Dermatologist

Quick update, Matt got in to see the dermatologist here in Red Deer. His acne has cleared a bit, but unfortunately from the meds he now has boils and cysts. She is going to take him off the Accutane for awhile and put him on an antibiotic. She also recommended Matt to wash his back with a prescription cleanser and then wash it off with baking soda and water. Matt really liked her and she seemed to enjoy talking to him because she told him to always book the last appt of the day so they can visit.
That Matt, always charming the girls!

Dr. McLean

I took Matt to his appt with Dr. McLean yesterday. Number 1 concern was his left shoulder and the chronic pain Matt is going through. We had discussed getting private physio on it however the physical therapists stated that until the reason behind the pain is fixed, it will only be a temporary fix. They examined Matt's chair and felt that the arm rest on the left side was to low and too far back. They did some adjustments and Matt did say it felt better. Because there is no muscle tone in that arm, Matt puts it wherever it feels comfortable, even if it is not in the best position. Sonja, the occupational therapist, wants to come to the house next week and see what Matt looks like when he is in the bed. On explanation on how he is laying, she thinks that the shoulder is being pulled too far forward and is causing too much stretching of the joint and area. Dr. McLean felt that Matt looks stronger and commented on his right arm having more mobility than in June. Matt's spasms are a little less as well. It was nice for Matt to have so many of the staff remember him as we went throughout the hospital. I think he made such a positive impression on everyone he encountered.
Matt then went with mom for one more chiropractor appt until next year. Mom had also went for her appt too.
Christmas is fast approaching and thank goodness all the staff parties are done. They were great fun and one was held at Heritage Ranch with real wood burning fireplaces and a sleigh ride. Very nice. Jonmarie and Shaunie had their Christmas production and it turned out very well, except Shaunie had a halo that kept falling off so she forgot to sing! Of course her over animated actions to the song didn't help!
Last night we went on the buses from the Children's Service Center and looked at the Christmas decorations on some of the houses. The girls sang Christmas carols, their own and not the ones everyone else was singing! We got pictures with Santa and stopped at Parkland Greenhouses for hot chocolate and cookies.
Nolan has been down a few times on his way to some field jobs in Leduc. Most of the time he is in Calgary but every once in awhile he needs to go out on the job.
Well, still need to wrap presents so better go!

Back From Calgary

Mom and Matt are trying to make going to Calgary a weekly thing! They again went to Calgary this weekend to play a game of Risk with some of the boys. Nolan was supposed to go over but he was terribly sick with swollen glands and a throat so he was unable to swallow anything but Booster juice. It is nice to have a physician in the family, as I was able to fax a prescription directly to his drugstore.
The girls and myself are all on antibiotics here, as that darn inner ear infections in adults makes us feel that we are in a fishbowl and someone is trying to tip us out! No pain, just unable to lean over without my ears filling and making me lose my balance. Jonmarie had the headaches and the fever, where Shaunie mostly gets a runny nose and congested cough. I am thankful it is before Christmas. There is always something to be thankful for.
Matt got his van all straightened out. Since it doesn't have a block heater, they put a pan/ under the motor?battery? to keep it warm when plugged in. Again costing $700. Sheesh! Money seems to disappear quickly around here.
Matt and mom both spent some time at the chiropractor this week. Mom found out from her bone density that she has osteoporosis and that the back pain she has been having was just not from lifting Matt all the time. The density showed it worse in her lumbar or mid to lower back and also her right hip. So she is on calcium and vit d, and we are looking at getting an intravenous infusion once a year. It is pretty expensive however you don't have to take meds every day or week, which I know mom is terrible at. It is called Aclasta and we treat patients for it at the spa. Mom also has to work on exercising to strengthen those bones, and not just walking but weight bearing exercises such as lifting weights. I gave her my free 6 month gym membership, now just to convince her to go!
On Friday grandma watched the girls at their dance and then they stayed overnight. I was able to stay at the dance for about an hour and then we had a medical staff party and we had already bought the tickets. Jonmarie was upset that she wasn't able to dance with us, but Shaunie had a blast! I was able to take some videos. They dance so free, unrestrained by social inhibitions. If we danced like that, we would never be invited back!
I hope everyone is ready for Christmas. My biggest thing is to now wrap the presents. That I do not like. Any takers?

So Disappointing!

I truly believed Saskatchewan was going to win tonight and to be so close and then throw it away (literally) was very disappointing. The half time show was awesome. Loved the performance by Bachman Turner Overdrive. Matt and mom had travelled to Calgary to watch but John and I just watched here at home. John had just gotten back from spending his birthday in London, England watching a rugby match in Twickenham stadium, the oldest rugby stadium in the world. A orthopedic surgeon from Owen Sound had bought him a ticket and they had a great time. Thanks for all who sent birthday wishes.
Yesterday was a heavy shopping day for Matt, mom , myself and Shaunie. Jonmarie was at a birthday party sleepover and so we decided to shop. The weather has finally warmed up and was even above 0 on Friday. You could even smell the wet cement, which we usually don't smell until spring. Matt bought himself a new pair of glasses. The ones he has are really bothering him and they smudge so easy, plus they don't fit him very well.
We had a good giggle while we were in Sears. Shaunie had a balloon from Sears Days and it was on a stick. We had been watching this young teenager and he was with his friends. He was going on all the treadmills, pushing all kinds of buttons and trying them out. You could tell he was not sure if he was going to get in trouble or not because he kept looking around like he was guilty of something. Anyway, Shaunie and her balloon were in the push cart when just as we got behing this fellow, the balloon popped. And I mean it was LOUD! The poor guy almost fell off the treadmill and mom started to laugh and asked him "Did you think you had broke the treadmill?" He started to laugh and said "I really thought it had exploded!" The look on his face was priceless. we laughed all the way to the vehicle. Poor Shaunie just cried because she had been so scared when the balloon had popped.
Matt was able to have another chiropractor treatment. His hip had been bothering him for awhile as well as his left shoulder so they were able to transfer him onto the bed and the chiropractor worked on it. It must have helped because Matt felt so much relief. We took him for a bath in Innisfail on Saturday before shopping and he was moving easier with less pain.
The van is starting easier now however they are still going to take it in for a new battery. He relies on it so much it needs to be in tip top working condition. You don't know when the next cold spell will be.

BBRRRRR!!

Oh my goodness, how weather can change in one week. Alberta was the coldest place on the planet yesterday!! We have to move to Siberia to warm up! -43 with the wind chill for November is a little much for sure. Thank goodness dad and I made a heated cat house this fall before he left. The poor little thing is doing well in it's cozy little house. We bought 2 dog houses and drilled holes in the back to have an extension cord through and bought two heating pads. They are also working great. However Molly our Irish Terrier is beginning to pee in the house again because she doesn't want to go outside. I can't say I blame her!
Mom and Matt got back safely from Sask. before the frigid temperatures arrived. The roads were great until Stettler and then became icy. They roads are still in bad shape and the snow mixed with the cold has created hard driving conditions. 4x4's are a must.
On Sunday they travelled to for a Westren Final Party between Sask and Calgary. I had to shake my head at the roughriders for wearing no long sleeved shirts under their jersey's. If there is one thing people from Sask pride themselves on is being able to endure the extreme cold. I find myself doing the same thing, talking about some of the terrible conditions I have driven in or walked through. Crazy people.
Matt's van is not appreciating the cold and would not start yesterday. Mom phoned CAA and they boosted it for her. The van does not have a block heater in it. Instead it has a button you push that warms the inside of the van and the motor too. However the battery needs changing because it won't keep the boost. Mom had to re-boost it again when she got home after school. I was supposed to take Matt for his chiropractor appt but we cancelled due to extreme cold weather.
Mom and Matt are heading back to Calgary again for Sunday's game but thank goodness tomorrow is supposed to warm up to -13 and will hit above 0 by Saturday. I will believe it when I feel it!
We are so excited to hear that the Scotts Tournament of Heart's is again being held in Red Deer 2012. Big party at our house! Last time it was here, I was pregnant with Shaunie and Jonmarie started walking on her own. Now they are 8 and 6. Time sure flies.

