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The Team Save Janet Report is Out! #TSJ #family

Janet woke up at a good time this morning and with lots of energy. She got her own breakfast and I helped her check her emails during that time. Janet is getting less resistant towards replying to emails provided she can dictate rather than type. As soon as breakfast was done it was time for a Skype chat with Janet’s dad and Joan. Janet was quite animated during the conversation and carried it quite well, laughing lots and talking clearly. That’s the most fun I’ve seen her have chatting with anyone in a long time and it really showed a connection between dad and daughter.

During that call it was mentioned that Janet’s dad had started making notes on his life story a few years ago. Joan kindly sent them to us and we spent the rest of the afternoon reading about the childhood of Janet’s dad up until his first year of university. It was a lot of reading and except for a lunch break Janet insisted I keep going as she wanted to know what happens. She says she learned a lot about her dad and hopes he finds a way to write more, especially about when her and her siblings were born.

All that reading took us through nap time and right up to church time. Janet asked me to help her push her wheelchair more which I refused to do of course. She says she wants me doing more of that for her because it isn’t fair that she has to because it’s hard. No sympathy from me and she wheeled herself from the car to her seat at church in record time. The service was great and brought out a lot of “why me” questions from Janet which we discussed during the car ride home. She was not getting upset at all and asked legitimate questions that I tried my best to answer. There is no absolute answer to those questions but it was good to have the conversation, it had been awhile.

Janet helped make dinner and we watched more recorded figure skating before a tired Janet went to bed early for begin at home. Praying for a night of deep and healing sleep and a productive tomorrow.

The Team Save Janet Report is Out! #TSJ #bath

Sleep in Sunday! And did we ever sleep in. By the time Janet was eating her toast and drinking her coffee it was time to Skype Mary/Gaga which routinely happens around 11am. Janet handled that conversation fairly well and was polite enough to not eat and talk at the same time. Heather was up right after that and I think Janet had trouble thinking of things to say to Heather because she had just said a lot to her mom.

Janet volunteered to keep going on digitizing her photo collection and we made good progress again before getting sidetracked by the Olympics. We agreed before the games started that there were only a few events we really wanted to watch and none of them were scheduled today but Janet asked to see if there was figuring skating on and sure enough there was and that pretty much put an end to any productivity. I did manage to give Janet a bath as she didn’t want to have one at Connect tomorrow and we are getting better at that for sure. She stayed pretty warm the whole time and was energized for the rest of the day which didn’t require much energy but it was fun relaxing and hanging out with her. Every chance I got I had Janet stand and take a few steps and once she even got up from the couch without me looking as I went for her wheelchair. She couldn’t maintain a standing position without me but I was impressed she made it up so fast.

It was another sombre trip back to Connect tonight and I really have to keep reminding myself she’s doing good things there that she can’t do living at home. Janet really wanted me to read to her in bed and I could see how tired she was so I made a bet with her. She said she could last through an hours worth of reading, I said no way and won easily. Her first snores were heard twenty minutes in then she woke up and denied she was sleeping. Three minutes after I started reading again she was snoring louder than ever and I called it a night up another Blizzard.

Praying for a night of deep and healing sleep, lots of energy and a positive attitude and a willingness to work hard at getting stronger.

The Team Save Janet Report is Out! #TSJ #Superbowl

Today ended up being Janet’s sleep in day and good thing. She never would have made it through the Superbowl without a nap otherwise. She managed to make her coffee and toast by herself before having a good Skype chat with Leslie. I noticed Janet correcting herself a little more now, saying no in answer to a question by default then switching to the correct answer seconds later. Good to see.

We continued our scrapbooking type work and finished off the one with all the greeting cards in it. The big project now is photographs and to start we are going to digitize them all and Janet was quite happy to sit by the scanner and place photos on it while I operated things on the computer end. The photos we did today were of school age Janet and it was fun trying to figure out how old she was in each picture as most are not dated. I think she guessed fairly accurately. One photo puzzled us more than others. Can you find her in this one? We have different opinions.Janet Pre School Class

Our strata had an information meeting in regards to a large landscaping project facing us and I wanted to go but Janet didn’t so I risked leaving her alone for forty five minutes and she was quite happy to do so. When I got back she was watching the Superbowl Pre-game show and had really enjoyed the interview with Denver head coach John Fox. She said he seems like a nice guy. I’m glad she was that tuned in while I was gone not just staring blankly. Apparently she even went to the bathroom on her own. I know she is capable of that so I believe she did. High five!

