Before I tested the leg.

This leg fits so much better.

This is the test socket it fits so nice I could stand all day!!

An update at last

Some of you may know that on June 23rd we had the carnival. We raised $10,000 that is a good start I would say. Each day someone else gives money to the fund. The amount is growing more and more. At the carnival we had leg events. We had Sportsplex gym come and they did some leg exercises and man let me tell you that doing those on one leg was rough. I think I need to go there and become an expert at those and have a wicked strong. That sounds like a good idea to me. Working out always sounds like a good idea and you really do feel good. You do really well then something happens that throws you off your rocker. UGH!!! Yes I am speaking of personal/current experience.

Faith and Miracels

I had a companion who is my dear friend share her faith with me and we saw miracels. In the mornings on the mission we would play soccer with other missionaries. One morning as Sisiter Parra (Tere) was playing her bracelet fell off. We got back to the apartment when she saw that her she looked at me and she that we needed to find it. We went back to the feild and had the serciutry gard let us back in to look; when he let us in he said "good luck" Tere looked at me and said "I don't believe in luck I believe in faith." Those words have stuck with me. Tere now is teaching me once again. Last saturday she fell out of a tree and broke her back now the doctors are saying she is paraliyzed. She is doing really good as she is in rehab.  She is learning how to get around with a wheelchair and with her new self.

Little Children

I love talking to little kids about my leg. A few weeks ago I was working at the What Women want expo and I was in a skirt. Three little kids, ages 5,4,3 came over and asked me all kinds of questions."Does it hurt?" "Can you run?" "How can you take a bath?" "Can you jump" "How does it stay on?" "How does it work?" As fast as I answered they had another question. The Mom and Aunt of these kids let them ask away. It was so great. I Jumped and walked and showed them the belt that holds it on. They were soaking it all in. The best part was when the turned to my friend Zach who is in the Arm Forces and he was in his uniform and the little boy looked up at him and asked "have you ever killed anyone?" Zach was taken by surprise. He did a very good job explaining that is not the only thing they do. I love little children they want to learn. To answer their questions: Does it hurt? sometimes, Can you run? no yet I need to learn, How can you take a bath? I take my leg off like a shoe than take a bath, How does it stay on? I have a strap, How does it work? kind of like a robot.

Learning to ride a bike

When I was 21 I decided to go on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. I was called to serve in the California Los Angeles Spanish Speaking mission. I received my call in May and I was leaving at the end of July. This was in 2009. Soon after that I received letter from the Mission President in Los Angeles saying that each missionary had to have a bike. I have never ridden a bike before. I started to learn when I was six and my brother took over my bike and I guess I didn't want to learn bad enough so I didn't take it back. Now I was asked to ride a bike so I could serve my Lord and Savior. We had to get a bike first. We went to Bountiful and found a bike. It was a women petite frame. We where having a hard time with the size until because a women size didn't fit me and a kids size was to small.We where coming down the stairs feeling a little discouraged and Dad had the feeling to look up. So he did and there was my bike. The salesman said to me that was the bike he told me about earlier and I blow him off. opps good thing dad was listening. So I got on the bike and it fit!!! So we went home with a bike and helmet and knee and elbow pads. We tried lots of different ways to get my foot to stay on the bike. Our neighbors had said that her dad was a machinist and maybe he could help with something. He did! Dad and were outside for hours and hours trying to master the bike. A lot of the time it mastered me and sometimes dad. We both had bumps and scraps and bruises. Dad did what dads do. The hang on the seat and handle bars and run with you. Dad running with his 21-year-old daughter trying to ride a bike. I was a little embarrassed. After almost hitting parked cars and crushing and crying one day dad said "Kristie just go for it" I said what? Dad explained that we were thinking to much and that when little kids get on bikes they go for it. So with a new determination and less fear I went for it. I did it!!!! All the way down the street alone. No way!! No way I just rode my bike.
On the mission I had told President that I wanted to go to an area that I could speak more Spanish and ride my bike. He did not like that idea.When he felt that I should go to the Compton- Lynnwood area he sent me there. I was with Sister Garza and Sister Williamson. We rode bikes a couple of times there. It was different and I didn't watch for cars very well. Not good. I am sure Sister Williamson had some heart attacks I will have to ask her. There was one time that we were going to ride at night to a meeting at the church. Sister Williamson told sister Garza to go in front and head to the church and not not and wait. Sister Garza dominated that trip there. She hualed. I remember looking up and not seeing her anymore. She did great.Than I was next in line and than Sister Williamson. There was one part of the trip I was not very confident in riding and that was up the little hill/slope to the tracks and over. As we got closer I yelled should I get off and walk over. Sister Williamson Said GO GO GO!!! So I went and I had to hold the tears back so I could see. This moment and Sister Williamson's actions have gave me strength through out my mission and now. This was a wonderful moment in my mission. Before Sister Williamson and I were companions I always thought when I would see her that if I was going to ride my bike I would want her to be my companion and she was and we rode.

