The TIME has COME to LAUGH!!! Read to the END!

Friends are welcome here.

Helpin' Daddy.

This ;ittle girl likes to snag Mommy's coffee.

Skating practice.

We found out out fantastic news today at OSU James Cancer Hospital. Ron is doing GREAT! His counts are "perfect", his CT scan of his chest were indeed good news... stable, and they have taken away his Prednisone, and are planning to take away several other meds in the very near future! They said one of his counts, I think it was the red blood cell count, is like a 18 year old young man! They are very pleased! We are, too! Next month, he will likely have a restaging PET scan... pray it is still stable and good! We are looking forward to that beautiful word... REMISSION some day! Thank you, GOD! I am so happy I actually got to go with him to his appointment... a rare treat!

A non-middle of the night post

Well, you may write those mean comments if you'd like now. I really like coffee... and, not sure I want to express my promises on-line anymore. Um, maybe that was a mean comment earlier... not sure, since I cannot read Chinese! I can say a few words, but that is about it.
My hubby preached well last night at our church. I saw my thyriod surgion yesterday, and I guess I don't need to see him anymore... that is good news. I lost my wallet without knowing about it at the bathroom there (tending to a three year old has a way of distracting one), and an angel must have been looking out for it, because someone returned it to the correct office where I found it! Amazing! It is a large building!
I visited Ron's parents and siblings yesterday, and his mom served a fantastic brunch. Her eggs looked perfect, and she makes delicious fried potatoes! I actually surprised his parents by showing up, but hopefully they enjoyed visiting with the kiddos.
I had Faith watch several UTube videos of children loosing a tooth, since her day is nearing soon... It is not yet twistable, so it needs worked on some more. It seems like it is taking forever to get to THE POINT of no return. I actually looked up tooth pulling on-line, cause I don't believe I have ever pulled someone else's tooth, and wasn't sure I knew what to do.
Faith is at the moment doing what little children ought not, and roller blading in the house... maybe that is a sign we need to get outside today. I am not, at the moment, wanting to do school. Her piano lesson was cancelled for today, so that is not on the schedule. She was just singing the song on my blog, but she was saying, "If My people will crumble themselves, crumble themselves...". Would that work? I feel "crumbled" sometimes. Hmmm.
I enjoyed devotions this morning, and snuggling and cuddling middle child who was an early riser this morning. I scratched her head, rubbed her little face, and snuggled her right to sleep. I fell back to sleep, as well. I don't look at that as time wasted, I still remember people who scratched my back as a child. It would relax me and make me feeled loved. Charity seemed to relax and melt just as I would have.
I am afraid these days will pass too soon. I want these days too count... not just worrying that I will never conqueor a coffee habit... though that isn't a bad thing to do. I have eaten healthy today, so I am not ashamed of that.
Well, now the girls are in the the bathtub together having a bubble bath with their dolls, so I need to go make sure that they aren't soaking the floor. I am multi-tasked... I can blog and start baths or change diapers while on the phone and clean house while home-schooling... I have to do that... it's a young mama's life. Have a good one!

