Angels Among Us

We know that heavenly angels attended Kimberlee during her terrible accident.  This is my tribute and thanks to the earthly angels that assisted in her care and recovery:

• EMS in Snowflake
• ER in Show Low
• Ground Transport in Show Low
• ER in Flagstaff
• Neurosurgeon Dr. Nichols & OR Crew in Flagstaff
• Neuro ICU in Flagstaff
• Taylor House in Flagstaff
• City of Phoenix and Scottsdale Osborn
• Family  &  Friends in Australia, US and Croatia
• Durango Ward Family

As David and I prepare to go back to work on Monday, there is not a day that has gone by that we have not counted our blessings and felt gratitude for the fasting, prayers, food, assistance, time off and love that has been shown our family.  There truly are angels among us.

"I know that He loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things." 1 Nephi 11:17

I never would have imagined that just one short week after Kim's terrible accident that we would be attending church with her.  We went to Christmas services late and left early but we attended.  Before going to church we tried a couple of looks for Kim.

This  is the cowboy look........
We finally settled on the gypsey look.........
What is amazing is that we were able to laugh about this at all.  

 

A Visit To The Hospital

We took Kim to have her 40 staples removed today.  I was greeted by my co-workers Seana Blazey RN and Charles Larsen, PA.  
Dr. Jorgensen offered to take them out for me.  I am so glad he did because there was a 2 inch site that had not healed properly and needed re-approximation.
Charles is so good at suturing and approximating skin for a beautiful finish.  He placed 4 sutures that I will take out on Christmas day!

This is the final product (with a little betadine still on her skin).  Thanks to all my wonderful co-workers for their care and support.  We are in the doctors parking lot, as evidenced by the snazzy cars:)

Signs of Life

David says this is his favorite picture of Kim.  It is kind of morbid but it was our first sign that she had normal brain function.  She is just waking up from surgery after 6 hours.  She hasn't even opened her eyes.  She is trying to pull her tubes out so her hands are restrained by the nurse.  She mouths that she wants to write.  So here she is: intubated, restrained and writing her thoughts.  

"Poor Mom and Dad"

"Can I have this tube out for just a second"

"My back isn't broken?"

" I feel so bad for Scott"

"I love you"

 It was at this moment that we knew that our miracle had occured, that against all odds she had normal brain function.  

Christmas Miracle

Kim was transferred out of the ICU yesterday and to the neuro unit.  We met with the neurosurgeon and he felt like we could care for her at home.  I will remove the 40 staples in her head, she has some follow up xrays on her neck and he will see her back in Flagstaff in January.  We can hardly believe that just 4 short days ago we were told she may not live.  It is truly our Christmas miracle!

It was snowing all day in Flagstaff when we left.  It was a winter wonderland for our trip home.

Her sisters, Kiersten and Lucy, greeted her with tears and love when we arrived home.  Lindsay arrived a short time later.


Kim could hardly wait to shave her head when we got home.  Her remaining hair was matted with blood.  I am cleaning her scalp with a washcloth.  She was in good spirits but extremely tired.  Thanks to all that emailed, texted, called and dropped off food and goodies.  Our Bishopric came to the house that night to see if there was anything they could do.  We are so blessed.  

Tender Mercies

Kiersten with Kim on Sunday
Pictured left to right: David, Scott Crosby, Kiersten, Heath Hart

Tender Mercies shown to our family during this time:

A child alive

Taylor House for rest

Family and Friends love, generosity and support

Skilled and caring Healthcare Professionals

A nursing infant that will take a bottle

Kiersten and Heaths loving care for Thurston

Employers and c0-workers that are generous and caring

Kim is still in the ICU.  Sleeping is her main job but when she awakens periodically our Kim is still here.  She is struggling with nausea but overall stable.

The Taylor house is a home-like environment hotel offered to families living outside of Flagstaff that have a loved one in the ICU.  It is a comfortable, healing environment while our family heals. 

It is snowing today and will through the week.  Thank goodness for Uggs!

Opposition in All Things

I write this from the Neuro ICU at Flagstaff Medical Center.  My daughter, Kimberlee, has suffered a terrible accident.  Through these trials we are tested and come to know God better if we choose.

 She had an epidural bleed and broken neck after hitting her head while galloping on a horse.  We were in Pinetop on vacation.  She could not be airlifted out because of bad weather.  She was taken by ambulance to Flagstaff where a neurosugeon was waiting for her.  After a very dark night, the light broke to find her making purposeful movements this morning.  