If I am remembering right that was the ride home.

Sexylipo

Have you heard of sexylipo? where I work they have sexylipo. What it is, is ultrasonic lipo. How it works is like getting a ultrasound. They turn the ultrasound waves up higher and they vibrate so fast that the fats cells can't take it so the pop. They turn to liquid and your body gets rid of them just like food. There is no down time, bruising, pain. It sound almost to good to be true. It is all natural and it works. The office where I work does it and there was one lady that has lost 26 inches!!! oh and once the cells are popped they are popped. You are born with a certain number of fat cells and you will die with that same number. You can't gain fat cells. Yes you can gain it back in other fat cells unless you change your habits. My friend to is really active and in great shape had one area that no matter what she did she couldn't get rid of the fat on her inner thigh. She did this and now its gone. I am telling this because I did it to my stump today. To get a good fit of the leg it is important that the shape is the same on the leg so if it is like an ice cream cone shape that is bad. The best shape is a cylinder shape. With sexylipo and changing my life style I am going to work on getting a better shape of a stump then a better leg. We did the first time today. I will post pictures and results. Usually there is a two-five inches loss of pure fat in one session.  
I posted a link on the home page.

Questions and Answers

This post is for you all to ask any questions that you may have about life as an amputee or what is going on.
Ask a way!

Details!!

My Mom has said to me over and over growing up Details details!! Mostly it was when a pant leg was not down all the way or a tag sticking out in the back. For today "Details" means that there are details about the event of the June 23rd. We are having leg events. Like a three-legged-race, hopping contest,dancing etc. So start spreading the word about the 23rd at Davis High School in Kaysville Utah.

Erin Taylor and I at the Bash

This was toward the end of the dance

Kayla, Kevin, Nate, Me and Jarom

Erin, Kierstian, Stephaine, Hiedi, Drew, Bret, Me, Carolynn. Kelsey, Steph, Sarah and Wendy

Somethings to be excited for

I think that the more I think about getting a new leg the more I realize or acknowledge the things that bug about my leg. I am not trying to complain. I am trying to make it relatable for you. Sometimes while I am standing the knee bends without warning. I don't normally fall (knock on wood) because I put most of my weight on my good leg for security to not fall. The other thing is this baby seat of a socket. The top part of my leg sticks out so far that it makes a great seat for kids. (I think I wrote about that before) Also my toe is falling off. This is common with fake feet. At least it doesn't hurt.

I look so short in this picture. haha cause I am. You can see the "hip-age" or baby seat really well. If you are a Chiropractor or Physical Therapist I didn't mean to cause you pain by see the picture.

Yuck!

The June 23rd Event

On the news and in the paper they have talked about the event at Davis High school. Here are the details:
Yard Sale
5k
Bizarre
    * Face paint
    *Food stands
    * Games
    *Entertainment
It is going to be fun fun fun

The dog's favorite toy.

