shawnmichael

[shawnmichael]

Kella came home with this ceramic crest she had made for a project in school. She gifted it to me. I kind of already love it! I think she’s got us down pretty well. Jesus at the center and foundation of it all, our puppers near the top and close to our hearts, and the creative arts (movies, music, etc.) being in the mix of all that we enjoy and do. (at Box Elder, South Dakota) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpvt2SZMN6U/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[shawnmichael]

Getting some new glasses. #nearsighted https://www.instagram.com/p/CpvqEIVu6Q0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[shawnmichael]

Dad is getting ready for a new hearing test! 👏🏼😁 I’m very happy about this. He has had a barrage of therapy and doctor appointments all week, post-stroke, and we didn’t want to miss the opportunity, while we were at the ENT branch, to ask the doctor for help. His hearing loss from a shooting range accident 2 years ago has been his number one quality of life factor, and the first audiologist he saw didn’t offer much hope. It was 5 minutes in-and-out and “Good luck. We can’t help you,” kind of an experience. Today, I’m hopeful for a new doctor’s assessment and care. Otherwise, Dad has been doing so well, functioning almost completely by himself at home. His speedy recovery has been miraculous! He’s not back to full speed by any measure, but he is beating all the expectations set forth. https://www.instagram.com/p/Co-uLVkuYIl/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[shawnmichael]

I looked over to the picture window when I was making coffee this morning, and there she was, staring back at me. 😁😆👀 She is my constant companion. #Sugar #BestFriend 🐾 (at Summerset) https://www.instagram.com/p/Co0Sp2uuN4s/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[shawnmichael]

It’s so hard to capture a good picture of Sugar. She was groomed yesterday, has a new bow, and is looking very nice. Anyhow, I got a new pillow with a concave center that is supposed to be good for neck and back support as a gift for Christmas. I covered it with a sherpa pillow case and have been enjoying the comfort of it, until… Sugar discover that the little dip in the pillow fits her just right. And the soft furry cover matches her fur just right, too. So, now I just need to get to bed before she does, or the queen thinks my new pillow is her new dog bed. 😆 Last night, I beat her, but she decided to lie on it next to my head anyhow. 😬🤷🏻‍♂️🐾 https://www.instagram.com/p/Cow92A6u7rd/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[shawnmichael]

Look at this guy! He’s been passing all of his therapy assessment tests like a rock star and is getting early release this Friday! I’ll be picking him up and taking him home. Very excited for him! Thank you for surrounding him with your prayers, love, and support. It means the world! (at Monument Health Rehabilitation Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CotX_TwMXTk/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[shawnmichael]

At the orthodontist. 😁 #ZiFi #ZiGuy (at Meyer and Dana Orthodontics) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoqQbF6swlT/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[shawnmichael]

Potato is so cute they let him in anywhere! 😅 #Walmart #PotatoIsKellasPuppy (at Walmart Rapid City - N Lacrosse St) https://www.instagram.com/p/Colab_nsO4R/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[shawnmichael]

Potato visited Great Gpa today and they both loved it! Dad keeps on hurling past expectations for recovery. He is doing so well they are talking about a possible early release this Friday! If you are local, feel free to stop by for a visit after 3:00 o’clock in the afternoons. Phone calls and TXT’s are great in the afternoons, too. #ILoveMyDad #PotatoLooksLikeAPotato (at Monument Health Rehabilitation Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/ColWSkdMfc0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[shawnmichael]

Look who was here for a quick visit! I love this girl. ❤️ #Cyncha (at Box Elder, South Dakota) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoT8MLfuQK6/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[shawnmichael]

