Kimberley Woodhouse - God's Love, Grace, and Forgiveness - This is My Journey

Everything is all on the NEW Website :)

2012-01-05T16:35:00.004-07:00

In case you haven't figured it out yet, we've moved ;)

Everything - including the blogs - is here: kimandkaylawoodhouse.com

You can still get there via kimberleywoodhouse.com kimwoodhouse.com kaylawoodhouse.com and kimberleyandkaylawoodhouse.com as well - but I don't know if I'm going to transfer the Feeblitz over - so for all of our hundreds of subscribers - I apologize. I would love to have you sign up for the RSS feed on the new site. We're trying to streamline and organize everything and keep it all beautiful at the new location.

And another great shout-out to Pulse Point Designs for their AMAZING job on it. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

As always, we love hearing from you!
Meet you at the new site!
Kim and Kayla

New Website coming!!

2011-08-31T17:02:00.001-06:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that our new website will be launching soon and the blogs will be there as well! Hopefully, we will no longer have our posting issues :)

Family... Every moment

2011-08-06T10:33:00.002-06:00

We're so blessed to have Mom and Dad Woodhouse visiting us right now. We almost lost my father-in-law several times the past few years, and that makes the visit that much sweeter.

But it's also made me realize that every moment is a blessing. We never know when that last one moment will be - so we should be cherishing every one we have. (My friend Sally and I just discussed this the other day!)

We live a long distance from most of our extended family - and it is really difficult for us to go see them because of environmental issues for Kayla (the majority of our family is in the South). So we don't get the opportunity to see them often. But the time is always precious.

I was thinking about it this morning, because my sweet husband and kids - we're together ALL the time. We love it. And yet, I think we take a lot of our "moments" for granted, because we DO get to spend so much time together.

My thoughts right now are not incredibly profound - but just a challenge to us all to take the time each day to cherish the moments. Each and every one.

Hurdles

2011-07-05T11:43:00.003-06:00

I've been doing a lot of speaking lately, and perseverance keeps coming up. :)

Times are hard. Real hard. And people are struggling. They're looking for encouragement, insight, advice, wisdom - on how they can keep running their race with perseverance.

Since I've had so many emails and people talking to me about this lately, I thought I'd share my little analogy I've been sharing along the way.

Hebrews 12:1-2 says this:
NASB "1 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, 2 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."

I love how many times Scripture uses the picture of athletes - running their race. Our Christian walk is supposed to be that. Our own individual race - set before each of us. My race isn't the same as yours and vice versa.

But so often, it's too easy to get distracted. To head off the racetrack, get bogged down by life's problems, or simply lie down to take a break. :)

One day, I began to think of myself not just as a runner - but as a hurdler. Well, because frankly, I realized that my race would not be smooth like on a paved track. There would be bumps, mountains, valleys, and potholes. :)

So... think of yourself as an Olympic hurdler.
Would an athlete of this caliber stop and smell the roses on the sidelines if he hadn't finished his race?
Would an athlete of this caliber jog along, waving at his fans - smiling, chitchatting, etc?
Would an athlete of this caliber stop in the middle of the race just because he knocked a hurdle?
Would an athlete of this caliber go back and keep going over the same hurdle because it wasn't perfect the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th time?

How did you answer those questions?
Now, can you apply them to your own life?

Yes, there will be lots of hurdles. Sometimes one right after the other. Sometimes you'll clear it with no problem. Other times, you might scrape your knee as you jump. And there will be times when you will knock the hurdle completely down. Every once in a while, you may even fall on your face in the mud puddle and wonder if you'll ever be able to get up and keep going.

But you can.
Remember, we are supposed to cast our burdens upon HIM. He's waiting with open arms to help us up, clean us up, sometimes even to carry us until we catch our breath.

Right now, we've got some pretty huge hurdles we're facing. But I'm reminded of all the thousands of hurdles we've made it through so far. And I'm fixing my gaze on that finish line and not looking back.

Some days, I may go faster than others. Some days it might take me a while to climb out of the hole to get back on the track, but I am pressing on - to persevere.

Because... "...perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:4 NIV

MomMomMomMomMom

2011-05-18T20:52:00.004-06:00

Remember when your kids were toddlers? (Or they might still be toddlers now) And that's all you heard? "Mommommommommommommommommommom" etc. (Okay, so those of us with teenagers might hear that all the time too!)

It's a beautiful sound. To be called "Mom."

I've been thinking about it a lot lately. Mother's Day this year was a little crazy as we were in California for a TV taping, so I've been doing my reminiscing over the past week or so since we returned.

I love being a mom
I love hearing my kids call me "mom"
I love cooking and yes, even cleaning for my family
I love being the mom of teenagers
I love driving them to swim team day after day after day after day...
I love sitting on "deck" and writing and working, and taking peeks at their skills in the water
I love traveling with my kids
I love singing at the top of my lungs with my kids in the car
I love watching movies with my kids
I love home schooling my kids
I love riding bikes with my kids
I love spending every day with them
I love being a mom

Tag Line Anyone?

2011-05-17T18:25:00.002-06:00

There was a discussion today taking place on the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) loop about taglines. Someone initiated the discussion by asking the questions - "what is your tagline" and "how did you come up with it?"

One of my dearest friends in the world, Ronie Kendig, writes "Rapid-Fire Fiction" - her tagline says it all. And she's AMAZING at it. (If you haven't read them already, you need to pick up her books: Dead Reckoning, Nightshade, Digitalis, Wolfsbane - about to release, and Firethorn releasing next January.

I must admit that it took me only a few minutes to find my tagline - but that was after a lot of input over several weeks. From agent, editor, and lots of other author friends.

The reason I needed so much help? Well, I always need help. That's beside the point. LOL. But seriously, I write fiction and non-fiction. I wasn't quite sure how to encompass them both.

Then I realized my tagline could say it all. So here it is:
Faith, Perseverance, JOY

Faith - my faith is everything because God is the story, no matter what I write.
Perseverance - James 1:2-4 tells me that the testing of my faith develops perseverance. And perseverance must finish its work.
JOY - you can have joy through trials, because God's joy cannot be taken away.

So there you have it. What's your tagline?

The Heart of America

2011-05-11T13:21:00.000-06:00

Over the past twelve years, I've driven over 100,000 miles on my tours in this great country of ours. And there are several things that have "hit" me.

-Way too many people lose out because they choose to fly.
-Most people are in a hurry.
-We don't stop and "smell the roses" enough.
-We've let life "run" us.

The first one is a biggie. The second one causes the first one a lot of the time. This in turn, enables the third point. And the fourth point? Well, it seems to be the root problem.

Last weekend, we were invited to be on the Hour of Power and we filmed at the Crystal Cathedral. A beautiful, beautiful place in the LA vicinity. So, we took off from Colorado and headed west.

Let me tell you, if you haven't driven across Utah on Interstate 70 - you need to do it. It's amazing. National Parks like the Arches National Park - beg you to stop and take the time to look, wonder, and soak in the glory of God's handiwork. There's not a lot of towns or places - in fact, there's one stretch of 100 miles with "no services" - and another stretch of more than 60 miles with "no services" - but if you're worried about that, you're missing the point. Completely.

Driving across parts of Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Illinois, Iowa (you get the point) can be quite "dull" to most people. But have you ever stopped to see what's growing? Instead of flying past all the farms and ranches, take a gander at the livestock - the different breeds, and all the varieties of corn, soybeans, and other crops. We're fed because of those farms. And that's someone's livelihood.

The reason I'm bringing all this up is because it's the heart of America. Her people, her land, her crops, her beauty.

Take a minute to soak up the beauty around you. Whether it's the ocean, the mountains, the desert, or farmlands... Remember how wonderful it is to live in a free country. To see the majesty and glory of the Rockies, to smell the salty air of the ocean, and to feel the wind and cold of an icy snow storm.

And maybe next time, you'll take a road trip and thank God for the work of His hands.

Ironman? Conclusion :)

2011-05-07T21:36:00.002-06:00

It's been fun seeing all your responses via Facebook, email, and comments on my Ironman post.
Originally, I just wanted to post the story to make you laugh, I mean, who would ever think that I was an Ironman participant?
But, after sleep and much thought, I realized there was a lesson or two to be learned.

First? Clearly, the clerk was a very positive person. I didn't question him to know for sure, but I'm assuming he thought something along the lines of, "well, anyone could participate..." right?

Which brings me to my first thoughts. John 3:16 is clear. For God so loved the WORLD. That means everyone. Whether skinny, chubby, short, tall, wealthy, poor, good-looking, homely, smelly, or ... You get the picture. :) Anyone and everyone is included. We are not to judge who should be a participant, or in better terms who should be a "recipient" of the greatest gift of all: salvation. Free for all who believe.

Secondly, once we've accepted that gift, we ARE participants. We are running a race. Our Ironman, if you will. Hebrews 12:1-3 is a wonderful passage to look at for this. So... Wouldn't it be fitting that we actually prepare for the race?

In fact, we can all participate - just like the clerk thought, "sure-she could do it"- wouldn't it have been even greater had I arrived actually PREPARED to participate?

You see, once we are believers, we shouldn't just stay on the "milk" and go through the motions. We're supposed to be learning and growing and studying and sharing.

In short, what are you doing? Are you a participant? If not, send me a note and I'll tell you all about the greatest gift of all. If you ARE a participant, what are you doing to prepare? To run the race set before you?

Who knows, one day you may hear me say that I really AM participating in an Ironman. Nothing is impossible with God. :) amen.

Ironman?

2011-05-07T10:27:00.002-06:00

We are traveling to the LA area to be guests on The Hour of Power at the Crystal Cathedral this weekend.

A funny thing happened to me last night as we checked into our hotel.

Let me paint the picture for you:
It's one a.m. We'd had a radio interview, packed, and I'd driven 700 miles. Across the Rockies. And across Utah. On a side note, there are several places in Utah where there is NOTHING for 100 miles or so. We got excited to see an overpass. Seriously. Okay, back to painting the picture: did I mention it was 1:00 A.M??

The night clerk finishes the check-in process and looks at me, "so you're participating in the Ironman?"
Me: "What!?"
Clerk: "Breakfast is at 3 a.m."
Me: "What!?"
Clerk: "3 a.m."
Me: "Uh... It's 1 a.m. Right now."
Clerk: "well, you'll want a good breakfast before you start."
Me (still shocked and confused): "Do I LOOK like I'm about to participate in the Ironman?"
Clerk: "Sure."

I looked down. I'm not a tiny person. At all. And the thought of running, biking, swimming until my heart stops didn't really appeal to me at 1:00 in the morning. Especially on two hours of sleep. Full breakfast at 3:00 a.m. Or not.

I decided to be nice. "I'm an author. I'm not here for the Ironman. But thank you."

He shrugged. Gave me a nice smile and a map to my room.
I threw over my shoulder, "Maybe next time."

Now... You're probably wondering if there is a moral to this story. Other than the fact that it made me laugh. :)

Ah... There is. It didn't strike me until after a full-night's sleep though... And since I have to check out of the hotel now and finish driving to California, I will post my conclusions tonight :)

[chuckle] me... In the Ironman...

Contest WINNER!

2011-04-18T16:55:00.002-06:00

All righty, folks...

The Grand Prize winner of the Kindle and the Alaskan gift basket and signed books is : Kris T. (Since we've had issues with the commenting - make sure you send an email to info at kimberleywoodhouse dot com as well!)

You have 24 hours to comment on this post - and if you don't, another winner will be chosen. The winners of books will be posted after that (just in case the winner doesn't claim their prize - we want everyone to be eligible for the Grand Prize.)

Thanks for participating! We had over 200 people enter the contest.

LAST CHANCE

2011-04-14T10:57:00.003-06:00

Hey Everyone,
I will give you through the weekend (midnight - April 17th) to enter our contest with prizes including a Kindle, an Alaskan gift basket, and signed books!

I'm re-posting all the original information below and remember that if the commenting is not working, just send all your info and answers to the email addy listed below - you will still be entered. A lot of people have had trouble with the comments.

***

Okay everyone, we're going to have a little contest to celebrate the release of NO SAFE HAVEN. From today until April 15th - you can enter as many times as you want, but every entry must have ALL the answers and your special word :)- we're going to host a little scavenger hunt. PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST CAREFULLY TO UNDERSTAND THE RULES TO ENTER.

The PRIZES:
A brand new WiFI Kindle. (value - $139)
An Alaskan Gift Basket. (value of $65)
Signed copies of No Safe Haven, Welcome Home, Pearl Girls AND two of Kim's CDs.
(One Grand Prize winner will receive all of the above, 3 others will receive the signed books and CDs)

Now here's the QUESTIONS:
1. In Welcome Home - why did the TSA suspect Kim of being dangerous?
2. In No Safe Haven - what kind of plane does Jenna Tikaani-Gray own?
3. In Welcome Home - how does Kim re-define normal? (full definition required)
4. In No Safe Haven - what mountain means "The Wife"? - original native name is required here - you may search on the internet for the answer if you haven't read the whole book.
5. In No Safe Haven - what does Jenna have of Marc's at the beginning of the story?
6. In No Safe Haven - what happened to the radio on the plane?
7. In No Safe Haven - what is VFR?
8. In No Safe Haven - what is the call sign of their plane?
9. In No Safe Haven - they are returning to Alaska from where?
10. In No Safe Haven and Welcome Home - what is the name of the condition that Kayla and Andie share.

Here are the RULES:
1) You must comment on the post for each entry using a word/phrase that is used in Alaska or about Alaska. (Examples: Denali is the tallest mountain in North America and is in Alaska. Or a nickname for Alaska is The Land of the Midnight Sun. Or the Iditarod, huskies, native Alaskan words, city names, etc. This should be fun, we have tons of cool words/phrases in No Safe Haven, but you can also look online.) Your comment must contain your name and the date along with your word or phrase.
2) Then send an email to: info at kimberleywoodhouse dot com with ALL the answers to the questions, placing your name and date and the word/phrase you used in your comment in the subject line of the email.
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS OR YOUR ENTRY WILL NOT COUNT.
3) You may enter as many times as you would like. BUT Each comment must use a DIFFERENT word/phrase than your other entries (or it will not be counted), and all email entries with the answers to the questions must have your name, date, and your Alaskan word. :)
4) Winners will be drawn randomly in a controlled environment. Winner will be posted on our blogs. If you do not comment on the winning blog post within 24 hours - you forfeit your chance at the prize(s) and another winner will be chosen. If you are chosen as the winner - Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery of prizes won.
5) Of course, we'd love everyone to purchase the books to be able to find the answers, but you may also look online. :) There are several places that have the beginnings of both books posted, so there is no purchase necessary to win.

Happy Hunting! And we hope you enjoy No Safe Haven! Thank you for celebrating the release of our new book with us!
PLEASE tell all your friends so they can have the chance to win as well. :)

***
Example of how to enter:
You MUST Comment in the comment section with a word/phrase. click on comments on any of the contest posts on any of our blogs. Enter your name and date and your Alaskan word or phrase - example: Kim, March 12, 2011, Iditarod

THEN - you MUST send an email to info at kimberleywoodhouse dot com
in the body of the email answer all the questions. Make sure your answer corresponds with the correct number. In the SUBJECT line of the email you must have your name, date, and word/phrase that you posted in the comment - example: Kim, March 12, 2011 Iditarod - should appear in the subject line.

The Cart Before the Horse

2011-04-12T00:05:00.002-06:00

I've had the incredible privilege of being challenged and having my toes stepped on by books and studies the past couple weeks. Books that were on my "To Be Read" shelf. And I was fascinated by how they all seemed to go together and intertwine and convict me when they are all completely different.

I won't go into any great detail here, but I do want to ask you: Are you putting the cart before the horse?

How many times do we go off on our own agendas without seeking HIM first?
Should we even have our own agendas?
Aren't we the servants to the Master?

Jesus said, "Come. Follow Me."

He didn't say, "Kim, I'll make sure I give you an itinerary and let you check it before you go."

I love it that He hasn't given up on me and that I'm still learning even though I have such a long way to go.

And I will definitely be working on keeping that cart in the rear where it belongs...

A Chance to Win a Kindle and Signed Books!

2011-04-04T11:56:00.001-06:00

Hey Everyone,
You've been so great sending us emails about the contest. I understand that there have been issues with the commenting and I'm hoping that it is cleared up. For all of you who sent emails with your inquiries and also with all your answers, but the comments weren't working, don't worry - you're still entered. :) I made sure we have everyone's entry so far in the master list.

For those of you who may be new to our blogs and have just seen our contest - I'll repost all the directions below. Feel free to ask questions if you don't understand :)

We just returned from another book trip and as we drove through Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Colorado - I couldn't help but think of the heart of America: its people, small towns, farms, and ranches. I'm sure there will be a post with my thoughts on this coming up.

But for right now, I hope you all enjoy the contest and tell all your friends!
God Bless!

Kim and Kayla

Okay everyone, we're going to have a little contest to celebrate the release of NO SAFE HAVEN. From today until April 15th - you can enter as many times as you want, but every entry must have ALL the answers and your special word :)- we're going to host a little scavenger hunt. PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST CAREFULLY TO UNDERSTAND THE RULES TO ENTER.

The PRIZES:
A brand new WiFI Kindle. (value - $139)
An Alaskan Gift Basket. (value of $65)
Signed copies of No Safe Haven, Welcome Home, Pearl Girls AND two of Kim's CDs.
(One Grand Prize winner will receive all of the above, 3 others will receive the signed books and CDs)

Now here's the QUESTIONS:
1. In Welcome Home - why did the TSA suspect Kim of being dangerous?
2. In No Safe Haven - what kind of plane does Jenna Tikaani-Gray own?
3. In Welcome Home - how does Kim re-define normal? (full definition required)
4. In No Safe Haven - what mountain means "The Wife"? - original native name is required here - you may search on the internet for the answer if you haven't read the whole book.
5. In No Safe Haven - what does Jenna have of Marc's at the beginning of the story?
6. In No Safe Haven - what happened to the radio on the plane?
7. In No Safe Haven - what is VFR?
8. In No Safe Haven - what is the call sign of their plane?
9. In No Safe Haven - they are returning to Alaska from where?
10. In No Safe Haven and Welcome Home - what is the name of the condition that Kayla and Andie share.

Here are the RULES:
1) You must comment on the post for each entry using a word/phrase that is used in Alaska or about Alaska. (Examples: Denali is the tallest mountain in North America and is in Alaska. Or a nickname for Alaska is The Land of the Midnight Sun. Or the Iditarod, huskies, native Alaskan words, city names, etc. This should be fun, we have tons of cool words/phrases in No Safe Haven, but you can also look online.) Your comment must contain your name and the date along with your word or phrase.
2) Then send an email to: info at kimberleywoodhouse dot com with ALL the answers to the questions, placing your name and date and the word/phrase you used in your comment in the subject line of the email.
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS OR YOUR ENTRY WILL NOT COUNT.
3) You may enter as many times as you would like. BUT Each comment must use a DIFFERENT word/phrase than your other entries (or it will not be counted), and all email entries with the answers to the questions must have your name, date, and your Alaskan word. :)
4) Winners will be drawn randomly in a controlled environment. Winner will be posted on our blogs. If you do not comment on the winning blog post within 24 hours - you forfeit your chance at the prize(s) and another winner will be chosen. If you are chosen as the winner - Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery of prizes won.
5) Of course, we'd love everyone to purchase the books to be able to find the answers, but you may also look online. :) There are several places that have the beginnings of both books posted, so there is no purchase necessary to win.

