Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas!! Filled with joy & sweet forgivness that only Jesus brings!

We enjoyed reading Luke 2 to slow down and remember this is the reason for the season! After we read, we HAD to act out our own nativity!

Lovebug was Mary who struggled to be mild! Ladybug was her choice of a donkey at the manger. Daddy was Joseph, the Angle of the Lord & our narator. Memom carried her shepherd's crook of a candy cane. Mama circled and came as a wise man to worship the King. Swaddled and laid into a manger box was our bear as Jesus. Grandaddy was Herod & watched our nativity.

I pray you a moment to slow down and read Luke 2.

Jesus is born & risen!!! King of Kings! ss

Our 2007 Christmas Letter

Hold on! Our 2007 roller coaster of life kept us on the edge! It has been a wild year! Through it all God has woven his comfort!! His hand has been strong & sure.

The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hand. Psalm 19:1-2

Our path was in the clouds thru the Rocky Mountains. In Estes park we drove into snow! The mountains truly declared the glories of God. The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hand, Psalm 19:1-2. We skied A-Basin in Colorado! That’s to say K made his way up the mountain and Lovebug mastered the bunny slope & lift. Ladybug skied well with an instructor. Alas, I struggled on the bunny slope, flopped on the magic carpet and understood how my dad could ski the parking lot!! Maybe that’s a genetic trait. K says it is better the second time you go skiing, yet I’ll reserve my thoughts on that.

We hit a speed bump as Hubbie had emergency surgery on 7/31! He awoke knowing nothing about what a diverticulum or colostomy were (that was a rude awaking). Following a week in the hospital, he repeated it all again 8 weeks later with the 2nd surgery to end the colostomy. All in all Kerry stayed 14 days in the hospital… walk… walk… walk… Thanks to the friends who kept the girls for this hospital visit& church family & the family that came to fill the gaps in our great need & flowers and many notes of encouragement. In that time we learned we were expecting a baby. In the weeks that followed the girls and I started our mornings with… fearfully & wonderfully made, knit together in my mother’s womb… Psalm 139

Thanks to the friends who kept our girls for the hospital visits & church family & the family that came to fill the gaps in our great need & flowers & many notes of encouragement.

We packed for Pennsylvania in the midst of those surgeries. The doctor let K travel… (this is not recommended after busting a gut). We took Philadelphia slowly, saw the Liberty bell, met Betsy Ross, got some confederate notes from a Yankee dressed like a Rebel. Ladybug met her great-Grand parents Cyrus & Erma for the first time. They saw where their daddy learned to shoot groundhogs, launch model rockets, touch an electric fence. They helped Great Grandpa fed the fish in the pond. Numerous times Megan & Lillian walked down the lane to help daddy get well! They laughed a lot as they rode the tandem bike. We ate chocolate in Hershey PA… Yummy! We discovered the owner of the Reading railroad from Monopoly (pronounced Redding for all the southerners reading), and he gave us a personal tour of his grandfather’s castle, the Stokesay Castle. It is a copy of an English Castle!! Wow all in PA! Thanks to the family we stayed with!

A grief came in that midst! September 20, Kyle our baby boy was born in heaven. We celebrated this little one when we found out about his coming while in the hospital first round. We cried & grieved his loss. Even the darkness is not dark to him Ps 139:12. This was merely 2 weeks before Kerry’s 2nd surgery. We were hemmed in tight. You hem me in- behind and before… Ps 139:5. For weeks and months now, my girls yet think of their baby brother.

In the quiet and the background from all the excitement… Lovebug is in 2nd grade. She is a good reader. Ladybug is in Kindergarten and writes, colors, glues, & dot-to-dots her alphabet. We’ve learned about sea life with Pagoo, a hermit crab. We’ve met Kings of An Island Story and saw William the Conqueror beat King Harold. Lovebug celebrated her birthday with Betsy in Understood Betsy. We’ve seen Christian on his journey beyond the Slough of Despond in Pilgrim’s Progress. We’ve started our day with God’s precious word and the girls know Psalm 1, 19, 23, 139. We’ve dabbled in Spanish. Our days are tight. The girls have enjoyed ballet & choir, too. Lovebug declared this week that one day she’ll homeschool her kids. We love it!

This year I, (K) made a big career change. After 14 years, or something like that, with General Dynamics/Vertex RSI/Tripoint Global/Vertex Communications Corp, I changed companies. Now I work in Marshall, for Norit-Americas, Inc.. I’m a Project Engineer in the Systems and Services group works along side the production of activated carbon used for filtration products, if it needs to be filtered I’ll bet we can filter it. The rest of my time is filled with lots of FBC projects and video editing, multimedia presentations. Then there’s doctor appointments and a CTscan this week. I am still supposed to be resting in that mix so I can get completely healed.

(S) My joy and privilege is to be home with our girls. School keeps me busy and we’re enjoying our study with Amblesideonline.com. I’ve had a burden & joy to pray with friends and have seen God’s hand working. I’m enjoying our cooking group 4Some and it’s a HUGE help to have meals ready. My freezer is empty for the first time in years and we’ll cook in January. I’m also learning to knit socks! Mom is my excellent teacher even on the phone! I’m nearly done with one very cute sock. We’ve also started a blog through this year’s journey. We’ve enjoyed watching the world thru our hits!! Learning with the Girls at http://grace2u-s2.blogspot.com/ *(as if 6/08). We’ve written thru lots of our year and you can catch up there (here).

From our world to yours… Have a wonderful Christmas celebrating Jesus! May you see thru the eyes of a child and see the wonder of The King is born.

S & K, M8 & L5

Cream Mushroom Soup

Cream of Mushroom Soup

For FBC Mission’s Ladies Lunch 2/06 - From Patti Coles

I made this soup for about 60 for that lunch... It was a hit!!! I've been asked about it many times since!! Maybe I'll make it this week! Soup!! I've been making a soup a week and freezing it for lunches!! Hubbie ate all my Hot Taco & I like the Chicken-Rice.... I'm not sure how this will freeze... but it will be yummy!!

Grace! ss

Cream of Mushroom Soup

3 pkg sliced fresh Mushrooms
1 med onion finely chopped
3 T butter ** use real
1/2c flour
2 (14oz) cans Chicken Broth
3c Whipping Cream
1/4c dry white wine
1 1/2t salt
1t tarragon
1t Worcestershire sauce
1/4t white pepper

Coarsely chop mushrooms.

Sauté mushrooms & onion in butter in large Dutch oven over med heat 10 minutes. Add flour, stirring until smooth. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Stir in broth & remaining ingredients. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium- high. Cook 20 minutes or until thickened stirring often.

*Be careful not to let it come to a full boil… it wills separate & not turn our right. It can also scorch & taste burnt.

Print by Print

I'm checking my laser... print by print... It's been a mess lately.... Mostly it hungry I guess, for toner.. when it's not chewing and jamming on paper!! Alas, this laser has seen many many years!!! It's much older than our girls... and goes back to college days!!!

It has survived a flood! When the roof in the old house needed to be replaced... it leeked only on this printer... Yikes!! And once dry, it was merrily printing again..

Toner cartriages have gotten quite difficult to find!! This is an old HPIIIP. In the years we've upgraded the memory.

Now I've talked of a new printer.. and now I must weigh the balance... a toner that approaches $100... or putting that chunk toward a new printer!!??? Oh, I'd really like to be able to print on both sides.. Now I'm here feeding each Christmas letter in 2x....

Oh, now I'm out of paper!!! Alas!! This is work!!! :) ss

Christmas Lights

Tonight we did the drive for Christmas lights!! The girls were thrilled with Santa & Rudolph & sleigh on top of the hospital!! They wanted to climb into that sleigh!! They were also in hunt for Santa... Lovebug carried her huge list all rolled up with a bow... Alas, he was not to be found....

Our Christmas cards are out!! They landed in Ohio!! So if you are between here and there or somewhere beyond... Merry Christmas!!

School is officially out!!! We yet have a bit of stragglers to run on... math...but we are definately moving at a different pace!! with games in toe too!! Today we cleaned... so we can make Christmas cookies!! Tomorrow... That sounds fun!! We have a ginerbread house to decorate too!!

Wednesday Hubbie has his follow up from the CTScan... Tonight he's hurt a bit... yet says no to even tylonol...

