Friday -
Isaac went to the Battle of the Axe football game between LHS and rival Marcus. We had 18 friends and family scheduled to be on the 45 yard line to support our daughter's last performance with the marching band. Besides being one of the most popular grudge matches in the area, it was also Senior Night for our Senior sister, Brea. She was in the front as they marched off the field and she ended up standing right in front of us. Isaac ran down to say hi, but she was still in marching mode and could not do anything but stand at attention. She said all she wanted to do was jump the railing and give us hugs. Tears and fun for all.
Unfortunately we were playing one of the better teams in our district, so we were not winning, but the performance and the game were great. It turned cold, however, so we decided in the third quarter to leave.
Saturday - Jackie and Isaac came to the house to get ready. They slept in at the apartment this morning. We went to our adult co-ed soccer game, then lunch, then trick or treating at Grapevine Mills. An email had been sent regarding the shops letting kids Trick or Treat on Saturday night from 6-8. We soon learned that was a mis-communication, and they would be doing it on Halloween instead. It was ok, though, because Railroad Park was having Spooktacular, a festival created by the city to alleviate any issues of trick or treating, especially for little kids. It was made up of games for young children managed by local school district student volunteers. That was FUN, and we saw friends in the process.
Sunday - Lazy day at the house, then Mom took us back to the apartment for Monday morning.
Monday - Mom picked up Isaac from the apartment after work, and brought him to the mall for the scheduled Trick or Treat event. We walked all the way around the mall, stopping wherever was a sign showing they were participating. Many of the ones we found didn't have anything left, despite their sign still on the front door.
Fuddruckers for dinner, and I took him back to the apartment. I told him I would have to leave early in the morning to get back to the house so I could get ready for work. I woke him up early this morning and reminded him I was leaving, and would not be here when he got up to go to the clinic. I got the universal "OK" sign, which is Isaac for when he doesn't want to take the time to speak. LOL
Monday, October 31, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Isaac is coming HOME!!!!
We received the call today that Isaac will be coming back to the house permanently! According to our case worker, he will be transitioning to Outpatient Only on the 9th of November!! Yea!!
(Oh yes, I was asked to put this on the website. What timing!!!)
There will be a block party on November 13th (Sunday), starting at 3pm. It will be cookout style (hot dogs and Brats). Bring your own drink and side/snack to share. Kindly RSVP to your nearest McCrady so our organizer can have enough food.
(Oh yes, I was asked to put this on the website. What timing!!!)
Block Party
There will be a block party on November 13th (Sunday), starting at 3pm. It will be cookout style (hot dogs and Brats). Bring your own drink and side/snack to share. Kindly RSVP to your nearest McCrady so our organizer can have enough food.
10-25-11 (Tuesday)
Isaac had homework again tonight. This time it was adding fractions!!! Albeit slowly, he got them done just fine. (Yes!!!)
Family night at Rosa's.
We typically go get cheap mexican food on Tuesdays. Rosa's is a chain that inside reminds me of Ninfa's. Bright colors with the unmistakable pink, blue and greens seen in many other mexican restaurants. Tuesday is special because they serve a very cheap meal all day. Three crispy or soft, chicken or beef, tacos with rice and beans and tortillas for $3.50. They have a condiment bar with levels of salsa and fresh pico de gallo.
Another reason we keep going is we see many faces of people we know every time we go.
I picked up and signed Isaac out for the evening. We came back to the house to get Jesse and wait for Mom and Brea, then all headed over to the restaurant. Good food, as always, and an interesting turn of events.
Isaac had a bout of overload, covering his ears. After questioning, he said it was getting loud. We agreed that when it gets loud, we have to "turn down our ears" and focus on the conversation in our group or at our table. He liked that idea, and immediately started responding again.
Jackie dropped the three of us back at the house and took Isaac back to Irving.
Family night at Rosa's.
We typically go get cheap mexican food on Tuesdays. Rosa's is a chain that inside reminds me of Ninfa's. Bright colors with the unmistakable pink, blue and greens seen in many other mexican restaurants. Tuesday is special because they serve a very cheap meal all day. Three crispy or soft, chicken or beef, tacos with rice and beans and tortillas for $3.50. They have a condiment bar with levels of salsa and fresh pico de gallo.
Another reason we keep going is we see many faces of people we know every time we go.
I picked up and signed Isaac out for the evening. We came back to the house to get Jesse and wait for Mom and Brea, then all headed over to the restaurant. Good food, as always, and an interesting turn of events.
Isaac had a bout of overload, covering his ears. After questioning, he said it was getting loud. We agreed that when it gets loud, we have to "turn down our ears" and focus on the conversation in our group or at our table. He liked that idea, and immediately started responding again.
Jackie dropped the three of us back at the house and took Isaac back to Irving.
10-24-11 (Monday)
Isaac is starting homework from school. Today his homework was in English, understanding the action phrases from a story. I'm still a little surprised that he is doing this well as soon as he is, but interacting with him shows he still has quite a way to go in the verbal and processing departments. He can, however, function quite well on most tasks.