It is true that artificial legs are a dogs chew toy. It has never happened to me luckily. One time at Shriners Hospital we were there with a mom and her son and over the weekend the dog got a hold of his leg and chewed it up. The most expensive chew toy ever! That would be so awful on so many levels to walk in and see the dog with the leg all in pieces.You could get some good jokes about this. "Why did you miss school?" "The dog ate my leg!" or When the kid got older and people ask what happen to his leg he could say that it was a dog attack. hehe You could get some good stories and reactions from people. When I was on a LDS mission in Los Angeles California, I would tell someone a the wrong story about what happened to my leg they always new someone that it happened to. I felt bad so I stopped telling the wrong story/a lie. Now sometimes I will pull a good story out and see what happens. One friend gave me the idea to say "Well you know what happens when you get your finger slammed in a car door..." HAHAHA oh man ouch! Now the story about our dog and her favorite toy. Lexi (the dog) loves reflections and flash lights she chases them for ever and she always wants to play "reflection." While I was unpacking yesterday she was right under my feet. And then I realized that I was wearing shorts and my leg was making reflections every were! Plus I was walking around so they were moving. HAHAHA oh man it was really funny. Unpacking and playing reflection with the dog, all in a days work. ;)

I have some cousins that are such good exmaples to me I might have told you about them before. I wanted to share what they are doing. My mom got a phone call from my cousin who is nine (Hollie) and she said that she was going to sell some of her toys for my leg and maybe some shoes and clothes and get Hailee (our other cousin who is eight) to help. When my mom told her how much we need she said "don't worry, don't worry I will help!" This put tears in my eyes and reminded me to be more childlike and Christlike.
Then about two weeks later we found out from Hailee's mom that Hollie and Hailee set up a museum in Hollie's room and they charge .50 cents to get in and they are giving they money to me for my leg. They are so great! They put tears in my eyes again and reminded me to be more willing and Christlike. 

WOW!!

So some of you most likely saw the report on channel five. Today at six! It was so great! They did a really great job. Well they did have some really powerful women on there. On Friday we had the Mustache Bash! It was so great. There were more people then I was thinking would come. It was at the Pinnacle Security building and it was a bash!! We had a photo booth and there was a room with lovsacs and chairs to chit chat. The music was good and people came and danced and we really had fun. I am thinking that there will be more to come in the future. I am not sure I can express in the right words how touched I am  about everyone coming together. To have friends and family using their time and energy to help me get a leg is so... I don't the best word... great, wonderful, wow!
The news report was so great. They said what needed to be said and they were able to get the message across. They talked about up coming events next month. They were a little vage about because I am too. On June 23rd at Davis High School we are going to be doing a big event carnival type thing. We are partnering with another business that is starting up. I am not going to say very much because we are still planning it. When I have more details I will let you all know. For know that this is so WOW! Oh and if you would like to volunteer post a comment or send me an email. This is so great!

Dear reader,
We are doing a Mustache Bash in Logan Friday. Tomorrow April 27th at 8pm at Pinnacle Security and a yard sale Saturday in Ogden at Veo Clinic. 1069 Stewart Dr. (off of 12th) from  8-12.

Family

I am going to tell you about my family. There are 7 people in my family almost 8! My Dad (Eric) Mom (Terri) have been married for 25 years. Mom has mostly stayed home with us kids. Currently dad sells insurance. I am the oldest out of the bunch. The next one is Chad, he is a mechanic and his wife Danielle is excepting their first in October. Justen is on a LDS mission in St. Louis Missouri. Kayla is the the youngest and she is graduating this year and starting college in the fall. We have so much fun with each other. We are always laughing and talking to each other about ideas and whats on the news and religion  etc. We are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. As a family we pray together everyday. Praying together has some of the sweetest memories. Some of the times something would happen right before prayer like a bodily sound or someone getting hurt or just something funny. One time we were all laughing super hard. I don't remember what happened, I do remember that Justen was laughing so hard that drool was coming out of mouth and it made us laugh harder and he laughed harder. Sometimes when we would all be calmed down and ready to pray it would all start again. I am sure some of you have experienced this. There where times when the most tender feelings shared by our family would be express when praying for help or strength or giving thanks for whoever or whatever was happening at the time. As a child I love to hear my parents pray for my siblings and I by name and asking or giving thanks to Heavenly Father for us and our specific needs. 

