Warm Weather

Well what a difference from last week! We are enjoying the change of weather and came just in time, as Jacki and Gary brought the kids on Saturday and we could kick...I mean, take them outside! Jonmarie and Bobby were outside for at least 2 hours. Matt and mom were supposed to be here by 3 pm, but they had no hot water and the landlord was there trying to fix it. By the time they got here, it was after 6 pm and supper was on hold. Homemade perogies, barbequed ribs, homemade buns and bread, etc. Real comfort food and it wasn't even cold!
Matt continues to do some exercises, standing everyday and really focusing on standing straight without leaning on the machine. He is very focused on returning to Regina in March or April. I wish it didn't cost so much however it boosts his spirits so much that it is worth the money. Keep it up Matt, even though it doesn't feel like it sometimes you still have so many people rooting for you and wishing you all the best. I stopped at the RBC and the greeter always asks how Matt is, as well as other people who have met Matt.
Matt has been feeling under the weather again and had a few acne breakouts, so trying to nip it in the bud before it gets worse so is on antibiotics again. Mom said tonight when they took Matt for his bath, after he has such a bad headache. They needed to stop at the mall for some things but they ended up coming home earlier because of Matt's headache. Hopefully it won't last long and the Advil will work.
Thanks for all who tune in to Matt's blog!

Cold, Canadian Winter

Well talk about your welcome home weather! Gone for 5 weeks and hardly any temps below 0 and we get back and BANG!! -40 with a windchill warning! To me once you see -40 you shouldn't need a warning! It is just plain cold. However I am feeling extremely spoiled with my command start in my truck. It may eat fuel when it is cold, but it sure warms up nice! The kids love it. So we are not minding the cold so much. John however has been parking his diesel SUV at the hospital and WALKING 20 mins to work. WALKING! I guess the new Canadian passport really does change a person!
Matt is back in Red Deer after rehab and spending Christmas in Weekes. We sure missed everyone and so glad to see them again. Matt was doing quite well until the weekend and started to feel flu like symptoms, tired, nauseated, fever. Mom and Matt came over to our house on Friday to see some videos and pictures of South Africa. I made homemade pizza, which he usually loves but he hardly ate any. Matt very seldom complains but you could tell he wasn't feeling 100%. He actually felt awful until Tuesday but today we chatted on the phone and sounds like his usual self!
Matt is looking forward to be back in rehab. He misses all the hard work and the staff. But Matt can get along with almost anyone. We are looking forward to his 25th birthday on February 28th. We really wanted to go to Vegas but I think Matt has gotten cold feet! Worried about how he would get on the plane, where they would put his chair, altitude and his lungs, etc. So we may have to come up with something special here. We are looking forward to seeing Aunty Karen and Uncle Neil and Aunty Brenda and Uncle Bob in February for the Scott's Tournament of Hearts. It should be a good time as always.
Bundle up and keep warm! This too shall pass.

Update from South Africa

Hello everyone! Mom was unable to get on the computer at home so I talked to Matt on the phone last night to see how things had ended at rehab.
Matt sounds so positive on the phone and is looking forward to returning to rehab in the new year. The final day of treatment they had Matt sit up in a chair and then prepare him to try and stand. So one of the therapists held his knees while in a sitting position and placed his arms beside him as if he were to push himself up and off the chair. Matt was able to push himself off about an inch or two off the seat! He was very excited about this and will continue to practice all the activities they had taught him.
Our internet were we are is very slow so I won't write too long. However just wanted to let you know how well Matt is doing and keep praying for his journey to recovery!

