When God spares a life...

THERE ARE RULES WHILE PLAYING... AND, SEVERAL RULES WERE BROKEN... WHICH IS WHY SOME OF THESE INCIDENTS HAPPENED!

Excuse the messy bed, but this is the RAILING I am referring to. You might see some drawings on the bed and wall... this was my two year old's doings. Well, except the obvious decor I did myself.

This is the dresser I am referring to. Those scarecrows DO NOT belong in Faith's bedroom. Hmmm, someone has taken some of my living room decor. That is a flannel board behind the dresser, in case you are wondering. My kids like flannelgraph.

We've had some close calls these days.

Faith nearly was hit by a car while we were riding bikes the other day.

Charity was sitting on the railing of the top bunk another day, flipped off, and I believe she landed on her head.

Hope decided to climb up Faith's set of dresser drawers to get something on top, and the huge dresser fell right on top of the little gal and pinned her underneath. She's bound to be bruised up this morning from that (it happened yesterday).

I had a close call a few weeks ago while trying to follow Ron in separate vans... he heard the near crash (never a pretty sound to hear screaching of tires along with honking, knowing your whole family was in the van about to be hit). We didn't get hit, but I was very upset. It was just way too close.

I guess I just need to say "Thank You" to Jesus for protecting us so many times from injury or worse. How my children have escaped serious injuries from their recent incidents is amazing!

So, when God spares a life, YOU SAY THANK YOU!!! OVER AND OVER!

Okay this next pic has nothing to do with the post. But, I want you to notice a few things. Do you see the stripes on my paint? That is what happens if you pour bleach into a cabinet and it runs down burgandy paint. :-( Something that definitely needs fixed!

Next, notice the mouth wash and electronic thermometer... they don't belong in the kitchen. That's life here.

Lastly, notice the candle. Got it yesterday from Secret Sister. I was longing for a new candle, as my some of my others were basically used up. This is a very nice candle from Wal-Mart. It has three different scents. I came home from church last night and lit it. Got up this morning and lit it again. I am in love. I also got a cute Fall welcome decoration.

Sorry about the quality of these photos. I still am using a broken camera, and can't tell what they look like until I put my disk in the computer. Here you will see kinda what material Faith chose for her curtains. Excuse the mess. She said that the material reminded her of Joseph and his coat of many colors. I must agree. They are simple curtains, put up with large shoe laces. Our walls are soft and rods tend to tare off the walls. Little children don't always do well with that.

My prayer for the day

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Philippians 4:8

Life might not be what I have dreamed it ought to have been... but, it is time to open my hand and say, "Lord, my dreams are yours now. Wash away the pain of disappointment, bitterness, rejection, and shattered dreams. Help me be a missionary whereever you plant me. If I never get to do the things I longed to do, I will still serve You. You are good. The one thing I cannot live without is knowing You... Just help me to know You and live in You. And, may my family know you, too. Help to have a thankful heart. Help me walk in the light. Make me a sweet wife, mommy, and friend. In Jesus Name, Amen."

Oh, WOW!

Rachel, we so need to print this pic on a mug or something!

Okay, Charity's smile looks painful, but look at Hope's pop-out blue eyes!

Look, I think me has found another new hobby. This was fun to do! I found out about this website Picnik off of another blog. Love it! What do you think?

Big weekend photos! Warning, some are a little embarrassing!

We had a BIG weekend this past week. Ron's birthday, the Conklin family reunion (my mom's parents... they are long deceased, but this represents their children and families), and Ron preached at a church in West Portsmouth again. By Sunday, the children were fit to be tied... let's just say I am really embarrassed by how they acted... but, we press on. I wonder why when it is a day when Ron is supposed to preach, that the kids get some crazy behavior. Sigh. I do train these children, by the way :) I wanted to cry. The other days, they did quite well, minus Faith's on-going stomach problem.

My poor family, I gave them no warning. I hope they don't shoot me for this! Above is my Aunt Janice. Below I totally caught Aunt Patty off guard as her thumb was in her mouth... it was sooo funny, we joked about it after I snapped the picture!

It was BEAUTIFUL weather!!!

These poor people, I just went around shooting random pictures before most of them even knew what happened.

Rachel, what were you thinking about? Brett, maybe?

I couldn't believe how much older my cousins' children were! They don't stay little for long.

There was a whole lot of food goin' on. There are some really great cooks in this family!

Dad even made it out to the family reunion.

My sister and me... okay, I just realized we both dressed in orange... must be the fall mood. You wouldn't believe the people who say we look alike... hmmm, what do you think?

Mom and me!

I think Wes' family was the only one not represented.

We popped in on Ron's Grandma with no warning!

