Well I finished my first marathon today. Yes. I ran 26.2 miles and lived!!!!!! My time was 6:02. Oh man do I have so many stories. I will post them this week. I am putting pictures up for you all to see! I am so blessed!!! On Wednesday the 12th, it will have been 8 months since my Chiari surgery..... what an accomplishment!

Where does the time go? It has been over a month since the last post. Alot has happened so lets start with..........

Lydia is loving preschool. She has lots of fun and is learning quickly. She loves going to her weekly dance class. Let me also mention that she also loves being at home on her two off days from preschool. She gets lotssssssssss of attention, kisses, and snacks:) My little baby is not a baby any longer.

David was born for school. He networks. Yes, I think he may run for office one day. Everyone knows him. He talks to alllllll the teacher/staff, anyone really:) Honestly, he lives for PE class, literacy center, and chasing the girls on the playground. What a life! He is a precious one.

Shendi is doing awesome. Her scoliosis is healing with the brace. She is being thrown up in the air at cheerleading, taking a fall or two, and tumbling endlessly. School is wonderful. The eighth grade seems to agree with her. We are enjoying her dearly.

The marathon is soon, less than a month. My last long run was a 20 mile run. I am hoping to do 24 this week, (to keep up with my sister-in-law, Kathy). She did 24 this past weekend. I am so proud of her! So I am resting up preparing for that:) I will keep you posted this month regularly.... I have missed keeping this blog up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

love you all
Kim

man, its been weeks since i have posted.

everyone's on a schedule now. its hectic, but fun! my little man is at the elementary school, my little baby is in preschool, and my big baby is on her last year of middle school. bottom line is I AM GETTING OLD! yes, i know, enjoy it, you say. i am. every minute. i thank God for all these precious blessings.

i am feeling normal again. that's good. i have a bad day every now and then. that is to be expected. but when i feel good its AWESOME! i am still planning to run in the Outer Banks Marathon in November. So far, my longest run has been 13 miles. Unreal, just unreal. If you had told me years ago I would be able to run 13 miles I wouldn't believe it. So its crazy to think in 2 months i will be running double that. i am ready. i am so excited to do this after having brain surgery just 6 months ago.

life is good. God has opened so many doors for us. sometimes i get a glimpse of the "big picture", but until i see Him 'face to face', i won't understand how all this works out. i just know i love Him with ALL my heart. and even when i think i know Him so well, he seems to find a different way to show me how much He cares. It is true He gives you the desires of your heart, if you seek Him first. Jesus knows our deepest thoughts and that is what draws me closer to Him every day.

in Christ,
Kim

it has been awhile since i have written...
alot to tell about.

shendi made cheerleading again. lydia started dance class. davids going to kindergarten. lydias going to preschool 3 days a week. runnings going great. i am ready to get adjusted to this new fall schedule!

its late now, so i will post when i can be more detailed.
love you all:)

its been awhile.....
my training is going well. i am just taking one day at a time and trying to be sensitive to what my body (neck) can handle! i think anyone running this much would have a pain or two, so i am keeping that in mind as well.

this past week my long run was 10 miles. altogether, for the week, i totaled 21 miles!

until something new happens....................
see you around

*Oh I almost forgot we have a new Puppy!!! His name is Saber and he's a 7 week old, German Sheperd! I will post a picture...

My God is a Giant Slayer!

What's the Giant in your life???????

i love sunday school. its been years, like pretty much 15 or something since i have attended sunday school. been to church just about every sunday of my life, just not sunday school. and you know what? i like it. we are so blessed to have found this church family. the youth did the service tonight and yeah.... it was AMAZING! these kids are so bold and have such a heart for God! i cant wait to see what the Lord has planned for their future.

nate and i had a wonderful time at the beach with no kids. we acted like teenagers and were very lazy. we had tasty food and just slept on the beach for hours! we are home now... we missed our kids tremendously! the kids had a great time at grandmas, of course.... they went to kings dominion! they spent some good quality time with the grandparents.

so we're all refreshed and ready to prepare for the new school year. lots of school supplies, doctor appts, and of course we can not leave out Cheerleading Tryouts for Shendi... lots, lots to do!!!!

i am still running my heart out, or better yet, my legs off. tonight i ran 10miles, and so the total for the week is 20miles. next week it gets tougher, but i am up for it. i am doing well. one thing i have discovered you need not do if you have had brain surgery 4months ago is Bowling! Yes, i can run 10 miles but cannot bowl! oh after about the 15th time i rolled that 10lb ball i couldn't feel the left side of my face or neck.. so we won't be bowling i guess. whos got time to bowl anyway!!!!!!

just a note of praise!!!! i worship you Father for you are so Good!!! I love you with everything that I am and everything you have made me to be. Thank you:)

talk to you all another day, until then........................................

So who is this girl that has come back from church camp? I hardly recognize her. But she is an answer to prayer. It is so amazing to see your kids grow in the Lord. He has touched her heart so tenderly this week. She discovered a few of her spiritual gifts and is feeling them out. I am so grateful for her youth group and leaders. God has placed Shendi right where He wants her. I am so excited to see what He has planned next.

This week Nate and I are getting away together. Our kids are spending the week with Nate's parents. They have a fun time planned for them. Summer is going by so quickly. Its hard to believe my little David will be in Kindergarten in just a few weeks. Lela is fighting an ear infection. She's almost over it.

Today was my long run day. I ran 10 miles. Its the furthest I have ever run at one time. I may not be able to get out of bed in the morning:) Let's hope so, I don't want to miss church!

Until next time.........................

this morning i ran 8 miles. today is my long run day. it was long:) it felt great.................... could've gone on more.

hello

Yesterday I ran three miles, today I ran three miles, and tomorrow I will run three miles. I am off on Friday. Saturday I will cross train, and Sunday is the long run.... I will run 7 miles. I am so enjoying this. I feel so strong! I just want to take a minute and Praise the Lord for getting me to this point. Man, as I sit here and read the blogs I have posted, I am amazed at the journey! Jesus, carried me in His arms.. and he is so Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am nothing without Him. I am so blessed. I want to glorify Him for everything that I am able to do. With every mile from now until forever I am so grateful to Him. He truly gives us the desires of out heart. If you're out there reading this and you have Chiari, please listen to me. It is not the end. There are so many websites and blogs and testimonials.... and so on, that tell you your life is practically over and you could be disabled tomorrow.... Don't Listen To It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is sooooooooo easy to listen to it. Just get up every morning and put both feet on the floor... do the best that you can, and I MEAN the BEST!!! Life is so short. Any of us can't predict tomorrow so live for Today!! and MOST importantly LIVE FOR JESUS!!!!! Without Him is nothing, With HIM is everything.

