December 11th

***New update: there are plans in the works for a blood drive in Kayli's honor January 2nd. Also, am considering putting together a team to walk in Kayli's honor at the Liver Life walk in Houston on April 17th...more details on both to follow. :)


I have been a cynic for most of my life. I spent many years doubting people before I got to know them. Over the past few years God has definately shown me his Grace, and in turn taught me grace. I have tried really hard to follow Him, and admittedly there are many times that it's really hard to show grace, love, trust...its hard to believe in people. I turned a corner a few years ago, and though I still struggle often, I want so badly to see the best in people first.
Since Kayli was diagnosed with liver disease, God has shown me how amazing, loving, caring, and generous people are...and I now know that I was right in wanting to follow Him and believe. There are so many caring souls surrounding us each and every day with all that they are doing to help us through this difficult time. It has been nothing short of a Christmas miracle in my heart. I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge this, and even though I have not been able to sit down and write thank-you's...you are all very dear to us and know that your gestures of kindness, no matter how small, are not going unnoticed. I especially want to thank today Mark's Citibank co-workers in New York, Florida, and California; Oak Ridge High School PTO, Oak Ridge Band Boosters and directors; and Oak ridge High school faculty & administration-  what you all have done for us  is nothing short of amazing and we continue to be grateful and honored.

There isn't really an update this week regarding Kayli's current health. She did not have an appointment with the Liver doctor this week nor labs drawn. She did have some issues earlier in the week with fluid retention, but it subsided a bit with a couple doses of diuretic, large amounts of water, and some rest in the living room recliner. Her ammonia levels have remained stable this week since she learned that too much protein in her diet contributes to an unwanted increase in ammonia levels and... well, does produce an unfavorable result.
Her next appointment is Friday, the 18th....two days before her 15th birthday which she is really excited about. We received the liver transplant pager today.... so now it truly feels official.

Last weekend we traveled to Galveston to witness the Dickens on the Strand festival. We were joined by Kayli's friend Ryan, and while there visited with some very good friends of ours from CYT. Please enjoy the pictures below from the festival! Kayli had a WONDERFUL time, and it felt so good to get her out of the house and doing something fun!!

Kayli & Ryan trying on some very fashionable head pieces.

 Kayli , Rachel, & Elijah are ready for the masquarade ball!!

Kayli, Emily, Ryan, Rachel, & Elijah pose with some other festival goers dressed in Dickens era garb. Next year we may dress up!

Kayli enjoys a stroll down the strand with her best friend. I think Ryan was enchanted by the warriors dressed in armor- or I just caught him by surprise... LOL