Last doctor appointment for a while

We saw Dr. Higgins on Tuesday.  They did new x-ray's.  He has broken one screw in each ankle.  This was to be expected so it isn't a big deal.  He has some new bone growth.  There is a part of the front of his ankle that doesn't look healed up all the way, and there has been a shift, or some movement in his plate.  Dr. doesn't know why.  So Randy is to keep his hardware in for one more year at minimum.  Or forever if it doesn't bother him.  There is a very small chance that he will get more feeling back into his feet.  But not very likely.
The doctor told Randy he doesn't have any more restrictions.  To go ahead and do whatever he feels that he can do.  Randy was super excited about this.  But he had already gone on a rappel with his buddies the week before.  It did him in for sure.  He was in bed the rest of the next day, and that next week he was quite tired (and we thought a bit grouchy, but he didn't think so.)

7 months out now

Can you believe it has been 7 months ago that he fell?  I can't either.  He is working full time doing all that he used to do.  He walks a bit like an old man.  He is tired after work, which is so unlike the Randy we all know.  But considering he could be dead or paralyzed, he is doing great!   The doctor said he needs to take one long screw out of each ankle before they break.  He said that typically that is around the one year marker.  Randy will see his surgeon again this month and we will know more then.  I did ask if it could be done in December instead of January due to insurance and he said if Randy's body is healing well that could be a possibility.
We are going on our first camp out this weekend since the accident.  We are all looking forward to it.  I will let you know how it goes.

picture from the benefit dinner

Randy is doing well.

Randy is walking unassisted now.  It is tender for him.  He does have to lay down and ice up his ankles after.  But he is doing remarkably well.  When his work calls he can even work.  They ended up NOT having him answer phones.  He is doing real plumbing work.  With the help of an apprentice.  It really is amazing.  He is talking about taking out the ramp in a few weeks.  I am not in any hurry.  Stairs are very difficult for him.  Isn't it just a miracle that he is walking ahead of schedule?

counting blessings

I am still working on getting my thank you's done.  It is a big task.  And a great way to count my blessings.
  Back in January when Randy got hurt we paid our own bills.  The next month the church was kind enough to help with one mortgage and a few food orders.  Since then we have had some wonderful generosity of family, friends, and neighbors.
Thank you is not a big enough word to express our gratitude.  We are doing well.  Being thrifty as always, but doing well.  Randy is able to work here and there when they have work for him.  (He isn't able physically to do everything).  I got my promotion so I make enough, when no one cancels, to pay the mortgage (and just the mortgage.)  We still have some savings.  And we have money from our wonderful support system that should carry us through until our lives return to normal!  There are still medical bills being made , our food storage is next to gone, but that is what it was for, right?  Life is good, God is great, our friends are wonderful!  We love you all so much.  We feel very fortunate to have so many blessings in our lives.
THANK YOU!  You are one of the blessings in our lives.

I found one

As Randy has been healing so quickly I have had to find a car to replace his that I sold.   He has to get to work and so do I.  His parents have been wonderful to drive him to his doctor appointments when I couldn't due to work.  I really thought it would be at least 6 months or more before he could drive, let alone work, so I thought I had plenty of time.  I had his permission to sell the old one because it was hard for him to get in and out of it before the accident.  And now he knew he would really have troubles.
I looked daily for a good month on ksl and all over the valley.  I even went to bountiful.  But I found one close to home.  I was able to talk them down $ 1,000.  I was so surprised that they took my offer I asked if I could come back the next day to sign the papers.  I used our tax return plus the money from the sale of Randy's car.   It's an '04 nissan and it is getting better gas miles than the van.  Sweet!  Randy is now the proud driver of the van, as it is much easier for him to get in and out of.   I get to drive a car for the first time in over a decade.  I have to admit, it sure is fun.  Most of my driving it's just me and one or two kids in the van.  I felt like I was driving a house on wheels.  Not anymore.  Of course we need the van when we are all together or for scouts, and other events, so we will keep it.
Randy is able to work here and there for half days.  He has to come home and ice his ankles for hours after to get the swelling down.  He sure is amazing.  I am feeling much lighter now.  Things are still not quite back to normal.  But they are sure close!  Thank you all for your love and support.  We really appreciate all you have done for our family.  It has meant the world to us.  I didn't realize how depressed I was until now that I am not depressed.  Things were difficult before but they are so much better now.  Thanks for hanging in there with me.

we are so blessed

Randy worked a full day on Monday.  Came home iced his feet, had dinner, then watched Karly's dance performance.  His legs were swollen (not just his ankles and feet) but he didn't complain.

