Update

We are at my in-laws house, so I thought I would update you. Dad survived his heart-attacks, has three stints, and is now at home. We are planning to visit them them tomorrow.
Ron has done pretty good so far with his chemo treatment. He has to be sure to stay with his ketoprofen medication or the leg pain is nearly unbearable.
I survived Children's Church prep... was lots of work, but it looks awesome!
Martha, you are too sweet!!! I would love to have you, just to have a visit... I don't really get visitors much since I moved. Right now I would be a little embarrassed to have anyone see my house. Weekends can be like that sometimes :-)
Thanks for all your kind comments and prayers.
We press on!

"Sarah, Dad's had 2 heart attacks tonight"

The phone rings in the middle of the night... and, you know, well, it's not good. Little sister on other line spelling out facts about dad's heart attacks, his pain, her fear, and the fact that they had to use a defibulator on him twice. Something about a heart cath, a complete blockage of main artery, and a bloodclot. My brain is whirling. It was a tough day trying to mend a family conflict, Ron's being scheduled for chemo Thursday, my trying to get ready for Children's Church (which now I am tempted to bail out), taking care of needy children (mine), my house is a disaster, and as of right now, I am having an anxiety attack! Should I go to see dad, or stay here for hubby who is to have chemo and is having pain, too? AAAAUGH! Keep in mind, my folks live a couple of hours from me. What if Daddy dies and they can't bring him back again? Can this possibly be happening? I don't know if I can go back to sleep unless I take some sleeping pills... but, I was planning to take Ron to work, so I could take him to chemo, so I could take Faith to piano, so I could go to Sister Manley's to review Children's Church songs, so I could pick Ron back up from chemo, so I could study and prepare for Children's Church, so I could clean my house, so I could SQUEEZE in everything a superwoman ought to do... but, then, HALT!!! Now, what?!

Dear Jesus, still this troubled heart of mine, and help me to remember that Thou art yet God! Always have been and will be good, and I can trust You! Help me to obey and rest in You!
Help Dad with his pain tonight, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically. Help all who are involved in his care.
Be with my hubby tonight... help him to rest. Bless him for being my hero and surround him with Your tender love. He loves You very much.
Help our children who are needing love and care. Help them to serve You.
Help me with Children's Church.
Help me with the house situation.
I need a hug right now, Jesus, so I reach my arms out to You, for I know You are awake in the middle of the night.
Calm my anxiety.
I love You.
Sarah

***By the way, I am surprised I still have phone service... just waiting for that to go off.***

One more thing destroyed!

I got on Facebook yesterday, and deactivated it today. Things went sour because of personal situations. It didn't really feel safe anyway, you know that feeling inside telling you that it wasn't a very good idea! And, it wasn't!
Sorry about the confusion!

If thy eye offend thee

You remember those dramatic words of Jesus! Lord, isn't that a bit extreme? Plucking out eyes?! Come on, isn't there another way?!
Well, I am "plucking out some offending eyes." Don't worry... It is not really a physical eye, but rather I am tearing down some idols. Yes, idols. Not those little figurines of fat bellied men or skinny tall women, but things that take time away from God and my family... things that I have been putting before God, put before praying, before loving my children, before reading to them and holding them, before respecting and being there for my husband. Things that must go.
It seems extreme, but not as extreme as cutting off my arm.
I spent sometime praying and weeping for the souls of my children and my own spiritual life and for Ron last night, and have come to the conclusion that I cannot spend nearly an entire day either on the computer or on the phone, and expect my children not to feel neglected, get a clean home, love God with ALL of my heart, and expect to lead souls (namely, my children) to Jesus. SOOOO, I am getting rid of the land line and internet. Don't panic.... I can still go to the library when I need to, but I won't be able to waist my every day playing on the computer! And, I still have my cell phone (a necessity).
God won't co-god.
Some people can manage their time well on the computer, but it is a weakness of mine, so I have to be extreme.
Sooo, you won't see posts everyday anymore, but I can probably update you periodically, which I want to do, but I just can't put it first. Hope ya'll will understand!
Ron is scheduled to start chemo tomorrow. Just pray for him.

