Happy Birthday Grandpa!!

Today is Daddy's 61st birthday!!! We have lots to celebrate & spend Thursday night eating way too much as well as having lots of fun!


We went to eat at Abe's Ole Feed House (an all you can eat catfish & fried food paradise)!! We passed on birthday cake instead we celebrated with their amazing cinnamon rolls!! Oh, they're so so good!!!





Both kids had special cards for Grandpa.


We had the best time & it was great to have everyone together.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA!!! We all love you very much & are very thankful to celebrate another year together!!

HOPE

April 8, 2011 is a day that forever changed our lives. I can't believe it's been a year since our world turned upside down. It's been heavy on my mind & heart all week as I anticipated the first anniversary as well as the excitement of celebrating our Risen Savior for Easter.

HOPE in a living, risen Savior that no matter what everything will work together for good!!!


A year ago tomorrow, we would have never thought this picture would have been possible. HOPE in Christ!!!







Not that we were celebrating, but we did enjoy spending the beautiful day together. We ate lunch then went to watch Shawn at golf practice. Uncle Grant even showed up to play some golf.


Daniel, the kids & I went to our church's Good Friday service. It was a wonderful time of being reminded of the ultimate sacrifice that was made by Jesus on the cross. To be reminded that He took my place. He suffered for me. He saved me. He gave himself to conquer death. I have nothing to fear. He is my HOPE!!! He is HOPE for all!!!

"Death is swallowed up in victory." "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:54-57

What is Happening in Our CRAZY World

I know, I know...several folks have told me that miss me updating about what Daddy is doing & how things are going.  The summer has actually been therapy, therapy & more therapy.  Therapy was supposed to stop a couple of different times, but Daddy would show progress so they would extend it a few more weeks.  He is finished w/ OT & PT, but continuing speech the rest of this month.  We are thrilled with that b/c he has really seemed to be saying a few more words or at least understandable ones the last week or so.  The rule with therapy is that you have to be making progress for it to continue so that is good that he has gone this long.  We like therapy b/c that means there is improvement!!!

His PT is in the process of getting him a special splint for his paralyzed hand & arm so we are hoping that will be a good thing for him to have.  We bought him a new recliner a few weeks ago & he LOVES it!!!  After Daniel got it set up, he sat down & said AHHHH!!!  Much better than the wheelchair for sure!

We had an exciting Labor Day weekend (not necessarily fun, but exciting)!  Saturday night about 10:30, Mom found Daddy in his recliner with all limbs board stiff & straight, moaning & shaking.  She immediately called 911.  Once we got to the hospital, everyone concluded that he had a TIA (mini-stroke) b/c his CT didn't show any new stroke damage & TIA's only show on a MRI.  He was back to normal by the time he arrived at the hospital, but they admitted him then did more tests on Sunday morning. 

A friend had gone with me so I wasn't alone & she decided to come on back home once we knew nothing was life threatening.  I told her to call me as soon as she got home since it was between 1-2 am.  She called & I immediately said are you home...her response was no I hit a deer!!  I was horrified that she was injured.  She promised she was fine but she was worried about my van!  I reassured her that was the least of my worries as long as she was ok.  The van is at the repair shop & we are waiting on word regarding the damage.  Again, I am just so thankful that she is ok.  Those deer can really cause terrible injuries! I finally made it home about 4 so I slept for a few hours then headed to church.  The kids & I came home ate a quick bite then crashed for a few hours before heading to the hospital while Daniel worked.

Sunday afternoon, we found out that Daddy's episode was actually a seizure which they were able to begin meds for to help prevent them in the furture.  For the next 2 weeks, he cannot be left alone which he had been doing while Mom was at school.  He likes his alone time & does well so it is good for both of them to have a little time on their own.  Anyway, he is going to be my sidekick for the next few days while she is teaching preschool until he is cleared to be alone again.  The doc wants to make sure the med is working so that if he does have another seizure he can be protected from being hurt.

That was probably the scarest thing Mom has ever seen!!!  Needless to say that we were thrilled for the episode to be somethign that can be managed by meds instead of the TIAs where you never know when they will happen & they cause additional brain damage.