Ramdom recent ramblings

The girls are in the living room jumping on a mattress Ron picked up for Hope yesterday (it's used,but looks good to me). They did this last night as well, and their wonderful laughter rang throughout the house. Their laughter caught me, and although my emotions have been TERRIBLE of late, I had to laugh! It was about the most beautiful sound I have ever heard. I wish it could last forever! They would fall and "get hurt," but after I didn't make a big deal over the "boo-boos", they just back to it.
It was just about as fun as when they played at a park and slid on a tiny strip of ice over and over and flopped in the mud the other day. It was hilarious! They were extremely dirty. As we walked home, Faith looked down at her muddy clothes and said, "I look like the Prodigal Son." What funny little people! It was a rare mud day, as I typically do not allow them to get that dirty! It was so nice outside, that I couldn't help myself... mud, or no mud!
I want a cup of coffee so badly right now, and I might actually allow myself to have one. I have gone DAYS without it, and I am proud of myself. I haven't done well with some other areas. Maybe one or two coffees a week would not be as bad. I now don't have to have it everyday... that is very nice.
Faith is changing Hope's pull-up, Charity just handed me some tissues, and the girls picked out their own clothes today. It is nice that they are getting old enough to help out. They even sometimes help Hope go to her little potty. They like to try to help do Mommy's chores... which sometimes is more work for me, but other times, it really does help.
Faith now can read using short and long vowel sounds, and count to 100 by 1s, 5s, and 10s. She can do simple addition, write in cursive (fairly well... got to work on little f, and some of the capital letters some more), is done with Social Studies for the year, and tries to write sentences when she is playing. She is working on some consonant blends, and on some problems like 3+_=7. The other day, she looked at a McDonald's sign, and said something like, "Look, there are only two vowels in that word, and lots of consonants!" I was shocked! I had no idea she even thought like that!
We got next years school work in the mail yesterday, and Charity wanted to start on her preschool stuff right away. I am not sure if I am ready for that, little Charity. This little girl is EXTREMELY excited about school!!! You would think SCHOOL was a party or something the way she squeals about it! She will likely start piano next year, as well, after she learns to recognize more letters.
Hope is trying to act like a little boss! She is hysterically funny. She has been climbing in bed at night with me and Ron fairly often lately. She is a wiggler! If I had to choose any child to sleep with, it would probably be Charity. She is tiny, and can lay very still, but instead I keep getting the wiggler! She somehow got her lip split the other night... it looked awful, and her face was broken out... she seems to have some real allergy problems... poor kid! If you saw her on Sunday, you would have seen how pitiful she looks. I think it is more than milk, because I took away milk the other day, and she broke out again. I think it could be peanuts, too. We'll see. I am going to test it out, since that is something she had the day she broke out again.
Ron is busy these days. He always has something he wants to do... or, me to do! He's back! I get overwhelmed easily these days... I think that maybe I have some trauma from all the drama. I am making strange promises like no coffee, no late night computer, I will do this, and I won't do that... then, I have trouble remember that I made that promise and why. My mind wonders all the time. My emotions sail up and down. It is getting annoying! I miss having close friends and family to visit me. I miss doing ministry outside my home. I can hardly wait until it is nice enough to go outside everyday. Whoa! I think this is properly called "cabin fever" when one needs to break free from the winter's hibernation and constant drag... when one can get out of the house and think about more than toys on the floor, laundry, and cancer. Fresh air... little kids laughter... a chat with an adult at a park... and planting flowers... oh, I can't wait!!! I am supposed to start teaching Children's Church again in the beginning of April... I am so happy about that! I love teaching Children's Church, but have not been able to do it since before Ron's last transplant.
It would be nice, in my opinion, to have a Christian support group for cancer patients and their caregivers and families. They have support groups at hospitals and through cancer organizations, but why not Christian groups? Knowing Christ changes much about your outlook on this disease. How does one get started in getting one going? Anyone know? Maybe there already is one. I volunteer for a certain organization doing mailings for fund-raising, but it is not specifically Christian. Any thoughts?
Well, in the meantime, if I seem a bit off-tract, bear with me, God is going to pull me through. He will pull US through. I am not giving up. I can't guarantee I will be a de-caff woman, skinny, beautiful when all is said and done, but the sun will shine again, and I will laugh again!

Checking this out

If there is any reason why I shouldn't post this songlist... like it not being legal or something... please tell me... I am pretty niave, but I figured out how to do this through a playlist website. Otherwise, I really like these songs. Hope you enjoy!

Starting a new week...

Had a pretty fun weekend! I actually have not had any coffee since Thursday night... no caffeinated soda, and no caffeinated medication... applause, anyone? I have had way too much chocolate, though. I will get on that issue, too, but I decided not to get rid of everything at once. Just to make things clear... this does not mean I will never drink a cup of coffee again... I love coffee drinks, but simply means that I refuse to be addicted to it again. My poor kids had to be with Mommy during her cranky, headachy times this weekend, but I am feeling better... yeah!
Went to a tea party Saturday... that was really fun. It was for Sister Manley's birthday party. It was fun wearing a hat... I could get used to that... maybe. Sister Manley and her daughter were beautiful! What a nice time!
Sorry, no picts tonight. I am not staying up all night on the computer anymore, either, unless it is vital.
Love to all... goodnight!