Happy Hunting! And we hope you enjoy No Safe Haven! Thank you for celebrating the release of our new book with us!
PLEASE tell all your friends so they can have the chance to win as well. :)

***
Example of how to enter:
You MUST Comment in the comment section with a word/phrase. click on comments on any of the contest posts on any of our blogs. Enter your name and date and your Alaskan word or phrase - example: Kim, March 12, 2011, Iditarod

THEN - you MUST send an email to info at kimberleywoodhouse dot com
in the body of the email answer all the questions. Make sure your answer corresponds with the correct number. In the SUBJECT line of the email you must have your name, date, and word/phrase that you posted in the comment - example: Kim, March 12, 2011 Iditarod - should appear in the subject line.

A little fun for NO SAFE HAVEN's release...

2011-03-13T17:51:00.005-06:00

Okay everyone, we're going to have a little contest to celebrate the release of NO SAFE HAVEN. From today until April 15th - you can enter as many times as you want, but every entry must have ALL the answers and your special word :)- we're going to host a little scavenger hunt. PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST CAREFULLY TO UNDERSTAND THE RULES TO ENTER.

The PRIZES:
A brand new WiFI Kindle. (value - $139)
An Alaskan Gift Basket. (value of $65)
Signed copies of No Safe Haven, Welcome Home, Pearl Girls AND two of Kim's CDs.
(One Grand Prize winner will receive all of the above, 3 others will receive the signed books and CDs)

Now here's the QUESTIONS:
1. In Welcome Home - why did the TSA suspect Kim of being dangerous?
2. In No Safe Haven - what kind of plane does Jenna Tikaani-Gray own?
3. In Welcome Home - how does Kim re-define normal? (full definition required)
4. In No Safe Haven - what mountain means "The Wife"? - original native name is required here - you may search on the internet for the answer if you haven't read the whole book.
5. In No Safe Haven - what does Jenna have of Marc's at the beginning of the story?
6. In No Safe Haven - what happened to the radio on the plane?
7. In No Safe Haven - what is VFR?
8. In No Safe Haven - what is the call sign of their plane?
9. In No Safe Haven - they are returning to Alaska from where?
10. In No Safe Haven and Welcome Home - what is the name of the condition that Kayla and Andie share.

Here are the RULES:
1) You must comment on the post for each entry using a word/phrase that is used in Alaska or about Alaska. (Examples: Denali is the tallest mountain in North America and is in Alaska. Or a nickname for Alaska is The Land of the Midnight Sun. Or the Iditarod, huskies, native Alaskan words, city names, etc. This should be fun, we have tons of cool words/phrases in No Safe Haven, but you can also look online.) Your comment must contain your name and the date along with your word or phrase.
2) Then send an email to: info at kimberleywoodhouse dot com with ALL the answers to the questions, placing your name and date and the word/phrase you used in your comment in the subject line of the email.
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS OR YOUR ENTRY WILL NOT COUNT.
3) You may enter as many times as you would like. BUT Each comment must use a DIFFERENT word/phrase than your other entries (or it will not be counted), and all email entries with the answers to the questions must have your name, date, and your Alaskan word. :)
4) Winners will be drawn randomly in a controlled environment. Winner will be posted on our blogs. If you do not comment on the winning blog post within 24 hours - you forfeit your chance at the prize(s) and another winner will be chosen. If you are chosen as the winner - Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery of prizes won.
5) Of course, we'd love everyone to purchase the books to be able to find the answers, but you may also look online. :) There are several places that have the beginnings of both books posted, so there is no purchase necessary to win.

Happy Hunting! And we hope you enjoy No Safe Haven! Thank you for celebrating the release of our new book with us!
PLEASE tell all your friends so they can have the chance to win as well. :)

***
Example of how to enter:
You MUST Comment in the comment section with a word/phrase. click on comments on any of the contest posts on any of our blogs. Enter your name and date and your Alaskan word or phrase - example: Kim, March 12, 2011, Iditarod

THEN - you MUST send an email to info at kimberleywoodhouse dot com
in the body of the email answer all the questions. Make sure your answer corresponds with the correct number. In the SUBJECT line of the email you must have your name, date, and word/phrase that you posted in the comment - example: Kim, March 12, 2011 Iditarod - should appear in the subject line.

Who Am I?

2011-03-03T10:06:00.002-07:00

This question has been swirling around in my brain for the past several months. Our lives have changed drastically with the national media coverage, EMHE, and books coming out. They were wonderful things, but I've been very hesitant to say that they changed me. I never wanted the negative connotation to come with it i.e. "Fame changed her." It just sounded wrong.

Anyway, with all the computer crash/virus/craziness, deadlines, interviews, and regular life as wife, mom, and homeschool teacher, I've taken a hiatus from a lot of article writing and blogging.

Some of this was a good idea. I needed a break. Some of this made me feel guilty - because I was just positive that I was letting everyone down (and that the wonderful marketing people would get mad at me - LOL). And some of this just helped me beat myself up even more - because who really wants to read anything from me anyway? Right?

So I kept going back to the Casting Crowns song - Who Am I? And another beautiful chorus - Beloved. They both ask the question - WHO AM I?

Then Psalm 139 kept finding its way into my Bible Study, prayer time, and the words echoed in my brain.

I wrote in Welcome Home that I just wanted to be the best "me" I can be. I've failed a lot. But I'm excited to see what God will do through me - this cracked and broken vessel.

It's okay to have life's circumstances change you. It's okay to wonder who you really are. It's okay to leave it in God's hands and say, "Lord, I'm willing. I just want to do my very best for You."

Do you ever ask that question? Lord, who am I? I'm so unworthy?
Well, just keep reminding yourself that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. He doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called. He's not expecting you to be perfect. He just wants you willing.

To go and do whatever He calls you to do.

Cover for RACE AGAINST TIME!!

2011-01-19T10:33:00.001-07:00

Here it is peeps:

The cover for book #2 - Race Against Time! Isn't it beautiful?

Don't Try This At Home...

2010-12-27T17:20:00.001-07:00

The Sunday before Christmas, I attempted a feat only I would dare try.

Skiing down the stairs.

On my shin.

It didn't work. And it hurt.

Thus, the title of this blog...

Anyway, the REAL story is this (albeit much less glamorous) :
Sunday night after church, my friend (loyal and true) Carrie came over. I was still in my dressy outfit from the cantata that night. (Mistake #1)

After we caught up and had a good ol' heart-to-heart, I asked if she wanted to see how we'd rearranged all the rooms in the basement. (Mistake #2 - not that asking her was a mistake, I love Carrie dearly, but it was definitely too late at night and my pants were entirely too dressy...)

At the top of the stairs, I realized a dilemma. I normally wore four-inch heels with these particular pants. Why? Well, One - the incredibly cute and dressy pants demand that kind of footwear, and Two - my legs are just too stinkin' short. Anyway, back to the story - Carrie headed down the stairs first, and me and my big mouth and dressy, dressy pants started our descent. I said, "Watch me trip on my pants and fall down the stairs..." (Mistake #3)

Truer words have never been spoken.

And I fell.
It wasn't glamorous. It wasn't graceful. It wasn't even pretty.
But Carrie's football stance at the bottom of the stairs was all of the above. I wish I had a picture of her face. It was priceless.
And I treasure her even more as a friend. Carrie is no frail chick who danced around saying, "oh my goodess!" - she didn't even try to save her own skin and jump out of the way of "skiing Kim" as I hurtled down the wood stairs - no, this girl stuck out her own neck, ready to take the blow so she could stop my momemtum-building fall.
That's a friend, people. Just sayin'.

And me? Well, my leg is grotesque to put it mildly. The bruising and coloring just get better and better each day. :)

Sweet hubby has patched up the wall-(oh, by the way, did I mention that my knee punched a large hole in the sheet rock?), and I've learned valuable lessons. Things like:
-wear shin guards every time I head down the stairs
-never, NEVER say I'm going to fall-Even if I'm joking
-never wear the cute, dressy pants without the appropriate footwear
-grow longer legs

And for all of you who demanded a picture - well, here it is. This is three days after. I almost took another one today, but I'm afraid of scaring small children... and the elderly... So... just imagine it about ten times worse - That's what it looks like now. Hopefully in about a month, maybe it will be gone.

The Grinch that Stole...

2010-12-10T16:57:00.004-07:00

...blogs...
...and emails...
...and motherboards...
...and operating systems...
...and hard drives...

But I digress. I really do love the age of technology. Yes, even when it goes against me. Even when it has a heart 500 times too small.

So, I'm here to say - We're Back!!! Hopefully, prayerfully, joyfully. I now understand why emails have been getting lost for months upon months, our blogs have posted/unposted, and basically life in the land of social-media-techno-world stunk. :)

BUT - it hasn't stolen our Christmas spirit. We wanted to share with you a few pics of our Christmas decorating... and yes, I decorate way before Thanksgiving. Get over it. I LOVE Christmas. And I really like enjoying this season... hence - the putting-up-decorations-early mindset.

*** Rabbit trail warning ***(I've had hate-mail over this [not really, but it sounds so much more intense] - from those grinchy-type people who think Christmas music should NOT under any circumstances be played before turkey day is over. But I won't mention it... well, not any more. At least I'll try to remember. I've forgiven them. And I play Christmas music sometimes year-round. I'm not spiteful. Or ornery. Really. I promise. I just love Christmas.)

Ahem. Back to those Christmas pics ;)

I have never been accused of over-decorating.

...Or using too many lights...

...Or going overboard.

In any way.

On any thing.

Nope.

Not me.

Nuh uh.

I'm perfectly normal.

Yep.

Everyone decorates like this, right?

Okay, okay, so maybe you don't put up 15+ Christmas trees.

And maybe you actually have to use other (i.e. regular light fixtures) lights during the Christmas season to illuminate your home. (To which I say, what's the point in that?)

And airplanes don't head for your house like it's a runway...

And your friends don't tell you that "Christmas threw up" in your house.
LOL

I'm teasing. Christmas really is my favorite time of year. Love, love, love it.

But just in case you can't agree with me, or don't like to decorate, just look at this next picture.

You gotta admit she's too stinkin' cute for her own good. :)
Now doesn't that just make you smile?

So, here in Colorado, dreams of new un-grinchified computers will dance in our heads...

Merry Christmas!

Computer Crash... Stay Tuned

2010-12-06T13:58:00.001-07:00

Well...
After months of craziness, we finally discovered all our glitches. Our main computer system had a time-bomb virus. (if you don't know what that is - don't ask. It's scary. I'm freaked out every time I think about it. Yuck. Ugh.) It fried the mother-board and operating system, and sent trojans to the other computers on the network.

We haven't been able to post on blogs correctly for MONTHS - and not at all for quite some time - as you can see :)

We haven't been able to receive and send email properly for months...

And, we've lost a lot of data.

BUT - we believe - that it is all functioning properly now. (At least the computers that are still alive.)

So... Thanks for your patience and keep watching. We hope to get it all back to schedule this week and next.

New Website, Need Influencers, and Great Interview Next Week!

2010-10-19T15:40:00.004-06:00

It's official - the new "website" is up and running. And for the most part, I haven't totally killed it, rearranged it, or messed it up. (I know, I know, just wait, right?) LOL

Anyway, so please tell your friends that they can go to any of the following:
kimwoodhouse.com
kimberleywoodhouse.com
kimberleyandkaylawoodhouse.com
kaylawoodhouse.com
and they will all take you to our new streamlined (hopefully), easy to navigate (prayerfully) site :)
Kayla and I would love to have your thoughts on the new site, tabs, and info that is up. We'd also love your suggestions!

NEXT - we need influencers for our upcoming release NO SAFE HAVEN - if you'd like to be someone to read it, blog about it, and talk it up - please let us know ASAP. Either commment here - or send an email through the contact tab on our website.

AND NOW - that everything is up and running smoothly (finally, whew!) be watching for a great interview we have with Jenny B. Jones next week! She's totally amazing, hysterical, and one of my favorite people of all time.

Stay tuned!
Love you all :)

Superficial?

2010-10-15T17:53:00.002-06:00

Do you have any depth? I'm not asking about the face-to-face you that a privileged few might get to see. I'm talking about the social-media-out-in-front-of-your-thousands-of-follower/friends you.

I've read a lot of blogs lately about professionalism, social media, blogging, etc. etc. etc.

And it's made me think. A lot.

Do you think there's the "professional" you and the "personal" you?
Do you think there's a "social media" you and the person you are face-to-face with your closest friends?

Here's my two cents on this (and as you read this - think about whether you feel the same way):
-I can only be the best "me" that I can be. No one else can do it. Only I can. Same goes for you.
-I'm a real person with feelings and emotions and thoughts. Don't put me on a pedestal. Ever. I don't ever deserve that. Or want it for that matter.
- I do believe that there is a "public" and a "private" persona. But for me, I don't ever want it to be a facade. I'm still going to be real whether it's one-on-one or social media.

Now let me ask you a few questions. Feel free to comment with your answers or to email or DM (twitter) or FB message me.

What do you look for in your networking - meaning - social media?
-Do you only want friends? Fans? Family?
-How much time do you spend on social media, blogs, forums each day?
-What interests you on social media? (for instance, I have people get upset if I don't tweet or FB enough about what I'm cooking - because that's what they want to know/see -and that's perfectly fine, because I love to cook, so it's fun to share with others)
-What makes you keep coming back for more? (websites, blogs, tweets, whatever - and I'm not just talking about here - I'm talking about every site that you like/visit)

Feel free to answer as few or as many as you like.

Why do I share this with you and ask you these questions? Well, frankly, I want to know your thoughts. And your opinion and thoughts are valuable here. And I really wanted to just get the discussion going about social media. Let's think about whether we are superficial or have some good ol' meaty depth.

Pride...The Lesson That Keeps Needin' to Be Learned

2010-09-28T19:48:00.003-06:00

Do you ever struggle with pride? Now be honest. Don't lie to me. Or to yourself.

Pride is the basis for well... let's just say it... all sin. Proverbs 16:18 puts it clearly: "Pride goes before destruction..." (NASB)

Think about it. Every sin you've committed - okay narrow it down to a few - think about the motive behind it. It had something to do with your pride, didn't it? We're such selfish beings, we want this, we want that, we want to do things our way, we can't stand anyone outdoing us, or someone having something we don't have, or worse - having people think badly of us. It's all pride. Pride. Pride. Pride.

A recent incident made me think hard on this issue of pride in my life. With the economy and other factors, we traded in our beloved and mucho decked out Expedition, Little Gracie. I loved her. We all did. She was comfy. She was huge. She had every bell and whistle Ford makes. The seats themselves could heat or cool your bum and move five kazillion ways. Everything was computerized and motorized and at your fingertips with a push of a button. She even had power running boards. (That if you moved too quick, you'd hit your shins on while they were whirring their way up and down.) :)

We were stinkin' spoiled.

But times are changing. We'd done so much traveling in beautiful Little Gracie, that her mileage was getting on up there for a young vehicle. We also needed to see where we could save money. Figuring we could save half (did you read that?) HALF of my gas budget if we downsized, we knew we needed to be good stewards.

The decision itself was easy. The dealership that we bought from made everything even easier and delivered everything to our house. BUT, my pride kicked in at the last minute when I thought of actually giving up my much-beloved vehicle. I thought, "it won't be the same!" (Waah, wah, whine, whine, grumble, complain.)

Thankfully, I have a loving Heavenly Father who graciously hits me over the head with the much needed proverbial 2x4 in times such as these.

WHAM! In that split-second, I knew my pride had gotten the better of me once again.

Who cares if it's not the same? Who cares that I'm not driving down the road in my swanky, oversized, over-optioned vehicle? Good grief, did you read that? It's totally ridiculous! Who cares?

I found myself laughing in the driveway. There are people in the world starving, homeless, orphaned, so how dare I balk in the face of all that - at merely saying goodbye to a stupid (excuse my use of the s-word) vehicle? That stinkin' pride. Always sneakin' up and givin' me grief.

Well, let me just tell you that after that brief moment of slacking (okay, so maybe it was momentS) there hasn't been one doubt in my mind. Material possessions have far too strong of a hold on this ol' world, and I don't want to be hanging on to anything like that. I'll hang on to Jesus. The Author and Finisher of my faith.

As I walked back up my driveway and as Little Gracie drove away, I looked at my kids. We've tried really hard to teach them about stewardship and about the fact that when we leave this earth, we're not taking any of this "stuff" with us. And for another brief instant, I was worried about them. Were they sad to see the vehicle go?

I asked them. And guess what? They laughed. They didn't care. They put their arms around me and said, "it's just a car, Mom. Who cares?"

Out of the mouths of babes. Again, I wondered how the good Lord could use an inadequate vessel like me to rear these two fine teenagers. I shook my head and laughed with them.

And we haven't looked back. As I'm zippin' around town in my little red Nissan, savin' gas money and singin' at the top of my lungs with my kiddos, it hasn't phased me a bit.

But imagine what could've happened had I let pride win that day? Well, you might not be able to imagine, but I can. And it ain't purty. Not at all.

Pride goes before destruction...

Too Much...

2010-09-22T12:42:00.002-06:00

All right - for everyone who has been sending me the wonderful notes - thank you! I'm here today to clarify everything I possibly can. LOL - don't get your hopes up, it will probably be clear as mud by the time I'm done.

I'm thinking of getting rid of the counters on the site, because frankly, they can't keep up. Every time one of the shows we've appeared on airs, I receive thousands of notes and emails, and then people try to comment on blogs and it won't let them. So even if we could guess accurately, which we can't, I don't know if it's worth it.

Next, I apologize for all of you who try to comment on the different blogs (Kayla's, Kayla's and mine together, and this one) and can't. There doesn't seem to be an explanation for this, other than the fact that computers and the web must hate me. :) I've got an amazing web guru guy who handles our websites and it's not his fault. He makes everything work when I mess it up - So it's obvious that I somehow freak everything out.

And last but not least, be watching for changes to streamline and connect all the websites, blogs, facebook, fan pages, etc. I'm hoping it will work the way I imagine it in my brain. Hoping being the operative word there. So please be patient with us as we attempt to figure it all out, and hopefully, it will be even better. :)

As always, I love hearing from you. I love hearing when you see our EMHE episode and you cry when I cry. I love hearing how you love reading our crazy blog posts. I love hearing your wonderful suggestions, encouragement, and silly stories. I love hearing how you don't think I'm crazy, even on days when I know I am...

To sum it up? I love you guys. Now back to Algebra, grading papers, and another chapter in RACE AGAINST TIME. Thank you all so very much for your support!
Kim

Priceless

2010-08-25T10:54:00.003-06:00

*This is a tough post*

I love how God uses story to help open our eyes and draw us closer to Him. Two incredible books released this year that tackled an increasingly horrendous problem:
Sex Trafficking

Some knew nothing about this awful subject, some may have known but turned a blind eye to it - "it's not happening around me, so I can ignore it", some are caught in the midst of it.