Rough nights

Ron had another painful night last night. He had tried to cut back on his pain meds, but it turned out badly. He finally took the pills last night, got out of bed, ate, chatted with me, showered, and finally the medicine kicked in. This spot in his hip has caused him many a rough night. It hurts during the day now, too. He can't cross his legs to tie his shoes without pain. He must lift his leg with his hands if he wants to put on the emegency break on the van, etc.
He still has energy and works. He does not act sick, just that nagging pain in the hip, leg, knee, and lower back.
We are waiting for the results of the bone marrow biopsy and the stress muga. Ron received word from the bone marrow transplant folks that it probably won't be for another 3 months until he can get his transplant. They have to see if he responds to this chemo that he is about to receive here, to see if the high-dose chemo and allogenous stem-cell transplant is even a possiblity.
Saturday, we went to a Walk-for-Life, to show our support to the American Cancer Society, etc, and because a luminaray was to be purchased in honor of Ron, along with many other "in honors" and "in memories" through Kisses for a Cure. Ron's dad came, as well as his sister and her children. We talked with some of his nurses from the radiation offices, and they gave us goodies... bags, blanky, and treats for the girls. It was a neat idea, but I found the whole ordeal a little sad. Cancer is still a bad word, and is still very scary to me. But, alot of people can actually be "cured" (put in remission for life)... and, that is good news. Ron is just a tough case... not too tough for God, though. Whatever God desires.
I can hardly think of anything else lately, except "what am I going to do if or when IT happens?" My children, oh, my children! Ron and I haved talked about this, and through tears he expressed his thoughts. Our daughters grief would be terrible to see. I haven't much talked with the girls about this possibility... I want their lives to just be normal as long as possible... play, work, eat, receive discipline and instruction, and laugh as much as normal as possible. I am a little disfunctional right now myself... very easily provoked (I know this is NOT a Christian attitude), house is a mess, and I am needing a big cup of coffee and needing to tackle this place, which I think I shall do here in a few minutes.
I had errands and appointments to run yesterday and had to decorate the children's church, and that was exhausting in itself, but it is going to look awesome! I still have more to do in there, but I need to do housework and lessons with the children still... and, that supper I promised to my hubby of fish sticks (a fav of hubby's), corn on the cob (kid's fav), and baked potatoes (something I love!).
I also need to mow my grass, but I can't find the key to my shed lock! Then, the porch awning (sp?) needs washed, the flower and tomato garden weeded, the children bathed, etc!
It looks like the folks whose grass I mow did the job without me... I know I usually do it on Mondays, and I honestly tried to get it done, but they did not answer their door when I came to their house, and I couldn't get in my shed to use my lawnmower! Grrr! There went my little extra spending money. Oh, well, we don't need it that bad anyway.
Thanks to those who are offering to help with child care when Ron is in the hospital. If you are a holiness Christian lady, with no criminal background, with a cheery personality, not known for any type of abuse, who won't stuff my children full of pop and junk food, who will have sympathy with confused children, who won't allow my children to have bad behaviour and attitudes, then, I am open for an interview! HA! I had excellent baby-sitters last time, and they weren't too far away... either near Columbus or Dayton! They tried to help the children have fun and keep their minds off of the hard thing that was happening in their lives... they did a fabulous job! I had some really great people who were very good influences to my children (and, believe me, I am picky!!!), and I could relax knowing that they were in very, good hands, being loved, and I could love on my sick hubby in the hospital. I was sooo very thankful!
Well, I had better get going... got alot to do today. Not sure when hubby will start chemo this week, and I would like to have the house in order, so hubby can rest comfortably in a clean and organized home, as much as possible.

Laughing and crying we walk through this life

Last night was interesting. We travelled with Franklin Bible Methodist Church to go to the Zanesville, and we got lost... I mean, we really got lost! We walked in the service as it dismissed! HA! We still had fun with the activities and fellowship afterward. The trip home was hilarous! The gentleman driving the bus honked the horn often as he went under underpasses... I think he was trying to stay awake or something. My children slept most of the way home. Ron stretched out on the isle floor to rest. The later it got, the sillier I got... happens to me sometimes :-)
Gotta make the best of things.
What a fun time!