 Today he had his dr. appointment with Higgins.  You should have seen the doctor's face when he asked Randy to walk down the hall.  Dr. H was so proud!  It was like watching a parent see his child's first steps.
When he saw Randy in the office he peeked around the door to see if he had brought a walker or a cane. LOL  Randy is healing so well.  He is my amazing healer.  The doctor said he may have a surgery on his ankles in a year.  I joked that it had to be by December for deductible purposes.  The doctor also said that the long metal screws will break as he gets more mobility.
It is so wonderful to have Randy with us, and doing so well.  It really is a miracle.

work

Surprising news...Randy is at work today!  His plan was to go to work for half of a day.  But it is already 3:30 and he is still at work.  I called to check on him and he says he is feeling good.  I hope he doesn't over do it.  But I am excited for him to be able to work.  He works for the best people. (McBride Plumbing)  They have been so good to us.
Tomorrow Randy has two doctor appointments so he wont be able to work.  Hopefully he can re cooperate in between.

oh Crap!

Today was soccer games for the two boys.  After looking for a car I made dinner and we divided up the kids.  Randy wanted to drive so he dropped Tanner and I off at Parkside then continued on to Longview with Cooper.  Karly was at dance and Austen was performing for SLCC graduation.  I knew Tanner and I would have a long wait but I figured Tanner could just play. We were having a nice time, ran into friends even.  But then  he pooped his pants.  We made it to the park bathroom just about the time Randy arrived to take us home. So off we went to take a bath.  OH wait, I don't have a tub.    (He is refusing to shower.  I have had to pin him down to take one.  Like headlock him into my legs. There is LOTS of crying and not a lot of cleaning going on.) So I used the men's advice and gave him a bath in a bucket.   It was working out fine until he emptied the bucket himself.

The water went down the hallway, into the bedroom and on the carpet, and down the furnace vent into my craft room.  It may also be in the furnace room but I have yet to check that out yet.  I had to get a screwdriver to take off the basement ceiling vents so I can try to get the drips to stop.  Ah, good times, good times. (not)

Bath time was therapy time.  Tanner was good and quiet.  I would have a tiny break.  Everyone emerged clean and happy.  Ah, the good  'ol days.  But no worries.  No child was harmed in the making of this story.  There wasn't even any yelling.  (I know right?)  ALL of the kids jumped in with towels for a large clean up.  Yes, you heard right, All of them, without being asked.  If it wasn't for Karly we wouldn't have known the downstairs had a flood.  And Cooper was the first one on the scene for the hallway.  Austen even unscrewed the vent while I typed.  I squeegeed the bathroom and re-did the kids efforts.  Randy watched from the bed and didn't even yell (at the kids anyway.  He only raised his voice when I suggested that we hire someone to put a tub in the basement bathroom.)

thank you!

Thank you everyone who has helped our family in one way or another.  From dinners and rides to money.  I am so touched at how many people are willing to do so  much for us.  I feel as if we have won the lottery!  Randy is still not working, but all of our bills are being taken care of thanks to all of you.  I am doing all I can.  The kids are also contributing.  But we wouldn't be able to do it all without all of your help. Thank you for your love and support1

No more boots!

Today is the day Randy can take his boots off and walk.  He wasted no time.  I was at the chiropractor first thing this morning.  I came in the back door and Tanner rolled into the kitchen in Randy's wheelchair and told me that he tied daddy's shoes.  He can walk in them without holding on to anything!  He exclaimed.