I love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

marathon

here's the latest! i am going to run in a Marathon. yes. i have been training and i am very excited, nervous, and everything else:) today i ran 6 miles! i thought i would die towards the end, but i made it and i am on top of the world tonight......... every week i have one long run day. i will post each week what that total is. i can't wait to share with you all the progress. the date is in november. so, lots of running to do!

we can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens us!!!

more good news I am going to see New Kids on the Block in October!

also, we joined our church on Sunday! Very exciting and settling!

i will post at least once a week.. i have neglected this for awhile.
kisses to you all:)

hello. i am doing well. no news is good news, so that's why there's been no news. we are enjoying our summer. it will go by fast. david is jumping off the diving board (with his float attachment). lydia is putting her face in the water and also doggy paddles. shendi is tan as ever. we are definetly enjoying the pool.

shendi is in the mountains. she went with her youth group to do campground ministries in Cherokee. they have a busy schedule. she was very excited as she's never been to the mountains. they will be back on tuesday. i can't wait to hear all the wonderful things God has planted in her heart:) i am so proud of her and thank God for her every day. if you know our story then you know how precious she is to us. she has come a long way. she will continue to grow and i am blessed to be a part of her life.

for now, everythings good.
and by the way.. i havent' mailed out the first thank you note. they are written with no addresses on them. so after 3 months you'd think i'd have them done. well, i don't. maybe soon:0)

I read what I last posted and ugh,,,, so dreary..... Today I feel blessed to be who I am and where I am despite circumstances. This is truly a journey. We all have one.
love kim

heart

From the heart;

Well.
I seem to be running into walls. One minute I think I am going to handle this. The minutes to follow, it seems to hard. I am reading a book to help me cope with this feeling of abandonment. I seemed to have developed a false sense of how God works. I have faith in God. I do. I love Him with everything ounce of my being. I realize He is in control. I understand that He has an Ultimate and Perfect Plan. I guess I have lived my life inside some sort of bubble. Now I have found my spirit beginning to wither. An unreal sense of abandonment. My frustrations have led me to this dead end. I believe it is an incorrect view of Scripture to say that we will always comprehend what God is doing and how our suffering and disappointment fit into His plan. Sooner or later, most of us will come to a point where it appears that God has lost control- or interest- in the affairs of His people. Just an illusion, it has dangerous implications for my spiritual and mental healt. The pain and suffering I am sure I could handle. The confusion is what tears me, my faith, apart.
Expectations. If I said it once, then I've said it twice. I expect, and always have, WAY TOO MUCH! They just set us up for dissapointment. I have found there is no greater distress than to build one's entire way of life on a certain theological understanding, and then have it collapse at a time of unusual stress and pain. It rattles the foundation. Is it true then, that I have expected too much of God? Or is it true that there are things we are seldom willing to admit within the Christian communtiy? Like, Everything is not ALWAYS okay. And Bad things do happen to godly people. The God whom I love, worship, and serve sometimes appears to be silent, distant, and uncaring in the moments of greatest need. Do such times come even to the faithful? Yes, they do. How about Job? Then God permitted Satan to afflict Job physically. He was stricken "with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head" (Job 2:7). The Scripture says, "In all this, Job did not sin in what he said" (2:10). With confidence he proclaimed, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him" (3:15). And of course David with great passion, "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? (Psalm 13:1)
I am sure these and other biblical examples were there to help us understand this spiritual phenomenon. Apparently, most believers are permitted to go through emotional and spiritual valleys that are designed to test their faith. Why? Because Faith ranks right up there on God's system of priorities. Without it, He says, it is impossible to please him. And what is faith, : the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen".
A theological answer doesnt take all the pain and frustration away. And chances are most of us won't handle it like Job or David. I will still call on Him. I know He hears me. During this spiritual confusion I have to remain a branch on the Vine. My favorite passage John 15. And after that I will be still and ...... "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).

I am feeling better. When I get some time this week I will post a more lengthy post.
I love you all and thank you for all your prayers. I am certainly feeling them.
Kim

ugh:(

today has been hard. i am not feeling well. i was assured i would have these days, and that has proven to be true.

the symptoms today are fatigue, muscle aches, headache, ringing/swishing in my ears and head. there are a few more things but we'll stick to the ones i listed.

this is nothing i can't handle. my kids can tell. they gave me looks today. those looks. i can handle the symptoms..... what i can't handle is those looks. it simply breaks my heart:(

i called to order Chinese food and couldn't tell the lady my phone number. all that would come out was '9'. i was wanting to say the number i knew but could only say '9'. the number i gave her was 9999999.

i was off work sunday monday and today. hopefully i will have a better day tomorrow. i will go to work and get on with it.

okay so, my neurosurgeon performed brain surgery on Senator Ted Kennedy this morning. So yeah, I think I was in good hands, what you think?
i will holler back later:)
ps... i am doing wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

R, S, L

good to see you again;)

okay so, along with the rest of you..... I have been busy. I never realized how many clients I had until you all need to come see me at the same time. Wow. You all have been great working with me. It has been great to catch up with you all. I want to say thanks to Ann Grimes for the home-made pimento cheese, oh yeah!!! Hot Heads, Bridget, Nikki, Tiffany, Penny, Jenny, and Maxine.... you guys are awesome! These girls had a money jar set up and blessed us with it last week. Branch Chapel, "Growing in Christ", Sunday school class blessed us with a generous donation! Also, Stephanie Starling took up money at her hair studio. Bethany said something about a poem she had read describing how people in our lives for reasons, seasons, and lifetimes....... you girls have kept in touch, reached out to me when I needed you most and I am so humbled and blessed to have you in my life! Many reasons, seasons, and lifetimes have come my way and you all have proved to be faithful and you are dear to me. Melissa, everyone keeps asking me about you... I think they love you:) The most dear... you are. You are what friendship is all about. You are what Jesus wants us all to be.... a real person, that does real things without thinking of yourself first. You are truly amazing because I know your heart. I know you do for others even when you don't feel your best. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for a Lifetime:)

Muah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


*Here's the Poem Bethany spoke of*

Reason, Season, Lifetime............................

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season!
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

better

sorry its taken me so long to post... i am doing much better. i have to take it easy. so i am. we have had a great weekend and i am looking forward to david's last week of preschool, so that we might be able to sleep in at least one day a week, if possible. and then when shendi gets out, oh yeahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! we will be sleeping in then!

i am still putting together thank you notes. don't give up on me if you haven't gotten yours.. you will:)

love you all

Not feeling so good today. I have pressure in my back and neck, fatigued and queazy. We'll see. I will wait it out. I might be doing too much, too soon. Just pray.
love ya'll

mother's day

hey. happy mother's day to you all. it's been a wonderful day. church was awesome. the kids gave me a beautiful card and david made a picture frame with his picture in it, along with an iris bulb. nate gave me a card as well. we ate lunch at damon and kathy's house. damon has a closet full of costumes for his shows, so the kids played dress-up and they danced to harry connick. "a music party" is what sam called it. he called himself "the music king", we agreed. some of the adults also dressed up and kathy actually sang to us. we had a wonderful time!!! that's what "mother's day" is for.

i am doing great. i'm stiff and sore at times but nothing compared to before. work went well this week. the first night i was a little dazed once i got home but all in all, i am thankful to be back. i have had fun with my friends at work. the adult company is needed:)

nate came home this morning from work with lots of gift certificates totalling about 850.00. his co-workers pitched in and blessed us tremendously. he also has a good friend named giles who has blessed us too!!!! thank you giles and family:) you all are storing up your riches in heaven!

we love you all and are so blessed to have you in our lives.
happy mother's day mama!

going back to work

I realize it's been a week since my last post. We have been busy getting ready to get back to normal. We spent the weekend at the beach having a relaxing vacation. It was so nice to get away and not worry about home. We all needed to get away. So, we are all tan and we've finally gotten all the clothes washed. You know how it is when you go away, you come back and have to clean and wash and get everything situated. So it's situated.

Tomorrow I will go back to work and I am very excited to. I miss my co-workers and most of all my clients. You all have been so caring and supportive.