I got home last night and took this picture to send to a friend. I was trying to capture how exhausted I was. The last 24+ hours have felt so much longer. If you didn’t see elsewhere, my father suffered an Ischemic Stroke on Tuesday night -- a stroke caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure. His left side has lost a lot of function. He has slight face droop, loss of a lot of muscle function/strength on that side, and slowed down and slurred speech. Thank God, all of his cognitive and swallowing abilities are normal! 🙏🏼 An MRI revealed that his left side carotid artery had a high plaque buildup (70% stenosed) and will need an eventual stent. We will have a doctor coming to talk with us about that today. The OT and PT assessments that also happen today will determine a lot about when and how he gets released. Doctor Tymkowych, who is a personal friend, doesn't think it is looking good for release today with how he is functioning now. One of two things needs to happen for his release home. Either he needs to demonstrate safety with a cane or walker so that he can walk around and show the ability to take care of himself. Or, #2) have a caregiver present. Depending on how his assessments go, he may go from here to a rehab location. There are also home health care options. I’m praying for all of the grace, strength, peace, wisdom, and joy from the Creater who holds all things. He holds Dad, me, and our whole family in His hands. Would you agree with us for a good day? I’m also praying for God to reveal Himself as healer -- to do what only He can do. (at Box Elder, South Dakota) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoKYUJEsDjq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[shawnmichael]

Cooking for Dad and cooking for the kids looks totally different. When I’m at Dad’s it’s just the two of us, and Dad’s the easiest guy to cook for ever. He doesn’t complain about anything — even when I have complete fails in the kitchen. At home I am currently cooking for my remaining 4 at-home kids. So, 5 of us total. Chopping up veggies and prep time takes considerably longer, just for the fact that there is more food to prepare. And then there are all of the picky eaters. 😬🥲 Tonight, I made Steak au Poivre (pepper steak) with a side of roasted potatoes and broccoli and this really yummy cream sauce topper with shallots and chives. Well, none of the kids were excited about the sauce, so I got to put it over my whole plate. 🤷🏻‍♂️ (at Box Elder, South Dakota) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoGpjeosywJ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[shawnmichael]

Taking a selfie (I’m not very good at them) with my “beloved” coffee this morning. 😆 I’ve been on a break, and today’s the first day I’ve had a sip in a long while. It’s true what they say: absence makes the heart grow fonder. 😍😬 (at Destiny Foursquare Church) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoFb4PIMpp5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[shawnmichael]

When AI creates a cross-eyed version of you with a little man on your shoulder. 😅 I call this one #LittleMan. Or better yet, #HolySpiritSpeak. 👏🏼😁 (at Summerset) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn9xThVuUEh/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[shawnmichael]

I’ve got a neck-supporting, sherpa-covered pillow that Sugar has decided fits her nicely. “It is my bed now, Dad. Good night.” #PrincessSugar #ShesGotMe (at Summerset) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn9hs0qOINu/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[shawnmichael]

Zion and I did our Apple Fitness workouts today: 10 minutes of core strengthening and just short of 20 mins of HIIT (High Intensity Impact Training). Short, because I fizzled out just before the end! 😅😬🥵 But, I’ll tell you what! Preparing and cooking meals for 5 of us (at home) is a workout! Dad and I prepared one of the leftover meals I had planned for home this evening (leftover because of a couple of weird evenings this week). And I’m putting on a little sweat by the time we’ve chopped, diced, and sliced everything up! Haha! Tonight’s meal was garlic rosemary chicken with roasted root veggies (sweet potatoes, carrots, and Idaho potatoes). We have at least two more servings for tomorrow. Phew! #HomeCookingWorkout #EveryPlate https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn8UpdWsOGp/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[shawnmichael]

I received an inversion table as a Christmas gift this year and finally got it all put together and set up yesterday. Zion and I were having fun trying all the different levels of inversion, from 15 degrees to 90! 30 felt the most comfortable. But, “Man, oh man!” My back felt so much better after just a few minutes on this thing! It has massage and heat elements, too. So nice. 👏🏼👏🏼 I have had two bulging discs between my shoulder blades since 2010 and have been doing daily physical therapy to try and keep everything in place. Most of the time, I feel pretty good, but my back tires easily. And if I lift too much or stand for too long, I can be out of commission for days. The table is a recommended tool to help decompress my vertebrae. The first pic is of Zion at a 45-degree angle. The second pic is Sugar laying hands on and praying for me as she does not understand why I would do such a thing. 😅😆 (at Destiny Foursquare Church) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn2veBjuWDx/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=