After a quick chat with the Calgary gang (plus Ottawa and Costa Mesa) it was time for some football. Janet had never been upset we weren’t going to a party or having anyone over to watch the game so she was ready but neither of us was ready for what we witnessed. Janet stayed interested throughout and made lots of intelligent comments along the way. It was nice to watch quietly with her.
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The return to Connect keeps getting more and more difficult, for both of us I think. Janet was a little crabby and just wanted to get ready for bed and read even though it was only 8:30. I didn’t expect going to the gym or anything but thought she could at least help set her calendar for the week. Nope, bed it was, and ten minutes into the read she was sleeping. It’s like she willed her way through the football game then crashed. It was a good day all around and I think she’ll have a solid week. Praying for full and complete healing and thanking Jesus for every minute I get to spend with my beautiful wife.
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The Team Save Janet Report is Out! #TSJ #baking

Slow out of the gate again this morning Janet was full of energy so I guess letting her sleep in was a good thing. With coffee in hand she had a good Skype chat with Laurel before we watched the Men’s Championship match from the Aussie Open. Janet was cheering for Rafael Nadal but learned to like his opponent, Stanislas Wawrinka, who ended up winning. Janet seems to be able to really connect with the tennis players as they are not all covered up as other athletes are and there are only two on a court with TV providing plenty of close ups. She enjoys hearing their stories and really does get emotionally connected to what she’s watching. The Aussie Open was great fun and hopefully there is more tennis in our future.

Not having all the supplies needed to continue our work with Janet’s memorabilia we decided to try some baking. Yikes! It actually was a lot of fun as Janet was eager and knowledgeable and able to help quite a bit. I had to run to the store for eggs and when I returned Janet had most of the other ingredients out on the counter ready to go. We made Janet’s famous lemon squares and in the true spirit of baking are giving them away to an unsuspecting couple. I hope they turned out!

Janet faded late in the afternoon and had a very long nap not getting up until almost six o’clock. Again, it seemed to do her good as we enjoyed a nice dinner which I got ready as she talked to Andrew on Skype. She was able to keep the conversation going for a decent amount of time and only looked to me for answers a few times. She’s getting close to being able to initiate these chats on her own so beware.

Dinner was late and so were The Grammys so by the time we got back to Connect it was time for bed and a little reading. Janet enjoyed a leisurely weekend and hopefully is recharged and ready to tackle the week ahead. Praying for complete healing and thanking God for all we are blessed with.

The Team Save Janet Report is Out! #TSJ #boxingday

Today started a little earlier than others lately as Janet said she didn’t sleep well. I’m not sure how she came to think that as I don’t recall her stirring until very near time to get up. She was talking in her sleep a little just before I turned my light out but that didn’t seem a big deal.

Janet enjoyed breakfast with the kids and a nice Skype chat with Andrew, so all were together for a time. We also Skyped with Leslie a little while later and are grateful for the technology that allows us to talk to and see friends and family whenever we want. Now that those moments are more spontaneous, Janet enjoys them more and therefore, I think, benefits from them more.

To keep up a little with the walking and balancing practice I had Janet try to replicate her dancing efforts from yesterday. The result today was not as spectacular but I was impressed with how well she was able to get her right heel down to the floor. Much better than yesterday and that allowed her to put more weight through her right leg.

Sadly, we dropped Laurel off at the airport this afternoon after a couple of card games with Janet. It was the least emotional airport goodbye I’ve witnessed, I saw no tears, and usually they are flowing fast. Maybe Janet was too tired, or has a better understanding that we will see Laurel again soon, or was just really happy we turned into the airport instead of carrying on to Connect. That will be tomorrow, just for a workout.

The evening was spent dining on make your own pizza and drinking a little more wine as we relaxed with Heather. A movie, It’s Kind of a Funny Story, was about all Janet had the energy for and when we finally found one worth watching I wasn’t convinced she’d last through it. She did, but said after that she didn’t really understand it. I think partly because she was tired and partly because it wasn’t a musical.

Thanking Laurel for all her efforts in making this a very enjoyable Christmas and praying Janet has a solid night of sleep that provides lots of energy for tomorrow.

The Team Save Janet Report is Out! #TSJ #baking

Janet and I slept in a little this morning after being up a little late last night. Laurel and Heather got her helping with some Christmas baking after breakfast and a Skype chat with Mary/Gaga in which Janet wasn’t quite as chatty as she can be. The baking went on for a long time but Janet said she enjoyed it and was glad to help.

We didn’t do any formal exercise today but Janet’s transfers continue to improve and she managed a couple of unassisted stands from her wheelchair one of which included a nice turn to sit on the couch with no help at all. High five! We did a little standing and walking this afternoon as well with no significant changes to report. The ankle brace is helping but the AFO will be much better.

