You want pictures... you got it!

I am sorry about some of the pictures being strange and alike... but, they are showing up on the screen as words and codes, and I need to figure out how to change it... yes, Ron, I am sorry about the one of you taking a nap, but I have much to learn about how to fix this issue!

If you all want an update about our family, read the previous post! By the way, I am at the library, using an adapter thingy Ron bought!

Lovin' church

Well, we went to the Heartland Bible Methodist Youth Rally at Franklin on Saturday. It was really nice! So good to see the young people seeking God. Liked the evangelist... after all, he is our very own pastor! Praise God for the victories there.

Then, of course, we went to church both services Sunday, and Ron had the opportunity to preach for the first time since his brain surgery! He told the story of his cancer, and preached beautifully. God really helped him. It was a laugh and cry sort of sermon! His text was Psalm 23. Ron loves to preach!

Yesterday was the beginning of the revival at our church. I must confess that most services I spend much time in the nursery... but, I am sure glad that they have a speaker in there so I can hear while I care for my baby. Hunger seems to strike the babe often. She is big and beautiful, and I can hardly wait to catch you all up on pictures when I get my computer fixed or borrow someone else's. You won't believe how many times I have tried fixing the problem myself or tried to post somewhere else, but alas, all my efforts seem to be in vain!

This week, I have tried to step up to the plate and be a better wife/momma... except yesterday, I took it a bit easy. Monday, I cleaned house like crazy (my house gets messy fast). I was a bit proud of how much I got done! I think it was Friday or Saturday that I got rid of tons of clothes, some old toys, etc., and I wanted it to go to the homeless shelter, but hubby dropped it off at Goodwill instead. Oh, well! My closet is so organized now! Yeah for me! Last night, I started up a meal for today. We had homemade rolls, a venison roast, garlic cheddar mashed potatoes, corn (something Charity can't get enough of!), and Jello salad (I think that is what it is called when you put the fruit cocktail in with the Jello... I think it was the first time I had ever made it and it was yummy). Unfortunately, my rolls weren't as yummy as usual... the yeast and flour were expired, and I usually let it rise twice, but I only did it once this time! Oh, well, it was still good. You have to understand that I have cheated on cooking for a while, and you eventually get tired of leftovers, freezer meals, speghetti, sandwiches, and fast-food. I think my poor family was in need of a fresh homecooked meal! Well, I have been making some cakes, but that is certainly not a meal! Now, I have the clean-up to do!

I bought some neat books for a neat price the other day for my children. One was "A Little Girl After God's Own Heart" by Elisebeth George. I love her books! I also bought some educational books for them... Faith learned yesterday who the first President of the United States was... don't know if she remembers more than the "George" though. I also bought for 50 cents two books that were about a child with a sick parent and the other was about a new baby. Faith enjoyed them. I also got a DVD Bible... Faith is learning Bible stories fast this way... we are very choosy about DVD viewing, but hoped that this would be a good one. Well, the stories are cute, and most of the songs are okay, too, although some were too "rocky." The girls love it. I have been reviewing the Ten Commandments with Faith with hand motions and she is doing well. Her Sunday School class is learning them. I also have been teaching her Abeka's ABC Bible verses... I had quit for a while, so I have been tryin to help her remember them again... She is pretty easy to teach so far. Charity can remember the G verse "God is love."

The girls are suppsed to be taking a nap, and I am struggling to get them to sleep... since we have church tonight, I would like them to be rested up. My children are not fun to be around when they are tired.

Well, I sure do enjoy y'alls comments and thanks for your prayers. Ron is tired and suffering from minor side effects of the chemo... but, over all, he is doing well. Guess when that scan is that will tell us how all is going?! I believe it is on Valentine's Day! It had BETTER be a good report! IF all looks good on this scan, he has a HIGHER chance of cure! PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! He is still talking about preaching and doing missions work in the future and told me the other day that he is far from dying! In fact, he continues to reach out and witness now with much influence with God's strength and help. He goes calling, teaches Sunday School, helps pick up kids for church, helps family who are in trouble, and shouts and runs in church praising God for His faithfulness... no, Ron is VERY much alive! He can hardly wait to get back to work and in the swing of things! Yep, that's my Go-get 'er!