Ladybug said her brother was looking at Christmas lights with her.... and then later they said Kyle was playing with Holly in heaven. We could only smile!! God is good!!!

Grace & Glittering Lights that declare Jesus is the Light of the world! ss

Christmas Lights

Tonight we did the drive for Christmas lights!! The girls were thrilled with Santa & Rudolph & sleigh on top of the hospital!! They wanted to climb into that sleigh!! They were also in hunt for Santa... Lovebug carried her huge list all rolled up with a bow... Alas, he was not to be found....

Our Christmas cards are out!! They landed in Ohio!! So if you are between here and there or somewhere beyond... Merry Christmas!!

School is officially out!!! We yet have a bit of stragglers to run on... math...but we are definately moving at a different pace!! with games in toe too!! Today we cleaned... so we can make Christmas cookies!! Tomorrow... That sounds fun!! We have a ginerbread house to decorate too!!

Wednesday Hubbie has his follow up from the CTScan... Tonight he's hurt a bit... yet says no to even tylonol...

Ladybug said her brother was looking at Christmas lights with her.... and then later they said Kyle was playing with Holly in heaven. We could only smile!! God is good!!!

Grace & Glittering Lights that declare Jesus is the Light of the world! ss

Christmas Cards

Do you do Christmas cards?

We are in production!! Last year each of us signed each card!! That's not my ambition this year!! I'm just getting ready to hit the print & send them out!

Do you send a picture? I so like to see families grow up! I try hard to take that Christmas pic!! This year we used our April Colorado pic!! That was easy!

Hopefully they will be in the mail by the weekend or so!!

Hubbie has a CTScan on Friday to make sure there's nothing to his pain. Yesterday Ladybug had yet another fall and busted her lip and messed the same area of her Peter Pan teeth!! We'll finish school this week, the first term of AO2!! Grace to ya! And tinsil too!! ss

Christmas Cookies

We are making cookies at home and here too!!

Enjoy the nibbles! ss

Get your own! More Flash Toys from TheoWorlds.com

Comments
Dec. 12, 2007 - Posted by Anonymous
the cookies are SO cute! where do you find this stuff!! :) hope you are having a great day.

More Cookies

Hope you'll take a moment to go make you a cookie too!! ss

Get your own! More Flash Toys from TheoWorlds.com

Memorize!

We are brushing on the final touches of Psalm 139. There are just a few rough spots... missing a phrase... or so. Lovebug has asked to move on to a new passage...

Challenge- She need to say this passage... like during Christmas with family... and then we'll start something new.

?How do you memorize?

Every morning at breakfast, we read our Psalm. We'll read it and talke about it. It is a very causual & no pressure reading. We are NOT focusing on memorizing!!! I know if we consistently read the passage... we'll know it!! It will be like a friend! Every morning I read to the girls. Sometimes Lovebug wants to read... I love her reading God's word.

As we go along.. I'll stop and see if they know what comes next. Gradually we'll set it to memory. Some parts we'll know and others need more attention. I'll do more focused reading starting sometimes at our harder parts.

Now we are at our challenge point. We nearly have the passage word for word. We'll spend the next few weeks reviewing and practicing reciting the Psalm. Hopefully Christmas we'll say it top to bottom!

?How long do you spend on a passage?

We started Psalm 139 when we were expecting a baby! That was August. We we lost the baby in September I found so much comfort in the same Psalm... It was awsome to see God's workd meeting me in such grief.

So it has been from August to December. That's 5 months... with many breaks with surgery in the midst too. My goal is to work on a single passage for each trimester of our schooling. That's 12 weeks. Before this we learned Psalm 19. We picked it up after our Colorado trip. That was 4 months, April thru July.

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers and flowers fade, but the word of our God lasts forever.

As we make His word part of our day, I think we take on a bit of eternity!! For this lasts...

Grace! ss

Happy B Lovebug

Happy B to Lovebug!! Big 8 years!! We celebrated with friends at a wonderful indoor playing area! This is a bit early for she'll be 8 on the 4th, Tuesday!!

Eight years!! 2nd grade!! Teeth are squished and we are seeing an orthodontist! She's getting tall. She dresses up to a lovely young lady. She's a help to her sister with letters and learning. Often times she helps little sis to clean her room! She's great answering the phone. She likes dress up, sparkles, painted fingers, earings, and shoes with heals. She can run fast in those heels. She's nearly broken her nose! She enjoying ballet. She's learned Psalm 1, 19, 23 & 139 and can recite them. Her tantrums are tough. And she's known for her faces! She loves Jesus and has sought Him fasting. She yet grieves the loss of our little one and still prays for a baby.

She's reading Understood Betsy & Heidi both from AO2. She and Betsy will share their birthdays next week!!! How fun!

Grace! ss

Lessons: He is the potter, I am the clay. Jer. 18.

Followup: Hubbie is yet healing from Monday's Dr appt. Orthodontists are on a pendulum... from pull all 4 teeth to pull none! The nose has healed only occasionaly hurts. Ladybug yet has Peter Pan teeth. The sinus battles are declining, I hope. Grace to ya!!!

Comments
Dec. 3, 2007 - Posted by Anonymous
happy birthday m. sorry we didn't make it to the party...jack came down w/ a cold. suzannah was very disappointed. sounds like they had a good time. m looked beautiful. stacey

Thanksgiving

We ejoyed a lovely Thanksgiving with Memom & Grandaddy & Uncle Erica & cousin Erica! We had a week full of fun.

The girls enjoyed playing Rummykube. This is a great game for the girls 7/8 and adults!! With 2-4 players you used numbered & colored cubes to make a set of same numbers in different colors or a series of numbers in one color... Just a week or so ago G'Ma Carol & G'Pa Ben taught us to play... and we were hooked!

While visiting we watched Amazing Grace. Wow it is awsome how one man changed the course of England! We need boys to grow into men like that!!

It is cool back at home!! Cool is low in the 40's. We're enjoying schooling by the fire.

Tomorrow is a Orthodontist #2 day!! We are also thrilled to be having G'ma Carol & G'pa Ben over with their crew!!

Tomorrow I'll be busy making a Taco Soup & Lovebug has asked for the Coconut Pies!! I hope that fits too!!! Then there's a B cake to make by Thursday!! Small Group is here on Wendesday... and I'm feeling snowed!!!

Pray for snow! Grace!! ss

Cornbread Salad

This is what I want to make this week at Memom's!! Have a great Thanksgiving!!! ss

Cornbread Salad from Michelle F.

• 1 (16oz) pkg. corn bread mix


• 1 (1 oz) pkg. ranch dressing mix


• 1 ½ c. sour cream


• 1 ½ c. mayonnaise


• 1 (15 oz) cans pinto beans, drained


• 3 tomatoes, chopped


• 1 c. chopped green bell pepper


• 1 c. chopped green onion


• 2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese


• 10 slices bacon


• 2 (11 oz) cans whole kernel corn, drained

Prepare corn bread according to package directions. Set aside to cool.

Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until

evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside. Whisk together the salad

dressing mix, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Set aside. Place half of the

crumbled corn bread in the bottom of a large serving dish. Top with half of

beans. Add the tomatoes, half of cheese, bacon, corn and salad dressing.

Repeat layering using remaining ingredients. Garnish as desired. Cover and

chill two to three hours before serving.

The Art of Knitting

We've just started working on knitting with Lovebug and Ladybug. I'm not sure they will be hooked... but it has been fun to check out....

The Art of Knitting 4 Kids is a DVD with great instruction!! Here is a snip it! I think it is an easy way to introduce you and your kidos to knitting...

Memom picked up this DVD. She is a compulsive knitter!! She's having a ball knitting socks!! We have a great shop we can get to get yarn & help!!

I'm knitting a bit!! I'm learning from Memom too!!!

Grace! ss

Comments

Nov. 17, 2007 - Posted by Leigharev2
Hi! I am very attracted to AO, but love Sonlight and am currently using that. I am looking into trying to morph some of the elements of AO into our routine.

Oral Surgery

Daddy's teeth!  O how quickly we head into the next thing....  I'd call it yet another crisis, but it just seems to be life this year... 

Orthodontics appintments have started already.  For a year we've made visits as they watch Lovebugs baby teeth be crowded out.  We'll this was the visit of action!!  Yikes, 4 baby teeth to come out!!  Peter Pan had a much better deal just sticking with his baby teeth!!!