After a little afternoon nap Janet helped with dinner prep but seemed a little low on energy still. She said she was fine and just didn’t have anything to say. The girls all watched a movie before bed and by the end of the day she said she had enjoyed her time with the girls baking and is looking forward to the Seahawks game tomorrow.

Praying for a deep and healing sleep tonight and lots of energy tomorrow.

The Team Save Janet Report is Out! #TSJ #football

Renovation Day 62. I think I was a little ahead of myself yesterday in giving Randy the day off. I was in Sunday mode but it was only Saturday so I suspect he was working from home on cupboard doors and such. Hopefully he took today off! Janet and I started to decorate a little then she decided she didn’t want to hang the pieces we were considering so down to the crawl space they go.

Today started a little earlier than yesterday with Janet willing to get up but not that thrilled about it. Her energy level was a little low all day and I’m not sure why. Our morning included a nice Skype chat with Mary/Gaga during which Janet communicated very well and was happy with how she did. I challenged Janet to make her own coffee this morning and she did so with minimal coaching. Our chores were completed in time for the Seahawks game and that is how we spent our afternoon. Like I said, Janet’s energy level was a little low so she wasn’t into cheering so much during today’s game and I think that was a contributing factor in the loss.

I suffered a bigger loss than the Seahawks today as a piece of Janet’s clothing finally beat me. We attended a turkey dinner for everyone in the complex this evening and Janet wanted to wear her new dress again. It was a challenge putting it on her for our party Friday but we were successful but tonight it beat me altogether. For now I’m saying it shrunk just enough in the wash and it wasn’t my incompetence that caused the fail. It did spoil the evening a little as I was not a very happy guy after battling a dress for half an hour. Janet said she had fun at the dinner and we did meet some nice people there but it was a little weird and old. Still good to go as I learned I will be assisting with the next event, a wine tasting in January. Word travels fast!

Returning to Connect Janet asked to get ready for bed then have me read Open for a little while. That was a nice way to calm back down for both of us and I found it very hard to leave the room for the night. Part of me gets very used to having Janet at home, especially the new one, and part of me wants her to keep working hard at Connect to get better. I know the latter is what she needs still and the prospect of Janet being at home full time is a little frightening right now but having to say goodnight and drive thirty minutes away sucks.

Praying for a night of restoration and lots of energy for a productive tomorrow.

The Team Save Janet Report is Out! #TSJ #lamps

Renovation Day 55. Hopefully Randy took my advice and rested today. He’s been working hard. Janet, Laurel and I were able to empty all the kitchen boxes and put things in cupboards and drawers. It’s still too early to have a definitive place for everything but at least its all out where we know what we have and can tweak things as needed.

Janet had a bit of a sleep in this morning, getting up after nine thirty. She may have a bit of a cold as she had a massive sneezing attack shortly after she got up. Janet played Foreman as I unwrapped things from their packing paper after breakfast and made suggestions as to where things ought to go. At the bottom of the last big box of kitchen things were the missing table lamps! Yeah! Not sure why they were in a kitchen box but I’m glad they were found. Janet had a good little Skype chat with Mary/Gaga before Laurel got back from the store with supplies to make some desserts.

Laurel and Janet baked for the rest of the morning with Janet mixing and pouring and stirring. She seemed to enjoy it but I could sense she needed a little more action than that to get through the day so I called lunch time then had her do a little standing and walking. Janet’s confidence level wasn’t too high today and it really impacted her performance but she had the basic moves. She reluctantly agreed to go out with Laurel to the Marmalade Cafe and came back all smiles saying “it was fun” as soon as I opened the car door. For some reason Janet declined tea and had coffee instead even after trying Laurel’s tea and really liking it. She’s got it in her head that she doesn’t like tea anymore so I think we are going to just have to give it to her once in a while to help her like it again.

While the girls were out I started putting up the Christmas lights and continued that while they played a memory card game. ChristmasLights2013
Janet seemed to be hanging in there pretty well, showing no signs of needing a nap but she did call an early end to a Skype chat with Leslie then a short while later did the same during a group chat with Andrew and Heather. Janet enjoyed seeing and talking to everyone but felt enough was enough. She ate a good dinner but gave Laurel and I a real scare when she stuffed a large piece of lasagne into her mouth, chewed it a couple times then swallowed. Or tried to swallow. It was way to big to go down and she choked a little before managing enough of a cough to bring it back up. I was pretty mad at her because it was such a silly thing to do, I expect better from her now. It was a good warning that I should probably hone up on my Hiemlech Manouver just in case.