Winter Time is Here Again

I heard a funny thing on the radio this am. We had our first major snowfall and the amount of people in the ditch is outrageous. A fellow from CAA was talking with the radio announcer who asked him what he thought of winter and what we should do to help when driving. He quite frankly said "It is Alberta, we will get winter. Don't kid yourself when we have Indian summer and we always get false hope that winter won't come. It will. Get snow tires, slow down, plug in your vehicles, listen to the weather forecast. Simple, easy, to the point. I am always amazed when the first snowfall hits how many people are surprised!
We had another cold night, not just outside but in our house. Just after midnight I could here the furnance running non-stop and just knew it was our boiler system again and sure enough, the pilot was out and we could not re-start it. So thank goodness for propane fireplace that kept our house fairly warm until the plumber could come and change the thermo-coupling( I think that is how it is spelled). Very cold shower prior to that!!
The folks in Weekes are doing fine. Mom has to work tonight and tomorrow. Matt is going to the Weekes bar for wing night so if anyone can make it, he would love to see them. Auntie Karen and Uncle Neil where up to see them on the weekend and the Kiplings popped over as well. I know today mom was able to visit with her old colleague Mrs. Tessmer(not that she is old, but she used to work with mom!!). I still call her that like she was still my Grade One teacher! Alex also stopped over to see how the family was doing.
I was a bit disappointed Matt didn't go to the hockey game in Porcupine but he still gets anxiety with lots of people, even ones he knows.
They were able to get a hold of the driver training to set up a day for Matt's driving assessment for sometime in April. It isn't a driving test, it is just to see if any of the vehicles they have modified will work and if they need to do anything different. It would be great if he can pass. I think the independence of just driving would help. I have a hard time picturing how it will work but even Paul Gustafson, who was a source of inspiration for Matt in rehab, drives himself and he doesn't have as much dexterity as Matt does in the right hand.
Remember as a kid when you heard about other kids that got there tongues stuck on metal poles, and you were just so curious you had to try? Well, Shaunie just had to try and see what it was like. Her worker was busy getting a child to the washroom and one of the students screamed" Shaunie has her tongue stuck!" and sure enough, there she was stuck to the pole. All the kids in the playground gathered around to have a look. Apparently she was extremely brave and just stood with tears rolling down her eyes while her helper talked her through it and waited for someone to bring water. She spent the remaining part of recess running around the schoolyard with her tongue sticking out and yelling "Look at my tongue!". It had to happen sooner or later, I am just glad she didn't pull and rip part of her tongue off. Not that I would know, of course, because I would have never done something like that, but I have heard from others that it hurts!!

Made it Back to Weekes

Well mom and Matt made it back to Weekes in good shape. They left on Nov 11th and will stay there until Nov. 20th. They can't believe how much snow there is!! It started at about Crooked River and just kept getting worse. Jonmarie is so upset because we don't have any and she got snowshoes for her birthday!. I told her the snow will come soon enough.
We are taking Jonmarie and Shaunie to Banff this weekend as a surprise for Jonmarie's birthday. She wants so bad to do something special, little does she know what is in store for her. We booked at a hotel that has a pool so that will be the big hit.
Update will come next week. Thanks for all the great comments.

More Update

Well things have been busy the last few days. Dad phoned and said he had met with the rheumatologist in Saskatoon. We had mentioned to dad about fibromyalgia and she thought it may be a possiblity. A lot of times it starts with a chronic condition such as ankylosing spondylitis (what dad has) and then exacerbates into fibromyalgia. She would really like to get dad on Remacaid, and immunosuppresant medication that works really well in certain cases of rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, etc. Anything where your body is attacking itself. We have been trying to get dad on that med for years but he always didn't qualify and it is extremely expensive too (I am guessing around $1500 per month). The funny thing was the doctor did a number of xrays on dad and a few days later phoned him at home to ask when he had broken his back! Dad thought maybe she had the wrong xrays but then he remembered a time in the winter when he fell on the ice and was in so much pain. Stubborn and wouldn't go to see the physician (we were in South Africa). So that could account for some of his back pain!
Dad will continue seeing the specialist in Melfort.
Matt went to see a chiropractor today for his painful left shoulder and he admitted it was a least 50% better then it was, which is great. Just have to watch for headaches and nausea. He has another appt on Wednesday before they leave for Weekes on Thursday. Today mom and Matt came to the office for their flu shots.
Oh check out the new photos!

Mom's Appt

Yesterday we had Jonmarie's 8th birthday party at the house and ended up with 11 kids. The weather was great a John made a scavenger hunt outside. He did such a good job. The kids loved it. Jacki, Grandma and myself cut out different shaped cookies, put them on sticks and then had the kids decorate them. I had bought some rock and some buckets so they got to take home their planted "flowers". So cute. I bought Jonmarie her first big girl bible. She wants to be baptised already and was so excited about her bible. I love looking at it with her, teaching how to find books of the bible and what chapters and verses are. Jonmarie said it was the best birthday ever. Matt had stayed at the house by himself. He is becoming more independent which is great. Not so fearful to stay by himself now.
Today mom had her appt in Calgary. The doctor said the problem with the abnormal murmur or extra heart sound came from a hereditary condition with the aorta valve. Instead of having 3 leaflets or "cusps" on the valve she only has 2. It happens quite frequently and usually doesn't cause much of a problem. Mom's began to sound different because it is starting to calcify or become harder (the valve). There is nothing they can do except wait for the time she will eventually need a valve replacement. It could be anywhere from 5 years to 15 years. I believe Grandpa R had a valve replacement but I am unsure whether it was from the same hereditary problem.
Mom needs to start doing a few things to help, such as avoid any stimulants such as caffeine (that would have been it for me!), certain cough meds, pop, etc. She must also start exercising 20 mins per day. While she was doing the stress test on the treadmill, the murmur went away and the minute she stopped, the murmur came back. So great to exercise. He wants to see her every year for follow-up and she must get a chest x-ray and a 24 hour holter monitor, to see what her heart is doing in that time. The x-ray is to see if there is an obvious reason she is so short of breath when she lays down. That he was quite concerned about. He hopes by exercise and losing some of the extra weight will help that problem.
So it really is a good thing. No meds (mom is the worst person at taking meds), exercises and weight loss should help. Hopefully she will never have to have the valve replaced but if she does, she will fly through it with no problem.
So there you have it. I think she is glad it wasn't some of the other things we thought is could be, such as pulmonary hypertension or congestive heart failure.
Thanks for everyone who was praying for good results.

Happy Belated Halloween!

We had great weather for Halloween, temp was 14 degrees and no snow! (sorry Sask. people). Shaunie was dressed as a witch and Jonmarie was a cowgirl. Matt was supposed to be a pirate however his stomach was acting up and he was feeling nauseated so I got to be the pirate and mom was a green haired witch. We made him stay at the house by himself while we walked around their block. We just left the door open enough so he could hand out some treats. Might as well put him to work!
For the weekend, mom and Matt took the girls to Jacki and Gary's while John and I enjoyed Banff without kids! Yeah! However I just bought them and Jacki's kids stuff and only a jacket for myself. It was great weather in Banff as well so we picked a great weekend to go.
While everyone was in Calgary, neighbors of Jacki's were having a Halloween party for the kids and their families and everyone had a great time. Bobby had the best storm trooper outfit that he had bought with his dad. He was so proud of his outfit. The kids each had to bring a pumpkin and carve it. Jonmarie has some problems taking out the "guts" however she persevered and did it.
On Friday the kids had their Halloween party at the school and I was so excited to be at the assembly and hear that both of the girls were student of the month for their class. Jonmarie was having so much trouble with math but she worked so hard and now it is much easier. She also is kind to everyone. Shaunie has exceeded all their expectations and is adjusting very well to the routine of school.
Thanks for everyone who continues to follow Matt's journey and keep reading!

Matt and I went shopping at the Bower Mall on Tuesday. He is a typical male, terrible to shop with! Basically we went to our respective eating establishments in the food court (Opa's for me and Subway for Matt) then browsed for about 15 mins and then left! I did manage to buy one stocking stuffer for mom, but that was it!
Nolan is down for the day to see the doctor and is staying over night at mom and Matt's. He seems to be happier with his new position, working only days. Seems to be returning to his happy place.
Mom has her appt booked with the specialist on Nov.7th, so delayed plans for Matt and mom to go home to Weekes for a few days. They had been planning to leave on Nov.6and staying until Nov. 14. However everyone knows you get a specialists appt and you stick with it. Otherwise it may be a long wait. Works out good for me. I am planning to have Jonmarie's birthday party on Nov. 6th and now Grandma and Matt can help out. Maybe Matt can give rides to the kids! Jacki, Gary and the kids are planning to come down too. Jonmarie invited at least 10 kids, and I believe some of the parents plan on staying plus some of the siblings too. I may regret having it at home!!
Dad went back to Weekes last Friday and we sure miss him! He helped me take the camper to be winterized and always took Matt for his bath. Now it is up to mom after a long day of working at the school.
John and I are having a weekend together at Banff so mom and Matt are taking the girls to Jacki and Gary's for the weekend. Sleeping in! Eating at nice restaurants and not having to look the kiddie's menu! Going shopping without someone having to use the bathroom 10 mins after you had asked them!
Matt again was contacted to take his driver's test but we could not get a hold of them so will try again tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how they will do the training. They are certain he should be able to drive a modified vehicle. That would be so awesome! It would be another expense to modify another vehicle, but it would be so worth it. Prayers that the test will be booked soon and that Matt will do well.