Sailing life seas...

I know... two posts in one night... it's just a two-post night, okay?!

This is an old photo of Ron, his dad, and Faith in our canoe. I had thought about posting some reflection photos of the past couple of years, but it would be rather emotional and Ron does not look well in some of them... but, not bad. Instead, I thought I might just tell you about something that touched me recently. It is a bit strange, really, but my girls were watching Veggie Tales' Easter Carol, and you know the part where "Hope" is singing her song in the church about the Hope of Easter? (Yes, I get touched by children's videos, music, and books... I can't help myself.) If you are not into watching videos, you have to at least hear the song sometime. "Death will never be the end." This world is not IT... not even a grain of sand in measure to what is to come... that is, if we are in Christ. How comforting! Indeed, how wonderful! Indeed, how victorious! Cancer need NEVER win! Not really win! Unless we give into sin and turn our backs on God and let it win. Either way, dying or living, it's not the end. Do you believe that? So, I turn my heart from sadness, and say, "Rejoice!" for if Ron cured... I get to keep him beside me here hand in hand for longer... if not, Jesus Christ has conqueored the grave, and I will trust and obey the Lord so I can join him when my day comes, too.
If you are wondering about all the sentimental posts tonight, well, I am just sentimental tonight. It is the middle of the night, and I think I am entitled to being sentimental at this time... and, I have had alot on my mind lately. Ron is NOT sick or having any new symptoms this week, in case that is what you wondering. He hasn't had to go to the doctor, he's gone to work everyday, went out to eat with me and gone shopping with me, did a jail visit, and is as busy as a perfectly healthy guy... so don't you worry about that... I have just been thinking too much, okay. You watch a Veggie Tales video, and see if you don't get moved to compassion... HA!!!
I better go to sleep before I go insane. Goodnight... it is almost 4 AM!

I double dare you to try this with me!

Okay, fellow coffee and chocolate lovers (and, you soda drinkers, too!)... are you brave? Are you willing? Are you stronger than your addiction? Who will join arms with me and declare "I shall be free!"?
Okay, I sound weird, but I am addicted, and when I don't have it, well... it is really hard. Sometimes I even have caffeinated medicines... that is how much I feel I need it to get things done... to feel motivated. I think it has even made me very ill when I have overdone it... but, I am stuck... NO... I SHALL BE UNSTUCK! I SHALL BE FREE! I SHALL SURRENDER MY DAILY HAZELNUT ICED COFFEE FROM MCDONALD'S THAT CONTAINS AN UNREASONABLE AMOUNT OF CALORIES! I shall report to you my victory over this stronghold in one week... if I don't keep my word, write me mean comments, okay! HA!
I have a hiatal hernia, by the way, that is really hurting these days because of my obesity and additions to harmful habits like caffeine. It burns like crazy! I have other symptoms, too. I refuse to destroy this body God gave me anymore! I am tired of the fat. I am tired of burning. I am tired of the heart flutters. I am tired of being nauseated, belching... (okay, that was more than you wanted to know), and feeling like I am going to throw up. I am tired of being tired! I AM DECLARING WAR on Satan's attempt to make me miserable! Just because my family has gone through very difficult and sometimes depressing moments, does not give me a pass to indulge in whatever I want. I may not know the future... I may feel confused... I may feel that life just doesn't make sense... I may not feel like shouting... BUT THIS thing I have learned... if I went on feelings, I wouldn't even be alive right now. Feelings cannot be trusted. So, if God will help me, I want to surrender my body to Him. It's all Yours, Lord! Goodbye, hazelnut iced coffee! (I feel this strange urge to cry and mourn... I really do ;-) )
I know this is a weird sounding post... but, bare with me... when it was discovered that my husband was in the late stages of cancer and was loaded with the stuff, it did something to me... I kind-of got careless about some "little things" like eating, etc. If you have never been there, well, it is hard to explain. I think I will actually write about it... someday. Most people don't stare widowhood in the face when they are in their twenties, unless their husband is in war or something, so trying to explain how I got addicted to caffeine and got fat so fast is kind-of difficult. But, NO MORE!
SO, if you want to join me on my protesting against Satan's sneaking scheme of getting us chained to something... let's go!