Are You A True Disciple?

First, I thought I would say thanks to the kind friends, Heather and Sarah, who volunteered to come and clean my house today just because they wanted to! They were so kind to do so... My house smells really nice! I do love the smell of cleaners, as some of my friends already know! Thank you for thinking of me!

Had a little review over the lives of Peter and Paul, and some of the other disciples today! I found myself looking into my heart... what a coward and self-centered little person I have become. I see how these faithful ones gave their lives to the painful end for the Gospel of Jesus Christ... It was everything to them to see people come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour... no matter the cost, and I, would I go that far? Oh, that I would look beyond my petty little things here on Earth, and all that tie and bind me here. Christ is returning, and so many people don't know that Jesus Christ came and died so that they may be free from sin... forgiven and free! I hide behind these "polite" curtains and shiver when the thought of testifying to someone in an elevator, bus, or grocery store, comes into mind. What if I offend them? What if they laugh at me? What then? Will I pout and sit in my corner and feel sorry for myself that I tried to rescue them from Hell? Do the Christians today believe in Hell? Then, why are so many of us cosying down as if this world is our home?

Oh, that God would give me a faithful and brave heart!

The battle for me is in my little head... perhaps, that is the great battle for all of us... I get so fearful that somehow Satan will steal away this great Salvation through some wretched thought that randomly pops into mind. But, I often I have felt God say that nothing can separate us from His love, and reassuring me that there is no temptation that others have not also gone through! Jesus didn't go this far to die for me just to abandon me in some trial.

Yes, the Cook family is going through some trials, but through God's grace we ARE pressing on. Without Him, we could not! But, His strength is perfect! We still want to share with others of God's love toward us. I have seen Ron go through this trial of cancer with his ups and downs, but he still finds Jesus Christ to be faithful.

If there so happens to be a reader who does not know Jesus, please don't wait... repent of your sins and come to Him today! You have no promise of tomorrow. God is waiting for you to humble yourself and come to Him. He wants you just the way you are.

I tell my little girls "I love you lots and lots with sugar on top!" They love it, and have begun to tell some of my company when they leave that they love them lots and lots with sugar on top. Today, this is what I wanted to share with you, my readers... Yes, that God LOVES you! And, His love is much sweeter than sugar!

Have a good day in Him!

Youth Event

It was so nice to get to go to the Lock-in last night. We had a nice group come from our church. I was suprised at the over-all turn out. It was really good. Glad to see some of you, my friends, and hope to see more of you next weekend.
The girls seemed to have alot of fun. I have a friend who may be coming to my house on Friday, and she thinks she may be able to fix my picture situation. I am so excited!
Well, it's a busy day today, so I must go! Hope you have a great weekend!

Here we go again!

Well, I sure have been enjoying some special words of love and even correction from the Lord these past couple of months. He kindly reminded me yesterday of how I really wanted my children to obey. I take pleasure in knowing they are well trained, and when they disobey, it hurts and frustrates me. That is how God wants me to look at my relationship with Him. How can I expect my children to live obediently if I don't? You know those little areas of life that we can brush under the rug and say "oh, but that isn't really THAT important, is it?" But, then again, down through the ages, it has been those "little things" that caused big problems. Look at the sin with eating that fruit in the Garden of Eden, or Moses striking the rock, or Isreal's complaining problem, or, well, the list could go on and on. Yep, I want to be completely obedient to Jesus. That is in the attitude of it, as well.

Then, there was last night, I felt comforted in just realizing that no matter what, Jesus is there ready to hold me. People are not always available, you know, when that hug is most needed, they just can't be... but, there is One Who is... you don't even have to tell Him you are hurting inside... He knows, and He understands, for He has hurt more than any of us have. I love the story of Lazarus, for there, I see that when we hurt, He cries. Yep, lot's of love from the One who knows our frames best!

For just a little update...

