One year ago today, September 30, 2007, I will never forget.
The bus pulled up in front of our rental home, and Ty Pennington yelled into his megaphone. The collective gasp from our family will always echo in my ears.
I've had such an influx of email and contact about the anniversary that I thought I'd post :)
Everyone wants to celebrate with us, and know how we are! Thank you for supporting us and loving us.
It has been an incredible year. And I'm praising God for all that He has done. Kayla's health has skyrocketed, and the house is amazing. Every day, I'm amazed and look around in awe - praising God for this community and EMHE and all that He has blessed us with.
The year has flown by - with airings of our EMHE episode, other TV appearances, and sharing of our story. We've met some amazing people, and have been able to reach out to many others.
But it also hasn't been without 'casualties' - a few were upset with inaccuracies in the TV shows (although we didn't have anything to do with that - it hurt them nonetheless.) And there has been so much contact from around the world, that we have tried to help as many people as we can, even if it's just encouragement - but on the flip-side of that - it has taken time away from good friends. And I miss them.
I've realized even more through this process that I am NOT perfect and can't be everything to all people. But by the grace of God, I will keep doing my best. One day at a time.
So, it has been an amazing year, a blessed year, a crazy year, and a learning year. I'm so thankful for all the wonderful people in our lives, and for the opportunity we've been given.
Thank you for loving us, praying for us, supporting us, and just being there.
I love to hear from all of you.
Praise God From Whom ALL Blessings Flow!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Two Years Ago Today...
...our beautiful daughter, Kayla, underwent brain decompression surgery.
She is doing so incredibly well. I praise God for what He has done in her life and what He will continue to do.
I remember those days so clearly. As a mom, it about broke my heart in two. Kayla asked me to go into the OR with her, she was already almost out from the first round of medication, but WOW - that was so hard. I cried as I left her in there, and the poor man who accompanied me in and out probably saw this a lot from parents. I had been fine until I had to leave her in there. I remember the scrubs feeling itchy, the air being oh-so-cold, and antiseptics leaving a burning sensation in my nose. No, I will never forget that.
BUT - I will also never forget - the look on the doctor's face when he came to talk to us after her surgery. His smile as he explained how successful it had been. And the way my husband wrapped his arm around me. The most beautiful part? Getting to see her for the first time afterward.
For several weeks, Kayla didn't want me to leave her side. So Josh and I spent lots of time just sitting with her, beside her, coloring, making art projects, reading books, and having fun. Jeremy would come home and sit with her so I could make lunch - so she would always have someone at her side (she was wobbly for a while and had trouble moving herself around). She doesn't feel pain until it's really intense, so we were concerned about many issues, but Kayla was cautious and knew that she had just been through something intense.
Two years later, I sit here remembering all the emotions that played through my life. I glance at my daughter and son - thanking God for all He has given me. The good and the bad. The ups and the downs. The extreme hard times, and the incredibly joyous times.
And... a little song plays through my head. He's still working on me.
James 1:2-4 are my life verses. And oh, how I long to be mature and complete. :)
God is good and He is God.
And so today we celebrate a two year anniversary. Our own miracle.
Thank you all for praying for us and sharing the journey with us...
She is doing so incredibly well. I praise God for what He has done in her life and what He will continue to do.
I remember those days so clearly. As a mom, it about broke my heart in two. Kayla asked me to go into the OR with her, she was already almost out from the first round of medication, but WOW - that was so hard. I cried as I left her in there, and the poor man who accompanied me in and out probably saw this a lot from parents. I had been fine until I had to leave her in there. I remember the scrubs feeling itchy, the air being oh-so-cold, and antiseptics leaving a burning sensation in my nose. No, I will never forget that.
BUT - I will also never forget - the look on the doctor's face when he came to talk to us after her surgery. His smile as he explained how successful it had been. And the way my husband wrapped his arm around me. The most beautiful part? Getting to see her for the first time afterward.
For several weeks, Kayla didn't want me to leave her side. So Josh and I spent lots of time just sitting with her, beside her, coloring, making art projects, reading books, and having fun. Jeremy would come home and sit with her so I could make lunch - so she would always have someone at her side (she was wobbly for a while and had trouble moving herself around). She doesn't feel pain until it's really intense, so we were concerned about many issues, but Kayla was cautious and knew that she had just been through something intense.
Two years later, I sit here remembering all the emotions that played through my life. I glance at my daughter and son - thanking God for all He has given me. The good and the bad. The ups and the downs. The extreme hard times, and the incredibly joyous times.
And... a little song plays through my head. He's still working on me.
James 1:2-4 are my life verses. And oh, how I long to be mature and complete. :)
God is good and He is God.
And so today we celebrate a two year anniversary. Our own miracle.
Thank you all for praying for us and sharing the journey with us...
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Road Trips, Famous Authors, and Lots of Luggage
This past week, I had the awesome privilege of traveling to and attending the National ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Conference.