I have decided this is going to be a fight. This weekend when we were away, I didn't go to the gym or move like I have been. Man, I got pretty sore and stiff and just feeling awful. It wasn't until today that I have felt better. And it's because of the exercise that I can even get through the day. I told Nate, it would be much easier to ly on the couch and take some pain meds. I am going to have to fight my way through this. But if you know me at all, then you know I AM a fighter. Strong-willed, determined, and most of all so independent. There are certain things I can't do and I know that. So I will find a way to get through it.

Someone said to me yesterday, "just when you think you have it bad, you meet someone that has it a little worse". Yes, that is true. I am just thankful I am able to fight. There are people who can't. Like a good friend of mine. She can't fight because she has to be medicated to get through a day. And yes, she HAS to take medicine. It burdens me so. I know that if she were in my shoes she would do exactly what I am doing. So, I will not take for granted the health that I DO have. I love you girl.

So wish me well tomorrow. I will let you know how it goes.

"faith without works is dead"

A New Day!

Today is the 29th. My appointment with my Neurosurgeon went great. He was so thrilled with my progress. He jerked my neck around a bit and I about came off the table. Nate's eyes were huge as he watched. I have been so careful with it and then WHAM!!! he slams it from left to right, up and the down and up and down and I saw a few stars and felt some popping, which he said was okay?! Now it is funny. It wasn't at the time. So, because I have been working out, I have great range of motion, he said. He basically said he was 'kicking me out'. So I won't be going back unless I become symptomatic again. Thank God!!!! He gave me No Limitations other than not benching 150lbs tomorrow! lol! So that's it. I have been to the gym tonight. I ran 1 mile and walked 2 at elevated levels. I worked my legs on the machines. Shendi went and is trying to Pump some Iron:) We had the most fun beating the crap out of the punching bag!!!!! I feel a release tonight. What a journey this has been. Now I am going to live the best life I can. I am going to reach goals that I thought were impossible months ago. Until tomorrow, goodnight:)

hey. okay so today it is raining. i could tell you that even if i couldn't see it. i have alot of pressure today in my noggin. i still feel good though. my spirits are high. tomorrow is my neurosurgeon appt. after that's over i will feel better. lela and i watched 'little house on the prairie' this morning. i just cried and cried. i had forgotten how great that show was. i will have more energy after getting home from the gym today.

i read an interesting phrase on a sign riding by a church this morning. it said 'worry is the darkroom where negatives are made'. isn't that so true? no need to worry. it just gets you down and down and down and down....... who cares anyway? life is short, you've all heard it said. but isn't it? chances are we've all had someone taken from us.... they've gone on. i wonder what they would say to us if they could....... maybe they would say... stay focused. keep your eyes on the mark. the mark being Jesus. it is so easy to get pulled away. there is so much to tempt us, our adversary, satan, calls our names. it is soooo easy to get distracted. remember the road is narrow. lets all help each other along. the only things you can take with you to heaven is other people. you might not go at the same time, but you will eventually be there together. don't just enjoy your boat ride..... look for others in the water you can pull in your boat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! there are people drowning and we need to be ready to help them....

i love you all.
pray for a little special girl named Jasmine....i know your prayers will be heard.

......

okay... so i was wrong about the six girls being chosen to compete... there were more than that... i only type what i am told, however, Shendi did exceptionally well, as always. the group she ran with got 2 medals... and the girls team in total got second place and a big trophy to show for it.. it was all exciting!!!



i am doing great still. i am getting back in shape. melissa did my hair today and i feel complete!!! ha ha:) she shared some stories with me about the fundraiser she put together and we just are still amazed. my bestie is the bomb!!! :)



life is great. i am living each day to the best. i



love you all....

kim



a special thanks today to

Melissa

Bethany and all my co-peeps at the shop (can't wait to get back)

Nikki Capps, Tiffany Broughton, Bridget Johnson, Penny Ward, and Jenny Worley and I can't forget Maxine....:)

Connie Pilkington

Lindsay Pilkington

Carolyn Fields

Joan and Paul Shepard and kids

Joanna Chrismon

Hannah Naylor


and all those who I haven't gotten to yet thanks:)

shendi

Good news.. Shendi is on the track team. Their final meet is tomorrow, Thursday. They had to be chosen to compete in the finals. Only six girls, I believe, from her school were chosen to go. Shendi was one of them. I will let you know how she does. We are so Proud of her!!!!!!

Its' been awhile since I have posted. Shendi's birthday is today and we have been partying all weekend!!! I have to say we have enjoyed ourselves with Shendi and her friends.
I seem to be doing well with the recovery. There are still hints that remind me that I'm not in the clear. I seem to be getting stronger by working out and stretching all these sore muscles.
I wish I could say more but I don't have anything to complain about. I am just trying to "get on with it".
You all who need a clip, dip, and/or a strip, give me a buzz. I am booking appointments starting tomorrow. I am not starting to work tomorrow but will be back the second week in May:)
I love you all.
Judy, I stole your line:)
Dana Powell, Happy Birthday yesterday!

320-7537:)

What's Up People!!!!

Its been five weeks and I am feelin' great!!! I really feel great. I bought lots of Thank you notes today. So to all you hard workin' friends and family of mine, you will be receiving one soon!!!

Well we had a funeral for Wormy. He didn't make it. But the kids are excited that he is a Beautiful butterfly in heaven. It is so beautiful here, isn't it? I want to go to the beach so bad...... Shendi's birthday is on Monday. I can't believe she is going to be 13! Where in the world does the time go? She's having a big sleepover this weekend. The little ones are going to Grandma Jean's house. Nate and I get to stay here with 13 year old girls who love to stay up late. We are excited!!!! Lots of birthday cake, man I would love a piece right now....

I go to the surgeon in 2 weeks. I will be glad to be released!!! ha:) I did start driving again yesterday, Maybe that's why I feel so good! People, do not take driving for granted... there is something so invigorating about 'the windows rolled down and the radio up'. I started going to the gym..... I have been doing cardio, but no lifting of any sort until after I am cleared for the world... I can't wait to start living again... I feel as if I have a second chance to make the Best of it!!!!

I miss working.... counting down to getting all dressed up again and having adult conversations. Anyone wanting to book an appointment, go ahead and call. Starting Tuesday I am going to start booking. I love you guys!!!!

I will be seeing ya!
Karla, I hope your caterpillars are doing better than ours did!
Aunt Laney thanks for your sweet message I love you and miss you:)
Melissa, Kisses!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bethany, I sent ya'll a message to your email... i hope you read it.. i can't wait to come and see you peeps.....
Mom, I love the dishes.. Very Beautiful
Kathy, I have clothes for Samuel....
Kristy, those cookies were the bomb!!!

Hello

This is my pasture.....
Beautiful, huh? I am doing well today... a little slow, but good. I love you all:) I am planning to go back to work maybe the 2nd week in May.
Enjoying my family.

Door

I want to thank everyone for your amazing efforts. I will do that after I share something with you.

