Another new post???

As I try to reestablish my blogging abilities, I realized a week passes very quickly!

I wish I had something super exciting to post, but last week was pretty mellow.  Work was pretty stressful for Betsy and Troy was very busy at home trying to organize his office.  We both had summer colds and did not feel like doing too much.

Friday night, our neighbors Kim and Ross came over for tacos.  Ross is a detective so he had some good stories to share!  Kim and I took our dogs down to the dog park for a bit.  A fun evening getting to know them.  Troy and I were both excited to actually know neighbors here.  We feel like there is an air of community here that was definitely lacking in our old place!

Megan and Steven continue to thrive at their respective schools.  Megan is coming home for a home cooked meal tomorrow night.  Steven should be up for a visit next weekend...waiting to hear from his case manager on that.

Today is Monday and it's off to work for me:)  Have a great day everyone!

B

It's time to resume blogging!

It's time.  It's actually past time.  I should be blogging more.  Several people have asked me to start blogging again.  I initially stopped blogging because I felt like I was just putting the same stuff all the time.  But, evidently, you people like boring:)  Just kidding!

Blogging is a good way to keep a diary for myself and keep in touch with others.  So here goes......

We moved two weeks ago.  The previous apartments were pretty......but the neighborhood became scary FAST!  So, we moved.  In August.  On the weekend before school started.  Five days before Megan left for college.  It was hot.  It was miserable.  But, it was all worth it!

Our new place is larger and closer to work.  It has a different feel to it....more like a home instead of an apartment.  The complex has about 300 units and we are in the unit the VERY farthest from the office.  Most of the buildings are three stories but our building is only 2 stories.  All of the three bedroom units in the complex (all 8 of them) are in this one building.  There are four units downstairs and four units upstairs.  We've met 6 of our 7 neighbors the first weekend.  Everyone is friendly and welcoming!

Here are pictures of the new place:

When you walk into the front door, the kitchen and laundry room are on the left.

The master bedroom and bathroom are on the right

A few more steps and you can see the family room on the right.

The dining room is on the left

After the living room/dining room, there is a doorway to a hallway.  This is the view from that doorway.  Megan's room is on the right.  Troy's office is straight ahead.  The hallway bathroom is on the left.

I think one of my favorite parts is the patio.  As you can see, it makes an "L".  The door on the left goes into the family room.  The sliding door goes into Megan's room.  The door on the right goes into Troy's office.

 

When I'm sitting in the blue chair on the patio, this is my view!

When I look left, I see this creek.  I can even hear water when it rains!

Overall, we are loving this place!  It's only been two weeks and we have already met more neighbors than we met at the old place in a year!

I will blog more later:)

B

Christmas 2013

We had a great Christmas this year!  It was a very simple Christmas and very relaxing. Here is a pano of our very messy apartment on Christmas morning!  Although it was crowded and the tree leaned,, it really turned out to be a perfect day!

 

On Christmas Eve day, Troy and I drown to Abilene to visit Steven and spend Christmas Eve with him.  He was thrilled to see us--and us to see him! He was totally into unwrapping gifts this year....well at least a few of them.  It was fun to see him excited at his new noise maker toys!

Christmas Eve night, Megan worked at Outback Steakhouse so Troy and I went over for a quick bite to eat.  We were shocked at how busy restaurants are on Christmas Eve!  Then, we headed home to watch a couple episodes of Alaska Frontier.

Megan got home about 10pm and was just a chatty little lady! At 11:45, we told her she needed to go to bed.  She explained that she wasn't tired.  We explained that Santa needed to come--so she needed to be tired.  She goes, "OOOOOH!  I was wondering why you old people were up so late!"  She went to bed and we played Santa.

Christmas morning we all slept in.  Around 10am, I made monkey bread and coffee which woke them up!  Colin came over about 11:30 and we opened presents slowly and very relaxed.  That evening, we all went over to the Paterson's for dinner with their extended family.  Such a neat group of people.  Very nice evening playing games, chatting, and laughing.

We missed seeing our families at Christmas.  Maybe next year we will make the trip to Phoenix....

B

Back to the Future

Well, it's high time I start blogging again. Looking through old posts I can see how great it is to have the pictures and memories! So, I am officially a blogger. I guess it's best to start with current....and since I started with a weather fascination, I'll start again now with new weather fascination! Don't worry...content will improve! We are iced in! These photos don't do justice to the amount of ice we have on the ground! We have finally warmed up to 24 degrees. The windchill makes it feel like 14 degrees! Today is our second full day iced in and we are doing okay so far. We lost power for about two hours yesterday. But, the power company had us up and running quickly! Our friends, the Ectons, were not so lucky. They lost power on Thursday night and it just came back on late this morning! We were lucky to have them come and stay with us since we had electricity and heat! It was fun to have their little ones in the house! That's all I have to update today. More later. B

Good Intentions

I do have good intentions of updating the blog....really.  But sometimes it gets old saying bad news.  For instance, since I posted last, Troy has had pain pump surgery and gotten infection, numbness in legs, (CT scan tomorrow), Steven was abused by a staff member at his group home and recently was suspended from school for aggression, the car is making weird lights, I've got a really nasty cold and am severely anemic.......blah blah blah.