This extraction is too much for our wonderful & familiar dentist DDS Baker...  Alas, we've been refered to an oral surgeon!!   Hubbie is in BSF with DDS Mac....  so it seems the path is set. 

Daddy had all this route as a child... a head brace... something called a functional regulator...  and a whole lot of stuff to give him a beautiful smile!!  (Thanks Mom & Dad!!)  He even threw part of it in the trash at school!!!   Maybe we'll not have that problem.... 

The appointment is for aftter Thanksgiving.... and maybe we'll put the surgery off into next year... this year has truely been a banner year!!

Rejoice in the Lord always!  ss

Better Yogurt

Would you believe last time I posted on yogurt... it flopped!!! My lesson from that round was new milk is much better than older milk!!

Yogurt for Daddy & the Girls!

• 4c Milk
• 3-4T Cornstarch
• Yogurt starter

1. Heat the milk & cornstarch till thickened... and just boiling...


2. Cool the milk to 120ish degrees... mix a small portion with the starter & combine with all cooled milk.


3. Put into yogurt maker for 24 hours.

Flavor the Yogurt- sweeten the entire batch

• 1/3 c maple syrup


• 2~ T of your favorite fruit preserves. Hubbie really likes peach.... we're also making blueberry, strawberry, apricot, blackberry, & raspberry.

I generally spin the batch with my immersion handheld blender. Enjoy! I'm making 3-4 batches a week!! Maybe cooler temps will slow it down.... we'll see.

Well, that blender is the latest appliance to spark & toast!! Maybe it will be on my list for the biggest shopping day of the year... Toaster ovens, microwaves & blenders are not meant to last forever!!! God's word lasts forever!!! ss

Chicken & Rice Soup

A few weeks ago, we enjoyed a wonderful weekend with Memom & Aunt Karen. One of our delights that weekend was a wonderful soup...

Memom's Chicken & Rice Soup

• Whole Chicken


• Onion - Diced


• 3 Ribs Celery Diced


• Salt & Pepper


• 10oz Mahatma Saffron Yellow Rice **Next time I'll use the 5oz


• Peas & Carrots - Frozen

1. On stove top, cover Chicken with water, add Onions & Celery. Bring to boil & cook til done (2hrs). Remove Chicken & all bones :). Debone Chicken & dice. Remove the fat from the broth.


2. Bring broth w/ onions & celery to boil add rice. Cover and cook until done.


3. Add Carrots & Peas (& corn too if ya wish) & add back Chicken & cook til carots are just done. (With the 10 ounces of riced I added back in like 3 cans of broth.... that's why I'll go to the 5 ounce next time.... and a little white rice if needed... )


4. Serve with crackers and Enjoy!! Freeze in small zips for and easy lunch on cold winter days!!

I took the soup to our Small Group last night!! I think Caleb (4) liked it the most!! What fun!!

Rejoice in the Lord always! ss

My Best Overall Coconut Pie

I yet cannot believe I won the best overall pie contest!!

Best Overall Coconut Pie

Here's the recipe...

in a minute!! ss

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Tonight we're heading to our Small Group.  The day has been yet another struggle... oral surgery!!  but that's another post...  This is great for the season!!!

Pumpking Dump Cake  from AllRecipes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (29 ounce) can pumpkin puree


• 3 eggs


• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar


• 1/2 cup white sugar


• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk


• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon


• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger


• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves


• 1/2 teaspoon salt


• 1 (18.25 ounce) package spice cake mix (I used a yellow cake)


• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans


• 1/2 cup melted butter

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch pan.


2. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, white sugar and milk. Stir in cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt. Pour into pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin filling. Sprinkle pecans over the cake mix. Drizzle melted butter over all.


3. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Allow to cool.

Enjoy God provison & give Him thanks!! ss

Broke Broke Broken

Ok.... I'm glad it is not a nose! And Hubbie is healing...

Yet! I'm getting weary of this!! Broke broke broken.... Today it is the microwave!! The button to open & close the door is popping out. I've already lost the toaster oven because it shocked me... grr...

It seems everything broken and everybody has been broken/damages & is healing... I'm weary! We've started to dig out of the related bills... it will stretch us & make us lean... :) Leaning on Him!

I'm praying God's hand on us for good & not to harm us. I'm praying for the washer & dryer & the cars.... the a/c & heat. I'm praying God's protection in the daily miles we cover & the Thanksgiving miles we'll drive. God's protection on the family we love.

When I am weak... He is strong.... He must be really strong now because I'm really weak! ss

Remembering

My heart and prayer goes out to Caroline in the loss of her little one!!! It brings all back the sadness of loosing our little one!! Remembering...

As we told the girls, we prayed for them as a family. Ladybug prayed that our little one and their little one could now play together in heaven.

It was a God moment filled with His comfort!!

Update: Lovebug's nose is positivelly green!!! Healing. Hubbie announced today that the bumps in the road no longer hurt. Healing. He's also back to driving his stick!

It is amazing how God created our bodies to heal!!! From noses to major surgery we continually see God's hand in healing our sickess... It is so good to call on Him!! ss

Comments
Nov. 12, 2007 - Posted by lklivingston
I didn't know about this. I'm so sad.

Broken Nose??

I dont even want to think of yet another dr bill...

but Wednesday my 7 yo fell and hit the bridge of her nose.... we were at Chick-fil-A... she slipped and hit a metal handrail.....

I know it hurt badly... and she's turning blue under her eyes... and this evening the swelling has impaired her breathing.... she complained her nose hurts & tylonol has helped....

Alas, now what?? Her nose is not misshapened.... Do we visit a Dr? An ENT? The ER??

Any experience here???

I'm so tired of drs!! I'm even more weary with medical bills!!! God goes before us! He owns the cattle on 1000 hills!!! And all my pennies are His... and it seems He is spending more!!

His grace is sufficient!!! ss

Note on recovery...

Things here are going well. I am recovering pretty well, but slow, the second surgery was harder than the first and the recovery has been longer… the weekends seem to be the hardest. I don’t know why but through the week I feel pretty good, minor discomfort but when the weekend hits I start to hurt in mainly two areas of my lower abdomen. I still have some swelling that as the day drags on it seems to shift toward my beltline and once it contacts my beltline I then start to bend over and it hurts pretty much until I get home and in bed for the evening. I think the doctors would tell me when that happens I need to stop pushing myself.

I have been back at work for two weeks since the surgery. It has been a help to be back here because I come in and do something consistent from day to day and I can feel myself getting stronger. Each day I am able to last longer and longer before the beltline issue above starts.

Tuesday I went home and we picked up pumpkins and carved them up for the girls, and they loved it. I will have to post some pictures of it.

This last time the surgery was on Tuesday and I had a real hard time pretty much through Thursday. Friday I was able to get out of bed and get moving.

KjS

Peter Pan Teeth

It was park day and the girls enjoyed outside time with friends. I too enjoyed visiting wth other schooling moms. And then.....

On the monkey bars, Ladybug hung.... as sister came to the rescue, she grabbed on hanging Ladybug and pulled her down. It was not a graceful rescue... and I'm sure it was not the safest way down.

Ladybug sat crying & her mouth bleeding! Unconsolable! We left the park yet in tears... I was gald we were close to home.... erands would have to wait...

Peter Pan is not what the girls are dressing up for tonight's Farm Fair! Nor is it the attempted rescue!! We've talked alot lately about Peter Pan teeth!! We all enjoyed reading Peter Pan in AO1... Ladybug yet has those Peter Pan teeth... all baby teeth! Since the crash we've wondered if she'll loose one of those baby teeth... As of yet they are all in tight, except for an occasional "I cannot bite that!"

Bloging has come slower as life has resumed pace. Hubbie is long back at work... and he's yet in pain. More pain than last time and more than he's expected! This 2nd surgery has been alot harder recovery! Monday we'll see his surgeon again and make sure all it normal!! Often hubbie takes his temp to make sure his is norm.... He's yet praying for no leeks from the surgery... and he's hoping 6 weeks from surgery he'll feel much better than now!!! Now he's 4 weeks out....

Best Overall

I cannot believe it!!! I won!! I won the Pie Bake-Off!!! I took Memom's Coconut Cream Pie & won!!