It all started when Nate and I were riding around neighborhoods looking at trees. You will recall from one of my previous blogs that I wanted a tree to plant in honor of my Mema's life. As we were riding we saw the nicest yard. It had blooming fruit trees, beautiful azaelas and a manicured lawn. The most striking thing was the house. The house was a neutral color of which I can not even remember. But the front door was just amazing. It was a reddish- pink color and didn't match a thing. That was the beauty of it. Just so that if you saw it, your eyes would be immediately directed to the door. It was so charming. I said out loud, "Look at that door!" Where do you think we went next? We went straight to Lowe's for nothing else but a quart of reddish- pink paint. I walked right to the paint selections and picked it out.... Heirloom Red. I took it home and wanted to get right to work. For some reason though, I didn't. The paint can has been sitting on the porch just looking at me.

This moring at church, Pastor Billie's message was from John 10:10. The Holy Spirit led him to talk about "doors". He spoke of the unusual artistry of the doors in Denmark. He had taken a picture of one of the doors and recalled the thickness, the massive hinges, and intricate carvings on the door. He wondered of the famous people who must have walked through the door, their lives behind it. Also their lives as they exited the door, going out into the world. He spoke about the significance of the doors to our homes. Home is where we feel protected and our children feel safe. In John 10: 1-10, Jesus tells us that He is the door. "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep." (v. 7) You see, there is no literal door of lumber, hinges, and nails. Jesus IS the door. "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture." (v.9) Pastor Billie went on to describe these pastures. He said, "Green pastures are communities of love. Loving God, loving one another, and loving the goodness of life itself. Green pastures are giving and recieving love. In this 'banquet of life' there is joy in serving and not sitting comfortably in a pew. We should be making the world thirsty and hungry, because sadly about 90% of people are living in brown pastures." He then went on to John 10:10 which is a familiar passage to most. "The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full."

A question that I often ask God, is 'Why?' Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do I have to live with a brain disease called Chiari Malformation? And the answer to that question is we are a part of Humanity. Chances are everyone of us will face sickness, disease, or tragedy. And there are no chances with death. Death is certain. We will all die. But here is the WONDERFUL thing.......... the theif CAN steal, he CAN kill, and he CAN destroy but he CAN NOT steal, kill, or destroy my soul because my shepard is THE door! I CAN NOT be taken from HIS hand! Where will I be? I will be in the Green Pastures. I, in my Savior, and He will be, and I quote Pastor Billie, "watching my every breath as I take it in and let it out." There is Life in the green pastures and Life to the fullest, Life in Jesus.

Through the night and this morning I have pondered all the love and unselfishness of my community, friends, and family. It wasn't until I was sitting in church this morning that I no longer felt "undeserving". Afterall, as I quoted earlier, green pastures are giving AND receiving love. So I receive it. I graciously receive your prayers, your service, your friendship, your donations, your meals, your love. I have amazing friends. Friends for life. To All who did Anything, I Love You. Now, this week when I paint my door Heirloom Red, I will think of the Gate, the Green Pasture, and of Living Life to the Fullest with ALL of you!

At the close of service I knew what I had to do... I had to publish this... and as we closed our eyes and bowed our heads to pray, Pastor Billie prayed, " and Lord, that this message would not to stay in theses 4 walls but would go out," and it has. It has gone out to you and the many people who will ever read this blog....
as soon as I find a suitable picture of my beauiful green pasture I will replace the dark picture in my heading. You see that is me, not really, but that is me standing in what would feel like rising waters, with a stormy sky,..... but do you see the glimmer of sun afar? I am done with that... now I want thick, soft, green grass and a Massive amount of Sunshine:)!

Sunshine today!

Well. Good Morning. It is an absolute beautiful day today. I am going to go for a walk, but before I do I want to tell you how excited I am about tomorrow! I just can't wait!

Good news. I didn't have any narcotics yesterday. I am not saying I won't ever have another one, but for now I am okay. Yesterday was the first day I haven't had one since, wow, like 3 months or more. I am taking Motrin for pain. Anyhow I know you all are praying and I wanted to share so that you know your prayers are effective. Your prayers are what have gotten me through this. Nate and I were talking about the day after surgery. My NSG came in and couldn't believe I was up walking around. This man had performed, I think it was, a thousand of these surgeries. And in my hospital room, he said patients normally stay in the bed that entire first day after surgery. He doesn't know me and he doesn't know All the prayers I have pushing me up! I can't wait to see him on the 29th to show him the Power of Prayer!

Have a Wonderful day, and Remember to make A memory!!
Kim

wormy

Okay. I will post a picture of my head as soon as we get a camera working around here, maybe tomorrow. Today was pretty good. It was a rough start but turned out better. Nate is off tonight so it makes it so much easier on us all.

For all you SpongeBob fans or just parents whose kids are fans, I am sure you have seen the episode with "Wormy", the caterpillar who SpongeBob and Patrick become friends with. They don't realize it is a Caterpillar, of course. One morning they find that "Wormy" is gone and they find a Monster in the jar. In reality the Monster is a beautiful butterfly that the whole town, "Bikini Bottom," become frantically afraid of. At the end of course they find out what metamorphosis is, and that is that. Anyway my kids, (and myself) love this one and we have it recorded on DVR. You'll be happy to know that we have captured a caterpillar, named, you guessed it, "Wormy"! So today with all my spare time, I have researched how to create a suitable home for this caterpillar, what it will eat, and how it will pupate. Fun!!!!!!!!! I just checked on "Wormy" and he is O.K.

Sadly, or gladly (not sure), this is all I have to report today:) My pain is just directed to the surgery. I tried to do some stretching and rehab moves with the band, the other night. I thought I had done great until I got to my feet to walk around. I had a Wave of Nausea came that I hadn't had in some weeks. I am not sure what to make of it and when I go to the Dr. on the 29th I will find out more about it. As for now, I won't be doing that anymore. The walks are fine for now.

Thank you All for Everything!
Kim

Thank you

Hi. Well I want to start off by thanking some folks. Nikki C. came yesterday and brought some home made vegetable soup and brownies! She also brought in dish after dish of frozen meals that her Sunday School class had prepared for us. So a Big Shout Out to Branch Chapel. What is still amazing to me is how total strangers take such good care of our needs. Not strangers anymore, friends! We will never be able to thank everyone for all the generous things you've done.

To all who are planning the fundraiser: I am still processing this. I told Melissa yesterday, that I feel so helpless! Like there is something I need to do to help you all, and of course she is not going to let me do that. And do you know why? Because she (Melissa ) is probably the most wonderful person on Earth.... I am going to tell you I have never seen anything like it. I am still gathering my thoughts about how dear she is and will compile it into a Special Post, just for her. I am not really even sure yet just How much is being done, and I can't wait to be surprised!!! You all are Amazing!!!!!! I love you.

I am feeling better today, not so down!!! How can i be down when I have so much to be thankful for!!!!!
kim

mirrors

Hello. Today is Monday. I had an interesting day yesterday. For starters, I did more yesterday than I have done in a month. I actually got up and had a shower like normal people. I got ready and we went to church. It was so good to get dressed up and see people other than my family. When I got there though I started getting a little nervous. I think a hard part of this is having to talk about it all the time. Its almost embarrassing too. The good thing, is that I dont know a whole lot of people at the new church yet. So most, don't even know i have had this done, because, honestly I look like you. My hair has grown back in a way that I can cover it. The sermon yesterday was a great one. The Spirit always delivers to me and you in way that is personal to both. We went out to eat. Here's where it gets funny. I see people who know me, right. Everyone acts differently. Some come right up and immediately get to the point. Others just stare from far away, whispering with their families. I'm telling you it is hilarious. I try to put myself in their shoes though. I wonder how I might act or what I would do and the truth is I don't know. I thought I would write about it though. Nate and I were able to steal away yesterday to a movie and that was great. We met up with our family at McDonalds and the kids enjoyed their Happy Meals and playing in the playcenter.