We have seen the Lord's hand in her care every step of the way.   We appreciate your continued faith and prayers in her behalf.  Yesterday I took the role of nurse to make sure she was taken care of.  Today I am her mother.  Broken hearted yet hopeful for a full recovery.  

Christmas Tamales

Lucy invited us to her house to make tamales for Christmas.  We made green corn with fresh roasted green chili's.  YUMO!

 I brought donuts for breakfast.  Lillian and Anders thought that was the greatest!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving day.   We started the day at the Mesa Turkey Trot.My bosses at Scottsdale Healthcare were there, Dee Dee and Dana

Lucy, Kim, Kiersten and Heath all ran together.    Yes, Kim is here with Ethan and baby Thurston.  Heath is a family  friend from Australia staying with us until Christmas.

We followed the Trot with a delicious traditional dinner and then went to the movie "Twilight". Great ending to a perfect day:)

Certified Radiology Nurse

I passed my national boards in radiology!  I can now add CRN to my list of credentials at work! 

Gratitude

We had the best Relief Society lesson today on Gratitude.  I felt so pathetic for complaining about the things I do.  The lesson was presented by one of the counselors, Sister Reed.  She is funny, knowledgeable and spiritual all at the same time!  Here is an excerpt from her handout......

• If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
• If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.  
• If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death, you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
• If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead, and a place to sleep, you are richer that 75% of this world.
• If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

Sometimes we have such a skewed perspective of life's blessings.  Today, I felt so grateful for my the 12 and 13 year olds in my Sunday School class.  They are so smart and are trying so hard to do good.  They amaze me.  I love being their teacher.

Dinner in a Pumpkin

My Halloween Dinner tradition is "Dinner in a Pumpkin".  I started doing this at the suggestion of  Linda Goodman when my kids were small.  I have tried variations of the recipe and this year is no exception.  My ingredients this year:

Ground Beef

Sausage

Corn

Salad Macaroni

Onion

Diced tomatoes

Salt and Pepper

Bake at 350 for 1 hour

The dinner takes on the flavor of the pumpkin.  Yummy!

For Kim's "Tag"

1. Where did you meet your husband?  In high school.  I was a freshman and he was a junior.

 2. How long did you date before you got married? We didn't date until the middle of my junior year in high school.  We got married after 2 years in college.

 3. How long have you been married? 30 years 

 4. What does he do that surprises you? What is amazing is that he continues to surprise me after 30 years.  That is one of the really fun things about him.  

5. What is your favorite feature of his? His kind face and eyes.  That was the first thing that I noticed about him.

 6. What is his best quality? His genuine love of people.  He is like his dad in that way.  Is always interested in the other guy's story. 

7. Does he have a nickname for you? Schmoopie (from Seinfeld)  Mostly a joke.

 8. What is his favorite food? Steak, but he loves a good hot dog

 9. What is his favorite sport? Golf, duh!

 10. When and where did you first kiss? In front of my house after a date.  It was NOT the first date.

 11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? We love to watch movies and play with our grandchildren

12. Do you have any children? 4 girls, 6 grandchildren

 13. Does he have any hidden talents? Yes, he is a really good artist and has a great eye for design.

 14. How old is he? 52

 15. Who said 'I love you' first? He did 

16. What is his favorite music? Classic Rock and Roll

 17. What do you admire most about him? His naturally cheerful disposition.  The glass is always 3/4 full

18. What is his favorite color? Not sure

19. Will he read this? Probably not.

 20. Who do you tag? I would love to hear from all my friends and family.  

Reflections of Christ Video

If you saw the display at the Arizona Temple, you know how beautiful and inspirational this  collection of photos is by local photographer Mark Mabry.  The piano music that goes with the video is also done by local musician Clyde Bawden.  Click on link to bring some inspiration to your day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbzPUjabIb0

Trip to the FRC

David took a trip to the Family Recreation Center (FRC) to do some work last weekend.  Grandma brought lunch to them but then got stuck off the road when leaving.  What you can't see is that there is a 10 foot drop where she went off the road!

This is me taking care of Elsie.  Lucy was making cookies while I watched the baby.  Yum!
Lillian is anxious for me to paint her nails, a favorite thing for her to have Grandma do!
Elsie's sweet smile:)
A rare moment that Anders will let Grandpa take him.  He is such a Papa's boy!!

Whew!