He seems to be excelling at regaining his cognitive ability, yet the lack of common sense is nerve wracking. Others just treat him as if it is age appropriate, but I'm not seeing it as being the same. Boy I hope I'm just overdoing it.
Anyway, I arranged for Mom to go get the teens and come watch the World Series at the apartment. He had to go to bed 3/4 the way through the game, but the first thing he asked mom the next morning was, "Who won?" That's "so" Isaac!
He seems to be excelling at regaining his cognitive ability, yet the lack of common sense is nerve wracking. Others just treat him as if it is age appropriate, but I'm not seeing it as being the same. Boy I hope I'm just overdoing it.
Anyway, I arranged for Mom to go get the teens and come watch the World Series at the apartment. He had to go to bed 3/4 the way through the game, but the first thing he asked mom the next morning was, "Who won?" That's "so" Isaac!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sunday - More soccer (dad's perpsectives)
More soccer today; this time a practice. I stayed the night at CNS and woke up early this morning to take Isaac to be with the family. It was early so I could get a run in while it was cool outside. He stayed at the house, waking mom and Brea up while I went on the run.
I was late to the practice because I had a 7 mile goal for my training today. Then center is training him in PT to be able to run a 5K race with me when he finishes his rehab. I'm continuing to move ahead in the distance field by training for a half marathon in December. Personal goals are the hardest because you don't want to take away from the family, but you HAVE to set aside time for you at some point.
I've spoken to both of my teens this weekend about goals. My lesson in life has been that, regardless of how much I wanted to lose weight; no matter how much I wanted to get into a routine; no matter how I talked people into working with me, if I started working and stopped working it I could not rely on those with me to motivate me or to persevere despite me. I was being looked at for my ability to lead, but I was constantly trying to release that responsibility to others and expecting them to follow.
I finally realized it was my responsibility to motivate myself, whether alone or in a group. I know that others will eventually want to follow, and I can help them if they want, but it still revolves around me to maintain that leadership. I still find it hard to get myself up to run, now that it is getting cold outside, my body is too hooked on the feeling after I run that I actually feel bad when I dont. Then funny thing is...I miss it.
OK, so after the running came soccer practice. That was interesting, because they were doing drills when I got to the field. It turned into kicking against the keeper (me), and that liked to have killed me given the prior activity. I tried to maintain as much as possible until I finally called for a break. I tried getting out and kicking against my son, but I was already too wasted.
Jesse and I went home to shower, then came back to meet the rest at Chili's, including Josh who is subbing with our team now. Afterwards we all corraled at home to get everything in order. Mom then took Isaac to the apartment, while we chilled and watched a movie at home.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
10-22-11 (Saturday) First time home
Today was an exciting day for Isaac. Grandma stayed last night to give mom a rest again, since Brea has only been out of surgery for a day. (She is doing very well, by the way)
Mom and Brea picked him up from CNS and brought him to the house to get Jesse and me. While waiting on us, mom started talking to our neighbors, and had Isaac come over so they could see him. While standing there, Isaac asked where Jesse was. Mom said in the house, and we asked Isaac if he wanted to go in the house and find Jesse. He clearly was not worried about it, so we went inside. This was his first time in the house since the accident.
Jesse and I started talking to him, and questions moved to what he remembered, which is a frequent topic. Thus far, it has been difficult to get him in the right state to talk to him about any of the things he remembered. We narrowed down what he could and could not recall.
We determined that:
1) he could recall elementary school
2) he could recall being at middle school
3) he could recall his teachers from elementary school
4) he could not recall any teachers, except Mr. Stephens, who we have known from Brea and Jesse being in the same school
5) he does not remember being in Childrens hospital
6) he remembers being in Our Children's House
We conclude, in our less than scientific manner, that he has a memory gap of time from somewhere about the first day of middle school to the middle of September.
The accident, then, is not there....yet. (yes, uncle Kenny, I remember)
We can now start to look for signs, and talk to him about this gap, while he continues to get more of his memory back.
When mom was done, we went halloween costume shopping, then to the high school for Brea before heading to the soccer complex so mom, dad, and brother could play their game.
After soccer, Charles and family met us for lunch at our favorite restaurant, then mom dropped Jesse and me off at the house so I could get ready and get the truck. She took Isaac and Brea down to see the band perform the UIL show. (Last real performance) I met them there with the truck so I could bring Isaac back to the apartment by 9pm, before he turned into a pumpkin.
The show was great, and the band received top marks. Isaac and I left to come back, and we put on the World Series game once here. There must have been some confusion at CNS, since several people showed up before we got our person.
We will be leaving early in the morning, since I have to run my 8 mile track to get ready for my half marathon in December. Since we know Isaac is not having negative issues at the house, he can come back and hang out with the family.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Note on Brea for those who know...
Outpatient surgery went well. They found a couple things we could not have determined without "peeking inside" her abdomen. She went into surgery yesterday morning and I took her home that afternoon. She is sore, but is doing well.
She will be sore for about a week, according to the doctor. She wants to go see her UIL performance on Saturday, but I don't think she will be up for it. We have to see how she feels.