Loving Fall

I wish we would have gotten this weather in August! The nights are cool and dropping to 0 but the days would see highs of 20 or more.
Thanksgiving was great and we ate until we felt liked stuffed turkey's. Nolan was only able to come on Saturday so that is when we had the meal. Jacki and I took the kids to church the next morning and I feel for families who have 4 young ones all at once (Anthony stayed with Gary). There was close to 600 people at the church and you could easily lose one or two. Everyone came over again for left overs and cards.
Monday John and I decided to take the girls to Banff for the day and we had such a good time. Much chillier in Banff so we had to make a few purchases before we could go on a few short hikes.
John had his appt with the gastro specialist who had done the esophagus stretching to see if it could be stretched some more. However the years of having acid reflux and esophageal spasms had taken its toll and the specialist will not repeat the surgery unless absolutely necessary. There is too much scar tissue and the chance of bleeding is very high. SO for now he continues to watch how he chews and swallows, takes his meds and an steriod inhaler to keep the inflammation down.
Mom had her physical with me and I didn't like what her heart was telling me so she is to see a cardiac specialist in Calgary. Not sure when this will happen but we are keeping an eye on her.
Matt is feeling much better and on Sunday I finally convinced him to come to the evening service at church. He had downloaded the bible on his I phone so he could follow along with the message. It seemed strange that the minister would pick that day to start at the beginning of Genesis "In the beginning.." since this was Matt's first time attending since they moved here. It was a nice service because there were only 200 people. Matt didn't feel overwhelmed and the girls were so proud to have their Uncle Matt with them, giving him kisses before going to children's church and helping him out of the van, pushing all kinds of buttons.
Matt's van was acting up so dad had to take it in to the dodge dealer. It was overheating and they were able to diagnose the problem and get it back to him the next day. Mom's truck, on the other hand has been in the shop for a week and the cost is a lot more than we expected. But you rely on your vehicles so much they must be maintained so there goes another $1200.
Prayers for mom and John that the Lord watches over them and keeps any physical difficulties under control. I also understand that Auntie Sandy has to do some tests and that Uncle Ken has been given a clean bil of health for some of his health scares. Prayers to all family and friends.

Sunny Days are Here Again

Talk about a belated summer. In the last week the temperature has been above 20 every day with only a little rain falling at night. The farmers are saying "Finally!!".
Matt has gotten over his urinary infection but the medication have caused other complications so he has been really out of sorts an hasn't done much this week. Dad did take him for his bath in Innisfail yesterday. Last weekend mom, dad, Nolan and Matt came for a barbeque and then played hand and foot. Dad finished picking all the potatoes. Now I really wished we had a cold storage!
Nolan went back to work on Monday at a new position in the same company. It is straight days with no nights. He did have to take a cut in pay but for overall health it was a good move. It was sure nice having him around so I didn't have only Matthew to bug!
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and the troops are heading to our place tomorrow to celebrate. Nolan is working Sunday and Monday so we are giving thanks tomorrow. Dad is going back to Weekes on Sunday as well.
I just want to give thanks to all the family and friends who still follow the blog and are continuing to pray for Matt. God gives us what we need before we need it and the strength that was received from family and friends got us through the most difficult of times. Everything else now seems very minor (except when my chips and dip run out, now that is major!)
Happy Thanksgiving and take the time to give thanks for everything and everyone in your life.

Few Days of Sunshine, Rain Again

Well, the farmers are still waiting. A few had cut down their canola but not before the heavy -6 frost last week. The leaves look beautiful when the sun actually hits them which isn't often. Yesterday it did reach over 25 degrees and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Matt ha been under the weather to and found out he had another severe urinary tract infection. He started antibiotics last week and they have been working really well this time. He even felt good enough to go to Jacki and Gary's this weekend to help watch the kids while Jacki played ball.
Poor Gary, we found out that the extended pain from his Achilles was not just man's inability to take pain, but was actually a blood clot. His physiotherapist had suggested he go to ER and good thing he did. They found the clot on ultrasound so he is off work for a while. Gary also has to give himself heparin shots to thin his blood and be on oral blood thinners. Prayers that the area will heal and praise that they caught it before the clot became loose and travel to an area that could have caused serious problems.
Moday Matt had his shoulder taped again by the private physiotherapist. It has been bothering him so much that there are times when no pain medication helps. We are hoping this will help and if it does, we will buy the special tape that is needed. The tape is super expensive so we don't want to buy it unless we know it will work.
Nolan has a few weeks off work and it has been nice to have him around. It is good for Matt, who is surrounded mostly by women all the time. Has some testosterone in his corner for a change, especially with dad still here.
The kids are having some adjustments going to school this year, especially for Jonmarie who has the same skills at math her mother does...none! So extra homework at night. We are trying to make it fun and it must be working because she always wants to play store when she gets home!
Thanks to all who still read the blog after so many years and will continue to update on Matt's progress.

Cold and Wet

We have finally seen a bit of sunshine yesterday and today. But otherwise it has been cold and wet. last night reached -6 so my garden is toast. Still need to get the potatoes, onions and carrots out but no corn, cucumbers, or squash.
Matt and the gang were over last night for pizza movie night and we spent the evening looking at houses that could be a possibility. There is an open house on one today that they are going to look at. This doesn't mean they will buy anything but I think it is good to look at options.
Last Saturday me and the kids travelled to Calgary for Jacki and Gary's community day and I even played ball. I can still hit the thing, just can't run as fast. The weather was stormy so everything was sopping wet by the time we were done. John was in a golf tournament and won a prize for being closest to the pin. He also won a door prize for 6 months free membership for Women's Only Fitness. I guess that prize will be mine. Now I will have to exercise!
Matt's shoulder has been really giving him grief and Advil just isn't doing much. He is going to see our colleague and request another MRI on it. Maybe a referral to physiotherapist. But Matt doesn't complain much and stays more or less upbeat.
Dad spent yesterday winterizing the camper and getting everything closed up for the season. I guess the weather is not going to allow for much camping this year.
Jacki and the kids and Nolan are coming up for the weekend so we are preparing the fort! Making sure there are goodies and putting all the breakables away! Nolan has been a bit down since he is now single again so is coming down to let out his sorrows. Gary can't make it because his partially torn achilles tendon is giving him so much grief that he just wants to relax. He is wearing an air brace which helps and saw a physiotherpaist for advice and treatment plan. He is booked to see and orthopedic surgeon next week.
I have a cute story about Shaunie and church. At there school they go to church every month and the teacher said Shaunie was excellent while the priest was speaking. However he then left after the service and Shaunie had a very sad look on her face and asked "Where did God go?". I remember how hard it was to understand about deities and her answer was priceless. The teachers couldn't stop giggling.
I forgot to mention last Friday mom and some of the staff from the school went to play laser tag and had a blast. The funny thing is Jonmarie had a birthday party and it was being held in the same place! It is great fun and very safe for kids and adults alike. Uncle Matt babysat Shaunie while we were gone. She sure loves her Uncle Matt and listens to him. Of course TV does help.
Prayers for Matt's shoulder pain and that the weather will improve for all the farmers and gardeners alike.

Long Weekend

It has been a busy past few weeks. John, myself and the girls travelled to Fairmont B.C. for a week and had a great time, swimming and hiking, alot! The weather was only so-so but we managed to make the best of it. There is so much to do activity wise there that even when it rains there is so much happening.
Matt, mom and dad are currently in Calgary. Jacki and Gary had a wedding on Saturday and needed some babysitters. Unfortunately Gary couldn't do any dancing as he partially tore his Achilles tendon. No sports for a least 6 weeks. Ouch in more ways than one! Yesterday most of the troop went to the sports bar in Calgary with Matt to watch Sask. roughriders play football.
Auntie Carol and Uncle Wince left last Thursday. I felt bad that we only got to see them for a few days before we were off the Fairmont but Auntie had brought a whole bunch of photos she found of us when we were young. Matt and Jacki spent last Sunday scanning them onto Matt's computer. It was actually surprising that in many photos when dad was younger, Matt looked more like him then Nolan did. And I always thought Shaunie looked like John, but when Auntie showed some pictures when I was 6, Shaunie thought they were her!
Last Saturday Mom, Uncle and Auntie travelled to Drayton Valley to pick up my cousin Vinny (sounds like a movie!). He was Auntie Verna's boy and has been working in Drayton valley for awhile. I got to see him on Skype for a bit. I haven't seen him for over 20 years. Time flies.
The girls are off to school tomorrow. I know I should be glad but I actually enjoy having them at home. I also like not having to run into town everyday too. I am a little nervous about Shaunie attending regular school with Jonmarie, but they have arranged for a full time aide that has worked with autistic children for years (however none as young as Shaunie). I guess I will have to wait and see! If anyone has ever heard of Temple Grandin, she had to start somewhere too and it wasn't always easy. She was autistic and received her PhD in animal behavior (I think). Won how many Emmy awards for a miniseries. If you ever get a chance to watch, it was very good.
Hope everyone is having a great long weekend and that the weather will stay nice. I know the farmer's are 10 to 15 days behind here because the crops just wont ripen. I last night we had a touch of frost with chance tonight of more. Lost my tomatoes before I could pick them. Oh well, there wasn't much there to begin with and the cucumbers were scarce too, only got one jar of pickles from the batch.

Back in Red Deer

Mom, Matt and Airene arrived safely back in Red Deer last night. The trip was uneventful, just takes a long time. Dad is coming today with the camper. Yesterday was too windy for him and he still needed to cut grass.
Uncle Wince and Auntie Carol should be in Red Deer sometime today and it will be great to see them. When dad and Uncle get together, it is funny to watch how they still tease each other like kids and giggle.
Mom, Matt, Nolan and dad really enjoyed Chad Ekren's wedding. Everyone had a great time and was good to see everyone from the family. Afterwards Auntie Karen and Uncle Neil let everyone crash at their place and that saved them having to go all the way back to Weekes or find a motel. Sometimes it is tough to find a wheelchair accessible room.
Today we finally will get a taste of what summer should have been like, 27 degrees with humidity bringing it to 30. I am taking the girls to a water park to cool off with friends. Mom and Matt are going to spend the day relaxing before getting back into the swing of things.
Have a great day and enjoy the one day of summer!