The fake anti-virus

Let me tell you... what ever you do, do NOT accept or purchase anything from this thing that might come to your computer... it is called "Personal Security" and it is terrible. It annoyed me so much that I actually was tempted to purchase their package to get free from the screens that kept popping up. Yes, Kira, I almost did it, too. My sister, Rachel, ran the same program and messed up her computer, but I called her and walked her through the steps to restore her system. I couldn't restore mine the normal route I had before... I had to do it in a different way than usual. If you know someone who has this virus, tell them before they junk the computer that they likely can restore it. They will likely not be able to read my blog or do anything much with their whole computer until they restore it.
1. They need to shut down their computer the wrong way... just turn it off.
2. Then, when they turn it back on and the black screen comes on, asking if they want it to come on normally or in a safe mode, you must choose a safe mode. Then, you must go through the steps to restore the system. If it doesn't just pop up offering you to do so, you can do it manually. It is not hard to do. It will restore it to a date that you made the change or upload. You might loose whatever you have done between now and that date you made the mistake of responding to that anti-virus warning. I won't promise your computer won't have some little issues, but mine is back up and running quite well, with few very small issues. Make sure that if you are offered to delete your Internet, that you don't do that, unless you really don't want Internet anymore. You might get that option. Be patient as it restores, as it can take several minutes to complete. Restoring a system is, I believe, found through the control panel, then in maintenance. You can choose a restore point sometimes, but going to the dates they offer, I think is a fine route. Rachel's computer works again, too. Best to just avoid the whole situation and just ignore the virus so you won't have to do all this, but if it is too late, just do the steps above, it should work again. I don't know what to tell those who actually purchase from this website, but I would quickly report it! Who knows what they will do to your accounts or with your personal information!?!
Just thought I would give help to the crying friends out there who are in this situation. I don't charge for my computer services :-) God is the One you'll want to pay, 'cause He's my Friend Who teaches me how to repair computer problems and other sticky situations.

If you lack wisdom...

Well, I am just excited! We had a pretty serious computer problem that was greatly distressing me. I was afraid it was just ruined, really. I prayed. I had the girls pray. I was beside myself trying to figure out how to fix the problem. I tried so hard, but it seemed the more I tried the worse it got. You know computers are not cheap and we use ours very often. It is how we often research subjects, check up on friends, it helps in some ministries, it's generally how we view a video, type up documents, update my blog, order school materials, etc, and sometimes we use it to listen to music and church services... so, I was sooo upset when it seemed destroyed. I called Ron and told him that we might have to take it to a computer shop. Sigh. That couldn't be cheap to do. I am happy to tell you, however, that it was not necessary. God answered our prayers, and led me through some interesting steps and my system is restored and working very well. God knows how to fix complicated computer problems! Just for you to know... be verrry careful about downloading a file you are not familiar with... it can make life miserable on your computer... that is how this all started. It looked like a security system that said I had all these threats, so I thought I had better check it out. Instead, it did terrible things on my computer.
Another thing I got done today is ordering next year's school work for the children... Faith will be in first grade and Charity in K4. I was happy about the price of the materials, but the shipping costs was rather shocking... guess it is mound of books. I decided to go ahead and do A Beka Book again, and do the Bob Jones Catechism I already have for an additional Bible teaching. Compared to sending my children to private school, this is a very good price!!! I mean, even if they went to a public school, they would need money for this and that, and for less than $500 (including tax, shipping, and handling), both of my girls have their school stuff ordered for the whole year... of course, there was some stuff I didn't need to purchase since Faith had them for Charity... yeah, for the tax return! The girls are set for a Christian home education for another year. Now, Mommy will have her work cut out! Why is it that I had nearly 20 kids in a class back when I helped in a Christian school in NM, and it is seems harder to teach my own kids... is that strange or what? Maybe cause I was used to the Upper Learning Center in an ACE school, where most kids already can read and can manage without having help every 5 minutes. Oh, well, it is worth it.
Well, another upate is that my sister's wedding has been moved closer... try July 31st, I think... ohhhh, I have some pounds to loose if I don't want to look like a whale in her wedding! It has been a while since I tried to wear "fancy" clothes... motherhood kind-a takes that desire out of you quickly... too risky, and jean skirts hide kid prints better than the pretties do.
Well, maybe I will do pictures another time... I need to get moving!