I mean I should have posted about Megan's awesome Prom!  I'll try to post that this weekend when I have a little more time.  And, I should have posted about my birthday and how great it was to share with friends and co-workers and family.  I should have posted about visiting colleges with Megan.  Or, Chris and Melanie's visit.

But, I don't.  I get caught up in the day to day activities that need to happen.  When I get home, I just want to sit on the couch and not relive the difficult times.  Lord knows there have been a lot of those.  But there are good times too.

We just created a fundraiser through youcaring.com.  Here is the link if you are interested in learning about it.  Don't feel like you need to contribute.....it already hurts my pride to put it out there.  It's public, so feel free to share it with anyone who has an extra buck or two though!

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/fishgod-family-relief-fund/56998

I will try to be better about updating the blog!

Love to all,
Bets

48 Hours Later

Troy is home and trying to catch up from lack of sleep while at the hospital.  Now that the morphine in the spine has worn off, he can definitely see there was a benefit to the pain pump trial. 

His next appointment with the pain specialist is 3/15.  From there, he will be referred to the spine surgeon who will implant the pain pump.

In the meantime, we are preparing for Steven's upcoming move and a quick trip to Phoenix.

Steven's current group home is closing to minors and we've been in transition for a few months.  we finally found  a place we think will be good for him.....unfortunately its 4 hours away.  He moves this Tuesday so I will be going down to Brenham, TX to be there a few days during the transition.

On Friday, we are heading to Phoenix for a medical conference.  We don't have details on our itinerary yet, but will try to sneak in a visit with the parents and a few friends!

We have readers??? Who knew?

Wow!  I have been inundated with requests for me to update the blog!  I had stopped posting several months ago when I felt like I was just repeating the same old stuff.  Evidently, you people thrive on repetition so I will start blogging again and use it as a great way to save my memories of our lives!

Today is Thursday, 2/28.  Troy just got out of the hospital after a morphine pain pump trial.  Basically they injected morphine directly into his spinal column at varying dosages over the past three days.  The goal is to relieve the chronic pain he has been dealing with for nearly three years.

Overall, it was deemed successful....his pain is only at a level 6 instead of a 9.  Next week, we follow up with the pain doc.  Assuming he agrees, the next step will be to the surgeon to install the pain pump permanently.  For those that are interested, here is a link:

http://www.tamethepain.com/about-medtronic-pain-therapies/about-drug-delivery-therapy/index.htm

Troy was initially unsure if there were benefits.  I immediately saw him be more comfortable, his gait was better, and his face looked more relaxed (while the dose was right).  Here's a pic from the hospital. 

I haven't seen a genuine smile like this is a while!

For those that have worried we are worn out and feeling alone, please be assured that we are surrounded by wonderful people who care about us.  Megan spent the past two nights with the Paterson Family.  Yes, it is her boyfriend's family, but his Mom is a Super Eagle Spy and made sure they stayed separated all night long!  The Paterson's truly are an amazing and loving family and we are privileged to know them.  My dear friends at work have been in constant contact via email and texts and are nurturing my soul.  We have several neighbors who have helped out a ton!  A huge shout out to Terri and Courtney Robbins for caring for our dog Cooper!  And, a huge shout out to Kay and Nell, our lovely neighbors, who brought dinner over tonight.

So that is the basic update for tonight.  I'll post more tomorrow.  Thank you all for caring about us and wanting the updates!  We love ya!

Betsy, Troy and the kids

bleeding disorders suck!

So Megan and I are participating in the hemophilia walk this Saturday.    If you are interested in sponsoring our team, here is the link.

http://my.e2rm.com/TeamPage.aspx?teamID=346788&langPref=en-CA

If you are local, please feel free to join us for the walk!

B

Happy Birthday Steven!

Today our little man is 15!  It's hard to believe he's that old already! 

He's come so far in his life and we continue to be amazed and grateful for the opportunity to be his parents.

Today, as part of his birthday festivities, he is going to the Fair.  He will ride rides and eat the fun fair foods!  Last night, the boys in his home had a pizza party to celebrate.  This type of activity is something we only dreamed about years ago.  He has friends.  He is loved.  He is happy. 

Steven has progressed so much further than the diagnosing doctor said he would!  Today, we celebrate the amazing young man he has become! 

We love you Stevie C!  Happy Birthday!

Fort Steven Farter

Steven is all boy. Always has been..... Yesterday I went down to visit him and take care of a few things. We were playing on his bed making a fort and laughing. We were sitting there getting fresh air out of the fort when all of the sudden Steven farted. He quickly grabs the blanket, throws it over my head and makes me stay in Fort Farter! I said, "Steven! You did that on purpose!!!" He laughed and said "Yea!" All boy!

2012-2013 School Year

We have started school this week!  Megan is taking 3 AP courses and is working as well.  She likes her teachers so far and loves driving to school!  She was recently invited to the National English Honor Society--separate from the National Honor Society.