Sad Day

Mom just phoned me to let us know Bear, the last remaining dog from Oreo's litters passed away. Bear was probably close to 14 years old or more. I think it had been hard on him without anyone (dog) to keep it company. It seems strange that there are no animals at all on the farm. I don't remember a single time when we didn't have a dog.
Matt and the gang are getting ready to go to Chad's wedding in Saskatoon. Nolan is driving down from Calgary too. I hope they have a great time. They had originally planned to come straight to Red Deer from Saskatoon after the wedding, however they had too much stuff to pack into the camper and no where to offload it. So they are just coming up for the day and evening then heading back to Weekes after the dance.
Busy week for birthday's. Dad and Jada had their birthday on the 16th and Shaunie's was on the 17th. We didn't do much for it, I was working so the babysitter made a cake and I made icing and then homemade doughnuts. Too much sugar for Shaunie and we sure paid for it the next day! One crazy 6 year old!!
I think mom and Matt were hoping summer was a bit longer. Enjoying themselves back home and it is hard to come back to Red Deer. But dad is going to take Matt to the college in September and sign him up for any class that is open. I hope he will actually go through with it this time!
Wish the summer was longer too, enjoying my time with my girls. We are having Auntie Carol and Uncle Wince up for a visit sometime next week and mom, Matt and dad will be here too. Then one more holiday trip planned for Fairmont and will miss 3 days of school already! Shaunie is starting in Jonmarie's school with a full time aide and I think it will be good for the aide to get her feet wet and learn the new school before we set Shaunie on her! Hopefully everything works out. I work in the next building so if anything happens, I will hear about it... literally.

A Wonderful weekend

And a good time was had by all!
You look forward to the Relitz reunion all year and now it is over. God needs to put a few extra hours in those days.
It was so good to see everyone and all the campers! We were discussing the days when Only Uncle Orest, Auntie Sandy, Uncle Bob and Auntie Brenda has campers, and small ones to boot.
Big Thanks to Uncle Neil and Aunty Karen for all their hard work organizing so this weekend could happen. Also thanks to everyone who brought food, which was everyone! Everything was so good that we ate and ate too much. Thanks to Uncle Jim and Uncle Karl for always pitching in to help with the grill. It was hot back there!
The weather cooperated most of the time however we had some wicked thunder storms. Auntie Karen, Erin, Jacki and I got caught on the Spiritwood golf course in a hail storm during the 3rd hole and man did it hail/rain! Because of my glasses I couldn't see anything except Erin's blue golf bag and when that hail came, boy did it move! We managed to take shelter in a tin roof shed and it was so loud! The wonderful staff at Spiritwood course gave us do over tickets for the next day, which was great.
Matt had a great time visiting with everyone and showing off his camper. The were having some trouble with the water leaking and some other things, but still thanks to dad everything went off pretty well. Matt was able to shower in the public shower which was great for him and us. He was starting to go bad!
We had the annual bean bag game which Uncle Karl organized and a scavenger hunt for the kids, which I believe Terina organized and it was so exciting for the kids. Shaunie attached herself to Brett and followed him everywhere on Saturday. However the net day she discovered Dawson and played for hours together checking out Memorial Lakes finest frogs, who I am sure will never be the same!
We also were able to enjoy the lake and all the kids loved to swim. Thanks to the Uncle's and the older cousins for playing and looking after the young ones for us!
Book again for 3 years time Auntie. You did a great job. It was great site for us loud campers who should have really learned when to go to bed!

Getting Ready for the Reunion

Matt and mom both got a haircut from Denita, who came to the house. They had a good visit.
They taught Airene how to play crib. Now she will be able to play for the reunion.
Blaine, Preston, Megan and Preston's wife and child came over last weekend to visit. Matt was glad to see them. Loves to have company. They experienced a wicked storm for about 10 mins where they couldn't see the trees in the front yard. The tent in the front yard was flattened by all the rain.
Auntie Karen, Uncle Neil and Uncle Jim where down for the weekend as well.
A fellow from B.C. was selling fish around the Weekes area and Matt purchased some perch and got Uncle Jim's recipe. Auntie Karen cooked it and it tasted great!
They are getting ready for the reunion and hoping for good weather. They are leaving tomorrow afternoon to get everything set up and check the place out.
Mom has been working alot and next summer she may take some time off and actually relax for once.
Dad has the grass all cut and had cut all the grass in the cemetery as well.
Sorry it is such a blunt blog, but I was on the phone with Matt while I was typing and didn't have time to make it more colorful!

Sad Week

It was a sad week for the family. Our great Uncle Hughie died in Edmonton at the age of 91. Also our distant relative and close neighbour charlie Allen also passed into the Lord's hands. Our condolences go out to both families.
Matt had a busy week last week. On Tuesday he travelled to Nipawin Regional Park and camped alongside Uncle Lorne, Auntie Myra and their family. It was a good learning experience for them to see what not to bring or what to bring for next time! They camped for 3 days with some minor glitches but thank goodness Myra and Lorne are veteran campers and helped out a lot. Every night they would go and sit by their campfire and on night Uncle Lorne fell and may have fractured his wrist. They were not sure if it was overindulgence, old age creeping in, or night trolls that stuck their big feet out to trip him!
Matt spent last Saturday and Sunday resting. Mom was working so he was unable eot go to church. Think he may have some trouble getting in as there is a big gap to get in the door.
Our cousin Tracy, her husband Shaun and their daughter Jacqueline stopped in at Weekes for a visit on their way back from Niagara Falls. They have been travelling from Nanaimo since July 1st and made some interesting stops along the way. Tracy has been busy with the Cunningham family history and Matt and her had some great discussions about late family members.
Everyone is getting ready for the big annual family reunion August 6,7, and 8. We tried out our camper in Gull Lake this past weekend and just loved it. You meet so many people when you camp. Jonmarie and Shaunie had a ball meeting new friends and playing with them. We never used the portable DVD player once, which was great. Had it as a back up though, just in case! It is like giving up a bad habit, you can't seem to say no completely!
Weterner Days is on in Red Deer and tomorrow I am taking the girls and hoping to met up with some of the folks from back home. I read on the blog that Denise and her family will be there, so that would be great to see them.

Rain, Please go Away!

Well it was quite the interesting trip back form Sask for the girls and myself yesterday. The wind was so strong that at Castor there was a building about to blow across the road, so they shut down the highway and we had to go on a detour. It was one of those plastic shelters, but on a massive scale and was literally ripped apart and standing on end. Trees were across the road and branches in every yard. I could only go 50-60 km/hr as the rain/wind was so bad I could hardly see. Lovely summer weather.
Matt, mom, the girls and dad went to Weekes last Monday and had rain as well. Dad was hauling Matt's camper and it was heavy on fuel. But they all arrived safe and sound. I arrived in Weekes on Wednesday and went for wing night with Matt. They were so good. Matt enjoyed seeing people he knew and a big thanks to Carlea for letting us visit later than it usually stays open and for Donnie Waslieu for helping Matt get down the ramp.
The girls and I went to Greenwater on Friday and seen many people I haven't seen for a long time. It was beautiful weather too, and I think they must spray for bugs there because at mom and dad's we would have never survived being outside for so long without being carried away by the mosquitoes and horse flies.
I took Matt to Joe Bachuwsky's stag party at their farm on Sunday. Matt was so nervous. Many of the people he hadn't seen since before his accident and he felt sick to his stomach. There was quite a few people and they were all quiet until Matt made some comment about a guy's hair that broke the ice and it was just like old times. Unfortunately he had such a good time visiting, watching them set off fireworks, and giving rides to everyone on his wheelchair that he didn't want to leave. He enjoyed talking to Kelly chase about hockey and kelly was quite impressed at Matt's head for knowledge when it comes to hockey stats and players. I finally convinced him it was time to go and pulled into mom and dad's yard at 4am. Let's just say, I am too old for this!! I was up at 9 am to get ready for church and needed a few cups of coffee to get me going!
it was great to be at Weekes church again and Jonmarie came with, while Grandma watched Shaunie. Jonmarie was upset to find out she would miss VBS (vacation bible school), as we were coming back Monday.
Today Matt, Airene and Dad headed to Nipawin today to try out camping. They certainly did not pick the best day for it. However they took lots of games and DVD's, so it shouldn't be too bad. They will be there until Friday. Mom has to work tonight and she drove the van down and will bring the truck back. Poor mom, she will be tired as she also worked last night.
Get your galoshes out! It is going to be a wet July!