Sure enough it's true.  We are all happy about his news.  Randy says that his right ankle hurts a bit.  The left one is better.  He had to do his ankle stretches to help out with the pain.  He even walked downstairs today.

let the games begin

Soccer season has started for our two little boys.  Both games are at the same time on opposite sides of Murray.  Karly had a track meet one hour before the games.  Austen took Tanner and dropped of Randy to be with him. Then he dropped Cooper off to be alone.  After track Karly and I rushed to be with Cooper.  While at the game Austen called to let us know that Cooper's cat Oreo was hit and killed.
Cooper and Austen were devastated.  They both cried and cried.  Then Cooper called his friends to come over and help him make a coffin out of wood.
And in the all about Randy news, he is still swimming daily.  He continues to get his blood checked for a week or so longer.  When he is up for 2 or 3 hours per day he can go off the blood thinner and no longer need his blood checked.  I have dropped Randy off at his first 'real' therapy appointment and Austen picked him up.  His Dad has taken him for his blood draw because we now have to go to them.

So far being up and using the walker doesn't seem to be too painful for Randy.  Before we know it he might even get permission to drive.  Which means I need to find a car soon.  Things are going along much quicker than I thought it would feel to me.  I guess being busy does that.

Randy can walk

Today is a momentous day!  Late last night we heard quite the commotion in our new bathroom.  I got out of bed to check on my little night owl Tanner.  (this was about midnight)  He was sitting in his bed watching tv and munching on something, so I went back to bed.  When we awoke this morning Cooper informed me that the sink had fallen out of the counter top.  I didn't believe him.  But he was telling the truth!

 After further inspection Randy decided that the bondo glue had given out.  Whew, for a minute there I thought that Tanner's tv stand had fallen on him.  And nothing is broken, so no harm done.

Now on for the best news in months!  Dr. Higgins has given Randy the green light to ...STAND.  He will need to wear his boots for another few weeks.  He will need to use a walker.  But he can stand.  He wasted no time in trying out his new mode of transportation.  He didn't give me much warning so I had to grab the camera and run to catch his first steps on video!

(Sorry you only get a picture.  I don't know how to download video to my blog yet.  And I only took this shot of him.)  We have a follow up appointment in one month.  Dr. Higgins said he expects Randy to be walking in the door at that appointment.  Oh Happy Day.  (Now I just need to find a car.  Yikes, I thought I had more time:)  I'm hoping for a Sonata should anyone out there have any suggestions.

Legs are getting bigger

Randy's legs are filling in with muscle now.  Before the pool they were just bone with loose skin hanging on them.  Now they are thin, but full.  He says that his thighs are still small but I think they will fill in as soon as he can stand.
His water walking is getting faster.  He has even been hanging on the side of the pool and doing water leg kicks. His next doctor appointment is Tue.  We both expect him to release Randy for some real occupational therapy which includes standing up for the first time in 3 months.
I have taken Randy to two parent teacher meetings so far.  Our boys teachers have been really excited to see him out and about.
Randy was willing (and made the phone call's himself!) to give up his hospital bed.  We can now share our bed again!  It is just our mattress and box-spring on the ground so he is able to get from wheelchair to bed.  But I am sleeping so much better than on Cooper's twin mattress.  Randy says he is sleeping better too.  And as an added bonus we don't have to pay another months bed rental fee.
Randy also called our old neighbor who was able to hook us up with a wheelchair we can borrow for free that has leg rests.  So we no longer have to pay for a wheelchair rental either.  NICE!
It has been long enough that our doctor visits will no longer be 'follow up' so we will have to start paying our 40 copays again.  That part isn't so nice.  But he is making terrific improvement.  And on another good note, I passed my test at work and I was able to level up.  My months of studying have payed off.  It is a relief to have it behind me.

rocks

Jeff stopped by Monday night to give us the rocks that people signed from the benefit and to visit.  I still can't get over the generosity of all of you.  Jeff had sold two more trips and brought the checks over.  Amazing!
 On Sunday my mother-in-law left her camera with us.  She had some great pictures of the benefit dinner.  I hope to post them as soon as I figure out how.

