Jeff Dunham

Friday Kyle and I went to see the ventriloquist Jeff Dunham. We have been watching his DVDs and needed a good laugh. The characters that he brings to life through these puppets is amazing! You almost forget that he is making them talk! Our most favorite is Walter, the grumpy old man puppet. You'll have to check him out!

Our other new favorite hobby for winter is watching movies, especially old ones. Let us know what your favorite movies are by leaving us a comment on our blog!

HappY BelateD ThanksgivinG!

We hope everyone had a great thanksgiving! We decided to go all out this year, giving us a grand total of three thanksgivings! The festivities began on Wednesday with Britt's family. We had them over for dinner and brace yourselves......I made a turkey! That's right a 15 pounder! Kyle found it amusing that although the turkey was amazing when it was done, the pre turkey prep was enough to send me on a meat hiatus for the rest of the year! Pulling out the guts nearly sent me over the edge! Despite the gross turkey parts, our first hosting of thanksgiving went well. We enjoyed spending time with my family. Our next stop was at Kyle's grandparents on Thursday. We always love going there and visiting with the Hoff family. We appreciate the accessibility of their home since it isn't always easy fitting everywhere! Kyle was looking forward to Mom-Mom's food for a long time! Our third thanksgiving was spent with Laura, Mark, Meg & Troy. We decided to spice it up a little and go bowling! Kyle was able to bowl using a ramp to push the ball down the lane. Kyle loves the challenge of trying to beat everyone! We were happy to do something untraditional with his family. We had a great time chatting at dinner and can't wait to do it again next year! There is certainly a lot to be thankful for this year, especially for the support of family and friends!

UpDaTe!

A few new happenings around the Hoff home!

- The picture above was taken at a stream in Allentown. The recreational therapist from Good Shepherd found some new equipment for Kyle to try to get back out fishing! It was a little chilly so we didn't get to fish long, but the main purpose was for Kyle to figure out what modifications would work well with his hands. Keep praying that Kyle's hands would be healed so that he could catch that striped bass he's been after!

- We were fortunate this past weekend to meet an amazing couple, Paul and Jen. Paul has been in a wheelchair for 11 years and was so encouraging to Kyle. It's always great for us to meet other couples who know exactly what we are going through. They gave us wisdom and inspiration. We appreciate their hospitality and are thankful for their open hearts! Thanks to Jim and Gina for introducing us.

- Now for the greatest news! Kyle was trying to get to something the other day and as he inched his wheelchair closer, he bumped his leg into the table and he felt it! This has been the first new sensation in a long time! Although we don't like to see Kyle in pain it was great, because that means that he is feeling more. Pray that God continues to work out the crossed wires in Kyle's body so that he can gain more feeling and strength.

TuRtLe! TuRtLe!

This is a picture of Kyle doing a weight shift. He is supposed to tilt his chair back every half hour for 5 minutes to take the pressure off of his bum. Last night Kyle was finishing up a shift and when he was ready to come back up, the chair wouldn't let him! He was stuck in this position for over an hour! We had to call a service technician to come fix it. Feeling a little panicked that he wouldn't be there for another hour, Britt decided that we would have to get him out somehow! Kyle's mom and stepdad came to the rescue. We got his sling on and used his electric lift to lift him out. The lift only went so far, so Mark picked Kyle up like a baby and lifted him the rest of the way. We were able to get Kyle into bed safely and wouldn't you know that the chair worked after we got him out! It was a little scary, but now we are able to giggle about how he looked like a turtle on his back! We are happy that Kyle is safe!

RaNdOm FuN PhOtOs!

MoSeS UpDaTe

Currently Moses lives in our garden shed attached to our house, where he is fed and well cared for by all who come to visit :)

PrAiSe!

The crazy thing about spinal cord injuries is that you never know what movement or sensation will come back. The doctors can never tell you what the prognosis will be because they simply don't know. What we do know is the power of prayer and how God is the ultimate healer. As you know, Kyle gained movement in his left wrist 5 months ago and is working on strengthening it. After one year of his injury, his right wrist is trying to come alive! He is really trying to send the message from his brain to his wrist, and you can see some movement. Please pray that God will continue to awaken these new movements and strengthen Kyle's wrists.

Today I was fortunate enough to attend a caregivers pampering day sponsored by Calvary Church and Joni and Friends of Philadelphia. This day was all about giving ladies a chance to relax and take a break from the hectic schedules of taking care of family members with special needs. I was excited to join in the fun remembering what a great friend once told me. He reminded me of how when you board a plane, they tell you that in the event of an emergency that you are to put the oxygen mask on yourself before your child. As selfish as it might seem, and trust me I really struggle, you can't help others if you aren't taking care of yourself. I was thankful for the massages and pampering. I definitely feel refreshed and renewed!