I'm going to give you some terrifying stats:

-1.2 million children are trafficked every year; this is in addition to the millions already held captive by trafficking (1)
-Every 2 minutes a child is being prepared for sexual exploitation (1)
-The average victim is forced to have sex up to 40 times a day (5)
-The average age of a trafficked victim is 14 years old (5)
-Approximately 30 million children have lost their childhood through sexual exploitation over the past 30 years (1)
-Sex trafficking is an engine of the global AIDS epidemic (4)
-People are trafficked from 127 countries to be exploited in 137 countries (3)
-Between 14,500 and 17,500 victims are trafficked into the USA each year (4)
-The total market value of illicit Sex Trafficking is estimated to be in excess of $32 billion (2)
-By 2010 Sex Trafficking will be the number one crime worldwide (5)
-Trafficking in women is the second largest global organized crime today
-Over 25% of victims are trafficked from Southern and Eastern Europe.
-Tragically, only 1-2 percent of victims are rescued, and only 1 in 100,000 Europeans involved in trafficking are convicted.
(1-UNICEF, 2-UN, 3-UNODC, 4-US Department of State, 5-The A21 Campaign)

We cannot turn away from this. A lot of people are discussing the problem of Pornography, and yes, pornography is rampant in the world, but this problem is even greater. Pornography feeds this industry. Can you imagine your own child being abducted and sold into sex slavery?

Since reading Priceless by Tom Davis, and Deliver Us From Evil by Robin Caroll, I've been seriously praying about what I can do. What can you do?

If you like to read - Please buy the two books mentioned above. The stories will grip you and bring to life this epic problem. They are both powerful and beautifully written. I'd also recommend you check out Tom Davis's different sites. Tom is the CEO of Children's Hope Chest. Below are other links for you to check out (PLEASE, PLEASE go and read their stories - you will never be the same)

www.sheispriceless.com
www.love146.org
www.iempathize.org
www.hopechest.org
www.notforsalecampaign.org
www.globalcenturion.org

On a personal note, I know both of these authors. They have touched my life in huge ways. This is not just about selling books... this is about changing a life. One at a time. Please pray about how you can help.

ANNOUNCEMENT!!

2010-08-19T10:12:00.000-06:00

Kayla has been chosen as a staff writer for iBegat.com a new site for teens!!

This is launch week at iBegat - so please check out the links below and tell all your friends!

iBegat Home Page
Devo by Kayla
Staff Writer Kayla Woodhouse
Movie Review by Kayla

The Big 4-0 (not me!) and a Little More News...

2010-08-18T11:22:00.002-06:00

Today is my husband's 40th birthday. Shhh! Don't tell him I told you ;)
I want to wish a very, very, happy birthday to my sweet man! And also to my dad - they share the same birthday. Although, Dad probably doesn't want me sharing his age... :)

Today's blog is just a quick reminder about the other blogs:
Kim and Kayla
Dragon Claws, Dog Paws, Swimming Laws...

The fan page (if you're not a fan, we'd love for you to join!)
Facebook Fan Page

AND... be watching for a big announcement on Kayla's blog tomorrow (Thursday)!
Kayla's Blog

Another Year... Another Reminder

2010-08-10T08:53:00.003-06:00

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 was this past weekend and I can't help but remember 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, with a look on his face that told he had a great revelation.

"What, Honey?" I just knew it was something sweet and profound. It was my birthday, right?

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, (after he picked himself off the floor from laughing) 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. And in our society of "Me! Me! Me! Me! Me!" lives are lived selfishly but does it help us 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 while 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 FOUR 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? And now I have two teenagers!

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.

***This is a revised version of a post I wrote a couple of years ago***

The Scoop...

2010-08-06T15:02:00.001-06:00

Kim and Kayla here...

Here's the new scoop:

As we have worked on our schedules, re-vised, re-grouped, re-focused, re-assessed, re-rested, re-confuzzled, and totally turned everything upside down with all this "re" business, we've come up with a new schedule to try and simplify things.

With the craziness of our lives, we want to share it all with you (isn't that nice of us?) and still be able to maintain our writing, schooling, swimming, speaking, teaching, and everything else in between. :)

So here it is:

Tuesday - will be a post on our blog together at - KimberleyandKaylaWoodhouse.com
(One week Kim will post, the next week Kayla will post and so on...)

Wednesday - will be a post on Kim's blog posted at - KimberleyWoodhouse.com click on the blog tab this blog is also posted at
KimberleyWoodhouse and KimberleyWrites

Thursday - will be a post on Kayla's blog for kids at - Dragon Claws, Dog Paws, Swimming Laws...

As always we love to hear from all of you and look forward to sharing all the great things going on!

It's Raining... It's Pouring

2010-07-23T10:55:00.003-06:00

So many times in our lives things overwhelm us. And the proverbial saying comes into play, "When it rains, it pours..."

Life always seems like that - with its ebbs and flows. Craziness always appears to hit more than one way.

I discovered when we moved to Colorado that most of the time when it rains, it only lasts a few minutes and it never really pours. Until last Tuesday. :) We had some great thunderstorms. Little did I know, that it would be a torrential downpour with flashflood warnings all around us. I was just excited for the moisture for my flower beds.

The next day, we discovered water had found its way in through a window in my office. Not a pretty sight. And heartbreaking. Books wet and damaged, a lot of my author stuff wet.

I was devastated. We've had a lot of "hits" lately, and I didn't want another one. :) Then another blow came - finding out that homeowner's insurance couldn't cover it. Okay, I admit it. I cried. Tears of frustration and anger and then... "what do I do?"

And then for the bazillionth time in my "young" life - I felt the prodding to consider this trial joy. Ugh. You'd think I'd learned that lesson a while ago. Did I really need to work on it again?

Um... yes.

No matter how tired I am, how much I have on my plate, or how many things might be piling up... I need that reminder. It doesn't mean that life all of a sudden takes on a rosy glow, but it does mean that I can choose joy. Even when I don't feel like it, or don't want to, or would rather wallow. :)

So... one day at a time. I'm choosing joy. What about you?

WOOHOO! Check out the trailer!

2010-06-23T15:02:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited to share with all of you the book trailer that B&H has for NO SAFE HAVEN!

It would thrill us beyond belief :) if you could help us get the word out by passing on the links to everyone. They can either view it here on our website, Kim's Website or on - Kim's YouTube channel under favorites

NO SAFE HAVEN releases in March of 2011 - and will be up for pre-order in a couple of months! We are very excited about this book and hope to get the word out!
Thank you - Kim and Kayla

Spider Bites and TV ... Random Monday

2010-06-21T01:57:00.000-06:00

What a week...
I had a crazy one, that's for sure. We had a big event for our kids' swim team, Kayla and I are in the middle of revisions, and I don't know what shows aired when, but I received over 4500 emails through my website... AND... I got bit by what we think must have been a spider.

My random thoughts about this?
-I don't like spiders.
-I really don't like being bit by one.
-It really itches.
-It REALLY hurts.
-It made my arm swell up to twice its size.
-The diameter of the area grew up to 8 inches.
-Yes, I measured it.
-WebMD doesn't have enough information on spider bites.
-My arm had a fever for 4 days.
-My arm also looked like it had a sunburn on steroids.
-It made all the muscles in my arm hurt.
-It's still there. But it is getting better.
-I really don't like spiders.
-I really, really, REALLY, don't like being bit by one.

Now back to email...and revisions...

Alaska Adventure #2...

2010-06-10T14:00:00.005-06:00

As we continued our amazing research trip into the interior of Alaska, we had the privilege of seeing one of Alaska's (and the United States') most incredible sights. The Alaska Pipeline.

And another part of our interior Alaska trek was North Pole, Alaska. Here's a great picture of Julee at Santa Claus' House hugging a giant stuffed Polar Bear.

North Pole, Alaska is where our characters' are from in NO SAFE HAVEN. This deliciously yummy croissant french toast is from a little cafe' in North Pole and probably the best french toast I've ever had!

Guess what this is? Any idea how much mail they receive here every year? Take a guess...

Julee, myself, and Karen at the Cafe' North Pole - which will be featured in Book #2. The research was oh, so hard...

This trip was full of great memories, but more than anything - great friends. This is one of my best friends, Leah. I miss her.

Keep watching for more pictures and fun stuff from our trip back to our beloved Alaska...

From Kayla's Perspective #4 - REVISION RAMBLINGS

2010-06-08T15:11:00.001-06:00

UGH!! Revisions, schoolwork, swimming, crit group chapters. Where has the day gone?

As we travel down this amazing-ly busy, terrib-ly funny, tiring-ly draining, and genuine-ly crazy path, (since this is a blog I can use all the “LY” adverbs I want, LOL) I realize what “not enough time in the day” really means. (“Sleep? What is this sleep you talk about?”)

Also, now Mom and I have a new challenge, a puzzle: Taking apart and then putting back together our story. (Duhn, duhn, duhn, duh!) Otherwise known as, REVISIONS.

“Let me splain… No, too much, let me sum up…” (Come on, you’ve gotta love The Princess Bride) we’re each making a separate document for our character's scenes so that we can re-tweak them, finding out where to add new scenes, which then means going back and labeling all the old ones. Whew.

Confused? Don’t worry, so am I! But I’m just going along with it, Mom knows what to do, so I’ll just follow her. Again, LOL. (It's a good time to only be 12+1 years old. I don't have to have all the answers.)

Being a writer is hard work, which is why I always keep my stash of M&Ms close by. FYI-M&Ms work magic when writing! And sweet tea, sweet tea’s great too. You’ve gotta be prepared when going onto the battle field, right? (Just go along with it.)

Then again, every once in a while it’s nice to sit back and relax, ya know? Most of the time that means watching a movie (like Bolt, Up, or The Ultimate Gift) or reading a book (like one of The Dragon Keeper Chronicles or The Chronicles of Narnia).

But no matter how relaxing that is, it’s still a job to do revisions! (Revisions themselves aren’t the bad part, the bad part is when you over-do your editing and destroy your scene. How do I know? Just trust me, I know.)

But, it’s always fun when Mom comes into the room (In that moment it’s like angels start singing the Hallelujah chorus) and she starts making me laugh.
(Just a little piece of valuable info here, Mom and I are both very silly and love to laugh at each other’s mistakes, for instance as I was writing “Most of the time that means watching a movie or reading a book” above, I put “watching a book or reading a movie”.) Hey, you’ve gotta at least chuckle!! Come on, chuckle… you can do it… come on…

I guess that’s just how life is though, full of surprises, trials, laughs… and confuzzling sentence skeletons (Ick). But, at least I know that I’ve got God, so what am I worried about? I may do horrible in my worst subject, (English, are you surprised?) but I guess that’s what perseverance is for, right? (Nod your head so I know you’re paying attention.)

Little voice inside head also known as Holy Spirit: BE THANKFUL!
Me: Yes, sir.

Oh! I think I hear lunch calling me, it’s saying “Kayla… eat me…” echo, echo, echo. (Have I succeeded in making you smile yet?)

I guess I’ll go eat lunch and then get to my Revisions, Math, and English (woop-a-dee-doo… hint, hint).

Have a wonderful day and God bless!
-Kayla
Remember: Bad things aren’t the only things that happen in life so thank God for your blessings (yes, English included), even when you’re down in the dumps.

Random Monday Questions...

2010-06-07T11:26:00.003-06:00

Well, since the furious writing of No Safe Haven, the research trip to Alaska, speaking, book signings, and then Sales Conference at B&H - and of course the recovery from said trip (LOL!) - I've been just a tad bit off schedule. (Understatement, I know.) But, I am pleased to say that even though my crazy life continues, the random Monday blogs will resume...

Today, it will be all the questions floating in my mind in the next 90 seconds. Here goes:

-I wonder how many people are drinking a Dr. Pepper this morning just like me?
-Why do weeds grow better than my carefully tended flowers?
-Why haven't they come up with something useful to do with weeds?
-Why can't we make money off of growing weeds?
-Does anyone else wish that time would slow down for just a little bit?
-Why does my husband like to fish so much? Especially in the heat...
-Where did I put my black jacket with the pink stripes?
-Was that the dryer that just beeped?
-How many yards will the kids swim at swim team today? 4000? 5000? 6000?
-Will I ever feel caught up?
-When is the A/C guy supposed to come tomorrow?
-I wonder who I just received email from... the iPad has dinged 15 times during the writing of this...
-Can I have a day off?
-What would people do if I answered the phone, "Hi, this is Kimberley the Author, what's your favorite color?"
-Does anyone know what movie that's from?
-Will anyone try to answer my questions?
-Why can't I turn off my brain like my husband and "go to my nothing box"?

There you have it... Random Monday...
Now where did I put my daytimer?

Life Suckers...

2010-06-01T11:48:00.002-06:00

Have you ever had a person (or even people) in your life that drain you? Basically suck the life out of you?

My hubby teases me, saying that I attract those kind of people. And in all honesty, he's right. (Now, don't get upset, I'm not saying all the people in my life are like that, but I generally have at least one in my life at all times.) He's even gotten to the point where he makes a loud sucking/vacuum-type noise to help me discern these things when we're talking alone. :) He's got discernment - really GOOD discernment - where I don't.

Anyway, I'm learning. With all the TV stuff, book stuff, and every other kind of stuff, my life has changed. And I'm growing through this process, I'm being pruned through this process, and I'm holding onto my joy through this process.

BUT - I can't say it doesn't hurt when you find out someone isn't trustworthy - or realize that they have single-handledly sucked a good portion of your time/energy/money/LIFE out of you. And for me, it makes me wonder, "Why didn't I see this earlier?"

In fact, I'm still recovering from one of these life-suckers that I recently had in my life. But, praise God, I learned a LOT.

It's kinda like the post I wrote about falling down. Every time we fall, we have the incredible opportunity to learn a valuable lesson so that we DON'T fall the same way again, and we learn how to pick ourselves up out of the muck and mire.

It is hard though... every time you hear from that person, see that person, etc. And personally, I fight urges of wanting to stomp my feet and say, "Really?!? Are you serious?" But then I hear that still small voice (sometimes in the form of a tried and true friend) saying, "Pray. Pray hard." And I feel that inevitable 2x4 from above followed by the gentle words, "I love ________ just as much as I love you."

That's always a gut-wrenching revelation for me. To be reminded that I am no better than anyone else, that God couldn't possibly love me any more than anyone else, and that Jesus died so that "whosoever believes" can have the same eternal life given to me through His sacrifice. Wow. Talk about convicting.

Too many times, we just want to wash our hands of that person(s) and move on. And I'm not saying that's bad, but what happens every time that person(s) is brought up or crosses your path? How are we supposed to handle that?

My answer? Pray. Pray hard. And look forward to the thump of the 2x4 with the gentle reminder. It's humbling. And much needed.

Book Cover for NO SAFE HAVEN!!!!!!!!!!

2010-05-19T13:14:00.002-06:00

WOOHOO!! Check out our amazing cover for Book #1 - No Safe Haven - releasing March 15, 2011 from B&H Publishing Group!

We're Ba-aaaaack!!! Alaska Adventure #1

2010-05-17T17:27:00.006-06:00

Whew! I don't think I will ever catch up. Ever. Again. LOL
I've taken a little break from "social media" to get a breather and regroup (and recover from the crud I picked up on the way home.) :)

The kids and I are back from our incredible trip to Alaska - it was full of breathtaking scenery, tons of research, great friends, and our amazing editors/friends Karen Ball and Julee Schwarzburg. So, to give you a little teaser, I'm going to share a few pics and a little about our trip...

We arrived in Anchorage and I had several speaking engagements and radio interviews. These first two pictures are from an incredible school - Grace Christian - in Anchorage, where the kids were amazing and SO much fun.

About a week into our trip, we were joined by Karen and Julee. The first day we headed down the Seward Highway (one of the most beautiful drives in the world) and snow followed us the whole way! But it was beautiful!

After breathtaking Alaska weather, we headed toward Trapper Creek up the Parks Highway as we chased "The Mountain" - (I'll explain in a minute) - This picture is outside our cabin in Trapper Creek.

Chasing "The Mountain" - is attempting to get as close as you can to Denali (Mt. McKinley) the highest mountain in North America, and "seeing" it. Denali in native Athabascan means, "The High One" - and true Alaskans only refer to it by its original name. (There's a LONG story behind that one...)

Anyway, we chased the mountain from Anchorage, (hundreds of miles away), because the mountain was "out." But sadly, by the time we got to Trapper Creek, it had draped itself in clouds once again.

Karen and Julee were very fortunate though... Many, MANY people come to Alaska and never get the opportunity to see Denali, but as you can see below - we chased him down and we saw hundreds of views of this massive mountain.

Josh and Kayla had a blast posing for pictures and telling Karen and Julee all about their favorite parts of Alaska.

Did you know that Denali is actually the tallest mountain in the world from base to top? Everest beats it because of elevation...

In the picture above, we're still a good 50 miles away from Denali. In the foreground, you see Karen and Julee hiking up to a lookout point (during the summer, that's actually a parking lot they'd be standing on). Isn't it amazing how massive the mountain is? And it's surrounded by other massive mountains...

Stay tuned, more pictures and Alaska fun facts coming in the next blogs...

Off On Another Adventure...

2010-04-11T13:19:00.001-06:00

Alaska here we come!
Be watching for pictures and updates as Kayla, Josh, and myself take a research trek back up to our beloved Alaska with editors Karen Ball and Julee Schwarzburg. I'm SO looking forward to learning and growing as a writer under these two amazing women.

Now that No Safe Haven (first draft) is done, we're havin' a ball working on the details for book #2. Lots more details to come, but we are excited to share our writing journey with you all.

So... Stay tuned! We'll have LOTS to share with you all in the next few weeks...

LLJL...Can We Do It?

2010-04-03T12:00:00.003-06:00

Does anyone remember that song, "He's Still Workin' On Me"? That's what running through my head right now. Yesterday, Good Friday, the kids and I had a long time of reflection together. Reflection on what Christ did for us. And it made me think once again, about how selfish and self-serving we are.

I talked to the kiddos about how the teeniest-tiniest little sin (in our own minds, because sin is sin) still nailed Jesus to the cross. And He did it willingly, lovingly. And that one person that drives you up a wall or annoys you to death or you even hate? God loves them just as much as He loves you.

You see, how many times have we looked down on someone because of what they wear, where they live, what they do for a living, how they look, how they talk, who they voted for...? Do you think that's honoring to God? Don't we realize that He loves that person just as much, that He sent His Son to die for that person just like He did for you and me?

Ouch. It's heartbreaking to me to think of how many people I've done that to over the years of my life. (Even very recently.)

But I'm workin' on it. :) Here's an illustration of how God is working on me:
On our book tour last fall, the kids and I started doing something a little different. The economy stinks right now and there are more people homeless and jobless than ever. My kids are of the age where they notice all of this. And they hurt for people. They're not hardened by years of opinions and prejudices. (Praise God!)

Driving through state after state, we couldn't help but notice how many people were on the interstate... walking. With everything they could carry strapped to their backs. Signs taped to their packs said things like, "Need a job. Please help." or "Will work for food." You get the idea.