I think this picture is cool for some reason.

Getting a decent picture with three wiggly children can be tough!

Ron with his Grandma. Ron had married his Grandpa and Mary. His Grandpa passed away a couple of years ago. We haven't visited his Grandma Mary in a loooong time. It was good to see her for a few minutes this weekend.


Okay, so I did tell you a while back that I was making table covers with burlap, so you will see some of that on here. I think it really bring out the autumn mood.

Decorating the top of my piano is fun. I used to like decorating the top of my fireplace at our other home, but my piano will do here.

I made this wreath last year. A year of storage did a bit of damage, but it is still usable.

My Mom gave me these little Indians. Cute. There are three of them, and this weekend just makes me think how those little guy remind my of my three little ones.

Cheap decor!

Outside our door.

I have been making rice sacks for us. The girls' were made out of these cute tights that were outgrown. The cuteness lives on as a comfort item. Just pop them in the microwave for a minute or so, and they feel so good to those sore spots, and also relaxing. It creates a wet heat, and I LOVE them!!!

Dad with the children. The leg that has no child on it is the one that has the issue. These are difficult days for him, but he is getting around a little with a cane. I enhanced the photo, so everyone doesn't look so pale.

So, there are more pictures of these autumn days to share, but I must stop for now. It was nice reuniting with some "down-home" family, friends, and church folk! Love to all!

Happy 35th Birthday, My Love!

Tomorrow is Ron's birthday, and it will be the 1st birthday in recent years that he has not been in or at a hospital. Woo-hoo! Three years ago, I think he was going for a diagnostic test... maybe the biopsy, I think. Two years ago, he went into The James on his birthday for his first stem-cell transplant using his own cells. Last year, he was LONGING to get out of the hospital for his birthday, after his double umbilical cord stem cell transplant. This year, he belongs with us, his family! We cannot really afford to give him a party or buy a nice present, but I think being out of the hospital is pretty exciting. The kids are going to make him cards, and I might sew something special for him... someone told me about something that I think would be neat to make for him and each of the kids... cool thing is that it is not a difficult thing to make. I plan to make a cake, too, and have the house looking as tidy as we can manage (that in itself can make a hubby smile).

Now, on to the 35 reasons why my love my hubby:
1. He loves and serves Jesus (not half-heartedly).
2. He works hard.
3. He provides well.
4. He is protective over his family.
5. He is a strong man in so many ways.
6. His smile and laugh are sooo cute.
7. He is handsome.
8. He loves his family.
9. He is a man of prayer.
10. He is a man of faith.
11. He dreams big.
12. He likes to purposely spend time with his children.
13. He in faithful to tell the children stories from the Bible.
14. His beautiful blue eyes.
15. He does very well at balancing time spent at work, in ministry, and with with family.
16. He puts up with me.
17. He bought me a rose for Sweetest Day.
18. He calls me often while at work... he seems to have an addiction to me.
19. He is a holiness man.
20. He is a man of conviction.
21. He has children that can just about go crazy when he comes home.
22. He took me to Taco Bell after church last night, just cause he knew I needed to socialize (other church folk showed up, as well). You might have to be a mama to understand the need for outside of the home conversations... like a breath of fresh air, it can be!
23. He supports me in that I am the teacher of my children.
24. He works hard to keep up with bills so that we don't get behind... and, he keeps us out of debt.
25. He preaches well.
26. He cares about those in jail or hurting.
27. He does well keeping up with calling.
28. He likes to take his children fishing, etc., and make special memories with them.
29. His children adore him.
30. His big hand holding mine.
31. He's so cute when he plays the guitar at home with his kids.
32. He can fix things.
33. His phone calls that say he can't wait to see me when he gets home ;-)
34. He is forgiving, giving, and living :-)
35. He's MY husband!

I love my big guy! Happy birthday, Ron!

