Goal #29 - Sort of Check

Having to use my arms to sit up after leaning forward creates some interesting situations. Like when I'm trying to help clean up toys and I need both hands to pick up a bigger toy, it's definitely quite a process to pick it up and sit back up. While I can't do it without any help from my arms, I am able to sit up using my arms, in my wheelchair, from almost any position. It's much better than I was. I remember when I would lean too far forward and I was done for. Someone else had come sit me back up. So while its not a complete check off, it's progress, and I'll always take progress!

Goal #30 - Check

The Elk's really jump started my independence by making me a set of leg straps.  They were fabric straps the had loops on them.  They had velcro and were placed around my thighs and ankles to help me move, lift, cross, and position my legs.  They really were vital to learning to transfer and helped in strengthening a lot.  As much as they helped I reached a point that I hated them sticking out and seeing them over my clothes. So I decided one day not to wear them. It took a lot of practice and troubleshoot but eventually I was able to get rid of all four of them! I am thankful for what they did for me, but now there is one less contraption I'm dependent on.

Goal #22 - Check

Before my van, getting in and out of a car was something I needed to learn. Using the hoyer lift to get in and out of my parents car was no easy task for anyone involved (especially for whoever had to take apart and load the hoyer lift). So Tami helped me learn. There was a little trial and error, but with the right equipment we got it done. It was a big help. It made getting to Dr appointments, shopping, and outings in general so much easier. It's definitely not something I can do independently but it can be done!

Goal #18 - Check

I'm very thankful I have learned to dress myself, however I'm pretty much limited to pajama type bottoms and t-shirts. It's fine for around the house, but I want to be able to wear a bigger variety of clothes (you know, before I get submitted by a lovely family member to "What Not To Wear"). It took lots of practice and some new contraptions but I have successfully learned to put in jeans! I love that I can do it myself and that they are an option for me. I still usually wear pajama type pants, but my closet is slowly filling up with other options.

Goal #15 - Sort of Check

I try to do as much as I can for myself and my family. I want to be able to do laundry. Well ... I sort of can. I can get clothes into the washer but not out. Just another appliance made for standing people. ;). So I've done what I can and that is folding clothes and putting them away. One day, when I have some money, I will buy a front loading washer and dryer which will make the whole process something I can do.

Goal #28 - Check (Only A Couple Times)

Being able to do a real depression lift would make my life sooooooo much easier. It would make transfers easier and more difficult transfers possible. However, thanks to my lovely right triceps, it has been a real struggle! However, while in therapy I did it there were a handful of depression lifts were my butt completely left the table. I'm sure we got more than a couple strange looks as we practiced. My therapist would hunch down in front of me and look between and underneath my legs to see if he saw daylight. Well, the light shown through a few times. I need to get practicing again!

Goal #14 - Check

My kiddos were having kind of a rough day. No reason in particular, just grumpy, sad, fighting, etc. So I decided to knock off two goals and hoping they would focus on someone other than themselves. I hoped it would change their mind set. I'm happy to say we had success. We made cookies to take to some friends. We took the easy route and we use pre-made cookie dough.  They were excited to bake them, help put them on the cookie sheet, and were excited again to take them to friends. It turned into a fun and memorable day.