Since we were pulling our RV - we were stocked up with food for the entire trip. But the more people we noticed, the more my heart would break. I'd hear the kids talking about how we should help them. And at first, I was a little worried. Worried about our safety if we were stop to help. Worried that if we gave away our food, we might run out before the trip was over... Whatever. :) But then I realized that everything I have is God's anyway. He provided it. He would supply. And if we got to the point where we only had cheese and crackers left, then, so be it. We'd eat cheese and crackers.

So, we stopped. Several times. The kids and I would pack up a grocery bag of food and give it to the person (sometimes a whole family) and tell them how much God loves them.

Now, I can already hear some of your responses - believe me, I heard lots of them on the trip. People telling me that was "stupid" or "wasteful" or "don't you know they could be a scam artist?" or worse yet, "It's their own fault they don't have a job..."

The kiddos and I had several discussions about this. Yes, there are people who will take advantage of others.

But is it MY place to judge that person's heart? NO.

It IS my place to show the love of Christ to everyone. To spread the gospel, to spread His hope and His joy.

Josh and Kayla picked up on this. They understand that the world is not a safe place, that I'm very protective of them. But they were the ones that saw these people for what they were.
People.
Just like you and me.
And God loves people. Even in our broken, dirty, sinful ways... He loves us. No matter what.

We've given food to people on the side of the road for many years on a whim, but now, we're more prepared. I try to keep snacks and sometimes a few dollars handy when we go out because there might be someone who needs help. Again, it's not my place to judge them. It's not my place to wonder if they're just going to go buy cigarettes or alcohol or drugs.

I think the world has seen more than it's share of judgmental people. Especially those who claim to love the Lord and yet don't love the people around them. People who are hurting, suffering, and dying. People in need of the Savior.

Many years ago, I wrote the song, "You Are" - when I share at places, I like to tell the story behind that song. God had to get me to the point where I realized that I didn't NEED anything. Not food, not clothes, not a roof over my head, not a car...

My only true need is my relationship with Jesus Christ. Because the rest of it isn't of eternal value. When we die here, we're not taking any of this junk with us. But we will be facing eternity.

And I'm trying to remember that lesson every day.

We need to take the judgmental blinders off our faces and see people the way Jesus does. It doesn't matter what they look like, what they do, what they wear... or even why they may be standing on the side of the road. We need to stop expecting people to know right from wrong when they've never even seen God's love displayed through another person. Kinda like expecting someone the first time they walk into church to know exactly how they should act or dress!

I'm sorry, but that's not how our God works. He wants us to come as we are. Blemishes and all. Because He knows exactly where we've been. He doesn't want the facade - He wants our hearts.

Let's start a revolution - to love like Jesus loves...

Well Done... My Slightly Good and Partially Faithful Servant?

2010-03-09T14:15:00.000-07:00

***Note from Kim:
Kayla wrote this blog last night and it blew me away. Out of the mouths of babes... has no better meaning than this. I pray that you are blessed, encouraged, and hopefully even have your toes stepped on. I known mine have been. And I'm thankful for it. Remember, this was written by Kayla, not me. She's twelve. I hope I continue to learn from her. Wow.
***

Have you ever wondered why God made you? Have you ever questioned Him about His intentions and motivations??

There’s no need to question God about these things… you just need to ask yourself them. We know that God knows what He’s doing. But what are WE doing each and every day?

What are your intentions?
What are your motivations?
Why are you on this earth?

But the biggest question (that will basically answer the rest) is:
WHO ARE YOU LIVING FOR?
On my personal blog, Dragon Claws, Dog Paws, Swimming Laws… I told of an adventure of my heart that I had, ever since then I’ve been trying harder to live FULLY for God.

I mean, think about it: EVERY thought and EVERY motive and EVERY action is, whether we want to admit it or not, for ourselves. We're selfish.

Really, think about it.

If you were to die right now, or if Jesus were to come this very minute, would He be able to say, “Well done my good and faithful servant” or would He say, “Well done, my slightly good and partially faithful servant?”

Really dig deep inside of yourself and, like I said, question your motivations and intentions.

Did you think about it?

Now, I’m not going to go into detail about how and why you should live for Christ, I’m sure you already know. (If you don’t, then try reading the Bible) :) But I am going to say this:

If you are not FULLY and COMPLETELY DEVOTED to Christ, you cannot truly call yourself a Christian. Most people call themselves Christians because they go to church or simply because someone in their family is one, but seriously. We all know that’s not true. The thing that everyone in this world misses is:
WE ARE NOT ON THIS EARTH FOR OURSELVES.

We are here for a loving God who was kind enough to not only create us but also give His Son as a symbol of faith, assurance, love, righteousness, and devotion.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”
Or in other words
“Devote yourself to God and He will devote Himself to you”

If you give God the chance to rule your life moment by moment and step by step, I can guarantee that your life will become that much better. (Not easier. But better.)

And you will have an even happier life in heaven because you can live up to God’s “Well done”.

It’s okay if you’re scared to give everything to God, we all want to grab onto our earthly desires and wishes and hang on, but I can assure you that life will be SO much easier if you just give God your EVERYTHING. After all: when you invite someone into your house, do you leave them standing in the foyer or do you invite them in to talk to them and feed them and welcome them?

If you give devotion to people, how much more devotion should you give to God?
I challenge you today to devote your life FULLY to God.

Trust me, it’s not going to be easy.

You’ll have to ask Him almost every moment of the day to take your life again and mold your life and heart into what He wants it to be.

But, like I’ve said before… IT IS SO TOTALLY WORTH IT.
At least try it, even for a few minutes. I am positive that those few minutes that you give to Him will be the best few minutes of your entire life.

I hope God uses some of the words in this blog to change you. I just typed what He put into my mind, so…
Have a nice day, and God bless.
-Kayla

Hearts At Home...

2010-03-05T21:00:00.001-07:00

Hearts At Home is an amazing ministry, and very dear to my heart. Please take a moment to read these great interviews and to check out these great books.

Today I'd like to welcome Jill and Mark Savage. Jill and Mark's newest book Living with Less so your Family has More just released and I've invited them to share a little bit about this great resource!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

We have been married for 27 years…17 of them happily. After finding ourselves in a marriage counselor’s office around year 8 or so, we realized that we really didn’t know how to be married. We worked hard to turn things around and now we like to share that hope with other couples.

We have five children ranging from 13 to 25. Our oldest three are married. Anne (25) and her husband, Matt, live in Zion, IL, and are expecting our first grandchild in April. (We are very excited!) Evan (22) and his wife, Julie, have been married a year and a half and they live just a few miles from us. Erica (19) married her husband Kendall last September. They live in Augusta, GA, and wherever else the Army takes them.

We have two teenagers still at home. Kolya just turned 16. He’s learning to drive and we’ve nearly worn a hole in the carpet on the floor in the passenger seat trying to find that non-existent brake pedal. Kolya is the newest member of the Savage family. We adopted him at the age of nine from Russia.

Austin is 13 and in the 8th grade. He wants us to make sure and tell the world that this “living with less” life is a real bummer because he’s the ONLY kid in 8th grade who doesn’t have a cell phone.

Tell us about your newest book Living With Less So Your Family Has More?

The world screams the message that bigger is always better, but we have found that is not often true. When it comes to raising a family, less materially can actually result in more relationally. Children don’t need the best houses, the best lessons, the best cars, or the best clothes. What they really need is the best home life and the best family relationships we can give them.

Why did you want to write this book?

We didn’t start out with the “less is more” mindset. We started as a double income family wanting to have the “best” of everything. Then Mark decided to pursue ministry. We went from the “high life” to the “frugal life” very quickly as we moved to another state for him to go to Bible College full-time.

That experience introduced us to the concept that less is more. We definitely had less money, but we had more time. We had less stress and more peace. We had less activities and more fun.

Since that experience, we’ve continued to live primarily on one income for the past twenty years. We’ve had to battle cultural peer pressure and make different decisions for our family than many other families in our neighborhood have made. But we’ve never felt that we were materially depriving ourselves or our kids…instead we’ve focused on what we’ve actually been able to provide for them emotionally and relationally.

What do you hope your readers will gain from this book?

We hope the reader is encouraged to evaluate how they are living their life, spending their money, and thinking about family matters. Our goal is to introduce families to the “less is more” concept and then equip them with the attitudes and actions to actually make that happen.

For families that are already committed to less is more, we hope to bolster their resolve and help them stay focused on the long-term goal of providing relationally for their kids.

In today’s economy, there are many families being forced to live with less. We want to help them see the opportunity they have with this unexpected downsizing they’ve been forced to do.

And for those who have just been a little discontent with their life and saying things like, “I’m tired of the rat race of life,” or “Is there more to life than drive-thru meals for dinner?” we hope to help them see other choices they have and how they can lead their family in a different direction.

What unique elements will the reader find in Living With Less So Your Family Has More?

For couples who want to read the book together, we’ve included discussion questions at the end of every chapter. This helps move the readers to discussion and eventually actions. Even a single parent can use the discussion questions for personal evaluation.

Readers will find this book a practical guide to changing your attitude and your actions to live a successful “less is more” life. They’ll find our writing style to be a warm, casual, honest discussion where we not only share our victories but our mistakes along the way. We are an average couple living successfully on an average income who want to help others to see the possibilities before them.

This is a Hearts at Home book. What is Hearts at Home?

Hearts at Home is an organization that encourages, educates, and equips women in the profession of motherhood. Hearts at Home encourages moms through annual conferences, our extensive website (www.hearts-at-home.org), a free electronic newsletter, a radio program, and an entire line of books designed to meet the needs of moms all over the world!

Any closing thoughts?

It’s healthy for parents to occasionally pause and evaluate their vision for their family and the choices they are making. We hope this resource will help them do that together and that it will lead them to live a life of little regret.

Today I'd like to welcome author and speaker Susie Larson. Susie's new book Growing Grateful Kids has just released and I've invited her to share a little bit about this great resource.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

My husband and I have been married 25 years and have three grown sons (all in their early twenties). Our oldest son Jake works on the business side of the Christian music industry. Our middle son Luke is married to his beautiful wife Kristen; he works full time at a bank and part time as a worship pastor. Our youngest son Jordan is studying to become a surgical nurse. My husband Kevin is a commercial construction manager by day and manages my ministry by night (and weekends). Bless his heart.  I am an author, speaker, and an on-call radio host for Christian talk radio. Together, Kevin and I serve as advocates for justice on behalf of modern day slaves and human trafficking victims.

Tell us about your new book, Growing Grateful Kids: Teaching Them to Appreciate an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Places.

Even when economic times are tight, our children enjoy an abundance of material possessions. Yet, amidst all this wealth, discontentment and competition seem to be on the rise. Instead of teaching children virtues such as gratefulness and patience, many parents are bending over backwards to get their children the latest and greatest item - or feeling guilty when they can't. In spite of the currents of materialism and entitlement that flow so strong, it is possible to raise children who are simply grateful. Though teaching perspective and gratitude to our children is critical, it is not difficult.

Why did you want to write this book?

To be completely honest, I never wanted to write a book on parenting. I wanted to protect my kids’ privacy and give them time and space to become the men God wants them to be. But in the last few years, I have been especially burdened with the level of selfishness, entitlement and disrespect I see among children today. Furthermore, moms seem more stressed than ever. When I asked my sons their thoughts on writing this book, without pausing they all said, “Do it, mom; that book needs to be written!” I think I wrote a book that not only equips young moms to raise humble, grateful world-changers, but also one that nourishes the soul of the reader and encourages her personally.

Throughout the book you remind the reader that we cannot impart what we do not possess. Can you explain?

If we never deal with our own fears, insecurities, and hang ups, but we try to teach our children to believe in their divine value, over time, our words will not ring true to them. First God wants to do His work in us before He does it through us. They say that lessons are more often caught than taught. If we parent from a place of conviction and real freedom, our children will be affected by what we teach them.

One of your chapters is titled, “Take Time to Play.” How does taking time to play teach our kids to be grateful?

To me, taking time to play says a lot about the level of faith we possess.

If our children hear us confess that we love and serve a BIG God and yet they see us striving and straining through life, they will come to believe that more is on our shoulders than on God’s. If we can trust God enough to step away from our busy-important lives, to make a fort in the basement, or play a game with our children – even in the most desperate of economic situations – we will give our children a sense of much needed security and that all is well in their world.

What do you want readers to take away from this book?

To answer this question (I hope you don’t mind), I would like to share an endorsement from one of my sample readers. She expressed my deepest desire for my reader:

“Growing Grateful Kids is such a great source of conviction, encouragement, and inspiration to spur me on to finishing this parenting race well and not sputter out along the way. This book compels me to submit my own character to the refining of the Holy Spirit that I may be equipped to impart those lessons onto my children. Thank you, Susie, for taking the time, for submitting in obedience, and writing this down for a generation in desperate need of this kind of parenting book!” –Gail Miller

This is a Hearts at Home book. What is Hearts at Home?

Hearts at Home is an organization that encourages, educates, and equips women in the profession of motherhood. Hearts at Home encourages moms through annual conferences, our extensive website (www.hearts-at-home.org), a free bi-weekly electronic newsletter, a radio program, and an entire line of books designed to meet the needs of moms all over the world!

Any closing thoughts?

I am very excited about the message in this book. It is my prayer that every one who reads it will be nourished, encouraged, and equipped to parent from a place of fullness, conviction, and confidence. Raising grateful, confident kids will be one of the most heroic, important things you do in your lifetime. God’s blessings to you!

Mission:Julia - Dead Reckoning by Ronie Kendig

2010-03-05T00:05:00.000-07:00

We have our next clue for Mission:Julia (If you are just now jumping in on the search, make sure you go to www.supernaturalcraving.blogspot.com to catch up on the details.

Oh my goodness! Did you get that? Reece is onto something! I may not be as quick as the rest of you guys searching on this mission - but I think I know right where to go - I'll meet you guys over there! I know I'll be a loyal follower...

~~~
Ronie Kendig surpasses all debut expectations. This story is well-researched, fast-paced, and centered around memorable characters; in fact, I may even have a crush on Shiloh Blake. From exotic locales to romantic tensions, Dead Reckoning gives us everything we hope for in a modern thriller.
--Eric Wilson, NY Times bestselling author of Fireproof and Valley of Bones