I went to the OB for my 6 week appointment... and, guess what?! NO, I am not
expecting again, if that was what you were thinking! Ha! No, but we might know what is causing my headaches! My blood pressure was still up! Okay, it is not as high as some people I know have it to go, but I usually have pretty BPs when I am not PG. So, I am gonna give this medicine a try and see if my headaches will cease. That sure would be nice... I also plan to get a bit more in shape, with God's help... I heard sometimes that will fix a blood pressure problem. You, ladies, have any ideas on a good weight loss program that is safe for a mama who is also supplying nutrients to her newborn?

Ron is getting chemo today, and I must hand it to him... when I got back from my appointment today, I found a cleaner house. He likes to help me out before he goes to chemo, just in case he doesn't feel too great afterward... but, usually he is fine, just needs to get some sleep.

Looking forward to seeing some of you at a youth lock-in on Friday... yes, we plan to be there with some of our young people and then again the next week for youth rally. I say PLAN because with three little ones, you never know what could happen between now and then... but, it sure sounds like fun!

Thank you for your continued prayers, cards, letters, and love! May God bless all you, our dear friends, have done! Have a good week!

At home on Sunday Night

Yep! Toddlers get sick way too easy! We knew Faith had a yucky cough yesterday, but we went on with our busy day as though she were fine... I just gave her some medicine and went on. This morning we went to church and even had company over for Sunday lunch, then we took a nap. I was so tired when I awoke, for my baby deprived me of sleep last night, and I am not (pause... I just rescued my one year old from eating toothpaste... don't know how much she ate... well, that is what happens when a mother blogs and decides to ignore her children for a few minutes)... as I was saying, I am not quite recovered. When Faith came to me after naptime, she sounded rough! And, she tends to cry alot when she doesn't feel well! So, I am at home with my children, and Ron is at church. I feel one of those eye/headache things coming on! Oh... I need to go soon... smelling something that needs changed coming from the middle child! Oh, the baby does sleep well... during the day, that is... then at night, she comes alive! If my rambling all runs together, that is how my brain feels right now!

On a cheery note, Faithy went to the altar at church this morning and asked Jesus to come in her heart, and she wants Jesus to sleep with her and she wants angels to sleep with her, too. She is not sure if Jesus came into her heart because she cannot understand how He could be in Heaven and in her heart at the same time. But, she says that she asked Jesus into her heart and now she wants to go to the "castles" (the mansions in Heaven... I called them castles when I was explaining them to her a while back, because she is really into castles right now, and I think she would understand that better than mansions). It was so sweet. I am not sure how much she understands, but I think she knows more about the Bible than your average adult these days... just ask her to tell you some Bible stories or quote Scriptures... She is catching on.

Well, as I said, I do have a diaper to change, so I must go!

Hope you had a good Lord's Day! It was VERY cold here!

I am returning from my blog strike!

So sorry my beloved readers... I am feeling carnal toward my computer for not allowing me to put on my pictures, so I have not updated! I even tried going to the library to update it, but they don't have the spot for my computer disk! Grrr!

Well, here is how Ron is. He says to tell you that he is doing pretty well, just having some minor side effects from the chemo... nothing serious. They plan to do a scan of his body at the end of this month to see how the treatments are working.

Girls are fine now. They were sick... but, beside Faith's complaining about her belly, they seem to be great. Hope went the other day for her one month check up and was already 11lbs 4 oz (with clothes). This puts her in the 90-95th percentile in weight. She LOVES to eat!

I am still suffering with these headache things... does tricks on my vision. Welcome to the world of migraines, is my guess. Not that I have anything to cause a headache :-)

Just wanted to let you know that we are still with it, busy, and pressing on. If ANYONE know how to fix my computer... PLEASE tell me what to do to get my pictures on!

Thanks for your patience.

Happy New Year!

Thanks to Christmas money, we are now proud owners af a real digital camera. Pictures are precious these days, so I feel this was a valuable investment! Now, unfortunately, our computer is giving my a hard time with uploading the pictures, but hopefully this is a temporary problem... will try later to get the picts up. Should be much better quality. Hope is more beautiful than that pict I posted the other day.