The UPDATE

Thought the creek was really pretty.

Hope enjoyed the outdoors.

Mommy and Faithy.

Wearing Daddy's hat.

I loved seeing the countryside.

Loved this bridge!

Charity was a bit afraid of it at first.

So cold, and so fun.

Faith cried and cried when it was time to leave.

You have to watch this 2 year old... I think she would just about run into that icy water if someone wasn't watching.

MY MAN! He sooo enjoyed himself, he even cried because he was so happy. That is what I love about him! He loves doing this kind of thing with his family.

He would have loved to stay longer, too!

I am thinking "brrrrrr! How could you want to just sit in that snow?!"

This little tot looks sooo much like her Daddy.

The old Cookmobile.

Trees and snow... isn't it beautiful?!

My hair was wet here... brrrr! And, a wreck.

The icy lake.

Well, I did say I would give you all an update, so here it is...

1. First of all, I know some of you are waiting for the results to Ron's CAT scan. We do not know the details, but OSU told him over the phone that things were STABLE. That's all I know.

2. Oh, yes, we are allowed to have our little bunny. They basically didn't want dogs here. I can understand that in this setting.

3. Faith has been working very hard in her school work, and is pressing toward that finish line for K5. Charity will be 4 next month. Hope hasn't really been "potty training" regularly, but has been telling me often when she does something in her diaper. They are growing up. Yep, they are.

4. Well, here is some really BIG news! My little sister, Rachel, is engaged! I think her and Brett are planning to be married maybe September 25.

5. I will have a total of 4 neices and 4 nephews really soon. (That's counting Ron's sister's children, and my brother's children.) Nice even numbers, huh? Thought that was cool, and blogworthy.

6. We went on a short family vacation (two nights) to our "family spot" at Pike Lake. Very nice... and, cold. We enjoyed our time together. Unfortunately, I got really ill, and spent part of the time miserable and in bed or in the bathroom. I am not quite sure what happened, but I do know Charity was sick a few nights ago, and Faith has complained of an upset stomach. I can handle the aching, but vomiting is just not very fun. I still managed a little hiking and family activities, but by the second evening, I just crashed. I am feeling some better now. Not completely, though.

That is what the photos above are about. I have more to share with you, maybe next time.

Pike Lake is a special place to Ron and me. That is where we had our honeymoon, and we have tried to take the kids out there almost every year. The water was frozen and snow was on the ground. We played outside anyway. We enjoyed the fireplace and some Bible story videos I brought along.

We are back home and hitting the busy life again.

Finally, high speed...

I just connected into the world of high speed! I think you shall like it... for it will allow me to update more effectively.
Updates to come... don't want to miss it!
Gotta go!

Please, welcome...

Princess! The newest member of our family. She is a dwarf bunny. She is probably about 10 weeks old, and so sweet! The girls are so in love with her. Unfortunately, I did not do things the right way, and ask permission from the trailor court to have her first, so I need to tell them today. I am hoping they will approve since she is not a cat or dog, a disturbing pet, and so far, she is not even stinky. I like non-stinky pets. Pray that they will say I can keep her, because my children would be crushed if we cannot... and, it would be all my fault for not asking first. She is an indoor pet, and you really ought to see her, and hold her. I love her as much as the kids love her! I think she will be the most spoiled bunny in the world. I wanted a gentle pet, and I did consider hamsters, but those little fellas bite. Princess has licked all over my hands, and did nibble on my clothes. I need to get her a salt block, nail trimmers, and maybe a little collar... HA! She already has a nice sized cage, a toy, has had plenty to eat, and has been held and petted alot. The girls get a kick out of her. She was hilarious last night, it looked like she was showing off, hopping all over the cage in huge leaps.

