We are a Family... with personality!

This is our home! We are not fancy or extremely picky. So this is considered "clean" to me (when I consider the children factor!) My children actually help "clean" my house.

Master bedroom (and Hope's, too!)

Living and dining rooms. Do you like the treadmill there waiting to be used? And, the piano that needs to have someone to learn how to play it!)

The study, rocking baby area, Ron's quiet place to pray, and schoolroom (books need sat up). I sometimes live in this room, it seems... and, it is very small, that is why it looks cluttered!)

My kitchen (I have some other rooms to this house, too... we don't own it, but it has been fine to rent!)

Girls' room (They call this clean!) Clap for them, they tried!

Yep, this is fairly clean!

I mean, after all, the floor IS picked up and things have their proper places!

But, behold what happens when shut in their room to PLAY! Aaaaugh!

Yes, I actually found Faith on top of the toy organizer! Charity kind-of blends in with the toys! I WAS NOT A HAPPY MAMA! And, they do not enjoy cleaning this type of mess up... but, if you make the mess...

I am a bit picky, but I have to give a little.

I really like my yard to look nice.

Yesterday, I mowed my grass, worked on my flowers, cleaned house a little, went out to eat, dropped by the mall while waiting for our van (whom we call Betsy [no, that has nothing to do with a dear friend that I have named Betsy, it is just a name that popped in our mind, and we went with it!]... the van is old and looks a bit rough, but she does the job) to get aligned (had to buy an outfit for middle child who had sudden blowout while we were eating out!), baby then has blowout in mall (don't know where bathroom is, so I change her outside! Fortunately, not all clothes were effected.), came home, blew up the kid's pool, did some weed-eating, bathed children, got cleaned up, and eventually crashed! (Was glad for an excuse to buy an adorable jean skirt for Charity.)

Today, I woke up incredibly sore, went grocery shopping (Ron's mom came with me and helped with the children) while Ron was receiving chemo, watched the kids play outside some, did my blog, and I really need to do more housework! Life sure is busy!

Here are some more pictures I thought I would share from the Cook family!

Below, we took a couple of Ron's sister's children fishing and canoeing with us! Very fun... but, way too many mosquitoes!

Slip and slide! A new fun item at our home!

Behold, a video of slip and slide... my children's version! NO, AMY, I DID NOT DO IT! Although, I am good friends with several neighbor's, I still don't want to look TOO crazy! The neighbor's car you see is a good friend from our church... they actually helped us get hooked up with this house. (We used to live in a one bedroom apartment until our family got too big for it!) God supplied that need!

Out friends, the Sowers, at our house! Another video! Yes, they ARE running around my little Hope, and to a CD called "Eugene Sings". They were BURSTING with energy! Nothing unusual for my children!

Fun with bubbles!

Life is tough (Ron had chemo today... but, hopefully will be done in TWO WEEKS!), but life can still be fun! Enjoy!

Exhausted!

It has been a busy, fun, rewarding, but tiring weekend!

Okay, I know my last post might have come across a bit strongly... it was kind-of brought on by a comment someone made to me in conversation a couple of weeks ago, and I have been a bit overly upset about it. Hope I didn't hurt everyone's feelings by the strong statements... I actually have learned so much myself the past few years in my studying about Biblical living for women, and I am still learning, so bear with me. I just am surprised at the number of women who look down at stay-at-home moms. I encourage each of you, ladies, to study the Bible for yourself, pray, and ask God to help you develop a Biblical perspective... not a Sarah's perspective or anyone else's.

Now, on to this weekend! It has been packed! Between caring for my children, husband, and home, I have squeezed in teaching Children's Church again, going to a family picnic/ reunion, holding a teen outing in a gym (which I am seriously sore from being involved in this and some of the teens were hoping I would go hoarse from screaming!), and going to church services. I am sooo tired and sore. Of course, I had to make sure all of my family matched for Sunday, which is a habit we have started... it can get a bit frustrating at times, but it is kind-of cute! This week was black and white. Mother's Day was WHITE! (You must be brave to wear all white with small children... but, people thought it was cute and even took pictures of our family :-) ) Sometimes it is grean. (I think that was last week!) Sometimes it is black and red... I wear black alot for several reasons... 1. Dirt doesn't show up as badly. 2. I am overweight, and it helps hide it a little. 3. Because I am overweight, I am limited as to what clothes I can fit into.
I hate to look morbid, but I really need to get serious about the weight thing! Is there anyone out there who will pray for me in this area? I know this sounds a little petty and silly... but, I think it is important! Also, while you are in prayer, please help me pray that God will help me to do better outreaching... I have some neighbors, teenagers, and family I REALLY would love to see saved and established. This, of course, is most important!