Saturday I took my boards  for Radiology Nursing and all I  have to say is WHEW!  I won't have my test results for 6-8- weeks.  That night we went to the Ballet at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix, compliments of David's work.  I had never been to a professional ballet, it was wonderful!  It was amazing to see the beauty and control of the human body.  

On Sunday, Elsie Miriam was blessed in Coolidge.  Thanks to the family members that came to support us on this special day.  

Today, David and I went to Safford to attend the funeral of our friend Jim Brinkerhoff.  He was a building contractor and member of our ward when we lived there.  We have reached the age that it is not so unusual that friends get sick and die.  Humbling.

Conference Saturday

Its been a great day listening to conference with Kiersten.  There were many inspirational moments but the one that has stuck with me is Elder Holland's talk on angels and the story of the lost child.  So tender......But I truly felt like the talks were inspired and spoke to me directly.

I have two traditions for conference Saturday.  The first is going through our 72 hour kits, changing out the food and checking the backpacks in general.  I do this during the conference talks in front of the TV.

The second thing I like to do is go to Dereset Book during the Priesthood session and take advantage of the big sale they put on.  I did go, but didn't buy anything:(

Twilight Update

Stephanie Meyer recently updated her website and revealed that Jack's Mannequin has one of the songs on the soundtrack.  Here is the "making of" video with Stephanie Meyer and also the video of "The Resolution".  This was the song he played when I saw him in concert this summer!!  I had no idea!

Back from Australia

Back to real life after a wonderful time spent with Kim and Thurston in Australia.  I have come back to a very busy schedule at work and my Radiology boards are just a couple weeks away.  I am spending every spare moment studying!  

On my day off I watch Ethan and Tristan.  I forgot how busy mothers of young children are. Fixing meals, storytime, swimming, coloring, and lots of hugs and kisses is how we have spent our time today.  

We have a play room set up in the family room.  

Tristan wakes up from his naps so happy!  It is so cute!
I started my herb garden that Kim gave me for my birthday.  Here is what is looks like after 10 days.  Pretty cool and looks good on my kitchen window.

Week Two in Sydney

Its been another relaxed and wonderful week with Kim.  I have the official duty of bathing the baby.  We looked for a baby bath.  The one I wanted cost $70.00 so we settled for the sink.

Kim and I went for a walk and found a local marked with vendors from all over.  I was so excited to find these UGG boots.  They are an Australian made boot, very popular and expensive in the US.  They are sheepskin lined and so warm and comfy!  I love them!
We spent a evening at the Kroks.  This is a possum they found in their yard.   Earlier in the day they had an anteater!  It really is the bush out there!
While we were at the Krok's, Ethan and Heath played a game of tennis while we watched.
One morning I went for a long walk along the coast.  I sat on top of this hill and contemplated how I was sitting on the edge of a continent looking out into the ocean.  It made me feel so far away from my home!
Rugby is the favorite pastime of the nation and the Kroks!  Here is Rugby night at Kim's flat.  
I will be leaving in a few days with mixed emotions.  Excited to see my American grandchildren and sad to leave my Australian.  We are so lucky to live in a world with such great communication devices!  

First Week In Sydney

It has been a laid back first week.  The flight over was uneventful - I even had an empty seat next to me!  Getting over jet lag and just taking care of the baby while Kim recovers is all I have done.  My best description of Kim as a mother comes from the scriptures "A joyful mother of children".  She is a loving and happy mother.  

Thurston John Krok is an unbelievable newborn.  First of all I do need to clarify that he looks just like his Dad!  I can't find a bit of Kim in him!  He eats every 3-4 hours, rarely cries, just kind of whimpers and then sleeps.  So far so good!

When I finally decided to venture out and go for a walk, this is what it was like outside, cold and raining.  But I went for a walk anyways with my cool poncho.

I was able to attend a session in the Sydney Temple with Ethan's brother and wife, Matt and Jade.  They just got married and are so cute together.  Ethan's mom, Ann, also attended and gave me a tour of the temple and baptistry.

We went to church Sunday at Bishop Krok's ward.  It was fathers day as well as fast sunday.  Ethan bore a beautiful testimony during the meeting.  Afterwards we went to the Kroks home for dinner and conversation.  

Today I went for a long walk with Kim's new sister-in-law, Jade.  We walked down the beach and talked about her new life as a married woman.  She is only 19 and so sweet. This is a picture of her in the blue sweatshirt with her sister Elise.