EAjJgVRKTqNHU7hUFjbA19OQN-zIoewK-PBO8tv6TQPwC5DPmEQKqR0BienuoeQQ8-_XXoTEuFThPUtN4d50DlPo/s320/Karis+006.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div><div>Dano came home today and I think everyone is pretty excited. I know Dan glad to be back on camp after 4 1/2 weeks of being in the hospital. Linda said that it wasn't the insurance company that moved him out it was a combination of him doing well and to protect him from any sickness that could come from being in the hospital. His Dr. said that it would be better off for him to be home. He has a list of Dr. appointments coming up, his mom is taking him to Flag on Monday to see the plastic surgeon and hopefully have the braces taken off. He has an appointment with an Ear Nose and Throat Dr. regarding his hearing in his left ear, an appointment with an eye Dr. for the vision in his left eye, another one with his orthopedic surgeon regarding his wrists and I think a psych eval. He will be busy for a while with all that. Linda is going to be here until Tuesday then going on a well deserved vacation (a bit reluctantly I might add, but what mom wouldn't be reluctant to leave?), she will then come back after vacation.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtQKcAMnTGlLSSnIQFVh_qpOfHbbv4ExB5b9JMiKj-4gNEb5Xx-66ai6TpAJr2KUCJHtjS_ztpYbHxnEtZP6u11lMuDl5IgzrqTc_NWk5LrRl5gfNt-xQpHSguvw1DhXiFNkzvkqH67A/s1600-h/Karis+007.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 253px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361426359409750546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtQKcAMnTGlLSSnIQFVh_qpOfHbbv4ExB5b9JMiKj-4gNEb5Xx-66ai6TpAJr2KUCJHtjS_ztpYbHxnEtZP6u11lMuDl5IgzrqTc_NWk5LrRl5gfNt-xQpHSguvw1DhXiFNkzvkqH67A/s320/Karis+007.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>For those of you who have given to Dan a huge THANK YOU! It doesn't seem like it is enough, but thank you! I am also going to see if I can get some picts from his Mom when he was in ICU so you can see where we have come from in such a short time. Our local newspaper is doing an article on Dan's accident which is kind of exciting. At some point I plan on taking Dan over to the Rim Rock Fire Department so he can meet them. They asked for updates and for them I am sure that seeing Dan walking and talking would be encouraging. </div><div>K</div></div></div></div>Kris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-89985532588043795412009-07-20T21:30:00.002-07:002009-07-20T21:38:08.842-07:00Coming HomeToday we found out that Dan is coming home Wednesday. I am not sure what happened since Friday when the therapists basically recommended another week, but he is coming home. I don't know if the insurance company didn't authorize another week or if Dan continues to improve at such a rate that he is ready for outpatient therapy, regardless he will be excited to be out of the hospital. I think there is probably a combination of his improvement rate and the fact that he will have help once he is home that is allowing him to leave, but I should have more info tomorrow. He does have a Dr. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">appt</span> in Flag Monday to hopefully remove the braces and possibly get his hands looked at. We also hope he gets someone to look at his left eye and ear soon.<br /><br />As far as the Medical Fund, we have around $5,000 so far and that includes money from the lemonade/brownie stand some of the full time camp staff kids have been running. I will find out how much we think we are going to need and an exact amount in the fund so we all know what we are shooting for. <br /><br />In my feeble little mind I have no way to explain Dan's incredible progress than the hand of God. The number of people praying for him is incredible and I know that God will continue his work. Please continue to pray for his recovery, his patience, his family and the direction for his life.<br /><br />KKris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-25355340119347166732009-07-17T23:40:00.005-07:002009-07-18T19:39:52.920-07:00Dan's Family Meeting<div>I was honored to be invited to "the family meeting" with all the therapists and Dan's parents by Steve and Linda yesterday at 10:30. Basically the Occupational Therapist (OT), the Physical Therapist (PT) and the Speech Therapist (ST) each gave a report on how Dan is doing in their area and then we got the plan for Dan for the next week.