That pretty much recaps the Labor Day weekend!  Please pray that while he is adjusting to the meds that he doesn't have any more seizures!  Also that his speech will continue to show progress & that his therapist would keep extending time!!  What a blessing!

I can't stop without a couple of pictures of Shawn & Anna Kate...you know he would be showing them off & talking about them non-stop to you so I'll do it for him :-)

After a stressful night in the hospital, we decided to take the kids to do something fun.  We went to Marketplace in Conway for dinner with the intention of enjoying a Chocolate-Peanut Butter Mess for dessert!  I need a serious chocolate fix & that was the cure!

AK thoroughly enjoyed it don't you think?!?! We all did for the record!!

That's a happy chocolate face!!!

Shawn had his 1st day of 4th grade at a new school!  Shawn started at Arkansas Baptist this year.  We are very excited about this for him & it has been a good transition.  He is playing tackle football...not sure how I feel about that, but he has made some good friends & has enjoyed it!

AK actually had her 1st day of Preschool today!!!  She has been so excited to go to school!  She was the snack leader today which made it even better!

(These pics aren't great b/c they're from my phone.)

On the Go!!!

We have had a busy last couple of days. On Friday, we headed to LR to help Mom work on getting the apartment in order plus Uncle Ronnie & Aunt Judi were coming down for a visit. Daddy had therapy Friday Am so our goal was to get some things done while he was there. Mom had already run some errands when we got there so we met up & ran to Target to look for some baskets or storage containers for the kids' toys (there's lots of them). By the time we finished our trip, it was pick up time.





Funny story...Mom sent me inside to bring Daddy out so I went down to wait. I had been down there about there about 15 minutes & he never came out. I started to sort of panic & of course I didn't have my phone to call to Mom. I finally found someone & she asked who I was looking for. I said Phil Harvey & she said oh I saw him today. She said I parked him right here. Then she said "he can't go anywhere by himself can he?!?" I just laughed at her!! My thought...oh great I can't even pick up from therapy without loosing him!! Haha! I really started to panic then. About that time, Mom got off the elevator & said he was upstairs. He was going up when I was going down so he hadn't been down there the whole time. Whew!!! I was sweating that one.

We had decided we would drive thru to grab some lunch then head back to work. Daddy started pointing his finer & saying something but we didn't know what. He was very emphatic about where he wanted to go & finally we approached Bowman Curve shopping center when he pointed over to Crazy Mike's. That's what he wanted!!! This is HUGE bc he hasn't been out to eat. He has been somewhat embarrassed about being in the chair so we knew it would come but didn't know it would be right then! Ha!





Needless to say, Mom was a bit stressed by the thought of getting inside, finding a place to sit w/ the chair, add in 2 kids, etc. I told her we had to go though...had to make it happen! We made & don't have any battle scars from it.

We finally made it back for Daddy's nap time then it was time for Uncle Ronnie & Aunt Judi to be there. I did get the shelf we bought put together...one task accomplished!





We had a great visit with them while they were here. It was really good for Daddy to see them!!! We all sat around & talked while Shawn fished for crawdads in the creek & Anna Kate played babies on the porch!! Grant was even there for a few minutes before having to head to work. Uncle Ronnie & Aunt Judi headed back to NWA this am but stopped back by to visit for a little bit more. I'm so glad they came!!!! (And not just bc they brought fresh blueberries!)





To end an already BIG Friday, as my crew was preparing to leave, I asked Daddy if he was hungry & he shook his head yes. He started gesturing & trying really hard to tell us something. I asked him if he wanted us to bring him dinner. He shook his head yes so I started asking what. When I mentioned Macaroni Grill, he pointed at me & smiled so I told him I would go get it. That's when he pointed at each of us & then to the door...he wanted to GO eat again!! So what did we do?!? We went!





We had a wonderful evening out & it was so nice for all of us to go out. I know what you're thinking...we went out at lunch, but it was all of us like old times.





The night got really interesting when Shawn was convinced that he saw Guy Fieri at the bar. There was much "discussion" about whether it was really him or not. Daniel bribed him to go ask. Daniel told him he would take him for frozen yogurt if he went to ask. Yes, he went & the guy laughed it off telling him no. At this point, Mom & I were ready to hide under the table. Well, he then called Shawn back over & gave him a piece of paper with his signature on it. You be the judge...although if you can't tell from the smile, he's certain!!!





