Heads' Up... 7-UP!

No, I'm not talking about the game. I'm speaking about an incident in a Safeway parking lot, late... just the other night.

You see, after swim team, we headed to the grocery store to pick up a few more items for our Christmas Party. The cart was loaded up, and we headed out into the brisk, 18-degree, Colorado temperatures.

Upon exiting the store, the cases of 7-Up, which were on the bottom of the cart - began to slide. We were a mere ten feet from my truck when the first case went crashing into the pavement. I wasn't concerned until Kayla noticed a hissing sound coming from the case. I scurried around trying to get the case opened and pulled the spewing can from the pack. Problem solved, right?

Um... no.

While Heather took the offending can to the trash can, I attempted to check the rest of the case. But when your hands are frozen, and there's sticky 7-Up "juice" all over everything - it becomes a little tricky.

I dropped another can.

And it couldn't just fall and spill out onto the ground. No that would be too easy. This is ME we're talking about.

It fell, spewed, and rolled. Like the oscillating sprinklers we used to run through as kids. Back and forth the spray of 7-Up flew into the air. I don't know if it's our high elevation or what, but that sticky-sweet soda sprayed higher than any sprinkler I've ever had the privilege of playing in. I ducked. Behind the grocery cart - yes, I know - smart move on my part.

The can finally lost it's pressure and we were able to retrieve it and throw it away - but I was covered in droplets of 7-Up. My long wool coat was covered, my hair was covered, my eyebrows and eyelashes were covered.

And there I was - standing outside in the chilly weather - wet and sticky from my 7-Up sprinkler. I couldn't get in my vehicle that way, and I definitely didn't want the stuff all over my beautiful coat - so I asked Kayla to grab baby-wipes from the truck.

So as my fingers froze - Heather and I attempted to de-stickify my coat and purse. Laughing the whole time about how quickly baby wipes froze, the numbness of the cold temperatures, and my life... it's one adventure after another.

Jeremy rolled his eyes at me and laughed when I told him the story at home - and of course he shared with my friends his favorite saying, "If something's going to happen, it's going to happen to Kim."

Newsy New Newsletter

Once again my lovely readers, I need your help!

It has been a wild and crazy ride, but it’s been fun so far, hasn’t it? I receive so many emails from you guys telling me that I’ve either stepped on your toes, or made you laugh until you almost wet your pants. And to me – that’s a good thing. (I'm hoping that's positive for you as well... ?)

Well, because of all the TV stuff, contact, and different things going on, I’ve started a new monthly newsletter. I no longer have the older one, so please be sure to sign up for the new one on any of the pages here on my website: www.kimberleywoodhouse.com

I need help getting the word out. We’ve heard from thousands upon thousands of people who saw one of the shows we were on – all asking to hear more of the story. Well, even though tens of millions saw the shows, I don’t have all their personal contact information to let them know that the book will be out. This is where you come in - if all of you help with word of mouth it would be wonderful.

The newsletter will be once a month and include updates about our family, books releasing, speaking engagements, and of course—whatever adventurous, funny episode, I’m on at the time, (which as you know sometimes includes a 2x4 to my head so that I can learn my lesson.)

Don’t forget about the reading contest going on until June of 2009 (I've got over 2000 participants) and the other opportunities to comment and share your stories.

Thank you all so much for your loyalty and help – I can’t wait to see what this next year brings!

I Love Christmas

It's that time of year again. My house is decorated, the lights are up on the outside, and Christmas music is playing. There's a Christmas tree and Nativity scene in every room, the kids are working on a Christmas play, and we've already watched White Christmas, It's A Wonderful Life, Christmas In Connecticut, and Holiday Inn.
There's snow on the ground, the days are getting darker much earlier, and the smell of wood-burning fireplaces is in the air.

I love it.

But why do we get all excited about this season? Is it the presents? The food and fun with family and friends? Playing in the snow? Parties? Time off of school and work?

