. . . Twins Games . . .
. . . Happy Mother's Day . . .
Kenny & Monica's Wedding
(Dancing all night long)
We are very thankful
Monday, May 14, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
The past month... filled with many blessings!
(Mall of America)
_______________________________________________________
. . . Easter Weekend . . .
Egg Hunt!!
___________________________________________________________
. . . T-Wolves Games . . .
Meeting Players before game...
________________________________________________
"We can do all things,
through Christ who gives us strength"
-Phillipians 4:13
Physical Therapy has been strengthening not only Jimmy's muscles, but his confidence and ambition to walk again. He has been working with PT on standing, while reaching for objects, balancing sitting straight up while playing Connect Four and using the standing walkers to take many steps. His leg strength has increased incredibly the past few weeks and Jimmy has walk over 90 feet in the walker with two therapist helping. Yesterday, Jimmy, Tom and Jeremey walked around the family room at Courage, holding Jimmy up on both sides. It’s incredible to be a witness Jimmy's happiness around his buddies and he would love for you to visit anytime.
Occupational Therapy is coming along as well. Jimmy is able to dress his upper body on his own and complete some AM routines tasks. We are still working towards strengthening fine motor skills; Jimmy is able to write his name and really enjoys his iPad games. Jim is able to pick up and talk on phone and is very smart when it comes to math facts and spelling. Many nights we have cranked up the Beach Boys and danced in his room and our new goal each night is timing how long Jim can stand on his own with me balancing him, as of last night he is up to almost 10 mins!
We cannot thank God enough for the amazing blessings he has given us and the outstanding support team everyone has been for Jimmy! May God bless you this week and fill free to visit Jimmy any time :)
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Weekend Adventures...
Jimmy had a wonderful weekend filled with lots of Family and Friends!
He went out to his family farm on Saturday and had a wonderful time joking with his siblings and loving on his little nieces. On Sunday we went to the Timberwovles game. We had first class treatment from all the staff at the Target Center and we had the opportunity to high-five the players going into their practice time on the court. Jimmy had his white T-Wolves hat on and got 2 signatures from "Derek Williams and Michael Beasly". Hhe was beaming from ear to ear with smiles. Kevin Love (his fav. player) ran by a few times and I have never seen Jimmy look so happy. After all the high fives and fist pumps, we ventured up to the first floor to take a peek of the court. We were suppose to be sitting up in the 2nd level, but a security guard of the first floor loundge, said if know one comes to sit in these seats we could have them. We were very blessed to sit in leather couches for the rest of the game. Jimmy had his arms up in the air most of the game and cheering on the wolves everytime K.Love made a shot.
That evening after the game, Jimmy had so much energy and was talking to many of the residence at Courage about the game. He looked at me and said "I wanna walk!" We stood a few times together and he took one step, with me balancing his sides and one knee. After the step he said, "Im going down" and started laughing, we ended up sitting back down in his chair, but he was filled with so much joy and confidence in himself. I could not believe how lifted his spirit was after a wonderful weekend of getting out into the community and being loved on by his family and friends.
May God bless you this week :)
He went out to his family farm on Saturday and had a wonderful time joking with his siblings and loving on his little nieces. On Sunday we went to the Timberwovles game. We had first class treatment from all the staff at the Target Center and we had the opportunity to high-five the players going into their practice time on the court. Jimmy had his white T-Wolves hat on and got 2 signatures from "Derek Williams and Michael Beasly". Hhe was beaming from ear to ear with smiles. Kevin Love (his fav. player) ran by a few times and I have never seen Jimmy look so happy. After all the high fives and fist pumps, we ventured up to the first floor to take a peek of the court. We were suppose to be sitting up in the 2nd level, but a security guard of the first floor loundge, said if know one comes to sit in these seats we could have them. We were very blessed to sit in leather couches for the rest of the game. Jimmy had his arms up in the air most of the game and cheering on the wolves everytime K.Love made a shot.