We drove 1,100 miles (one way - and that means we drove 1,100 miles the other way too). We being - myself, Holly, Josh, Kayla, the amazing Donita K. Paul, her daughter and my friend - the Queen of Denmark (a.k.a. Evangeline Denmark).
We had a blast.
Arriving in Minneapolis in the wee hours of the morning, a wonderful gentleman from the hotel came to help us unload. Does anyone remember the post when I stated that we do not travel light? Well, this young man's gaze fully took in my giant Expedition loaded with passengers, luggage, and topped with two car-top carriers - and he knew the truth of that statement. His expression was a little overwhelmed, but he didn't say a word. I walked up and told him how much we appreciated his help, explaining that my daughter has special needs - and we have to travel with the cooling gear, ice chests, medical stuff, and organic food. But he just turned to me and smiled, because he knew who we were - not just because of TV either - he's related to our phenomenal neurologist! It's a small world. :)
We finally unloaded, got everything arranged in our rooms, and crashed. One slight problem - the room wasn't quite cool enough - so I stayed awake most of the night taking Kayla's temperature. By mid-morning, her temp had risen, but she was still feeling all right. I talked to the hotel managers, and they sent engineering. Engineering worked on it only to discover that our room couldn't get down to the temp that we needed. Oh boy. So, anyone want to venture a guess at what we did? We had to change rooms. Ah, my life. It's always an adventure.
Once again, all of the paraphenalia had to be loaded up and moved. Four trips and many elevator rides later, the Bellman and I had resorted to telling jokes and cracking each other up. Donita and Evangeline were such good sports -- you see, they aren't accustomed to our chaotic, sometimes crazy, always interesting lives. So I felt really bad that they were having to go through all of this with us. They took it all in stride - Donita in the cold rooms while I traipsed back and forth with the Bellman, and Evangeline throwing things back into bags in the not-so-cold rooms, while Holly had the kiddos in the pool. Let me tell you - I love those ladies. We were close friends before, but now, I feel like Anne from Avonlea - kindred spirits is what those two are to me!
There is a lot more to our little adventure, and I have a feeling Evangeline will blog about bugs raining down, safety pins, and chocolate - so I will let her tell THAT fun part of the story - her blog is www.breathenbreatheout.blogspot.com
During the conference, I'd decided that I needed an "As Seen On TV" sticker on my name badge. Why, you ask? Well, it's amazing to be surrounded by wonderful and incredibly famous authors - but it's pretty funny when people recognize you, and can't remember why! And of course, since I was at a "writer's" conference - most people assumed I must be some famous author with my picture plastered across the back cover. Ah - maybe one day - but for now, I'm happy to say, "Oh, you just saw me on TV, that's why I look familiar." It was a hoot! And I'm glad I was able to be a part of ACFW.
My life is an adventure...
PS - I've had trouble with blogger posting my blogs. My website gets a lot of traffic, and after the Discovery airing, the counter froze up and I couldn't post. So this is a trial run. If it works, then I will finally get to post the author bios for our reading contest!
God Bless and may you have many of your own adventures!
We drove 1,100 miles (one way - and that means we drove 1,100 miles the other way too). We being - myself, Holly, Josh, Kayla, the amazing Donita K. Paul, her daughter and my friend - the Queen of Denmark (a.k.a. Evangeline Denmark).
We had a blast.
Arriving in Minneapolis in the wee hours of the morning, a wonderful gentleman from the hotel came to help us unload. Does anyone remember the post when I stated that we do not travel light? Well, this young man's gaze fully took in my giant Expedition loaded with passengers, luggage, and topped with two car-top carriers - and he knew the truth of that statement. His expression was a little overwhelmed, but he didn't say a word. I walked up and told him how much we appreciated his help, explaining that my daughter has special needs - and we have to travel with the cooling gear, ice chests, medical stuff, and organic food. But he just turned to me and smiled, because he knew who we were - not just because of TV either - he's related to our phenomenal neurologist! It's a small world. :)
We finally unloaded, got everything arranged in our rooms, and crashed. One slight problem - the room wasn't quite cool enough - so I stayed awake most of the night taking Kayla's temperature. By mid-morning, her temp had risen, but she was still feeling all right. I talked to the hotel managers, and they sent engineering. Engineering worked on it only to discover that our room couldn't get down to the temp that we needed. Oh boy. So, anyone want to venture a guess at what we did? We had to change rooms. Ah, my life. It's always an adventure.
Once again, all of the paraphenalia had to be loaded up and moved. Four trips and many elevator rides later, the Bellman and I had resorted to telling jokes and cracking each other up. Donita and Evangeline were such good sports -- you see, they aren't accustomed to our chaotic, sometimes crazy, always interesting lives. So I felt really bad that they were having to go through all of this with us. They took it all in stride - Donita in the cold rooms while I traipsed back and forth with the Bellman, and Evangeline throwing things back into bags in the not-so-cold rooms, while Holly had the kiddos in the pool. Let me tell you - I love those ladies. We were close friends before, but now, I feel like Anne from Avonlea - kindred spirits is what those two are to me!