On Monday my father-in-law took Randy swimming for pool therapy while I was at work.  That was so nice of him!  Thank you.  I got home from work at 7:30.  Someone in the ward had brought a yummy dinner.  It was so nice to be able to eat a warm healthy meal.  Thanks Kate:)  The little things really help a lot.

check it out

On Saturday I took Randy and Tanner to the pool for another work out.  Randy is able to walk on his own with a swim noodle for balance so I swam laps with Tanner.  Check out how purple and blue Randy's feet are when he is upright.  I pout my foot next to him for a comparison.  His feet match the bottom of the pool.

And just to show you, his feet are also purple when up in the chair.

While at the pool I kept telling Tanner that he is the best swimmer ever.  On the way home Randy tells him," I know your the best swimmer.  But you know what your not so good at?  And I know you can do it?"  Tanner bites and says 'what'.  Randy says," you could be the best seatbelt wearer."  Tanner says, "No, I can't.  I can only be the best at one thing or else I will get confused.  So I will just be the best swimmer."

Boy is that kid sharp!  I can't get enough of his toothless grin. Adorable.

And let's here it for the lovely care giver Wendy! (who, by the way, hates cold water.)

Day two in the pool

After I got home from work Randy helped me study for my upcoming test.  Then I took him and Tanner swimming.  We lucked out again and had the whole place to ourselves for the first half hour.  Tanner happily took pictures of us.  I wish I could have taken a picture of him taking pictures!  He was hilarious.

Randy was doing so well that I let go and he was able to walk on his own.  He did laps for about 20 min.  Then we soaked in the hot tub and met some people who are here on a ski vacation.  It sure was nice to enjoy a normal outing together.  Then home to shower and make dinner.  Now I am off to the gym if I can just get the little boys to be a bit more harmonious before I leave.

We made it to the pool for the first time

I took Randy and the two boys to the pool today after school (Thursday).  We all had such a wonderful time.  The boys got along well.  I was able to help Randy into the pool.  I brought along a swim noodle to help give Randy something to hold onto in the water.  It worked great.  I helped him walk laps for probably a half hour.  He said his right big toe was feeling better after a few laps.

Afterwards he was able to, with a little help from me with his legs, wiggle his way into the hot tub.  That felt nice for both of us.  He was able to get back into his chair.  But he even said if we stayed longer he would have been too weak to use his arms to get back up.  We did use a stool, which helps.
Cooper was asking how Randy got from the pool to the hot tub.  I told him he used his arms and bum.  He said,"I know, but when I tried to do it I couldn't.  How does he do it?"  Randy really is strong in his upper body still.  Thank goodness for that.  I can't wait to take them along again tomorrow.

I left the camera in the car because I had a lot to carry in today.  I wasn't sure how much of a hassle it would be to get Randy into the water.  It went quite well.  I will take pictures next time.  I actually am planning to let the boys be my photographer.  (this picture is from the future Friday) I forgot to mention that we had the pool to ourselves.  Which was just super!  It helped to ease the anxiety for all of us.  After we got out a family came in.  Perfect timing.

Pool here we come

Randy's parents were kind enough to take him to see the spine doctor on Monday(I had work).  They said Randy's spine is healing so well that he doesn't need to wear his brace anymore.  He was so excited he texted me right away.  The doctor said he may need surgery down the road.   But for now all is well.

Today I took Randy to see Dr. Higgins.  He told us that his pelvis is healing well.  His feet are also doing well.  He is not to bear any weight yet, but he can start to do some walking in a pool of chest deep water.  This will help to slow down the atrophy in his legs so he can be strong enough when the time comes to stand.

Randy called his friend Mr. A who manages a hotel.  He gave us permission to use the pool.  How sweet is that?  It should be less crowded than other pools, and it will be free.  Such a wonderful blessing.  We are all excited to start this therapy.  This means we are on step two of healing.  Yippee!

Our bishop and stake president came over to visit tonight as well.  The bishop gave us a generous donation from an anonymous person. I just can't say thank you enough.  We had an enjoyable time talking with them.  President Hall left us with a word of prayer.  We are very blessed to have so many wonderful supporters.