She will be sore for about a week, according to the doctor. She wants to go see her UIL performance on Saturday, but I don't think she will be up for it. We have to see how she feels.
10-19-11 Thursday - Still have some impulsiveness
(added new page in the menu)
Now that I think about it, I realized at the Fair he was falling for the marketing schemes without thinking about them. I glossed over it, realizing this was overkill to his senses anyway.
Tonight I took him to a movie, since the rest of the group was going to movie night as well. I could not see getting to a movie on a "school night" at 7:45 and not getting out of there until after 9, with his bedtime at 8. It sends mixed signals to a recovering brain.
We found that Real Steel was showing at another theater at 5:40, so we hopped in the truck and ran to it. Mom had gone home to take the teens to eat, to spend some quality time with them. I alerted her that I would be halfway home with him, and she could meet us for dinner if she wanted.
Parking at the mall, he had no cares about darting into the street to get to the sidewalks. This was another glimpse to the remaining impulsiveness. I got his attention and explained why we don't do that.
The movie was good, and there was only one other person in the movie, sitting almost to the top. It was longer than I expected. We didn't get out of there until 8pm.
On the way out, we looked at the movie banners. I watched him scanning them carefully, and noticed the difference in how he looked at them now. Back across the street, and he still darted with a car coming down the drive, although it was not close to him. I started to call, and he stopped two feet away from the curb. He is learning, but slowly.
I wonder, with the focus on life skills, if OT will work with him on traffic and dangerous situations? I hope they do the ordinary ones, at least.
Now that I think about it, I realized at the Fair he was falling for the marketing schemes without thinking about them. I glossed over it, realizing this was overkill to his senses anyway.
Tonight I took him to a movie, since the rest of the group was going to movie night as well. I could not see getting to a movie on a "school night" at 7:45 and not getting out of there until after 9, with his bedtime at 8. It sends mixed signals to a recovering brain.
We found that Real Steel was showing at another theater at 5:40, so we hopped in the truck and ran to it. Mom had gone home to take the teens to eat, to spend some quality time with them. I alerted her that I would be halfway home with him, and she could meet us for dinner if she wanted.
Parking at the mall, he had no cares about darting into the street to get to the sidewalks. This was another glimpse to the remaining impulsiveness. I got his attention and explained why we don't do that.
The movie was good, and there was only one other person in the movie, sitting almost to the top. It was longer than I expected. We didn't get out of there until 8pm.
On the way out, we looked at the movie banners. I watched him scanning them carefully, and noticed the difference in how he looked at them now. Back across the street, and he still darted with a car coming down the drive, although it was not close to him. I started to call, and he stopped two feet away from the curb. He is learning, but slowly.
I wonder, with the focus on life skills, if OT will work with him on traffic and dangerous situations? I hope they do the ordinary ones, at least.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
10/18/11 (Tuesday) Back to school
Monday was the Pre-Op consult for Brea, and my turn to sign on the new vehicle, so I didn't make it to the apartment. We received a followup call from the surgery clinic on Tuesday that we have to show up at 9:30 for her surgery on Thursday. The medical people confirmed the least and worst case scenarios with us (not really any surprises there) and heavy explanation of the process for Brea, which was most welcome. I know she is nervous, but I don't think she is as scared now, since they walked us through what they were going to do.
I made it to the apartment Tuesday after work and Isaac was already there. Jackie told me he would probably be tired, since they had to get him up earlier. He now leaves at 7:15 to get to the clinic by 8 so he can have home-bound tutoring from 8-10. They are starting this for 4 days a week. Since we missed Monday, it will be Tues-Fri of this week, but that may change in the coming weeks.
We ducked out for some Chinese food. Our aide rode with us to pick it up and bring it back to the apartment, and I finally got to see the Transformers movie he and Jesse watched on Friday night. Of course he would want to watch it again!! That's my boy!!
We really have issues remembering not to take whatever is in our hands with us when we leave the area, unless it is our phone (of course).
I made it to the apartment Tuesday after work and Isaac was already there. Jackie told me he would probably be tired, since they had to get him up earlier. He now leaves at 7:15 to get to the clinic by 8 so he can have home-bound tutoring from 8-10. They are starting this for 4 days a week. Since we missed Monday, it will be Tues-Fri of this week, but that may change in the coming weeks.
We ducked out for some Chinese food. Our aide rode with us to pick it up and bring it back to the apartment, and I finally got to see the Transformers movie he and Jesse watched on Friday night. Of course he would want to watch it again!! That's my boy!!
We really have issues remembering not to take whatever is in our hands with us when we leave the area, unless it is our phone (of course).
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
State Fair Day
The boys were tired from their late night movie. Isaac was allowed to sleep until 8:45, because of a miscommunication with the morning aide. He was up and taking a shower when I arrived. Despite that, our aide was also to be our driver, so all we waited on was Mom to arrive with Brea and we were ready.
Ready...Set...Go!!
Bckpacks in hand, mine with the tablet to help distract Isaac (if necessary), and we were on our way. Our driver asked me to help navigate, but she knew the way there easily. We navigated to the north gate, got out, let the Dart train leave the station, and we were at the fair.
