Saturday, November 22

Our First Outing

Yesterday we had an absolute wonderful day. We went on our first outing. As Jess would say, "We took the short bus to Evergreen Co." It was about a 30-45 minute drive from Craig and despite our worries Briley was great throughout the entire trip. For those of you who may know the area Evergreen is out past Redrock. Over all it was about a 4 hour outing. We went to a great pizza joint called Beaujos (Sp?). They served honey with there pizza. Which I must say you should try on you pizza crust. It may sound strange, but it was really good. And then after lunch we just hung out around town. A lot of people "rolled" :) around town, but Jess Briley and I stayed around a bridge that was near the pizza place. There were about 30 ducks in the river that kept Briley pretty entertained. By the time we were ready to go home Briley was getting really tired, and we were worrying that she may scream the whole way back (she has been doing that sometimes), but she was absolutely wonderful. About a mile or two down the road she fell asleep and slept until we pulled into Craig's parking lot. What a great finish to our first outing.





After we got back Jess picked up his guitar for the first time. It was definitely a struggle, but I was impressed with how much he was able to do. We had no idea what his left hand would be able to do. By the end of the hour he had a couple of cords that he was able to play and transition to without the help of his right hand. I must say I was very impressed! Oh and Briley loved dancing to dad's music!!!



Today was a good lazy day. Briley and I hung out at the apartment until almost 11am and when we went over to see Jess he was still in bed. He was dealing with more bladder spasms, so he ended up staying in bed most of the afternoon and watching college football or"booball," as Briley call's it.

Briley and I took a nice walk to Safeway for a grocery run this afternoon. I'm a terrible judge of distance, but I would say its maybe 2 miles round trip. But let me tell you, climbing that hill coming back with Briley in my baby pack and pushing a stroller full of groceries is a great workout. By the way, thanks Candy for the baby pack, Briley loves it and I don't know what I would do without it.



Jess got up later in the afternoon and spent some time playing guitar and catching up on the blog. We went and ate dinner in the cafeteria with another couple and then came back to his room and just hung out. So yea, it was a lazy family day.


We got Jess' schedule for this coming week and its starting to pick up a bit. He is starting a new educational class as well as pool therapy. So I guess its ok to be lazy :)





















34 comments:

Rochelle said...

What a lovely photo of the family OUTSIDE! It looks beautiful :) You are in my continued prayers and church bulletin, hehe. Love ya!

Dee and Denny said...

WOW!! What GREAT strides you are making, Jess!! It just made me literally cry for joy to see you playing that guitar!! AND what a gorgeous family outing you had! I just want to sing God's praises for how well you are doing and how the Lord is blessing you all. I'm putting up the tree this weekend and getting ready for Kari, Willie and the kids to come for Thanksgiving. Has your package arrived yet? You'll find some fun surprises in it for all three of you. Hey, Em, way to get your exercise, huh? Good thing there's not a lot of snow on the ground yet. And that picture of Briley in a box, what a cutie! Just give a kid a box and they will keep entertained for hours! Logan Blair says "HI" and asked how you're doing. EVERYONE is praying for you EVERY DAY!! Keep up the hard work and....keep looking up. Love, Mom and Dad and Jesse

Kari said...

Hello, Jess, Emily and Briley!
Congratulations on the great progress! Sounds like you had a wonderful day; I'm sure being outside is a refreshing change of pace and scenery for all three of you. Keep up the good work....you continue to amaze everyone with the many strides you are making. Your patience and persistence are truly inspiring. Keep smiling and thinking positive. You're in my thoughts and prayers always.
Love, Kari (Meine) Orizotti

Ken Michael said...

Hey buddy! We've been preying for you since we heard. Your daughter is very beautiful. We're almost done building our log cabin and we will send you some photos. It's hard keeping up with the old man. Hang in there and trust in God. You can count on our prayers! We miss you a lot.

Ken Michael said...