There were awards for Best Tasting, Most Creative, & Best Over-all!!!

I think tomorrow I'd better share the recipe!! We'll celebrate with a gift card!! ss

Comments
Nov. 5, 2007 - Posted by lklivingston
How wonderful! I would have loved to have tasted it!

Memom!

Yea! Memom & Aunt Karen are coming!!! We are looking forward to a weekend with family!! It is so fun to inport family!!! Thanks to ya'll for covering the miles!!!

Yogurt!! Yikes the last time it flopped!!! Oh, I'll have to discover why!!

And they are here!!! Memom memom memom!!!

ss

My Best Yogurt

With all hubbie's surgeries... he's learned to like yogurt! Yogurt yogurt yogurt gets expensive! So with our fresh milk, we make butter and now yogurt too!!

Thanks to Evelyn & Aimee, I'm using a yogurt maker! It makes 5 cups at a time!

My Best Yogurt

• 3c Milk


• 1/3c Sugar


• 3T Cornstarch
  
  

1. Heat to 185-195F. Place pan in cool water to cool down.


2. Cool to 122-130F

• 1/2c Yogurt- Plain for starter (I'm using a Bulgarian Yogurt)

Mix starter into cooled milk. At this point I add it to my yogurt maker for 12-24hrs.

This makes a sweet yogurt. We then add peach preserves, apricot preserves, or blueberry jam and eat it up! Yumm...

I've also read of making yogurt in a cooler with hot water... and other ideas too!! Sound cool??!!! I'll post soon some Pumpkin Muffins!! We'll make them first!

Hubbie is yet hurting!! Humf! It seems this should be done!! Lovebug decided adoption would bring a baby our way. Her knee is also healing from a bad figure8 crash (Ask KjS!) and repeat falling on it! Ladybug is learning her "j J Jam". Mama's making a southwestern soup!!

I've been reminded everything is God's and with open hands we hold it for him!! Trusting His loving hands!! ss

Beatitudes

Today we caught up on Lovebug's Bible Study Lesson. Matthew 5:1-16

Snuggled in bed we read Jesus' words. She did good reading through the questions. She was challenged to memorize the eight Christian characteristics of blessed people.... in her BSF lesson.

Poor in spirit, Mourn, Meek, Hunger & Thirst for righteousness, Merciful, Pure in heart, Peacemakers, & Persecuted because of righteousness.

The next question: "Does one of these eight characteristics describe you? Which one?" Mourn for our BaBy

Daily I'm reminded by both my girls of the baby we've lost now a month ago. This chapter I closed when Hubbie went back in the hospital... is yet a chapter continuing. Last night Lovebug thought she'd figured it out... laying down to sleep.. "Mama, we could adopt a baby." And tonight again on the pillows Ladybug asked if I missed out little one.

My first prayer with loosing the baby was for God to protect the hearts of my girls. Their hearts yet ache and I'm reminded that they each are a blessing! Life lessons... this is a big one!! ss

Fast or Slow

What is fasting? Going real fast. -Love Bug

Sinus alarm: 5:45 Oh, that's too early for me!

40 Days of Prayer: We'll join the prayer campaign today. A challenge to commit to pray. That's a good challenge

Civil War Battle: Today we'll visit the 1863 period Confederate and Federal military camps complete with infantry, artillery, and cavalry. Also visit the period civilian camp, shop at period sutlers, or come and listen to the band play. Modern food concessions are also located on site. Come enjoy the day with us!

2:00 p.m.

Battle reenactment begins

Tonight is Ladies Night: Chocolate & How you met your husband! (Oh, that's a story... Rome!)

Grace to ya! ss

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Sinus Battle

My driver has been sleep. Once or twice a week I awake in the night with a sinus attack. I lay down as long as I can stand it... and eventually I grab a box of klenex and try to breathe for hours. This week I've had to take the upgrade to Puffs with lotion for my hurting nose!!!

Yesterday I made a break through!!! I headed to our health, herb, natural, grains, and I even heard buffalo store. I got the herbal ingredients for a Sinus Wonder Wash. It is not for the fair hearted. It is not pretty. It is for battle!! A battle I want to win!

After years of struggle... my M.D. had me on Rx after Rx and Zertec had helped until this year it dried my eyes and I could not wear my contacts :( dried my lips to the point of pain... so I wearied of the Z and cut my dose to 1/2.

Then my N.M.D. (Natural Medical Dr.) said I was generally healthy!! Merely a bit of venom in my system and I was good!

All that and the sinus attacks continued... even on the Zertec... and much harder after. Well Sunday I stopped the Z. Wednesday I bought the soft kleenex. Thursday I started the wash. Last night I slept all night and woke rested. That was wild!! I felt better than longer than I can remember.

The Sinus Wonder Wash has not been my first alternative help!! GOOT was a first try. If you are curious e me!! I'll share what I've gleaned!! Tonight I'll sleep and enjoy breathing anew!

Jesus Heals! ss

Comments

Oct. 22, 2007 - Posted by Anonymous
Just what was this miracle weapon?

Dec. 22, 2007 - Sinus Remedy
Posted by lklivingston
Check out this link: http://instapundit.com/archives2/013258.php Perhaps it would be worth a try?

A Midsummer Night's Dream

We enjoyed A Midsummer Night's Dream play today!! I'd not planned this trip with all life has going on lately... but last night I prayed "God, if you want us to go, get us up in time."

He must have wanted us to go!! This morning I was up at 6a and my sinus attack kept me up!! So I started to get ready for the day and realized that God had gotten me up in time to go to the play!! I was dressed and fixing breakfast at 8a.... my little one was up at 7:45 and dressed right away. I woke my big girl and she was eager about the play too. We ate and were out the door by 8:30! Impressive!

I'm so thankful!! I'm surprised too, that we could be up and gone!!! God is so good!!! And I really like ages 5 & 7!!!

Just so I knew God was orchestrating... He got me at the play at 9:20 just as Traci was arriving. It was a God appointment!! We'd never met and only emailed on our AO site.!!! She has 3 kidos and my girls had a ball playing with them after the play!! It was great sharing our AO journey and learning from each other!

The play was enjoyed by all!! It is great to see Shakespeare acted out. We are reading his plays in our AO plan, but reading does not capture the joy of his plays.

God's Plan!! ss

Mum- so glad you found our site :) All our love to you & dad & Eric. We miss ya!

Comments
Oct. 18, 2007 - Posted by lklivingston
I really wanted to go! I'm glad it worked out for you.

Fasting

My 7yo said she did not want to eat her hamburger... and at dinner she sat and stared at me the longest before she finally ate it.... I found later she had written that she was going to give up hamburgers for 3 days!! As a matter of conscience she sat and stared. I've known her to be headstrong... but this direction....

Reading on her own in her God and Me 2 book started w/ a story on "Esther- My prayers can reach heaven. 2 Chronicles 30:27"

The devotional questioned... "What do you want to change with your prayers?" "Baby" (Oh, the loss of our little one weighs heavy on little hearts too.)

The next page challenges Hand to Heaven... "Think of something you can give up for three days to show God you are serious about your prayers to him."

After dinner that night, she explained to me why she was giving up hamburgers, meat and money to pray for a baby. She asked if it should be a girl or a boy... And I said we'd love any little one God gave us. We talked about what to give up and decided giving up dinner was not her option. She started to think of other things... math and school... and giving up those where not an option either....

What optional things could she give up for 3 days? Then she decided upon ice cream, webkinz, & candy. Now for 3 days she's foregone candy and webkins and ice cream... to pray for a baby. We've talked how God answers prayer... yes... no... and wait.

My heart is touched by her prayers & by her passion to give up her favorites to pray for a baby. I'm challenged to pray and yet this ground in my heart is so tender... even raw... fast and pray. fast and pray. I'm thinking we'll enter a season to fast... maybe from the pc and cell phone!! To fast and pray for a baby.

I'm very reminded to pray for their tender hearts. My little one yet asks when we'll go to the hospital to get the baby to bury.... it is so hard to understand. My oldest sees someone expecting and asks why we cannot have a baby & then fasts and prays for a baby. God hears our prayer and all life is in His hands. I pray for those headstrong dirctions to honor Him.

All this time I was not schooling... and God's been her teacher... Wow!