Standing in line at the gate, we were wanded for security. Isaac thought they would do it like the airports, so when the guy wanded his front, he turned around and put his arms up again. LOL
We saw the Dog show and got to pet one of the stars after the show. It was a three-legged pit bull named "nubs". He was nice and licked Isaac and Dad, then decided to paw dad for extra friendship.
Then we looked at the horses and goats. They were doing best of show in the goat arena as we came in. We moved through the holding pens, and the teenagers and I got ahead of the others. When I turned around Isaac had found a friend. The momma goat had come over next to the fence, and Isaac was petting her very slowly. She apparently sensed his innocence and was standing stock still, and lapping all that attention up.
Next we watched the goats being judged, and one was not happy to be in the arena. One Billy was by himself
After the show we decided it was time to eat. Isaac had had enough inputs, so could not make decisions. Dad found a relatively quiet table in the shade behind the food vendors and pulled the tablet out of his backpack for Isaac to have to focus on for awhile. Mom and the siblings went for food while Isaac and I just "chilled". Brother took a turn sitting with Isaac while I helped Brea get the food. We ate lunch and took our time. In about 45 minutes we were ready for more.
We went through the judging center, where everyone can enter and be judged on their personal talents. (cooking, baking, quilting, photography, etc) A theme contest this year was "Shoe Gluing". Better to show it than explain it.... here is the winner!
We took our time, as I like to do, but also because we didn't want to overstress Isaac. He made it through the embarcadero, then 3/4 the way through the car show before he showed signs of inundation. Brea noticed it and they simply sat in a car and closed the doors, absorbing the quiet inside the vehicle while mom stood guard.
It was then that mom was also ready to go that we "called for backup", and they sent the van to pick us up. Our morning aide was supposed to get off at 3:30, but she stayed over to come get us. What a caring group they are!
While waiting for the van, we detoured into the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) building for $1.00 drinks and water. We sat for a bit, then started to the gate. Jackie got the call that our van was onsite, and we walked out of the gate and into the van.
Very nice!!! Tired, but not excessively, and didn't have to drive. Wow!
Ready...Set...Go!!
Bckpacks in hand, mine with the tablet to help distract Isaac (if necessary), and we were on our way. Our driver asked me to help navigate, but she knew the way there easily. We navigated to the north gate, got out, let the Dart train leave the station, and we were at the fair.
Standing in line at the gate, we were wanded for security. Isaac thought they would do it like the airports, so when the guy wanded his front, he turned around and put his arms up again. LOL
We saw the Dog show and got to pet one of the stars after the show. It was a three-legged pit bull named "nubs". He was nice and licked Isaac and Dad, then decided to paw dad for extra friendship.
Then we looked at the horses and goats. They were doing best of show in the goat arena as we came in. We moved through the holding pens, and the teenagers and I got ahead of the others. When I turned around Isaac had found a friend. The momma goat had come over next to the fence, and Isaac was petting her very slowly. She apparently sensed his innocence and was standing stock still, and lapping all that attention up.
Next we watched the goats being judged, and one was not happy to be in the arena. One Billy was by himself
After the show we decided it was time to eat. Isaac had had enough inputs, so could not make decisions. Dad found a relatively quiet table in the shade behind the food vendors and pulled the tablet out of his backpack for Isaac to have to focus on for awhile. Mom and the siblings went for food while Isaac and I just "chilled". Brother took a turn sitting with Isaac while I helped Brea get the food. We ate lunch and took our time. In about 45 minutes we were ready for more.
We went through the judging center, where everyone can enter and be judged on their personal talents. (cooking, baking, quilting, photography, etc) A theme contest this year was "Shoe Gluing". Better to show it than explain it.... here is the winner!
We took our time, as I like to do, but also because we didn't want to overstress Isaac. He made it through the embarcadero, then 3/4 the way through the car show before he showed signs of inundation. Brea noticed it and they simply sat in a car and closed the doors, absorbing the quiet inside the vehicle while mom stood guard.
It was then that mom was also ready to go that we "called for backup", and they sent the van to pick us up. Our morning aide was supposed to get off at 3:30, but she stayed over to come get us. What a caring group they are!
While waiting for the van, we detoured into the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) building for $1.00 drinks and water. We sat for a bit, then started to the gate. Jackie got the call that our van was onsite, and we walked out of the gate and into the van.
Very nice!!! Tired, but not excessively, and didn't have to drive. Wow!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
10-15-11 A taste of Freedom
Friday (late entry)
Pardon me, but I did not get to update last night as I had a "date" with my wife, who is normally NOT at the same dwelling as I am. Sorry for the inconvenience. (grin)
Recap: Friday was a whirlwind day, as I took Jesse to stay with Isaac so Jackie and I could go test drive a car. Believe me, I'm as sold on the Elantra as I was on my Saturns. We did bring the car home, and we enjoyed the experience (and dare I say the finance person as well) we received from the Eckert dealership in Denton. Jackie now has a cute new car so she doesn't have to worry about the commute anymore.