That evening after the game, Jimmy had so much energy and was talking to many of the residence at Courage about the game. He looked at me and said "I wanna walk!" We stood a few times together and he took one step, with me balancing his sides and one knee. After the step he said, "Im going down" and started laughing, we ended up sitting back down in his chair, but he was filled with so much joy and confidence in himself. I could not believe how lifted his spirit was after a wonderful weekend of getting out into the community and being loved on by his family and friends.
May God bless you this week :)
Saturday, March 24, 2012
We have had any amazing past few weeks!
On top of the amazing spring weather, James has had an outstanding past few weeks filled with outings, friends, family and lots of laughs. His spirit seems to be shining bright and it has help him with recovery in many ways.
We were signed off by Physical therapy to practice standing and transfers together. Jimmy is getting so much stronger and is now able to assist with, one person transfers, standing on own for about 5 mins with just help in balancing and being able to push, pull and pick up object on own. During meals, he feeds himself his salad and fruit, still need some assistance with liquids. Jimmy is able to put on and off his own shirt and assist with brushing his own teeth. He has really been enjoying palying Connect Four and his iPad. We had an amazing time out at the pond near the Courage Center watching the sunset and we took a few road trips touring the city. Last weekend we had a great time at Khols and Jimmy got to pick out a few outfits and a new pair of kicks. This weekend he got to take a trip out to the farm to enjoy some wonderful family time and tomorrow we will be going to the Timber Wolves games and cheering on his favorite team!
Jimmy has been blessed with some many people that love him and encourage him everyday. Thank you so much for all the visits and laughs. God is so amazing and he has a wonderful future planned for Jimmy :)
"First car ride" -Could not get that grin off his face-
"Trying to put his finger in the dogs nose... haha"
"Kohls buying some new kicks"
"First dance since this summer"
. . . We are so very blessed . . .
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
An amazing sunday evening...
This past weekend was amazing and very encouraging. Jimmy has lots more energy from receiving his pacemaker and has been mastering many fine motor activities. He has had an great lift in his personality and his loving heart was shining bright this past Sunday night.
Jimmy and I went up to the activity room to watch a movie. Before putting the movie in we flipped through the channels and happened to come across a worship service. We listened to the pastor, express his love and faith in Jesus and the amazing future that he has in store for our lives. While listening to the sermon, Jimmy reached over and put his arm around my back and pulled me close to him. Worship music came on in between the sermon, Jimmy swayd me back and forth to the music. He wrapped his arm around me tighter and pulled me close for a smooch, before doing so he whispered, "I Love You". It was in that moment that I truly could feel the power of God working in our lives and to feel power that true love can have.
Its incredible to feel the present of God between you and the one you love. I know that God has an amazing plan for our lives and I can't thank God and everyone enough for their love and support. This moment was incredible for both of us and I wanted to share it with you for inspiration and faith, in knowing that God is always in control and no matter what to have faith in him.
May God bless you this week!
"Jimmy would love for you to visit anytime"
Jimmy and I went up to the activity room to watch a movie. Before putting the movie in we flipped through the channels and happened to come across a worship service. We listened to the pastor, express his love and faith in Jesus and the amazing future that he has in store for our lives. While listening to the sermon, Jimmy reached over and put his arm around my back and pulled me close to him. Worship music came on in between the sermon, Jimmy swayd me back and forth to the music. He wrapped his arm around me tighter and pulled me close for a smooch, before doing so he whispered, "I Love You". It was in that moment that I truly could feel the power of God working in our lives and to feel power that true love can have.
Its incredible to feel the present of God between you and the one you love. I know that God has an amazing plan for our lives and I can't thank God and everyone enough for their love and support. This moment was incredible for both of us and I wanted to share it with you for inspiration and faith, in knowing that God is always in control and no matter what to have faith in him.
May God bless you this week!
"Jimmy would love for you to visit anytime"
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Back at the Courage Center!!
Jimmy was released from Abbot a few weeks ago and is now back at the Courage Center in Golden Valley. He is feeling much better and seems to have lots more energy. The Doctors said that this will hopefully increase his ability to recover faster and be given more strength to undergo more intense therapies.