Finally we got home to see Extreme Home Makeover at 8. Although I had seen it before, it was from a different perspective. The first time I watched it I hadn't had surgery and didn't know mine was as serious as it was. Now I was able to watch it from the otherside of surgery. It is so hard to listen to it and understand all the things associated with the disease. It is hard to accept. You see I am going to try and explain this the best way I know how. All I know about myself is everything I feel and everything I see. You see I have this perception of myself as you do alike. I wonder how many times in our lifetime we spend in front of a mirror. What you see in the mirror is how you develop a self image. I consider (after spending time looking in a mirror) myself to be normal. An ordinary woman, one I would see out in a store. I look healthy. I look put together. My makeup is just right, my hair is just right. I am not sick. So then there's this constant reminder called pain. Here I will note that his friend Nausea hasn't showed up as much since surgery. Praise God. And here comes the part with a different mirror. There is this mirror that doesnt show me what I am wearing. It doesn't show my lipstick. It shows me the sickness. If the house gets dirty it shows me I am sick. If the kids are out running and playing in the yard, it shows me I am sick. When I see someone going to the gym or jogging on the street, it shows me I am sick. When I see people dancing or performing on television, it shows me I am sick. And then I go to the mirror in the bathroom and go, I am not sick. It is this constant battle, back and forth. My mind is slipping and i find myself needing to learn anything. I am reading books. Tons of books. Crosswords. Scared to death that I am going to wake up and not remember anything, or worse to remember everything and not be able to communicate with the ones I love. I understand everything that you do about faith and worry but it is still very hard.

Well enough of that for now. I want to thank everyone. All the cards. I am seeing all sorts of things happening. I know that this blog has become a popular one and I am trying to keep it up. For some reason this is part of the plan. On Wednesday I am going to post a picture of my head one month post-op. It is really unbelievable how quickly scars are disguised by hair!!!!
love to all

EXTREME MAKEOVER * THE CARTER FAMILY

Make sure to watch EXTREME MAKEOVER on Sunday night. This show is a re-run about a family with Chiari Malformation.

Love you all and I will post tomorrow night:)

3 weeks

It's been three weeks today. I am exhausted today, even though I am slowly getting stronger. My walks are getting longer each day. We had an exciting day. My inlaws bought me a tree in honor of my Mema. So my favorite tree is a Weeping Willow and we got a Corkscrew Weeping Willow. I can't wait to get it planted. It is so beautiful! We got it from a Nursery here in town. Johnathan Raynor owns the Nursery and I must say its the first thing we've purchased from anywhere other than Lowe's or whatever and Man, there Is a Difference! Nate is going to plant it in a couple days. It will soon get to growing!

Everyone has been so helpful. My thanks today are to Charlotte Hoyt who made us some homemade Chicken Salad and homemade Pimento Cheese and some cupcakes which we devoured. Johnathan and Tracy Raynor have been helping take Shendi to church. Mom and Kathy for helping with the kids. Melissa Stearn for helping out. All the phone calls and visits and Wow at the number of cards..... Just Amazing! I love you all. Sometimes I feel like I'm living someone's else's life but it will get better. Surreal.

I just watched Dolly Parton sing about Jesus on Americal Idol!! How bout' that? I am almost positive she did.
Thanks again
lacie thanks for your support:)

hey there. it's almost been 3 weeks now since op. maybe its the rain, i don't know, but am battling the "blues". it could be these walls closing in on me. in the past 3 weeks i have be to the lawn market for about 20min, and Lowes Hardware for about 10min. The crazy thing is, is that I don't want to go anywhere. Nate went back to work, so that could be the reason I am down. Today is the first day in days that I am in pain. That could be rain too. Let' just blame everything on the rain. Constant throbbing in the back of my head and on my neck.. It feels like I have a golf ball in the back of my neck when I look up. So I just won't look up. I have been putting on makeup for the past few days, and I enjoyed it. I look fine on the outside, that is what is so decieving. This operation is only a treatment of the disease, not a cure. There is no cure. There are people still doing research to find a cure. So that will answer alot of your questions. People are asking me, "do you feel different", and "did it work". It should alleviate symptoms for a period of time. But it is only a treatment.

The kids are doing great. Life as usual. Shendi is doing great. I am glad she is back at school this week. She was getting awfully bored. She did go to Carowinds Saturday with her new youth group. She had a wonderful time. The kids have been accepting of her and she seems to be growing spiritually. David is back at preschool and was excited to go back this morning. Lydia has spent the morning with my mom. And Nate is back to work.

I want to thank everyone for bringing us food. Marilyn Sutphin brought food on Friday. Jean, Nate's mom, brought food for Saturday and Sunday. Lisa S. brought food this morning and visited for a while. Nate and I have both gained some weight because you guys keep us fed so well. We have definetly enjoyed all of the meals and desserts!!!

Thanks for Everything!
Congratulations to Elizabeth and Chris on their new baby girl!!!
Kim

Spring

What a BEAUTIFUL day we had today!!! The kids are on Spring Break this week and today I delegated as the girls planted flowers. My mema had lots of potting soil and nice planters that we got today. Nate went to mom's and got two truckloads of pine straw out of her yard (They have tons of pine trees). Shendi and Lydia used the items and planted all these beautiful plants and flowers people have given us. There are ferns hanging on the porch, Nate put the straw nicely around the house and in our gardens, and even though it didn't quite need it, Nate cut grass. All the while I told everybody what to do........ its what I do best. I rocked on the porch all afternoon, did crosswords.

A friend of mine, Lea Frank's employer donated 250.00 worth of groceries and household items to us today. Lea did all the shopping and brought tons of groceries this afternoon. We have been so blessed these days... We had a nice dinner and sat outsite while the kids messed around in the yard... We had to enjoy our flowers on the porch! Did I mention we have a new flag hanging out front. My friend Fran gave me a flag for Christmas, and it is a huge picture of Jesus with little animals. It is really beautiful out there. Funny today, when the girls were planting the flowers, the flag was blowing like crazy and Lydia, who is 3, Yells Laughing, Wow look at Jesus up there!!! It was hilarious. The kids were very dirty tonight from all the playing outside and pollen everywhere. Nate gave the baths and I actually went for a walk. I know what you're thinking, but I gotta start somewhere. Babysteps. It was a short walk to the stop sign and back, maybe just under 1/2 mile, very slowly, but it felt great!!!!

I know now why God gave me such think hair. I finally understand after all these years. It was for this moment... My hair falls perfectly over the incision. Now if it is a windy day, I might have problems. I did get a fake short ponytail looking thing to wear if I pull my hair back and that works too. As for right now, can't get my left arm up yet, not over my head anyway. I feel like the surgeon tied the back of my head to my back. Very hard to explain. Anyhow. I am just enjoying taking it easy, very easy. Nate goes back to work tomorrow:( So Dad is spending the night with us. I feel like such a baby.... but it will be fun:)

Thanks again for all the support and a Special note to Sue Grimmet for your generous donation. To my girl Melissa and Lea, and there are so many more. You all are the BEST!!!!!

Love Kim

Thankful.