Left Arm

Matt continued to do similar exercises all week, however on Thursday Matt was able to squat and do 100 lbs with the total gym machine. Last week he could only do 70 lbs. Great job Matt!! Also when Matt was on the total gym, the trainer put Matt's one leg on his shoulder and then with his right leg he could do single leg squats. The single leg squats were harder to do with his left leg.
On Friday they really wanted to see what Matt's left arm could do.The staff got Matt to supinate/pronate, which means turning wrist so hand faces upward and then turning the wrist so the hand faces down wards. Matt needs help to this, so the staff tap a muscle in his forearm to stimulate it to move. Matt found it really hard to turn his hand from supination or "holding soup" with palm facing upwards to turning it to pronate, or palm flat on the table. Matt quotes "stupid wrist". They then worked on Matt's left elbow with the stimulator machine, which is electrical stimulation sending electricity to Matt's muscles to innervate the small muscles. The staff were able to get Matt's left arm to bend up while laying down. Matt didn't have to do much but the big thing is repetition to get his left arm stronger. They are encouraging Matt to think about moving his left arm while the stimulator is sending electrical currents to get his brain to remember how to move that muscle. Today Matt's left shoulder hurts but hopefully it is just do to using muscles he hasn't used and not a problem with his sublixation.
Matt had a great time at the pig barn Christmas party, so nice to see everyone. Matt stayed for about 4 hours but came home earlier than usually, I think he was exhausted from the rehab.
John and I are off to South Africa tonight with the girls, so mom will try to update the blog as much as she can. Matt and I will also use skype to communicate too.

Back in Weekes

Another busy week is over for Matt and they are back in Weekes. Tuesday Matt was mentioning how "heavy" he was feeling. Not that he was weight wise feeling heavy, but his muscles wouldn't do what he wanted them to do. He thinks it may be because they are trying to decrease the amount of meds he is on and now is going through a bit of withdrawal. The whole troup spent some time shopping at the Cornwall Center for some Christmas presents in Regina. They were surprised at how difficult it was to find an elevator to the 2nd floor. It is an older center but it was frustrating for Matt who could see what store he wanted to go to but couldn't get there. Matt and Chat were going to the Big Sky Christmas party so didn't get a good update. Shelley and John are heading to South Africa so I am getting all the what to do at the house while they are gone. I will write more after I talk to Matt tomorrow. One week left and then he will decide what is next. Thanks so much for all the prayers and have a great weekend. Have fun Christmas shopping!!

Another Busy Week

It is so good to talk to dad on the phone and hear all the updates. I can almost see the expressions on the staff's faces when they ask Matt to do something that they don't expect him to accomplish. And he does it!
The staff are so good with Matt. Communication between all parties is fantastic and they love how motivated Matt is with his exercises. The one staff member found out that prior to Matt's accident he was involved in hockey, basketball and baseball. They don't usually have to motivate a client if they have a sports background. The one staff member likes to push Matt even further by saying things like "Is that all you've got, Matt?" and Matt tries even harder. Sympathy only goes so far and then tough love is needed. Matt's ability to bridge is impressive. Bridging is laying on the floor with your feet on the floor and your knees bent. Then you must lift your butt off the floor and hold that position. Most patients are so flaccid with their muscles meaning they have very little muscle tone.
I am laughing right now because Jonmarie just came into the house crying. I thought she was hurt but she is crying because I told her to go outside to play and the snow isn't sticky enough to make a snowman! It is plus 4 and very little snow is on the ground. Crying is okay when you are hurt, but crying because it is boring outside is not! So she is back outside probably saying bad things about her mean mother! Tough love!
Dad told me a funny story about the one staff member that works with Matt at the Wellness Center. She is quite tall and maybe in her early 20's. Dad was thinking that she looked athletic and must have been in some sports. She answered that she had played with the University of Saskatchewan in volleyball. Dad brought up the fact that Jacki had played in the 90's and explained what her maiden name was and that she had a birthmark. Right away the girl knew who dad was talking about, because she seen Jacki's picture in the hallway at the PhysEd Building! One thing about having a birthmark is that everyone will always recognize you!
Yesterday they got Matt into a standing frame. Matt's arms are still holding onto something but they encourage him just to use his legs. He felt a bit weak and faint, but he persevered and felt better. They also did an assessment on what they could do for Matt over the long run. They would like to have Matt come back for a longer time, such as 4 months. Matt said after he is finished this round of therapy he would like to go back in March.