I have made some new goals that I feel are important in my spiritual walk for this year, and have found that already old habits are hard to break, but with God we are more than conquerors, and I am excited about what this new year holds... although, I know the road will not be easy. I am looking forward to seeing my husband restored, and these new found migraines (?) I am experiencing to soon disappear. No, I am not a health and wealth believer... just hopeful and being more prayerful! May God's will be done!

The new baby has brought me great amounts of joy! She is just fanastic to me, but I do miss some of my sleep. I go to bed extremely late and wake up really late these days, but I think most new mothers suffer this phenomona. Hope was a perfect name for her! I find my older ones being SUPER ACTIVE these days, and wish my energy could keep up... oh, but they are cute.

Faith says that everything that is cute to her is "adorabous". I think it is a combo of adorable and gorgeous. She got up in the night last night and told me she was afraid, and I told her that she need not to be afraid, that Mommy and Daddy and Jesus are here. She wanted to know if Jesus would sleep with her, and I told her that He would. We prayed together and she went back to bed and slept well.

Charity copies Faith in many things. One of Charity's favorite things to do right now is to throw away trash... so she throws away diapers for me... I love it!

Ron has chemo again this Friday. He actually has been getting involved in the bus ministry again... He also has been going calling some, and even teaching some in church again! I am very glad, because that is my Ron I know... He just keeps pressing on with God's help. Thank you all for praying for him.

Merry Christmas from the Cook Family

Please excuse the quality of my pictures... my camera is not a regular digital camara. The lighting was terrible, but we tried to dress alike for the Sunday morning service.
By the way, I don't recommend doing all the work that I have done the past few days to those who just had a baby. But, it does give me a sense of normality right now, which I felt the need for. I have had some pain because I get a little carried away. Overall, I am doing great though.
The baby is doing well, and the children are enjoying their presents.

Thank you, dear churches, families, and friends!

Well, we got a downpour of a Christmas blessing from a kind church yesterday. Thank you to all who gave in that! I don't know really what to say, but I think I shall not run out of diapers for a very long time. Thank you to all those churches who have loved, given, and prayed for our family during this difficult time.

I really want to thank our church (Wesleyan Evangelistic Church), too, for they shower prayer, friendship, and listening ears, and they are walking through this with us... and, then, wow, all the many other churches praying for us... it just makes me want to cry and makes me so glad to be a part of the great family of God. Thank you, everyone for your notes, phone calls, etc., for they do cheer me so. By the way, I think Ron is saving those cards you are sending, for when he feels down, he can go back and read them again.

Mega-thanks to his parents! They've taxi driven us, cleaned our house, baby-sat, and did basically whatever we needed them to do the past couple of weeks.

We did enjoy the visit today from Ron's boss. Wow! Loved the card with all those signatures and notes. Thanks for all! I must say that I am verythankful for the job Ron had, because his insurance and catastrofic sick-leave is going to help us out majorly! We received a bill for $10 and some cents, and the rest of the bill was being paid by insurance and benefits... it was going to be 40 some thousand dollars so far. I know not everyone has insurance, and my heart does go out to you, because medical bills are huge these days! I think this will help me to pray harder for my dear friends who are in this situation. I don't know if we will always have these benefits either, so I am thankful for what we have now!

Today, Ron had his second chemo treatment. He really does well with them so far... mostly it saps his energy. But, really, I am impressed at how well he is.

I feel tons better today. I was having tremendous pains, but today I have felt worlds better, and even tried my first shopping trip with three little ones... It was an adventure to say the least, and I only bought five things! I worked on organizing my kitchen today, and did some other cleaning, as well. It feels good to have my energy back! Actually, I almost feel like staying up half the night doing more work... sounds crazy for somone who just had a baby 8 days ago, huh? You just have to understand that I went to church the day after I had Faith, and went IHC 6 days after I had Charity... really, I love church and God's people. I LOVE camp, revivals, etc., but do find ia little more difficult to hear a whole sermon these days. I am sure all those Mamas out there know what I mean. Anyway, I don't like to be down for long, so I praise God for the renewed energy.

Do keep in touch, and may ya'll have a very Merry Christmas!

More from the Cook house

Ron and his girls





Well, I am so sorry that there seems to have been a miscommunication on the baby's picture, so you will have to settle for my home pictures.