Busy Week

Sorry about the delay in blogging. It has been a crazy week. Matt's new camper arrived Monday night and dad and mom have been here every day just filling it with stuff. Dad had to get a special sway hitch and then get his light working properly before he can tow it back to Sask. Matt has been taking pictures and putting them on facebook. I added 2 new ones to the blog as well.
On Monday Matt and Airene went to see Sonja, the OT in the hospital to give Matt a refresher on the exercises he must do. He continues to do stretching and standing exercises almost everyday.
Jacki and Gary are in Vernon for 4 days and will be back later today. I have Amy and Bobby and Grandma has all the babies (Matt, Dad, Nolan and Anthony!!) It has been very busy and I am so thankful I only have 2 kids! My house looks like a tornado hit it (Bobby) and our camper has been used every night. That part has worked great because they are all close to me and I can get to them quickly when they need me. Last night Amy was missing her mommy so crawled into the bed with me.
For July 1st John and I took our girls to Sylvan Lake for some fantastic fireworks, but Matt felt too nervous to go. It was soo busy and lots of intoxicated people around.
Poor Matt, he is not used to the noise of the kids and hasn't been to the house in 3 days! Tonight they are coming for a barbeque.
John left for South Africa on Friday night and said the flights were packed, which makes for very uncomfortable flying. But he phoned from Cape Town and said the city is just vibrating with all the intensity of the World cup. Very exciting for him.
Yesterday we met them at Bower Ponds, Nolan and Erin came as well. The weather was great, not too cold or too warm. Mom forgot she was pushing Anthony in the stroller and almost lost him in a ravine! The kids loved feeding the ducks and playing on the playground, but the older kids (Nolan, Erin and Matt) were slightly bored. Great to have extra hands and an extra stroller (Matt's wheelchair).
Mom, Matt, dad, Jonmarie and Shaunie are leaving tomorrow to Sask and I will join them on Wednesday. Too many things to do before I go and then it will only be until Sunday. Matt, mom and dad will be in Sask until the middle of August. I will miss my babysitters!
Hope everyone had a great July 1st celebration of our great country!

Summer Weather at Last!

We have had a week of great weather, but being in Alberta we have had a thunderstorm almost every evening. Okay with me, then I don't have to water my garden!
Last weekend Matt travelled up to Calgary with mom and dad to watch the Riders get beat. He was not impressed. On Saturday night they went to the neighbors for a block party and Matt had a great time. Mom stayed and watched the kids. Sunday evening they popped over to celebrate the last of Father's Day with a wiener roast. What a great evening. Very little bugs and no wind. We were having such a good time we didn't notice the time. The girls were still up, running around with flashlights and those light that light up when you break them. I suddenly realized it was 10:30 pm and they had school the next day! 2 very cranky girls the next morning (and a cranky mommy).
I am so thankful dad came for a few weeks. Last night he was here for 8 hours, cutting the grass, weeding the garden, maintaining the lawnmowers. I don't know how I will keep up when he goes back to Sask.
Matt's trailer shoud be here today and mom already has a check list of the garage sales she wants to go to. I already have quite a bit to put in my trailer and the girls have decked it out with crayons, coloring books, and dolls! John has been working pretty steady for the last week and is on call all weekend, so he won't have much say what goes in until he gets back from the World Cup soccer in South Africa.
Matt is going to the hospital on Monday for a refresher on exercises with Sonja, so Airene can start working again on his left hand.
Can't wait to start camping, we already spend the evenings in there with popcorn and books. Haven't slept in it yet, still must get a battery and propane. But already it feels like a second home (in our yard!).

Still Cold and Wet

We had 2 great days Saturday and Sunday, just enough to have some barbecue and then the cold and rain came again. Maybe those 2 days were summer and that is it!
Matt and mom were here for supper everyday on the weekend because the weather was so nice and our neighbours came as well. Jacki and Gary and their 3 came on Sunday so it was busy!! Sunday there was 8 kids and 6 adults. Matt said he wasn't coming to my house anymore because he never gets to visit, all he gets to see is my running back and forth into the house, and if I wasn't mom was.
So Matt decided to take me to Tony Roma's on Wednesday for an early birthday supper. The wings were fantastic so it was a good time. However I was teasing him because he get looking at his Iphone most of the time.
Early that day I took Matt for his appt with Dr. Maclean at the hospital. She assessed how his daily activities were going and was impressed that the transfers had gotten better and she stated that Matt was looking so much better as well. With the tape still on his shoulder, he doesn't have such a pronounced dip and the shoulders look more even. From January assessment, she noted that Matt' sensation on his arms was more localized. Before he could feel she was poking his arm, but not know the exact point. This time he could actually tell her she was touching the middle left finger. Also his strentgth in the rt hand is improving too. They really want us to work on his lt hand again and motivate Matt to try using it. THe problem is his shoulder hurts when he uses it. The occupational therapist really encouraged Matt to get his licence and go to school. We will see what Matt decides.
We were happy to have dad come and today he took Matt for his bath. Dad looks much better and has gained some weight. I already have a list of things for him to help me with in the yard so he won't get bored!
We are picking up the campers Saturday and we are so excited. The folks in Clagary got tickets for Matt for the football game so they will be there on Sunday as well. Now if summer would arrive, we could actually use the campers!

Rain, Go Away!

3 days of solid rain, we might turn into a tropical rain forest without the tropical!
Thank goodness on Sunday night Jonmarie helped me put the garden in so at least that is done. Talked to dad and he told me seeding in Sask. is still a long way from completion. So much for a dry spring!
So we did it, Matt bought a camper and so did we. Matt is so excited, he can't wait until it is ready to go. He purchased a toy trailer that needs no modifications to it in order for him to get into it. The whole back wall comes down and he just rolls on into the camper. So many times Matt wants to visit with people, however he has a ramp to get into certain houses but then always has to set up a bed for him and can be quite a hassle. This way he can have his own bed and privacy during "personal care" times. He is so excited to maybe going to Greenwater this summer and the reunion with it. We also purchased one and will bring it to the reunion.
Yesterday we met with a physiotherapist that specializes in taping of injured areas. This tape works differently than normal taping and they assess the way the joint moves and where the muscle is moving. Matt's shoulder is giving him grief again so they taped the lt shoulder to see if it would help him use the deltoid, or the shoulder muscle instead of the trapezius muscle which joins to the neck. When you are injured, the body using the path of least resistance. However that can cause pain so they are trying to tell the body to use it the right way. The interesting part about this physio is he is married to Deana, the occupational therapist from Innisfail who came to the house many times to see what kind of wheelchair would be best for Matt! So he already knew Matt from reputation!
Mom was telling me that Matt stood really well the other day with the standing frame and even brought the back of his foot off the floor. Don't loose hope on him yet. We are still looking for a physio in Red Deer that knows about spinal cord injuries and we may try to get him back on the outpatient occupational and physio at the hospital. Especially when Matt comes back from the holiday in Weekes.
John is doing better after a weekends rest but I am keeping at him to cut back a bit. so a good friend of his goes walking with him every 3 days and is great. Otherwise John trys to run and then gets too tired and we may end up in the same boat.
Everyone keep the umbrella's handy and hopefully they will not be needed in a few days. By then, we will need a rowboat to get to the road!

Summer, Summer, Where are You?

I think the snow will start flying again before we have any summer. 3 cold weekends in a row, at least there is no snow predicted for today, but we did have a heavy frost on Thursday night. Thank goodness I didn't plant my tomatoes.
Last weekend for Matt and mom was fairly quiet. I think mom gets so tired sometimes that she wants to just relax and do nothing. On Wednesday Matt and I went to Tony Roma's together and he was enjoying the outing so much that we also went to Pet Land, Chapter's and Future Shop.
I was about to leave mom's with the girls when John phoned that he was a patient in ER. He was having some weird chest pains so the girls ended up staying at grandma's and after I had seen John so did I, so that way I was close by. They did the full cardiac work-up and so far everything is fine except he works to hard and doesn't sleep enough. His blood pressure was also too high so he is on meds for that. So we are making plans on how to decrease stress and have more constructive time off. We may buy a camper so that way, when he is not on call, we will go somewhere where we are out of cellphone range so he can't answer the phone! Even when he is not on call he is working. Matt is also looking at a toy trailer for himself. That way when he goes to visit, he has a place to sleep. Many houses he can get into with his ramp but the host would have to set up a bed in the living room, as all the bedrooms are upstairs. This way, he has a comfortable setting.
Today Matt and mom are going to Jacki's for the night, and I hope the weather improves a bit. Next week I arranged for a physio therapist to come and see what he can do to help Matt's left shoulder, as it is paining him again.
Happy June to everyone!

