Glad to report of even more progress this week. On Monday he was in the pool, and he took 8 steps all by himself with no assistance whatsoever...he didn't even realize he did it, he just took off walking. It was unbelievable. I was watching, but was actually thinking that one of the therapists must have be helping him because he walked so fast and so good, but they weren't. When we told him what he did, he didn't believe it either! We were practicing standing over the weekend and he set another record...he was able to stand without losing his balance for 2 minutes and 45 seconds.

Things continue to move forward on the house purchase, too. So, still praying that we don't hit a snag. They've asked for everything except my first born child!

We'll head to WF this morning and have the rest of the week off. If you get a chance, come by and see us over the holidays. We had visits from Tommy Burnett, Devin and Sandra and Aunt Chyral who brought her boy over some banana nut muffins! Everyone says that Rick is looking and sounding better and better all the time.

We have so much to be thankful for. And thank God every day for all he's done for us. I read the following in my daily devotional:

Thank me frequently as you journey through today. When your mind is occupied with thanking Me, you have no time for worrying or complaining. If you practice thankfulness consistenly, negative thought patterns will gradually grow weaker and weaker. Draw near to me with a grateful heart and My presence will fill you with joy and peace.

Love,
Crystal

Well, after a week of break, Rick went back to therapy and blew everybody's socks off! Every single session he had last week was an awesome one. Every therapist said it was the best he had ever done...some were even asking me if we had changed meds or if we were doing something different. My only explanation is that something else has healed, something else has reconnected up there in that noggin'. This weekend we went to the movies. I'm always a little hesitant to get Rick out and about because you never know what places are going to be wheelchair accessible and also going to have family restrooms. Like a couple of weeks ago we needed to buy a new dress and shoes for Riley for a school dance. Rick insisted that he wanted to go with us, so I didn't argue. I tried to avoid the mall, but ended up having to go there. While we were there he had to go to the bathroom twice (yes, we were there that long) and both times I had to take him into the ladies restroom and just apologize to all the ladies as we came trucking through because the mall doesn't have a family restroom. But the movies were perfect...great seats, great movie...and Rick' favorite...popcorn! We saw Secretariate and it was really good..."you gotta run your race." This week started off in the pool on Monday. Marcie says his balance in the pool is really good, so they're going to try to go in the deeper water next week. We'll go back to WF tomorrow and then on Thursday and Friday we will be in Lubbock for doctors appointments.

Other exciting news is that we put a contract on a house. Please say a prayer that everything comes through, everyone is really excited about having our on place again.

Hope everyone has a blessed week.

Love,
Crystal

A week of break was exactly what Rick needed. We did a few things at home each day, and went to see Tim twice, but other than that, he was able to enjoy his break. He even made some progress this week, and I really think that sometimes he's so tired after therapy that he can't do much for himself at home. This week he shaved himself 3 times...took him about 15 minutes each time and he was able to get 95% by himself. The first few times he tried to shave himself, it took 45 minutes and he was only able to get about 60%. One morning I took the kids to school and came back to check on him. He was sleeping soundly, so I got in the shower. Checked on him after the shower and he was awake. So, I said, "let me get my shoes on and I'll help you get up." So I came in the livingroom, put my shoes on and when I got back to the bedroom, there he was, standing up beside the bed all my himself. I said, "OMG, Rick what are you doing?' And he smiled really big and said, "waitin' on you." He's just been able to sit up on the edge of the bed by himself in the last few weeks because it is so soft, so to actually be able to stand up from there and then stand there keeping his balance...wow! And last but not least his best accomplishment happened in the bathroom. He usually stands pretty good from his wheelchair, but then needs help keeping his balance to turn and to sit down. But, now, he seems to have this down, too. The more his balance improves the more his walking improves. I'm so proud of him!

Love,
Crystal