<br /><div><div> </div><div>Basically the insurance company approved Dan to be at the rehab hospital until Monday. So if they don't approve another week he will be home on Tuesday. It is typical for the insurance to go week by week on their approval. If Dan were to go home Tuesday it would require someone to be with him at all times based on what the OT was saying. The PT was very pleased with his progress and based on his eval would release him. The OT and the ST would highly recommend another week for sure and then a re-evaluation. Dan isn't really having problems with his speech, but his brain is still healing and the ST would like to work with him some more on cognitive development. The lead nurse is working with the insurance company and felt like most likely they will approve another week based on what the hospital would recommend. If he does stay another week, which is likely, he will have an appointment in Flagstaff to see the plastic surgeon for his jaw and face and the orthopedic surgeon for his hands. The rehab hospital also wants him to have a neuralogical psych eval, ear nose and throat eval for his left ear and an eye doctor eval for his left eye. Currently he is having some trouble focusing out of his left eye and he cannot hear out of his left ear. I will let you know what he will be doing as soon as I find out, although I would expect him to be there another week. The team working with Dan recommends a discharge date of July 31st, but again it will be week to week on Dan's improvement, the teams recommendations and the insurance company. Steve has gone back home to get caught up and Linda is staying until the 26th or 27th as far as she knows at this time. She will stay longer if necessary. </div><div> </div><div>Dan is doing well, there have been quite a few visitors and I think he likes the interaction with different people. We do need to keep praying that he keeps his spirits up and can have patience with the whole process. He can't eat solid food and has lost about 30 lbs (as you can tell from the pictures) so he has been eating a lot of smoothies, pray for his strength and weight to return. Also continue to pray for him to know what it is God saved his life for as he really believes God wants him here...I think I would agree. Also be praying for the financial piece of this whole thing. The kids of the full time staff here on camp (my kids, Coyne kids and the other Mengarelli's) have been selling lemonade and brownies with the procedes going to Dan's Medical Fund. I will try to get some info on how much we need and how much we have to pass that along to all of you. Thanks for your prayers and here are some pictures for your enjoyment.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAPa8P0XIY6sVV3zjSBJpy3RR_TPwHAvmR_q-Nye3PS_HxMYn_CKafjmkAsZ7RMiojbnzznAbw7GuNnbisoELnlE1gD4ST-DZ5onOsm5HgFx5ZJnWyDZQ9v0KxCajIjj71-Fk0reulpo/s1600-h/Dan2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 282px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359994947477636050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAPa8P0XIY6sVV3zjSBJpy3RR_TPwHAvmR_q-Nye3PS_HxMYn_CKafjmkAsZ7RMiojbnzznAbw7GuNnbisoELnlE1gD4ST-DZ5onOsm5HgFx5ZJnWyDZQ9v0KxCajIjj71-Fk0reulpo/s320/Dan2.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HLOSmWetJeS5quJwV5Q5QqK3Rhz3uOaMGk0fIJJtNcjlDb9JPmbWDG0HoP-seABflcsmXpEPD8EcVOsfmX3zlXBQca0_ptCWAV8tQtBKNMmd8Gk8WuoztBTAytXcXQP8C3yIrjl4xMo/s1600-h/Dan1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 207px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359994941176733890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HLOSmWetJeS5quJwV5Q5QqK3Rhz3uOaMGk0fIJJtNcjlDb9JPmbWDG0HoP-seABflcsmXpEPD8EcVOsfmX3zlXBQca0_ptCWAV8tQtBKNMmd8Gk8WuoztBTAytXcXQP8C3yIrjl4xMo/s320/Dan1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Kris</div></div></div>Kris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-87449577931849918182009-07-15T21:54:00.000-07:002009-07-16T06:37:20.839-07:00Back from VacationWe did make it back from our vacation last Friday and had a good time in MO and KS seeing the family. Great time on Lake Stockton with Amy's parents, got to see some great friends at church in Lamar and then loved seeing the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mengarelli's</span>. One of the many highlights of the trip was seeing my Aunt Barb's quilt shop. Her passion for what she does and how quilts are a part of people's lives is so obvious. We also loved be at Uncle Jimmie's and hanging out in the bunkhouse...good times.