To Prince George

I completely forgot to write the blog! I was so busy at work and planning the trip to Prince George that it passed right on by. Sorry!
Last week mom and Matt travelled to High Level to look at a toy trailers and Matt was seriously considering buying one. The back goes down into a ramp and the bed is on a hydraulic. So he can get inside easy with no modifications. He would really like to go camping this year and also have a place that he can go into, especially if mom and Matt decide to travel and visit and many houses are not wheelchair accessible.
Mom came with us to B.C. and we really picked a bad weekend. We left on Friday and by the time we hit the Icefield's it was snowing! And of course I had packed a lunch so we stopped when the snow and the wind slowed down, however it was still only 3 degrees. Poor mom was so cold she couldn't get her food in her mouth, her hands were shaking so bad. Our stay in Prince George was great but short. John, myself and the girls stayed at Patty and Dean's and mom stayed at Auntie Brenda and Uncle Bob's. We also visited with Cassie and Matt and Darryl for a bit. Matt was going to come with us, however he decided it was too long of a drive for such a short visit. We made him babysit the cat, even though poor airene was allergic. It had to stay in the garage most of the time. Airene was a trooper and stayed with Matt the whole weekend. They couldn't even go outside until Sunday, the weather was so cold. On Sunday, Jacki, Gary and the kids along with Nolan and Erin travelled to Red Deer to visit their lonely brother and ordered in pizza and wings and played hand and foot. Matt was very sad the Canadians lost, even if he felt it was inevitable.
John and I have a new version of the song "the cat came back the very next day" and we have changed it to "the bat came back". So far this spring we have had 4 bats in the house. Let's just say, John and I are not fans of the little critters, no matter how many insects they eat!! We are now sleeping with the vents covered with duct tape, tennis rackets in our hands while we sleep, and mosquito netting over the bed. We may buy a camper just so we can sleep in it at night to get a good nights rest. We are also getting a contractor to put up a 20 foot pole to put out our "bat house" so they will hopefully enjoy it's comforts as opposed to our house. I may like visitors but I draw the line at bats!

Snow Gone, Still Cold

We went for a 5km walk with the girls today and the wind is still so bitter. Last night it dropped down to -8 and the frost was heavy on the ground. I know many farmers here had put in some spring seeding prior to the snow, but I think the idea was too premature. However, the early bird does get the worm!
Last weekend was busy. Jacki and Gary were playing in a volleyball tournament in Olds and mom had all three munchkins. I picked up Amy and Bobby Saturday for some time at the acreage, and also on Sunday after church. Our neighbor's kids came over and Bobby loved having a boy to play with, instead of all the girls. Anthony is crawling everywhere and very proud of himself. I know he is my nephew and I am bias, but he is so stinking cute! He has that look on his face that he knows something that you don't. He loves crawling up to Uncle Matt's wheelchair and pull himself up. Anthony then stands there looking at Uncle Matt with that "I know something" look and it is hilarious.
The whole gang came on Sunday for steaks and we were able to sit outside for awhile, but it was chilly. Mom and John went for a walk and Matt and I watched some hockey. He was so embarrassed when I asked who was playing. So much for the little brother looking up to the older sister with admiration! That dies when they are still young!
Mom and Matt are coming for supper tonight (homemade pizza) and hopefully for a few games of cards.
Mom said Matt is getting stronger on the transfers for the bed to the chair. He can almost do it himself, so that is great. She has to set everything up for him of course and make sure he doesn't fall. He is still doing his own "personal care" every three to four hours and that helps him feel more independent.
Matt and mom both went to the dentist and mom is horrified to learn she needs a root canal. She knew it was coming but if you never visit a dentist, then nothing is wrong... right? Matt's teeth are great however they did order him another bite guard because since the accident he still grinds his teeth at night.
Oh I almost forgot the most important. I finally convinced Matt to go to the movies with me and the girls last Friday. Mom came too and we watched "How to Train Your Dragon" in 3D. It was fantastic! I did get nauseated during some of the flying scenes and felt like the water was coming right at me. The girls loved it too. Matt was being a grouchy old bear before it started, but once it was on he loved it too.
Hope everyone has great weekend (or what is left of it).

Spring Storm

I was so grateful for the rain yesterday. It has been so dry and dusty. The rain started to turn everything green and it was feeling very spring like. However, last evening watching the white stuff come down was bittersweet. As i look out my window now, it continues to snow and all the green grass is covered. I am just thankful we are not Calgary. They are literally getting dumped on and highway 2 by Airdrie was closed. Buses are shut down due to icy conditions and it looks like there is no end in sight today. Old man winter is not giving up without a fight!
Mom and Matt had a quiet weekend. I was away to Radium Hot Springs with some girlfriends of mine and John was watching the girls. Mom only had to babysit part of the evening on Saturday. I arrived back Sunday evening and stopped at mom's house. i had to tease her because she was still in her pyjama's!
It has been a busy week for me but a quiet week for Matt. Jonmarie received the Terrific Kid award at her school. I took videos and she couldn't stop smiling. Mom took Matt for his bath in Innisfail yesterday and I am taking him for a haircut today. I hope the roads improve. Tonight Matt and Mom are babysitting the kids because John and I are going to a fundraiser for Shaunie's school. It is called the Evening of Decadent Dessert's and it is so much fun. Shaunie's class made art work and they put it together and then auction it off. Last year they had hand prints on a quilt and it went for $4000. It is then donated back to the Center to hang on the wall. Can't wait to see what it will go for this year.
Matt's back is starting to clear up somewhat, however the scarring is really bad. We are hoping to do some treatments at the spa but it is difficult because I am always working and can't go and pick him up. Trying to convince him to come in the Handi Van but he is so stubborn!! He wants either myself or mom to drive him. Just like a man. Dad is hoping to come sometime in May so maybe he can drive Matt. He hasn't heard his test results yet but should in the next week.

Visitors

The weather has sure warmed up with a high of 23 yesterday. The wind consistently blows so that creates a bit of a hassle because it is so dry. Dust everywhere. This weekend it will again become cold with a high of 3 degrees.
We enjoyed a surprise visit from Uncle Bob and Auntie Brenda. They had been in Swift Current for a memorial service for Uncle Bob's late brother and decided to go back to Prince George via Red Deer. yesterday we took the kids to the park and Shaunie loves to ride on Uncle Matt's lap because "I'm tired, legs not working". John and I took Auntie and uncle, mom and Matt for supper at Tony Roma's for wing night and had a great time. The waitresses were laughing because our group keeps getting bigger and bigger. Friends of ours from Red Deer also joined us so there was eight people.
Matt has been feeling under the weather suffering from sinus congestion which has really run him down but Matt is starting to feel better. It started when they were in Calgary over the weekend and kept getting worse. However Matt still went to watch Jacki play volleyball and have a rousing game of Risk with Gary and his friends. Nolan was there as well.
This weekend I am going with friends to Radium Hot Springs and very happy to have a break for a few days. John is going to be watching the girls with Grandma on standby! This week I was so busy with work related issues that the girls stayed at grandma's for 2 nights! Sure miss them when they are not sleeping in there own bed but they didn't seem to mind. they love being at Grandma's house.
Prayers for dad as he is right now in Saskatoon having a carotid ultrasound ans is a little worried about the possible results. It is a very non-invasive procedure so no pain associated with it. Dad probably won't hear about the results for a few weeks.

Arrived back to Red Deer Safely

Well the troop arrived back in Red Deer Sunday evening just in time for mom to start work today. I was surprised to hear her say she did miss working at the school and the staff members sure missed all the work she does! Jonmarie was ecstatic and every time she saw Grandma she ran up and gave her a big kiss. Mom said there were days prior to the holidays that she wouldn't even see Jonmarie but today it was over 20 times!!
I think Matt is happy to be back but you could hear in his voice he missed Weekes terribly. He loved going uptown to play cards and chat with the men, and Tony Roma's wings hold nothing to the Weekes bar's hot wings!! I think the familiarity of it all is very comforting to Matt and he gets lonesome for his friends. While in Red Deer he is closer to family but it is not the same. I think time will tell if they decide to make Red Deer permanent (mom still has her Sask plates on her truck!).
Prior to leaving Mom and some of the Aunties went to a mini ladies retreat at the church. Mom said the speaker was very good and became legally blind from a genetic condition at 11 years old. I always thought I could handle losing my hearing (some days I pretend I do!) but losing my vision would be so difficult. God gives us all different burdens to bear and with His guidance we can truly see the path to ease those burdens.
Thanks for all those who could stop in to visit and say a quick hello. I believe the plan for the summer is to go home for 2 months. However I know they are trying to get in touch with the "Project Walk" in Regina. They heard about it through the grapevine and would love to have a chance to see what it is all about. They have tried to email but have no response as of yet. On the website there was no other contact so pray that if Matt and mom are meant to go, it will work out.

Having a Great Time

It was a busy week for the folks in Weekes. During the week, Jacki took the kids to Deb and Rod's to see baby calves, which Bobby just loved. I think he wants to be a farmer, just don't tell Gary! They also went to visit a school chum of mine, Twyla Pugh and got to see baby calves. However Bobby was more excited to have a friend to play with . Twyla had her 4 year old boy and 2 1/2 month baby.
Bradon Kipling has been a Godsend. He took Matt uptown and keeps him company while mom was working for a few days. I believe he was a better driver than Jacki, who has forgotten how to drive in the Saskatchewan mud. She took Matt to the Weekes Hotel for wing night and got stuck with Esmeralda (the van) in the mud. Matt thought it was hilarious until him and Bradon took a tour of the farm and got stuck with his wheelcahir! Thank goodness Bradon has got some muscle so he could push him out. However mom is still mad about all the mud in the house. It will be stuck in his wheels for weeks! Still getting mom mad hey Matt?
Last night they stayed up quite late visiting with Aunty Karen and Uncle Neil. Dad, Neil, Matt and Jacki played 6 hands of hand and foot. Aunty Karen and mom played Wii however mom states she was so good they wouldn't let her play. However, I believe that she was so bad the game wouldn't let her play anymore! Everyone was laughing so hard at her.
Jacki and the kids are on their way home right now and pray everything goes okay. They looked for Easter candy this morning so they could be nice and wound up for the trip. The grandparents were so excited to see Anthony crawling all over the place, getting into all kinds of mischief.
Wishing everyone a happy Easter and safe journeys for all who are travelling.

