Getting geared up for a meaningful New Year!

I am excited about some fun and important things I am planning to do this next year. I have purchased a very nice planner, and I do "plan" to use it :-) I have a list and it is my intention to meet every goal on that list. It will enrich not only my life, but my whole family's, and even others. Now, here is the challenge. I have noticed a fault I have developed the past few years, and it must be disposed of... The fault of not sticking to a task... quitting mid-battle. I read in my Bible a while back and also heard elsewhere about guiding your heart. I guess alot of us think we ought to follow our hearts... but, my heart is lazy sometimes or gets broken too easily, so if I follow it, I don't think this year I will go anywhere... I will sit in a puddle of tears and frustration and wrinkle into a sad little prune. But, NO, I am going to change my methods (if the Lord Jesus will help me) and train my heart to press on. To do those necessary things and even some wanted things, even when my emotions say "it really doesn't matter." Who will join me? Get a planner, pray, and get to it... woohoo!

Just for those who want to know... Little Hope's foot is healing beatifully. There is still an of area of cracked skin from the wet cast, but it is a world better! It seems that even the bruising and swelling from the fracture is sooo much better since the cast came off... I am not sure how to explain that! I know that her big sister, Faith, has been really praying for Hope's foot. She told me the other day that she touched Hope and prayed for her (I heard her all the way in the living room! She was in her room!), and she said that God had healed Hope. Sooo sweet. Oh, for child-like faith!

Well, I have an consultation with the surgion for that thyriod nodule in the morning, so I had better go to bed soon.

One more thing first. Wes, my brother, had one of his knee surgeries on Tuesday, and is in alot of pain. I guess the situation was worse than they had expected, so I guess they had to scrape some bone off. Please, pray for a speedy recovery. (For those who don't know Wesley, he has had issues for years with his knees dislocating... it is nasty! It started when he was like in 8th or 9th grade, I think. Be glad if you never see this type of thing happen!) Pray that the pain will subside quickly.

All's well that ends well, I guess

Dad did not have a heart attack. Mom called me when she got home from the hospital tonight. Dad had a heart cath done and they ballooned a blockage, I guess. I was way too stressed out about Dad today. My stress tolerance level right now is not too high, I guess.
Little Hope's foot is doing sooo much better. I have been diligent with her skin care today on her foot, and I am still so glad we got that cast off. I would have been heartbroken if her skin had broken down any further. It looks so much better. I have a bandage wrap and her special shoe on it. She is sleeping soooo much better! Parents, if you are like me and do not have much experience with casts, it is sooo important that you listen to the doctor when they say not to get the cast wet. Her foot is still tender from the small fracture, so that is why I am using a wrap and the boot. I do not want it recasted because I feel her skin needs to heal. I am pretty observant to my children's skin, in case you can't tell.
I owe Jesus a huge "thank You" for how He has worked things out lately. He has supplied our needs in ways most of you don't know. His works are wonderful! He provides, protected, and promises great and marvelous things to His children. I am so unworthy!
I have a fine husband, 3 fantastic little princesses, a warm and cozy home, nice clothes to wear, yummy food in my fridge and cabinets, and many extras! I guess I am pretty rich compared to much of the world. I just need to thank Jesus! I am even thankful for the clean smells in my house right now... of freshly washed linens and the light scent of bleach I was using in the kitchen... I just love it! I am thankful that we got Hope's cast off and she is feeling better. I am thankful that Ron has very educated and dedicated doctors, working hard to put Ron in remission and prevent anything tragic in the meantime. I am thankful for caring family members, and the fantastic and beautiful Church family here and abroad. I guess I don't really have a good reason to be so cranky afterall... guess I need to apologize to a couple of folk tomorrow... I shouldn't have been so touchy. Thank you, friends and family, for being so patient with me. The day ended well... and, I sigh in relief. Good night all!