Hey buddy! We've been preying for you since we heard. Your daughter is very beautiful. We're almost done building our log cabin and we will send you some photos. It's hard keeping up with the old man. Hang in there and trust in God. You can count on our prayers! We miss you a lot.
Ken and Amy Michael

nursenissa said...

Jess I cheered when I saw the photo of you holding the guitar...YIPEE!! Music is in your bones, and I can't imagine how great it felt to play. Emily, you should think about teaching a 'Briley bootcamp workout' class at the YMCA when you guys get back. My heart swells at how amazing you all are doing. Two thumbs WAY UP!!! Much love, Nissa

david said...

Just saying hi. It's 3 a.m. on Sunday, and I'm doing sports stuff for the Alaska Star. I went to bed early last night so I rearing to go. Yeah right.

Just had to check in. Thanks for not making me cry this a.m.

By the way, it's great to see Jess playing the guitar again!!!!! Make a joyful noise - right Jess.

We love you guys.

David

david said...

Just saying hi. It's 3 a.m. on Sunday, and I'm doing sports stuff for the Alaska Star. I went to bed early last night so I rearing to go. Yeah right.

Just had to check in. Thanks for not making me cry this a.m.

By the way, it's great to see Jess playing the guitar again!!!!! Make a joyful noise - right Jess.

We love you guys.

One other thing - Zack is going to my parents home in Olympia, WA, so we won't see him this weekend. Aaron is coming down from Fairbanks, however.

David

Kari Coon said...

You all look AWESOME!! All the accomplishments you are making makes me want to shout for joy. It's so great to see you getting out and spending some family time together. Emily~ I'm so glad you got a childs backpack. I had one with Makayla and Andrew and loved it. They loved to ride in it and it kept my hands free too. The other day I pulled up photos of our trip to visit you this summer. When I saw the pics of the kids around the campfire with Jess playing the guitar it brought a smile to my face. What a great family we have. We love and miss all of you.

Your Sis, Kari

The Moravchik Family said...

Hey Jess,

What a great looking family! Nice to see you guys out and about. It takes a lot to keep a good man down. Also nice to hear you have your own room, did you push the two beds together yet? Great job on the guitar, when did you start playing, what a great way to connect with your daughter kids love music. I hope things keep getting better for you guys we think you and pray for you every day.Take care Jeff Moravchik and family.

Little Sis said...

Hey bro,
I love the picture of you playing guitar! It made me so happy. I've been working on a couple new songs so I can play them for you next week. I read your blog everyday and I'm amazed by how many people love you. The support for you is incredible, and I think it truly shows how blessed you are. You and Emily are an inspiration to Pat and I, and I can't wait to see you.

LOVE YOU, give a hug to Briley Anna for me!

The Risler Family said...

Hi Jess and Family,
Jess, I don't know if you remember me, but I went to Jamestown College during the same time that you were there. I ran track and Cross Country while I was there. Ryan Hanson forwarded me your blog, and I wanted to write to let you and your family know that we are thinking about you! From reading your blog entries I can see that your family has a strong faith, and that is what will get you through this time! I am just so impressed with your positive attitude and I really admire the strength that your wife, Emily shows! I talk to Ryan and his wife weekly and I will let them know how you are doing! You are doing a great job with the healing process so far! Keep the positive attitude! You all inspire us!
Sincerely,
Mandi (Gronos) Risler and family

Unknown said...

You'll be back to playing guitar like normal in no time Jess:) I am so proud of all your progress! I am so glad you all got to go out and just be together outside of the hospital campus! I am excited about har far you are already:) I love you both lots and lots and I am always praying for you!
Apes

The Lowell/Hansen Family said...

Hello to all of you! I absolutely love the new picture of the family...love the smiles and love seeing the progress. Thanks for sharing with all of us back here in Dillon...I know you know this already...but we are always thinking of you guys. Have a good night. Love, Hill, David, Brock, and Savannah

Marie said...