Last night on the way to her Bible study with her daddy she saw the sunset and exclaimed "Wow dad!! Look at that, oh man oh man... God is going to be famous for this one!!"

Hubbie is recovering well and standing mostly straight up! He was exhausted after work. We enjoyed a wonderful meal from Caroline.. Thanks!!! And we had a good walk tonight. He's making great strides. God is the Great Physician. Rapha. We had a good official school day & ballet too!! ss

Comments
Oct. 17, 2007 - Posted by Anonymous
wow, that so touched my heart. will be praying that God will open your womb. stacey

Autumn & Pictures

Autumn has come... it is a rainy day and leaves are just starting to fall... We've not yet tried to catch the falling leaves but we'll have to soon!! That's a fun welcome to the seasons change.

Hubbie's staples are out!!! He's standing up straight and maybe done with the cane... thanks Ben!! He's recovering great.... his lifting limit was raised from 5# to 25#. After the appointment he's headed to work for the first day back!! Pray him strength & stamina!

I'm working the blog over for Autumn & adding pictures... I like the slide show... but wonder if it is slow loading.... Do tell!!! I so remember those dial up days....

Our school books are out and calling me.... After the dr appointment we headed to choir. The girls are in a homeschool choir and they enjoyed making their egg shakers!! I'm reminded we have to be home to school.

Grace! ss

Grands

Grand'Ma & Grand'Pa - you've been grand!! Love you!!!

Up late... 2:08am... Sinus issues yet again... I've uploaded photos from our hospital days in the prior posts... Wow, we've had a Malaysia hit!?? Who's that.... Better go... Yawn... g'nite!! ss

Time to try to return to normal

Today my parents returned home to Ohio after being here for two weeks.  It was great to have them here, quite a relief from trying to juggle where the girls would go each day to just being able to rest assured that they were going to sleep in their own beds and that the grands would be there for them.  Thanks for all your help Mom and Dad.

Each day we have gotten out and done some errands and each day it seems that I get pretty tired from them.  I have to keep remembering what my surgeon told me as I left the hospital...  "You are not well yet!"

I have been taking it easy and Wifey has taken up the slack.  She is great...

Don't take your health for granted.  The simple things like getting in and out of the car can be a chore if you are not careful.

I am still hurting and I would guess I will continue to hurt for days if not weeks.  The staples in my gut are a constant reminder that it was not a simple procedure.  Coughs, sneezes and laughing are killers to my gut.  Pray my staples can come out on Monday when I go to see my doctor.

Tonight Wifey was looking at the photos that she took of my staples and gut shortly after surgery and she was going to post them here on the blog.  I will try to warn you before you accidentally scroll into a photo like that.

I hope things can return to normal...  we are still dealing with the miscarriage and trauma of the surgery.  Like Wifey said in a previous post our oldest has begun fasting, from some of her favorite things, and praying for another baby.  Her example and sincerity brings me to tears by itself.

Regards, KjS

Two Frogs in a can of cream

Two Frogs - Author unknown

Two frogs fell into a can of cream, or so it has been told.

The sides of the can were shiny and steep, the cream was deep and cold.

“Oh, what’s the use,” said number one. “It’s plain no help’s around.”

“Goodbye, my friend, good bye sad world.” Weeping still he drowned.

But number two, of sterner stuff, dogpaddled in surprise.

All the while he licked his creamy lips and blinked his creamy eyes.

“I’ll swim at least a while,” he thought or so it has been said.

It really wouldn’t help the world if one more frog were dead.

An hour or more he kicked and swam, not once he stopped to mutter.

Then he hopped out from the island he had made of fresh churned butter.

With Grand'ma's help we made butter and enjoyed her poem!!

After 15 minutes Lovebug was still shaking determined to finish HER butter!! Grand'ma encouraged that she was getting close and all of a sudden it would be done! She was right!

And we enjoyed fresh butter on homemade bread! Yumm...

Want to join us?? We'll have fresh cream on Saturday... and butter in the days that follow!!

Hubbie is healing on the couch... The Grands are packing for the voyage home... Lovebug is fasting from ice cream, webkins & candy to pray for a baby... all her idea.... from her God Girls Devotional. Ladybug is fightin' a cold & aching ear.... Mama has finished the Echo in the Darkness and awaits the 3rd book...

His Grace is Sufficient! s2

Day ??? I can't remember what day it is!!

This is KjS... boy do you know how many times you pick up something that is more than 10 lbs?

Last surgery that was my limit... this time it is 5 lbs. I can't even pick up 5 lbs without getting a scolding eye from someone. Next time it happens I am going to haul whatever it to the bathroom and throw it on the scale. I guess then I would have to apologize for hauling it to the bathroom if it was more than 5 lbs so I better not do that I guess.

I mean think about it, you are getting ready to try to smoke your first brisket and just as you are filling the charcoal thingy up you notice that you are holding a 10 lb bag of charcoal. Then you try to prep things and discover that the brisket you are trying to cook weighs more than 5 lbs too. Wouldn't that be funny to see me walk to the bathroom and slap a side of beef on my bathroom scale to try to prove a point...

My dad helped me get the smoker going and then get the brisket on there too so don't worry I did not rip a stitch.

My dad and I ran around today... actually we drove. We went to visit my next door neighbor at the hospital and talked with him for about an hour. He is feeling much better, they fed him a little roast beef and he is supposed to be released tomorrow so he is greatly improved. Continue to pray for his heart to see his need for Jesus Christ.

We ran drove by work just to let them know that I was still among the living even though I can't drive for a week and no basketball, soccer, volleyball, racquetball, full contact football, rodeo riding, bumper cars, skydiving, water skiing, snorkeling. We made a couple of other stops and I am whipped!

The brisket took a chainsaw to cut up for dinner, and we only had to stop to sharpen the blade once. I am still chewing it but if I think of it as beef jerky it is palatable. Royal flop! Definitely will not regain any weight on that diet…

Prayer requests:

1. That we can get some much needed rest and I would stop waking up when it is time to have my blood drawn (4am). Once I wake I don't go back to sleep, or I sleep fitfully.

2. My shoulders and chest are still real tight and I need to relax.

3. I have a little bloating or maybe it is swelling, not really sure… it all looks the same to me.

4. My next hurdle as I see it is to stop going into fits when I cough, laugh or sneeze. I think the girls think that I am having a seizure when that happens.

Later Gators, KjS

Comments
Oct. 12, 2007 - Posted by Anonymous
Kerri, Glad to see that you are feeling up to "running" around. I'm sure (and pray that) pretty soon you will be back to rodeo riding, etc. We continue to pray for you and ask for God's complete and timely healing. God bless, Tom

Boardwalk - Not Monopoly!

Grands agreed to watch the girls so Wifey and I could get an evening out together.  Can't remember the last time that happened.

We really did not know where to go when wifey suggested we head to Shreveport and walk the boardwalk.  So we went out and had dinner at one of our favorite places, and then around 7:00pm left for Schreveport.  When we arrived we only had about an hour before everything closed down so once everything was closed down we walked the board walk.  It was great to be able to get out and walk with very few hills and it was very quiet. 

No one was there except us for the most part, every once in a while we would pass someone but only when they were standing still considering I am not able to really move very fast.  I am moving around much better but I am really looking forward to the staples coming out they seem to jab me all the time.

I am thankful for Texas roads...  the ones in Louisiana had bumps that really jolted me.

Regards,  KjS

Jail Break the sequel!!

Well for those  of you who have been following and praying for James as well...  good news!

James called me and told me that he was now at home as well.   He was released yesterday.  He said he is having to adjust to some changes but he is glad to be home.

Thanks for all who have been praying for him and or sent him any of the health-e-grams...  he really appreciated them.

Thanks,   KjS

Healing

Today as we got ready to head into lunch.... the girls changed out of ballet clothes....

Beside us someone parked.... and a couple headed into lunch.... the gal was expecting...



Lovebug turned to me.... "Mama, why couldn't we have a baby?"

It caught my heart... All I could say is I don't know baby....



I'm reminded that there are yet wounds to heal. God holds all life.... Last week a friend shared my grief loosing our little one saying she was so sorry... The tears yet come but they did not flood me! Healing...





Hubbie is doing great. He's resting and taking walks & enjoying his parents. I've been reminded of the Dr's words... You are not well. It is good to be on the healing side!!