Physical therapy this week has been wonderful. On Monday, they actually had Jimmy standing up on the parallel bars, with much assistance, but he stood up straight without bending his knees. As he stood, he looked so proud of himself and the therapist were very impressed. The Physical therapists said they would like to start getting Jimmy on a bike machine, having leads hook up to his leg muscles to help with his coordination. They are now using a standing machine (EZ stand) to assist him in getting to and from his chair and bed. Jimmy is able to stand on his own with the machine assisting his upper body and he is able to balance in his bed, in a sitting position for more than a few minutes. The staff at Courage were very impressed with his strength and are looking forward to see him progress even more throughout the next few weeks.
Occupational Therapy has come along way. Jimmy is able to pull, push, throw and catch objects with more coordination. He is able to feed himself almost all meals, using a spoon or fork. They have been using a modified drinking cup to help him with swallowing and he is able to drink from it himself. His fine motor has come along way and enjoys playing many games on his iPad, including pacman, basketball, bowling, air hockey and ant smasher. Jimmy really likes playing the game Connect Four and is really good at picking up the chips and placing them into the game (the games are on the shelf in the family room if you would like to play them when you visit). Along with his fine motor skills, Jimmy has been able to use the computer lately, using the mouse on his own to click on pictures, videos and Facebook.
The other night, we were dancing to music and Jimmy assisted me in a few spins under his arm, wrapped his arms around me for a slow dance and even wiggled his hips to "Sheri". His speech is still coming along and can be stubborn on talking, but when his buddies are with him, they joke around, laugh and he talks quit a bit. Jimmy sang me "Walking in Memphis" and "This Little Light of Mine" last week.
Jimmy has really enjoyed seeing all his family and friends and the Social Worker and nursing staff at Courage Center have commented how much more of a personality, happiness and encouragement Jimmy has been given because of your visits and faith in him and his recovery. We are blessed beyond belief for everyone that is in our lives and thank you again for all you have done. Please come and visit Jimmy soon, he would be so happy to see you!
God bless you!
(If you would like a prayforjames bracelet, please email or facebook us your address, thank!)
Physical therapy this week has been wonderful. On Monday, they actually had Jimmy standing up on the parallel bars, with much assistance, but he stood up straight without bending his knees. As he stood, he looked so proud of himself and the therapist were very impressed. The Physical therapists said they would like to start getting Jimmy on a bike machine, having leads hook up to his leg muscles to help with his coordination. They are now using a standing machine (EZ stand) to assist him in getting to and from his chair and bed. Jimmy is able to stand on his own with the machine assisting his upper body and he is able to balance in his bed, in a sitting position for more than a few minutes. The staff at Courage were very impressed with his strength and are looking forward to see him progress even more throughout the next few weeks.
Occupational Therapy has come along way. Jimmy is able to pull, push, throw and catch objects with more coordination. He is able to feed himself almost all meals, using a spoon or fork. They have been using a modified drinking cup to help him with swallowing and he is able to drink from it himself. His fine motor has come along way and enjoys playing many games on his iPad, including pacman, basketball, bowling, air hockey and ant smasher. Jimmy really likes playing the game Connect Four and is really good at picking up the chips and placing them into the game (the games are on the shelf in the family room if you would like to play them when you visit). Along with his fine motor skills, Jimmy has been able to use the computer lately, using the mouse on his own to click on pictures, videos and Facebook.
The other night, we were dancing to music and Jimmy assisted me in a few spins under his arm, wrapped his arms around me for a slow dance and even wiggled his hips to "Sheri". His speech is still coming along and can be stubborn on talking, but when his buddies are with him, they joke around, laugh and he talks quit a bit. Jimmy sang me "Walking in Memphis" and "This Little Light of Mine" last week.
Jimmy has really enjoyed seeing all his family and friends and the Social Worker and nursing staff at Courage Center have commented how much more of a personality, happiness and encouragement Jimmy has been given because of your visits and faith in him and his recovery. We are blessed beyond belief for everyone that is in our lives and thank you again for all you have done. Please come and visit Jimmy soon, he would be so happy to see you!