G'Morning to you all!! Glad to hear about your great Colorado weekend. It is pretty beautiful here!! I love it!! It's a close second to Alaska...By the way, great pics!! And great to see Jess holding the guitar!! It's gonna be a pretty special Thanksgiving week, LOTS to be thankful for!! For all of us!! As always, thinking of you guys...Marie (Eve's mom)

fishingfamily said...

Hi Jess, Emily, & Briley!
It's so great to hear that you were able to get out and about! That had to feel wonderful. Jess, It's great to see you playing the guitar. Hopefully next time we see you Gus will be able to carry a tune on his guitar too. He's really excited to get some lessons going on it. I bet you could teach him a thing or two :) We are all keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong.
~Hugs, The Schaffs

Gabe Walker said...

Al -

How bout those Redskins? I might have to jump on the bandwagon.

What is on the agenda for today? I'm sure those nurses are giving you all the therapy you can handle. Bring it on! I know you are game for anything.

It is great to see you with that guitar back in your hands. Chicken strips Miller was over at the house playing a Croce song he has been working on. It sounds pretty solid. I can't wait to get the band back together. I need to start practicing on that drum set. Well, maybe I'll start with the shaker, baby steps.

Can you believe Thanksgiving is already here? I think we all have a lot to be thankful for. Say hi to Emily and Briley for me.

stay strong -

gw

Unknown said...

Looks like you guys had a blast! My mom told me that everyone was making their way out to CO for Thanksgiving. We are all going to Tasha and Mike's. They are doing their first holiday as a married couple. It should be great! We are all thinking about you and cheering you on! Go team Alberi!!!
Love,
Kijrstin

Josh Allen said...

Hey Jess. It's great to see your amazing progress. And, thanks to Emily for all of the great updates! You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers ... keep up the hard work!

I'm proud of you for picking that guitar back up. I tried to learn a few years ago and I am not so hot at it. Way to go!

I am sure you are giving those PTs and OTs all they can handle. Keep challenging them :)

Warm Thanksgiving wishes from us to all of you!

-josh & holly

Rod and Judy Siring said...

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you-enjoy your family time. We are so thankful that you are progressing and that Emily & Briley are right by your side. You are blessed!:) We continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. God's blessings onto you.

Rod and Judy Siring

Jody said...

Hi Denver Family its great to see the new photos and way to go with the guitar jess. You are a super star. Its great to see taht you are doing so well and caring on with what life gives you . You allare truly amazing.. As you knwo Scott and i went to billings we had a great time the Johnson family says hi to you all . Can't wait to come see you all .. Tomorrow i will be booking my tickets i'm so happy that you all want me to come down thanks for the invite cause i would have came any way .. he he Eric and steph had a suprize get togehter for me . Its was very nice with the family and kids .. another year under my belt. Anyway much love to you friends can't wait to see you . lots hugs kisses and that fun stuff Aunt Jody and the boys

Kate Layne said...

Rock on!! Getting that guitar back in your hands is probably some of the best therapy! I hope Denver is ready for the Alberi family!! Keep up the great work! As always love the updates.
Love,
Kate

John/Trish said...

Hi Jess, I was reading the blog and then caught myself reading everyone's notes to you and had to laugh when I read David's last posting when he mentioned seeing you with your guitar and to "make a joyous noise." I am always pulling practical jokes on a lot of my friends and colleagues at work and recalled the prank I played on you a few summers ago after we had gone to Promise Keepers together. Do you recall when I tied all those sticks and cans behind your truck and had written "make a joyous noise unto the Lord" on all of them. :-) I think you had been giving Mariah Bath a ride home and she knew about it through my daughter, but did not tell you about it. We all got a good laugh. Just thought I would share with you that back in August I took Jacob Caribou hunting and he shot his first caribou. I was so proud of him. After he got it, he insisted on going to get my six-wheeler and dirve it up the mountain to haul out his caribou. Unbelievably he did it, he got my atv to the top of Taylor mountain by himself. Again I was amazed and proud of him. On the way down, we had a terrible accident and I thought for an instant I had lost my son. That part of the trail was steep and Jacob was driving, he turned the rig sideways and it rolled, I went to the uphill side and was unscathed, I jumped to my feet only to see Jacob running downhill away form the rolling rig which was rolling at a breakneck speed after him, it hit some brush and all 1000 lbs bounced into the air and I saw Jacob under it still running, I screamed to get out of the way and he did at the last second and it rolled by him. I praised God for his safety and told Jacob, I was grateful to Jesus for his safety and that the damage to the rig can always be fixed or replaced, but I can't replace him. Jacob was pretty shook up after that and had no arguement with me driving the rest of the way out. Just thought you should know that God is working everywhere, all the time for every living person's sake. God Bless you Jess with HIS healing hand. Continuing in prayer for your healing,
John, Trish and kids