A crazy night

Last night was wild... from church to Ron's parents house, my children were difficult... mostly because they were plain tired.
When I came home, and the two older girls were put to bed, Hope refused to go to sleep and cried and cried. I tried everything throughout the night... a drink, a snack, holding her, singing to her, letting her "cry it out," pleading with God for help, changing diaper, a Hermie DVD, a Gigi DVD, checking her teeth that are coming in, Children's Tylenol, etc. It was exhausting!!! In my heart, I knew what was wrong. Saturday I had put a towel and bags over her cast so she could get a bath for Sunday, but she splashed and played before I got to her, and the cast was wet. I worried... I mean, WORRIED over that. I worried over her skin. I tried blow drying it, but I didn't want to burn her skin either. So, I just knew the way she was acting that her skin was not doing so great from the day and night of wetness. It was still nighttime and running off to the ER on the slick roads and not to mention the germs I would bring home to my husband with his compromised immune system just to cut off the wet cast, was not a good choice... something had to be done right away, the child was very uncomfortable. I DO NOT recommend this, but in the night, Ron and I cut off her cast, and just like Mommy thought, her skin looked horrible!!! I let it dry out and put some anti-itch cream and antibiotic cream and lotion on it. It is looking better, and since the doctor said that the fracture would heal even without me doing anything... then, the plan right now is to have her wear her special shoe while walking, and I will call the doctor later. I am so glad we got that cast off... who knows what would have happened if we had left it on. Let me repeat... I DO NOT RECOMMEND parents doing this... especially if your child had more than a little crack on a toe bone. It was my fault. I should have been more careful not to get her cast wet.
Then, in the middle of the night, I received a phone call from my brother's wife, asking about Dad. I am clueless, except I know a few days ago, he was having chest pain. My brother had read on Facebook that Dad was in the hospital, he texted his wife at work, she calls me and wants to know what was happening. I tried calling my sister's place and my parents' home, and no answer... I STILL have not heard ANYTHING. My guess is that he had another heart attack and they are all at the hospital with him.
What a crazy night!
But, I am sooo thankful that Hope's foot is going to be just fine now. Mommies have this special instinct sometimes that causes them to loose sleep worrying... and, it was right this time... her skin was at risk, but she is going to be just fine now. She was able to sleep soundly after we got it off and is soooo much more happier! She didn't really mind the cast, until it got wet... that is why I knew it wasn't just frustration, something was wrong. She was great for Ron while he cut it off. She didn't like it when I tried to do it... Daddy has the touch!
Glad that is over with! I hope we NEVER have another broken bone. Goal: Keep stuff off the floor where people walk to avoid more injuries... tough goal with 3 children 5 and under.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

From yummy food (obvious on our faces and teeth ;-) )

To fun times with family

To minimum injuries in a house full of new items

To lots of pretty dresses, toys, a scooter, a bike, a pair of roller blades, stuffed animals, games, puzzles, books, and other items.

To paid bills and medical co-pays.

To sharing with others joy and happiness.

To a very happy mommy who had a special talk with Jesus the other night and is becoming more content with her call to "believe." "If we loose, we'll praise Him. If we win, we'll praise Him. Just leave all you got out on the field." See if you can tell me where I got those quotes (or, pretty close to a quote, anyway). I was talking with Jesus the other night and was uncertain about many things, and what my purpose was... I mean, some of my friends have so many great things that they do for Jesus, and I feel like I hardly do anything right now... unless changing diapers and washing dishes win souls... but, I felt like He spoke to me about a one word calling... "BELIEVE"... whatever that may imply... I think I shall "Prepare for rain" (another hint to the above quote ;-) )

To the blessing of realizing how much Jesus has given us... salvation, a home, family, friends, food, transportation, etc.

These children don't realize that they very well could have gone without much this Christmas... But GOD didn't let it happen... and, even Mommy and Daddy got nice gifts.

With Ron not being able to work and me staying here to care for my family, Christmas was looking tough... but, God did something beautiful.

I am humbled... touched... unworthy... and, feeling rather spoiled. What can I say?! Thank you to everyone who made this Christmas special... and, most of all the the One who gave the ultimate gift... Jesus Christ... for salvation... thank You... thank You so very much!

Blessings and a fractured bone

Our church totally blessed us last night... gifts and money enough to cover nearly two months worth of bills! What can we say? Thank you so very much for caring!!! Thank You, Jesus, for taking such good care of us!
Others have also blessed us with gifts through mail... you know who are! Thanks!!!
Thank you again to everyone for your prayers and love! Thank you to Ron's doctors for the the hard work and kindness they have shown to us... for working hard to beat cancer. For researching and studying what is the best way to get fight advanced Hodgkin's. Two years ago, I could have very easily lost my husband to stage 4b Hodgkin's disease and that tumor under his brain, but God intervened, and I have been allowed to have him for at least two more years... thank You, Jesus! Now, just maybe, Ron could be headed toward remission... that is good news, don't you think?!
The children sang so well yesterday morning, and they were beautiful. If anyone out there has a pic of that, would you mind emailing it to me?
Last night, a sad thing happened. I think Hope tripped over Faith's beautiful new roller blades that were left on the floor in the kitchen, and fractured her 1st metatarsal! She was in so much pain last night, but she is just walking awkward today. I took her to the doc and then for x-rays today, and we are waiting to hear from orthopedics to see if anything needs done. I heard they might have her wear a special shoe. Not sure too much else can be done. Poor baby! Lesson behind this is to PICK UP YOUR TOYS! Actually, this was my fault, this time. In case you don't know where this bone is, it is the toe bone inside your foot and this is her big toe. You ought to study bones, I find them fascinating... I am different, I know. The big toe you see sticking out is a phalange, just like your fingers, but, inside is a longer bone, the metatarsal. She walks on it, just awkwardly.