Steven is not loving the school routine so much...but that is pretty typical for the start of the school year!  His teacher is the same one from last year and his staff from the home go to school with him so there is consistency there.

My new school is great!  Everyone has been so nice and friendly.  The demographics at the school are very different from my previous school and I continue to marvel at what a nice campus it is all around. Yesterday I assisted in facilitating two IEP meetings called ARD meetings here in Texas.  Today I have to hold an after school training for all staff.  Things are definitely hopping and I'm liking it.  I'm using more brainpower daily than I used to use in a week!  No wonder I can barely stay awake after 6pm!

Troy is loving his freedom during the day!  While he misses us at times, I think he's mostly enjoying some quiet time without us girls coming and going so much.

That's all that's going on here.

Last week is a blur

Last week is a blur.....but here is a brief recap.

My first week went great.  I'm exhausted from all the brain power I am expending each day.  But, I am happy and enjoying it.

Troy is hanging in and letting himself sleep when we needs to.  He walked to school on Friday and brought me lunch!  Nice treat to see him during the day!

Megan is doing good and working a lot this week.  She likes selling concessions the best but they rotate her to various positions as needed.

Steven was supposed to come visit on Saturday but did not due to staffing issues.  So, I drove down to Abilene instead to check on things.  He is doing great and was happy to see me!

Need more coffee.....

B

Troy's turn

It is Troy's turn for an update.  :)

It has been 9 weeks since his spinal fusion.  Initially he was doing well but things tapered off pretty quickly.  He still has pain but it is more manageable since surgery.  He walks daily and has followed doctor's orders.  But the last x-ray shows minimal bone growth in the lower fusion and none in the uppers.  His disability has been extended until 9/22.  He sees doctor again on 9/23 and may be able to start physical therapy then.  We shall see.

In the meantime, he has enjoyed the company of Megan and I for the summer.....maybe tolerated it?  I went back to work yesterday and Megan goes back to school on 8/27.  Troy will be lonely but has plans to keep himself busy.  He has several models to put together, an office to organize, and some naps to take.  Plus, he says he will bring me lunch once in a while since my school is just across the street!

He's doing better about listening to his body and sleeping when he feels like it instead of letting the clock dictate his schedule.  We are hoping the restorative properties of sleep will help him recover.

B

First Day Jitters

Today is my first day as an Educational Diagnostician.  I'm so excited and nervous that I couldn't sleep.  It is now 5:13am.  I have showered, dressed, and gotten everything ready for the day.  I just have to wait until 7:15 to leave.......

The plan for today is that I go to the Special Ed main office for 3 hours of training.  My mentor (who happens to be the lead Diagnostician for the district) will then take me to lunch and to my campus to introduce me.  I've been to my campus and seen my office but don't have keys yet.  I guess she will leave me there to get settled in?

Speaking of my new school, I think good things are in store.  It's located across the street....literally.  I will walk to school. They were very welcoming when I went by last week.  They are VERY HAPPY to have a new diagnostician.....every staff person I met stated that.  I'm sure there is a scoop there but I didn't want to ask!  The main secretary sent an email to let everyone know the floors were being waxed on Friday and we couldn't come in.  I was surprised to see the distribution list on the email said 'Timber Creek all'; betsy gilchrist.  I wonder if that means I am the only new person?

The next few weeks will be very busy as I get settled, develop routines, and get ready for students to start on 8/27.  The director sent an email stating that I had a "few transfer ARDs" to conduct before school starts.  I'm excited because it sounds like I will hit the ground running!

I will update later this week when my head is spinning....well, spinning even more than usual:)

B

Update from Steven

As promised, here is the update on Steven!  He continues to do great things in Abilene!  He is signing more and has started shaving!

His new favorite sign is "finished" which looks like he's shaping an hourglass in front of himself.  He has mastered it.  Last time I went to visit, we dropped in to say hi to his case manager and behavior coach.  I got to say a quick hi.  Then, Steven signed "finished".  I asked if he was really finished, he answered "yea" verbally, took me by the arm and escorted me out the door!

He is also signing toothbrush, chip, and popcorn.  He's been a bit reluctant to sign popcorn until he went to the movies last week.  His primary aide, Jeff, keeps Steven busy during his down time. They went to the movies and he gave Steven a little popcorn.  Steven tried to grab it back and Jeff said not yet.  Steven started signing "popcorn" without prompting!  They called us via skype that night and told us all about it!

Speaking of skype, we've been skyping with Steven a few times each week and he's become a master at it.  If you are interested in skyping with him, let us know your skype id and we can ask Jeff to skype you one evening!

In addition to growing up, Steven has taken to wearing shades!  He steals EVERYONE's shades at the house.  If a staff member can't find their sunglasses, they search Steven's room.  He doesn't care of they are male or female glasses!


Next month, he will be 15.  Troy can't travel down for a birthday party, so Steven and Jeff are coming up here on 9/15 for us to celebrate!

B