~~~ DEAD RECKONING
When Shiloh Blake’s first large-scale underwater archeological dig traps her in the middle of an international nuclear arms clash, she is forced to flee for her life into the streets of Mumbai, India. Is the man trailing her an enemy, or is he sent by her CIA father to protect her? Whoever he is, the only way to end this nightmare and prevent a nuclear meltdown is to join forces with former Navy SEAL Reece Jaxon.

~~~ RONIE KENDIG
Ronie Kendig has a BS in Psychology and is a wife, mother of four, and avid writer. Her novels include Dead Reckoning (March 2010, Abingdon Press) and Nightshade (July 2010, Barbour Publishing), Book#1 in The Discarded Heroes series. She speaks to various groups, volunteers with the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and mentors new writers. Ronie can be found at www.roniekendig.com.

Read the first three chapters here: http://issuu.com/abingdonpress/docs/dead_reckoning

From Kayla's Perspective #3

2010-02-25T10:41:00.000-07:00

From Kim:
So many people contact us on a regular basis about how Kayla does certain things with her rare nerve disorder. Well, this past month was no exception. Kayla and I are writing our novels together, and she overheated a few weeks ago (which can be life-threatening.) But, I'm thankful to say that she is recovering well. She's still really tired, but her sense of humor is still intact. She's amazing. Here's a little note from her perspective about the ups and downs of writing when you hit a speedbump:

From Kayla:
Once again, I learn how much of an adventure writing can be within the tight confines of life. (Especially when you have a rare nerve disorder and overheat at swim team.) {Smile.}

As you might’ve already guessed, life is a wee bit crazy at our house. You should have seen us when Holly lived here, but that’s another story.

Anyway, the fact is that when you overheat at swim team—when you’re not even working all that hard-- things get a little bit strange. (Especially when you can’t feel pain and can’t tell your mom how it feels.)

Yes. I know this from experience. A few weeks ago this fascinating event happened. LOL Since then, we, my Mom and I, have been attempting to write while I try and get some rest. Again, LOL. But, it’s just a little weird trying to write when you’re tired, or in some cases even asleep. (I don’t suggest attempting the latter. Doesn’t work well.)

One thing’s for sure: when I overheat, I get really tired. Which means sleeping for eleven to fourteen hours at night and then taking a two-three hour nap that evening.
Like I said, I don’t sleep-write. Personally, I don’t really think anyone does. {Smile.} Although if I did, I would probably come up with some very interesting stories, don’t you think?

So I guess I’ll just stick to writing while I’m awake, if that’s okay. Jesus, writing and swimming, what a life. {Smile.}
-Kayla

I Fell Down

2010-02-20T21:46:00.005-07:00

It has been a wild couple of weeks. Kayla overheated a few weeks ago and that really turned things topsy-turvy. And while there is a post coming up about that intense situation, today I was reminded about falling down.

There are lots of ways we fall down. Sometimes we are tripped by someone or something. Sometimes it's because we just don't have the strength to go on. Sometimes we're knocked down forcefully by the world around us. Sometimes we fall because of our own foolishness or stupidity.

Last March, I fell in the Grand Canyon (not literally inTO the Grand Canyon, but at the Grand Canyon.) I was even wearing my sturdy hiking boots! That fall was unpredictable, it blindsided me. Just one uneven stone and down I went. In front of dozens of other people who wanted to gaze upon the majesty and beauty around them. I turned an ugly shade of pale white (so I'm told) and had to stick my head between my knees because of the intense pain. My pride stung from it. I wondered why I had to fall basically while walking, when I'd just been jumping from rock to rock and hiking all over the place? And then, I had to get OUT of the Canyon. With a severely sprained ankle. (Yeah, that was fun.)

Then in September, I took another tumble. (No, I am not normally this clumsy, but thanks for asking.) Only this time, I was attending a professional writer's conference. Assisting a friend of mine, I was walking backward out of an elevator when my heel caught in the little groove between the elevator car and the actual floor of the hotel story we stayed on. This time, however, I was in a business jacket and skirt and three inch heels. Pretty picture, huh?

There was one big difference between the second fall and the first. (And I'm not talking about footwear.) The second time, I was willing to sacrifice all pride and decorum to protect my ankle. I didn't care who saw me. I didn't care how ungraceful I looked. The only thing I could think about was making sure I didn't injure that ankle again. It took months for it to heal the first time--I wasn't going to go through that again if I could help it.

I fell down.
But, I learned something.

And surprisingly, I wasn't hurt at all. My friends laughed with me, and I'm sure it gave them quite a sight and story to tell others, but the end result was an un-injured ankle.

My point? Every time we fall down, literally or figuratively, we can learn something from it. Yeah, yeah, you might want to get angry and blame everyone or everything for the fall. But, what good does that do? How does that really matter? Once you've fallen, you've fallen. It's not like you can change the past. What matters is what you do AFTER you fall.

Are you going to sit around on the ground and cry and whine about how the fall was not your fault? About how horrible it is on the ground? About how hard it will be to get back up?

OR...

Will you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, bandage the wounds, and face the future with an appreciation for falling down--and the beautiful chance to get up. Begin again. Keep going.

Life is an adventure full of learning. Don't dwell in the past. Think positive. Look forward.

From Kayla's Perspective #2...

2010-01-26T13:10:00.001-07:00

God works in mysterious ways. He creates us each unique and different for His own special purposes. When I was younger, I had no clue that I would become the youngest-published-full-length-novelist ever. (Try to say that ten times fast!)

Writing is an adventure, let’s just get that straight right now. But I wouldn’t trade it in for the world. By pursuing what you want to do, you learn, you grow, and you laugh your head off. Plus, if you’re like me, you get grumpy sometimes. (LOL)

Each week I learn new things. For example:
-This week, I learned about the “uh ohs” in author intrusion when writing in first person.
-When you write on the computer, it helps to use the synonym thing-a-ma-bob and the spelling correcting whatcha call it.
-Don’t write when you’re about to fall asleep.
-And always get a good book (as a reward) to push you toward finishing your goal, (such as Isle of Fire by Wayne Thomas Batson), even if your goal is 15,000 words for over the weekend.
-I’m a weird person and listening to music while I write helps me think.
-It especially helps me block out the click-a-tick-a-boom-boom of the keys as I type.
-Of course, I use my headphones so I don’t drive Mom crazy by listening to End of the Beginning (by David Phelps, the best singer EVER) over and over and over and over and over (etc).
-It’s fun to write blogs too. I love coming up with stories for my blog, Dragon Claws, Dog Paws, Swimming Laws. . . I mostly love to get ideas back from other kids.

But I’ve got to admit that I didn’t know what to write about for this blog. But thanks to our friend Mrs. Lori (whose son Austin home schools with us) I decided to kind of wing it and see what happened as I wrote. {pats the computer} (I’m not trying to offend you little blog post, please don’t take that the wrong way.) But thankfully, God gave me the words to type. (Smile.)

As you probably know I’m only twelve, (and am NOT going to turn thirteen, we’re going to skip my next birthday. Thankfully. LOL) and I’m kinda new at this whole writing thing, (That will explain it, if you're bored) but I promise to get better.
Eventually.
Hopefully.
Maybe.
Anyway.

I guess you could say that the theme-thing of this blog is write, write, write, re-write, re-write, re-write, and re-write some more until God says its good.
Well, we’ve got to go do school, (not sarcasm; I LOVE school! It’s fun!) So. . .
Adios and see ya!-Kayla

Monday Morning Madness...

2010-01-25T11:44:00.003-07:00

*This blog is cross-posted on all our blog sites*

Out of all the blogs I've posted - I've received more email and responses on these random blogs. So, here ya go - every random thought I've had in the past 60 seconds:

-my doctor friend thinks it's funny that I always ask questions like, "how long would it take someone to die from... ?" (I promise I only kill characters, not real people)
-but I hate to kill bugs. huh.
-however, I do kill bugs - (with great flare, I'm sure) - because I can't stand to have unwelcome visitors in my home.
-thankfully, Colorado doesn't have many bugs.
-my friend Chris once climbed onto a table and called me to come kill a spider for her.
-maybe I scare people?
-I wrote 10,000 words yesterday.
-my brain is tired
-my husband will probably wonder if I have any words left today.
-nah. He knows me better than that.
-I wonder who ever thought it would be "fun" to climb the highest mountain in North America in January?
-My feet are cold.
-I love to take pictures.
-The Grand Canyon is amazing.
-The rangers laughed at me when I asked, "How many people die here every year?"
-I told them I really wasn't that morbid - "I'm a writer."
-Someone actually wrote a book about people dying in the Canyon.
-It's called, "Death in the Grand Canyon" (Imagine that)
-Yes, I bought a copy.
-We brought home our organic cow from our butcher this weekend. Since we split it with a friend, my husband came up with the name, "Half-Calf Moocha"
-Last year, our beef's name was Sherbert
-My friend gave me a weird look the first time I told Josh, "Go get a couple pounds of Sherbert out of the freezer..."
-All of a sudden, I'm in the mood for a hamburger.

Let's Get Together... Yeah, Yeah, Yeah...

2010-01-21T09:46:00.001-07:00

There are so many things I would've missed out on had Kayla and I not started writing together. (And I'm not just talking about book contracts...)

It's funny how you don't realize these things until you are in the midst of them. Kayla may be only 12, and will be the youngest published full-length novelist, and she has opportunities placed in front of her that a lot of us would have dreamed of having at her age - but she's also been through more--persisting through the tough times--than most of us have had to deal with our entire lives.

Writing together has brought us even closer together. Our creative brains just feed off each other - brainstorming and plotting take on new meaning. And the laughter is doubled - (and we laughed a lot before, so this is significant!)

It's also been fun to understand a little more about her. She's so precious, and we've always been close (I'm really close to both of my kids) - but this novel-writing journey has opened up more ways for me to understand Kayla. And because of her nerve disorder, it's sometimes eye-opening to see her describe how she "feels" things. She's learning, and I'm learning. It's an incredible experience.

Other things I've learned? Well...
-she's faster at writing than I am (and I'm pretty fast)
-she's faster at finishing her edits than I am (sigh)
-she's got a crazy sense of humor, and more depth than most adults I know
-she knows who she is, and rests in God's direction each day (I wish more of us could do that)

Now Josh loves to write as well... but the thought of writing with him scares me to death. Why - you may ask? Because frankly, his creativity is so off the charts, I'd never be able to keep up -- and I think I would constantly ache from all the laughter. (You should hear him and Kayla when they are working on a story together - just wait - that duo could definitely be something to watch.)

So for now, I'm content to learn from and with my kids, and enjoy this precious writing journey.

Ah, the Joys of Writing... and Taxes

2010-01-14T21:37:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year. Tax season.

Tomorrow morning, I have an appointment with my amazing accountant for all my business related (writing/author)"stuff." He's been handling all this for several years, and as the business has grown, I've had to learn A LOT. Last year, he told me that it was a good idea to purchase QuickBooks Pro for my "stuff."

This is what has happened since:

I went straight to Costco and purchased said program.

Six months later, I realized I better figure it out to input the mountain of receipts/deposits/inventory... i.e. "stuff."

Looked at it.

Decided it was complicated.

Went and brainstormed a new book instead.

Looked again at pile of receipts.

Felt guilty.

Called a QuickBooks expert trainer to come teach me. (Thankfully this person still likes me after that craziness.)

Was so proud of myself after getting everything into the amazing program.

Then... I went on a six-week book tour.

Returned mid-November to face unpacking, laundry, the holidays, homeschool, and several more speaking/appearances.

Avoided the monstrous pile awaiting entrance into QuickBooks.

Moved my office, re-organized, scrapbooked, wrote, blogged, wrote some more, i.e. - avoided my "stuff."

Today, there was no avoiding it. And after my amazing assistant and I discovered that I had input over 200 duplicate receipts, I spent hours deleting all the doubled-up entries.

I whined and complained. Dented my desk from banging my head on it. And then moved my purple "complaint free world" bracelet several times for my behavior.

Daughter Kayla - and my writing partner on our suspense series set in Alaska - came in smiling with a hug for me and said, "Mom, I wish I was old enough to help you, you're working too hard."

What an encourager. Sigh.

Wait a second... I'm imagining a new and complex math project for the kids for school...

No. That would be cruel and unusual punishment.

***
for more information on the "complaint free" bracelet check out
A Complaint Free World

From Kayla's Perspective #1

2010-01-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

Note from Kim:
As we dive into this new year and new stories, Kayla and I are blogging about our writing-together-adventures. I'm already behind (thanks to a lovely sickness I started my year off with) - so bear with me, as I try to catch you up. If you are reading this on my website kimberleywoodhouse.com then Kayla will be blogging on Tues. and I will be blogging on Thursdays about this fun adventure. (Other blogging will continue there as well.)If you are reading this on our website together kimberleyandkaylawoodhouse.com this is what our blog is about. And don't forget that Kayla has her own website and blog for kids over at kaylawoodhouse.com

Now I'm going to hand it over to Kayla - my 12-yr-old, amazing daughter.
Thanks for stopping by!
Kim

From Kayla's Perspective #1--
Howdie and Welcome!

My mom and I love to write, but the problem is that when my brain starts to work, I can’t stop it! First I think about a tree, then a bird, then a song, then a pool, then the tree starts to talk to the singing bird that’s in a pool and . . . wait. Wasn’t I talking about something else? Oh yeah!

Things get a little crazy around our house with school, swim team, and writing, but it’s always fun. I don’t know how my mom does it, but she seems to make me laugh at any time of the day. (Or night!)

We’ve also discovered that I love the word “S. . .L. . .O. . .W. . .L. . .Y”. My coach, (Coach Tristan), even said that we were being too “S . . . L . . . O . . . W” one day when we were swimming. Made me think of all the times I used the word.

And I love to use the same word over and over again. I do that a lot. :) Mom says that she does that too, but I don’t believe her. (She’s the perfect writer!)

I also love writing “duhn duhn duhn duh!” moments, they’re really fun, especially when mom is brainstorming (She can create one of those moments out of thin air. Probably just to say, "duhn duhn duhn duh") Whew! Let me tell you this: It’s an adventure!

Writing is so much fun, I love it. But there are sometimes when I feel like Mike Goobian from Meet the Robinsons when he said:
“Look what I found! It’s a stick! Now what did you find?”
In other words, my stories are ridiculous, everyone else's are wonderful.

My writing is nothing compared to Mom’s, although she would never admit that. :)
I love our crit group partners as well, they’re great. And funny. And I'm learning A LOT.

Ms. Carrie was the finder of my Slowlys. And the Dark Darkness. But that’s a whole other story. Maybe someday we’ll tell you THAT one.

Hmmm. I was just thinking. . . . What if the singing bird talking to the tree who was in the pool had a pet elephant named Buttercup, who had a cousin monkey named Ter, who had a sister donkey named Shish-Kabob?! That would be one big family tree!

Well. Sigh. I guess the singing bird talking to the tree who was in the pool who had a pet elephant named Buttercup, who had a cousin monkey named Ter, who had a sister donkey named Shish-Kabob will have to wait. Right now my mom and I are writing suspense Alaskan style, maybe next time it can be the animal kingdom.
Adios!-Kayla

Random Thoughts for a Monday Morning

2010-01-11T10:19:00.004-07:00

The crazy rabbit trails of a writer's mind. Best shown on a Monday. All this took place in less than sixty seconds:

- I wonder how many Dr. Peppers I could drink in one day if I was REALLY stressed...
- In doing research for current novel, I talk to the Rangers a lot. Discovered there are three people on (climbing) Denali right now. In the dead of winter, in the dark. My thoughts? They're missing a few of their marbles...
- The Rangers are very cool. I like them a lot.
- I wonder if they think I'm crazy.
- I miss Alaska.
- I miss heated garages.
- It would be nice to have a garage that "Little Gracie" (my Expedition) could actually fit in.
- I love it when my husband grills.
- I love it when my husband grants me an entire writing day by doing all the laundry!
- I love teaching my kids. I love homeschooling.
- I'm an author and English was not my favorite subject in school.
- The English language sometimes, (okay - well, LOTS of times), drives me nuts.
- My suggestion to fix it? Make a rule and stick to it.
- I like consistency. A lot.
- Making lists make me happy.
- Checking things off the lists makes me even more happy.
- My kids are the coolest kids ever.
- I spend a lot of times at swimming pools.
- My kids swim miles every day.
- I wonder if my computer can handle all that chlorine day after day.
- I used to need quiet to write.
- now I can write while coaches are yelling, "Go!" "Faster!" "Shoot!" "Up!" "Kick" "Take Your Mark"
- I love Christmas.
- We had sixteen Christmas trees in our house this past year.
- Sometimes, I go overboard.
- I love the smell of coffee.
- My family is the coolest.
- I have a guardian angel bear on my desk to protect my characters.
- Just thought of a great math project for the kids. And it's really hard. Mwa-ha-ha-ha (evil laugh)
- Need. More. Dr. Pepper...

Until next time...

Gotta Keep Up...

2010-01-08T11:16:00.001-07:00

So - most of you know that Kayla and I are hard at work on our novel together.
Brainstorming, researching, writing, laughing... it's been awesome.

But I have discovered that there are sometimes hindrances. Things that show up, happen that weren't on my list for that day. Case in point: getting sick.

Last week, that happened to me. My poor list flew out the window as I realized I was too weak to even stand. Frustration mounted in my mind, "But I can't get sick! I have a word count goal to reach, blogging to do, a family to take care of. There just isn't time to be sick!" To which my body replied with evil laughter, "We'll just see about your list." Yes, it mocked me. I finally accepted that I couldn't convince my body to heal immediately, and stayed in bed. For days.

You know when you finally feel better, because your brain begins its whirring and wheels are turning. Then reality hits and you realize how much you have to do to catch up. Exhaustion soon takes over again, and you pray for the quietness of sleep to suck you into its oblivion so you don't have to face the "list" that has now taken on a life of its own...

Okay, so yes, that has been my week. I'm sitting here, with the list beside me, laughing at my own craziness. I'll never be able to keep up. Oh, I'll try - but I really don't think it's humanly possible. For me, at least. And when I say "keep up" - I mean to my own expectations. My goals are always higher than I can attain, but it makes me work harder, stretch myself.

Kinda like writing with my 12-year-old. She's really great at this (I can't imagine how good she'll be when she's my age!) And fast (she sometimes writes faster than I do!) And I'm being stretched as we work together. She keeps me on my toes. And I love it.

Well, gotta get back to writing... we've got planes, snow, and mountains to tackle...

A New Year, A New Adventure, A New Blog...

2010-01-01T16:29:00.001-07:00

Well folks, I can hardly believe that it is Jan. 1, 2010. Anyone else feeling old?
As we start this new year, I'm inviting you to join us on a new journey...

Most of you know that Kayla and I will be writing a three-book series for B&H Publishers. The first one is set to release in 2011. Now - we are going to be sharing with you our 'travels' on this publishing road. All the craziness, all the laughter, all the tears, all the deadlines, goals, research, plotting, brainstorming, and celebrations. (Well, we're not giving away secrets of the books - you'll have to read them - but we are welcoming you in to this little corner of our lives.) Ever wondered what it was like to write a novel? Ever thought about how it would be to write as mother and daughter? What about the fact that we homeschool, the kids have swim-team six days a week... when and where do we fit in writing? All this and more I'm sure will be chatted about here. :) We welcome your questions and comments, encouragement and prayers.

For those of you who have been reading on http://kimberleywoodhouse.com - my blog will still continue with these posts from Kayla and me on Tues. and Thurs. - but this is a new blog http://kimberleyandkayla.blogspot.com that will also be on our new website http://kimberleyandkaylawoodhouse.com so there are lots of ways to find us! We look forward to hearing from you and hope you enjoy the ride.
With abundant joy,
Kim

Howdy! My name is Kayla R. Woodhouse, if you’ve read my mom’s blog, you’ve probably heard ALL about me. LOL

Mom and I are writing a series together set in Alaska. The "peoples" say that I will be the youngest-published-full-length-novelist ever. (Don’t worry, I freaked out too.) By the way, did I mention that I'm 12?

Now, I'm joining her in the wonderful fun of blogging. Just to warn you, I am a HUGE goof ball (it runs in the family, corniness runs deep through our veins!) If you don’t like humor, you don’t have to read my blog. :) In all seriousness, I hope you are touched by what we share here.

As you may know, about three years ago I had to have brain surgery. That was when I really started to read A LOT. Ever since then, I have loved books, and that love of books grew into a love for writing.

My brother and I were always coming up with stories and had already made 78 “episodes” of stuffed animal stories. I was always jotting down ideas and making up characters in my head, but I'd never really thought of becoming an author until my mom was offered a book contract for Welcome Home: Our Families Journey to Extreme Joy. She'd been writing since before I was born, so writing had always been part of out lives. But it was when we took a trip to the Grand Canyon that I came up with what I thought was my first 'slightly' good story. (Mom will tell you that I wrote lots of good stuff before this, but this is where I felt it all started.) I was surprised when my mom was amazed at my writing, and from then on - I wanted to get better and learn more. Mrs. Karen Ball, (a super-cool person who encouraged me to write when I was 10) offered to look at my stuff. Again I was amazed when she said she liked it and eventually, my mom and I were offered a three book deal, (while I was having Swim Team practice at the Olympic Training Center of all places!)