<br /><br />Another huge highlight to the trip was getting to spend some time with my friend Ky and his family. They have two beautiful girls and the youngest is the one we have been praying for through her heart surgery as an infant. She was born with only one chamber in her heart. Your prayers for Ky and his family have worked because of the 5 other babies with this same condition their baby Kally is the only one still living. They will take her in for surgery again in October and she will have 3 more, but she is doing great. Keep praying. One thing I think it teaches me is that you never know what is going to happen so you enjoy each day.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>Kris</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCieGGt4GNnjrBYESGyfvRy_5irQjaamPeQtgGRjNyQ5_Er6jauSQ1PRDshPKf6b8t8Tw73HwoMk2iakMK7KWLn5ZTWVuzfjOS0r2fVZ2kFQ9NFWpllHfdouBOTcSuH2l6eK3w3yCQ5A/s1600-h/Kally.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 287px; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358911313562299490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCieGGt4GNnjrBYESGyfvRy_5irQjaamPeQtgGRjNyQ5_Er6jauSQ1PRDshPKf6b8t8Tw73HwoMk2iakMK7KWLn5ZTWVuzfjOS0r2fVZ2kFQ9NFWpllHfdouBOTcSuH2l6eK3w3yCQ5A/s320/Kally.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxV0KQ57QmQC_nmUMizTgFqGHm0t9HGT2j-9daEkv_-J1bhm9kdVJDeJXAhVlS9WEhd0tx4vOtM5bmqZmaAWtfxtQjjB2K85i3vAAyS9t9bx4INu2OXZGFtAgYYZm0bqB_-RF-jQ95-0/s1600-h/Kabry.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 213px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358911322126665250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxV0KQ57QmQC_nmUMizTgFqGHm0t9HGT2j-9daEkv_-J1bhm9kdVJDeJXAhVlS9WEhd0tx4vOtM5bmqZmaAWtfxtQjjB2K85i3vAAyS9t9bx4INu2OXZGFtAgYYZm0bqB_-RF-jQ95-0/s320/Kabry.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rgnLfB96rvctg9rC8dd2Ei7_pqfMlwhyfKxwEsgjBqR2Smtm6muB2lD-gjdov-d3mV1bvkdMV50XfiFNtU8Vy2qfXFraH3G8II1bxdAktQy2Wr4-gUf0v3QgEaBpSkuOaxSdMjPnD6c/s1600-h/Kally.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851757005724607908.post-54056459130289276162009-07-15T21:34:00.001-07:002009-07-16T06:32:59.961-07:00Now What God?I had a great time today with Dan just hanging out and talking. I was there from about 3 pm to 6 pm, even had me a $3 meal. It was good to just sit and talk about what is going on and where he is going to go from here. Dan still needs our prayers, I think a big prayer request would be for patience. In his words "I am just done with all this" referring to the casts, the pain in his head and face, his wound vac, the time in the hospital. I know that all of you who know Danny know that what he is going through now is a big challenge for him. To not be able to get out and do things is a bit tough on him.<br />Another thing that he has talked about with several people and we talked about it quite a bit today is "if God let me live he must have plans for me...i just don't know what they are". Dan realizes that it is by the grace of God that he is even alive. He believes there is a purpose for his life and he is really seeking God to know what that purpose is. Toward the end of our conversation I asked him what specifically to ask for prayer for and this was it. (I brought up the patience one and he agreed.) This is what Dan is processing and what he asked prayer for. He and I have talked about the fact that working in maintenance at UCYC is not his lifetime career. While he is good at it, really we have seen that he is gifted at working with the kids here at camp. As far as I am concerned as his "boss" he can stay in facilities, but I also want him to follow what God has for him and will help him figure that out in any way I can. He is also thinking about the medical field. He recently did very well in an EMT class and has thought about becoming a paramedic. Regardless he is searching for God's purpose and would really appreciate the prayers.<br />As far as how long Dan is going to be there, we still don't know for sure, but the Physical Therapist that was in the room this evening said 3 to 4 days. I questioned her further and she only said they have been talking about Dan and he is doing very well. I am not one go get my (or yours for that matter) hopes up, but he is doing well and I don't think he will be there for 3 weeks as was initially planned.Keep praying and thank you to those who have given to the Dan Barker Medical Fund...to the rest of you thanks for the prayers and if you can give I know it would be appreciated beyond words.<br />Thanks,<br />KrisKris Mengarellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292719604929269396noreply@blogger.com0