Together we enjoy camping and playing games together and Sunday dinners together at grandma and grandpas house. We have a family reunion on my mom's side with her siblings and there kids. This is one of our favorite times in the year. There are 37 grandkids (not including spouses) and 11 great-grand-kids! We have lots of noise and crying and laughing and messes and we love it!  We love each other so much and we have so much fun together. Family is so important.   

Pictures

I added some pictures they are at the bottom.

The Knee and what it will do.

You might have been thinking that the leg in the picture was the one that we were going to get. Surprise it is not. It was a idea of what kind of leg that I was going to get. My friends Cherokee and Gina went with me to see Patrick. We were there for a while and we talked about what kind of knee would be best for my life style. I was thought it was going to to be hard to be heard by Patrick when I was telling him what I wanted in a leg. I was so wrong! He listened and got to know me and what kind of life style I live and want to live.  It was so great. I feel like a whole new world is going to be opened up with a new leg. I am getting a knee called the "Plie 2.0" Sound fancy huh? Because it is. Patrick explained to me that this knee will give the stability that I am looking for and that I will be able to dance with it and go camping. He told me that this one wont get fried with water getting on it. (I cant swim with it on) If I get caught in the rain or spill a drink on it it will be ok.  Over the weekend I looked on you tube and there was videos with the leg. People were running, walking smooth, and doing the samba! I am totally going to Zumba instead of samba. Well why not both. As I was walking don't the stairs with my roommate Carolynn she said to me "I can't wait until we can race down the stairs." Me too. 


Back to the Doctors; we also talked about what kind of socket for the top. This is where my stump goes inside like a cast. I am going to try a softer socket. I am not remembering what he called it.  Right now I have a hard one.  It eats at my pants when I am sitting in hard chairs (because the fabric is stuck in between the hard socket and chair) and it doesn't look good you can see were the top of my leg is  (no nice curves), also when I am sitting I sit with one hip higher then the other because it doesn't give. The new one is so much better. Patrick was telling me that I will be able to sit level, save my pants and it will look better. Meaning my curves on my right leg will be curves not harsh lines! Yeah baby! There are two benefits to the socket I have know. One, it sticks out so far that I have a little seat to hold babies. If the babies have diapers still it works better. If they don't they look at my confused as to why it feels weird. haha they pull the funnest faces! Also laundry baskets fit nicely right there. I guess I will have to get stronger arms instead of my little shelf. 


Another part of the leg I am thinking about is what kind of foot. I have on right know that can move up and down to wear heals. I don't wear them often because I feel so unstable. I told Patrick that maybe I don't what to have that kind again. But... this weekend I watched two movies on youtube with ladies with that foot and the same knee and know I am rethinking that... 

Plie 2.0!!!

I met with the the leg maker today. His name is Patrick. We talked about the different legs out there and this one "Plie 2.0" is what we are going to try out!

For lunch my Dad and I went to Firehouse pizza. Dad has clients up here in Logan and so when he is here we go to lunch. One of my favorite times. In fact one time I had had one of those weeks and Dad called and said lets go to lunch. Then I cried because that was what I was in need of. Daddy time. I always feel like a royalty when I am with my Dad. Every girl needs to have a guy in their life that treats them like royalty. Dad doesn't give me "things" he gives my love and respect and kindness. To me that is giving me the world.