Back to Work

Matt, dad and Charity arrived back to Regina Sunday night. Thank goodness the weather was good. Mom also travelled back to Red Deer to good conditions. We are so happy she is back!! We missed her so much. We are also missing Matt too but we know he needs to be where he is for the time being. Yesterday Matt did some bike work.
Today Matt was on the total gym and they had Matt do 70 lbs to start with and the owner wanted to see if Matt could do single leg modified squats (again at 45 degree angle) and Matt could it with his right leg better than his left with no weight (just his own body weight) and could even do a little with his left leg. It must wear him out because while he was explaining it to me he was yawning the whole time!!
Just to give a little background information on the Wellness Center. The method they use is the Dardzinski Method, which was created in the States. It is devoted to helping people with spinal cord injuries, recovering function below their level of injury. This is the first certified Project Walk facility in Canada and was started just over 1 year ago. It is a non-profit organization but do not have charitable status therefore they are unable to issue taxable receipts. However corporate sponsorship can be used as an advertising expense and are tax deductible. At each level of sponsorship you get advertising recognition. Silver $2000 (1 year), Gold $5000 (1 year)Platinum $10000 (over 3 years) Titanium $25000 (over 5 years). 75% will go directly to Matt's training fees and 25% to the running of the First Steps Wellness center. The cost to Matt for one hour is $70, so a sponsorship of $1000 would give Matt just over 10 hours of therapy. I really pray one day they will get charitable status so any one can give what they can. Matt said many of the patients attending the Wellness Center are stroke patients with some paraplegics. Some drive back and forth from Swift Current everyday and there is also many from Alberta.
Thanks to all those who are reading the blog again after a loooong hiatus!

Driving Back to Weekes

Everyone is driving back to Weekes after another tough day of rehab.
Matt said the rehab staff are very adament about pre-stretching, so that will take up 50% of his exercise regime.
First on the exercise agenda was a wall mount. The staff sat Matt up in front of the wall and helped him place his arms on the wall above his head. It is to encourage Matt to keep his posture straight. Then they got Matt to do circles with his arms (like we used to do warm-ups to a volleyball/basketball game. Spent 1/2 hour on the total gym and had Matt lift 50 lbs with his legs sitting at a 45 degree angle. So Matt had to also hold his own weight up. Matt found the weights too light, and they added another 20lbs. Matt felt he could have went up even more so next week they will start him on 100lbs!!
No bike today, as Matt's legs were completely spent .Matt says he feels good, physically and mentally. What a boost to his self esteem! I think Matt was very nervous prior to starting rehab. He is quite competitive when it comes to physical strength and was worried he wouldn't be able to do much. I think back to when we tried to stand Matt without the standing frame and it took 4 people and he could only stand for a few minutes. So all those exercises Matt does everyday really did help.
More good news to come!
On a side note, we sold our van! I am so sad in some ways. It has so many memories and loved so many of the features, especially now that winter has come and the truck just doesn't measure up on slippery roads. But glad to have the money in the bank.

Mom arrived

Mom drove down to Regina to see Matt in action. She was a bit surprised to see so little equipment at the Wellness Center, but they seem to do well with what they have in place.
The first hour was spent just focusing on stretching. Mom really likes the people helping in rehab. The rehab staff (Andy and Owen)were so surprised on how much mobility Matt has with the severity of his injury. Surprisinly, the percentage rate of walking is 12% and The First Steps Wellness Center has already reached that goal, so we hope Matt will be bring the percentage rate up even more!
Matt stood today without a standing frame. He starts from a sitting position with some cushions under his bum. They place a transfer belt around his bum to help Matt stand, but Matt must use his own legs to get up and then must use his own legs to stand. The rehab staff are there to assist but really encourage him to do as much as he can on his own.
The staff can't believe how much core muscle Matt has. To test his strength, Matt sits on the plinth (table)and puts a 30% wedge behind his back with his legs dangling like he is reclined in chair. They made Matt sit up on his own. It took almost all his strength to do it and really struggled, but he did it!!!
They did some testing on Matt's left arm. Of course it wasn't great but they figure he has enough to work with. The shoulder is something they are working on to make it more functional. Long way to go with the arm, that is for sure.
With the anti-spasm medication, the therapists suggested Matt should decrease the amount of baclofen he is on, which must be down slowly.
I am trying to imagine Matt on a bike. Apparently they tried Matt on the the bike yesterday and he did really well. Today was not as good because he was so tired from the previous exercises.
The therapists also tried to get Matt on his knees and elbows but couldn't get him to stay in that position. They will try a different position tomorrow.
I am so excited about Matt giving rehab another try. It must be difficult to do (as we all know how difficult it is for the rest of us to get up and get exercise after a long hiatus!)Hopefully there is more in store, and lots more to write!

