2019

Kayse

Hello New Year

Hello! It has been so long. Life has been a whirlwind these past few months. I started a job in Medicare Assistance in July. The class I was hired on with went through 6 months of training and it was a lot of hard work. I am finally starting to get settled in this new way of life. The transformation from a stay-at-home, mom who hadn’t worked in over two years, to a working mom and homemaker has been challenging to say the least. Although it has been hard, I am very grateful. The last time I was working I was so sick with my liver disease. It is a blessing to go to work everyday with no sickness in my body. Praise Jesus.

 

Life Lately

Since I last updated my page, I got a new nephew! My precious son turned three. I made incredible, life-long friends at my job. I developed an addiction to the book series and television series Outlander.  I got a new “mom” car. I turned 27. I booked a bucket-list trip to Scotland- my husband and I are going September 2019! It has been a wonderful year and I expect 2019 to be nothing less than wonderful as well.

My big three-year-old
Sweet baby Kip

The Plan

I want to get serious with blogging. I never got deep into it before taking my hiatus, but I plan to delve more into that for 2019. I want to share my thoughts and ideas with those who want to listen. I want to write about life.

 

The Goal

In 2019 I hope to encourage others to try new things and express themselves. My objective is to do this by sharing a little bit of my life and experience of being a mom, wife, woman, and transplant survivor. Everyone’s opinion is worth listening to, even on the most basicof topics. Hopefully my blog will be of interest and a place for people to come to for entertainment as well as conversation and encouragement.

 

Thank You!

Feedback and tips on any upcoming posts would be appreciated! I look forward to sharpening my writing skills as well as learning through this experience. Thanks to those who read these posts. I see you and appreciate the time you take out of your day to read anything that I have to say.

 

Happy 2019! Its going to be a year full of blessing!

 

Home Sweet Home

Kayse

Hello all! I know I have been out of the game for a while and I hate that! Life has been pretty hectic lately because… We bought our first home! We are thrilled and so very grateful! Since we got married in 2013 it has always been a dream of ours to own our own home, a dream that I honestly thought would never happen.

 

After I had my transplant I was determined to live life without settling. We lived in a tiny home in a not-so-great part of town for four years before we bought our home, but we had great landlords and they not only helped us through the hard times but they loved us through those difficult times as well. They are huge blessing to us and we hope that someday we can help a young couple the way that they did. In January I remember telling Steven that this will be the year that we get a home because I will not take no for an answer. However, I didn’t really know if it was possible I just knew that God tells us to have faith and that all we have to do is ask and receive, so I did (Matthew 7:7). Last year we tried to get a loan for a home and we were turned down. In August a local bank told us that we needed to do a lot of work and get our credit scores up to be able to get a home. So I didn’t really try to jump right into finding a mortgage company because I was waiting for the “right time”. In February I started to thank God for what He was going to do. I knew I just had to let Him be God and I just needed to trust Him. Literally the next week I had a family member call and tell us that her friend was a realtor and was looking for someone to help find a home and she asked if she could give the realtor my number. I said sure but in the back of my mind I thought that this woman probably couldn’t help us but it was worth a try. In just a few minutes she called and introduced herself to me and I filled her in on our situation. She was very kind and positive from the beginning and she got me in touch with a loan officer at Movement Mortgage in Monroe, Louisiana. I just filled out an application on a Friday and was told that following Monday that we were approved for a home loan. I couldn’t believe it! Then came the actual house search. We found one we loved that fell through and the next two homes we liked were in the process of being sold. Then we came across THE home for us.

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*we had to settle for wet photos because it has rained nonstop here.

It all just worked out so smoothly. When we looked at the house it had only been on the market for two days and we made an offer the day we walked through. We moved 30 minutes from our last house and while the commute into town is a little longer it is well worth it. We went form a two bedroom and one bathroom home to a three bedroom and two bathroom home; from having no backyard to having almost an acre and a half in the backyard. We moved in March 31st and I feel like this has always been our home. We are all moved in and I am finishing up with the putting away and organizing, which is A LOT OF WORK. I can’t wait to show everyone when it is finished. We give all the glory to God and we can’t wait to live our quiet family life in our new HOME.

 

I know that this wasn’t the most thrilling post, but I wanted to fill everyone in on why I have been MIA and share how God has blessed us yet again. I am working on some new blog posts and am currently in the middle of testing out a meal kit subscription to blog about my thoughts on. I won’t mention the name yet but I am sure you can guess what it is. I can’t wait to share it with you guys and try out a different kind of post for the blog. I hope to be able to devote more time here now that we are moved in and I am getting into the swing of life in the new house. Because we live so far away from civilization [overdramatic] I am at home a lot more so I plan to do these a few times a week. Until next time!