God bless you!
(If you would like a prayforjames bracelet, please email or facebook us your address, thank!)
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Glory to God!
Abbot Heart Hospital has helped Jimmy in many ways!
The past few days have been outstanding, having the true presents of God working through the nursing staff. We have been blessed to have some very supportive Nurses and Doctors, believing in Jimmy and his recovery. We have shared many great memories and laughs throughout the past week at Abbot Hospital. On Valentines, we decorated the waiting room with balloons and heart signs; I surprised Jimmy by wheeling him out into the waiting room with all the decorations set up. He was so happy and was smiling from ear to ear; we played some music and danced in his room that night, swaying back and forth in his wheel chair. We were so blessed just to be with each other during Valentine’s Day!
Jimmy has been doing wonderful with PT and OT, working on small standing and balancing techniques, brushing his own hair and washing his hands and face. He sat up in bed for over 1 min balancing his body on his own. The past few nights he has fed himself dinner with very little help and has been trying very hard to push himself in the wheelchair, making strong attempts to push the wheels several times. He has built up so much energy prior to his surgery and we can't wait to see how much he will continue to impress the Doctors after.
The Surgery was a success...
This afternoon, Jimmy had his pacemaker put in around 4pm, the surgery took about 2 hours and the Doctors said it went very well. They are hoping that the pacemaker will help Jimmy's heart become stronger and he will have a better chance to recover faster. There were no complications and Praise God everything went very well. Jimmy was very cute waking up from surgery with his family and friends by his side, we had to tickle him a few times and give him lots of smooches to wake him up. He is a little sore, but the nurse said that it was a very minimal surgery and he should be feeling much better tomorrow. In the morning, the Doctors will check to make sure all the leads on the pacemaker are correctly functioning and to make sure everything is working properly. Jimmy should be back at the Courage Center by Friday night, in hopes to have a great weekend with family and friends!
Thank you for all your prayers, visits and gifts! Jimmy is truly loved by so many people and we can’t thank you enough for all the encouragement and support you have given to him!
God bless and have a great night!
The past few days have been outstanding, having the true presents of God working through the nursing staff. We have been blessed to have some very supportive Nurses and Doctors, believing in Jimmy and his recovery. We have shared many great memories and laughs throughout the past week at Abbot Hospital. On Valentines, we decorated the waiting room with balloons and heart signs; I surprised Jimmy by wheeling him out into the waiting room with all the decorations set up. He was so happy and was smiling from ear to ear; we played some music and danced in his room that night, swaying back and forth in his wheel chair. We were so blessed just to be with each other during Valentine’s Day!
Jimmy has been doing wonderful with PT and OT, working on small standing and balancing techniques, brushing his own hair and washing his hands and face. He sat up in bed for over 1 min balancing his body on his own. The past few nights he has fed himself dinner with very little help and has been trying very hard to push himself in the wheelchair, making strong attempts to push the wheels several times. He has built up so much energy prior to his surgery and we can't wait to see how much he will continue to impress the Doctors after.
The Surgery was a success...
This afternoon, Jimmy had his pacemaker put in around 4pm, the surgery took about 2 hours and the Doctors said it went very well. They are hoping that the pacemaker will help Jimmy's heart become stronger and he will have a better chance to recover faster. There were no complications and Praise God everything went very well. Jimmy was very cute waking up from surgery with his family and friends by his side, we had to tickle him a few times and give him lots of smooches to wake him up. He is a little sore, but the nurse said that it was a very minimal surgery and he should be feeling much better tomorrow. In the morning, the Doctors will check to make sure all the leads on the pacemaker are correctly functioning and to make sure everything is working properly. Jimmy should be back at the Courage Center by Friday night, in hopes to have a great weekend with family and friends!
Thank you for all your prayers, visits and gifts! Jimmy is truly loved by so many people and we can’t thank you enough for all the encouragement and support you have given to him!
God bless and have a great night!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)