Thank you, my dear friends, once again for your love to our family! You have helped pull us through very difficult times. Your supporting words and prayers have been our lifeline!!! WE LOVE YOU!!! (By the way, thanks for praying about that disk... I found it... hope to share picts soon!)

More of this and that...

Was sooo nice to have my missionary friends overnight last evening... the Yates'! They had two of their Navajo neighbor boys,Wakaine and Ty, with them. We had a blast! I sooo wish they could have stayed longer. They were like family to me when I was in NM, and it was like a reunion! Thanks for coming, Seth, Melodie, Marlin, Wakaine, and Ty! We love you!

I am sure that you all would like to see pictures, and I would like to share them with you... however, I seem to have forgotten where I put my memory card... to my computer and brain! Pray I will find it!

Due to bone pain and tiredness, Ron has recently stopped working again, but the nice people at his job has donated catastrophic sick-leave hours that will keep us being paid. The chemo and Neupogen that he receives still, is what is causing these side-effects! But, it should hopefully be all over in about 2 1/2 weeks, I believe! So excited... the light at the end of the tunnel is getting bigger and brighter! These side-effect hopefully will diminish quickly!

We have been having "battles of the will" with a certain toddler the past few days. Don't you love it when suddenly they have a period of time with mega-tantrums! God is helping us to train and discipline. They are great children, but they need the security of knowing Daddy and Mommy has limits, expect obedience, and that we love them whole-heartily. By the way, stay-at-home moms, be encouraged... you ARE doing what you are ordained to do when you serve your hubby and teach your children and not give them to someone else to raise. I have been hurt by some who have seemingly pointed out that I should be pursuing something "higher." This is a high-calling... I know that it is tough! I am going gray! And, I am not getting rich from it! But, I have a supportive husband in it, and that does make a BIG difference! Sometimes I just have to keep going back over the same scriptures to keep my mind focused. Don't loose heart, Mamas! You are the life-line of precious children... I am reminded of that as I nurse my baby, teach my toddlers, and read Scriptures to them and help them memorize them, and pray with them. I know I am responsible for three little souls right now. I am responsible to teach them how to play together, work hard, be honest, and pure. (Yes, my children DO have to clean house... even at ages 2 and 3. They actually CAN do it... although not always willingly.) Do I get a Master' s degree doing this? Not right now... with three children three and under... HA! Maybe if I had time as they grew I could learn some new things and do extra little things, but if I loose my children's hearts, and cause them to not know Jesus because I am not home (I do know that there are widows, etc., who have to work... that makes sense), I fear I have failed my job. Today's soceity does not make it easy, that's for sure! Especially with prices being the way they are!

The other day, I thought I would put the Bible into today's work language. (Read Corinthians.)
I am the employee...
My job is my home and children
My boss (head) is Ron
His Superintendent is Jesus
The owner of the business is God!

Coming off my soap-box to give kiddies a bath! Good night!

Are these tests real?

I took this test via Internet to see what type of personality I have, and after answering more questions than I really had time for, they said that my strongest trait was extraversion. What do you think?
Then, I tried to somewhat (with my children screaming behind me, so I kind-of hurried a little more than I probably should have) take this IQ test, and answer some interesting questions that made me feel like I was in Philosophy class and in Algebra at the same time (and, my nerves being wrecked by the children's fighting, and knowing I should be doing better things with my time). Anyway, I got a score of 127. It said that not only was I above average, but I was highly intelligent... I am laughing out loud!
I took this other test the other day that basically (without telling everyone the technical term that I am embarrassed of!) made me feel I was crazy! Here I went for several days wondering about my mental statis! I should have known better than to take such a test during this time in my life! Maybe these people who make these tests do not have children who wrap long strings around their sibling's throat and pull hard. (Sorry, had to throw in a complaint... this happened at my house today... and, it sure did frighten this mama!) So, maybe I am a little on the uptight side... but, I think a vacation is coming, and I am looking forward to it!
So, here is my out-come... I am very confused! Hope you will all still love me!
Oh, yes, I took this other test a while back, and it says that I am gifted more in things like encouragement, evangelizism, and pastoring. Sounds pretty good for a crazy woman!
I do clean house, and do things beside waste time taking silly tests... I was just curious what they would say.
Yesterday, I did housecleaning and cooking and took care of my children and checked email and blogs and mowed my lawn and took care of my flowers and played with my children and and... I thought I would see what my sentence would look like without commas! Today, I cleaned house, cooked, took care of children, checked my flowers, read to my children, etc. Do you see a pattern? Sometimes I like to do something different, so I come up with great fun things to do that do not cost money, like taking tests! Yes, you may all say together... "Sarah, get a life!"
Oh, well, actually, I do get a little thrill out of giving my husband shots... Okay, now you are going to think I am crazy!