#MichaelsChallenge

Kayse

I’m sure by now that many of you have heard of the #MichaelsChallenge and the #HobbyLobbyChallenge, but for those who don’t know these challenges call for folks to use the floral aisles of these craft stores as their own personal studio. My sister-in-law, Bit, texted me a screenshot of a post from Michaels inviting people to come and try their hand at their #MichaelsChallenge. Seeming too good to be true, I told her that I doubt we could do that and not get kicked out to which she sent a screenshot of the store telling a prospecting photographer they can indeed come and photograph in their store.

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Challenge accepted! I haven’t been into photography much at all since my transplant and I enjoy having my life not revolve around photo shoots and long days and nights of endless editing, but this “challenge” was refreshing for me. Bit and I took advantage of the comfort of a/c and shelter from inclement weather that has been a constant theme here in Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana the past month. She dressed my beautiful nieces in spring colors and we had ourselves a mini Spring photo shoot.

The fluorescent lighting wasn’t my favorite part but the absence of mud puddles and Louisiana humidity made up for that. I suggest that you ask before taking over the aisle and respect other shoppers.

We did have a lady walk behind Bit while I was trying to get a few shots of her but we had to respect the customer, and because of Michaels hospitality to us we had no problem taking breaks so customers could peruse our floral backdrop. It also doesn’t hurt to do a little shopping while you are getting your photography on. I can’t go into Michaels and not buy something! Also, respect the store! Once you are done with your shoot clean up after yourself. Most importantly, have fun and be creative. So shout out to Michaels for letting photographers get creative indoors even if it is a way to get some business, I think its fantastic! Tag me in your #MichaelsChallenge photo shoot so I can see what you come up with!

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P.S. I’m not sure about other Hobby Lobby stores, but our local one would not allow people to come photograph in their store, but if your store lets you shoot there go for it and have respect for the store and other shoppers!

My Beloved- Weekly Photo Challenge

Kayse

“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine…” Song of Solomon 6:3.

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This week’s photo challenge by The Daily Post is to post an image of something that is beloved or dearly loved. I have been blessed with so many people and things that I love dearly, but when I saw this topic my mind immediately went to my husband. Not because of how much I love him, but because he makes me feel dearly loved. God truly broke the mold when He made my husband. Steven was 22 and I was 21 when we were married. We were so young and naïve but God knew that I needed him to help make me the person that I am today. He is so patient with me and so kind-hearted. He is quiet around most people but at home he is the goofiest person you will ever meet and I love that he saves that side of himself just for me to see. In 2015 we had our son and even though I didn’t think it was possible, I fell even more in love with him. He is the best daddy and it makes me want to be a better mama everyday. When our son was just a few months old we went through the toughest battle we had ever faced in our lives as individuals and as a couple. During that time we grew up and our faith grew strong. He was my rock like he always is. When I fell ill he was still strong. He had to be mama and daddy while I was in the hospital, and even though I was hard to deal with he did it with a level head and a smile on his face. He loves hard. He is stubborn. He is funny. He is hardworking. He is patient. He is faithful. He is humble. And even though he married a chronically ill woman, he has never once made me feel like a burden. He doesn’t let a day go by without telling me he loves me and that I am beautiful. I tease him with the verse, “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22), but really it is me that has found a wonderful thing. If for some reason I ever forget how blessed and loved I am by God, I just look at my beloved and I am reassured. He is my greatest blessing.

P.S. He is really hot.

White as Snow

Kayse

Today, for the first time in three years, it snowed in Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana! This was my son’s first time to experience snow. The last time it snowed I was four months pregnant with him. Gideon has been sick the past few days but was better today and able to play in the snow.

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He woke up and I asked, “Do you want to go see the snow?” He moaned and walked over to the door. I opened it and asked him what he thought about it. He looked at me with a confused look on his face and asked, “Where’s the snowman?”

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We spent a few minutes playing in the snow and then came in to lounge around all day. Steven got to stay home from work because Louisiana doesn’t know how to handle snow but we aren’t complaining! We got to have a family day. It was much needed and much cherished.

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While Gideon was napping I walked around outside along the woods and admired the untouched snow lying beneath the trees. It was as far as I could see. It looked like a prefect white fluffy blanket; unscathed and purposefully placed there. It reminded me of God’s perfect love and how the blood of Jesus covers us and makes us clean. It amazes me that He does that for little ole’ unworthy me. The Word tells us:

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they will be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18.