Home for Awhile

Mom and Matt made it okay to Weekes. The weather was great. Mom said the trip went really well and they are glad they kept the winter tires on, because there is still lots of snow in the yard. Mom said that dad has gained 20 lbs, which is still underwieght for him however we will take it! He is looking much better. I found out that he had a episode a few weeks ago and Dr Pieterse feels dad needs a carotid ultraound to see if there is a blockage in his carotid arteries (feeds the brain blood). The appt is for April 22 in Saskatoon .
A big thanks to Bob Lindenback for making a ramp in the house for Matt. Mom just has to paint it. It is so much better than the metal one, and Matt doesn't have to change his chair setting (he can go straight into the house without having to stop and re adjust his chair settings).
Mom, Aunty Karen, and Aunty Sandy are planning on attending the Weekes Ladies retreat on the weekend. Have fun ladies! Also they are going to celebrate Aunty Margaret's birthday Friday night before they (Terry and Aunty Margaret)leave on a trip to Mexico.
Bobby and Amy are really enjoying the farm and they found the mud puddle that we used to play in when we were kids. They think Grandpa looks so 'silly" because he has a Grizzly Adams style beard.
Matt is looking forward to wing night with some friends and going uptown for crib and coffee.
Hope everyone is planning to spend some time with family this Easter holiday and remember what the holiday means (it just isn't all about the food and chocolate!).

Winter Snowfall

Winter just doesn't want to let go. Had quite a bit of snow fall last night and more than a few accidents this morning. The roads were quite icy. However it will soon melt with the +5 weather we are having right now.
Matt is again on antibiotics for we are not sure what. His bloodwork showed a very high white blood count so that is why he hasn't been feeling well last week. It may be a urinary tract infection again, however once he takes the meds we will see if they are the right antibiotics for whatever ails him.
Matt and mom still had a good time in Calgary. Gary arranged a game of Risk with some of the other people living in their crescent and Matt lost again by the smallest of margins. Too bad for you Matt.
Mom and Matt are already packing to leave for Saskatchewan for 2 weeks on Saturday. I am already having a panic attack thinking about it. No one to babysit! Jacki and the kids are taking their own vehicle and going as well. I think dad will be happy to see everyone. He had went to see Dr. Pieterse (I can't remember how to spell it!)and found out he had bursitis in his hip, which the Dr. gave him a shot of cortisone which really helped.
Hope everyone is having a great week and Matt is hoping to see some familiar faces while in Weekes.

Spring is in the Air!

I am sitting in front of the computer with the sun shining in the window and it is warm! I may even have to close the blinds. Or maybe not! Of course when the weather warms up, even though there is still snow on the ground, the flies are waking up and making their appearance known. Jonmarie would not go to the washroom until I killed all the flies (there was 8). You take the good with the bad.
On March 14th, Matt and mom came for a barbecue, hamburgers and hotdogs and we sat outside on the deck. It was so nice we had to put up the umbrella because the sun was so bright. We had live entertainment (Jonmarie on the ukulele and Shaunie on the harmonica). I have no idea what they were playing but they were wonderfully received by the audience. Rosco (the dog) added her accompaniment with a few howls.
I noticed Matt starting to talk about school again, which is great. This week he went and seen Dr. Myburgh for some medication changes, went for a dentist appt (teeth are great)and some shopping at the mall, and today they are in Calgary visiting with everyone there. Matt told me he was getting cabin fever, which is great motivation to go and do something. He hasn't been feeling that great, having a temperature in the middle of the night for 2 days running but seems to perk up about mid day. He went a got some bloodwork done at the hospital so hopefully it is something minor that will clear up on its own.
Matt's been checking on some travel trailers because he wants to do some camping this year. Those trailers made for bringing your quads(cute play on words) or ATV's are perfect. They have a ramp to get your machine into the trailer and the bed is on hydraulics to raise or lower them when the ATV is in the trailer or when you move it out and it is time for bed. Now that the weather is nice, we may go and check out a few.
Hope everyone had a great St. Patrick's day. Next up, Easter!

Matt's First Conference

I have been bugging Matt to go a do something for the last year and I think he was finally tired of listening to me harp at him he finally relented. The paraplegic Society was having a two day course on living an fruitful life. It was 2 full days, Tuesday and Wednesday. Nolan came from Calgary on Sunday night so was able to take Matt both days. The first day was hard because Matt was not used to getting up so early and it was hard to stay focused. However Monday night he was so tired that he slept really well and Wednesday was much better.
I asked what it was about and the speaker asked each person of one thing they would change about themselves. Of course all the attendees were in wheelchairs or had other disabilities and most said they would love to be walking or back to their normal self. The speaker then asked if it was actually something they could change and all replied no. He then asked why they would focus so much on something they couldn't change anyway and start re-focusing on something they could actually change. To illustrate, he showed them a video with two teams with 3 players on each team. One team was dressed in black and one team was dressed in white. Each team had a basketball and you had to count how many passed the white team makes. To make it even more difficult, the teams keep moving. At the end of the video, the question it asked is "did you see the gorilla?" Apparently a gorilla had walked with the group and not one of the attendees had seen it. It was showing you how you can focus so much on one thing that you miss other opportunities right in front of your nose.
Matt said it was really good and meet some new people, so that was great.
We are trying to encourage him to socialize more, however after he saw what happened to the fellow in the wheelchair in Australia, Matt gets worried all over again. For those of you who didn't see it, a guy from Canada is in a wheelchair and was visiting in Australia. He was going to catch the train when two teenagers came up to him and started to beat him with fists, a metal bar, and then he fell over out of his chair and they started to kick him. They apparently didn't steal anything and the Canadian is in critical condition from serious head injuries. The world is made up of all kinds and Matt does get worried about being unable to defend himself. Pray that Matt will try and look past those that will do him harm and see the good in people, that the majority would only try and be helpful.

Happy Gold Birthday Matt!!

What could be better than a gold medal on your birthday? Matt was so pumped. We were at Jacki's for Amy and Matt's birthday party and were watching the game with some of the parents of the kids who attended. Poor Amy had a very disorganized party, as we opened presents and had cake during the intermission and then after that they were on their own! If any kid came in front of the TV, you could hear the yelling to move from the street. I could hardly watch the final period and when USA scored, their was a definite sick feeling throughout the room. The sudden death overtime was too much for me to handle and I sat watching while reading (or looking) at the paper but still listening. When Crosby actually scored, the paper went flying, the cheers went up, and Anthony got such a fright he screamed for 10 minutes!
I also got Matt some scratch and win tickets (Jacki picked them out) and Matt won $100 on one ticket. He said it was the best birthday ever. The only damper is Dad and Nolan were in Saskatchewan, but phoned him as soon as the goal went in the net. I hope everyone was able to watch as Canada won the most Gold medals in a winter Olympics EVER!!Congrats to all our athletes.

Congratulations

Congrats go out to Michelle on the birth of her twins. Deb, if you could tell us what the weights were and everything, that would be great. I heard they were over 6 lbs each but don't know for sure.
The weather has certainly warmed up and the sun, when it shines, actually feels like it is working! Shanie and I went for a walk yesterday and it was -10. I hadn't dressed appropriately so when we came to a open spot, i stood in the rays of the sun and it was so great to feel the heat! Spring is in the air, although I won't get my hopes up too much, winter always has a hard time saying goodbye and usually gives us one more Hooray (snow storm) before it leaves. There is some clear patches on the ground and the roads are relatively clear of ice and snow, except on the roads less travelled.
Matt has been watching the Olympics, as are many people, and he keeps me informed of all the happenings. I try to watch when I can, however Jonmarie said a funny thing yesterday. we have a rule in the house there is no TV watching during the week. So when she comes home yesterday and sees the TV on, she said that she would like to watch a movie. I again explained the rules, however I forgot the TV was on the Olympic station at that time. she said if the rules apply to her they should apply to me. Hard to argue with that reasoning, but I did answer back and a typical mother was, "When you start paying rent, then you can watch TV too!" Not my most brilliant comeback.
Matt, mom, John and I went to Tony Roma's on Wednesday for wings. it was so crowded in the the lounge area because of the men's hockey that we had to sit in hte dining room. It was easy to know what was happening though. Every time we heard a loud cheer, we knew Canada had scored and when there was a loud Booo, the Russian team had scored. However when the game was over and they was still cheering, i was sent to check out what was happening and that is when Canada got 2 medals in the bobsled racing. Very exciting. An interesting thing happened when we were about to leave. One of the waitresses Bradie, who we have seen since we started going to the restaurant ran over to our table and started to chat. She asked if we remembered when Matt had accidentally left his oiler cup holder there over 8 months ago. We had tried to find him a replacement but they are scarce or we are just not looking in the right stores. Well, Bradie said they had actually found it but when she had seen us a month later, she went to go get it and it was gone. It must have bothered her alot because when she went home to Manitoba over the Christmas holidays, she looked and found one in Fields store and bought it for Matt. She had it in her car for 2 months waiting for him to come back in the evening (we had started going in the day) so she could give it to him. We could hardly believe she remembered and then had taken the time to go and try to find another one. Matt was so happy because without his cup holder, he can't lift hot/cold drinks because his hand spasms and was always having to ask someone to test the glass. It just goes to show you never know who's life you may end up affecting. It sure made Matt's day!