For something a little more normal and exciting, I taught Children's Church and Teen Sunday School all in one day on Sunday. Would you know my baby had a major blow-out before church even started! What's more is that I did not bring extra clothes! Needless to say, with teaching, caring for my own children, cooking meals, and dealing with a precious bus child who had a serious issue, I had a busy Sunday! Oh, but, I am sooo excited to announce that some kind people donated choir robes to me... I am not sure the teens are as excited as I am, but I was bubbling!

Just thought I would share with the world my past few days!

More from the Cook home...

Wow! I must have been half-asleep, or something, on that last post! Nice spelling errors! I used to cringe seeing such errors, but this is a blog, not a textbook.

We went to my uncle's viewing on Wednesday. My heart broke for my aunt. I can only imagine her loneliness right now. (I am much more empathetic these days.) Do pray for her.

Would you believe I actually purchased K4 work for Faith already!? I know Summer is about to start, but I thought I would buy it already since our stimulus check came and we had the money for it. It really was not that expensive for a whole year's worth of homeschooling material... if you do it the way I did. She is a very bright child, and I feel confident that she will do well. Would love to hear from other homeschooling mamas what they use and like. I have done some worksheets that you can get from stores off and on with Faith, and it has helped keep her sharp. But, I haven't done it for a long while... after all, she is not required to do any at her age, but she thinks it is fun to do "schoolwork" sometimes. I even have a little desk for her. I figure that Charity will start picking things up from Faith. She copies her all the time!

Last night, I played Candy Land with the girls, and Faith is very good at it, although Charity won. It is a fun way to teach colors and how to take turns. We've been taking walks and playing outside alot, which is an awesome way to teach "science." The girls have been watching mama's flowers grow and bloom, observed a bird bathing, talked about different types and colors of trees and "flowers" (if you consider picking dandelions "flowers"), and practiced throwing "helicopters" (you know, those things that fall from trees, and when you throw them, they spin... lots of fun!).

That is a bit of what has been going on here! Sound fun? It is! Except for little Charity's banged up forehead... an example of fun gone a little crazy! (You should see my girls trying to go down a slide back first!)

Oh, and a terrible thing happened the other day! Hope fell off my bed! I nearly had a heart-attack when I woke up to a "thud" and an infant's cry! I gave her quite the assessment afterward. I even had her "follow my finger" with her eyes to make sure she was alright! Okay, you may laugh, but I was very serious! Of course, the physical came after mama's natural calming method for her infants (It is like magic!). I was glad there was a towel lying beside the bed since my bedroom floor is hard wood. And, after calming the poor child down, she was fine... no injuries, just a paniced and nearly crying mother! One down-side to when a baby learns to roll-over both ways. She has to be the cuddliest and cheeriest (is that a word?) little baby on Earth! So glad she was fine!

When there seems to be so much bad news...

it sure is nice to hear some good news.

Ron went to the doctor today, and his oncologist said it is actually possible that Ron is already in COMPLETE REMISSION! Since the surgeon was able to get large biopsies last week, and they were clear of cancer, and seems to be inflamation and scar tissue, Ron is scheduled to be done with chemo in 4 weeks! Hurray! Then, they will plan to do another PET scan, and he is to have an MRI as well. Such a change from the prognosis we got a few weeks ago! Here we thought they were going to have to put him in for the big chemo and stem cell transplant! One doctor skilled in Hodgkins that was asked about Ron's case, suggested they go for it without a biopsy, but two others who were also skilled in Hodgkins, said to get a biospy first! Am I glad they went with the biospy! That treatment is rough and can be deadly (especially in older people), that is why they were so hesitant, and getting all these opinions!

Okay, so I sound selfish, but I REALLY wanted to go to camp this Summer. It is much more fun than watching someone you love go through torture. Right now, it sounds like the battle could be almost over. The doctor said that they can watch it, and if it does not return in maybe three years... well, he may be considered cured... or, technically, in complete remission! Hodgkin's is interesting in this way. It is a cancer that actually can be gotten rid of forever, unlike so many other cancer, and you can go on for MANY years!

Know some of you know that my hubby is one who does run the isles at church. Yes, even during difficult times. He is so happy to be a Christian, and to have peace with God! If you knew him may years ago, you probably would have never guessed he would become an ordained minister, but, he is. More than preaching, his testimony witnesses to others. Now, when I found out this good news about him, I felt like running... actually, after the second results, I did jump up and down, but I was at home.

Thank you, God, for looking so kindly toward us. We love you.

Now, for a bit of sad news...
My uncle passed away Sunday of cancer.
A dear friend of mine's mother passed away today of cancer.
And, I was just told recently that another dear friend of mine has cancer!
I guess Ron's cousin who is around his age has cancer.
And, a young person Ron used to pastor has cancer.