Matt's 1st Day

First off I wanted to correct my previous blog statement. It is not Project Walk, it is called First Steps Wellness Center. Also Matt, dad and Charity are staying at the Obasa Suites and it it quite nice. The only thing is there is only one bed and Matt gets it! Dad sleeps on the couch (likes it because it is leather) and Charity gets the mattress on the floor.
The first hour of rehab today they worked on Matt's legs and left arm, stretching and light exercises. The 2nd hour they transferred Matt onto what is called a total gym. It is set at a 45 degree angle so Matt's head is elevated. The therapist then asks Matt to do modified squats. So Matt bends his knees up and down. When Matt is fully extended his left knee locks in place (Matt is unable to move it) so the therapist needs to help him a bit.
The therapists then transfer Matt to the floor. There are no lifts in this place so the therapists need to do everything manually. Once Matt is on the floor, the therapist asked Matt to roll over onto his tummy. Matt hasn't done this for years so he had to figure out how to do it. He soon came up with the idea to swing his right leg over the left and the momentum of his hips will help him roll over and he did it!! We are so proud of you Matt!! Not bad for your first day.
The therapist then asked Matt to roll from tummy to back and Matt used his right arm to do this. It was much easier then back to tummy. I guess one must learn to roll before crawling, and then on to walking!!
With help, the therapist got Matt to kneel, placed a box in front of him and Matt's arms are placed on top. The therapist asked Matt to straighten his back to tuck in his gut. Matt was able to straighten up himself leaning on the box. The first few times were easy but it became harder after that. Just like any exercises, anytime we start a new one it is difficult!
So Matt's first day of rehab was quite exciting, and I think Matt surprised himself on what he could do. Matt was tired when he first finished, but feels good now. It feels so good to write about active therapy again, and hope everyone will keep tuned in!!

Loooong Time!

We had decided to stop writing in Matt's blog as things were too busy and I couldn't keep up. However to get everyone up to date, Matt will write on facebook as well.
Matt had bought a new Ford F150 Ecoboost to pull his camper and we managed to transfer him into the front seat. It was so great to see him out of his wheelchair, sitting in the front seat like he did prior to his injury.
We had a great reunion in Weekes and loved to see all the family. I am so thankful for the terrific bunch we have and love them all to pieces! We always have such a blast.
Matt has started in a Project Walk program in Regina. It has been a long time coming and Matt was pretty nervous. However today they did an assessment to see what they would work on and already are making recommendations. Matt will attend 4 hours a day, 5 days a week with intensive therapy specifically for spinal cord injuries. Dad and Matt's new caregiver Charity are with him. Mom is in Weekes for another week and when I called her to see how things were, she commented that this is the first time in over 4 years she has had the house to herself! It was so quiet she kept hearing noises and had a hard time sleeping.
We are sure missing them here in Red Deer, and the girls keep asking where grandma is. Everytime we drive into town Shaunie wants to go to Uncle Matt's to watch treehouse!
We received our first snowfall Nov. 1 but have very little on the ground. Still having plus weather after a fantastic fall. It is bound to get cold soon though, and we are getting ready for the cold. Winter tires, heated dog house and heated water bowl for Rosco, winter jackets and pants, etc. Back to overheating in the vehicle and freezing when the kids get out on the playground at school. Oh well.
Hope a few people will start to read the blog again. Thanks to all who continue to show interest in Matt's progress.