The evening came to a close after watching a little TV and enjoying some ice cream. Laurel had the brilliant idea of sitting Janet on the part of the couch with the chaise lounge on it so she could stretch out her legs. Worked great! I asked Janet if she enjoyed Secret Millionaire or Whose Line Is It Anyway better and she said Whose Line was funnier but that Secret Millionaire isn’t supposed to be funny. She agreed it was meant to be heart warming and inspiring and Janet said it was and it made her feel thankful for all the good things she has. Its really special to see how she can put things together after watching something or reading something now. Big improvement.

Praying for a night of deep and healing sleep that provided lots of energy for tomorrow.

The Team Save Janet Report is Out! #TSJ #Seahawks

Renovation Day 41. Today was get ready for tomorrow day, cleaning up as much as possible and moving appliances to their permanent locations so they are out of the way for all the other stuff arriving tomorrow. Randy and his wife Claudette continued work on the baseboards and did a final clean so that when I got home tonight I could take one last look at the “empty” house.

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Janet and Suzanne were visiting at the kitchen table when I got to Connect and I had to shoo them into the living room so we could watch the football game. Janet’s morning was fairly quiet as Curtis said they gave her a chance to sleep in and make sure her tummy was ok after last night. Janet said all is well and she had a good sleep. It was an enjoyable visit with Suzanne made more so by the Seahawks domination of Minnesota and that made it easy to break from the game to Skype Mary/Gaga. Janet said after the chat that she always has good conversations with her mom and that is mostly true. I feel Janet continues to improve her recall and general conversation abilities. I intentionally said very little and tried not to coach her to see how she’d manage and she did just fine. Now to get her more confident in using the iPad so she can be more independent.

The bike is Janet’s favorite exercise activity and she said so herself three times today so there was no argument about riding before dinner. No records broken today but a strong effort from Janet who ate very well at dinner then had a good Skype chat with Andrew. Janet was not interested in the Standing Frame tonight and I didn’t force the issue but did want her to do something. She finally agreed to do some free standing in her room. She still heavily favors her left leg but made improvements in her ability to lift her left foot completely off the ground. Walking is still done by holding onto me for dear life but there is a visible desire to do it so I think she’ll get there.

Our discussion of what we read in Not a Fan tonight was excellent as Janet continues to get smarter. I was so impressed with her I asked who the president of the United States is and at first she said “Ford” which would be correct forty years ago so I gave her Barack and she quickly added the Obama as she did with Stephen Harper. I didn’t expect her to know anything about that stuff but she does. At bedtime she confirmed with me that “we’re getting our stuff tomorrow right?” She’s very excited to complete the renovations so she can spend a weekend at home. Me too.

Praying for a good sleep tonight and the ability and willingness to work hard tomorrow.

The Team Save Janet Report is Out! #TSJ #Thai

Renovation Day 33. Randy spent the day grouting the backsplash in the kitchen, looks awesome, and priming the cabinets for painting. I finished installing lights and started changing plug outlets and switches after finally figuring out how to reconnect the doorbell. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest.

I met Janet as she was stuck trying to get into her bathroom and was about to call for help. I love that she’s trying these things on her own. Janet is getting more comfortable using the iPhone and iPad and she called her mom to set up a Skype chat that went well. They hadn’t talked for a couple weeks as Mary/Gaga and Keith were in the Bahamas for a little vacation. Janet was happy to get caught up then agreed to a bike ride before going to church and blew me away when she started at 34RPM and stayed in that range for a good ten minutes. She finished with a personal best 1.6 mile ride in twenty five minutes. The timer was set for thirty minutes but I let her stop sooner since she’d beaten her record.

Church tonight was very cool as its baptism weekend at Trinity. We witnessed about fifteen mostly young people get baptized and share their stories. Some of the stories were quite moving and Janet enthusiastically cheered for each person after they got dunked. She really enjoyed the different format of the service tonight and stood for the longest time yet, even shifting weight a little onto the right leg at times. After another Home Depot run we went to try out a new to us restaurant and were very impressed. <a href="http://

20131107-002050.jpg“>Mon Thong served very yummy Vietnamese food that except for one slightly spicy dish was gobbled up by a hungry Janet. We returned to Connect for dessert and a surprise Skype chat with Laurel, Raj and Cam. Janet was very excited to talk to them even though it was almost bedtime and she thought it was nice of them to think of calling her.

Throughout my time with Janet today her right leg was in varying states of stiffness. Most of the time she was able to control it enough that it stayed on the wheelchair footrest. When she was cold and tired it dragged on the ground. I warned her that tomorrow we’d be doing the parallel bars and she’s not that excited about it so hopefully I can convince her to try. Praying for a night of uninterrupted sleep that brings increased strength and flexibility.