Last night was an interesting one... Faith and Charity were "camping" in their bedroom... they got sleeping bags the other day from the thrift store. They were going to sleep on their bedroom floor in their sleeping bags, when I heard an outburst of crying. It was one of those cries that said something was really wrong, not just a "she is on my sleeping bag" type of cry. Into my room comes Faith with blood all over! It was on her face, hands, arms, and eventually legs. Ron and I were put into the "OH, NO!" mode, until I asked Faith what happened, and can you guess what caused such a mess? She said she was picking her nose... HA! She was not in pain, she was scared because of all the blood. The more she cried, the more it spattered. Gross! I did the regular pinch the nose and tip the head down... it took a while to stop. Let me tell you, I think that should help the girls to stop that habit of nose picking! All the correction in the world would probably not work as well as that did last night to get their attention! I must say, it was a messy way to learn! Now, I have to wash those sleeping bags AGAIN!

In case you cannot tell, we got our income tax return... hence the money for the bunny and thrift store shopping, and we now have our own cell phone again, since Ron is back to work... it is a different phone and plan... more affordable... the other plan was out of the question! The mobile home is paid off, and we have the title... YIPPEE! No, we didn't strike rich, but it covered the bills and we enjoyed a little extra. We usually pay for the next year's schoolwork, too, with our income tax return. We are still trying to make the best decision on that right now. By the way, you should have seen the deals we got at the thrift store! We saved tons of money for very nice nice items! I can harldy believe all we got for such a small amount of money! God has been so very good to us!

Ron seems to be doing better, for those of you who were praying for his lungs. He will get a chest CT March 2nd, to further evaluate the situation.

The children are all healthy again. So, glad for that! They have plenty of energy, and I will be glad when it gets warm again, so they can get that energy out by playing outside.

Revival is this week at our church, starting Wednesday night, but, I do believe REVIVAL has already begun! God was moving in a very special and powerful way in yesterday's services... starting in the hearts of individuals who had already begun to allow God to prepare their hearts for a Revival. It was an exciting, yet convicting, atmosphere in the services yesterday.

Well, that is the update here at the Cook house!

Rising in technology

Well, dear ones, I must say I am rather excited about something we are getting very soon.
I must admit, when it comes to technology, we aren't completely all "up to date." Yes, I have 2 computers, one is mostly used by the children for educational purposes and for some fun. The other is my laptop, and this I am really attached to... it is often my "connection" to the world outside my house. I don't have alot of the latest gadgets, but I do have a digital camera... another item I greatly appreciate! But, would you believe that I don't think I have ever text anyone on a cell phone! I don't have some of those really cool thingies that tell you how to get somewhere... though I may eventually look into it... if you know me well enough, you would probably know that it would be a wise investment. The new thingy we are getting HIGH SPEED INTERNET... Whoa! I am so excited! I mean, it won't take hours to upload a few pictures, and I can watch church service archives without it stopping and starting every few seconds. I can watch fellow blogger's video clips. I don't have it yet, but I am just thinking of the possibilities! It won't take all night to upload a video clip! Unfortunately, the price is supposed to change in 6 months. That is the down-side.
The latest on the sick toddler:
She is sleeping much better, and does not seem as croupy. She still has the yucky cold symptoms. Runny noses and little girls are a nasty mix. If you don't keep her hair pulled back, well, you get the picture! Ewww! Charity has a cold now, too. How could she excape? They play together all the time. She has a cough, but it doesn't sound brassy. Now, that just leaves Faith. Daddy has something... he crackles when breathing out, and that is very unnerving to me... he is getting anti-biotics. I think Mommy started it all... not sure, but I think I should have been more careful when I felt I had a cold a while back. :-(
Well, I will plan to try to give y'all some good pictures once I get high-speed.
I have a special unspoken prayer request that I would appreciate y'all praying about. I feel I cannot share right now, because I just don't understand.
Well, until next time...
Sarah

Winter pictures... in no certain order

A little Boz

A little snow... make that ALOT of snow! I found a nice way to keep them warm without using tons of clothes (laundry)... just put on two zip-up blanket sleepers, coat, scarf, hat, mittens, and snow boots... no socks, extra leggings, shirts, or whatever, those sleepers serve as coverings for all! They had fun! I didn't let Hope play in the snow, due to her illness.