That pretty much sums up the beginning of the weekend. The weekend continued to a good one since Mom & Dad made it to church for the first time since April 3!!! They were both very glad to be there! I'll share about Sunday very soon. Til then...





Much love to all of you & thank you for your continued prayers, love, support & encouragement.

Let's Roll!!!

When we were able to move Mom & Daddy downstairs, there was still one major issue that had to be tackled...a ramp. Even though their apartment is on the first level, there were still some steps to navigate. The issue became a little more pressing when plans quickly changed for Daddy to come instead going to another rehab facility.


Well, as usual, some wonderful men stepped up & took on this project as a personal ministry for Daddy.



With this being a long weekend, a couple of guys went yesterday to measure & purchase supplies then headed back to Terry's shop to begin building. Terry & Mark build the frame pieces in the shop then loaded them up & transported them today to put together at the apartment.


They worked for a few hours this afternoon & completed the project for very 2 very appreciative & thankful people! Mom & Daddy can now easily come & go from the apartment...just in time for therapy to begin Wednesday!


Daddy spent some out watching the work & I think enjoying the process. Mom said there were a couple of discussions about some things & hat Daddy seemed to get tickled listening & watching them figure it out. I'm sure he was fit to be tie not being able to tell them how & what to do ;-)






And....the finished product....


We cannot begin to express our thankfulness & gratitude for these men. They took time away from their families this Memorial Day weekend to bless Mom & Daddy in an amazing way! This has been a huge burden for Mom & I'm so grateful for their gifts, servant hearts & work ethic. Thank you beyond words to Terry, Mark, Doug, Matt & Dave!

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus...Philippians 2.3-5

There's No Place Like Home

Mom & Grant got Daddy home Friday afternoon even in the craziness of the storms. (Daniel, kids & I are in St. Louis. We had planned this little trip before we knew the plans were going to change on leaving BRI.) When everything changed, Mom said she still wanted us to go to get away & relax a little. We have had a fantastic time so far! It's been wonderful for the kids to have our undivided attention.

Anyway, other than the rain, I think the transition has been pretty smooth. Daddy gave Mom "that look" when they got home since there were still some boxes around from the move. She said don't worry I have plenty of time to work on those. They were able to maneuver the couple of down steps getting to the apartment, but we have some amazing friends who are planning & working on building a ramp. The apartment has marked mom 2 parking places to be reserved for her under the awning so that she can get Daddy out of the car & into his chair which will be nice on days like yesterday.

I'm anxious to hear how their first night home went, but Mom is really trying to not call so that we can have some family time...she is so sweet!!!! She wants all of us to have time together, have fun & relax. We are sending her a few pictures so she can share w/ Grandpa ;-) Some pics we've sent...have to throw these cute faces in somehow!








Out-patient therapy begins Thursday @ BRI so we are all ready to get that going. Daddy has already met his speech therapist (I think she filled in for his regular therapist one day maybe). His therapists he's had have promised to come check in on his though & I'm sure he will go down to visit. Some amazing friends are in the planning & process of building a ramp for Daddy @ the apartment. Parking places have already been reserved for them so that Mom can get Daddy out of the car into wheelchair then inside. We are so very thankful & grateful for the wonderful people that God has put in our lives!!!

I'm anxious to hear how the first night went, but I'm sure it was fine. He was probably completely worn out from therapy yesterday morning then actually getting home. Please continue to pray for his speech, but also now that they are home pray that he will not make too many impulsive decisions (common w/ stroke)! That's why Matt his PT wouldn't send him home w/ a walker & even reminded him again not to be overly confident!!! Now that he is home he may feel like he can do more, but still has limitations. We are hoping being home will motivate him, but he still has to remember to be careful. For Mom, pray that she has the strength, endurance, grace & peace to do what needs to be done.