God is the Great Physician!! His healing is upon all of us!!

ss

Comments
Oct. 10, 2007 - Posted by Anonymous
We are praying for you all still. Grief is like an ocean, sometimes the waves come crashing in hard and fast, but sometimes they are slow and calm. God is there for you during them all. We love you all! Love, The Akins

Home Day 1

It is 5am and sleep eludes me...

It is definitely different sleeping in a flat bed and no one coming in and poking me to take blood at 4am every morning. All my nurses were great!

The pain remindes me to pray for those who are hurting.

I would like for all who have been following this blog and praying for me to also continue to pray for James in the room next to me. He seemed to have no hope... Would you consider sending him a Health-e-gram? You can go to http://www.gsmc.org/ hit the health-e-gram link and his name is James Thomas in room 1458.

I know he would appreciate a card...

Sleepless, KjS

GSMC D7 JAIL BREAK!!!!

Well this morning things have continued to progress quickly... 

This is a photo of the man who saved my life and then put me back together.  I salute him, he has a hard job...    

Today my doctor has told me that if I can keep regular food down without any problems then he would go ahead and release me to the wild.

I am currently having a healthy helping of chicken cordon blue....  yummm.  My first real meal since last Saturday.

Ice chip diet...  I am not sure how much weight I have lost so once I get to a scale I will have to post on that tidbit.  I would not recommend it in place of Adkin's or Weight Watchers.  But it definitely has some benefits...  Stephanie thinks I look pretty hot and I no longer snore.

I still hurt but I guess that is to be expected.  Doc has said I can not drive for a week and no basketball, soccer, volleyball, raquetball, full contact football, rodeo riding, bumpercars, skydiving, water skiing, snorkeling so I will try to have patience as I heal.  He said that I must not forget that I am not well yet and he actually prescribed a nap in the afternoons until the staples come out in a week.

Well for now I will let you move on to your next order of business.

Pray that I will stop having pains through my shoulders and upper back, my back is having to compensate for having the cuts through my six pack abs...  NOT.  Actually I can't tell if I have any abs left it is all kind of contorted and has zippers all over my gut.  I guess that is enough of a picture to paint.

Free!  KjS

 

GSMC D6 China & Japan

Walking & walking! That's Hubbie's ticket out. He's yet on clear liquids and we hope to get an upgrade when the Dr. makes his rounds. I think he's tired of being here.... and I hope to get a game plan with the Dr. to see what schedule we are on.

China.... Tomorrow we have a team of FBCers heading to China. We've made laps praying for their safety, good travel, God guide the details... Open blind eyes & close seeing eyes... Join us praying for this China team.

Japan.... Wow! We have a hit from the far seas.... Japan!! Ken is a pilot w/ AA and he hit our site!!! Pray for Ken & Cherry as in November Ken is up for surgery to remove both kidneys.... and pray a match for his transplant.

Camping Out!!

Prayer: Continued recovery, encouragement, peace as we wait on God. China close seeing eyes & open blind eyes. Ken pray for his kidney removal & pray a transplant. Girls & Grands safety on the road today, rock climbing & swimming... good attitudes & a great visit w/ family. Pray they'd be a joy.

GSMC D6 Canasta

I'm beating Hubbie in Canasta... 3010 to 1600.... I'll have to meld 120 and he moved up from a meld of 15 to 90. I played canasta with my Memom Gillespie growing up... I remember playing with all my girlfriends too in the back of the station wagon!! Many moons ago.

Praise the Girls & Grands are home.... Love Bug rang the cow bell atop the rock wall but Ladybug could not reach it!! They visited w/ Uncle Terry & Aunt Shelly & cousins & enjoyed swimming & pizza too.... and crashed into bed at 10!!! Sleepy Girls!! Sleepy Grands, I bet!!!

Hubbie is making progress... clear liquids (broth, juices & an icee) yesterday... full liquids today (soups, puddings, ice cream & a milkshake)... and the Dr. said maybe food on Sunday.

Pray we rest in God's timing for the duration of the stay. Hubbie is getting eager to go. Pray he has no leeks & that the staples hold tight. Pray for James our neighbor in the room across the hall, he's 66 & struggled with setbacks & discouragement & family's not stayed to support.

We are yet here... it has been quiet... Ben & Carol your visits have been wonderful!!! Thanks be to the Grands so I can be all here. Hello to the Ohioites!!!! Glad to have you praying!! Mum hope you get caught up here... My scarf is long enough & needs finishing!!! ss

GSMC D5 KjS

Well I am still among the living...



I don't feel very good but they keep telling me I need to walk and sit up so I am sitting here typing an e-mail.



I would like to fast forward a couple of weeks but I guess I must endure. I tried to hit the network to look at our drawings but that was not to be. Something is keeping me from getting on to the network. Once I feel better I will have to talk with Kevin and see if he can help me.



I lost a day of recovery because they told me to use my morphine button when I had pain. Now I just kind of try to ride out the pain and endure it. I figure better to endure the pain than to use the meds and not be able to get up and walk because I am too loopy.



You probably don't want to know what my next progress marker is I will let you know after I pass it...



KjS

Comments
Oct. 7, 2007 - Posted by lklivingston
I would like to fast forward a couple of weeks but I guess I must endure.

Ha ha! That's exactly what I was thinking when our little one was getting ready to be born! And you know, it does look much better from this side than from that one. Persevering through it is the ooky part.

GSMC D5 Icee

Yea!! He got the upgrade to fluids.... and was thrilled with his Coke Icee!!! Praise Praise Praise!!! We are so encouraged & God has truly answerd prayer!!! He enjoyed broth on his first meal tray this evening and has a green tea at his side. This is a huge milestone!!!

He has walked and walked and walked!!!! A shower helped start the day!! He's also enjoying watching movies!! Last night was Red October and today was MacGyver.... my vote is for Anne of Green Gables.... Does anyone have that on DVD?? Want to bring it up on Saturday??? :) We're up to welcoming your visit!!! We are on day 5 here and yet expect 7-10 days here.....

Prayer Matters: Maintain walking, chest pains subside, no leeks & endurance. Pray for safety as Girls & Grands head to Dallas to visit family & rock climb.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (Pastor Jim had a worship song of this verse... it would be a great MP3 to have on hand!!!) ss

GSMC D4 2 Tubes

Praise, the Dr. came in first thing today. He'll drop 2 tubes and be left with his IV w/ pain meds. We're just waiting for the nurse to come back.

Prayer Matters: Pray for God's encouragement & strength to rise. Pray for a walking day. Pray that he'll keep his ice chips down & not get sick. Pray rest & complete recovery. Pray for a smooth time here so I can get out w/ the girls today & to a dr appt. Pray that he'll feel good for his girls visit.

Yesterday was so hard with the tailspin of discouragement. It really was a set back and we lost a day for the buzz to wear off. He did a little walking and that was great. Yet he sees a day without progress... and that weighs heavy. The girls came by in the evening but he was not feeling good and struggling. His sleep was restless and often disturbed... today rest will be easier after dropping these tubes. I slept to nearly 8 this morning.

Hubbie's agenda is to get up... no sickness... to walk. We're yet in the wait game for his digestion to wake. That takes time and walking. We wait upon the Lord. ss

Comments
Oct. 4, 2007 - Prayer
Posted by Cheryl Little
Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Let me know if I can help in any way!

GSMC D4 Hard

Yet pray. The day has been hard... He's been dizzy and very discouraged to not be walking. He was out of bed in a chair and overcome with dizzyness.... he went pale.... and felt horrible.... Pray.... ss

GSMC D4 Blooming

After a rough morning, Hubbie got up and walked with his mom & dad. They were a great encouragement. We traded spots for a good part of the day!

This morning I struggled and when tears came.... It was time to trade with the Grands. The girls and I picked up CFA & Dudleys and headed home to enjoy lunch together! I love being with them & missed it.... as I got cleaned up at home I could not rush to skate... We enjoyed the time just taking it easy!! Thanks to Laura for keeping them a bit!! My good news today was no D&C. Praise!

When we got back to the hospital... our room was blooming... flowers on our hardest day.... Wow!! Thank you!!! They are beautiful.... I'm so encouraged.... God's timing is so good. We've walked many rounds tonight!