Much has happened the past few days. Hope went to church for the first time Sunday evening. What a cold day to venture out!

Ron got a port put in today for his chemo, so that they won't have to keep poking him. He was having problems with blood clots, and he had an infection under his arm which is being treated with antibiotics, so hopefully this port will spare him of such problems in the future.

A dear church in the Cincinnati area, Kenwood Bible Methodist Church, has a youth group who decided to buy gifts for our family for Christmas... it was really sweet of John and Mary (the youth pastors) to stop by and deliver those yesterday. The girls had so much fun. Charity was horrified at one of her gifts at first... it was a dancing, Spanish-singing monkey. She just stood there saying, "I don't want it" over and over. We laughed so hard! Then, when she saw how much Faithy loved it, she decided she liked it too. Now, I think the thing might drive me crazy! The gifts were all so very nice... hope you enjoy the photos of last nights Christmas celebration! I heard another church has such things up their sleeve as well! Wow! I think I shall be in shock after this Christmas. Everyone has been so kind!

Besides feeling like someone beat me up, I am doing fine. Really, though, I am recovering pretty well, and I am so happy to have my little one here. By the way, never change your baby's diaper near a computer... my baby, well... let's just say my keyboard got a good cleaning today! Never saw that one coming! Ha!

A sweet moment took place here the other day when Faith and Charity decided to "have devotions" together and took turns "reading" their Bibles... copying what we do in Family Devotions. It was worth it all to see them "read" and pray together. Warmed this mama's heart!

Hope you enjoyed the pictures! Good night and God bless!

Welcome! Hope Christiana Cook

She arrived at almost 2:30pm on Thursday, December 13, 2007. I was induced 2 1/2 weeks before my due date given by ultrasound. There was a little scare at the end before she was delivered as the baby's heartrate dropped due to an umbilical cord being wrapped around her little body, but God helped it her to come before a c-section was necessary. Praise God! She weighed in at 8 lbs 1 oz... so, her weight was actually considered large for gestational age... so, the poor girl kept getting poked and checked for sugar problems. Her length was 20 1/4 inches. She is fine, and gorgeous! She seems so tiny to me and fragile. I wish they would stay small for a little longer sometimes. She loves eating, sleeping, and being held (sounds like many adults). I think she resembles her daddy most. Her hospital photo should be available within the next couple of days on www.GrowingFamily.com
Feel free to check it out!
Faith and Charity are so excited about her. The day before I went into the hospital, Faith fell into the coffee table, and we spent much of that Tuesday at Children's Hospital... it took many hours of waiting to get done something that only takes a few minutes. They glued her eyelid instead of stitching it in hopes that it would be a smaller scar. Don't worry, it wasn't that big of a cut... she is a little bruised though! I know it sounds like we love hospitals right now, but, really I would like to take a break from the action!
Ron has been a great help to me today... I even got a nap when I got home... I think I shall get more rest here than the hospital! It is good to be home!
Enjoy the snow! (All those who live near) It sounds like we will have plenty! By the way, my OB/GYN was in a minor accident today because of the weather when she was trying to get to the hospital to see me! Brave lady!
I am recovering pretty well. We thank you all for your prayers.

Recent Family Photos (sorry about the quality)

There you've got it! New pictures at last. Some of them are pictures of pictures... so the quality it not good. I have some pictures of one of the last children's church services we did together, but I will plan to share those later, as I think this is alot for today, and my computer is having personality issues in the picture download area. Ron does wear a hat often right now since he still has alot of stitches. He did start chemo Friday, but they may have to be more aggressive, we'll see. Thanks for praying! Notice the picture of me and my hugeness... Soon, very soon, I shall see the gift inside! I had to put the picture of Charity in the basket. That is the basket that is for dress up clothes (something Faithy loves to do), but, Charity found another use for it. The real picture of the girls with the Christmas tree is much cuter, but Faith sometimes makes faces for the camera and she looks silly. They are too funny.

Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Be Still My Soul
Words: Katharina von Schlegel
Music: Jean Sibelius

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul; thy God doth doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright as last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and wind still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul; the hour is hast'ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

I'm sure there's a reason...