No infection, praise God. Antibiotics are working. I am rather weak, tired, and sore. My dad said, "be thankful you woke up this morning." And then, reality check. Yes, I am thankful. I am thankful for my health, my family, my home, my friends..... and oh, so much more. I will post tomorrow.

EXTREME MAKEOVER * THE CARTER FAMILY

Mark your calendars ~ Extreme Makeover Home Edition is re-airing the episode about the Carter Family on April 6th. She is an amazing woman! Her passion for helping people with Chiari is incredible. If you didn't catch this episode when it "Carter Family" -- The Carters of Billings, MT were surprised to receive the news that Ty and the gang will transform their current home of a chicken coop into the home of their dreams in just seven days on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," SUNDAY, APRIL 6 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on ABC. (Rebroadcast. OAD 10/21/07)
Julie Carter suffers from a genetic disorder known as Chiari Malformation, as does her 21-year-old daughter, Jade. She fears her other two daughters may have it as well. Julie and Jade have had several brain surgeries costing over $500,000. This condition has over 85 symptoms -- which makes it very easy to misdiagnose -- and causes depression and chronic fatigue. Julie has made it her passion to spread awareness of the rare disorder and has become a hero to thousands. She writes a monthly newsletter to Chiari patients, providing them support, compassion and valuable information, which she assembles and distributes with her own money. She also started Chiari People of Montana, a support group. With her success, she was recently asked to run the first Chiari Malformation chapter in Billings. This is a bittersweet honor, since her makeshift office is hardly suitable for getting out her newsletters.
Julie is so consumed with helping others that she rarely thinks of her own living situation -- which is a refurbished chicken coup -- but the astronomical medical bills are a regular reminder that there's little chance their house will ever be fixed. From the outside their home looks like a long warehouse; the exterior walls are buckling and some of the windows are cracked, which makes it tough in the brutal Montana winter. They've made the best of the interior, but the cracks in the floor and the unusable space makes heating the place expensive. It's now up to the design team to get this family out of the chicken coop and into a healthy house, and to reward this selfless mother with a state of the art facility where she can run the Billings chapter of Chiari. While Ty and the designers, local builder Jeff Junkert Construction, Inc. and hundreds of volunteers and workers are rebuilding their home, the Carter family will go on vacation at the Hilton Times Square in New York City.aired in October be sure to watch it on April 6th.

Doctor Appointment

Hey. I got my stitches out today. My doctor was happy to see me and couldn't believe how well I am doing. This is my PCP in town. She also acted excited that she was the one to get to take them out. She said that she couldn't believe a neuro at Duke would allow her to take them out. She was as gentle as possible given the size and area of the incision. Some bad news, though. I have some infection around the neck in the incision. So I am on antibiotics now twice a day. She cleaned the area very well and bandaged me up again. Nate has to inspect it for her Wednesday morning and if it looks okay, then I can wash my hair. If not, back to Duke. So You All who read this blog please pray the infection will clear up. Because of the area of infection it can be serious. I have been back in the bed today. Thanks for everyone sending cards, sending money, sending food, and phone calls. You all are the best!!!!!

Today I woke up with a big headache! It has gotten better as the day has progressed. I am going to try to get off the narcotics slowly. Mom is a nurse and thinks some of theses symptoms could mean I am getting tolereant to the pain med. So I will trust her advice and do just that. I will get my stitches out on Monday. I still can't lift anything, and the reason I know this, is because I have tried....shhhhhh.... No, I will not do that anymore because it was rather painful... My neck is still stiff and sore. I know I will get through this, it will just take time.

This beautiful weather is calling me. I was washing some dishes, looking out the window, thinking I have got to get out in my flower garden. So, I grabbed a bottle of windex and started cleaning the glass on the stormdoor. After I did that I got ahold of the broom and swept the porch as best I could. The more I worked I got closer and closer to the flower garden. I was there. I had worked my way to the garden. I stood there looking at the weeds and bare spots. They were calling me. The weeds wanted me to pull them and the bare spots were in desperate need of pinestraw. I don't know how long I stood there before I realized that my neighbors were probably looking at me wondering what in the world I was doing. So I went back inside. Man I have got to get better soon, so I can get busy..... You don't realize how much you do until your forced to be in the bed or resting on the couch..

I have to give my SHOUT OUTS, you know. On Thursday Carolyn F., Elizabeth M., and Joan S. brought us dinner, flowers, candy, and cards. On Friday Patsy D. made us dinner and it was delicious. Patsy also has Chiari and identifies with the pain and suffering that comes with the diagnosis. Tonight my friend I've known since highschool is bringing supper. Her name is Nikki Godwin. I think the world of this girl! Also I wanted to say how much appreciate all your comments.!

Love you all
Kimberly

1 Week Since Surgery

Hey. Today makes a week since surgery. I have been sleeping alot today and am in pain. I am waiting for it to start to go away. This will try me. I am trying to stay positive. This is the hand I was dealt. The game will go on.

My family and friends are what is getting me through each day. I have trouble remembering who was here the day before and who brought what and who did what, so I am writing it all down. I want to thank Branch Chapel in Selma for their donation (De De Stott's Sunday School Class). How awesome it is to recieve blessings from people who don't even know us. Melissa S. brought over some donations today from people who wanted to remain annonymous. Bethany brought over her tips from cutting hair and a jar they had set up at the salon. The girls at Hot Heads salon in Smithfield sent me a beautiful flower. Teasie brought over supper and it was delicious. I am telling you that you people are getting me through this. I don't know what to expect each day when I wake up but I have hope still.

Thanks so much. I love you all, goodnight.
Kim

day 6

Hey everyone. I need to start todays blog by wishing Lucky, a Happy Belated Birthday! Lucky is Anita's baby (horse) that was born a year ago yesterday!

I want to thank some people today... First of all I have recieved more cards than any Christmas or birthday ever. Seriously they are all beautiful and you all have poured your hearts out in them. I want to thank Baptist Tabernacle in Wendell for your generous donation. I want to give a SHOUT OUT to my girls at TJTPA. My Beautiful Basket arrived today! I am not even going to open it up yet so that I can show it off to all my family and visitors. When Shendi gets home with her camera I am going to take a picture of it and post it on here. Thanks to Aunt Paulette and Lisa S. for bringing groceries and dinner yesterday! It means alot to not only me and Nate, but the kids are learning so much through all of this. Thanks to Tim Brown for coming to pray with me at just the right moment, (Before rolling back to surgery).

I am just overwhelmed at all of the generous people in our lives. About six months ago I was at a point in my life where I had too high expectations of the people around me. And when they didn't meet those expectations I was surely let down. I was at a Turning Point in my life and didn't know which direction to turn. My faith was tested in God, in family, in friends and in everything I had ever been taught. I didn't understand why things were happening so rapidly around me and I thought maybe it was because something I had done wrong; be it sinned, not worked hard enough for God, not using my gifts enough, whatever you name it. And the past few weeks I realized that I did make the right turn. I turned to God with my hands empty, my mouth silent, my head down, my feet stuck in mud. I didn't want to move a muscle. I was numb. It was there, when I had no energy that He started to teach me. He has taught me that #1 I must stay close to Him, #2 that He's in charge, #3 that He loves me more than I can understand, #4 He will never leave me. just when i thought i couldn't and didn't trust the people around me; never wanting to get into relationships ever again...........God moved and showed me that there are people out there that do care and do love me and do things out of love. Love shouldnt have condtions. Love in unconditional. God does move through people, all different groups and types of people. God can move through anyone He wants. That is what is so AWESOME about Him. So throughout this battle with my sickness or your battle with something else, God will provide. He will. And He will never leave you. Just when you feel like you have no one, He shows up and when He does, He will use whoever He wants. It may be someone you would least expect. Glory to God for all He has done, is doing and will always do!!!! He really does love us....