During the day I had to spend some time during my lunch fielding calls to and from the pre-surgical clinic for Brea and CNS for Isaac. CNS decided they would be taking Isaac to the State Fair on Saturday, and the more I thought about it, the more I realized the number of people would be overwhelming to him. They are to "me", and I have been going all my life! I told the supervisor I did not want him going, and that we had decided to go as a family on Sunday instead, sans Jackie as she doesn't really like the fair that much. The supervisor then offered instead for to schedule a bus to take us from CNS, as a courtesy to Isaac, to the fair Sunday morning. She also gave us discounted prices on tickets if we bought them at the front desk, and I could tell her how many I needed. (Well that changed things)
I had to call her back because I wanted to run this new adventure by Jackie to see if it changed her mind, and it was a good thing I did. She was as surprised at me that we would not have to drive in the fair traffic, and was really excited about going. (Surprise!)
But wait.....there's more.....
I called back and confirmed the time we had to leave to get there when it opened, and told the supervisor how many tickets I needed.
Later in the afternoon I received an email from within LISD offering unused tickets to anyone who needed them. I was able to obtain enough for the family, except Isaac who has his paid for already. God is smiling and helping us so much, it is so amazing! I called and canceled the tickets with CNS, but kept the ride. LOL
_________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday
Today, however, can only be described as F-U-N!!
Jackie and I got to sleep in.....what a concept! Getting up about 9 we started getting ready for the day.
I went down to get the boys for Isaac's "first outing with the family". The day started out with tossing the Angry bird (from a video game called "Angry Birds") between Jesse and Brea. I asked him what he would most like to improve about himself right now, if he could. He said he wanted "to get better at Math". (He aced the State test for Mathematics last Spring, and is having to work a little harder to refresh himself on multiplication tables)
I continued, "Anything else?"
He said, "Me." (Then after a short pause) "I would like to get more active."
I don't think they are used to this kind of recovery in a person. At least presently, they do not have anyone who has made the progress Isaac has made at the facility.
I asked, "You mean like playing outside in the morning and afternoon time?"
"Yes."
I told him I would make sure they started working on that this coming week.
We were told we didn't have to have an aide for family outings unless we wanted, and he could be "checked out" during the day, as long as he was back by 9pm. They finished getting ready after I arrived, and we waited for supervisor approval to check him out. Once we had that, I went to the office and checked him out, then piled the boys into the truck and the adventure was on...
First stop, American Indoor Sports
We went to where Jackie, Brea, Jesse, and I play adult co-ed soccer together on Saturdays. Jackie and Brea also play together on a Women's league on Mondays, while Jesse and I both referee there. Jackie and Brea met us at the complex, of course driving the new car (hee hee), and all our teammates and friends were there already when we arrived. Brea stayed out of the game, since she was not feeling well, but the other three of us put on a great show of acting like soccer players for the next forty minutes. Isaac played with Nicholas, and of course was fawned over by the spectators who came to watch us play.
After the game, and some great conversation, we banded what was left of the soccer team together and met again at Steak-N-Shake for lunch. Sixteen was apparently a bit much for the manager, who ended up giving us all the booths he could get close to each other. Isaac was able to order, with Dad's help, and he and Nicholas shared a table "just for the guys" by the window. I kept a close eye on him, but he was talking, having fun, and at one time high-fived Nicholas. (probably over a game on his phone....I don't know) Lunch seems to last longer when you are with friends.
Leaving out of there, Jackie took Isaac (as another surprise) to watch his soccer team play one of their games and cheer them on. It was GREAT!! He went and high fived the whole team, and afterwards played football with a friend and one of the soccer dads. Wanna see?
This was AMAZING to watch! (I also noticed some of the soccer parents keeping their distance or walking away quietly when I was walking around talking to other parents. I pray that whatever causes them to keep their distance is healed by Grace)
In case you needed to breathe, there for a second, the show continued. Jackie took Isaac to the local putt putt (like) place "The Zone". He wanted to play skeeball, so mom and Brea took him while Dad went home and got the paperwork for the financing of the car.
That in hand, we all met up at the dealership in different cars, just in case we didn't like the finance guy's response. Hey, I said the experience was wonderful. I didn't say I was fully trusting it to REMAIN that way. We've been on this Merry-Go-Round before.
I will have to say I was pleasantly surprised, once again. Our finance manager was "on the ball", explained what he was doing, where he intended to go with our financing, what he expected to happen, and.....WOW, I just can't say enough about them!
The car was prepped, fillup of gas, stickers removed from the windows, and off we went to get Jesse (sleeping back at the house and still not feeling the greatest) to take Isaac home. Jesse volunteered to go back tonight and have a movie night with Isaac while we got to spend another night with each other. (and Brea, of course) "I got to dri-ive" the new car to take the boys back!!! It's cute, but reminds me too much of the Jeff Dunham joke about the powder blue Prius. (Google it if you do not know. It will have you rolling)
Dropping the boys off, we came back to Lewisville and had a slightly late supper, then back home where I could make this incredibly long update. LOL
Tomorrow....THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS
Pardon me, but I did not get to update last night as I had a "date" with my wife, who is normally NOT at the same dwelling as I am. Sorry for the inconvenience. (grin)
Recap: Friday was a whirlwind day, as I took Jesse to stay with Isaac so Jackie and I could go test drive a car. Believe me, I'm as sold on the Elantra as I was on my Saturns. We did bring the car home, and we enjoyed the experience (and dare I say the finance person as well) we received from the Eckert dealership in Denton. Jackie now has a cute new car so she doesn't have to worry about the commute anymore.