An overnighter at the hospital... unsuccessful! I expected to come home with a bundle of joy, and instead... well, baby is still tucked away!
They had thought that the baby was under distress yesterday, and sent me off quickly from the doctor's office to the hospital to be induced... well, baby seems okay, and I just got an overnighter and false promises at a hospital... I am sure there is a purpose behind this... just am waiting to find it out.

They say they love me...

It was a sweet thing that Faithy said to me the other day... She said that I was the best! She made my day! Both of the girls now say "I love you" to me, and I just eat it up, of course. Then, Faith looked outside yesterday at the snow and was talking about it, then finally said "This is the best day ever!" So cute! Not sure if everyone felt as happy as she about the snow, but she thought it was great! Just thought I would share a proud moment with you!
Then, she decided last night to tell our pastor's wife that our house was a "disaster" and about her toys, etc... she went on and on about it... kids can be too open and honest sometimes! They make me laugh! Would love to hear some of your kids' sayings, etc. Have a good one!

Good News

Hey, Faith did fantastic playing the bells on Saturday and Sunday. I promised her a whole piece of gum each night if she did well. She played with great enthusiasism. Sorry if you missed it! She was the shortest child up there, although one girl was actually six weeks younger than her. It was so adorable!

I have been able to spend more time with the girls lately, and I am glad, because, well, they are great! Not to say they always behave, but there sure have been some funny moments the last few days. Today, they danced to some kid's songs and it was so funny, I just sat there and watched... would not have wanted to miss that for the world! You would have had to have been there. Then, the other day, while I was on the phone with a dear friend, Faith decided to use Daddy's guitar case as a slide, and I promptly stopped that activity... thought she might ruin it. Charity has been talking in whole sentences!!! She has been shocking me at what she can say!

Ron is almost done with the radiation treatments! Yeah for him! Second step almost done! With the surgery and radiation done, he will have the chemo to face, and we've heard good things about the effectiveness of chemo on Hodgkins. By the way, he starts that on Friday this week! He may only need to go in once every other week for that. It takes about four hours to do. I am glad that it is not an every day thing like radiation is. So is he!

Hey, don't be too surprised to see a welcome to the world post soon for the baby! I think it will be VERY soon! Yeah! I am looking forward to holding her in my arms!

Ron had a special day today. When he woke up, he arose to a fairly clean home, lots of clean laundry, and a love letter from yours truly. Okay, it really is amazing what one can get done when all of the house is sleeping! Another cool thing we got to do today is go out calling. This is Ron's heartbeat!!! He had such a great time! I wasn't able to get out of the car with him, because I had the children with me, but I sure had fun knowing that I was able to help him be a blessing. The people were even more responsive than usual, because they had been told about his illness. Amazing how all things do work together for good!

Thanks for all your prayers and notes!!! Have a good night!

Busy... busy...

That about explains it all these days. Guess I ought to tell you what they found out about Ron's bones... I guess the cancer is on the bones... but, it is not deep into them... not in the marrow either. However, this does put him at stage 4. He finishes the radiation Thursday, and is scheduled to start chemo the following Monday. He is doing well, all things considered.

We are having a bout of sickness here agian with the children, who seem to love to bring home any bug out there... not good for my hubby since his immune system is down. Please, pray that he will not catch whatever it is the girls have.

My girls have huge amounts of energy these days, and can tare through a clean house in a matter of moments, leaving it looking as if no work had ever been done. Actually, I wonder what their motive is for being so destructive!

Tonight, our church is having a Christmas play,and Faithy is supposed to play the bells. I sure hope she cooperates this time. Bless her heart, she has been having a bit of a struggle these days.

Well, I must go and get ready for tonight! Have a great and relaxing weekend! He He

Come, Baby, Come!