What about those people who don't like Christmas? There are many who have a hard time during this holiday season. Finances, loss of a loved one, or just plain ole bad memories. Depression runs rampant this time of year and many find it hard to go on.

Do you remember Charlie Brown's Christmas cartoon? Charlie is looking for the true meaning of Christmas. Everyone seems focused on the materialistic side of things, and Charlie Brown picks out a devastatingly ugly and skimpy tree. But Linus, ever the tried and true friend, comes out and quotes Luke chapter two and tells Charlie Brown that's what it's all about. While everyone still doesn't quite grasp it, Charlie Brown hears the words resound in his head.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."

I love Christmas. But why do I love it? I love it because it's the celebration of the greatest gift ever given. Jesus came as a baby and lived a sinless life. He lived and He worked and He gave of Himself. He taught and He healed and He loved the unlovable. He came to sacrifice Himself for us so that we might have life - eternal life. The reason for the season.

So, it doesn't matter if you have zero Christmas trees or twelve Christmas trees. It doesn't matter if you have gifts, or lights, or parties to go to. What matters is what is in your heart. Have you accepted His gift?

Rejoice with me!
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."

Storytellers

You all know I'm a writer. There's always some kind of story brewing up in this head of mine. But for those non-writers, we're a confusing bunch.

For instance, my incredible friend, Janelle, who does my nails. She's always asking me, "Where do you come up with all that?" And you know what? I think I would truly scare her if she knew all the different ideas and storylines that were pinging around in my brain at any given time.

I had a lady stop me after a "brainstorm" session one day at the pool. After hearing, "oooh, and then she could do this - and the bad guy could do that - and they'd find her scarf..." she told me that it must be fun to have all the creative energy flowing all the time. Yep, we're an odd bunch.

Anyway, I just finished my non-fiction book, No Sweat, which will be coming out Sept. 2009 - and have turned my attention back to my fiction books. I had the idea to use my invention of turkey diving in a story - and so, I'm coming to you all with a challenge.

Here it is: I'd like to hear your outrageous "turkey diving" stories. The funnier, the better. And - I might just use it in my book :)

There will be a prize for the winner - so if you haven't gone turkey diving yet, it's not too late. And if you have no idea what I'm talking about - read the previous post about turkey diving.

Happy Thanksgiving week to you all!

At Last - Turkey Diving... Again

The kids and I went to Safeway the other day, and lo and behold-- turkeys were on sale!

Now, considering I've had a couple hundred emails from people about my inventive turkey purchasing, I decided to re-post the original story.

ORIGINAL - TURKEY DIVING
After much interest in a post where I mentioned turkey diving -(and don't forget the prodding and threats from my wonderful readership) - This story's for you!

Our Safeway does this great thing before Thanksgiving where turkeys go on sale (this really shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone). Anyway, it will have the really nice, brand-name turkeys for a deal - like up to a 14 pounder for a few bucks, and then over a 14 pounder for a couple bucks more. The key - is getting the most turkey poundage for your buck, right? Everyone with me so far?

Okay. So - the only way to really do this is to DIG through all of the turkeys in the freezer bins. Most people don't go to the trouble of intense searching, they see the sign and think, "ooh turkeys are on sale" - and grab one. How do I know this? Many years of observation, that's how!

Let me tell you, those people disappoint me. Where's the fun in that?

This is what I do:

Go to the store with several friends- (it's even more fun if they have a child or two with them... you'll understand in a minute)- Head to those turkey freezers and everyone stake out territory. Then, you dig. And there are rules: You MUST look at every turkey in the freezer. Yes, I said EVERY turkey. And if you are too short to reach all the way in, you yell, "I'm goin' in!" One of your faithful friends will help you by holding your legs so that you can "dive" in. Another option is to throw a small child in to help you look (not literally - you don't really think I would do that, now do you?) Actually, you can hold the child's legs while they reach for that last one in the corner that no-one else can get to, but you just KNOW that's it's the biggest one in the freezer!

The other important thing to remember - is to sing! Yes, you heard me. Sing.
My personal favorite is "I love you a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck..." This is great fun while turkey diving.