During the day I had to spend some time during my lunch fielding calls to and from the pre-surgical clinic for Brea and CNS for Isaac. CNS decided they would be taking Isaac to the State Fair on Saturday, and the more I thought about it, the more I realized the number of people would be overwhelming to him. They are to "me", and I have been going all my life! I told the supervisor I did not want him going, and that we had decided to go as a family on Sunday instead, sans Jackie as she doesn't really like the fair that much. The supervisor then offered instead for to schedule a bus to take us from CNS, as a courtesy to Isaac, to the fair Sunday morning. She also gave us discounted prices on tickets if we bought them at the front desk, and I could tell her how many I needed. (Well that changed things)
I had to call her back because I wanted to run this new adventure by Jackie to see if it changed her mind, and it was a good thing I did. She was as surprised at me that we would not have to drive in the fair traffic, and was really excited about going. (Surprise!)
But wait.....there's more.....
I called back and confirmed the time we had to leave to get there when it opened, and told the supervisor how many tickets I needed.
Later in the afternoon I received an email from within LISD offering unused tickets to anyone who needed them. I was able to obtain enough for the family, except Isaac who has his paid for already. God is smiling and helping us so much, it is so amazing! I called and canceled the tickets with CNS, but kept the ride. LOL
_________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday
Today, however, can only be described as F-U-N!!
Jackie and I got to sleep in.....what a concept! Getting up about 9 we started getting ready for the day.
I went down to get the boys for Isaac's "first outing with the family". The day started out with tossing the Angry bird (from a video game called "Angry Birds") between Jesse and Brea. I asked him what he would most like to improve about himself right now, if he could. He said he wanted "to get better at Math". (He aced the State test for Mathematics last Spring, and is having to work a little harder to refresh himself on multiplication tables)
I continued, "Anything else?"
He said, "Me." (Then after a short pause) "I would like to get more active."
I don't think they are used to this kind of recovery in a person. At least presently, they do not have anyone who has made the progress Isaac has made at the facility.
I asked, "You mean like playing outside in the morning and afternoon time?"
"Yes."
I told him I would make sure they started working on that this coming week.
We were told we didn't have to have an aide for family outings unless we wanted, and he could be "checked out" during the day, as long as he was back by 9pm. They finished getting ready after I arrived, and we waited for supervisor approval to check him out. Once we had that, I went to the office and checked him out, then piled the boys into the truck and the adventure was on...
First stop, American Indoor Sports
We went to where Jackie, Brea, Jesse, and I play adult co-ed soccer together on Saturdays. Jackie and Brea also play together on a Women's league on Mondays, while Jesse and I both referee there. Jackie and Brea met us at the complex, of course driving the new car (hee hee), and all our teammates and friends were there already when we arrived. Brea stayed out of the game, since she was not feeling well, but the other three of us put on a great show of acting like soccer players for the next forty minutes. Isaac played with Nicholas, and of course was fawned over by the spectators who came to watch us play.
After the game, and some great conversation, we banded what was left of the soccer team together and met again at Steak-N-Shake for lunch. Sixteen was apparently a bit much for the manager, who ended up giving us all the booths he could get close to each other. Isaac was able to order, with Dad's help, and he and Nicholas shared a table "just for the guys" by the window. I kept a close eye on him, but he was talking, having fun, and at one time high-fived Nicholas. (probably over a game on his phone....I don't know) Lunch seems to last longer when you are with friends.
Leaving out of there, Jackie took Isaac (as another surprise) to watch his soccer team play one of their games and cheer them on. It was GREAT!! He went and high fived the whole team, and afterwards played football with a friend and one of the soccer dads. Wanna see?
This was AMAZING to watch! (I also noticed some of the soccer parents keeping their distance or walking away quietly when I was walking around talking to other parents. I pray that whatever causes them to keep their distance is healed by Grace)
In case you needed to breathe, there for a second, the show continued. Jackie took Isaac to the local putt putt (like) place "The Zone". He wanted to play skeeball, so mom and Brea took him while Dad went home and got the paperwork for the financing of the car.
That in hand, we all met up at the dealership in different cars, just in case we didn't like the finance guy's response. Hey, I said the experience was wonderful. I didn't say I was fully trusting it to REMAIN that way. We've been on this Merry-Go-Round before.
I will have to say I was pleasantly surprised, once again. Our finance manager was "on the ball", explained what he was doing, where he intended to go with our financing, what he expected to happen, and.....WOW, I just can't say enough about them!