Would love to hear from you, mamas, what tricks you have used to try to get your baby to quickly arrive. Oh, the tricks I have tried! Faithy would not come for anything... even for the doctor when they tried to induce me. With her, I tried hurrying up and down my church's stairs, doing jumping jacks, and a few other things to bring on labor... for I had high BP with her, as well, and I was HUGE! She just would not come! Not until she was 9lbs 8 ozs anyway! Then, with Charity, the induction worked... High BP again... but, the three week early baby did not look like a three week early baby... 8lbs 0.2oz. Now, I am 35 1/2 weeks, and I am sure my baby is the size of most "normal" sized babies... and, I can hardly wait! So guess what I have been doing... well, in just the past few days I have put up Christmas decorations, cleaned house like a mad woman, raked "mountains" of leaves, brought up baby clothes from the basement, took my children for an outing, lifted my children in and out of the van numerous times, ran lots of errands, washed tons of laundry, went to church each time the doors were opened, went to lots of doctor's appointments, etc... but, baby is still safely tucked away in her nest. Oh, how much bigger can I get?
Oh, by the way, for those who enjoy free or cheap outings, this is what I did with my gals. After going to my doctor's appointment with me, which turned out to be a little wild, we went to BK playland... I spent five something and fed both girls and me, then we went to the pet store and let the girls look at the animals (they loved this!), then, we went to the library (okay, that was not as fun... they were not very library-behaved). It has been interesting these days! Gotta have fun!

Catching up on the news

We had some good church services today... several of Ron's family members came, and that was very encouraging.

He has begun treatments, and we are looking forward to recovery.

He has been able to witness to alot of people through this, and we thank God that "all things do work together for good..."

Please keep praying for us, it means so much... so do those visits and cards!

Hope to have some new photos soon.

Off we start...

Well, we went to Ron's parents for Thanksgiving, and had a really nice time! They have been a BIG help to us these days!

Ron started radiation today. He is to have ten treatments, then start chemo if all
goes as planned.

Something neat in all this is that several family members told Ron that they will be at church Sunday morning... aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, etc... Wow! All things do work together for good! The group may take up several pews! That is so wonderful! Some of his family already attend church, but MANY, perhaps most of this croud does not. This will be a special Sunday morning to Ron as he has prayed for these loved ones for so long! Please pray that God's presence will be so near!

I began decorating for Christmas this afternoon. It was kin-of fun, but the girls kept wanting to eat the candy canes off the tree, so I had to adjust my decorating as to spare my children from enormous temptation.


Anyway, I sure hope everyone is doing well! I sure do appreciate all the cards, calls, and love that has been sent our way. But, nothing compares to the power of prayer. Just tonight, Sister Ada Hobbs called and prayed with Ron over the phone, and he was deeply touched. I tried to pray silently where I was, but it was a little difficult because of a couple of little people in my house, but I felt so much calm and peace in that time... So, for those who aren't able to come and do things in person, please don't feel bad, just please pray... it is the most powerful thing you can do anyway!

By the way, here's a mom story for you. Okay, I have been feeling deeply disconnected with my children, and I long for that family bonding again... but, anyway, I tried to do fun things with my kids this afternoon... but, it turned out to be a very interesting time. Earlier, while I was "trying to catch a nap" (Ha!), I had to get up because I couldn't sleep. I came into the dining room, just to discover that there were major drawings with marker on dining room carpet... Aaaaugh! So the three year old artist got in trouble, and Mommy scrubs carpet. Fortunately, the markers were washable! Later, THE SAME ARTIST was using water colors, and Mommy warned her to be sure she only painted in the coloring book on the children's picnic table. Later she calls me into the kitchen to show me what she had been doing... Guess what is was... yep, the artist had decided to paint the wall! I was dying... this time, the artist received a painful lesson to obey, and not to paint, draw, etc., on anything but paper. I hope she remember that "lesson" for future reference. Fortunately, she had painted on the part of the wall that has slick paint, and it came off. I am glad the clean-up was successful today, or I would have alot to explain to my landlord! What a day!

Well, guess I had better try to catch some Zs while I can breathe! Good night!

When the Music Fades...

Wednesday morning we went to find out the results of the PET scan and bone marrow biopsy. The bone marrow was clear... Praise God! His organs seem clear, but, here's some new info. There are "spots" showing up on several bones, and they are needing to do further investigation to confirm cancer on the bones.