Joan said...

Hi Jess, Emily & Briley...
The haircut looks smashing on Jess, and I'm so excited they are going to do pool therapy - nothing like removing that old pesky enemy...gravity. There is a book that is likely out of print you may enjoy it's called Gravity Is My Enemy...hadn't thought of it in eons!

I continue to be SO grateful you decided on Craig (or rather that they decided on YOU!!). You are zooming ahead in progress and for the three of you to be together is SO important.

My prayers will continue that the spasticity goes away or gets under control, and that it does not head south.
The guitar work will probably make the OT do a happy dance...keep that wrist in neutral or extension...
Enjoy your pre-scuba lesson time in the pool, and know you are continuing to be prayed for praised about...His work in and through you continues to bring HUGE grins to this face!
Love, Until He Comes,
Joan

Jimbo said...

Hellow Jess, Emily & Briley:

You look so good holding that guitar. I know it means a lot to you and that you will soon be ripping out some cool tunes. By the way, I like that tee shirt. Is that a tribute to our fallen MSU Bobcats? Ha!

We sure enjoy seeing your progress and especially your interaction with Emily and Briley.

Keep up the good work buddy, can't wait to see you.

Love you all,

Jimbo

Carol Drebert said...

It's YOU TWO who are encouragements to the REST of us! Oh how we all, as believers, NEED to see God at work in each others' lives! By your sharing, you are helping to provide some of that need. Thank you for being open, and thank you for trusting God.

Love,
The Dreberts

The Moravchik Family said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
The Moravchik Family said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
The Moravchik Family said...

Jess,

It was great talking too you and catching up, keep up the good work and stay in touch. Take care here is our family blog site so you can catch up. themoravchikfamily.blogspot.com

The Moravchik Family said...

Jess,

It was great talking too you and catching up, keep up the good work and stay in touch. Take care here is our family blog site so you can catch up. themoravchikfamily.blogspot.com

Jody said...

Hello Alberi Family , I know that you are all down there our on your way have a great thanksgiving .. Enjoy each other , what great thanksgiving it will be to give thanks that jess is still with us that is what brice said he was giving thanks for .. I agree with him thanks for the Alberi family all of them what great people .. GOT MY TICKET.. Can't wait to hang out and see you all and give Briley and EMily lots hugs and kisses and you a few to Jess. we went to Bolt clay got a wonderful report card so that was his reward. It was very cutie and we had the hole movie theater to ourselves .. anyway lots love to your family from ours . hugs kisses and lots love Aunt Jody and the boys

Unknown said...

Love all the pictures. Especially Briley in the box. Were you going to ship her somewhere?

Unknown said...

Love all the pictures. Especially Briley in the box. Were you going to ship her somewhere?

stevelasar said...

WOW JESS YOU ARE DOING AWESOME!! KEEP UP THE GREAT ATTITUDE AND DON'T EVER STOP BELIEVING THAT YOU'LL WALK AGAIN AND GOD'S GOING TO FIX YOU UP 100% AND GIVE IT ALL BACK TO YOU!! TAKE CARE YOU GUYA ...AND WHEN YOU GET BACK MAYBE WE CAN WORK OUT AT THE Y ?? STEVE AND HUNTER LASAR