I feel a little better everyday. I couldn't stand dirty hair any longer today so Nate helped me wash my hair in the sink, avoiding the big bandage. And as for the bandage it came off today and Thank the Lord! because that thing was itching me to pieces! I will get Shendi or Nate to take a picture of it tonight. I know you all are still praying and keep on, because I am not just going to bounce back from this... it will be a long hard road. Thought I could, but that was before they cut my head:) A big thanks to Nate. He has taken care of me like he would a newborn. He wakes up with me in the night, he keeps up with my meds, and he takes care of the kids.... Lots of times I can't remember what i did or didn't take.. Hoping my memory gets better. A Big SHOUT OUT to SHENDI...... Her first track meet is today! She is quite the runner and loves the long jump... I can't go, but Nate and David will go watch her. My mom is coming over to watch me and Lydia:) Joan's bringing food tonight and I can't wait to see her!!! I love you Joan!!!

Love you all
kim

Hey there. It's Sunday, I think. Funny how I had to think for a minute or two about what day it is. I am heavily medicated every 3 hours. I wake up every 3 hrs during the night because of this intense head and neck pain. My throat/voice is stressed too. I don't know if it is from the surgery or the ventilator I had in. Anyhow I am alive. I feel a little better every day. I go to my family dr. on Friday to have the stiches out. I am going to have Nate take a picture of the incision before they take them out. I can't wash my hair until then:( I have been using dry shampoo, and wearing a shower cap in the shower. But I can't wait to wash my hair next week. In six weeks I will go to a follow-up with the neurosurgeon. He will do an MRI around that tme. I am exhausted now so I will write again later. Thanks to everyone for cards, phone calls, and food. Bridet J. and Nikki C. thanks for your beautiful words. Thanks Becky for the food last night. Thanks Kathy for the chicken n rice tonight and keeping David and Lydia. Dana P. thanks for having Shendi the weekend. I can't wait to see the pictures ya'll took.

Home but continue to pray!

This is Nate, posting for Kim,
A special thanks to my mom, Jean for keeping the kids for the past few days. It is a great reassurance that you can depend on people to help you get through a trying time.
Today is a great day in knowing that God has brought Kim home, but as for the here and now it is tough. She is in a lot of pain, and very nauseated b/c of the level of pain she is describing to me. The level of 1-10 is 9 for nausea, 9 for pain. 10 being extreme or unbearable. She is a tough woman though, one of the many virtues she possesses that makes me love her all the more. She asked that all who know how to pray whether great or small prayers are much needed tonight and right now as you read this blog. We must continue to be all in one accord and one voice making it known to God, although HE knows how great her need is at this hour in her life. I understand that the recovery process will take time and the 1st week may be the hardest. We greatly appreciate all you have done already thus far and what you all will continue to do. If the shoe was on the other foot, anybody who knows us or Kim knows all to well she would be in the trenches for any of you.
A very special thanks to all who are planning this fundraiser for Kim. I can not begin to describe what a blessing you all are from God to us. (Kim) We are humbled and honored to call all of you friends. For those whose faith has been increased by this or just by Kim speaking a simple word or a small whisper pray for any of you, must realize that if God is for us, who can be against us.

In Jesus Christ Name, I sincerely thank each and every one of you.
Nate
For the English wizzs out there I apologize for any errors.

Home but continue to pray!

home

Hey, I am home. Just got here. I am very sore. I will let you all know how I am doing later. Right now I am going to rest. Thanks Melissa. Hannah I got your flowers, and Katy I got your edible fruit. Uncle Ronnie thanks for the flowers and the visit. Love you all, will post later. I am also going to post a pic of my head. I didn't have as much shaved, but the incision is about 7 inches long.

Praise God, Kim is out of surgery and doing great!!

Hello everyone, my name is Melissa and Nate called me to update me on Kim and wants me to pass along the good news. Kim went into surgery yesterday around 5:30pm and got out around 7:00pm. The surgery went great and Nate was able to see her last night around 11:30. She stayed in ICU and Nate went back to the hotel. As of this morning Kim is awake and alert. She is talking and really happy that they did not shave her head as much as they thought they were going to. Nate said she was really happy about that!! She is in room 4114 at Duke hospital. We should all thank God for this blessing and keep praying that she will continue doing good. I will keep you posted when Nate calls or he may have time to update you. He said he did not have any time to post the good news this morning. If you want to send flowers to Kim I think it would lift her spirits!! Praise God for taking care of Kim and pass this along to everyone. Thank you for your out pouring response to the fundraiser and take a minute today and just smile!! Thanks again, Melissa Stephenson. mom2haley@earthlink.net

Last Post until after Surgery

Hey. Let me start by saying that at 6am this morning, my Mema saw Jesus. Yes. She passed into his arms just as we left our driveway for the hospital. Thank you Lord. She is in no more pain and I can tell you she doesn't want to come back here. So she will be there tomorrow and she will be watching over me as I get surgery. One of her neuro drs.. said to my mom that "as she (Mema) passes over to her new life, I (me) will be getting a new life as well. I would rather have her, but God sees it differently. This was her time. I loved her so much and always will. I have been wearing her shirt today and her pearl earrings. She is at her PARTY, at last. She will be cremated at her request and we are going to bury her ashes in the mountains at a family graveyard. This past year we went there with her. We stood on that mountain in the graveyard. It was so beautiful. She told us that was where she wanted to be. So in a few months we can all go and have a small family service to celebrate our love for her and her new life in Eternity.

Today is our anniversary and we are at a hotel a mile away from the hospital. Our day started early. I was in another MRI machine at 9am. Next we went for Pre-Op screening. They did everything you could possibly think of to me. Last year at the hospital I had a chest x-ray and the technicians went crazy over how big my lungs were:) I thought they were a little crazy and thought, "just how big could they be?" Today after my chest x-ray, one technician said to the other, "Good Lord, she has some huge lungs!" I overheard her and started laughing and said I have heard that before. She had to take another pic b/c she couldn't fit them both on one pic. So that is just hilarious to us today..... So I have a big brain so that I can use my big lungs to relate all of my knowledge using my big mouth! Anyway at last we saw my surgeon. He spoke with us for awhile. He will be taking a bone from the skull and a bone from my neck. He will not cut the bottom of the brain and he will not shrink it. He thinks it best to leave the brain alone for now and see how this other works. I asked him what would happen in the future if I didn't have this surgery and he basically said you can't get new nerves. If he doesn't make more room for my brain, so that it is not so compressed, then the CSF fluid will build up in my spinal cord and cause cists to form which could lead to paralysis. He doesn't know WHY I have tears along the dura (the tissue holding my spinal cord and fluid and nerves). He thinks they are what have caused it to drop so rapidly. So he couldn't guarantee that this will fix me, but he thinks it is definetly worth a shot, and only wants it to make me better. So I am hopeful. I know you are all praying. So pray this works. There will be MRI follow ups later to see the progress.