The car was prepped, fillup of gas, stickers removed from the windows, and off we went to get Jesse (sleeping back at the house and still not feeling the greatest) to take Isaac home. Jesse volunteered to go back tonight and have a movie night with Isaac while we got to spend another night with each other. (and Brea, of course) "I got to dri-ive" the new car to take the boys back!!! It's cute, but reminds me too much of the Jeff Dunham joke about the powder blue Prius. (Google it if you do not know. It will have you rolling)
Dropping the boys off, we came back to Lewisville and had a slightly late supper, then back home where I could make this incredibly long update. LOL
Tomorrow....THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS
Friday, October 14, 2011
10-13-11 The weekend cometh...
We received a call from CNS yesterday. They left a voicemail for Jackie, who in turn texted me they called, but couldn't get the voicemail because she was in a meeting. Nevertheless, it must have been important, or they would not have called. Both of us were worried about Isaac. I was wondering if he finally decided to have a melt down since we have not had one since OCH. I was preparing for bad things.
The front receptionist was probably "singing my praises" when I told her I was calling back, but didn't have a clue who called me from their office. She was able to locate our case worker, who by miracle was the one who called.
It was good news, not an emergency. Our insurance company only provides 14 days of coverage at a time for him, and they approved another 14 days. I thought, "That's all the phone call was about??" (phew)
So the plan is for brother to stay with Isaac tonight and have "guy time". They have the new Transformers movie to watch. Mom and Dad are going car shopping. Saturday, Isaac is supposed to go to the fair, but I would rather he go on Sunday when 1) we can all go, and 2) when the crowds won't be too thick in the morning. That way he will see more of the fair without the extra crowd, and if we have to leave early we can.
The CNS people are meeting with a local middle school on Monday to have an ARD. This is to set Isaac up in Irving ISD, and also to start preparing school work that will bring him back to where he was, if possible.
Thursday night our aide got some math flash cards and started working with him on multiplication tables.
The front receptionist was probably "singing my praises" when I told her I was calling back, but didn't have a clue who called me from their office. She was able to locate our case worker, who by miracle was the one who called.
It was good news, not an emergency. Our insurance company only provides 14 days of coverage at a time for him, and they approved another 14 days. I thought, "That's all the phone call was about??" (phew)
So the plan is for brother to stay with Isaac tonight and have "guy time". They have the new Transformers movie to watch. Mom and Dad are going car shopping. Saturday, Isaac is supposed to go to the fair, but I would rather he go on Sunday when 1) we can all go, and 2) when the crowds won't be too thick in the morning. That way he will see more of the fair without the extra crowd, and if we have to leave early we can.
The CNS people are meeting with a local middle school on Monday to have an ARD. This is to set Isaac up in Irving ISD, and also to start preparing school work that will bring him back to where he was, if possible.
Thursday night our aide got some math flash cards and started working with him on multiplication tables.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
10-12-11 Communication
This morning Isaac was up at his usual time of 7am, showered, and getting dressed when the phone rang from the front desk. Apparently OT was coming to observe his ability to get his morning routine done. They arrived at 7:20am. Not very punctual in my book.They said they would come back. Hopefully the next time they will be "on time".
Dad arrived after Isaac was back from the clinic. I stopped at home to change clothes after work, since I work close to the house. I got to the apartment a few minutes after he did. Already watching cartoons....Typical boy!
We watched them for about 45 minutes, then he and I played a card game. I played one with the same concepts of the games we play at home. He was working on his hand, but despite my best efforts kept giving me the cards I needed. (Ugh) So I went a few rounds waiting for him before he looked like he was getting bored, then put my cards down.
We have decided that we need another car. Our two have been paid for since 2010 and 2008. Hers has over 100K and mine is getting close to 200K. They are driving fine, although neither is great on gas, but with two teenage drivers about to put the extra stress on them by driving different than we do we fully expect one will give.
The problem in our decision is that one of us is always with Isaac but we both need to drive the car to approve and sign the papers. I had a brainstorm and talked with Jesse, my college son, who agreed to stay with Isaac Friday night to let us both go and drive the style we found that we think will work for us. God give me strength to verbally "out muscle" the sales and finance guys to give us a better deal than our pre-approval with the bank.
Isaac, however, is going to the State Fair this weekend. We are not sure who from the family is going, but since Jesse cannot drive legally yet and they will not let us ride in the bus with them, one of us will be going also. I suspect that will be me, since Jackie really does not like the Fair. I will be going Saturday afternoon, then taking my daughter on Sunday since she is in a band competition all day Saturday.
High School marching band continues, despite life happening around it, you know. As a side note, if you can get your kids into band I suggest doing it. That is the best organization in the entire school (from 6th to 12th grade), in my honest opinion.
Lastly, prayer warriors, please rev up your engines. Next week Brea will be having her outpatient surgery. We are all a bit nervous, but she is (in her words) "wishes the surgery was tomorrow and not next week."
I watched a "discussion" today at work, between two people who have worked together for over a year without incident, that saddened me greatly. If you find yourself angry at another tomorrow, please remember three things:
Goodnight.