Tonight Firehouse is doing a fundraiser. They handed out coupons that say 15% of what you buy goes to Kristie's leg up for life fund. I had one and so Dad and I went there and Dad handed the waiter the coupon and told him that I am "The Kristie". The waiter/assistant manger was really excited to meet me and he went and got the owners and we met them and then my Bishop was there and so we talked to him and my Dad met him and then two of my friends were there also. It was really neat to see the people who are so kind and willing to help out. They offered to do it again. I have the feeling that this is going to be bigger than me.

Update

We have about $8000 that has been turned in from the bands! There is about 1000+ bands left.

I have a a cousin Hollie and she is nine. She called my mom today and told her that she is going to sell some of her toys for my leg. And she might even sell some clothes and shoes and have Hailee (our other cousin who is eight) help too. My mom told her how much we need and she said "don't worry, don't worry I will help!" This put tears in my eyes and I learned another lesson about becoming childlike and getting closer to my Savior Jesus Christ.

This week has been so nice and warm! I got home Monday and my stump (my little leg, or what is there of my leg) was really sweaty. I remembered this story from high school that I thought would be really funny to share. I was in marching band in high school I played the flute and the piccolo. We were marching in the Centerville parade and it was hot. Naturally it was summer time. I felt my leg start to slip off because of how sweaty it was. SICK!!! There is no ventilation my fake leg. NONE. I dropped out of line and went to the side and took my leg off really fast dumped the sweat out and patted my stump dry and put my leg back on and hopped on my woodwind teachers back and she ran me back to my place. When I looked up to go get back in line their where lots of families watching. I wonder what they said to their kids. One day I hope I meet someone that saw that.    

Well it has been way too long to not have posted. First of all there are two events coming up and I need your help to spread the word. On the 27th of April there is going to be a dance up here in Logan. It will be at Pinnacle Security and cost two dollars to get in. That is all  I know right now. More to come Thursday. Then on the 28th from 7:30am-12 noon I think I have talked about the yard sale going on in Ogden. This is so incredible to see what the Lord is putting together with the talents that he has inspired people to use!

Ok so a story. I was thinking I would tell you about my brother Chad. He is the sibling just younger than me. Chad is such a hard worker and one of the best gentlemen ever. My friend an I were talking and she said that her little brother has set her bar of what kind of guy she will date really high. The same goes for my brothers. Well Chad has always "had my back" when we were little early elementary school and we where in the McDonalds' play place at a time when my leg didn't bend. So picture trying to climb in those tubes with a stiff leg. It is possible but a slow process. As we were climbing there where some big mean boys behind us saying things like "why is it so slow" and "can't you go any faster" etc. I started to cry and Chad turned around to those big mean boys and told them that I couldn't go faster because I have a fake leg. I went off into another tube and cried and Chad came and hugged me and after a little bit we went to Mom. Isn't he great. When I was leaving on my mission Chad asked me who was going to "have my back" because he wasn't going to be there. I told him that the three Nephities could do a good job.    

Yeah It Worked

Ok Paypal is up and going! So what I am thinking is if you are far away and want a wrist band then put the money in paypal and the I will send you a band. Send me an email with your address so I know where to send it. legupforlife@gmail.com Thank You!

Hole in One!

I thought I would share a story. Sorry it is not a golf story. It is a "hole in of my legs story"  When I was little my leg had a hole in the front and back because my leg was bent at the little knee I had. My little brother Justen stuck his foot in the leg and got it stuck! Yep his foot stuck in his sisters leg!! When he couldn't get it out he called for mom and when mom couldn't get it out she was thinking what in the world will she say if she needs to call 911. "um hello.. my son's foot is stuck in my daughters leg..." HAHAHA what you would think if you were taking that call?  Luckily Justen's foot came out. Imagine that story for Dad when he got home that night. haha oh man! I bet dad's hear lots of great story's when they get home.

Below is a facebook post from my friend Kathy. She is helping do a yard sale at Veo Clinic. 