I ought to have praised God!

My brother was in a car accident the other day, and made it out with no broken bones! The guy with him will be fine too! Someone had pulled out in front of him and through a stop sign, and I guess Wes didn't even have time to step on the brakes. His wife is one of my very best friends and kept me posted... she is one of the very few people I know who I actually feel comfortable calling regularly just to chat about nothing... I think all women need one of those types of friends :-) Glad everything turned out okay in the end, minus their totaled car. He has four precious children that need him. And, I certainly didn't need more sad news! Thank you, Jesus!

Want to laugh?!

Thought I would throw in a light-hearted post!
Faith and I went for eye exams today. Her eyes are fine, just a check-up. She would love to have glasses, but I would love to get rid of mine :-) She had a blast at the eye doctor! You should have seen how much she LOVED the people working there. They gave her a little toy lizard she calls "China," and spinned it round and round on the doctor's stool... she says it was like a merry-go-round. She wanted to sit on the tech's (?) lap instead of mine... She was a nice lady and treated Faith like a jewel! My children were a hit and a hoot at the eye specialists' today! Now, they want to go to the dentist next! HA!
After we arrived at church last evening, Charity told me she had worms in her pocket. Thinking this was just probably some silly thing she was making up again, I dismissed her comment... UNTIL... a teenager we brought to church handed me a small container of little fishing worms! Indeed, Charity had picked up a container of fishing worms Ron had bought when we were out on a family evening, and she brought it in her pocket to church! Yes, they were alive, and Ron then put them into my purse! Thanks, RON! GROSS!
In case I haven't posted this, Hope has a favorite song... The B-I-B-L-E! She love yelling BIBLE! at the end of the song. She loves the congregational singing time at church... she especially enjoys holding her own hymn book.
Faith has been boldly sharing her beliefs these days! The other day, a teenager from our church was wearing some jewelry and Faith asked why, told her that God doesn't want her to do that, and that the devil wants her to do that. We have been trying to teach the children that they need not to wear make-up and jewelry, because God made them beautiful enough without them... it is hard for them not to want to do what they see so many others do. That poor teenager got preached at by a little four year old!
Then, Faith told an adult the other day that she shouldn't say "gosh" (I have been trying to teach my children not to use some of the common slang they hear, and how it is too simular to saying God's name in vain... something Faith has picked up on), but the lady isn't a Christian and I was trying to make friendly conversation with her (since we did have to invade her house because my children needed to use the restroom... we dropped her daughter off, and asked if it were okay to use their facilities). Faith was so blunt, and I just kept talking, but I can say one thing... she is bold! Even if it is on the "little issues."
How about us "big" people on the "big" issues? I hope this hate-crimes bill or law or whatever doesn't keep Christians from preaching and teaching the truth of God's Word... what was an abomination to God in the Bible is still an abomination, and if I go to prison saying so, I shall still be bold! John the Baptist was be-headed for his boldness, and so many others gave their lives for the cause of Christ... why should I turn coward? Perhaps the last days are upon us, but we must continue to be "living in the light of eternity." (Got that from an awesome book I read years ago.)
I used to get this excitement at the thought of being a martyr for Jesus. (Had a friend from Belize once who dreamed we were on the mission field together and I got killed for sharing God's Word or something.) Not for harming anyone or doing anything wrong, but simply for sharing the love and holiness of God with others... those were my younger years... not so anxious to die now... HA! I was a dreamer, and excited about Jesus! Now, I have a family to care for, and don't really want to leave them.
I am sure you all are wondering about my sanity right now, and so am I (it is late, and I ought to be sleeping!)! This was supposed to be a light-hearted post, and here I am preaching again! And, making myself sound wreckless... I'm not... just like to be a little bold now and then, like my little girl. Oh, to have the faith of a little child!