 

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Today I am thankful that He washes me clean. Even though I am unworthy and undeserving He cleans me up and places me exactly where I need to be just like that snow. No matter how dirty we think we are, his love can cover our most scarlet of sins and make us white. All we have to do is give our hearts to Him and ask to be forgiven. That’s it. How awesome? Now this is not to be interpreted that what Jesus did on the cross gave us a get-out-of-jail-free card. It simply means that if we whole-heartedly seek Him and His forgiveness that He will do as He has promised. Today I am thankful for that. I am thankful for all the little firsts that I get to experience with my son, and each one of those that I get to be a part of I will find His love in and I will thank Him for all that He has done for me.

Thanks for reading! I hope you are encouraged and that you enjoy these snow pictures. We don’t get to see snow often! I am going to attach a link to a song by Natalie Grant that has played in my head the whole time I was writing my post. Please listen to it and let it touch you.

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Listen to “Clean” here!

Love,

Kayse

 

One Year

Kayse

 

Transplant Day 1/14/17
One Year Anniversary of Transplant 1/14/18

(Transplant Day, 1/14/17; One-Year Anniversary of Transplant 1/14/18)

Sunday January 14, 2018 marked the one-year anniversary of my liver transplant. A year that changed my life forever. Its been another year with my loved ones that I never thought I would get. God has used this year to build my faith in Him as well as my patience. I have learned that His timing really is perfect and I am thankful that He has worked things out for my good, just as He promised He would. The Bible tells us in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” I stood on this verse many times during this year and I am so thankful that His word is not only comforting but true. One year down, forever to go!

I will make a post soon about the day of transplant to share the process from the time I got the call that I had a liver to waking up and going into recovery. Thanks so much for reading! I pray that God will bless you through this testimony that He has given me.

PS- Do you want to be a superhero? Register to be an organ donor here.

 

Kayse

Weathered- Weekly Photo Challenge

Kayse

Stonehenge

Stonehenge.jpg

This week’s Photo Challenge is to focus on an object or scene that demonstrates the meaning of “weathered”. When I thought about the topic the words old and sturdy came to mind. I immediately went back to my senior trip to Europe in the summer of 2010. Over the two-week stay there we visited Switzerland, Paris, France, and England. I can remember visiting Stonehenge and being so amazed that something as old as 4,000-5,000 years still stands. It is incredible that something so ancient- created before the invention of modern tools and equipment- is still as sturdy and fascinating after so many years. However, when I first arrived I thought, “This is it?!” Upon walking in and hearing the history of the monument while standing awestruck in its shadow I was reprimanded of my former dissatisfaction.

Sometimes we do this with God. I have caught myself asking Him “This is it?” when I pray and seek Him for what I need or desire in my life and He moves in a way that isn’t as spectacular as I anticipated. When we do this we miss out on the significance of His plan for our situations and our lives. Our way is not always the best way, but God’s plan and His timing is perfect. I am reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6:

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; 

and lean not unto thine own understanding;

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths”

Like old Stonehenge He can keep us, not just standing, but sturdy. With God we can weather any storm in life.

 

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/weathered/

Intro

Kayse

*Disclaimer- not all posts will be this long*

Hey, fam. I wanted my first blog post to be a sort of “get-to-know-me” so that I can explain my reason for starting my blog and what I hope to accomplish through it. I am 26-years-old. I love Jesus so much! All my hope is in Him. I am married to my best friend, Steven Rice. We have a precious son that we prayed and prayed for named Gideon. Gideon is two-years-old so life is fun ;p. He is our pride and joy. I love my big crazy, family! We live in West Monroe, Louisiana. Another big part of my life is the disease that I live with, Autoimmune Liver Disease.

 

Diagnosis:

Autoimmune Disease causes your immune system to attack certain healthy parts of your own body. In 2012 I fell ill while on a family vacation. I started feeling sick to my stomach mainly in the evening but by the end of the week I was getting physically sick throwing up and having to run to the nearest toilet from sun up to bedtime. I couldn’t hold down any food but I was able to still hold down fluids. I was so tired all day everyday. My eyes and skin became jaundice all within that week. When I got home I went to a local walk-in clinic where I was sent to the ER at a local hospital. I was then sent to three different specialists until I was finally diagnosed in late August/early September of 2012. In the month and a half of being constantly sick I became depressed even after I got my official diagnosis. In the time I had been sick I had to quit my job, sit out a semester in college and basically stay in quarantine because they did not know what was causing me to stay sick and if it was contagious. Even after being diagnosed and starting treatment I was still at risk of catching serious viruses and diseases that are passed on through air or basic touch. Once diagnosed I was actually relieved to finally have an answer as to why I was so sick and now we could treat it. Autoimmune disease is not curable but it is treatable if caught before too much damage is done. After being placed on steroids and immunosuppresants , Imuran and Prednisone, I was starting to feel like my normal self again, just heavier. Within 4 months I gained all the weight back that I had lost from constantly being sick plus about 20 extra pounds. This did not help with the whole depression thing.