THANK YOU

The benefit dinner did amazingly well.  I never would have dreamed it would be so profitable.   The men were able to raise enough money to re-pay people for the hard cost of our remodel.  There was also enough money left to pay most of what we anticipate Randy's out of pocket for our medical bills.   This is a gigantic blessing.  Randy isn't done making bills so it is hard to know.  But a huge burden has been lifted.  I am sure we can make it however long it takes before Randy gets back to work with the help of the church and all of you good people.
And  although we have some savings, we can't stay afloat each month on my income even with the help from the church.  If we use our saving to live off of then we would run out of money to pay the bills.  Or if we pay the bills, we run out of money to live off of.  You get the idea.  So thank you all for your generosity!  We are truly touched.  I know that there are so many people who are struggling right now.  Thank you for opening your hearts to us.  We are so grateful for all you have done for us.

What a wonderful Benefit Dinner

The benefit dinner was wonderful.  The place was packed with friends and family.  I thought I would get there and cry.  But instead it was like a party and everyone could make it!  Fun times were had by all.  Randy lasted longer than expected.  I thought he would be in pain for it, but so far so good!  I think it lifted both of our spirits more than we could have imagined.  Here are some of the pictures Steph took for me.

At a time where there is so much need in the world, with so many people who need help of some kind, I am so touched that everyone would take time out of their busy lives to come and donate to my family.  It really means the world to us.  I hope you all know how much we love and appreciate all of you!

 Part of the group.  We guesstimate that there were 250 people there.

 my dad and his neighbor Jennifer R

 Tanner and his friend Blake

 Teri and her baby Payton

Nikki and the wonderful centerpieces, with Mayor Snarr doing the auction in the back.

 And notice the cute center pieces?  Dan Turney made them.  Aren't they so cleaver?!(  He is the man who document with pictures Randy's fall.)  They are made out of rappelling rope and webbing.

I could really feel the love in the room.  I wish the night had never ended.  The rappelling boys really did a great job.  Nice and organized.  I was super impressed.  I still can't get over the fact that someone dreamed this up and then made it all happen for us.  It really is more than I can wrap my brain around.

 Ned Hacker and Jack Lucas

 More of the crowd

 Cooper, Randy and Dan Snarr

 Kim and Andrea Nielson above.  Below you can see where the slide show Janson made was going on.

Dan and Jeff

 Randy's parents Ron and LuJane

 Austen and Randy

Wendy and Drue Krehl

 The Erekson Family

 My mom

 Jeff's sister and Bro in law Joe

 Me with my Brother's famly

Denise Dredge with Amy

Jennifer Lund and Rebecca Gibbs

 My friends Juli and Kristen at the payment table.  I believe that is HeatherMiller working the table.

Melody and Josh Christensen

I knew at least 90% of the people there.  I am sure Randy knew 100% of them.  It was so great to see everyone come together like this.  It was so heartfelt.  Like renewing our vow's without having to do any of the work.  Or like a funeral without the sadness.  Just wonderful.  We are so blessed.  You are all so wonderful.  May the Lord bless you for all of your generosity and kindness!

wow

Can you believe our benefit dinner is tomorrow?  Me either!  Every time it gets mentioned Randy becomes 'emotional'.  He just can't get over how many people care about us.   I just can't imagine it.  Every one every where I go tells me, "we will see you at the dinner."  It is hard to imagine all of the people I love and care about in one place at the same time.

 Our house has been so busy and sleep deprived I can't believe my last post was on Tuesday.  But I guess it makes sense.  Cooper is sleeping better.  Randy and Tanner could use some improvement.  And when they sleep better I will too.  Randy's nurse suggested he take benedryl to help him out.
I spent four hours on the phone yesterday trying to sort out and pay some of our medical bills.  Then I brought in the mail to find...more bills....  The mail box isn't always my friend these days.


And how is it that it only takes a minute to make a mess, but an hour to clean it up?  It seems my time at home is limited, and I can't get on top of things.

Tomorrow is a special Saturday to me for many reasons.  One of course, is the dinner.  But also it is my last Saturday morning training! (at least for a while)  It has been months since I could have a day off.  I can't wait.
Thank you everyone for continuing to follow our blog and wish us support.  Randy is really struggling emotionally right now so your thoughts, calls, and visits, help out a lot.  I work quite a bit so it helps to break up  his day.
His next appointments are Mon and Tue so there will be new information soon.