Praying for rest. Pray his abdominal cavity wakes up & no bloating. Pray he can walk with the girls on Friday. Praising God because He goes before us on the hard days!!! G'nite. ss

Comments

Oct. 5, 2007 - God is Great
Posted by Ken Moore
This my first time at this but no time like the present to start. Here a verse from Japan Ps. 9:9-10 God's a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times, The moment you arrive, you relax,you're never sorry you knocked. Miles apart are inconsequential with God I am continuing to pray for your whole family. Ken

Oct. 7, 2007 - Posted by lklivingston
My good news today was no D&C. That's wonderful news!

GSMC D3 Fire Alarm

Good Morning! We've started our morning hospital early... It is 5:40 and for an hour they've been testing the fire alarm.... It's yet dark & we've been in Isaiah 40 because He gives strength to the weak.

Hubbie is more alert and with that comes pain. He's calling it a 4 on the scale. He's using a pain pump and had like 13 hits. He's not moving yet and there's talk today of getting up... he's already asked for the extra pain help for that. He said it's been a long night.

Prayer matters: Pray he can get up & start to move & drop 2 tubes today. Pray God's comfort in this great discomfort. Pray for his back as he's mentioned that. Pray sweet rest & God's hand in recovery. Pray good nurses & strong help today.

♦ Love Him in the mornin' when you see the sun arising. Love Him in the evening when He's brought you through the day. And in the in between times when you feel the pressure rising... Remember that He loves you and He promises to stay. ss

Comments
Oct. 3, 2007 - Praying for you
Posted by Laura
Thanks for the update! We have been praying for you and Kerry! Love you guys! Laura

GSMC D3 No Morphine

After 22 hits of Morphine... the Dr. says it's wiped him out and was too much...  he's definitely not used to this stuff!!   We'll try a new pain med as he sleeps this one off...  it is a very hard day and little progress (no tubes dropped).... the only comfort I can give is my presence & a ice chip every now and then....  no reading... no holding his hand.... literally just my presence...  and someone just walking in the room made him dizzy...  Our girls came up and he did not even feel up to them coming to the room...  Tough and I had to bail on lunch w/ them  :(   

But I did catch the Dr.... I'm Praying.....  and very thankful for catching Dr. Cook.

And I'm knitting a confetti scarf that a friend said it would add no warmth!! (Mum this is the project from the yarn sale!!)  I started during the surgery and did a foot or so!!!  I'm trying to be diligent w/ my time... and hour for reading, another for knitting, another for study....  I've not yet wanted to read the paper I brought... I guess it needs an hour too!!!   I think the pc takes more than it's hour!!  But maybe it's words for today!!

In our weakness... Jesus Christ is strong!  We've had the joy of one of the techs praying with us 2x now!!   And another asked if he was a preacher.... he weakly said no but he'd could preach to her!!!  Little by little. ss

GSMC D3 Walking

Yea! Up and walking!! And he's feeling better as the buzz wears off! All pain meds are a little scary now. The first walk was down 4 doors. His 2nd walk was a lap. That's huge! Yea! He's even had me call so the girls can come back up tonight!!

Thank you for the prayers! Our walls are feeling homey w/ your greetings (wow) & coloring from the girls! I've laughed at a Congrats on you new Plumbing from Joshua.... and a Happy Birthday from Stefani. Kerry's not laughing... it's too painful! I've enjoyed the blog map.... We see the Bunns in Brazil!!! And who is that in England??? Wow! The effective fervent prayer of the righteous avails much!!! ss

Comments
Oct. 3, 2007 - Hello
Posted by Sue H
I am glad you are up and moving, even if you know it yet. Sounds like the meds hit you pretty hard. I am very glad all is going well, I miss you believe it or not. I got the last Christmas count down. Dont forget me, otherwise I might miss Christmas altogether. Love you all

GSMC D2 Filleted

Just a short time until I get filleted...

We have been in the hospital since yesterday morning, I have not eaten anything since Saturday night. If you are considering losing weight the ice chip diet seems to work very well



Even as I write this e-mail I am expecting them to bring the last three pills any moment. I know two will be antibiotics nd then comes the viagra... oops I meant valium.



Last night was rough... they gave me a gallon of stuff I had to drink... the only comparison I can give is if you remember the commercial that the little scrub bubbles that clean up the bathroom like Mr. Clean with his Lysol.



If you want to keep posted on what is going, my wife is posting on her blog a report as the days pass... http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/spike/. If you visit the blog it tells us that you visited... we have had visits from England and looks like Salt Lake City and all over so far. Jump on and get your location logged. I will not be doing much writing or reporting on matters.



My surgery is scheduled for 1pm and is supposed to last for 2 or so hours... Your continued prayers would be appreciated.



We are at Good Shepherd Medical Center in room 1459. If you would like to send me a note go to https://www.gsmc.org/sendto.asp? and send a health-gram.



Oops there is the nurse... got to go!



Regards, KjS

Comments
Oct. 2, 2007 - Prayer! Prayer! Prayer!
Posted by laurahill
Praying for you and your family!!! I pray that Kerrie comes out of surgery strong and ready to fight for recovery, Stephanie that you get rest and have enough encouragement for Kerrie and Yourself too, that your girls have a wonderful time with Grandma and Grampa and overall that God is glorified during all of this!!! We love you guys!! Laura

GSMC D2 Post-Op

His surgery was from 1:35 til 3:10. Thanks to Lew & Kim & Evelyn for waiting with me, Craig came after a bit & dad came too for you to get back to the room. He's expected to be out for 24 hrs & the next 24 are rough trying to get up.... and 7-10 total to get moving....



Dr. Cook said it went really well. He only took about 3.5" out and he was able to use the staple like he wanted... 29mm, a medium size. He said maybe the NG tube will be out Wednesday. I pray so. He said to watch the colostomy closure for infection... because of the activity there. Maybe in 3 days we'll try liquids.... He Lives!! ss

29 He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40

Comments
Oct. 2, 2007 - From Brazil
Posted by Anonymous
Praise the Lord! We are blessed to hear of the successful surgery, and will continue to pray for a quick recovery. You have both been such a blessing with your honest communication...thanks for being so transparent. :) The Bunns

GSMC D2 Pre-Op

Just hours to go... Surgery is at 1 and we expect it to be about 2 hrs. Thanks for your continued prayers.

The Girls & Grands came by last night. We have coloring all on the walls :) Lady bug beat me in a game of battle! Guess who always wins??!!! Lovebug brought her puppy to companion daddy.

Last night Hubbie finished the gallon around 10:30. The night was filled w/ yet more pre-op stuff. We slept a little between 12 & 4 and he's been able to rest this morning.... We watched a bit of Dr. Dolittle w/ Rex Harrison!! I won a game of canasta and he went negative thinking he could make a canasta in his 4 red 3's!! He only has to meld for 15 next round!! And he's not yet willing to play again...

9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12

GSMC Moved!

We moved out of our familiar corner!!! We're now in 1459!! I'm sooooo thankful to be in a larger room off of the hot west window!!!! God is going before us!!

Prayer Hubbie has a gallon of stuff to drink b4 midnight... pray his strength & to drink this stuff.... His IV is in it took the 3rd stick! Oh! God yet goes b4 us!! ss

Comments
Oct. 1, 2007 - Posted by lklivingston
How wonderful to be in a better location! Just like our upgrade with our recent stay--a small thing, but it improved our outlook.

GSMC

We're in..... our same corner and it seems weird... God has gone before us... His grace is sufficient... In our weakness He is strong... We've moved in & will camp here for a bit! By His grace! ss

We'd love to hear from you.... https://www.gsmc.org/sendto.asp?

Comments
Oct. 2, 2007 - We are praying for you
Posted by Ben Rempel
"They that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strenght, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint" "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want......." I know how you feel Kerry but more importantly, The Lord knows how you feel and how you actually are!! We plan to come see you in the morning - Wednesday!! Ben

Taco Soup & Packing

We've had a wonderful weekend with the Grands! The guys worked in the yard on Saturday. My girls played on bikes and spent time around daddy on his last free day in a while. Grand'ma & I got to go shopping and we had a great time.

It has been a fun visit before the heaviness to come....