Treasures

Charity, Mimi, Faith, Hope, and Daddy, on Hope's Birthday!

Hope (with yummy cake on her face) and Mommy.

Her birthday jammies and dolly she got for her birthday matched quite well.

The children made "gingerbread" houses in SS at church. Yummy!

Faith gave this to us today. Too cute... not sure why the sun and the stars are both out.

The treasures of the past few days...

1. Hope turned 2!

2. Ron is doing better. He is getting daily shots right now for his WBC, has muscle spasms, and temporarily wears a heart monitor to see if there is any need for an ablation. But, overall, he seems to be doing well.

3. Faith had her first piano recital Tuesday, and she was a doll! Gotta love that curtsey! I forgot my camera, of all things! But, some friends got it on camera, and hopefully, I will have that soon. Thanks, friends!

4. Franklin Bible Methodist Church, thank you so much for the gift card to Wal-Mart! We were so touched! We got some needs (or, what I think was needed), and many "wants." There is a very funny story that I need to post about this experience... but, I will wait until later.

5. Thank you, also, to all the friends, family, and churches who have done kind things for us lately. You know who you are and what you have done, whether it has been daily prayers, calling just to check on us, cards of encouragement, or tangible gifts. It is incredible how I don't have to say a thing to someone besides Jesus, and when needs come, they are supplied! Those hugs mean so much, and they are "needs". You may not see me cry, but I do sometimes, when overwhelmed, but, sometimes it is quietly tucked inside, and those hugs, cards, and words of encouragement help so much... thank you!

discharged

Ron was discharged today. He really wanted out, and they let him with the understanding that if his labs come back with something, he will have to come back. So, we are still waiting for the results of those tests.
Just a quick update.

Back to the hospital

Ron is sick, and in the hospital tonight. We appreciate your prayers.

Joy bells ring, are you listening?!

Smiles broke out here, along with "praise the Lord's" and almost shock, when the answer came today! The phone conversation was between Ron and OSU's The James. He was wanting the answer today... what did that PET scan say? The answer was that nothing had changed and he was stable. SOOO, if nothing had changed, then, that means that there were no positive areas of soft tissue malignancies! That is very good news. The hope that he is cured for good has begun here. He still has to be on alot of medications for now for GVHD, and other conditions, but things are looking up. Hopefully, in a few months, he can be weaned from these medications and the Cook family can march on. We will know more perhaps tomorrow, and in the weeks to come. I like to see the written copy of the PET scan results from the radiologist, so I can know the facts and details... which I should see tomorrow. There is excitement in the air here!
We need FAITH, that God can be trusted, that He can do anything that is in His Holy will, that He is good, that He anwers prayers, that He keeps His Word, and that no matter what happens, He is not making a mistake.
We need CHARITY, for love is the only way our family can survive the battles that come our way.
We need HOPE, that all things are working together for our good, that our sins are washed away, and that we are winners in life or death.

Prayer requests for this week:
1. That Ron's appointment tomorrow will be even more confirming of this miracle. That the insurance would stop giving us a hassle about one of Ron's meds.
2. I meet with the doc to discuss my annoying nodule on my thyroid on Wednesday and maybe she can explain the weird hot flashes I have been getting... If I were 45, I would be able to figure it out myself, but I am only 28, so I will talk to her about them.

Thank you for rejoicing with us! There is hope!