 

Learning to Walk By Faith:

I can remember thinking this was the worst point of my life. Boy was I WRONG! I had started trying to find ways to get my mind off being sick. When I was a little better I started to take photos and post them on my Facebook page. I had people request that I take some photos for them and I decided to try my hand at photography. It started as more of a hobby but it eventually grew and became a little business that distracted me from sulking on my couch all day. I was looking up ideas for a “business” name that gave glory to God. I knew if I wanted to have any kind of success I would need to put God in it. I came across the verse: “For we walk by faith; not by sight” 2 Corinthians 5:7. I was like “oh that’s cute because it is a photography business and the verse refers to ‘sight’”. The more I got to typing it and writing it the more it spoke to me. I had heard the verse many times throughout my life but I never really paid attention to it. I had been questioning God and wondering why He had let this happen to me. Not only was I sick and would always have this disease, but I also didn’t have a job and I wasn’t in school and I was fat! By the way, I was engaged to be married in May of 2013 so I was 8 months away from walking down the aisle and the dress I had already picked out and purchased was probably 4 sizes too small so that was a little soul-crushing too. I was always a “good girl”. I never drank or did drugs, I was respectful to everyone, and I loved God so why was He punishing me? This mentality had me really down until one day that verse really stuck in my mind. My life seemed to be in shambles. I was going through the motions or praying and being thankful but I didn’t really mean it. I was hurt and I wasn’t giving God the glory He deserved. I realized it was time to stop whining and questioning and learn to walk by faith! Even though things seemed like a mess He had already started to bring me through it. I had been too busy focused on the bad things to see the great things that He was doing for me.

 

I sat down one day and counted my blessings and I claimed my healing. I realized that He had taken care of me from the beginning of all of this and all the good things happening were because of Him. He made a way to the right doctor after seeing a few that had no idea what was wrong with me. He had also saved my life by giving us answers as to what was making me sick, some people die before getting a diagnosis or live with their disease unknowingly until it is too late to treat. In October I was ordered to have a biopsy on my liver. This is where they go in from the outside of the rib cage and stick a long thick needle in to grab pieces of the liver and remove them from your body. (I know sounds disgusting and it doesn’t feel good either!) I had to wait until my blood counts were up so I wouldn’t be at such a high risk of bleeding out before having the biopsy done. Liver disease messes with your platelets and can cause you to have very thin blood. This biopsy would allow the doctor to look at pieces of my liver to determine how damaged it was from the disease. I remember waiting to go back for the small procedure and thanking God for the good news I was going to get even though I hadn’t had the biopsy done yet. I knew it was time to live my life by faith rather than darkness and negativity. A few days later I got a call that my liver was not severely damaged as expected. It had started to attack itself but the liver can heal itself unless there is cirrhosis and there was nothing like that present. God allowed us to catch the disease early enough that there was no serious damage and the small amount of damage that had started to take place would be reversed with the medications I was on to treat the disease. The doctor told me that the first time he saw me he thought for sure the disease had progressed so much that my liver wouldn’t recover and that there was definitely people praying for me.

 

Lessons Learned:

While I was going through this season of my life I thought it would surely be the end of me. God was with me the whole way I just wasn’t paying attention to Him. Sometimes God lets us go through trials to help us realize that we can’t go through this life on our own and just because we are “good people” doesn’t mean everything will be sunshine and roses. Without God I am nothing and it is a shame that it took something so traumatic to be reminded of that. Because I faced this trial and God saw me through I am able to face every other one with complete and utter confidence in HIM and His plan for my life and not my own. With each trial He makes me stronger and builds my faith even more. Obviously from my About Me section you can tell that I did eventually need a transplant but I will share that blessing in another post. There has been a lot more that God has done for me from my diagnosis to my transplant and after!

 

Why Start a Blog?

One of the reasons I started this blog is because when I was first diagnosed, and then later told that I would need a transplant, I couldn’t really find stories of personal experiences with either. I read medical journals and broad outlines of peoples’ conditions and treatments but I still didn’t feel informed. I wanted someone to tell me about what they faced and what I should expect. That is a mission of this blog. I want others with this disease and going through the process of a transplant to not feel alone. I want them to know that they will be fine because I have been through it and I am fine. I want to share these experiences with all who want to listen and know how great God is. In the process I hope to discuss other things about life not related to liver disease; such as family, marriage, faith and everyday life in hopes to encourage others. So please keep an eye out for future posts! I hope to create a space to share about life and ideas and learn about yours as well!

 

Lets be social media fam!

Follow me on Facebook: facebook.com/kayserh

Instagram: @rkayse16

Twitter: @KayseRanae

Snapchat: krice16