A little side note that Mom will not want to forget, but don't think she could if she tried...Thursday morning we stopped by to say hi/bye & give loves. Mom walked us down to the van when we were leaving bc we had brought them some Chick-fil-a for breakfast ;-) In the meantime, the medical equipment guy shows up in Daddy's room w/ all this stuff. When Mom gets back upstairs, the guy is explaining how everything works & what you do to Daddy...very helpful (can you hear the sarcasm?!?). So Mom jumps in & takes over. While she is signing papers she hears a crash behind her...yep, Daddy on the floor!!! (He is fine & was thoroughly checked out.) Apparently, he decided to get up or into bed, not really sure, but none the less he feel between the bed & the nightstand. He didn't hit is head, but I'm sure he's sore! Remember, the very helpful medical equipment guy?!? He turned around & walked out of the room w/ Daddy laying on the floor!!! Seriously?!? Watch out single ladies bc there's a real winner out there somewhere!!! Essie, his nurse, & other staff rushed in to get him up. They got him up, checked him out & had the doctor come by also. Everyone said he was fine. Mom was so thankful he didn't hit his head on the nightstand!!! I know that most of you now have a streak of fear thinking what will he do if that happen @ home?!? Well, like Essie had just told her while we were there that she could always call 911 if she needed them. We are praying that doesn't happen!!!!

So I think that pretty well sums everything up...that I know. Have a wonderful weekend & I'll update in a few days about how things are going! Thank you all once again for your many, many prayers! We are so grateful & thankful for the blessing of relationships that God has given us!!!

THANK YOU!!!

This is another week of change & transition...I typed this post last night but fell asleep before I got it posted. How sad is that?!? Ha!

We transferred Mom & Dad into the downstairs apartment this weekend which we couldn't have accomplished without those who pitched in to pack, move boxes & unpack. It's not quite there yet, but it is getting there.

Sunday afternoon, we all headed to BRI for a few minutes of visiting. Daddy was actually asleep when we got there but that didn't last long since Shawn & Anna Kate were in tow!! Ha! He was laying in bed & we were talking when all of sudden AK started "doing therapy."



She had found a rubberband in the room & told Grandpa it was time to do some therapy. She slipped the rubberband over his foot up onto his leg. She kept telling him now do this or move your foot this way. It was hilarious bc she has seen him in therapy enough to know a few things that they do as well as being a therapy veteran herself.


After she had done a little PT, she decided it was time for some speech! She pulled out his alphabet chart & start saying the ABCs w/ him.


Shawn joined for the speech session to work on counting & numbers.


They both love working w/ him on his letters & numbers. When we were in the process of saying good-byes, the kids had hugged & kissed when Daddy pulled himself to a sitting position using his left arm & the bedrail. Then he slipped his legs off the bed & just sat on the side of the bed! I was completely impressed @ that point but then he just stood up!!!! He braced himself w/ his left hand on the bedrail but he got up easier than he has ever gotten off my couch!! Ha!

Of course, Mom started telling him that he couldn't walk or he would fall...he of course gave her "the look." It was amazing!!!! We got his wheelchair & he pivoted himself a bit & sat down in his chair. Mom & I were there but didn't really do anything!! This was a BIG deal!!!

Another BIG deal was this after non when he finished PT w/ Matt, he was leaving & Mom said you better tell matt "thank you" & he DID!!!!!! He said "Thank You" to Matt! Our friend, Lisa (a PT), was standing there also & so they ALl heard it!!!! We are very excited & anxious about what might be next! He has been making huge strides (at least to us)!!


I was @ Heart hospital today checking on someone & when I left the room walking past the nurse's station I saw one of Daddy's nurses (Kathy) that he had during his week @ Heart. She said that she has had Mom & Dad on her heart & mind the past few days. That is just one example of how we know that God is impressing upon people how to love us then you are obedient so we are so grateful!!!! I asked Kathy to share how things were going w/ the other nurses

Thank you once again to all of you for your prayers, calls, texts & visits. We are so appreciative for each & every one! Please continue your prayers & encouragement especially as we were faced w/ some different news than expected on Tuesday am. Mom was told this am that there was significant pay increase in the rehab facility since it was out of network...only problem is that there are no facilities in LR proper in network. So long story short..,Daddy goes HOME on Friday! This has caught us off guard, but we do feel ok w/ this situation if we can get some things done @ the new place to be ready for him. I know none of this has caught God by surprise so we continue to trust even when we don't understand or feel like we are fighting an up-hill battle! We know that Daddy wouldn't be where he is now if it wasn't for God's care & provision which he will continue to provide! Please be prying for all of us as we make this huge transition!