No New House... Yet

Well, the offer for the house didn't work, the other bidder must have put more in. So we are off tonight to look at a house in Penhold that mom found in the paper. It is wheelchair accesible and was built in 2001. Dad and I did some errands today together and he would rather be in Penhold than Red Deer. Hard to get used to a big city.
Dad arrived last Friday and does he ever look good! Has been on the Remacaid for sometime now and it has been fantastic for him. He is now over 180 lbs, which is a far cry from the 130 lbs he was last year. Everyone else wants to lose wt and he wants to gain! Jacki and the kids, and Nolan came for the long weekend and we has such great weather. On Saturday had an outdoor barbeque and did lots of landscaping. My back is still sore! Unfortunately we were so busy I didn't get the garden in and now it has rained solid since Monday.
We had a traumatic Thursday last week. We are not sure exactly what happened but Molly and Rosco were in the kennel outside together and Rosco did something to Molly. We had to put Molly down. She was just laying there with a bite wound to the head and barely breathing. By the time we got her to the vet she needed to be intubated and the vet told us she was in really bad shape. We decided to euthanize her instead of watching her suffer. The vets take on the whole thing was that Rosco may have tried to stop Molly from bugging her by pressing on her neck and damaged her trachea. Then when Molly started acting weird Rosco bit her on the head. The bite marks were very superficial and no bones were broken, and hardly any blood. But anyway, we are missing our Molly terribly. That is why you should never get house pets, it hurts too much when they are gone. The girls saw Molly like that and had to go to the vets with me. Poor things. Jonmarie left a note saying "bye Molly Wolly" and it just about broke my heart. However they did perk up a bit when I got a hamster the next day to take their minds of their Molly. Her name is Pumpkin Pie and is quite interesting for a hamster.

Looked at a House

Matt, mom, and I looked at a wheelchair accessible house in Red Deer on Sunday. It is an older house, 1976, however it was almost completely redone to accomodate someone in a wheelchair. We had actually been looking at a truck for mom to buy when I happened to mention what a nice area it was and I knew that a wheelchair accessible house was right around the block. And wouldn't you know it was for sale! So phoned a relator friend of mine and he was able to show us around. It is a big yard with a large detached garage. The neighbors told us that it was modified about 10 years ago for an MS patient. Then it was sold in 2005 to a hsband and wife, the husband having suffered from a stroke. When he passed away in 2009, she remained in the house until she decided it was too big for her. The main floor is 1500 square feet and the basement is all done with 3 big bedrooms. Matt would be able to get into his room, bathroom, living room, dining room, kitchen and TV room. Lots of windows.
Dad is coming up this weekend to maybe take a peek. It would be alot better that paying rent. However still have to put an offer and then get an inspection done. So maybe, maybe not. We will see!

Happy Mother's Day

Wishing everyone a fantastic Mother's Day. Jonmarie, Shaunie and I took mom out to Moxie's for supper. Jonmarie and Shaunie have been quite sick so have been on antibiotics. I think it affects them emotionally because it was a difficult supper! It was like having 2 two year olds! Anyway, mom and I enjoyed the combo platter and completely ruined her diet. Matt has been also suffering from the flu and didn't feel like coming so he stayed at home.
Yesterday was Bobby's birthday party and we went to laser tag. The kids loved it. We went back to Jacki and Gary's and they live in such a great cul-de-sac, that Jonmarie hated having to leave. All the kids from the street were out playing street hockey or riding their bikes. Bobby had received a styrofoam plane for a present and the kids got their markers together and drew pictures all over it. Shaunie was ready to go home and be with her daddy. While we were at the party mom went to a fellow collegues wedding and didn't come home until quite late. But she had a good time.
Matt had an infection in his right great toe, and it was so sore he was unable to put his shoe on, but John started him on some meds which really helped. I just wish he felt better. Matt didn't even want bacon for lunch and that is not like him at all. You know you are sick when you can't eat bacon!
Thanking God for mother's everywhere and all life's lessons they teach us. Also to our kids that make it worthwhile!