You know... I really don't like cancer! Aren't you glad that if we've repented of our sins and believe on the Lord Jesus, someday we will go to a place where there will be no more cancer... no more earthquakes... no more terrible storms killing thousands of people. We will be safe in the arms of our Lord. My heart has been saddened by the news of Burma's tragedy and China's. I am reminded again that istwill be soon that the Lord will return fro His people, his Bride. I pray for these dear people who need Jesus, and they need physical help as well! I can only imagine the shock and heartbreak that they are going through.

Now, I know my thoughts are bouncing around, but I want thank those who prayed for that youth ladies' slumber party I had... It went well. I felt the Lord was speaking to our... His young people. There was a nice meal, games, etc., and, my special speakers did great! We had a pretty good turn-out! It reminded me of a little ladies Youth Challenge, or something. Praise God for what He did that night!

more results...

Okay... all those who read my precious post BEFORE I fixed it, may all stop laughing now! That was pretty embarrassing to look at my own blog with such an error!

Well, we got the rest of the results from the mediostinoscopy back... NO CANCER IN THAT ONE EITHER! Not sure what the oncologist is going to say about all that. Perhaps he will have additional testing done. We shall see! Yes, I jumped up and down with excitement!

Let all that hath breath praise the Lord!

Oh, I am also excited to see some old friends writing me comments!
Bethany, it was great to hear from you.
Gale, you are so sweet to write what you did!
"Member of the Castle," it was really nice talking with you the other day!
And, my MANY other friends who read and write, thanks! You all encourage me so much!
I see by looking at my maps list of places, I think I recognize many of you! Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for praying for us!

Biopsy three... Over!

Poor guy, Ron is going to look like a patch-work quilt (so someone said to me the other day). First biopsy was months ago under the arm, where we first suspected something was up... well, the night sweats and low-grade fevers gave it away as well... but, these symptoms are no longer present. Then, he had that biospy of the tumor under his brain not longer after that. Those were all Hodgkins. But, I liked the biopsy this time (so far). They did a mediostinoscopy Tuesday (which is done a little different than I thought). They slit under your throat and go down the trachea area and get samples that way. The first marble-like sample was scar-tissue. COOL... I think. They went further on down to get to more of his masses, and we should be finding out the results of those very soon. Hopefully, they are all benign. If the oncologist is not yet satisified, then they may do that biospy through the chest... that is a bit more tricky, and I believe they will have to partially collapse a lung to do that... that is the one that will require an overnight stay. I got to take hime home with me this time! Yeah! If all these test come back negative, I think it is a cause for a party... what do you say?!

Special thanks to the Sowers family for babysitting my two older ones, and to Ron's mother who stayed with me at the hospital, and helped take care of baby so I could be with hubby. Thank you to our wonderful pastor, John Manley for visiting and praying with us. Thank you to Ron's dad who mowed our lawn that day (long story, but our lawn mower kicked the bucket... ladies, ask your hubbies what kind of oil goes into those things BEFORE you put in any chemicals you think are appropriate for lawn mowers!). Thanks to all of you for praying, sending cards, etc.

Oh, and my babysitter's daughter told her my children were spitting on her... so, of course, she told them to not do that, so guess what Faith said!? "But the soldiers spit on Jesus!"
How do three year olds come up with such come-backs?

A little more of this and that...

Ron had an awesome opportunity Thursday to witness at his workplace. This is really cool. He works for a certain department in a certain public school system. Would you know that he asked around, and was able to round up a quite a few workers (even managers) to pray at lunch with him for the National Day of Prayer!!! He prayed for our country and its need to turn away from sin, etc., and when he said "In Jesus Name," they all said in unison "AMEN!" I think that was his best day at work ever! It's like he got to share the Word in a nutshell right there! So cool! Several of his fellow workers have gone through terrible waters recently. There has been a couple of murders and one lady's husband just committed suicide the other day. Really pray for her... I am sure she would appreciate it, as I am sure her heart is very broken... She also came to pray on Thursday! These are precious souls for whom Christ died for, and what an honor it is for Ron to show them the way of hope! We live near a very wicked town where murder is reported too often, and other sins are rampaging as well... but, God is busy reaching out to the broken, if they will only take His hand.

Got a teen service at church this Sunday night, where Ron will give out prayer cards of the youth to the congregation so they make each pick a teen to pray for! I like the way we did them this time. Each picture has a nice cross border with the young person's name on it.

Then, this next Friday and Saturday is the teen ladies' slumber party. I have scheduled special speakers, planning a meal, thought up games and activities for a fun, but very spiritual, evening!

In the middle of all this is Ron's biopsy on Tuesday. We should know something by early the following week. Please, keep on praying!