Recent happenings

Well. there was some exciting things these days.
My little 4 year old asked Jesus to "wash away her sins and forgive her"... it was totally precious! She is also suddenly grasping her pre-school lessons now. She is supposed to have her first piano lesson on Tuesday. So exciting!
Yes, that does mean Faith is about to start her piano lessons again as well. Unfortunately, Faith still battles stomach pains and frequent moments of feeling unwell. Seems that the fevers aren't as frequent though... that is good. Not sure what to make her situation. She is pressing on in her first grade work, and one of her favorite things to do is riding her bike.
Hope is still 2... very much acting it, too! She is a trip... she is sooo Ron! It was fun the other day, when she was jumping on my back and acting like I was a horse (ouch!!!), then she got off. Well, Charity hopped on my back and Hope was not happy about that. She was like, "That's MY Mommy!!!!" She's a little selfish about sharing me with her sisters. She is still my dangerous child and a major eater! It is a challenge keeping her out of the refrigerator. I found her chomping on raw bacon the other day!!! Gross! I pulled the stuff out of her mouth and rinsed it out, and lectured how one can get sick doing that. Not sure it will stick, but I have punished her so much recently for stuff, my nerves are unravelling! The other day, she was grabbing cases of glasses at the eye doctor and running with them, and each time I smacked her hand and told her NO, but foolishness was bound up in her heart, and she had to try me at least two times... I was so frustrated, since I had clearly told the children not to ouch anything in the eye glasses shop without permission. It was as if she was purposely trying to frustrate me. I could just imagine having to pay for those glasses... we certainly can't afford THAT right now!!! Anyway, she received a much needed moment of discipline once we got into the van, then I prayed with the youngesters. Oh, these terrible twos! She really is cute and precious, and she will be brought under obedience, she just chose a very stressful moment to challenge me. Sigh!
I suppose you can guess I am getting new glasses. I have to go another appointment to see a glaucoma specialist... I have been borderline for a while, but my opthamologist wants a second opinion to see if I need drops now. nice. Something about the picture of inside my eye didn't look as bright as they like... guess I ought to read something about glaucoma, at least figure out what it is, since it is something they have been watching for maybe 2 years, I think.
Life is busy and there does seem to be a theme in our home of miracles and faith. God has always taken good care of us, two of my children have asked Jesus into their hearts, and I am trusting our third will once she gets to understanding more, and if she survives her eating raw meat out of the refrigerator. I am so looking forward to what God has for us next. I am overwhelmed with His patience and love for us!
Well, I have company that is supposed to come tomorrow after the evening service, so I need to get my house in order... I am exicted that someone is actually coming to my house!!! HA! Maybe I need to invite people more often! I like company! Especially if I can get the laundry off the couch!

Correction!!!

Okay, I made a mistake, Ron didn't shoot that deer with a gun, it was with a bow... it is NOT gun season... I just assumed he used a gun, and forgot that it wasn't that season yet... It struck me just a moment ago, so I asked him, and he said, "NO!" He wouldn't do that! Ooops! He was legal, don't you worry about that... I just made a wrong assumption.

Great big, ginormous miracles...

What can I say? That has been the Cook family's life these days. Who would have ever believed it possible that my husband would be in remission right now... that is, unless you believe in miracles. There have been many hope moments for us... the rainbow (a story Ron can share), the Scriptures, the amazing way some puzzle pieces and words of others fit together though they were coming from hundreds of miles away (another great story), and the faith of so very many who have prayed. My faith has been a rollercoaster about Ron's healing... knowing that even if he wasn't healed, God is still good. Always has been, and always will be. But, today topped the cake when we heard from the James that a blood count that had been off, was negative now... it's just fine! Other counts that most would need help on at this point, are just fine! It is a miracle! And, we are rejoicing! Another condition Ron has had since his teens seems to be cured as well!!! WOW! Now, we are going to take his back pain to the Lord, Who DOES hear! Who knows best, and cares! Thank You, Lord! Help me in my unbelief!

I know you all are waiting so anxiously...

as if I am THAT popular... my little blog and I! HA!

Well, I guess there are those out there hoping for a good update.