The plan of action

Tomorrow, Ron is to get another bone marrow biopsy (before his Zanesville youth outing).
Monday is his MUGA scan.
Then, if all goes well, that week he will began some tough and serious chemo. We can't put it off, or we might loose the window of opportunity to cure it. (Goodbye to that thick hair again!!!)
That chemo plan is supposed to last 6-7 weeks.
Then, a PET, I think.
Then, if a matching donor is found, in he goes for the probably the BIGGEST treatment he has ever gotten at the James Cancer Center in Columbus, then the transplant. It is bound to be a very long stay.
I am starting to not worry... my children and husband are my priority right now... God will take care of the rest... and, He will help me find the help I need for the times I will have to be away from my children to be with my sick hubby... He did last time, and He hasn't changed.
They have told him that the outlook is a 25% chance of cure doing this... I told you chances were running low!!! But, we're giving it our best!
He's always been a wrestler! And, he will be a winner no matter which way this goes! He has Christ in his heart, and is a serious Christian... I have confidence in him! He's geared up to give out lots of tracts at the hospital!
If you don't hear from me for a while... I have a full plate. Thanks for your kind words and prayers... I think I am starting to feel those prayers of God's saints!
We press on!

I think I am getting closer to the source!

Hope's little face was looking better, then it happened again! I think I have it down to three possibilities: milk, soap, or apples... those are the three things reintroduced and the rash is bad! Martha, I think I might try the melaleuka (sp?) soap... my sister-in-law has alot of it and might send me some to try. I DO know that while I was weaning Hope from breastfeeding, she would get diarrhea from cow's milk, but seemed to have adjusted in that area, but I seem to see a relationship between my giving her a sippy cup of milk, and the rash's appearance. Poor little baby!
WOW! My children sure have energy today!
I was a mean mom again today. I have been struggling to get the girls to clean up after themselves, then finally today, I set the timer for a half an hour, and told the girls that basically whatever was left on their floor when the timer went off was fair game to be loaded into a trash bag (for a yard sale or give away)... and, I sure got to load some stuff up, and now, I think the little ladies are going to take room cleaning seriously! I might even make this a daily thing until we get it under control. Their room looks MUCH BETTER! They were so excited that their room looked so nice. When one has three children sharing a room, things have to be under control, or one might loose their mind trying to get it back under control. I still have the other parts of the house to tackle today. Yesterday, I did the two bathrooms, washed laundry, and planted the beautiful flowers my hubby bought me for Mother's Day. The day before was Ron's appointment, so I don't know that I functioned well... but, I mowed my lawn and two others (making a little extra to help out). Overall, though, I have been a bit lazy, I just am not functioning the way I should... brain over-load!
You missed a funny sight yesterday. You must understand how I feel about bees. When I mow lawns and a bumble bee is nearby, I nearly have to close my eyes and mow so that I can finish the job. Yesterday, a wasp got in my house. Ron was gone with Faithy and Cherry, and Hope was sleeping in her pack-n-play. I grabbed a bottle of spray starch, and hid in my room, peeking out to see what the bee was doing in my kitchen, then finally, I opened my front door, hoping that it would find its way out. I sprayed the starch at it a couple of times, though it probably never touched it. It finally flew outside. Spray starch?! What an interesting thing to spray at a bee!
I need some serious direction from the Lord right now. If Ron would have go into the hospital for a couple of months, do I look for a job? What about my little girls? How can I be at the hospital with Ron (this time he will probably be alot worse than last time), take care of my precious little girls, and make sure everyday needs and chores are taken care of? If only I could split myself into three, I could cover all the bases. Sigh! Just pray that God would give me clear direction. Perhaps there is a job that I could do at my house, or bring my children with me... that would be ideal, then I could visit Ron when the job was done, and I wouldn't have to be away from the children for huge periods of time... afterall, I gave birth to the children, because I wanted to raise them. I don't know... it is one of those times when you must remember that verse that tells us to take no thought for tomorrow... basically saying that God would take care of his children... He always has! He always will! I am having sympathy right now on single mothers! But, it doesn't do any good to stress out, just makes me grumpy.... and, last time I checked, grumpy was not on the good list.