Surgery information.....
My surgery is at 5pm tomorrow, Wednesday March 12th. I have to be there at 2:30 for checkin. It will take 2 hrs to prep me and get me really out!!!! That was my biggest concern!! Make sure I am ASLEEP! Surgery 2-4 hrs depending on what going on in my head. The surgeon said you really don't know what details are until you open up . Sometimes an MRI doesn't show everything. Then I will spend the night in ICU. They will not update Nate during surgery unless something goes wrong. So he said, "No news is good news". Nate will not be able to spend the night in ICU so he will stay here at the hotel. We are about to go out and gorge ourselves because I can't eat anything after 12am.. You do the math... I will not eat anything for awhile.

I don't think I left anything out. This will be my last post until I am at home and able to get to the computer.
I love you all, with all my heart!!!!!

Almost here and almost there.

So, I have my clock set for 4:30am. You know I got to fix my hair. LOL! I won't be able to fix it for awhile after they zip my head back up. In the Chiarian community, "zipperhead" is the nickname for those that have had decompression surgery. A special thanks to Bethany who brought me her bandannas. I don't think I can pull "the look" off like she can, but I will try. Some lipstick should do the trick.



The hardest thing so far was to put my kids to bed. I won't see them in the morning so it was sad for me. I know I will not see them for a few days and will miss them terribly. My precious children........ We had a great time eating out tonight. We had Andy's... cheesesteak subs, chili-cheese fries, hot dogs, milkshakes, oh yeah.... I am eating everything in site. We visited with mom and Aunt Laney, and then Nate, the kids and I went for a walk. Bath time, story time, and I painted Lela's toenails and fingernails. Shendi said Goodbye to the laptop for a week, (it's going with us. David just wanted to cuddle with his "Sweet Mother." I know, but seriously that's what he calls me and it is oh so dear.



Mema hasn't passed yet, but it is soon approaching. I think she may go when I'm having surgery. When she could understand me days ago, I told her if she got there before my surgery to make sure God knew what was going on with me:) I can just imagine. Either way she will see her Father. And, yes, I know He knows everything. Pray He will go ahead and take her Now. I hate that she's like this. Pray.



Our anniversary is tomorrow, in like 10minutes. Eight years and we have soooo much to show for it! Nate is sleeping. I must do the same!!! Maybe I can post tomorrow once I know what the Heck is going on!!!!



Love you all so much.....

Love you Nate

Kimberly



Make a Memory!!!! or two

THOUGHTS OF A LOVING HUSBAND

THOUGHTS OF A LOVING HUSBAND







TO MY LOVING WIFE,


I HAVE LOVED YOU FROM THE VERY BEGINING AND EACH DAY I GROW CLOSER TO YOU. I HAVE MADE MY PRAYERS AND SUPPLICATIONS KNOWN TO GOD WITH THANKSGIVING, THAT HE WILL BE THE DOCTORS HANDS AND MINDS. THIS PAST YEAR HAS BEEN A YEAR OF THE LOCUSTS, BUT ALWAYS AFTER A STORM WE ARE BLESSED TO SEE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SUNSHINE. THE WORD THAT COMES TO MIND IS NUMBERS 6:24-26. "THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU AND MAY HE SHINE HIS GLORIOUS FACE UPON YOU AND BE GRACIOUS TO YOU. MAY THE LORD TURN HIS FACE TOWARD YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE". THIS PEACE FROM GOD WE CAN NOT UNDERSTAND, BUT WE KNOW THROUGH JESUS CHRIST WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS. GOD WILL RESTORE WHAT THE LOCUSTS HAVE DESTORYED. GOD WILL BRING YOU WHOLE AGIAN FOR HIS NAME SAKE. FOR HIS NAME IS JEHOVAH ROPHE: THE LORD WHO HEALS. MAY HE BE JUST THAT IN THE FULLEST MEANING OF HIS NAME FOR YOU AND THOSE WHOM YOU LOVE AND TRUST.





YOUR LOVING HUSBAND, NATE

Fundraiser for Kim

Hello everyone, my name is Melissa Stephenson and I am a friend of Kim and a former co-worker at Salon on Third. I want to reach out to all of you who love Kim as much as I do and support me in an fundraiser for Kim and Nate. We need all the support and donations available....I am going to be gathering information on how much we need to have Bar-B-Q plates with slaw, potatoes, hushpuppies, and cake. I am working hard on finding people to donate food, supplies, and their time to help me sell the tickets for plates. I am asking you to help me make Nate and Kim's life easier thru this hard time. While Kim is out of work and at home recuperating from her surgery I want us to do all that we can to make this a successful fundraiser and to enrich our lives with the love and kindness that comes with helping someone you love and think the world of. Please email me if you are interested in helping with this and pass it along to friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors. I know we can make this work for Kim and Nate and the faster I get feedback from you I can get started with all the details. My email is mom2haley@earthlink.net and my phone number is 919-427-4379. Thank you, Melissa Stephenson

Today is Saturday. I haven't written on here in a couple days. I haven't wanted to. I don't think I would be able to relax before and after surgery knowing that my clients didn't have their hair done! LOL:) So, I am working again on Monday morning to tie up some loose ends.

Mema is at a nursing home now. She is soon to be going to her party. The kids understand that Mema has a party to go to. In Heaven. Jesus hasn't quite finished all the decorations and the guests are being told she's coming. Her mommy and daddy are going to be there. God is almost ready. Meanwhile she is being comforted with medicine. She's agitated. She's not in her right mind and it wears her body out to have company, even us. So we have all said our goodbyes. We will miss her dearly. My mother and aunt have done an amazing job during this. How hard this must be.

I am nervous about surgery. Even still. So much is going through my mind. I am ready to get it over with though. I won't know surgery details until the day before (Tuesday). Meanwhile I have to go to the store and pack my bags.

Miracle. I don't know how to explain this. I want to expect a miracle. But what is a miracle? We are so human. I might not even recognize a miracle if I saw one or even experienced it. I will know when I get to my party one day. He'll explain everything. Meanwhile I am just going to ride, not really thinking about what tomorrow will bring. I think I am going to enjoy the ride, regardless.

"The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."
Thanks Dana. Melissa S.you are amazing to me and I love you so much!!!I will keep this with me. Dorothy, if you're reading this thank you for everything. Jennifer D. thanks for all you've been to me, you are an awesome friend! Amy C. thanks for the beautiful flower in my window. Amy S. thanks for the roses (they lasted Forever!) Fran, thanks for the thoughtful gift. Martha you've always been there for me. My crazy, awesome co-workers thanks for all your concern, prayers, and jokes to keep my mind from wandering! Bethany I will never forget your first response to the phone call, "Lord bring her peace." - and He did! Peggy E. thanks for praying with me. Joan you are an angel in disguise. Teasie, girl you have the biggest heart in the world. Lea thanks for the flowers even before I knew of surgery, a "just because" gift. Anita, for listening to me complain about all my problems...... Joanna for being fervent in prayer, you and your faith are an inspiration to me. Pam Matthews for offering to keep these wild kids:) Charlotte, you are always so kind (My 1st client ever and still coming). Sarah F. for calling me and worrying about me! Stephanie Starling you are "for real" which is so hard to find these days! Mom, Dad, Jean, and Danny..... Kathy, Misty, Damon, Kevin, Ben we couldn't do all this without you! Mema, I love you. if I left anyone out, and I probably did, you know how I feel. I will post again before I go.