There is a lot more to our little adventure, and I have a feeling Evangeline will blog about bugs raining down, safety pins, and chocolate - so I will let her tell THAT fun part of the story - her blog is www.breathenbreatheout.blogspot.com
During the conference, I'd decided that I needed an "As Seen On TV" sticker on my name badge. Why, you ask? Well, it's amazing to be surrounded by wonderful and incredibly famous authors - but it's pretty funny when people recognize you, and can't remember why! And of course, since I was at a "writer's" conference - most people assumed I must be some famous author with my picture plastered across the back cover. Ah - maybe one day - but for now, I'm happy to say, "Oh, you just saw me on TV, that's why I look familiar." It was a hoot! And I'm glad I was able to be a part of ACFW.
My life is an adventure...
PS - I've had trouble with blogger posting my blogs. My website gets a lot of traffic, and after the Discovery airing, the counter froze up and I couldn't post. So this is a trial run. If it works, then I will finally get to post the author bios for our reading contest!
God Bless and may you have many of your own adventures!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
MYSTERY ER on Discovery Health Channel!!!
Our family will be featured in an episode of MYSTERY ER - entitled, "Painful Truth" - which will premier tomorrow, September 8,2008 on Discovery Health Channel. It will re-air I believe later in the week and other times as well.
I'm sorry I'm a little behind in updating the info about it - but we are hoping that it will bless people and hopefully help others.
Be watching later this week for continuing info on our "READING CONTEST" - and bios of authors who donated the prizes! I had to ask for lots of donations, since we have SO many people entered. You all are awesome - so KEEP READING!!
Would love to hear your thoughts on the show! Have a great week!
I'm sorry I'm a little behind in updating the info about it - but we are hoping that it will bless people and hopefully help others.
Be watching later this week for continuing info on our "READING CONTEST" - and bios of authors who donated the prizes! I had to ask for lots of donations, since we have SO many people entered. You all are awesome - so KEEP READING!!
Would love to hear your thoughts on the show! Have a great week!
Contact Info and Discovery Health Airing
If you'd like to contact me - go to www.kimberleywoodhouse.com and there are two different contact forms.
My blog is also posted there. :)
The Mystery ER episode, "Painful Truth" - about our family - airs tomorrow night, September 8th on Discovery Health Channel.
Have a blessed day!
My blog is also posted there. :)
The Mystery ER episode, "Painful Truth" - about our family - airs tomorrow night, September 8th on Discovery Health Channel.
Have a blessed day!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
My Fire Department Guys
Ever since Kayla was about three years old, we have always done an alert with our local fire department and/or police department when we move. Why you ask? Well, let's just say we had an incident where we needed to evacuate our house, but couldn't evacuate the house because of the heat outside. Long story - but a lesson learned.
Anyway, our fire department here is about the best I've seen. They really care. They have educated themselves on my kiddos' needs, and check on us periodically.
Today was one of those days. Bob and Darin were in the neighborhood checking on something else, and stopped to chat with us. I can't adequately explain what it feels like to have a daughter with a rare condition that most people don't understand -- but even more so, I can't explain how amazing it is to feel safe and secure, because someone has taken the time to care and understand. I know now that in an emergency situation these guys will be watching out for our very different and overwhelming needs.
I have learned over the years to watch my daughter for clues about anything and everything. The doctors are even more cautious since they don't usually see her on a day-to-day basis. She can't feel or express things that come naturally to you or me. So - to have this feeling of security, safety, comfort - is huge. And I mean HUGE.
In other words, this little post is a thank you and a tribute to my Fire Guys. I appreciate them more than words can say, and from my mother's heart I want to give them my gratitude.
A big ole pot of jambalaya seems to pale in comparison for all you do, but I hope you all understand how much your care and concern mean to us.
Thank you.
Anyway, our fire department here is about the best I've seen. They really care. They have educated themselves on my kiddos' needs, and check on us periodically.
Today was one of those days. Bob and Darin were in the neighborhood checking on something else, and stopped to chat with us. I can't adequately explain what it feels like to have a daughter with a rare condition that most people don't understand -- but even more so, I can't explain how amazing it is to feel safe and secure, because someone has taken the time to care and understand. I know now that in an emergency situation these guys will be watching out for our very different and overwhelming needs.
I have learned over the years to watch my daughter for clues about anything and everything. The doctors are even more cautious since they don't usually see her on a day-to-day basis. She can't feel or express things that come naturally to you or me. So - to have this feeling of security, safety, comfort - is huge. And I mean HUGE.
In other words, this little post is a thank you and a tribute to my Fire Guys. I appreciate them more than words can say, and from my mother's heart I want to give them my gratitude.
A big ole pot of jambalaya seems to pale in comparison for all you do, but I hope you all understand how much your care and concern mean to us.
Thank you.
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