Here we go again!

Options are running kind-of low since Ron has tried around 3 regimens of chemo, tried some radiation, had the autologous stem-cell transplant, and still his cancer keeps coming.
The biopsy was non-diagnostic... just dead cells. The area they tried to reach on his acetabulum was very difficult, although he had a good surgeon, so it sounds like they may not have reached the abnormality that was seen on the PET.
Because the focus in the right mid lung field is so small, it did not show up on the x-ray. I suppose they aren't going to try to get a biopsy of the areas in the celiac region, or otherwise.
Ron's oncologist is to talk with his BMT doctor in Columbus to see what he says. Definitely sounds like more chemo is in the plan, with the possibility of an allogenous stem-cell transplant. We'll find out soon.
Ron was trying so hard to avoid this. He has been eating large amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, hoping this could even help the cancer to not return. He did what he could, but his cancer has been very mean to him.
They are assuming that these areas of up-take on the PET are the Hodgkin's, which I think is correct. His leg, knee, hip, and lower back continue to give him pain, for which he takes meds to cope. So much for the "tendinitis" diagnosis given by another doctor! I was very suspicious that it was cancer, and wanted Ron to get a PET scan to check it out. It's a wife thing. I have even been known to call the oncologist office myself with concerns about Ron... hopefully, I don't embarrass him too much.
Last night I cried and cried, and I cried loudly. I begged God. I hit my bed (at least it's a soft item). I hugged on Ron, and finally fell asleep. I am grieving.

Attention Mommies and wise people:

Gotta question for ya.
Youngest child had very red, irritated cheeks. Been like this off and on for perhaps a few months. Sometimes a rash will even break out on face. No fever. Healthy child. Eats and drinks very well. Potties fine. Has plenty of energy, yet takes good naps. Kept very clean. But, cheeks get very red, and chapped, and sometimes peel. Sometimes very horrible to look at.
I am getting quite convinced that the child is having an allergic reaction to something... perhaps a food item, a chemical, or her soap. I am trying to come up with a plan.
I have a few ideas. I have three food items I plan to test. Tomatoes, cow's milk, and peanut butter.
I plan to also test soap... one problem... what shall I use in it's stead? It also well could be her wet wipes... I have a reaction with those sometimes myself.
Have any of you had any experience with this? How long should I test each item? Are there food items, or otherwise, you can think of that would cause such a reaction? She does love fruit, too. I am having trouble deciding which to test first. I am weary of seeing this poor child's face look so rough... I have tried lotions, etc, but this problem keeps coming. Sometimes it is so bright red that people that see her ask me what happened to her. I was hoping it would be resolved by now, and I think I even have mentioned it to a doctor before, but the problem is still not solved, so I am going to do my own investigation... with you, my fellow bloggers... we are going to figure this thing out! Just don't charge me, now! :-)

Family Day

Overall, today was a very, very good day.
I know this sounds bad, but I am glad Ron didn't go to work today (due to his procedure yesterday). I drove him around half the day, until his 24 hours after sedation was up. Then, he drove. We went to Faith's piano lesson, to the library, out to eat, to the offices downtown to get info about Ron's job if he would have to undergo big treatments, back home, then for a big drive, and to a park. Then, he came home and helped me with some evening chores, and now everyone (besides me) is in bed. I enjoyed having him with us.
Thanks everyone for your kind comments. It is good to know people care and are praying. You all are so encouraging. I am surprised to see who all is praying for us and reading my blog! I will have to say one thing, though... I don't want to be not be fake... I know I sound kind and chipper on my blog, but if you lived with me, you would most likely change your mind. I am very easily stressed, and have had to make my share of apologies to my children lately, and I have always had to back up and apologize to hubby. I don't want to live a double life, I want be real. I have been praying about this issue of short-ness, maybe you can pray for me, too. I still like the compliments, because they encourage me to do better, and live up to it. So, thanks!
Ron has a follow-up appointment with the oncologist on Monday to discuss the biopsy results, and probably the plan of action. Pray that God would give them wisdom on what to do.
I feel like we are standing at the Red Sea with the body of water in front of us, mountains behind us, and Pharoah's army is closing in! Am I going to complain and wonder why God got us in this "mess"? I have some. Or, am I going to step back and let God work things out the way He knows best? Ouch! I do feel overwhelmed, and am not always friendly... a little focused on myself... so, please, bare with me! I'm going to straighten up and stop my temper-tantrum soon.
We still press on!