Before croup... yummy chocolate Rice Crispies!

Charity's hair is getting sooo long, and I just love her hair!

All smiles and ready for Valentine's Day.

Faith, Charity, and I worked together on these Valentines.

Valentine boxes they made in their SS class.

Helping Daddy shovel during the 2nd snow storm in a week's time.

Charity thought the snow was deep.

Making snow angels.

Sick toddler. She saw a doctor the other day, but since it is viral, they didn't give her any anti-biotics... she just has to be treated with home remedies.

One of the Valentines we did together.

CROUP STRIKES AGAIN AT THE COOK HOUSE

If you'll remember back to the end of October 2007, when I was supposed to be on "bed rest," couldn't go to Youth Challenge, Ron was secretly getting checked out for some symptoms that were not cool, and my children both got croup! It was like I was living in a nightmare! I just knew Ron had some terrible disease, and there was no way I could rest with 2 very sick children. Croup is a very frightening sounding cough with a loud sound when they breathe in, that is worst while child is trying to sleep... they are frightened by their struggle to breath. I remember those breathing treatments and having a child sleeping in my room so I could be there if they had a "fit." Well, now it is not Faith or Charity, and I hope they stay this well! Poor little Hope is having a tough time with it, though. She had about 3 fits in the night last night, and it was so sad. I tried the freezer thing, but she just coughed all over everything. I tried several things, but on the last fit, I finally wrapped her up and took her outside, like recommended, but not for long... maybe only 2 minutes. It worked, I guess, cause her coughing stopped. The hard part is when she gets frightened and getting upset just makes it worse. They say it is like a cold, but I think it is horrible. I was hoping noone would be looking outside through the snow in the middle of the night and would see me standing on my porch with a toddler in a blanket... they might think I was insane... but, that is actually what the doctor info page says to do when the child has trouble breathing, and it works... just make sure the child is warmly wrapped up. I actually wore my hubby's shoes outside... not sure how I managed wearing a size 15 men's shoes, but I was in a hurry.
Pray for the little one tonight, would you? Ron, Hope, and I all had a rough night due to her croup... we could use a good night's sleep tonight.

Reflections (a little late, I know)

Last year, 2009, marked ten years since graduation from South Webster High School. Did you ever have to write a ten year plans/goals/ dreams for school? Well, I think I had to write something like that for a Home Economics class. Well, I am sure that my plans weren't exactly matched, but I have done a whole lot since then.
I was invited to a 10 years reunion, but I didn't make it.
I would like to reminisce a bit, if you don't mind, of the happenings between May 1999 and May 2009. Ages 17-27. My birthday is July 29th, so you are going to see alot of "almosts" due to it being Summer that often splits one journey and the next.
Graduation (age 17),
dating,
in the hospital,
went to GBS (age 18),
got involved with ministries and made lots of friends,
loved college,
graduated with an AA in Missions for Nurses in 2001 (age: 19, almost 20),
have worked as a house cleaner, as a baby-sitter, at McDonald's, and at Wendy's.
went to nursing school... bla... maybe some other time,
moved to New Mexico (age: almost 21) and
worked full-time with missionaries in the land of the Navajo Indians,
loved working in the school and church ministry there,
made good friends,
moved back to Ohio,
got married (almost 22),
lost a pregnancy (22),
had three cute and busy girls (almost 23, 25, and 26, I believe),
cared for hubby with cancer (age 26-current),
lived 4 different places since marriage,
helped one year part-time in Christian school in Dayton (22),
did home-health care for a short while (22),
became a stay-at-home mama,
helped in various church ministries,
started a blog,
met lots of people,
mended some broken relationships,
gained an incredible amount of weight,
made lots of mistakes,
apologized alot,
purchased first home (27)... our mobile,
learned how to change diapers... I am an expert now... should have a master's degree in it,
laughed,
cried,
smiled,
mourned, and
still loving being a Christian!
It has been a busy tens years... whew! Makes me tired just thinking about it. Do you think I could fit something else in there?
I don't think I had all that on my to-do list in high school, but I like the way God writes things better that how I do! He has been good to me!
I do apologize that I didn't get this done in 2009, but, hey, better late than never!
I am over half way done with the 11th year... it has been a year of difficulties, yet seeing God's help and presence.
Pressing on toward the mark!