So, you have the turkey diving story. I'm going to have to trademark it now, since everyone will know what I'm talking about.

This Thanksgiving season, I'll be watching for all you newbie "turkey divers" -- just don't come to MY Safeway -- I already have it staked out.

Blessings Overflow

Since we are now in the month of November - (yikes! I better go turkey diving soon) - I'm wanting to remind us all about thanksgiving. Not just the holiday - but the act.

What is thanksgiving? Well, the Encarta Dictionary on my computer says this:
thanksgiving -
1- a prayer that offers thanks to God
2- an expression or an act of giving thanks
3- a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness

All three of those definitions talk about an act - doing something. How much do we think about this? And are we in the habit of thanksgiving?

Most of you know that we just returned from a 5000+ mile road-trip. There were lots of chances to get upset, whine, grumble, or complain, (especially when people don't use their blinkers- LOL) - but I tried to remind myself and the kiddos to find the positive. Find the Joy! is our tagline. So, we thanked God for the little angels who cut us off on the interstate, and looked for the positive in all of our adventurous situations. The kids are so good at this, taking a trip is always a pleasant experience. I can't begin to tell you how very blessed I am by my children each and every day. They have learned to laugh right along with me...

A great example of this - I parked under a tree one time to help keep the truck cool. Little did I know, five gazillion birds would decide to flock to that tree while we were inside a restaurant. Needless to say, my truck was not very pretty when we returned to it. Josh was a little grossed out by what was all over his window, but we sure did have a good laugh over it. It's amazing what a positive attitude can do.

So - back to thanksgiving. Are you in the habit of giving thanks? Do you only think about it on the holiday? Do you thank God for each and every day? Do you celebrate His divine goodness?

We're also in the election season. In fact, in a couple of days, it will be over. I've noticed that most people have lost the act of giving thanks during this time. It all seems to come across as whining and complaining. People are passionate about their candidate and seem to love to argue about it. Christians are fighting with other Christians over the issues. (I'm very passionate about what I believe in as well, so I'm not saying not stand up for what you believe in.) But the point I would like to make is that we are spoiled in this country. We've stopped giving thanks for the precious, precious freedom that we enjoy day in and day out. We've stopped giving thanks for all the blessings we have, that many people around the world are dying for. We've become a whining, grumbling, and complaining society.

How can we change this? One day at a time, one word at a time, one heart at a time.
Instead of the "woe is me" attitude, we could be thanking God. Instead of complaining about the traffic, we could be thanking God. Instead of whining about our bills, or the clothes we wish we had, or the dishes piling up, or whatever you can think of to whine about - we could be thanking God.

That's my challenge for you this week - thanksgiving.
How can you show it? How can you live it?

Wow - can you imagine if we instituted my five cent fine for whining, grumbling, or complaining across the country? I would hope that it would make people think twice about their attitudes.

Life is hard, but God is so good.
Let's give thanks.

Does Anyone Know How to Use a Blinker?

I'm on the road, speaking, singing, and laughing at myself as we share our story.

On this roadtrip, I determined the other day that I must surely be the only person on the road who knows how to drive. How did I come to this understanding of the so-called drivers around me? Well... after the one-hundred-seventy-fifth person cut me off without the use of their blinker... I came to that conclusion.

There were many times, I would react in shock and say, "I can't believe you just did that!" As if the person in front of me could hear me through the windshield. And then, with even more brilliance on my part, I would speak gently, with great respect (can you hear the sarcasm?) to the driver in front of me and demonstrate with my own blinkers - how to properly use them.

After much thought on this issue, I realized that the traveling people behind me, were probably thinking, "Who is that crazy person in front of us, in the large expedition, who doesn't know how to drive-- they keep using their blinkers when they aren't going anywhere."

I told the story this weekend, to demonstrate yet again, that I am not perfect. Which I'm sure will help others hold me accountable. :)

So, if you happen to see a large white SUV traveling down the road using their blinkers repeatedly, it's just me -- attempting to KINDLY teach those around me that blinkers are to be used -- with no whining, grumbling, or complaining (because we have a five cent fine for that, you know) and I will find the joy in yet another adventure in my life.