Tests tomorrow

They have scheduled the biopsy for tomorrow, and he is also getting an x-ray of his chest.
Today, he did his regular job, plus trimmed a tree between our trailor and the one in front of us. That tree trimming business is hard work. Now, I think at least one other person here is asking for their tree to be trimmed. He did do a good job! I just have a hard time watching him, so I got busy moving branches, taking the kids on a wagon ride, etc.
Poor Hope fell down the porch steps and has bruises on both sides of her forehead. One moment I saw her, the next she disappeared down the steps (I was off the porch on the other side and didn't know what I would find as I rounded the porch and scooped her up). I had screamed before she even let out a cry... I am sooo glad that nothing seems broken! I am a bit dramatic when I think my children are hurt. I was so surprised that she was just fine, just bruised. Thank God (when you have serious issues in your family, it's amazing how thankful you can be for the little things)!
Overall, I enjoyed being outdoors working with my hubby (I mowed my grass and another lawn), and being with the kids. You gotta savour the moments!

We'll understand it better by and by

Tis a sad day here at the Cook home. No, we have not just moped around... we have tried to have fun with the children reguardless.
The pain in hubby's hip appears to be cancer. A large spot showed up in that area on the PET/CAT scan. But, that is not all. A small spot was also shown on a lung, and there were other areas, as well.
To see if it is really the cancer, they are scheduling a biopsy of that bony area on the hip. OUCH! It doesn't sound like they can get a biopsy of the spot in the lung.
Don't know what they will want to do to him... guess we'll find out after they do that biopsy.
I know God can still do a miracle. I honestly haven't been praying as much as I should for him. He needs it so much right now. He is still working hard, and kind-of acts like nothing is going on. He just does his job, and provides selflessly for his family.
I am a little confused and angry right now. The emotional load is heavy, but we press on!

The desires of my heart!

