A Glamping We Will Go

So, I'm really really, realllllllly tardy on writing on this blog. But I am going to go with the 'fashionably late'excuse. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. For now.....

My latest Jon story is a lot of fun, because, well, there were animals and balloons involved. 

Animals + Balloons = awesome. 

You know what else is awesome? Annoying nieces who try to take selfies. 

But we have our secrets. I have a feeling Jon will never tell you what they are ;) 

And well your busy trying to figure them out, we'll be here. Tossing rocks down drains. 

Anyway, 

Summer. The season is upon us. Get out there and find some animals, balloons, and drainage holes. 

Kaila. 

Jon's T-Shirt

Schmaunt fat is such a big part of Jon's food 'likes' that I just couldn't help but buy this t-shirt..it is the best find! We happened to go to a local restaurant and when I saw these t-shirts for sale I happily dished out the money. Jon's look doesn't say whether he likes it or not but the rest of us sure do!

It makes us smile:)

Jon came to visit us tonight and he was in a really good mood. We do not take these moods lightly and enjoy all the happy moments with him. His seizures are still well controlled, we are so thankful for that.

But one thing he just won't do and that is smile for the camera, how I wish he would, he has just the bestest smile!!

Pizza, Shmaunt Fat, Being Silly, and Good News

Who says pizza and shmaunt fat doesn't go together?? Don't knock it until you try it:)

Jon stuck his nose into the bowl just to be silly. I laughed and he smiled. But the minute he saw the camera he wiped the smile right off his face.

The good news I want to share is that another med has been added to help decrease Jon's seizures. The name of the med is mylan topiramate. It was started almost 2 months ago and since then Jon has not had any seizures!! He used to have at least a longer one once a week and often many little 'dropsie' type.  Staff has noticed he is more alert and we have noticed the same.

When he was younger I taught him to point to his heart when I asked him 'where does Jesus live?' In the last number of years when I would ask him he would ignore me. Thursday when he was home for a visit I asked him again 'where does Jesus live?' Immediately he pointed to his heart. I was so pleased! I said you remember..and he smiled.

Carving Pumpkins

Time to document another father/son bonding time! We had this little green pumpkin and Jon insisted that it should be carved. Dad was willing and so they went to work. Jon stayed on task till it was done. You can see his excitement!

I love the bottom left photo, they both look a little mischievous:)

The last photo (bottom right)..we finally had an orange pumpkin that Dad carved for Jon.

Day at the Cabin

Jon and his care giver came for lunch at the cabin. After lunch Jon went to see what he could find in the truck box and of course spotted the chainsaw, he loves that thing, he knows what it can do and that is what appeals to him. He found this bandana and without any prompting put it on his head..oh Jon you make me smile!

Jon and his Dad, ready to go for a spin.

And there they go..

Over the hill..

And back down again..

Caught them just as they disappear behind the cabin..

Jon's care giver also took a turn on the quad. It was a good day at the cabin!

Jon's Birthday

Jon celebrated another birthday! He loved his party. He knows it is his special day. Here he is sitting close to the bonfire, throwing grass into the fire and listening to family and friends as they chat.

Enjoying his dessert after the meal.
And I just needed to add this last photo..notice all the stuff on his roof?  Jon loves throwing things on his roof..now we are waiting for a brave soul to climb on the roof and get it all off..

Driveway Repairs

Too many pot holes on the driveway so a load of gravel was ordered. Jon was excited to see the big truck arrive. He knew something was about to happen.

The truck box started to lift up..

And then the gravel started to pour out..

Goodbye pot holes..

Then Dad arrived with the tractor to smooth out the gravel.

And where was Jon while Dad was scraping the driveway?? Rolling rocks by his shed.

Jon's Jobs..

Looks like Jon is getting the jobs done. Cutting grass, cleaning the car..
It may look like that but I just happened to get shots of him walking past the mower and standing beside the car with my dishcloth in hand:)

Flower Pots..

These flowers in the pots had just started to bloom nicely.. until Jon threw them. Three down..thank goodness I caught him in time, he was heading for the rest. This evening really did start off very well..
He has apologized..case closed.

Working on Jon's Yard

Dad is trimming around the fire pit. Chain saw is waiting to be used..Jon kept looking at it, in anticipation of a tree coming down.

The tree has come down and Dad is cutting it up in pieces, ready for the bonfire. Jon is safely behind the tree.