Driving Assessment

Matt, Airene and myself went to Edmonton for Matt's driving assessment at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Center on Wednesday. It was quite interesting. First the occupational therapist determines the level of movement and strength Matt has. She made him to numerous movements with his right hand and arm and was very impressed with his right side and will need little to no modification for the steering wheel. However it is important for Matt to be able to move his left more because that is the side used to control the gas and brake. So a few suggestions for that,such as Botox in the tricep of the left arm (when he straightens his arm, he can't bend it again), private physiotherapist that can work specifically with the muscle groups needed, and going to Edmonton's Shopper's Home Health Center to see what other modification instruments they have. If this doesn't work, then we would need to look into getting a electronic machine which runs at $80,000 (without the vehicle!). There is little to no funding available for this unless it is for driving to and from work. Does not include going to school. Matt is going to contact Great West Life to see if they can help at all. However Matt was extremely sore in his left arm after the assessment so he would have to do serious work outs to strengthen it enough to be able to drive for more than 2 feet! So some things to think about.
They also did an assessment on hand eye coordination and Matt scored mid to high on the non disabled scale, so that was definitely no problem. He needed to draw with a pencil from 1 to A, 2 to B, 3 to C and so on. The numbers and letters were all mixed up and I couldn't remember which number went with what letter! But Matt did it in 67 secs, needed to get under 160 secs! I would have failed!
After the assessment we went to Ikea for some things. Ended up being there for over 1 1/2 hours because Matt kept getting us lost! And of course the more lost he became the faster he drove his wheelchair. Airene and I were running to keep up!! But overall it was a great day, but tiring. Matt is so much fun to travel with because he is so funny. He gets that from me!! I think!
Today the girls are going with Grandma and Matt to Jacki and Gary's and John and I are going to Banff for a conference. So everyone one have a Blessed Easter holiday and thank God for all your blessings!

Matthew Has Been Babysitting

The weather has not cooperated this week, with heavy snowfall and slushy, icy conditions. However last week Friday I took Matt to Bower Mall for some shopping. Of course the first thing he wanted to do was eat! So off to the food court. Then we found some accessories for his phone and I finally convinced him to buy dressier black shoes for Devin's wedding this summer and some new shirts. So funny to shop with him. He is good for the first 1/2 hour and then that was it.
Saturday they came over for supper and to watch the movie "Tangled". We laughed so hard, it was such a good movie. We played a game of dice which I kicked butt (I think).
On Monday I took Jonmarie to taekwondo and then dropped the girls off at Matt's while Mom and I went to do some clothes shopping. All her clothes are so baggy on her so I made her by a size 10 pant. Yeah!! She had so many compliments on her new slimmer look. So Matt had to get Shaunie to read her books to him. She said she didn't want to and Matt told her"I didn't ask if you wanted to, I am telling you too". So funny how she listens to him.
Then on Thursday Mom came to the fundraiser for the Children Service Center and Matt had to babysit again, because Airene had to leave. So he was trying to get them ready for bed and Shaunie proceeds to say she was hungry and wanted a peanut butter sandwich. The peanut butter was too high so he opened the fridge and told her she would have to eat some Shake and Bake chicken, which she said "I like chicken"and Matt told her how to warm it up in the microwave. I think he likes to have some responsiblilty and the girls listen to him and help when he needs it.
Hope everyone is surving this long winter and prayers that it will end soon! Now I am off to make Shaunie clean her room. Jonmarie is shopping for rugby supplies with her dad, she starts the end of April!

Back in Red Deer

Mom and Matt arrived safe and sound on Sunday back in Red Deer. Mom had worked 5 shifts while she was home. Crazy women! Now back to work at the school. The girls sure missed their grandma at school on Monday. They returned back to school after having one week off for spring break.
John had his head shaved this weekend to raise money for cancer. Shaunie was horrified, just sat on the couch with big tears rolling down her face and saying "You don't look like my daddy anymore". Jonmarie expected it to be worse and spent most of the day trying to rub the top of his head! She said it felt so cool.
We are so enjoying the warm weather. Still lots of snow but the streets are bare which helps alot. Now Matt isn't yelling from the back of the van that his brains are getting scrambled from riding on icy hard patches that almost take your head off. He looked like one of those bobble heads that people put on their dashboards.
Thanking God for the sunny day and the warm weather. I think He gives us terrible weather just so we appreciate the warm weather when it does come.

