Catch up

It has been a long time since I've even looked at my blog! It' is already March. We got a new puppy in February. He is a chocolate lab. He is quite a character. We named him Gunner. He doesn't really answer to Gunner, he doesn't really answer to anything. He is learning though. He knows Where his bed is, his bowl is and he even knows where we keep the dog food. He likes to play fetch with a duck wing and when we tell him to go lay down, he does! He likes to follow Paul around the yard. Bailey has tolerated him and had to put him in his place a few times.Bailey and Gunner get along really good, they keep each other company when we can't play with them.

Spark People - Cool Site

Still hanging in. I've been doing this program that Carrie showed me on Spark People. It is a pretty cool site that tracks nutrition, fitness ect... I've been doing it for about a week. Not much on the weight loss yet but I have been working out more and drinking 8 or more glasses of water a day. Tracking my food has been kind of eye opening...it helps me face up to all the junk that I have eaten in the past, I say past because since I have been doing the nutrition tracker I have been a whole lot better on cutting out alot of junk. Only lost a pound but I'll take it. Didn't realize how weak my legs were until I started my fitness routine and added front lunges. Holy Crap!! my thighs and butt cramped up and were sore for about four days. I do those lunges three times a week along with other strength training exercises. I'm hoping to be able to have stronger legs and arms so I can get up on a horse all by myself without looking like an idiot! Soooo... that is what has been going on this past week.

Motivation

Talked to Carrie this morning and got some more motivation to stick with the plan. Carrie has been going to the club and working on two miles a day except yesterday she went skiing with Austin. Told her about the Pinedale half marathon on September 25th this year, our friends Syd, Karen and Kris entered it last year and had a lot of fun.

Went to Spine Idaho with Bryan today. Dr. Farrell did an epideral injection in Bryans neck. We are hoping that this will take away his pain and help him recover. He has an appiontment with Dr. Newhouse on Tuesday, we are hoping for a real good report. It is about time that he finally gets some relief.

The Boys

Darrell

My Dad Rocks! Today I met my mom, aunt Joanie , dad and dads speech therapist at a doctor appointment in Idaho falls. This appointment was with Dr. Hinckley the Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist. Dad saw him three months ago. Our hope was that he is closer to getting his trake out. Dad has been working extra hard to get stronger. He has done everything that is asked of him and then more. He's improved so much that his doctor in Rexburg ordered occupational therapy to start back up again. They had canceled it months ago because they didn't think he had made any progress. Dad has always been one of those people that confronts his challenges head on and always tries to do more than is expected. Dad has always pushed himself to do more push ups, more sit ups, go longer on the eliptical, run more miles faster, go , go , go.....up until the day he fell and cracked his head open. He wasn't expected to live through the weekend. He wasn't expected to wake up from his coma. He wasn't expected to respond to, or recognize people. He wasn't expected to show much of anything and he is proving everyone that has ever doubted him wrong. Dad is a real inspiration. My Dad is brave, smart, funny, caring, a spiritual giant and he loves all his family and friends. You Go Dad!!! At his appointment today Dr. Hinckley was pleased with his improvements and has ordered more therapy's to his schedule He suggested ice chips to help with his swallowing and congestion, dad hasn't been able to eat or drink anything for 19 months. Dr. Hinckley also ordered some electrical stimulation to help stimulate and strengthen the muscles in his throat to help him strengthen his swallowing. His next appointment is April 15th. I can't wait to see how much he improves.