Every job site needs a supervisor!

The job is almost done.

After all the hard work Dad and Jon are barbecuing burgers for lunch.

Mother's Day

Jon's Mother's Day gift to me! He just thrust the 'plant in the boot' into my hands and started to walk away. I called him back and said "thank you Jon, what a great gift"..he gave me a shy smile and nodded. How very sweet..

A New Ball

Jon usually will get his ball from his room to play catch with us when he is home. The old blue ball was looking a little 'worn and dented' so we bought a new one! He wasn't much interested in the new ball and only allowed a quick photo before he threw it aside. I guess he still has some attachment to the old one. I think he likes the fact that it has a nice dent to grab onto:)

More muffins..

Oh boy, the muffins I sent along with Jon last Thursday were scarfed down just like that!! So here is another batch for him..carrot/apple/raisin muffins and banana, poppy seed muffins.  He loves eating them crumbled in a bowl with milk..would that be muffin cereal??
Jon came to vist us tonight. Shortly after supper he had a 7 minute seizure which was quite intense. Felt so bad for him. When it was all over he relaxed in the rocking chair for awhile. After his rest he was so happy, almost like a pressure had been lifted from him.
His sisters came to visit and he enjoyed their company.
Enjoy your muffins Jon!

Muffin Man!

Muffins are one of Jon's favorites, he has always liked them! When he comes to visit us, I usually send muffins home with him. And that is what he usually chooses for breakfast the following day. This time was no different..he took home a dozen banana/peanut butter with chocolate chip muffins and a dozen lemon coconut muffins. Should keep him happy for awhile although I do think he shares with his caregivers:)

Wrapped Surprise Package!

Dad and Mom went on a little holiday, known as 'meetings' to Jon. I had promised to bring him a little something. Of course I remembered and wrapped it up..it's always more special when a gift is wrapped, right?  By the third photo frame you can tell he was getting anxious and is working really hard at ripping the paper.
I love that little sideways look he gives me when he sees the camera.
With a little help from Dad the rubber snake comes out of the package. Both the rubbery frog and snake were a hit. The t-shirt not so much:) That last photo..trust me, he is really happy but likes to show a stern face for the camera.

Valentine Cookie Bouquet

 Isn't he a sweetheart..he surprised us with a 'cookie bouquet' today. He's a bit early for Valentine's Day but who cares. Thank you Jon, that is so sweet of you! Love you!

Whatever..

Sometimes he just goes along with whatever, although I really do wonder what his thoughts are on this..
Maybe he is thinking.."if it makes them smile, I can wear these silly glasses".

"Love you, goodnight.."

When Jon comes for a visit he brings this well worn jean bag along, which holds his meds. When he lived in a home with three other men this little pocket had his picture in it so everyone would know whose bag it was. Since he lives alone now (with 24 hour staffing that is) the photo has been switched to Mom and Dad. Every night when Jon goes to bed, he places this bag with our photo 'just so' on the pillow. He then snuggles up close to it..as if to say "I love you, goodnight Mom and Dad". (at least that's what I'm guessing he is thinking:)

Jon's Scanner Headboard

This is Jon's headboard, staff did a great job!! Can you guess what the scanning code is?

Organizing Jon's Closet

Organized Jon's closet tonight and packed up clothes and stuff he didn't need!

Now this looks neat!  And look at all those empty shelves..wonder what they will get filled with?? The orange bag is full of stuff I cleared out of his closet. Every once in awhile Jon came to see what I was doing..hope I didn't take any of his favorite things!

Curious Jon

 Jon is very curious, he couldn't resist trying to see what could be behind the wall in the storage room. Onto the chair and then the bin..a little support, a little stretch and he managed to peer over the edge.

"Oops..Mom found me! And how did Dad get here so fast with the camera?"

Jon's New Kitchen Cupboards..

Jon has new cupboards in his kitchen! Oh how he loved watching the old cupboards being ripped out, he was right there in everyone's space making sure not to miss a thing!
More changes happening in his house..he will be so pumped!!

We couldn't figure out what Jon was doing on the roof of the truck..we watched him for a bit before calling him down. It appears he wanted to get at the light bulb..he loves to turn out bulbs whenever he is able to..he is very quick at it too. He is the first one to notice when a bulb is missing.
Other than that we had a pretty normal type of evening. Oh there was one other thing..cake throwing..he was very quick with that too. One quick handful and there was cake spread out on the floor!