Today has been Hubbie's fluids day & he's realy enjoyed our Taco soup.... I boiled a chicken with celery & an onion.... I removed the chicken and seasoned the broth w/ a package of taco seasoning & a package of ranch dry mix. That jello, juice and tea made his day... and it was topped off with a Sonic blue something!!

It is time to pack my bags. I feel like I'll be camping out & I have pop top soups ready to go!

Prayer: Hubbie's Surgery, no complications, peace, Dr. wisdom, nurses, recovery... grands w/ the girls... and health for me & no coughing....

God is great and greatly to be praised!! ss

Comments
Oct. 1, 2007 - Posted by Anonymous
hey steph, just wanted to let you know that i have been praying for your family. i'll be praying extra hard tomorrow. i haven't spoken to you since you lost your baby, but i wanted to let you know how heart broken i am for you. i am so sorry. i pray that the surgery goes well and that God will continue to wrap you in His comforting arms. :) love, stacey neal

Round #2

Round #2 is planned! We're praying no surprises this round.

Hubbie is scheduled for surgery Tuesday @ 1:30p, that's 10/2. He'll checkinto GSMC Monday morning. This is a resection on his colon to eliminate thecolostomy. Yea!

Pray for wisdom & insight for Dr. Cook, his surgeon. Pray for quick healing& no complications. We are expecting 7-10 days in the hospital. Pray for agood visit for Hubbie's parents as they're coming to keep the girls.

I miscarried our little one last week... as of yesterday my body is yet inthat process... My prayer is for complete healing & no D&D. I'll do bloodwork sometime next week. I've been very emotional with this loss. Also myprayer is to walk in faith not fear, I'm finding myself afraid of what willhappen next. God knows and I simply need to trust him.

The Lord Jesus has been our comfort and sustainer. I had found great joyin Psalm 134 as we were so excited for a baby.... and in the loss of thatlittle one I've seen God's great comfort even in Psalm 134..... the darknessis is not dark to Him... and He hems me in behind & before. I've felt hemmedin so tight... but God has be big through all our tears.

Thanks to all for you prayers to our Great Physician!! And your sweet notesof comfort have been a balm to me. Thank you.At GSMC.org you can send a Health-e gram next week as we'll be there for aspell... https://www.gsmc.org/sendto.asp?

I'll hope to write daily of prayer requests & what's going on... and ratherthan an e.... I'll post it at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/spike/

He Lives! ss

Comments
Sep. 28, 2007 - Posted by homeschoolhelp
Hi Stephanie, Great to find your blog. I have been praying for you and will continue doing so. I hope all goes well with the surgery and that God continues healing your whole family. I'll be checking back in as time allows. Blessings, Dianne

Missing you already

Daddy and his girls... and I miss you already!! (Darling, but we're not even gone!! Call me every day!!! We'll have lunch and you'll come and see daddy!!!)

Ready or Not

We are thrilled that Grand'ma & Grand'Pa are coming! They will get to spend time with the girls while Hubbie is in the hospital. Tonight I'm in that final run to "get ready for company". We'll welcome them tomorrow night.

Saturday will be the Hubbie's final day on real food.... we'll have to celebrate that!!! It sounds like he's talking Olive Garden!! He's not going with my pic of Dudleys!! That may have to be my fast food when the girls want Chic-fil-A!

Today Lady Bug and I made butter!! Using a water bottle with a marble she shook all her 5 years could stand!! I shook some too!! And then we add the heavy cream to the mixer and made butter!!! Yummm. We enjoyed it on fresh bread... and Daddy enjoyed it tonight!

Love Bug had a very hard day. Any day that's a grump day is a very hard day. And time and time again that was her choice. The start was an ugly mark on her sisters coloring. The discipline was she had to mark her own coloring... Oh that made her mad.... Later the final blow was a punch to sissy's tummy. At that point she expired and finished day on her own.

Tomorrow is new with no mistakes! We'll enjoy the weekend with the Grands and then Monday is check in at GSMC. Praying for a smooth surgery with no complications. Pray that God gives me strength & that I walk in faith and not fear. Also today I'm a week from the miscarriage and my body yet in that struggle. Please pray healing inside & out both of us!! And no D&C for me... I'll do blood work next week....

His grace is sufficient! Off to do laundry & straighten!! ss

Roller Coaster Ride

I wanted to be the first to say "Only 3 more months till Christmas! Are you done with your shopping?"

I thought I would send a quick e-mail to many of you who have not had an opportunity to know the latest updates and roller coaster ride we have been on. If you want to be removed from these e-mails let me know and I will remove you from my copy list, but then you might totally forget Christmas. If you have a roller coast going on in your life let me know and I will pray about it with you too.

If you are not familiar with what has gone on up till.. you'll find alot of it here in our blog: If you scroll to the very bottom you can read the updates that happened during my hospital stay at the end of July. Wifey was sending out updates from her cell phone so some of them read more like a text message.

I'll summarize the events if you don't read blogs, but Wifey writes better than I do...

· 03/15/07 - Holly our dog was killed in front of my girls when hit by a truck

· 03/19/07 - I was offered a job by Norit-Americas, Inc in Marshall, TX

· 03/26/07 - Gave my 2 weeks notice @ General Dynamics VertexRSI

· 04/06/07 - Went to Beaumont to spend Easter with family

· 04/09/07 - Left for Colorado on our first care-free vacation (No cell phone coverage, but the little cottage and the skiing were great)

· 04/16/07 - Started with Norit-Americas, Inc.

· FAST FORWARD three months...

· 07/28/07 - Bought used Honda Civic (36 MPG gas mileage) Caught a beautiful garden spider almost the size of your hand, became family pet...

· 07/29/07 - Commented that buying the car would be a good move for us as long as nothing big happened.

· 07/30/07 - 5:30pm Came home not feeling good, quarantined to my room with 100° temp. slept ate small dinner

· 07/30/07 - 10:30pm got out of bed heading to rest room... pain was too great and I passed out cold on the floor, hit my eye full force on the tile floor.

· 07/30/07 - Went to the hospital, diagnosed with a burst diverticuli.

· 07/31/07 - 2:30am Emergency surgery to repair damage... removed my guts (so I literally spilled my guts I guess) cleaned them off and put them back or at least most of them. Installed colostomy, you can look it up if you don't know what that is... I didn't either until I woke up with one.

· 08/01/07 - Found out that Wifey was pregnant... excited!!

· 08/14/07 - 08/20/07 Went to Pennsylvania to participate in a weekend honoring my Grandfather, my dad spoke in the service. Was a rough trip but would not have traded the time there for anything.

Got home and our guard spider had put a web across our front door so that you could not get in the front door of the house.

· 09/17/07 - Had X-rays to determine when my reconstructive surgery to reconnect all the plumbing would occur.

· Went to listen to the babies heartbeat, doctor could not find the heartbeat.

· Found our guard spider dead at the base of it's web.

· 09/19/07 - Blood work confirmed that we had lost the baby.

· 09/20/07 - Rough day for Stephanie dealing with the loss of the baby.

· 09/22/07 - Went out and caught a bigger guard spider... she has taken up residence exactly where the other one was too.

· 09/24/07 - Saw my surgeon... he has scheduled me for surgery on Oct 2nd. I will have to be admitted on Oct 1st and will be in the hospital for 7-10 days.

· 09/25/07 - 3 MONTHS TODAY IS CHRISTMAS!! Remember Jesus is the reason for ALL seasons!

You are up to date...

Thank you to all that helped out on my previous surgery whether watching kids, or some actually mowed my yard which was a big relief to not have to deal with. All the flowers were wonderful and the notes through the www.gsmc.com website were wonderful as well, we decorated the room with them.

Pray that all will go well with this next surgery.

Feel free to let others that you think might be interested in the update know as well...

Thanks,

KjS (aka Hubbie)

Comments
Oct. 6, 2007 - Kerry's Recovery
Posted by Len Faulkner
I took a brief look at your site and it's great to know that Kerry is recuperating nicely-I knew for certain that he would with all the positive thoughts, prayers and positive energy going in the Speicher's behalf. He has always been a faithful friend and has helped me with making it through my tough times the past several months. My very best to Kerry and every family member, which includes the extended family members who are incredible friends. I look forward to touching bases with Kerry very soon to catch-up. Our best to our Eastern Texas brothers and sisters from Salt Lake City, UT. Namaste', Len Faulkner