Great Weekend with Auntie Karen

What a busy week we just had. Jonmarie had production week at her school. The whole school is involved in the play and mom was working late every night, helping behind the scenes, making sure the kids were where they were supposed to be, helping with the props, etc. Auntie Karen flew into to Calgary and stayed the night with Jacki. Jacki wasn't sure how to get Auntie Karen from the airport to her house because the flight was late in the evening and Gary was in Newfoundland for his Auntie's funeral (sorry to hear of her passing Gary). So Jacki asked Nolan to watch the kids. When he found out the time, he just laughed. Apparently his new girlfriend from Melfort was flying in on the same flight! So he just picked up both of them at the airport. Auntie Karen knew that Nolan's girlfriend was going to be on the flight, so prior to boarding, she was asking people if their name was Erin! When she went to sit down, she overheard a young lady talking on her cell phone and was almost certain she heard Nolan's voice on the other end and this girl's reply "Wouldn't it be funny if we sat together?" Once she was off the phone, Auntie leaned over and asked "Erin?" and the girl replied "Karen?" Very funny story.
Jacki drove Auntie as far as Olds and then I picked her up to bring her the rest of the way to Red Deer. Poor Auntie, she has some great stories to tell about her time with us, losing Bobby at the zoo, trying to keep up with our busy schedule, forgetting the tickets to the production, the list goes on and on. You must ask her about it at the reunion. She said when they had visited Patti and Dean's, the chaos wasn't much different. Mom's with their kids is multi tasking to the extreme. They should actually make it an Olympic sport!
On Sunday, mom and Auntie went to see Aunt Eveyln and Uncle Hughie in Edmonton and Jonmarie, Shaunie and I babysat Matt. It was great to get to watch the Olympics together. However Matt has this new app on his cell phone. It converts English into Afrikaans. He is driving me crazy with it. He enters "Shelley has a big...." and then it replies in Afrikaans. It sounds like a cyborg version though and some of the words are way off.
Matt still has some off days, but thank goodness no more episodes like 2 weeks ago. I took for wings last week and they were the best we had ever had! Maybe it was because we hadn't been there for so long, but they were goooood! I think tonight we may partake in wing night again. Tony Roma's here we come!

Autonomic Dysreflexia

Well Matt had an interesting spell 2 days ago, which hasn't happened to him since leaving the hospital 2 years ago. He was with Cecilia and was using the 'facilities" when he felt the back of his head explode and started losing his vision. It didn't literally however that is the way he described the intense, immediate headache he experienced and knew he was in trouble. It is called autonomic dysreflexia (hope I spelled it right) and it is a condition many quads and paraplegics suffer from and can be fatal. It is when something bothers the autonomic nervous system and because of their condition, the body responds incorrectly because it doesn't have the same regulatory response that we have due to the spinal injury. It can be anything from a crinkle in his shirt pushing on his skin, to his shoes too tight. So Matt's blood pressure was shooting through the roof and if they didn't do something to correct it, the consequences could be deadly. Matt had experienced it once before while in City Hospital and they told him if it ever happened, to catheterize immediately. Cecilia had just done this prior to the incident however Matt was alert enough to tell her to do it again. The drained off 1200 mls of urine. Any one in the health profession knows that is alot for a bladder to hold. Immediately the headache was reduced to a dull throb and his vision returned. Scared everyone though. Thank goodness Matt knows his body well enough and remembered what they had told him at the hospital. What is worring him know is the same thing happening again. Matt has always been able to feel when he has to use the washroom, but this time he didn't feel a thing. So they have contacted Dr. Maclean to see if she knows why it has happened now.
Hopefully it was a one time thing to keep us on our toes and won't ever happen again. We were just thinking of Matt being able to stay by himself for an hour a day, however I think we will reconsider that decision!
Thank you Lord for continuing to watch over Matthew and help us to be constantly grateful for what we have.

Keeping Busy

Well the weather was great for awhile but has turned cold again. However we didn't get dumped on like Saskatchewan and Manitoba. We were treated to the thickest frost I had ever seen. Took some pictures of the girls shaking the trees and letting the frost fall on them. It has been an adjustment getting back into the swing of things, and my palm treo phone with calendar has become my best friend again.
Matt is keeping busy with his exercises and looks so much stronger. His acne has really come along way and I hope we can start doing laser treatments for the scarring. He is going to the Red Deer College in February to sign up for classes. I think he is leaning towards history for now. They are also signing up for the handi bus. When he lived out here the bus wouldn't come for him but now that he is in the city he arranges for transport at a minimal cost. Matt can't just phone them on the spur of the moment however he books a week or so ahead of time and then he has more freedom to travel. Dad left back to Sask. last week so Matt is dependent on a hired driver or myself again.
Today they are going to Fabricland to pick out material for his pants. A lady mom knows will sew some pants for him with velcro in the front so he has an easier time with self catheterization. Then off for his bath in Innisfail. We still haven't arranged for anything in Red Deer yet, and the sliding tub chair they tried out was again too short for Matt's height.
Jonmarie and Shaunie love to go to Matt's house when I work after school to play Wii. There is a no TV rule at our house during the week and they get spoiled when the go to Uncle Matt's!
Grandma is enjoying more extra curricular activities and has been going for supper with some of the ladies from school. It is like trying to pull teeth for her to do something for herself. Tonight she is booked for a massage and then supper again, and she keeps thinking she should cancel because I will have to go a watch Matt and take him with me to Jonmarie's swimming lesson. Like she doesn't help me at the drop of a hat!
I think Auntie Karen is coming in the middle of February to visit and I booked them for pedicures at the spa for the Friday. Nice treat when the winter blues are getting you down. So remember, if family comes and visit I will treat you so let that be an incentive to come down! We have an extra room again and so does mom.

Safely Returned

Has it really been since Dec. 21st since I wrote? Terrible. However I have a very good excuse. It was difficult for me to get online. The connection was poor while we were on holidays and when we arrived in Cape Town in the New Year, we were so busy.
But we arrived safe and sound on Wednesday January 13th. The "sound" part is not exactly accurate after 21 hours of flying. Thank goodness for the one day stop over in Amsterdam. We may have arrived back in Canada minus two children!! Jacki and the kids met us at the airport because Grandma was late. Matt had a meeting with Dr. Mclean and it was longer than they expected. But the kids were so happy to see each other and we spent the time waiting at the new play center in the Calgary airport. It was awesome, the best in all the airports we have seen. If anyone is flying, make sure you check it out. There were adults in there too!! But it didn't compare to when Grandma came to pick us up. Shaunie couldn't quit hugging her and Jonmarie didn't quit talking the whole way back to red Deer.
Matt, dad, Cecilia and Airene, and Grandma came for supper last night and the girls were so excited to show everyone the presents they had brought from Africa and John was just as excited to show the videos/pictures. Matt is looking so good. His acne has really cleared up and he is still as handsome as ever. They had been busy over the holiday season, making a trip to Calgary to spend with Jacki, Gary and the kids and Nolan. They also made a trip to Weekes, but we were so busy talking about his latest appts that I forgot to ask how it went! Will update on that later.
Monday they went to Edmonton to meet with the rehab nurse. She showed Matt how to self-catheterize himself. It lets him be more self sufficient and now he can travel by himself more, such as to the mall or the college and be able to use the washroom without having someone to help him all the time. Prior to this, someone always had to be near by in case he needed to go to the washroom. He still has some trouble and needs help with setting up, but with more practice he should be able to be completely self sufficient. Hooray! He will have further appts with her re: other things, however that is not in the near future.
The meeting with Dr. McLean was on Wednesday and went over well. She discussed the MRI and it has not changed since the previous one last year. So she will send it to Dr. Guthrie to see what he has to say. He spasms have improved a bit since decreasing the Accutane dose, however they are still bothersome so she increased his anti-spasm meds. Matt strength and movement are slowly coming back so we think the Accutane was inhibiting that as well. His standing exercises have improved, however they are still not to where they were a year ago. But it will get there, now that he has more room in his new house to do exercises. I forgot to mention they have moved into the new house in town and it is great! Matt is able to get into the washroom and do self catheters in privacy. They are going to order a special bath chair so he can use the shower. That will rally save on the trips to Innisfail for baths. Matt is also excited to be able to phone for take away when Mom is not at home and again can be on his own more. I am very excited about the possibilities and thank God that He has been so wonderful to our family. Thank you to all who still continue to read the blog after 2 1/2 years and have followed Matt's journey through some very difficult times and still see him as the same lovable, funny guy he was prior to the accident. I will sure miss going downstairs and seeing him sitting there watching TV. And it is already difficult without mom, because now I have to take Jonmarie to school in the morning. I think that Jonmarie will be spending some nights at Grandmas and and also go home with her after school. So it will all work out, it will just take some juggling.
Happy belated Christmas and Happy New Year to all.