Turned to Collectors

Humf! We've been turned over to the collectors! Grrrr....

We've paid medical bills every month since hubbie's surgeries!!! We've balanced paying about 5 different bills from that time.

We'e tried to pay each one.. and have so wanted them all done....

Since I've not seen a statement lately I called.... and they turned the account over.... (HUMF... great now I'm ready to stop paying.... grrrrr...... ) Alas... they were not happy with my untimely response to an April letter that was returned in August.... Humf!!

Grrr... to be done with them all!!! I have sent them a lousy check to be done.... grrrr... no car repairs this month as Hubbie knows we need work on the brakes...

His grace is sufficient!! He provides!!! Need to stop the gripe... Grace! ss

50!!! A long way off...

Hubbie got the... come back when you are 50 today!!!! That's ennough years to grow our girls!!! Lovebug should be in college & Ladybug will graduate HS!!! God knows!!!

Praise!!! He has one med to help him feel better... and he's good for many miles!!! Now to feel better!!!

Grace!! ss

Eat a Horse

Hubbie is hungry this morning!! He's declared he could eat a horse.. or two!

Yesterday he's been on only liquids... Today he gets nothing until he sees his GI Dr. He's not seen him face to face yet... I guess his dr want to look from the inside out before he chatters with his patient.

Praying the Dr. wisdom & God to direct him. Pray for hubbie to be pain free & worries loose their holding power. Pray for healing.

Song for this morning... Trading My Sorrows by Darrell Evans.

Grace! ss

Comfort

Our Pastor has been looking for God's working in the lives of our church.... As I've transferred the blog... all the year was on my thought. Pastor Jim used this in his sermon on God's comfort. I think he's putting together a book!!

"We wait upon the Lord.... He so comforted me with these words... We sang them in worship just the Sunday before.... They we a treasure to find and get the CD!!!"

Pastor Jim- Here's a starting point... we've had alot in the last year...

God's Comfort

We had plans for Six Flags on Tuesday... but God's plans took us to GSMC 7/31/07. Monday night KjS passed out and we knew this was not normal. We called friends to stay with the girls and headed to the hospital. K said to hurry as we waited at red lights... hazards on we rushed. After midnight K headed into emergency colon surgery for a burst diverticuli. He awoke not know what neither diverticuli or colostomy were.

Gracious friends kept our girls as I stayed 24/7 with K in the hospital for what would be days and days... nearly a week. God's comfort came in a worship song we'd sang the week before... it played over and over in my head... strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord.

K was in bed for days and sitting up was slow. Even his breathing was weak. He was days not talking on the phone even to family. Strength will rise as we wait on the Lord. I wrote it on the board in the hospital room. After 3 days he started to walk around the nurses station... Over and over it played... and I had to track down the song... I called FBC and finally figured it out... Everlasting God...

God's comfort came in loud and clear.. through friends & FBC that were truly our family that hard week. Day six K finally was released to go home!!! God was returning his strength.... God was giving strength because we'd have to repeat the entire process in 2 months....

Even now nearly a year later when we sing Everlasting God in worship... I'm instantly taken back to the hospital... tears well up and I know He is our comfort & He gives strength.

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God

The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God

The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

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

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!