Do you have talent? Are you in a band? Do you play an instrument? Can you juggle? We are hosting a multi family yard sale on April 28th at VEO Clinic to raise money for Kristie Christensen. Kristie is amazing! We are looking for people that would like to perform during this mega event. 25% of all money earned will go to Kristies fund! Come a join us for an awesome day! If you are interested in being a part of this amazing day, email me, kathy@veonatural.com

We did the kick off! It went really well. Thank you so much for your support.  We have more bands to sell so let me know how many you want to sell and we will get them to you. legupforlife.blogspot.com

Holy Cow!

There are a lot of things I could write right now. Over the weekend we went to a open house at Veo Clinc in Ogden. Where I work; and had a little booth and spread the word about getting a new leg and sold some wrist bands. They sold hot dogs and then donated that money to me. I am so greatful to know that there is a God and he loves His children because as soon as I decided that I needed a new leg and my mom and I thought about doing fundraisers the windows of Heaven have been opened and person after person have been brought into my life with ideas and resources etc. I stand at awe watching the hand of God at work with this, it makes me think and feel that many lives will be blessed and legs will be made. One quick story of people being brought into my life is, I was at my friend Cherokee's house and my other friend Lindsey called me and asked about what she could do to help with the yard sale that we are going to have in June. We talked for a minute and then when I was off the phone Cherokee turned and asked what was going on. I gave her the spill about getting a new leg and she said that Bishop (the leader of our young single adult congregation) was looking for a service something to do. Then the idea spread like wild fire and tonight we are doing a kick off to sell the wrist bands. The Goal is to sell 4,000 bands at five dollars each. I am so excited and I do a happy dance a least once a night before I jump into bed.
Oh, one other thing is there is a guy in one of my classes that also has a fake leg. He and I skied together about 5 years ago. He is an amputee below his knee and he needs a new leg also. Paths crossed again and he will be getting a new one too. I can't keep this blessing to myself. "I can not see another lack and I not share"- Hymn "Because I Have Been Given Much I Too Must Give"

Ok the pay pal link is not working so I will see where I messed up and fix it. Sorry for the delay.

Ok I opened a Paypal account. Lets hope it works! give it a few days because they to check that the bank account will is a real account.

 Here are the bands! They say  Determined Fearless and Courageous. I think they are nice reminders of words to live by. To many people are stopped by fear and lose the feeling of being determined.

Introduction

I am Kristie and this is my story. 
When I was born I didn't have two full functioning legs. My right leg was shorter than my left and my knee and the foot didn't develop all the way. My parents had to choose to have my leg amputated or have multiple surgeries in an attempt to fix my leg. They chose have my leg amputated. The first amputation was only my foot when I was 16 months old. This meant I still had the rest of my leg. Since then I have been able to do many different activities growing up (Marching band, school, biking, skiing etc.) I will share some on the blog. I can't tell you everything at once, because then there is no reason to keep reading. :) The whole reason I am starting this blog is because I need a new leg and there will be fundraisers going on to earn enough money for a new leg. I wanted to let you the reader have a chance to get to know me better and let you be apart of the leg making processes from the first casting to the first fitting to learning to walk with the new leg and more!


Currently I am going to school at Utah State University. I am getting my bachelors in Family Consumer Human Development. (FCHD) With this degree I want to help families be stronger. I would love to teach parenting and development classes in the community also work with individual families one on one to help their strengths in parenting grow and grow. I will be done next spring 2013! A new leg will help because I will be able to stand and walk comfortably and be able to have a steady leg to walk while holding kids and books etc. 


Some of my other goals or dreams or realities to be are:

• To be a wife and mother
• To help other people get new prosthetic legs (give back what I have been given)
• With extra money earned it will go to future repairs and new legs for others
• Be someone that those who need a little push back on their feet can come
• Travel everywhere in the USA and outside.

Starting now I am selling wrist bands. The rubber kind; the ones I have are yellow and the say "Determined, Fearless and Courageous" Good words to live by. I am selling them for $5 each. Here is the email to contact me and let me know if and how many you want to buy. legupforlife@gmail.com I will post a picture of one.


I hope enjoy this blog! 

First Try

This is so much fun!