Reading Contest

Hey all~ I'm so excited about how many people have entered my contest. Here is a link to some of the books that will be given away as prizes. With links to all the incredible authors' websites! There will be more books added as I get them.

So check out the books and keep those pages turning!

That Infamous Bus...

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!

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...

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!

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!

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 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.

Reading Contest - More Info!!!

WOW!! You guys are amazing :)

I've had so many people enter this contest, I need to hire a secretary just to keep up with all of you. :)

And I know you are all wanting more info. Well, I will be posting some info this next week about the incredible authors who are donating books for the prizes - and WOW do we ever have some GREAT prizes!

So, how are you doing? How many pages have you read? How many books? How's your Bible reading coming?

My life has been really nuts lately, but thanks for sticking with me and helping me to keep chugging along!

Keep Reading!

I Have This Friend...

Do you have friends that stick to you like glue, even when you embarrass yourself or do something stupid? I want to hear your stories.

I have a friend who loves me, and is always encouraging me that, "there is only one Kim." (Many people are probably thinking, "Praise God, there's only one!" Because I am a little on the crazy side.)

And I have several friends who stick with me even through my insane schedule and lack of communication. (I am SO thankful for that!)

And I have friends who started out as teaching buddies, grew into scrapbook buddies, Bible Study buddies -and then into the closest of friends - who knows how God is going to bless you with that special friend!

And I have a friend that has shared some of life's most difficult moments. We have been through the "wringer" together.

So, I'm going to tell you a story about one of my friends. My sister was getting married, and I was doing the cakes, catering, dresses, flowers, etc. This friend and I traveled together for the week of wedding preparation - otherwise known as code words "wedding chaos."

We had 4 kids in car-seats. In a mini-van. With ALL the stuff for the wedding (i.e. cake pans, all the cake decorating paraphenalia, flowers, pedestals, bows, etc.) Not to mention luggage and diaper bags, things to entertain the munchkins -- oh, and a TV/VCR bunjie-corded in for the kids to watch. (Anyone who knows me, knows that I am prepared for EVERYTHING - and do not under any circumstances, "travel light.")Go ahead and laugh.

Let's pause for a moment and really let that sink in. Deep Breath. You're probably all thinking that we were crazy. Well, that's beside the point - even if it is true.

An hour outside of our little town, we got lost in a city. The little highway we were following, zig-zagged through the big city, but for some unknown reason - the signs weren't all there to tell us which way to turn to follow said highway. Yeah. That was fun. We were in Louisiana, and needed to make it to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Oh boy.

Four adorably-sweet-children all asked at the same time, "are we in Tennesseesseessee yet?" Questions about our location were banned from that moment on. Of course, they were our chatter-box babies, and other questions filled the trip - but not about where we were at any given time. We told them we were on an adventure. And we were.

I still don't know how we survived that week. I do remember arriving in Tennessee the next day, and I vaguely remember a trip to the aquarium - and my friend and the kiddos going on a train ride. Other than that, it's all a blur of cake, cake, and more cake, buttercream icing, cheesecakes, heart-shaped crab dips, heart-shaped ice cubes, and lots of other heart-shapes... and purple... and lights... lots of lights. Oh, and don't forget the golf-course cake for my brother-in-law-to-be whose birthday was the day before the wedding, and the hundreds of chocolate-covered strawberries.

But - we will never forget the fun, and the bond we shared. It was such a special trip in so many different ways, and a crazy escapade.

So, I would love to hear some of your stories. What does "friend" mean to you? Someone you can cry with? Someone you can laugh with? Someone you can bare your soul to? Someone who will love you no matter what you do? Let me hear about that - comment on this blog, or email me through the website. Let me know if you mind your story being shared or not.

And to all of my wonderful friends - you know who you are - Thanks for sticking with me through thick and thin.