I hope that you will have fun reading my “oh so wonderful” blogging as my mom and I write and share our stories with you.
God Bless!-Kayla

Lotsa News...

2009-12-15T18:41:00.002-07:00

As 2009 comes to an end, I'm shocked at how fast the time flew by me. Was I paying attention? Did I miss something? Whew! I'm tired just thinking about it...

This year boasted the release of my first non-fiction book, as well as the release of a compilation I was asked to be a part of, a very busy speaking schedule, book tour, more TV appearances and radio interviews than I care to count, and my kids' first competitive swim meets. On top of that? Well, I'm thrilled and excited to share that Kayla and I were just offered a three-book deal from B&H Publishers for our romantic suspense series set in Alaska! The first one releases in 2011 - so be sure to watch for details!

That leads to my next news :)
As things gear up for this new series, Kayla and I will be blogging about our writing journey. She'll blog, and I'll blog, and we'll even video/blog together :) - should be LOTS of fun. Another exciting new thing: Kayla will be starting a new blog soon for teens and kids, (well, you "older" folks will enjoy it too!) and pursuing her own series for kids. So, if you have any young people in your life, be sure to share the news with them - it will be a separate web-site (kaylawoodhouse.com)- so let's get the word out! As soon as we have it live, I will let you all know.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a blessed holiday season as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. As always, I love to hear from you - and Kayla and I would LOVE to hear any ideas you may have for the blog or websites.

Thank you all for stickin' with us - and keep on reading!

Annual Gobble-Gobble Plunge

2009-11-18T19:05:00.003-07:00

Well folks, it's that time of year again. I've now had 352 requests about my turkey diving story... (yes, I'm anal enough to go and count them) - "when are you going to post turkey diving?" "I want to read turkey diving again" "Isn't it turkey diving time?"

So this is for all of you... And if you haven't experienced turkey diving yet, I expect you to try it and I wanna hear all about it!

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? There is none! So...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, now you have the turkey diving story. I'm going to have to trademark it 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.
~kimberley woodhouse, copyright 2005

Things I Learned...

2009-11-12T17:46:00.004-07:00

I just returned from a six-week book/speaking tour for the launch of my book, Welcome Home.
Over the period of travel for this trip, I learned some valuable lessons that I think others should know, should they decide to venture out on a similar endeavor.

Now, I should give you a disclaimer: I have been touring for almost 12 years with my speaking and music ministry - but I'm still learning - as you will discover below. :)

Things I learned on my six-week tour:

Water is precious. This I know firsthand, from living in Colorado where we pay a pretty penny for our water. But in an RV - water is REALLY precious - especially hot water.
The inability to use cruise control for over 6,000 miles - while pulling George (the aforementioned RV) through heavy wind and up and down hills... not a good thing. I still have a cramp in my leg.
Aggressive, climbing snakes should be dealt with immediately if seen in close proximity to George. Trust me on this one. (Thanks, Erica.)
Lots of rain and wood blocks attract ants. 'Nough said.
Lack of reliable internet for six weeks while trying to work on my "marketing" - doesn't work too well.
Blackberries (my phones) that malfunction a week and a half into the trip - do not help the above situation. Especially when I couldn't use a "y," "t," "i," "u," "d," or "5" in any of my correspondence.
It is not the best idea to rely on people who have never pulled a trailer to assist/direct in backing up trailer.
Someone will inevitably think you're the coolest person around and ask you to sign their arm. (I had three!)
Always bring candy to booksignings. It opens the door for great conversations.
Always know where the bathroom is at booksignings. (Trust me, you'll get asked.)
Always be ready to twiddle your thumbs at booksignings. Be comfortable sitting there by yourself if need be.
When you're fortunate enough to sign so many books that the bookstore manager just about kisses your feet for being there - praise God, and be thankful. Remember the other signings where you signed five, and praise God for keeping you humble.
Be ready to sign your book any time, any place. For instance - the bathroom, or perhaps when you're dumping sewage. (See the previous blog post if the "dumping sewage" part threw you off.)
Bring lots of shoes. Just make sure you can get to them when you need them.
I love talking to kids. Elementary, Junior High, High School students. I had a ball talking to schools - and they seemed to have fun, too.
I really, really, really, really, really, really, like my own bed. And my home. I appreciate it all even more now.
I have some of the greatest friends in the world. Thanks for coming to see us and support us - and for the refreshment along the way.
My kids, Josh and Kayla, are the most amazing, inspiring, and wonderful kids around. (Okay, so I already knew that - but wow, they made the trip even better!)
Even if just one person's life was touched or changed, it was worth it.

Life As an Author On the Road...

2009-10-29T16:03:00.003-06:00

Oh, the glamorous life of an author! (Insert hysterical laughter here)

I giggle every time a new “fan” comes up to me and says with a dreamy sigh, “I would just love to be an author and travel around like you…”

While the life of ‘us writers’ (can you hear my southern twang?) is truly wonderful and constantly adventurous—it might not be as glamorous as you think.

So today is dedicated to stories from the road. I’m on a six-week book tour, getting the word out about my new release, Welcome Home. Below you’ll find some “glamorous” tidbits of the fun we have had…

The choke on the backup generator got bumped to “on” as we were pulling out of Colorado – gasoline began to spew all over the RV, the road, and me… (that was a LOT of fun to clean up!)
First night on the road, we finally made it to our destination: a wonderful RV park in Texas. It was well past midnight; the kids and I were getting the rig set up with flashlights, trying to be as quiet as we could. Then… the water line had a leak. Oh, and not just any ol’ little, drippy leak. We’re talking Old Faithful, gushing, fountain-like kind of leak. I gave up and went to bed. (Thankfully, it was an easy fix the next day with a simple O-ring… whew!)
After day one’s adventures and getting myself drenched twice in one day, I prayed for a little calmer second day. On a little highway in Texas, I received my wish. Counting giant windmills to pass the time and miles, my children counted over 1400 in less than an hour. Gotta love West Texas.
The adventures continued as Houston traffic became hazardous to my health and blood pressure. I have gained a new respect for anyone pulling a large trailer going five miles slower than everyone else, and for people who actually know how to use a blinker.
Backing up with a trailer (and my whole rig is almost 50 feet long) has proved to test my best thinking skills and ability to talk to myself while driving. “Now, I need to turn my wheels right… no left… no right, to get the trailer to back up to the left?” To which my son Josh jokingly replied, “Mom? I don’t drive, why are you asking me?” (Let’s just say my comedy of errors will definitely make it in a book one day… and I'm actually pretty good at backing up now)
Lots of rain and wood blocks under tongue of the trailer attracted ants. Lots of them. They made a nest. Let’s just say I left those blocks (and hopefully the ants) in Alabama.
A truck driver stopped me at a truck stop in Arkansas as I was utilizing the lovely “dump” station for George (our RV) – I was hot, sweaty, and draining sewage – I’m sure it was a beautiful sight. He asked, “Hey, haven’t I seen you somewhere?” Ugh. Yep – you guessed it, he’d seen us on TV. But it gets better – he was reading my book, had it in the cab of his truck, and proceeded to ask me for an autograph. I asked him if he wanted to wait until I was done, or if he wanted me to go ahead and sign it then and there. He laughed so hard, he sat down on the ground.

These are only a few of my crazy adventures from the road. But there've been amazing, and humbling stories, too:

People who drove three to seven hours to come to one of my booksignings
Kayla getting to meet another 12-year-old who struggles with a rare medical condition
Hugs and prayers from fans all over the place
Being told I was the most powerful speaker someone had ever heard
Seeing family and friends from years gone by
Listening to testimony after testimony about how my book has actually changed people's lives
Speaking in my sister's city the very week that she delivered her very first baby!

Our God is so cool - and so very good. My life may not be glamorous, but it sure is fun...

A Bus, A Megaphone, and Ty Pennington...

2009-09-30T17:23:00.002-06:00

I'm a little frazzled right now as I prepare for a six-week book/speaking tour. But today is very special.

Two years ago today, the amazing Extreme Makeover: Home Edition team pulled up in a bus and Ty Pennington shouted to the sky and everyone within hearing distance, "Good Morning, Woodhouse Family!"

To say that it changed our lives doesn't quite express that experience correctly. Each and every day I wake up and praise God for what He's done.

I'm so thankful. Thankful for this amazing home. Thankful for my kids' health improvements. Thankful for the opportunities that have opened up because of this. And thankful for the chance to encourage and bring hope to other people in need.

Thank you all for your encouragement, love, and support. Thank you for your notes, your hugs, your buying 20 copies of my book to give to friends. :) Thank you for traveling this journey with us.

A special thanks to Matt and Shannon Swanson. You are precious to us. Thank you for all you did to make this possible. And thanks to the community of Colorado Springs.

God is so good.

I pray you are all blessed by our story - and let me remind you that His joy is always there.

Three Years and Counting...

2009-09-26T11:10:00.004-06:00

Today marks the three-year anniversary of my beautiful daughter Kayla's brain decompression surgery.

Our great God never ceases to amaze me. I look at my incredible kids every day and am marveled by His grace and love.

And what I think about on Sept. 26 is the fact that Kayla's brain was being squished by her skull. Part of her skull has since been removed, part of the top two vertebrae were drilled out, and her dura membraine was opened up and made bigger. Looking at her today, I can hardly believe it.

Kayla has been through so much in her life, and yet, she keeps on smiling. Each day she faces with new determination and grit. She swims miles upon miles every day, studies her Bible, does mountains of schoolwork, and brainstorms new books with me. To look at her, you'd never guess that she deals with a rare nerve disorder every day, or that she underwent such a huge surgery three years ago.

I'm attaching a picture of the kids at the Grand Canyon this past spring. Look at this picture and try to tell me our God isn't awesome. Look at this picture and try to tell me He's not the God of miracles. Look at this picture and try to tell me it's okay to whine and complain. :)

No.

Instead? Look at this picture and be amazed. Then look at your own life. Pick yourself up by your bootstraps, grab onto His joy, and smile.

Life is hard. But our God is SO good.

Follow the Blog Tour for WELCOME HOME!!

2009-08-18T13:53:00.012-06:00

I am privileged and honored to be featured on all these blogs. Please follow the blog tour and comment on them! Some are even giving away copies of my book Welcome Home
Thank you so much! Please be in prayer for the launching of this book.

2-Aug-09 Lena Nelson Dooley
10-Aug-09 Tracy Ruckman http://pixnpens.blogspot.com/
12-Aug-09 Sherry Kyle http://www.sherrykyle.com/
16-Aug-09 Angie Breidenbach http://godusesbrokenvessels.blogspot.com/
17-Aug-09 Mary DeMuth http://www.relevantblog.blogspot.com/
17-Aug-09 Laura Hilton http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/
17-Aug-09 Ane Mulligan http://www.anemulligan.blogspot.com/
18-Aug-09 Melanie Dickerson http://www.melaniewrites.blogspot.com/
19-Aug-09 Tiffany Colter http://writingcareercoach.blogspot.com/2009/08/interview-with-kimberly-woodhouse.html and http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-9910-Writing-Examiner~y2009m8d18-An-interview-with-Kimberly-Woodhouse
19-Aug-09 Tiffany Stockton http://amberstockton.blogspot.com/
19-Aug-09 Stormi Johnson http://writesthoughts.blogspot.com/
20-Aug-09 Christa Allan http://www.cballan.wordpress.com/
20-Aug-09 Elizabeth Ludwig http://www.noveljourney.blogspot.com/
21-Aug-09 Debra Ullrick www.christianromancewriter.blogspot.com/
22-Aug-09 Paulette Harris http://comeandsitawhile.blogspot.com/
23-Aug-09 Ane Mulligan http://www.anemulligan.blogspot.com/
24-Aug-09 Evangeline Denmark http://breathenbreatheout.blogspot.com/
24-Aug-09 Sharon Lavy http://sharonlavy.blogspot.com/
24-Aug-09 Donna Moore http://writebyfaith.blogspot.com/
25-Aug-09 CJ Darlington http://www.cjdarlington.blogspot.com/
25-Aug-09 Marjorie Vawter http://www.marjorievawter.blogspot.com/
26-Aug-09 Donita K. Paul http://www.donitakpaul.blogspot.com/
26 Aug - 09 Delores Liesner http://deloresliesner.blogspot.com/
28-Aug-09 Cynthia Ruchti http://www.cynthiaruchti.com/
28-Aug-09 Angie Arndt http://angiearndt.wordpress.com/
29-Aug-09 http://milehighscribes.blogspot.com/
30-Aug-09 Ronie Kendig http://supernaturalcraving.blogspot.com/
31-Aug-09 Dineen Miller http://dineenmiller.blogspot.com/
31-Aug-09 Jan Parrish http://janparrish.blogspot.com/
1-Sep-09 Lori Kasbeer http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/
2-Sep-09 Pamela James http://pammer.blogspot.com/
3-Sep-09 Cheryl Wyatt http://www.scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com/
4-Sep-09 Angie Arndt http://angiearndt.wordpress.com/
5-Sep-09 Heather Tipton http://heatherdianetipton.blogspot.com/
7-Sep-09 Gina Conroy http://ginaconroy.com/ginablog/wordpress/
9-Sep-09 Tricia Goyer http://www.triciagoyer.blogspot.com/
9-Sep-09 Michele Cushatt http://www.michelecushatt.com/
11-Sep-09 Camy Tang http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/
11-Sep-09 Angie Arndt http://angiearndt.wordpress.com/
11-Sep-09 Darcie Gudger http://www.joyinthelitterbox.blogspot.com/
12-Sep-09 Kay Day http://www.loopdeloops.blogspot.com/
13-Sep-09 Cara Putman http://carasmusings.blogspot.com/
14-Sep-09 Paula Moldenhauer http://gracereign.blogspot.com/
15-Sep-09 Lynn Mosher http://lynnmosher.blogspot.com/
15-Sep-09 Seekerville http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com
16-Sep-09 Jodi York http://www.jodiyork.com/
16-Sep-09 Linda Baldwin http://www.lindamaebaldwin.com/
16-Sep-09 Alison Strobel http://alisonstrobel.blogspot.com/
16-Sep-09 Niki Nowell http://nikinowell.wordpress.com/
21-Sep-09 Tirsh Perry http://www.trishperry.com/
LaShaunda Hoffman http://lashaunda.blogspot.com/

Winners Announced, Website Revamped, and Wabbit Trails...

2009-08-15T16:51:00.003-06:00

Sorry, I couldn't resist alliteration.

FIRST! Drum-roll please - I am announcing the winners of our year-long reading contest:

First Place - Leila Goheen
Second Place - Leticia Glidewell
Third Place - Debby Sumpter
Fourth Place - Kellie Minkler

Leila and Leticia both almost read 24,000 pages each this past year. Debby read almost 19,000 pages, and Kellie read almost 14,000 pages. Congratulations to all our winners - and thank you so much for participating!

To claim your prize - you must do TWO things :) First, leave a comment on this blog post about your reading experience this year - and second, use the contact page on this website to confirm your mailing address. I want to triple-check these boxes before we mail them out - they have a lot of books in them!

And just so you know - There were 3,509 entries!!!!!! That's a lot of entries and a lot of books read!
More than 2,000 people read 10,000 pages or more in a year.
More than 500 people wrote in asking for recommendations of books.
And over 200 people read through their Bible in the past year.
What an awesome contest.

Now, I've already had requests to do it again... whew, that makes me tired - but keep watching - I just might get adventurous and do it again!

SECOND!
Many of you have noticed that the website is a little different. We have completely revamped it and updated it, but it is still a work in progress. Please keep watching the appearances page for updates on my fall tour. I would LOVE to see any of you at the churches or speaking engagements or booksignings. If you still would like to try to squeeze us in - please use the contact form on the contact page!

THIRD!
I've gotten thousands upon thousands of emails through this site from those of you who follow the blog or just like coming to my website to check and see what's happening. Thank you. Thank you for reaching out to us, for supporting us, and praying for us. I've been doing a lot of thinking, planning, and reflecting. I'm looking forward to the future and what the Lord has in store for us. Be watching the blog for more details!

Thank you all for your patience as this summer has flown by and my book Welcome Home has launched.

Again, congratulations to our winners! Thank you to all the wonderful authors who donated books for prizes!
In His Abundant Joy!
Kim

Who Will Win?

2009-06-27T12:38:00.003-06:00

Our year-long reading contest is coming to a close! Everyone needs to get their tallies in to me by June 30th.

We've had over 3,500 participants write in over the past year that they were participating, and we have WONDERFUL prizes - lots of great books donated from INCREDIBLE authors! Thank you so much to everyone who helped make this possible.

Remember to email through the site -
Your name, your address, total number of books read with title and author, total number of pages read, and if you read through the entire Bible in this past year. Am I missing anything?

Winners will be announced in July, (if all 3,500 of you send in sheets, it may take us awhile to sort through them all) and we will be sending out the prizes. My wonderful friend and assistant, Lori, will be having fun at the post office - that's for sure!

Thanks for being a part of the contest. I can't wait to hear from you!

Keep reading!!!

Discipline

2009-06-13T10:05:00.003-06:00

I posted this on our ACFWColorado blog this morning and thought I'd share it here:

Writing should be a discipline. How many of you look at it as such?

As I sit here at the pool for another long swim-team practice, I'm struck by that word - discipline. My kids are swimmers. We have practice six days a week, three hours a day. Then, we head to the YMCA and they swim for another hour or two. They are disciplined. Determined. Focused. When I was growing up, it was piano practice that took two to three hours of my day. My point? To excel at anything, you have to practice. It's a discipline.

I've met a lot of other writers since immersing myself in this world of an author. One thing I have noticed is how many "wannabe" writers - and even a few published writers - don't want to work at it. They want to be discovered, get published, become famous, and it all to happen overnight by osmosis. Because they have talent. They shouldn't have to work at it. They should just write and it be gloriously brilliant the first draft. I mean once you're published, you shouldn't need to attend classes at a conference, submit anything to critique partners, or work to polish your masterpiece. It's all about marketing, networking, and sales at that point. Right?

Ummm, that's a big fat NO.

You have to work at writing. You have to constantly be willing to learn. You have to practice the art of writing. It takes discipine. It takes diligence.

Just like one performance of Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody takes hundreds of hours of practice at the piano, or one 100 meter Freestyle sprint in the Olympics takes swimming hundreds of thousands of meters - so one well-written manuscript should take work, practice, edits, and thousands of uses of the delete button.

Are you willing to practice? Are you willing to keep learning? Are you willing to be disciplined about this art and craft?

Don't get caught up in the old adage "practice makes perfect" - it isn't true. As I've told all my students over the years, "Practice doesn't make it perfect. Only perfect practice makes it perfect." If you are continually practicing the wrong way - it will never be perfect.

Be willing to stretch yourself. Be willing to learn. Be willing to grow. Be disciplined. Join a writing group like ACFW and surround yourself with others who will encourage you, hold you accountable, and help you along this writing road.

Write. Write. And write some more. Humble yourself and ask for direction, for help, for another set of eyes. And learn how to take constructive criticism.

Discipline. I'm learning even more about it from my kids. What an awesome way to learn.

The End is Drawing Near - Reading Contest

2009-06-09T09:15:00.003-06:00

I've already received some of your lists, and others have asked how much longer they have to read. :) You guys are great!

I will accept entries until the last day of June. So read your little hearts out until then, just make sure I receive your entry by June 30.

Remember, keep track of number of books, pages, and your Bible reading.

It has been a great year - thank you all so much for sticking with me on this challenge! It has been a crazy year for us, and this grew bigger than I expected. I really had no idea how many people would enter, and what an inspiration it would be to so many to read! I may do another one soon (a shorter one since you guys are so incredibly amazing), so be watching!

Send me a note through the contact form on this site and I'll let you know how to turn in your totals.

Happy Reading!
Kim

SwimNetwork Article on Kayla

2009-06-02T11:13:00.001-06:00

Visit Swimnetwork.com and click on the story, "More Than Just A Sport" to see a new article on Kayla.

USA Swimming is incredible and we so enjoy being a part.

Reading Contest!!

2009-05-18T11:25:00.006-06:00

Okay, folks. We only have a few weeks left in our reading contest. Gather up all the titles and page numbers and keep a tally sheet to send to me. We have incredible, and I do mean, INCREDIBLE prizes.

If you have any questions or comments - post them soon, so that everyone is ready for the contest to end.

I'm so excited about how many people have entered this reading 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.

So check out the books and keep those pages turning. Time is running short!

Here is another reminder and more info.

Keep track of the title, author, and number of pages for the books that you read.
And ALL books count. If you are a pre-school teacher and read a stack of books each day to your students, they ALL count. Keep track of them! The non-fiction, self-help books that you read, Bible Study books, novels, books you read to your children, AND there will be a special prize for those who read through the entire Bible during our year-long contest!

There will be winners for:
Most Books Read
Most Pages Read
Most Variety of Authors Read
and those who read through the entire Bible AND one of the above.

And another big shout-out THANK YOU to all the amazing authors who donated prizes:
A.K. Arenz
Shirley Kiger Connolly
Mary Davis
Sharon Dunn
Laurie Alice Eakes
Tina Ann Forkner
Cynthia Hickey
Anita Higman