Hope mania

Well, I am sorry that I did not get pictures of the child's antics the last few days to share with y'all, but she has been a case! She is way too busy! Leave her for a moment and she might be diving into a cake or whatever food she can get her hands into... I just had to laugh when she got busted, for she was a mess from the cake eating crime and it would have made a hilarious picture! Then, another time she found a little left over coffee of mine that had cocoa in it and there was no hiding the guilt... she was a mess again...I was afraid she might stay hyper for too long. She has been "busy" for a long time, and keeps me on my toes. It started off with as soon as she could, she would climb... perching herself on top of the kitchen table was one of her favorites. I have to keep the bathroom door shut for several reasons... water is way too facinating to her... and, she has a thing for toothpaste... how much toothpaste can a child eat without getting sick? Right now, the precious one is up sitting beside me scratching my head... don't know why... but, it actually feels good, so I am just letting her go for it... I hope she doesn't tangle my hair too badly... she just bit it a moment ago... I have trouble figuring her out. She calls for me like I am on the other side of a ballpark. "Mom! Mama!" Talk about blasting me away! She gave me a "spanking" today... don't know what I did, but she seemed to think I needed a few swats... they weren't light taps either! She is stubborn, loud, and messy, but she is also wonderful, funny, and cute. I love my little baby who is turning 2 in just a few days. I hope Hope :-) knows how much I love her... her precious life has helped numb the pain and distract the overwhelmingness of Ron's cancer the past two years. Thank You, God, for little Hope Christiana. Please, help her to grow up to tell others that their is Hope in Christ!

Now, for those of you wondering about Ron's test results... it looks like we'll have to wait until next week. Sorry.

My heart is sad today for my friend, Gloria Jean McGinnis, at the loss of her son, Scottie. Gloria has been such an inspiration to me! In Heaven now, her son can see again! He is with his daddy, Coy, and with the One...Jesus... with whom he said he wanted to go all the way. His testimonies made such an impression on me as a teenager. We shall miss him.

Now, for a quick note about my other two children, whom I love very much, too! Charity had never seemed to be a child who gets up and runs to my room due to a nightmare, but last night, she must have had a really bad one... she was really upset, crying, maybe even screaming, and too afraid to sleep in her own bed. The little tyke is so skinny and small, it was no problem sleeping with her in our bed. Poor girl was still afraid of the dream coming back tonight. Faith is doing just fine... had a battle about supper tonight (she wasn't pleased about the presence of onions on her plate of fish and veggies), but we made it.

Well, it is late, so I had better go. Nite.

Nervous

Here I am up after 12am hanging out on the computer, doing some reading and daydreaming. It is because of that coffee I drank! I had gone without coffee for like 8 days because I think I am allergic to it... so, I have that nice rash on my face again... looks like I have Rosacea, or something. Anyway, I feel like a cool wife the last couple of days... I have gotten enormous amounts of work done while Ron was away hunting. I did lots of shopping, cleaning, and even did some work that required a drill! Are you impressed? You ought to be... if you could have seen the struggle I had doing all of this with 3 little children, you would have said, "Bless her heart, she's trying to prove something... I sure hope she makes it!" Well, Ron was impressed (I think). That was one of my goals. I like to impress him. Guess it is like getting an A on an exam. My man comes home, looks around, eats, and goes to bed... home sweet home! No deer yet, but maybe there is still that chance.
Tomorrow is his day of testing at The James, and I am so nervous! It is worse than the possibility of failing a class. It is like... hey, if this didn't cure him?! Well, then, uh, I, I just don't know what?! I don't know when they will review the results with him, but I hope they don't make us wait long... it is tough especially when you have to wait over a weekend... we've done that plenty of times, but I still am not patient. It is in God's hands, and I know He will do what is right... not necessarily what we think is right. He sees the big picture. I trust Him. I am not really afraid. I am nervous. It is weird saying this, but as much as it will hurt if he is not cured, I think I am accepting it. You know those steps of grieving, well, I have wallowed in about each step... but, they are not nice and clean cut steps. You might think you have passed over a step, only to go back to it again. So, I think I am in the acceptance stage, but that doesn't mean I won't go back to previous stages at any given time. Emotions are like that. You can't expect to schedule them. I am a person who likes things laid out... scheduled... well, most of the time, so that I can be prepared, but, life isn't like that. It can annoy me, mess with me, hurt me, but we just can't boast of tomorrow.
Well, for your info... tomorrow Faith has a piano lesson, we have church with the Dickinson family coming to speak, and Ron will be gone most of the day for his testing. It is such a busy week. Next week, I have an appointment with that doc to discuss that nodule removal (mine), I am actually excited about that! Weird, I know. The next week, on Tuesday, December 15th, Faith has her very first piano recital... Yeah, Faithy. She is currently the youngest piano student her teacher has. She tries to mimic Kim Collingsworth, and that cracks up her teacher... and, Ron and me! This little fan has alot of work to do if she is going to reach her goal! She is too cute tipping that little head back and exaggerating her hand movements while she plays her little piece!