New Website! And Discovery Health Channel Info

I don't post here often because most everything is on my website:
www.kimberleywoodhouse.com


But I have had thousands of emails since the last ABC EMHE airing and want to make sure that everyone can find what they are looking for.

The Discovery Health Channel will be airing our Mystery ER episode on September 8, 2008. Please check your local listings for accurate times.

And if you have questions, hop on over to the website. There are a couple of ways to contact me through there, or comment here on this blog.

God Bless You and thank you for your wonderful support!

Chocolate Baklava, Green Beans, Reading Contests, Schedules... My Life

DISCLAIMER: This blog post may make complete sense, or no sense whatsoever. Good luck following my train of thought.

Wow - who knew that another airing of our EMHE would put my life in the spin cycle again? (Don't answer that, I'm sure many of you predicted it.)

I've had thousands of emails, contacts, and phone calls. It has been amazing how many wonderful people have helped us, encouraged us, provided new cooling products to try for Kayla, and blessed us with smiles and cards -- And then, how many people we've been able to help by encouraging them, pointing them in the right direction, or helping with medical questions and sources of information.

All of that in and of itself - made me think that there really should be about ten of me to keep up. But wait - it gets better.

I also challenged my readership to a reading contest (see the blogs about our new reading contest)just a couple of weeks prior to all of this. Hundreds of people have entered and are asking their friends to join. And I have wonderful authors who have donated incredible books for the prizes. (I promise I will get to your email about the contest if I haven't yet!) :)

AND - I'm a wife and a mom. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

AND - I homeschool my kiddos. (And another child.)This year is major, with lots of dificult work, and lots of teaching and planning on my part. (I say that every year... and each year it keeps growing...LOL)

AND - I'm writing several books.

AND - last week we canned hundreds of jars of blackberry jelly, strawberry jam, and salsa.

AND - after the Olympic Trials, we had a lot of encouragement for Kayla to be on a swim team, since her dream is to swim in the Olympics. She is so excited about it, too!(Let's see, that adds only eight more hours to our already eighteen hours/week swim schedule.)

AND - I've lost my mind. (This should need no further explanation.)

AND - I'm NOT superwoman. Or supermom. Or superwife. Or superkim. I've tried, but sad to say, it hasn't happened. (Maybe I need to make myself a costume, with a cape --- oooh and I need boots, too! ...then again, maybe not.)

SO, yesterday, Kayla was having a little bit of a "down" day. We're all exhausted from the day-in/day-out crazy schedule. Everyone needed a little pick-me-up, a little encouragement, a little of Mom's "love." AKA - mom in the kitchen baking something sweet.

Kayla asked for chocolate baklava. i.e.- Eighty layers of ooey-gooey, buttery, sugary, flaky, yummy, don't-want-to-know-the-calorie/fat-count, chocolatey goodness.

Josh asked for green beans. i.e. - green beans. (Both of my kids love vegetables, don't get me wrong-- it just made me laugh!)

I made both :)(I know, quite a combination, but I promise there were things other than just baklava and green beans.)

And as we finished yet another grueling week of school, we talked about family - and how we stick together, work together, play together, and sacrifice together.

Life is hard, and crazy, and fun, and distracting, and sad, and adventurous. But GOD is still God - and HE is good.

So-- I may not be superwoman, I may not be able to swim as fast as my kids anymore, but - I love them dearly, make a mean baklava, and am ready to face what comes each day.

My Life-- I praise God for it. Moment by moment and day by day.

Help for AnnaSophia

I'd like to spread the word about much-needed help for little AnnaSophia. She has had her heart transplant, and some wonderful people in our area are helping out. I know what it is like to have the medical bills soar, and for a community to come together and help - and so I would like to plead with you all in the area to pass the word around and reach out to this precious family.

Local merchants, friends pitch in to help heart-transplant baby

Small business owners John Leavitt of Sports Clips and Doug Howell of Smoothie King have teamed up to help a Falcon baby born with severe heart defects. The two are hosting fundraisers in August at their businesses (details below) to benefit the Family Fund for AnnaSophia Berry.