J.M. Hochstetler
Michelle Sutton
Nancy Jo Jenkins
Patti Lacy
Vickie McDonough
S. Dionne Moore
Trish Perry
Stacy Stallings
Camy Tang
Debra Ullrick

Looking forward to hearing about your reading experiences this year!

Words... How Are We Using Them?

2009-05-15T11:59:00.000-06:00

All of us "writers" are wordsmiths. We string words together like beautifully made jewelry, attempting to paint a picture that inspires the mind and soul.

But they aren't always used that way. They can be a powerful sword that slices through people's hearts.

When someone wrongs you, do you go bash that person online with your words? Do you spread all the horrible stories you know about them, trying to get everyone to take your side? Do you get on the phone and spew hateful words? Twitter? Facebook? Blogs?

I'm challenging us all today, because words can hurt. In this age of technology, it takes but mere seconds to get our thoughts out there to the masses. The problem is, how many of us pray about those words before we write them? say them?

I just received an email from a reader who had heard an untruth about our family's story on TV. But guess what? This person began to "follow" me online, and noticed a difference in my words from the other party's. It was a powerful example to this reader.

Now, none of us are perfect. We will hurt people, wrong people, sin, and basically just make a mess out of things. But we can always try to do better. We can work on how we use our words. We can remember that spewing negativity will only make us more miserable. We can pray before we speak, or write.

We can follow Christ's example. How did He use His words?

Words. They are powerful. Use them wisely.

***
Kimberley Woodhouse is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she’s shared at more than 600 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family's story have garnered national media attention for many years, but most recently her family was chosen for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, and Discovery Health channel’s Mystery ER which premiered in 2008. Her story, Welcome Home: Our Family’s Journey to Extreme Joy, releases in September 2009 from Focus on the Family/Tyndale Publishers and is available now for pre-order. Kimberley lives, writes, and homeschools in Colorado with her husband and two children in their truly “extreme” home. Pre-order Welcome Home
Kim's Website

Chasing My Tail

2009-05-12T14:34:00.003-06:00

Yes, I know, if I were truly chasing my tail - it would be smaller. But seriously, where does the time go?

Between speaking engagements, edits, deadlines, photo inserts, radio interviews, homeschooling, swim team, and just plain ole life - I'm behind. And I'm talking WAY, way, way behind.

Biggest news is that my non-fiction book is available for pre-order now! Woohoo! Please celebrate with me and let everyone know!

Next, I was also asked to contribute to another book that is coming out this summer - please check the books page for more details.

I'd encourage every one of you to get on twitter and follow me - my name is kimwoodhouse on twitter. There are several buttons on the website to make it easy for you - but it will also help to keep everyone informed.

There's much more to come - with pics of the Grand Canyon, news on the kiddos' swimming, dodging tumbleweeds, and news about the reading contest! So, stay tuned!
Off to swim team we go - but I will return, and it won't take as long this time, I promise. :)
In HIS joy!!!

REAL Moms... REAL Jesus - Meet the Friend Who Understands

2009-03-30T23:25:00.002-06:00

Do you ever wonder if you're real? Do you ever feel alone? Because nobody could ever feel like you do... no one could ever be your friend... no one could possibly understand.

Oh, my friend, but you are real. You aren't alone. And there's a Friend just waiting for you to share your burdens.

Jill Savage -- founder of Hearts At Home, and author of several books -- recently sent me her new release, REAL Moms... REAL Jesus. And let me tell you, I got sucked in. Read it all in one sitting. Plan on reading it again and again...

This book is for every mom out there. No matter what stage of mothering you are in, this book is for you. Jill shares candidly from her heart. Her love and humor simply ooze out onto the page and make you feel at home -- all while tackling tough, and REAL mom issues.

Issues like - How can God understand? Temptation. Going to the bathroom alone. Uninterrupted sleep. Disobedience, Service, Forgiveness, Truth, Trust, Faith, Prayer, Surrender.

For each instance, she shows us Jesus' example and how to follow in His footsteps.
This book touched me incredibly.

Hearts At Home has always meant a lot to me. I was speaking at a Mom's convention several years ago and afterward, one of the moms stopped and told me, "You bring an entirely new meaning to Stay-At-Home-Mom." We laughed together, because yes, our circumstances aren't quite like most - but it made me appreciate Hearts At Home's ministry more than ever. There are thousands of moms across the country who need that ministry. Moms like me. Moms like you.

I was going to do a giveaway for a copy of this great book, but I have a friend - fellow author, Tiffany Stockton, who is about to (any day!) have her first child. I am going to give it to her. Tiff, I pray the encouragement of Jill's book touches you deeply as it has me.

Jill - thank you for writing this incredible book. I will be purchasing many to give to other moms.

For more information on Jill Savage - please visit: Jill Savage

For more information on Hearts At Home - please visit: Hearts At Home

Pondering

2009-03-07T15:53:00.004-07:00

I haven't blogged in a while. Life has been crazy, and I mean C-R-A-Z-Y.

But what am I doing now? I'm sitting in bed, propped up by pillows, surrounded by kleenex, ibuprofen, antibiotics, and every kind of de-snottifying medication I had in the house.

Nothing like a little sickness to MAKE you take a break. Even if you don't have time for one.

This entry will probably take every last bit of energy I have, but I will feel satisfaction that I accomplished... something.

This junk has so knocked me off my feet that I understand now why people die from it. "The Crud" - as I've heard it so aptly named - has taken hold and I eagerly await the time when I can, once again, take a full breath without dire consequences. My eyes are swollen, my nose is swollen, and my whole head feels like it could explode at any moment. I'm sure it would be a nasty mess to clean up, but wow, can you imagine the relief? Sigh.

So as I sit here and dream about breathing freely, I'm also thinking about those things that are of eternal value. I know, you're wondering how those two intersected in my mind. But it's true. I recently finished a book by Randy Alcorn, Deadline, that has had me thinking ever since. It's not an easy read - there are a LOT of words in this novel - but well worth the time. It's thought-provoking, and really put my life here on earth into perspective.

I pondered Deadline a lot as I was reading it - but while I've been laid up, I've thought about it much more. And that's saying a ton, because I haven't been able to focus on much.

So when a book touches my life in such a way, I know I am supposed to share. It took me over a week to get through it (but I read really fast) so it may take you a month or more, but I would definitely recommend it. Randy Alcorn tackles some incredibly hard topics, but he also gives a fascinating idea--possibly even a glimpse--of heaven.

And I don't know about you -- but I am really looking forward to heaven. (No sickness in heaven!) Until then, I am going to do my best with what He's given me.

Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover... Or A Mom

2009-02-15T15:08:00.002-07:00

We're all good at judging, aren't we?

I realize that no matter how hard I try, there will always be someone who doesn't understand my parenting, or our situation. And I am, for the most part, a people-pleaser -- so that makes it more difficult. But over the years, I've had situations happen -- like the one I'm about to tell you -- that have helped to teach me, that sometimes, it really doesn't matter. Some people just won't "get it." Ever. And I don't have to feel bad or beat myself up because of it.

My children were recently participants in a two-day swim meet. It was an exciting event, and Josh and Kayla had worked hard to prepare for it. They LOVE swimming and spend several hours each day working out with their team and at the YMCA.

Anyway, this long meet presented new challenges for us because of our need to keep Kayla cool. So, Jeremy stayed with Josh and our other "fans" out on deck, watching the meet -- while Kayla and I hung out in the air-conditioned "hospitality room." The room is a nice retreat for all the coaches and officials to get a drink, a bite to eat, or just a moment of quiet - away from the constant chaos of the fast-paced event.

Kayla participated in five different events, and Josh in three. In between, Kayla would dry off and we'd head for the cool sanctuary. At one point, we'd been in and out for our different events, and there was an official sitting in the corner, going over her paper-work. She frowned at me and watched Kayla sit down with her book. I wasn't quite sure if we'd invaded her space, or if she was unhappy with something else I'd done, but I tried to settle in with Kayla and read.

A few moments later, this woman stood up to leave and she glared in my direction. "Isn't it too cold in here for your swimmer?"

I tried to smile sweetly with my response, "She doesn't sweat."

Before I could explain any further, she pointed at me and scolded, "You should be keeping your swimmer warm." Mumbling under her breath, she left the room.

I felt terrible. She obviously thought I was a horrible mom for freezing my wet child in between swim events. And what made it even worse in my mind is the fact that I didn't have the chance to explain and probably never would. So she had no clue that we were trying to keep Kayla from getting TOO warm in the midst of hundreds upon hundreds of human bodies putting off body heat.

After I sank to the depths of drowning in my own self-deprecation, I had a shocking revelation. It didn't matter. She may have judged me, but it didn't change the fact that I was doing what was best for my child. She didn't have all the facts, so I couldn't expect her to understand.

It made me think about all the times I've judged people in my mind not fully knowing all the facts myself. It's a scary thing. In the grocery store, at church, at swim team. Ouch.

So my thought is this -- maybe we could all work on that this week. One person at a time, one situation at a time, one day at a time.

What do you think?

Valentine's Day Mushiness

2009-02-13T00:29:00.001-07:00

Love is in the air. (Or is that the alluring aroma of the pecan pie I made for my husband?)

Since Saturday is Valentine's Day, I'd like this to be an interactive-let's-write-something-ooey-gooey kind of post.

I think everyone should share something mushy. A mushy story of you and your spouse. Or, it could be an almost-coulda-been-mushy-turned-hilarious kind of story. Or even an I-wish-this-would-happen-to-me kind of story.

Who's game?
---
And just to get everyone started, here's mine:
For Valentine's Day eighteen years ago, the man who is now my husband presented me with a teddy bear holding a little box. In that little box was the yummiest piece of chocolate ever. (And I am a chocolate snob! So my man knew his stuff.)

As the morsel melted in my mouth, I hugged my sweet guy. We were in Bible College, and neither of us had much money, so his gift meant even more.

Taking my hand he walked me down the hill toward my dorm. Suddenly, he stopped and proclaimed, "Hold on! I forgot something!"

He reached into his pocket and pulled out another little box. This time, the box contained an engagement ring. And I've worn it ever since.
---

Now, if you'd like to post a little story, just click on the comments button. And if we don't get very many, I'll know that you are all out there creating new romantic moments to share!

Love is in the air...

_______

Kimberley Woodhouse is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she’s shared at more than 600 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family's story have garnered national media attention for many years, but most recently her family was chosen for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, and Discovery Health channel’s Mystery ER which premiered in 2008. Her story, Welcome Home: Our Family’s Journey to Extreme Joy, releases in September 2009 from Focus on the Family. Kimberley lives, writes, and homeschools in Colorado with her husband and two children in their truly “extreme” home.
kimberleywoodhouse.com

Neighbors

2009-02-04T11:56:00.002-07:00

We had the experience of being the first home built in our neighborhood. We've been here a year and a half (roughly), and many homes have sprouted since.

A couple of months ago, the kiddos and I made cookies to bring to all the neighbors. Wouldn't you know, not one neighbor was home when we went to deliver them! :) Yes, I know, my life.

Anyway, we will of course, try again - but today, I had a wonderful introduction.

My neighbor who lives behind us stopped by. A beautiful, and incredibly sweet lady - I felt an instant connection. She had stayed away for awhile, like many of our neighbors, because of the whole TV thing. (I have to say that the respect for our privacy has been wonderful and generous.) But I'm so thankful she dropped by today.

We have an odd situation. We don't get out much, so it's hard to get to know most people. The temperature we live in, is also a little too extreme for most people. (I often get cold myself, and I have acclimated to this for years.) LOL

So, my rambling today is just to say how thankful I am for neighbors. I'm thankful for precious people who understand our "weirdness" and love us anyway. And I'm thankful for God bringing new people into our lives.

Hypocrites

2009-01-28T12:14:00.002-07:00

Ouch. Just the title hurts, doesn't it?

The definition of hypocrite according to Encarta's Online Dictionary is:
"somebody who pretends to have admirable principles, beliefs, or feelings but behaves otherwise"

We're all hypocrites at one point or another. Did you read that? Did I step on your toes? We're all imperfect. We're all sinners.

So you may be wondering why I am writing about this topic. Well, there's been this little thorn in my flesh for a while. Someone who has a leadership role who portrays themself as a model Christian - slandered against us, lied about us, was jealous of us, and just plain ol' hurt our family. I really had to work on forgiving and forgetting. And I mean WORK. It took a long time. But every time something happens that brings up this person or the unfortunate situation - I have to forgive all over again. And it's not always easy.

Another incident took place recently that riled me up. Bringing up all the wounds, all the hurt, all the ANGER. And what did I call this person?

Hypocrite. As the words left my mouth, I felt a little conviction. But I was still too mad to listen. And I continued to think of this person as a hypocrite. And just to be honest and show you my own imperfection, I had other names as well - coward, chicken, mamby-pamby, evil. Yes, I called this person evil.

I didn't sleep well that night. (And I wondered why? LOL) The next morning, during my Bible Study, I had another one of my 2x4 moments. (Yes, that's when I feel like God has to get my attention - and it literally feels like I've been struck - I'm hard-headed, yes, I know.)

I was convicted because we're all sinners. Sin is sin to God. And as much as it hurt, I had to admit I've often been a hypocrite myself. Every time I sin, every time my behavior doesn't back up my beliefs. Ouch.

My husband and I have stated since this fiasco started that if the world equated Christianity with this one person's example - we really didn't want to be associated with Christians. I know that comes across harsh, doesn't it? But let me explain. We want to be associated with Christ. Christians are often all lumped into one big group - and if the only example the world is seeing is an "ugly" example, then we, as Christians have failed. And there are lots of ugly examples. The enemy loves to tear apart Christian ministries, marriages, homes - all in an attempt to win a battle. The question is this, are we willing to fight in the battle? Or are we unwilling to put ourselves out there? Wanting to stay on the sidelines and watch, stay out of harm's way, not risk anything we've worked so hard to build?

Christians have gotten too caught up in wanting to be "liked" more than others in their church, having more members in their church, having more offerings in their plates, having more programs, having more buildings. And I'm not saying that all of these things are bad. I'm saying that our focus has gotten lost. It's not on Christ anymore if it's on numbers, money, or which pastor is liked better than the other.

So, I'm sitting here thinking about these things because my children are very intelligent. They are almost 12 and 14 years old. They are with me ALL the time. They see everything I do, and hear everything I say. Am I being a good example of a Christian to them? Or am I being an example of a hypocrite? Are YOU willing to ask yourself the same questions?

What about going beyond your home? What about your co-workers? Your church family? Your writer's group?

I'm hoping that this post has made you think a little. I know I've been doing a lot of thinking on the subject. I'm working every day on my behavior matching up with my beliefs. Always asking how Christ would handle the situation.

And always remembering John 13:35 "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (NIV)

...and Romans 12:10 "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." (NIV)

...and I Peter 1:22 "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart." (NIV)

...and Matthew 28:19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (NASB)

What is Dad Doing?

2009-01-11T19:09:00.004-07:00

Christmas morning was sunny and cold. A beautiful day.

We slept in, had a leisurely breakfast, shared in praise, and opened gifts. We had a lot of fun as we watched each other "ooh" and "aah" over the special presents selected out of love.

Jeremy walked around with a trash bag picking up the wrapping paper as the children studied new items. Pretty soon he disappeared into the garage and came out carrying a few poles. The kiddos looked up and watched him go out the back door. Josh and Kayla glanced at each other and shrugged their shoulders. Sometimes Dad did weird things, right?

He came back inside, heading for the garage. A second time, he traipsed through carrying straps, a net, and a few more poles.

"What is Dad doing?" Josh asked.
Kayla piped up, "Daddy, what are you up to?" (She's a smart kid. And yes, he's usually up to something.)

Jeremy didn't answer, and just smiled as he made another trip.

Kayla grabbed her brother's arm. "Let's go see what he's doing!"

And yet another trip for Jeremy through the house and into the garage, as the kids followed him and spied the box.

Kayla came racing into the house and jumped up and down. "It's a..." She screwed up her face as she tried to find the appropriate word, "It's a jumpy-thingy-majiggy!!!!"

My daughter obviously gets her grasp of English vocabulary from her writer-mother. Because seriously, who named that apparatus a trampoline?

This afternoon, my mother-heart felt warm and fuzzy as I watched my beautiful children jump on their new toy in the thirty-something degree temps. It's so amazing to see Kayla be able to play outside. As she flew into the air, I heard the musical voices of my children's laughter. What a precious sound.

Josh told me later that we needed to use Kayla's name for it. Why? Because according to him, "it's funner." (Yes, I teach my children English in homeschool. That word is totally the result of my friend. Thank you oh so very much, Heather.)

So, if you're headed in this direction, we'd love to have you check out our new, "Jumpy-thingy-majiggy" complete with hours of exercise and fun-- as long as it's under 55 degrees outside.

Out With the Old... And In With the New Year

2009-01-08T16:44:00.005-07:00

I can't believe it's 2009. I'm still in shock.

So many amazing things happened in 2008 - and many difficult things happened in 2008 - but I'm thankful to have gone through them. Life is all about learning and growing. If you aren't willing to go through the tough stuff as well as the good stuff, you never truly feel the exuberance of making it to the other side.

I've had a lot of emails lately asking for pictures of our home at Christmas. The kids and I start in mid-November decorating. It's always been a tradition. (And recently, we've had lots more help since I've been writing new books, and have so much contact from the TV appearances. I couldn't do it alone anymore)

Hundreds of people asked me what we do to keep our home a special place. When we found out about Kayla's disorder, a friend took me shopping. She bought some seasonal decorations, and the next holiday or season, she'd take me again. For years, we've added to the collection to make each day, month, season... special. A reason to celebrate. So, I decorate for all the different holidays and seasons because when you spend the majority of your time inside the house, it's nice to change it up.

Think of it like the changing of the seasons, weather-wise. Kayla has to stay in a very controlled environment - so she can't experience all the weather changes of each season. My solution? Change the season inside. And that's what we do.

The Christmas decorations are being packed away, and out will come the Valentine's.
Life is an adventure. No matter what you are going through, or how hard the times may seem.
Live it.
And live it abundantly.

My Grandmother's Example

2009-01-04T16:56:00.003-07:00

My Grandmother would be 100 years old today. She was an extraordinary lady, and I learned so much from her. I find as I get older, that I am a lot like her, too. Sometimes, it's like a deja vu sensation will strike me, and I realize that I've said or done something exactly like my Grandmother.

If I close my eyes and listen hard enough, I can hear her voice, and the banging of pots and pans in the wee hours of the morning, as she fixed the family breakfast. Everything was made from scratch, and the table was always set beautifully with a tablecloth, her best dishes, and an array of delectable treats.

For Christmas, she always made pecan pie, chess pie, gingerbread men, and coconut cake for dessert. Her pumpkin bread and butterscotch "scotchies" as she called them were also some of my favorites. All the vegetables were grown in her garden and canned. She made the best blackberry jelly I've ever had, and she was a wonderful seamstress.

As I sit here, typing my little remembrance, I am covered with a quilt made by my Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. And I wonder about the things we leave behind. What do I want to pass on to my children and grandchildren?

I've been quilting for many years now, and I make all my own jams and jellies. I even scrapbook and make homemade bread. My Grandmother passed these things to me, and I want to pass them on to my own children, but more than just the tasks. I hope they have the same memories and fondness and appreciation for these things done with love. For homemade goodness that takes time and effort, and the fun of learning at the side of someone special.

I'd like to think that's how it is with our relationship with the Lord. We're learning as we're on this road called life. And the Master is there beside us. The trials and the triumphs all add to the tapestry as it is woven one day at a time.

But sometimes we don't appreciate the beautiful, handmade creation around us - and so we don't pass that down to our own children. We find ourselves surrounded by cynics, and cheaply made items that fall apart so we just go buy something else to entertain us.