As far as baby and me, my doctor did an ultrasound the other day, and says the baby is already almost 6 lbs... if you know my history... I had a 9 1/2 lb baby, was induced 3 weeks early with my second, and she was already 8 lbs... then, the doctor suspects this one will be larger! Aaaugh! She put me on BP medication, because I don't seem to be getting better with all that is going on. She may induce me again 3 weeks early! I don't much mind... I am getting weary of being so huge anyway!

My children got shots Tuesday. I made sure they got their flu shots before Ron began chemo, because he will be in great danger around sick little ones. We are big into disinfecting around here now as you could imagine.

God has blessed us with so very much, and I know that no matter what happens, that God is still good.

Thank you for praying.
Sarah

HE'S HOME!

Praise God, Ron is home! I can't tell you how good it is to have him here!

Everyone has been so kind... doctors, friends, nurses, churches, etc. God has been very good to us. Thank you loved ones for all your prayers and support.

In case you want to know something about the baby as well. I can hardly breathe! I feel very great with child, and I have had some swelling, and I suspect this is another one of my large babies! The children are fine, and it is nice to be at home as a family. It is still probably going to be rather chaotic, with the possibility of chemo beginning next week. I have alot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, as God has spared my husband this far, and we will have three beautiful children really soon.

Thanks again for everything.
Sarah

For When I am Weak, then I am Strong

Ron sat up for quite a while yesterday. He even ate two good meals! He was strong throughout the day... as much as a brain surgery/ cancer patient can be. But, after the oncologist came and talked with us, he was ready to sleep. I haven't seen him since, but I plan to be there early this morning. I am like his aid, I suppose. I learned something interesting yesterday about shaving men's faces... use a good razor... and, please don't use cold water! My hubby is teaching me! Today he should be able to do that all by himself. I imagine they will have him up and walking today. They talk as though he should come home this week. Yeah! I miss him so much!

Good news

The brain surgery went well. They said the tumor was also Hodgkins lymphoma, and the surgeon said the plans looks like chemotherapy and radiation. Ron is talking non-stop, and so they are wanting to limit visitors, because he needs rest. You wouldn't believe how much he keeps talking to anyone and everyone! It is a little funny. He looks quite good, all things considered. I shall miss him tonight. The doctors are very hopeful on him. Praise God!

Allow me to indulge in a few picts of my hubby...

before the bald head. Actually, he is still cute without his hair!

Okay, I know you have seen most of these in previous posts, but I don't have much more saved on my disk yet. He might shoot me for the shaving one. He he! Do keep praying!

There Will Be No Dark Valleys When Jesus Comes

That secret prayer request mentioned in previous posts: My husband... test results... not good. Brace yourself! My husband has been diagnosed with lymphoma (I believe they said Hodgkins)... yes, cancer. He also has a tumor lying under his brain as well, and will need brain surgery (biopsy) this Sunday, unless a miracle take place. I know this is blunt, and rather overwhelming to those reading, but, I am not sure that there is an easy way to tell you. We are sad and broken. Pray for Ron... he was hoping it was just an infection, and we cried together when the news was broken to us. Pray for the girls, they don't understand what is happening, naturally, but they know that Mimi has been around alot lately to take care of them. Please pray for all our family... his parents, etc, as this is a difficult time. May the Lord's will be done. I love my husband VERY much, as he is also my best friend.

Just so you know

I hope people out there are not thinking that I have a nasty germ infested house. I have bleached toys, disinfected many doorknobs, bleached this and that until my husband sometimes has trouble breathing in his own home due to all the disinfectants and bleaches. Then, I also boiled tooth brushes, etc. Poor Ron... I melted his... oops! Just wanted to let you know before you think I have some nasty house or something, since it does seem plagued with illnesses of late. I have not escaped the germs... I have a cold that hurts my ears and throat and is leaving me drained of the normal energy. I suppose this too shall pass. Charity is being very difficult the past couple of days... she sometimes screams and cries inconsolably... I am looking forward to being back to normal here!

The Good and the Bad

Charity is my next croup victim, but she is getting steroids and breathing treatments from home. Yep, things are wild here... So keep praying!