AnnaSophia Berry was born Dec. 31, 2007 with misaligned arteries and a hole in her heart. When several open-heart surgeries failed to correct the problems and her heart eventually began to fail, doctors put her on the heart transpant list. She received her new heart July 12.

Her parents and two older siblings have had to temporarily relocate to the Ronald McDonald House near the Children's Hospital in Aurora to be close to the hospital for emergency visits and check-ups, while her father attempts to continue working at his job in Colorado Springs.

Fundraisers for the family's medical expenses and related costs are as follows:

Sunday, Aug. 10: Smoothie King, 9275 N. Union (at Briargate Parkway), will donate 30 percent of the day's proceeds to the fund.

All Saturdays in August: Sport Clips, 3736 Bloomington St. (Powers Boulevard and N. Carefree Circle), will donate $5 from each MVP haircut service to the fund.
The fundraisers are organized by a group of friends who seek to support the Berry Family.

NOTE: More information about AnnaSophia and the Berry Family is posted at www.ourannasophia.blogspot.com.

Another Year, Another Birthday...

So, another year has passed, and I am getting older. I don't mind, although I often wonder where the time has gone, and why has it gone so quickly.

Anyway, my birthday is coming up and my kids have lovingly teased me about a comment my son made a couple years ago.

It was the year I turned thirty-three. We had been having a fun, together-at-home day. Late in the afternoon, my son all-of-a-sudden gasped REALLY LOUD...

"Mom!" He exclaimed.

"What, Honey?" I just knew he had thought of something sweet and profound to tell me.

And without missing a beat, he informed me, "You're as old as Jesus was when He died!"

Let's just say that everyone else there laughed. Hard.

I attempted to keep a straight face and looked at my loving boy, Josh. "Wow. I hadn't thought of that. And I'm so proud of you for remembering how old Jesus was when He was crucified, and then rose again. Thank you for telling me."

My husband, Jeremy, tousled our sweet boy's hair and Josh ran off to build something with legos, I'm sure. Jeremy smiled, "Out of the mouths of babes, huh?"

We laughed, and we have laughed about it ever since, but it has also made me think. Josh did say something very profound that day.

Jesus lived such a short life here on earth and yet, accomplished so much. And He was perfect. Sinless. Never made a mistake. As believers, we are supposed to be striving to be like Him. So, on that day of my thirty-third birthday, my son reminded me of what I should be working toward. These precious years we've been given in this life are not about us. A lot of people think they are, but they aren't. They live their lives selfishly and does it help them in any way?

My questions for today are not easy. What are you living for? WHO are you living for? What have you done with your life? It doesn't matter if you are sixteen or sixty - these questions still apply to you. Are you caught up in the day-to-day stress and forget the end goal? Are you running toward that finish line? Where is your focus? Do you get distracted and take little side trails?

I wrote a post a year ago entitled, "Running... Out of Time"
I've updated it a little and am reposting it. I think we all need the reminder.

"Running... Out of Time"
I'm always amazed at how time flies! Our beautiful daughter had brain surgery almost two years ago; it feels like it was just yesterday, and it also feels like a lifetime has passed since then. Where did the time go? My kids were babies just yesterday . . . weren't they? My beautiful sister reminded me that my son will be a teenager soon . . . let's just NOT go there! :) (And Josh is a teenager now!)


My title for this was: Running . . . out of time. Aren't we all running? Shouldn't we be running? Hebrews 12:1-3 says this, "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart." (NASB)

So yes, I'm running. And I'm running out of time - we ALL are. I'm running the race set before me and as the enemy tries to steal my time (especially my writing time, it seems) I'm going to keep ON running. How many more people will God place in my path? I don't know - because I don't know how much time I have left -- but I DO know that He wants me - and all of us - to be lights for Him, use the gifts that He has given us, and keep running the race.

Throw off those encumbrances, get rid of that sin, fix your eyes on Jesus and let's run with whatever amount of time we have left.