That's when I imagine our Savior sitting beside us waiting and watching. Waiting for us to say we're not looking for the easy way out- we're ready to learn something of eternal value, even though the road may be rough and the training vigorous. Waiting to see if we will turn our hearts completely toward Him.

And as we walk beside Him and learn at His elbow, our lives are enriched and made whole. Filled with Joy.

This quilt over my lap has served several generations. It is warm even though the edges are beginning to show their age. It is still a beautiful creation, all done by hand.

It reminds me of a quote by Erma Bombeck - a quote that is hanging over my desk - a quote that is dear to my heart:

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say: 'I used everything You gave me.'"

My Grandmother did that - she used her talent, and passed on her love for things done "right" to me. It might be harder to do. It might take a lot of time, but well worth the wait.

Joy In The New Year

2008-12-31T22:47:00.012-07:00

2009. Wow. It's here. (I don't know about you, but I'm feeling a little old.)

How many of you are dreading the coming year? How many of you are worried about this new year? How many of you can truly say that you have joy?

I know, the economy is bad, people are losing their jobs and their homes, the outlook seems bleak on many fronts. So, how can I possibly ask you about joy, right?

Some of you may not know our story - and I won't take the time to explain it all here - but I understand tough times. I know what it's like to consider bankruptcy and have stared foreclosure in the face. I've paid $1500 a week for prescriptions and then wondered how to pay for food and the electric bill. And I've felt the emotions of owing medical bills that seem so monstrous you know you can never earn enough to pay them back. But in the same breath, I can tell you that I've also understood the joy of telling my children that we could live in an air-conditioned cardboard box - but as long as we were together, that's all that mattered. I've felt the intense relief of seeing my child for the first time after brain surgery. And I am well acquainted with the overwhelming feeling of gratefulness when gift-cards were given for food or clothing, or the hospital called and a bill for $75,000 disappeared, or a bus pulled up and with one incredible greeting through a megaphone, a fresh start was given.

But this is all part of the journey. The worst of times. And the best of times. Everyone goes through rough spots. (Some last a minute, some an hour, some a day, some even years or decades.) But it's not about comparing. It's not about saying, "Oh, poor me. My life is so hard." I believe, it's about how we handle those times. How do we react? What kind of example are we being?

Are we willing to reach out to our fellow man? Or are we wanting everything to be handed to us on the proverbial silver platter?

If you've heard me speak, or seen any of my writing, you know that James 1:2-4 are my life verses. The lessons learned have not been easy, and the road has been long, but I wouldn't trade that for an easy way out. No. Those verses tell us to consider it pure joy. The "it" is described as "various trials" of "many" and all kinds. And to paraphrase in my own words: LIFE in general. Are you considering life as joy? Can you face tomorrow - no matter what may come - with joy? And are you willing to say, "Not my will, but Yours, Lord"?

As we enter this new year, I'd like to challenge us all to think about those verses. And rather than thinking about how rough we have it, or how hard the coming year may be, let's focus on thankfulness instead, and reach out to others.

My fellow writer (she's amazing) and prayer warrior friend, Brandilyn Collins, brought a young girl's blog to our attention. Her name is Katy, and she is 16 years old. She and her mom are now homeless. Brandilyn put the word out, and through the first trickle of social networking, it became a stream, then a river, and is now rushing through cyberspace. The local news has picked up the story, and people are reaching out to help. Please go to Brandilyn's website: Brandilyn Collins and click on the link to her blog on the right for more of the story.

My point is that we should be doing more of this. Every day. No 'woe is me' attitude. In its place? Giving, sharing, reaching, loving, laughing... Living life abundantly. With joy.

Life is hard. But God... He is SO good.

TV, Computer, Email, Techie Overload - What's Life Really About?

2008-12-17T22:48:00.005-07:00

In this day and age, life is nuts. There's not much slow-time, down-time, sittin'-in-the-rocking-chair-outside-the-general-store-chattin' time. Instead, we have TV-time, computer-time, playstation-time, Wii-time, ipod-time, cell-phone-time, facebook-time, shoutlife-time, twitter-time, blog-time.

I've been pondering this quandary for a while. Since we have appeared on TV shows, my email inboxes have overflowed. And I mean o-v-e-r-f-l-o-w-e-d. Social networking and marketing are very important to any author, but how on earth can you possibly keep up? I have 9300+ email in one inbox as I write this. It's overwhelming to say the least.

But my overweight email accounts are not why I'm writing this post. People spend so much time watching TV, or on the internet, or with techie toys. I watched a seven-year-old at swim team the other day - the child had an ipod, which he was listening to in one ear, and was holding a cell phone up to the other ear. I think back to when I was seven, we didn't have personal computers, or internet, or ipods, or cell phones. I don't even remember caring about whether my clothes matched or if my hair was brushed! And that was really NOT that long ago! But I digress...

My point is that we're too caught up in our "techno" world. I'm not saying it's not useful - it definitely has a place in our lives. But, we want to be entertained. We want to be hand-delivered an answer to life's questions by text, twitter, or IM. Is that what life is really all about? How much time do we waste playing games, surfing the net, watching TV, texting, IMing, the list could go on and on? Believe me, I've thought on this a lot as I've had to invest more time into my author relations. I don't watch TV at all, and I don't play video games - but, I do have to spend a good deal of time on email, networking, marketing, etc.

That brings me to a group on Facebook that has caught my attention. It's called, "The Campaign. One Gospel. One Person. Each Week." And it's something of eternal value. Not like a game of Scramble that takes three minutes and makes you use your brain a little. It's about life. And eternity. Are you sharing your testimony? Are you reaching out to others?

I'd like to challenge you to think about that. Think about all the time you spend watching your favorite TV show or sports. Or all the time on the internet that's just wasting time (my famous author friend, Donita K. Paul, and I have come up with a name for it - "Downloafing"). How much time are you spending on something really worthwhile? It's quite the topic to consider.

"The Campaign" is doing something that I love. They are using the social networking outlet to help challenge believers to share their faith. Instead of just another silly group that spends time counting the hairs on our heads (I'm being sarcastic) - it's doing something that IS of eternal value. A challenge to all of us to remember the big picture, to remind ourselves what life is truly all about.

I wrote a song many years ago now, that is entitled "You Are." It's about everything the Lord is to me. We were on the mission field at the time, and I was struggling - no internet, no phones, no mail - I thought I "needed" contact with the outside world. God gently got my attention that day and helped me to realize that I don't really NEED anything. Think about that for a minute. I don't need friends and family. I don't need a roof over my head. I don't need food. I don't need internet. I don't need a car. Why? Without some of those things for extended periods, I may die, yes. But what happens next? What matters?

The answer: My relationship with the Lord. If I die, where am I headed? That's truly our one and only need - a relationship with Jesus Christ.

When you can grasp that, and put it all into perspective - your outlook will completely change.

So, yes, I'm challenging you. Join The Campaign on Facebook. Get out there and be willing to share your faith - which should be the most important part of your life.

We should have more groups like this - that combine our techno world with true purpose. One day at a time.

Picking Up the Pieces

2008-12-09T12:55:00.002-07:00

Last night, Kayla was working on a jewelry project. As she carried the boxes of beads back to her room, a small box on the top slid off and tumbled to the ground.

"Oh no!" She was very distraught. Beads bounced from one end of the living room to the other across our hardwood floors and down the stairs. Thousands upon thousands of tiny little seed beads, decorative beads, and glittery beads.

I placed my arm around her shoulders. "It's okay, honey. These things happen. All we have to do is pick up the pieces."

Kayla was really upset with herself, but realized that I wasn't mad at her, I wasn't scolding her, and it just needed to be cleaned up. The task seemed daunting, but Josh, Kayla, Holly, and myself all got on our hands and knees and began to find the scattered beads. We discovered interesting places the beads had flown, and creative ways to pick them up. Pretty soon, our bead-cleanup turned into a laugh-fest.

As we were working, I thought about how it was a beautiful illustration of our lives. Sometimes we are hasty in how we handle things, or make a wrong choice, or simply - accidents happen. And as our lives crash into millions of pieces on the hard ground, we wonder if we can ever put things back together again. How can we possibly go on? There's too many pieces to pick up by ourselves.

And yet - there's the Master - by our side, picking up piece by itty-bitty piece. Helping us to see that it's okay, we just have to clean up the mess and move on. Sometimes we cause our own messes, and sometimes they are caused by other people or outside circumstances. The pieces may take hours, days, months, or even years to pick up. There may be some cracks, chips, and dents. There may be some dirt, dust, and lint clinging to the pieces. But the mess can always be cleaned up.

So next time you drop your box of beads, or life seems to fall apart and shatter into a bazillion pieces - Take a deep breath. Pray about it. And start picking up the pieces. We have a wonderful Savior who is by our side, picking up pieces, wiping them clean, and gluing the cracked and broken ones back together. Don't give up. Keep going. Pick up the pieces.

And if you happen to spill thousands of beads onto the stairs? A pastry brush and paper plate work great.

Heads' Up... 7-UP!

2008-12-07T13:32:00.003-07:00

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

2008-12-03T22:01:00.002-07:00

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

2008-12-01T22:26:00.002-07:00

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

2008-11-29T12:25:00.002-07:00

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

2008-11-10T14:27:00.002-07:00

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

2008-11-02T09:41:00.002-07:00

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?

2008-10-19T12:38:00.002-06:00

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

2008-10-09T13:34:00.005-06:00

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...

2008-09-30T09:38:00.002-06:00

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...

2008-09-26T08:51:00.002-06:00

...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

2008-09-23T09:21:00.007-06:00

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!!!

2008-09-07T14:20:00.003-06:00

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!

My Fire Department Guys

2008-09-03T11:55:00.002-06:00

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!!!

2008-08-27T19:53:00.002-06:00

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...

2008-08-23T12:09:00.002-06:00

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.

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

2008-08-15T17:22:00.002-06:00

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

2008-08-08T10:38:00.002-06:00

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...

2008-08-03T10:56:00.003-06:00

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.

MBUs, Mail, and Happily-Ever-Afters

2008-07-29T23:08:00.003-06:00

I've had at least fifty of you wonderful people ask me if there was ever an "ending" to my mailbox story.

Well, I'm pleased to announce - we have MBUs. I still don't know what that stands for, and I don't want to know - so don't spoil it by telling me. :) We have many neighbors now, so it needed to happen. Today, I received my mail in my nice, little, locked slot. Our mail carrier, Tom, is about the sweetest thing ever as we laughed about my lovely mailbox in a tub which has served us well these past months. I guess it will have to be retired now. Several asked for me to post a picture of this. (I mean really, can you imagine my mailbox on a post in a bucket of cement in front of the Extreme Makeover home?)Quite the sight, let me tell you! I may just have to add that to my list so you can see.

So, to give you hopefully a chuckle, and some insight into "Kim doesn't always handle things perfectly" - I'd like to re-post this little snippet entitled:

Nothing Simple About the Mail...

***Do you remember the day when your mail box was on your front porch? Or better yet, you had a slot in your front door and it just came shooting through? I remember being a kid and trying to catch it and then yelling, "THANK YOU!" back through the slot at our mail-carrier. He always smiled, laughed and shook his head at me. He told me once, that I was the only one to ever say thank-you and I had a very unique way of doing it. And my guess was that he at least preferred it over a barking dog.

I was musing over this yesterday as my friend Lori and I were hauling a giant tub, filled with 60 pounds of concrete, a post, and you guessed it - a mailbox out to the curb. Why would we do this, you ask? Well, let me tell you! (With a smile on my face, of course!)

A couple of weeks ago, we found out our mail was no longer going to be delivered. (We are the only house in the neighborhood right now, and we had a great mail-carrier who was bringing it to us - after the Post Office had hemmed and haw-ed over what to do with us... again, another crazy adventure in my life - but, that's beside the point - it gets better...)

I called the Post Office in my sweet, sing-song voice but unfortunately, spoke with someone who cared very little that I am without my mail and they proceeded to give me another number to call. So, I tried the next number. This time, I didn't even get to explain... they hung up on me. By the third phone call, I had lost a little of my "nice guy" voice and was greeted by someone who needs a little work on their manners. And I'm being generous here. I had witnesses to my side of the conversation and they were laughing - yes, laughing - because I was not allowed to finish one comment or sentence. Enter - my temper. I raised my voice (yes, I know, not a very nice thing to do) and said, "You have not allowed me to finish one thing I have tried to say - WILL YOU PLEASE LISTEN?!?!?!?!"

Let's just say... things went downhill from there. And I felt the stress just oozing over the phone lines. I now understand where the phrase, "going postal" came from. I made a smart remark, "Isn't it the Post Office's job to deliver the mail?" I don't think she liked me after that. I was informed that the Post Office didn't have the time or resources to do door to door delivery. Okay... ?? In my mind, I'm thinking, "So...wow, how is everyone else getting their mail?"

At this point in time, I'm confused, aggravated and unsure of the next step. I'm given yet, another number to talk to another P.O. (Post Office) employee. I was less than enthusiastic about calling, but dialed nonetheless.

"You need a mailbox." She said - since the MBU thingies weren't up yet in our neighborhood. (MBU - stands for Mail Box Units? Multiple Box Units? Mail But Undeliverable? I don't know - I'm guessing... you try!) Anyway, we already had a mailbox - it was sitting on the front porch where they told me to put it months ago.

Yay! We would get mail!

Um, no.

That would be too hard for the mail person - they'd have to get out of their vehicle and walk up to the porch. (Wouldn't they have to get out of their vehicle and walk up to the MBU? I know, I know - I'm thinking too hard. I need to be nice.)I've never had to deal with a situation like this, so I'm at a loss. And our old mail carrier had been so nice, I didn't understand what was happening.

"No, put it out on the sidewalk," she said. Okay...? It can't be put on a permanent post because they'll be putting in the MBUs - so I put the mailbox out on the sidewalk. (Let me tell you how great this looked, and how many questions I received about the mailbox sitting in the middle of the sidewalk!)

Yay! Now... we'll get mail...??

Um, no. Close, but, not quite.

"Put it on a temporary post, in a bucket, on the curb."

Thus, Monday morning, Lori and I carrying out a tub filled with concrete, a post and a mailbox. A very nice-looking mailbox I might add. A little odd with the tub and concrete - but, nevertheless a nice-looking mailbox.

Now, if you can read between the lines, you know there's more to the story -- but, that would take up way too much space. So, you're wondering... how does this story end?

I don't know. I'm still waiting for my mail. :)***

*** And now, we have the ending. Our happily-ever-after with mail being delivered in the MBUs. I have to say, looking back, I feel really bad for causing more stress for the poor Post Office people who obviously had too much on their plates to begin with and didn't know what to do with me and my mail. I truly wasn't trying to be difficult. :) I promise.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

2008-07-25T15:11:00.002-06:00

Our episode of EM:HE will air again this Sunday, July 27, 2008 on ABC.

I'd like to take a moment to thank all of the thousands of wonderful people who nominated us over the years for the show. When we heard about the nominations, tears flowed... abundantly.

God is so good. Through Josh's life and death hopitalizations. Through Kayla's trials and triumphs with her disorder. Through her brain surgery and recovery. And through the day to day challenges we've faced, God is so good. And He will continue to be.

This experience has changed our lives in many, many ways. Kayla's health has skyrocketed in the time we've been in our new home, and Josh hasn't had one incident with his asthma. I don't have to take Kayla's temp all the time inside our home. And as we are in the hot months, spending time inside is never boring. :)

Thank you to our wonderful community, Colorado Springs. Thank you to Premier Homes. Thank you to all of you who gave of your time, money, effort, gifts, products - the list could go on forever. We are so very grateful to all of you.

I've received cards, notes, and emails from thousands of people - telling me that this experience changed their lives. Let me say, that we feel so very blessed by all of YOU. And we want to thank YOU.

David Phelps - performs my favorite song - THAT'S WHAT LOVE IS - on our episode. His generosity and love never cease to amaze me. He is an incredible person - I hope you all check out the page on this website about him, and go to his website as well!

Heat Relief Depot - provides the cooling vests that you see Kayla wearing, and have made it possible for her to get out of the house occasionally. Their information is on the Kayla's Story page, as well as the Links page.

Gift of Pain - is the foundation that has helped our family numerous times over the years. Gabby's parents are the ones who started the foundation, and their hope is to help all the families out there who deal with this very rare disorder on a day to day basis. Thank you for your support - and to all of you who have given over the years to help provide for the medical needs. Their info is also on the Kayla's Story page and the Links page.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And praise God from Whom all blessings flow.

God Bless You All!

Sticks and Stones...

2008-07-21T12:37:00.003-06:00

I never have liked that little rhyme, because for the most part, it isn't true.

Words are very hurtful, and they can never be taken back. Do you think before you speak? Another ouch. (Yes, we're ALL guilty.)

We've dealt with a situation for a while now where a family has lied about us and said some very negative things. Oh, not to our faces, but to other people. And when we've gone to these people that have said the ugly things to ask them about it, they've always said there isn't a problem. The only thing we can do, is forgive them and move on. But those words, those lies were still said. They can't be taken back.

People are motivated by many things to say what they do, but I believe, it comes down to pride. Competition, jealousy, arguing a heated topic... it all leads back to pride. Everyone wants to be right. Everyone wants to be the most popular. Everyone wants to be liked. So, how do we combat this ugly monster?

The Bible say this:
Proverbs 10:19 (NIV) - "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise."

Proverbs 10:20 (NIV) - "The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value."

Proverbs 10:31 (NIV) - "The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out."

Proverbs 11:12 (NIV) - "A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue."

Proverbs 12:18 (NIV) - "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."

Proverbs 12:19 (NIV) - "Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment."

Proverbs 15:2 (NIV) - "The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly."

Proverbs 15:4 (NIV) - "The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."

Proverbs 17:20 (NIV) - "A man of perverse heart does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble."

Proverbs 17:28 (NIV) - "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue."

Proverbs 21:23 (NIV) - "He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity."

James 1:26 (NIV) - "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless."

James 3:5 (NIV) - "Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark."

James 3:8 (NIV) - "but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison."

These are just a few of the things the Bible says about the tongue. I'd encourage you to do a search on your own to see how many times our great God tries to get our attention about our speech.

Are you an encourager? Or is your speech filled with negativity? Do you always have something nice to say? Or are you always pointing out everyone else's faults? Do you ever ask people to stop their gossip? Or do you join in for the latest juicy news? Tough questions - but they need to be asked. Each one of us needs to ask them every day -of ourselves.

I've had a lot of people ask me how we've handled this situation. Well, it's a tough answer - I've kept my mouth shut, and I'm working on forgiveness every day. And I should say, GOD has kept my mouth shut, because I certainly couldn't do it. I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to go give them a piece of my mind, or defend my family, or defend the TV show and station that the Lord blessed us through. But - the Lord hasn't told me to do that. I often wonder what other people think, if they are to hear the ugly lies -- but HE gently reminds me that I shouldn't care what other people think. People will find the truth if they truly look for it. And this Scripture keeps coming to mind:

1 Peter 3:9-11
"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, 'Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.'"

So, what kind of shape is your tongue in? Mine needs a lot of work, too...

Let's lift one another up and encourage one another to guard our speech (and our minds.)

All Scripture Quotes taken from:
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society