Dad arrived after Isaac was back from the clinic. I stopped at home to change clothes after work, since I work close to the house. I got to the apartment a few minutes after he did. Already watching cartoons....Typical boy!
We watched them for about 45 minutes, then he and I played a card game. I played one with the same concepts of the games we play at home. He was working on his hand, but despite my best efforts kept giving me the cards I needed. (Ugh) So I went a few rounds waiting for him before he looked like he was getting bored, then put my cards down.
We have decided that we need another car. Our two have been paid for since 2010 and 2008. Hers has over 100K and mine is getting close to 200K. They are driving fine, although neither is great on gas, but with two teenage drivers about to put the extra stress on them by driving different than we do we fully expect one will give.
The problem in our decision is that one of us is always with Isaac but we both need to drive the car to approve and sign the papers. I had a brainstorm and talked with Jesse, my college son, who agreed to stay with Isaac Friday night to let us both go and drive the style we found that we think will work for us. God give me strength to verbally "out muscle" the sales and finance guys to give us a better deal than our pre-approval with the bank.
Isaac, however, is going to the State Fair this weekend. We are not sure who from the family is going, but since Jesse cannot drive legally yet and they will not let us ride in the bus with them, one of us will be going also. I suspect that will be me, since Jackie really does not like the Fair. I will be going Saturday afternoon, then taking my daughter on Sunday since she is in a band competition all day Saturday.
High School marching band continues, despite life happening around it, you know. As a side note, if you can get your kids into band I suggest doing it. That is the best organization in the entire school (from 6th to 12th grade), in my honest opinion.
Lastly, prayer warriors, please rev up your engines. Next week Brea will be having her outpatient surgery. We are all a bit nervous, but she is (in her words) "wishes the surgery was tomorrow and not next week."
I watched a "discussion" today at work, between two people who have worked together for over a year without incident, that saddened me greatly. If you find yourself angry at another tomorrow, please remember three things:
- It will not hurt you to wait until you are no longer angry to deal with the situation.
- What you see may not be the whole story, and the full story may reveal itself in the time you take for #1.
- Words said in anger or frustration CANNOT BE ERASED when you later learn that the rest of the story would have made you react differently.
Goodnight.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
10-11-11 Ignition!
The mail has been really neat. Most of it has been coming our way at the house, and we then deliver it to Isaac at the apartment. If you are interested in sending him wishes directly, please send it to:
It will get to Isaac, and he is responsible to get his own mail.
I think Jackie and I are beginning to get comfortable with Isaac's progress; mostly because he is showing the intelligence more and more each day. The frustration is still with his voice, his time to response when it comes to conscious thought, and his lack of common sense. He will go to a door and open it, simply because he hears a noise outside that he cannot define, or when he sees someone pass by the window. His loving countenance, however, is bright and shines brilliantly in his playfulness and loving manner.
I have to admit I'm having difficulty because work is keeping me busy and I have less time to make the entries on here. I feel bad that I have twice now had to summarize my thoughts from previous days. I get to the apartment and want to crash, but Isaac is getting home and is ready to go. I had to enlighten our aide today because she was getting Isaac excited about going out to Wal-Mart for an outing. I remember the doctors saying that, with all the stimulus in the clinic, a quieter setting is more beneficial for him in the evenings. Save the exciting stuff for the weekend.
We did go to Wal-Mart. He walked almost all the way around the store, looking to spend the $5 sent to him by a prayer warrior in East Texas. His choice was very good. He found a movie on sale that he did not have at home. It was $5, and dad chose to take care of the tax instead of use it as a lesson.....not yet.
We have been working on our domestic skills while dad is there.We have a checklist that he is learning to do remedial tasks in the morning and in the evening. He signed his this morning himself.
Mom adds:
3915 Portland, Irving, TX 75038
It will get to Isaac, and he is responsible to get his own mail.
I think Jackie and I are beginning to get comfortable with Isaac's progress; mostly because he is showing the intelligence more and more each day. The frustration is still with his voice, his time to response when it comes to conscious thought, and his lack of common sense. He will go to a door and open it, simply because he hears a noise outside that he cannot define, or when he sees someone pass by the window. His loving countenance, however, is bright and shines brilliantly in his playfulness and loving manner.
I have to admit I'm having difficulty because work is keeping me busy and I have less time to make the entries on here. I feel bad that I have twice now had to summarize my thoughts from previous days. I get to the apartment and want to crash, but Isaac is getting home and is ready to go. I had to enlighten our aide today because she was getting Isaac excited about going out to Wal-Mart for an outing. I remember the doctors saying that, with all the stimulus in the clinic, a quieter setting is more beneficial for him in the evenings. Save the exciting stuff for the weekend.
We did go to Wal-Mart. He walked almost all the way around the store, looking to spend the $5 sent to him by a prayer warrior in East Texas. His choice was very good. He found a movie on sale that he did not have at home. It was $5, and dad chose to take care of the tax instead of use it as a lesson.....not yet.
We have been working on our domestic skills while dad is there.We have a checklist that he is learning to do remedial tasks in the morning and in the evening. He signed his this morning himself.
Mom adds:
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