As you know, I am currently a stay-at-home mom with a hubby who works full-time for the public school system (strange irony with my homeschooling) and doing volunteer ministry. So, we are not rich by the world's standards, but we amazingly get all our needs supplied! If we need, or sometimes want, something, it generally comes to pass... it's a God-thing, I guess you could say.
Yesterday, it happened again! My daughter was crying because her shoes were too tight, so I had her go ahead and wear them to her piano lesson, promising we would get her new ones. She also had outgrown most of her shirts. So, yesterday evening, Ron watched the girls for me while I went thrift-store shopping (I have been needing to do this for a long time) for "new" clothes for Faith. I had gotton "new" skirts a while back as you might remember from a previous post. I looked and looked for tennis shoes for Faith, but couldn't find decent shoes, so I left that section, but spotted a lady with a rack of children's shoes ready to put them out. I told her the size I was looking for, and asked if I could look in her basket. I wasn't allowed to do that, but she looked for me. There, in that basket, was a pair of tennis shoes the size I was looking for. It looked like it had only been wore maybe twice. It was very cheap, and even found some cute, clean play shoes for the other girls. (It seems they are all having a growth spurt! Charity was in size 7 shoes for a VERY short time. I just bought her a pair of size 8 yesterday, but it looks like it might not last too long. Hope got new size 4 shoes for her 1st birthday, and I found some cheep other types later, but BOOM! They were too tight too quickly! I found some Osh Kosh shoes size 5 yesterday... so cute!) Got 15 shirts for Faith (for church and play)... I bought them a little big on purpose. Many of them were name brand clothing... Things like Old Navy, the Children's Place, Mary Kate and Ashley, Gymboree, and several others.
Then, I SAW it! I have been hoping for a while for a set of white bunk beds for the girls. I had certain requirements... I wanted them to not be too tall, and they needed good railing! These didn't have the mattresses, but they were white and have huge railings... definitely used, but what can you expect?! I was hurrying to be sure to get those bunks, and fell over someone's cart, and am terribly bruised... Oh, well! I got the bunks. I spent a good deal of money at the thrift store, needless to say... it added up to around 80 dollars. But, that is much less than what it would have been to get three pairs of shoes, fifteen shirts (name brands, at that), and bunkbeds! We'll have too tighten our belts for the next couple of weeks because of these purchases, but, I am very thankful for God's provision! Now, we just need to wait for God to provide the mattresses... it's not a big deal to Him! Since the girls all share a room, this will help with the space their room.
It's funny, because my neighbor is moving and was THROWING away stuff! We're talking about Longaburger, Tupperwear, speakers, and an 2 huge awesome suitcases (American Tourister), etc, etc. We probably recued maybe a couple hundred dollars worth of stuff out of her trash!!! The suitcases (which are probably the best we've ever owned) were rescued RIGHT before the trash truck got to our side of the street!!! Her health is bad, and she is a widow and didn't know what to do with the stuff since she is moving to a small apartment for elderly folk. She is extremely clean, and has very nice stuff. Funny, how God gives nice treats... even if we did have to look silly getting into our neighbor's trash!
I went grocery shopping at Aldi's, and spent less than $40 on groceries... was pretty happy with how much groceries I got with that amount of money.
Oh, also, I have ordered the materials for my next shift for Children's Church! Wait until you see our theme! Sooo excited! I ordered it from Answers in Genesis... It is their 2009 VBS program!!! So, children, get ready for a great blast-off!!!!

My girls' angels...

are working over-time! Two days in a row, I witnessed God's protection through a near brush of death. Both being while I was driving. (What does that tell you?)
Yesterday, I was driving to pick Ron up for work, and before I turned into the street where Ron works, I saw a truck pulling in that way from the other direction, too, so as I creeped up behind him, a big truck (a short semi... whatever) came flying the otherway toward us... ran the truck in front of me onto the curb! That guy reacted quickly, avoiding being hit. Didn't really effect us, except we had to stop. If I had not been slowed down waiting for the truck to go before me, I might have been squashed by that semi... and, the dude in the semi was talking on his cell phone, and appeared to not even noticed he had run a truck up onto the curb! There are lots of big trucks and semis that fly down this little street, and it does make me nervous! I am so glad that God had a truck in front of me with a driver who was able to think fast and jump onto the curb, preventing a big accident... if it had been me, I might not have thought fast enough, because that road comes around a curve, and you don't always see what is flying toward you... and, very likely on the wrong side of the road!
Then, early this morning, I had taken Ron to work, bought breakfast at McDonald's, and got turned around a bit, so I stopped and asked directions to the highway that leads to our home, and was happily driving that way when I didn't notice a stop sign until I saw car flying by without stopping, so I quickly stepped the breaks as I got to the stop sign, but my van would not stop! It just flew right through that intersection swerving as I went! It had been raining heavily and the roads were still very wet... the vehicle going the other way made it through the intersection shortly before I came barrelling through. I was very frightened, and embarrassed that I had missed that stop sign. I have never had a ticket before, and don't want to start now. It is a strange feeling when you step on the brakes and the van just keeps going! Praise God for his protection on me and my precious little ones! I talked to the girls about what we had learned in that moment.
1. Watch very closely for stop signs... they may pop up when you least expect it.
2. When you are driving in or after the rain, drive very carefully, and give yourself plenty of time to stop... don't stamp on the brakes.
Never too early to teach your children how to drive carefully! HA! Yes, I know how to drive... just forgot about the wet roads, and don't do well on slick roads! I actually talk to my kids often while I drive... telling them about stop lights, railroad tracts, and have them pray when I am getting onto 75 (it's a mess!), and if I get lost going to a new place or a new direction. They are going to have the traffic laws memorized by the time they are 6... HA!