Well, it has been the time for sicknesses for little Faith. She just has had a time with sicknesses, especially Scarlet Fever, tummy problems, recurrent fevers, chest pain, headaches, etc... you would think being home schooled she wouldn't get sick very often, but somehow it has hit her hard this year.
Cool thing: The sick child has not been sick as to stop her from being determined to learn! She is busy in school, taught herself to ride her bike without training wheels, and has announced to me that she wants to be a doctor... well, it's a missionary, firefighting, and doctor type of desire. She says she wants to help people. She's in for alot of school if she goes for what she wants to be! She likes her doctor and cried the other day that she needed her because she didn't feel good. She is a smart little gal, and certainly has heard enough medical stuff to spark an interest. Her spiritual growth has been enormous! You wouldn't believe the things she says and asks... they seem deep for a six year old! Some questions are hard for even an adult to grasp. She has a very sensitive conscience.
Charity says she wants to be a nurse, and Hope says she wants to be a baby. Too cute!
Hope still isn't potty-trained, and Charity is absolutely hilarious in her ways... not sure how to explain Charity... she kind-of reminds me of myself as a child. She seems "dingy" in a very cute sort of way, she has a sort-of hyper-activity, and over-exaggerates her emotions. She can make you nearly laugh and cry in a single moment. She is a bit stubborn and a bit shy, yet if she is comfortable enough, she is very loud... everything is loud... her voice is loud, and she repeats herself over and over to make her point... yep, she's a Sarah child... poor kid.
Hope is a Ron child. I think she is going to drive me nuts. She is into everything. Very busy. Very busy trying to get into trouble and trying to do daring things. What is more thrilling than jumping off furniture, drawing on walls, and getting into the refrigerator or some one's purse at any moment someone isn't watching? She has this passion for the refrigerator... a love to eat. She loves to tell on her sisters and get them in trouble. Actually, she likes to tell on Daddy, too. If he does something she doesn't like, she has told him, "I'm going to go tell Mom!" Help us! These terrible twos!!! She sure is talking just fine now! She is learning alot, too. She finally figured out how to peddle that tricycle! Oh, she really loves sports-like activities... give her a pool and a floater, and she'll dive into the pool, not realizing that the only reason she doesn't drown is because of her floater, and the adults nearby watching this fearless child. Give her a trampoline, a bike, skates, a big swing, a big teeter-totter, a tall play-land, or whatever... she has to have something to conquer, or she just might tear the house down. Now, she does have one fear... BUGS! She will go frantic over the tiniest little bug. And, she fears my "your in trouble, little girl!" mode.
Well, since you likely don't know this... my swallowing problem was FINALLY figured out... yeah! It's eosinophilic esophagitis... cute name, huh? It is an allergic thing. Like asthma, my esophagus closes and causes the choking, and got that heart burn. Now to fix that deal. Stopping drinking coffee was a good step... I haven't had it in WEEKS!!! Tough decision. I really like coffee. Now I have other things to surrender, but it takes commitment and conviction to stick with it. Gotta figure out my allergies, too.
Good news, too, is that my half of a thyroid is working just great! I don't have to go to the thyroid doctor anymore. Yeah! That was a goal of mine this year, to get rid of the nodule I had... well, that was done early this year, and it went really well... I am trying to focus in some on my goals I had for this year... several have been accomplished, but many have not... I set pretty high goals sometimes.
I accidentally stabbed myself a few weeks ago with a screw driver in my gusto of sewing curtains and hanging them. I was adjusting a tension rod with the screwdriver and it slipped and stabbed between my fingers... ouch! Just a small whole, but I needed to get a tetanus shot. That shot was HORRIBLE! My arm was begging for mercy the days following, and I had flu symptoms! Blaaa! But, you know that I got lots of sewing done in the days leading up to that, but that tetanus shot does have a way of taking away the gusto. I got caught up in the burlap fad, and think this is the PERFECT time of the year for burlap... it seems so autumn-ish! It was fun to work with. I am not a perfectionist when it comes to sewing, so I can handle the mistakes I made. I made table covers, a door curtain for Faith's room (she doesn't have a door), and generally, had a blast doing it. Faith picked out material she liked for her bedroom windows, and I sewed simple curtains for her. Very bright colors.
I would love to share pictures with you, but Ron has the camera. Believe it or not, Ron went "hunting"recently, actually it was a lying down in and resting in a camper thing while holding a gun. And, he shot a deer! He couldn't drag it, he has a back situation. So, his friend did that part. Ron took the camera today to get some picts of his prize. Not a buck, but it is meat for our freezer! By the way, he is resting much to allow that back injury to heal. He isn't doing anything strenuous this week. Pray it heals quickly, as he would like to go back to work next week.
Well, now, you are probably longing to hear about Ron's latest report! Well, OSU told him... drum roll, please! ........ You are in clinic remission!!! Oh, yea, and they said, "Go, and live your life!" Spots that were shown on the PET had actually decreased in their intensity... meaning, it appears like things are doing what they ought. Yeah! I still struggle with panic when he gets a new pain, and my emotions are majorly roller-coaster like. So, one moment I am bubbling with excitement, and the next I am dwelling on uncertainties. If you have the book "Streams in the Desert", you SOOO have to read yesterday's devotional! Wow! If you don't have that devotional, save your pennies and get it... then, read October 4th's devotional!
Ron has gotten to preach in quite a few churches these days. Good for him! He has recently gotten a "promotion" in his jail ministry and can go in whenever he wants, I think, and he doesn't have to be behind glass anymore. He now can also hold services there. Yeah!
We are done for a few weeks with Children's Church, while another family in our church does there rotation. It feels strange being upstairs in the main service on Sunday mornings. I kind-of miss those youngsters down-stairs, but it is nice to get a break and be able to brainstorm.
Today, we have a viewing to go to and a funeral tomorrow. A dear lady in our church passed away. She was 91. Margaret Wick will certainly be missed!
Well, now, trying to cram in 40 days worth of words in one post is probably going to bore you stiff. Hopefully, I can get some pics on here soon, so you can SEE what has been going on.