In Weekes

Mom and Matt travelled to Weekes last Friday and mom has worked a few days at the nursing home. Matt has enjoyed playing cards with the guys at the Golden Age and last night went for wings at Weekes Hotel. However he went too early and there was no room for him so he was going back later in the evening. Must give him a call and see how it went.
Last week mom was busy with parent teacher interviews and Matt had to stay by himself for a few hours. Airene had everything set up for him, or so she thought. No sooner had she left for the bus when Matt needed to catheterize himself and realized he did not have what he needed. The urine bottle was in the tub soaking and he could not reach it. So he found a broom handle and then proceeded to spend the next 15 minutes trying to get the broom handle in the neck of the bottle so he could get it out of the tub. Through perserverance and I am sure a few choice thoughts Matt finally succeeded in retrieving the bottle. He was very proud of himself, and so were we.
Last week was a busy week. Me and the girls went to West Edmonton Mall for one night to see Shauna, Dale and Jada. We spent a lot of time at the water park and also seen the seal show and the underwater caverns. It was great. Shuana and Dale then came to our house on Thursday night and ended up babysitting while I took Jonmarie to piano lessons and then had parent teacher interviews! They were the best babysitters ever! Dale even cleaned up my kitchen. Shauna then came with me to watch Jonmarie test for her yellow belt in Taekwondo and she again did great. Dale babysat Shaunie again! Thanks Dale!
This week the kids our off for the spring break and we enjoyed time with Jacki and the kids at Calgary Zoo. It was +10 and we were there for 5 hours! Amy fell asleep in the parking lot! I am going to miss them when they return to school next week.
Thank goodness for a bit of warmer weather and hope the snow disappears by Easter!

Spring is on its Way

Well we had a few days of + weather and it has been great. The girls have been dragging their bikes down the lane and then ride on the paved road in front of our house. It was so funny to watch Shaunie get off her bike and "tighten" her bolts on her bike if she feels it isn't riding right. She fell off the bike yesterday and started to kick at it and say "bad bike" then proceeded to jump on the road and say"bad road". Doesn't quite realize they have no feelings and the road and bike didn't mean to make her fall off.
We had a great weekend with Aunty Karen and Aunty Sandy. They went shopping and found some great deals at Sears. They also made a trip up to Edmonton to visit Aunty Evelyn. She sure misses Uncle Hughie but is still smart as a whip. We also watched the Brier and played cards. John took some videos of the women dancing and mom shaking her bootie to the piano. I so wanted to put the video on the blog however I prefer to keep my life intact! They say you can't pick your family and thank goodness for that! I couldn't have picked a better one. Thanks for all the laughs. Matt was so funny, trying to get a word in edgewise with all those women. John was smart and didn't say anything, just videotaped the action.
Matt saw the dermatologist and his acne has improved so much. He can decrease the antibiotics and hopefully stop it all together by the summer. Which is great because the antibiotics make Matt very photosensitive and he will burn very easily in the sun.
In response the comment on the blog about the battery, I couldn't say. It was a battery for the Dodge Sprinter from the Dodge dealer so not sure what kind it is. I should have looked.

New Battery

Today it actually warmed up enough for mom and I to try and attempt to put in Matt's new battery. I had never done this before and either had mom. Anyone who has every worked with mom knows it can be a bit of a challenge. When she opened the hood and tried one tool, which didn't work she commented that this would never work. I told her only positive thoughts, thank you! It took us over 1/2 hour and the most difficult part was trying to get the battery out. It turned out it was frozen into place and once we figured that out, it was smooth sailing. However I did say a quick prayer when mom tried to start it and it worked! The prayer and the van. Might be just a little thing but we were quite proud of ourselves. We noticed the van even heated up much quicker too. So now I believe we will have no more problems with starting the van.
Sorry, made an error in previous blog. The aunties are coming on Thursday to party with mom,,,, I mean visit with mom. Poor Matt, stuck in a house with the giggling Relitz girls will be a test of his inner strength. I will rescue him once in a while but I will probably get sucked into the vortex and Matt will be in an even worse estrogen dominated household. So prayers for Matt and his weekend with the women (Jacki and the kids are coming up on Saturday, so there will at least be Bobby and Anthony!).