Jenny is feeling better from the tube removal. Her stomach was sore for a few days and she even took her first nap in years for a couple hours. She has been working with augmentative communication devices that speak what she types. She is good at it, but she is faster at finger spelling, so she is reluctant to use the speaking machines. Sign language does not require her to carry around a small computer, but finger spelling limits who she an speak to – mostly the kids. She did write several notes to the kids telling them how she felt about them. Plus, Zach has homework assignments where he needs to make words from a group of predetermined letters, so this offered a perfect opportunity for her to help Zach with homework for her first time. Being a past 2nd grade teacher herself, this meant a lot to Jenny to feel useful and to interact with Zach.
Of course, like most of Jenny’s things, everyone else used the communication devices more. We had to do several sentences such as, “Jessie eats worms”, or “Zach kisses girls” to make sure we really figured how to make it worked.
The kids have been really sweet with Jenny lately. They wanted so much to help their mom get better. Even our two-year-old Sophie makes sure to pray every time that, “mom gets better”. I gave therapy assignments to the kids to do specific activities with mom to help with motor skills. They involve puzzles, games, and therapy putty- so the kids are even more excited.
Last night, we had an aid to help out, so Zach became the first child to sleep with mom. Jenny needed this badly. They fell asleep holding hands and giving each other their special “I love you” hand squeezes that they have always had as their special secret way to tell each other that they loved each other. Zach is so sweet to his mom and loves her so much. The other day, Zach pulled out a bunch of his mom’s old sign language books and was diligently studying them. Jenny broke down into tears because she realized how much he wanted to communicated with her.
JENNY LYNN'S NEWS 
Hi Jenny and Mark! Jenny we are so thrilled for you and all your progress. And you look terrific!!! We so appreciated the photos…sorry we didn’t tell you that sooner! Keep up all the good work. Sounds like you and your children are finding all the right ways to communicate and share with one another. And how incredibly endearing you are to share your loving family moments with us all. What a wonderful family of love you have!!! The love just oozes through the computer. Mark….posting time of 2:34 am means you were up late. We do hope you’re taking care of yourself, too. It’s obvious you’re taking care of your family in everyway possible. Thank your for your lovely, sensative sharing of some of those precious family moments. We love you all. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God continue to bless you all!
Bruce and Ann Caster
Hi Jenny and Mark! Jenny we are so thrilled for you and all your progress. And you look terrific!!! We so appreciated the photos…sorry we didn’t tell you that sooner! Keep up all the good work. Sounds like you and your children are finding all the right ways to communicate and share with one another. And how incredibly endearing you are to share your loving family moments with us all. What a wonderful family of love you have!!! The love just oozes through the computer. Mark….posting time of 2:34 am means you were up late. We do hope you’re taking care of yourself, too. It’s obvious you’re taking care of your family in everyway possible. Thank your for your lovely, sensative sharing of some of those precious family moments. We love you all. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God continue to bless you all!
Bruce and Ann Caster
Just wanted to tell Jenny that I love her.
I haven’t seen her in years. I am her goofy cousin from Utah (originally) Aunt Ellie’s daughter. I think of you often, and my brother Will keeps me updated.
We’ve shared lots of fun moments and wonderful memories as children. I love you.
I now live in Yuma Arizona on a military installation. Working for the Departmet of Defense as a Test Coordinator and Technical writter for the Army. The weather is often quite warm…so if you all need to warm up, then please come visit.
Love Maria
Mark and Jenny, I am so happy to continueu to hear positive things from all of you. You are both done a great job raising your beautiful kisa and with the love and support of each other.
I am glad that the kids are doing well. The fact that they will help with therapy is GREAT!
I spoke to Brian yesterday, he sounds good. Traveling everywhere, Philidelpia and Austin.
Thanks again for sharing. Mark, make sure to get some rest and take care of yourself, your family needs you (2:30AM-is a liitle early)
In Love and Faith
Janet