Your home is where your heart is...

As I hop around in Blog-land, I sometimes feel that familiar old feeling of jealousy creep up. Do you do that, too? Yep, it is one of those things I have to try to have some Scripture ready in my mind to quote in order to combat its blaaa-ness... that is a new Sarah word. I see other families doing happy things, looking beautiful, having fantastically gorgious houses, adorable decorations, and fine furniture, and then the comparison game begins in my mind.
I think, "Wow! Here I was excited because we are about to pay off our mobile home... but, look at what these folk have! What is so exciting about a mobile home?" Well, let me answer my own question...
"Sarah, in most of the world's eyes, you are rich! You have a warm, dry, comfortable home with plenty of furniture and supplies. You have food to last for several days. Everyone in your home owns an abundance of clothing. You have nice decorations. Your children are highly stocked in the area of toys. The mobile home is well cared for. You have vehicles that run (at least most of the time), and you have a husband (who took you on a date tonight) and children. Most of all, we have Christ in our home. So, no, Sarah, you may not have an extravagant life-style, but you are not in debt, and you have everything you need. You get told, "I love you" alot. So, put that poochy-lip away, and be thankful that you are not in the cold like those poor homeless people you passed today. They would be really happy right now to be in your shoes!"
Sarah now replies to herself... "Self, you are right. This is best place in the world! It is home! And, home is a good place to be yourself! Thank You, Jesus, for everything!"
Yes, I do talk to myself... I am nice company to myself. HA!

Oh, happy day!

We received awesome news a few minutes ago, but I cannot tell you all until we are more certain. Let's just say that it is enough to make me want to shout!
Got a busy day ahead. Faith has a piano lesson. Ron and I are actually going on a date alone, and it does not have anything to do with OSU Medical Center... ha!
Ron spoke at church last night, he goes back to work tomorrow, and he is going to a youth outing tomorrow evening.
You know, it kind-a feels like we got off a highway onto the wrong side of town for a couple of years, and are finally making our way back onto the highway. Does that make sense? It wasn't by accident that we got off here, for this is where we were supposed to be at the time... Ron's cancer has helped us grow and learn and reach people purhaps in a way we wouldn't have if it had not happened. We have also seen how beautifully God provides and cares for His children, when they cannot do for themselves. He has been so very good.
Hope everyone else is having a happy day!

Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome In This Place

Last night, I enjoyed a good time in prayer. Just the other day, I confessed to some friends that I sometimes don't feel I even know what I am doing as a parent. It is a tough job, and trying to figure out how to deal with every situation is absolutely exhausting. The problem was that I was trying to do it in my own strength. My faith was low concerning Ron's healing and how to handle the stress from the past few years was weighing heavy.
Last night, I was reading a biography of a wonderful missionary lady, and I was convicted of my lack in excitement for Christ and how worldly my thinking had become.
God was moving right there in my room as I read that book, then I decided to respond. I felt compelled to pray. I annointed every room of my house and prayed over them. I annointed each of my children (while they slept) and prayed over them. I even annointed myself, then my husband (while he slept). God met with me, and reminded me of some wonderful things He has shown to me the past few years.
I want so badly for God to be glorified in my family. He has been so very good to us. You have no idea just how good, unless you could see all His handprints stamped in our lives. His fingerprints are EVERYWHERE! I regret that I have taken those blessing for granted. When the fog is cleared, I see the beautiful way God brought Ron and me together, led our lives, showed mercy, taught us new lessons, gave us fantastic little girls... they bring such great joy to me, provided our every need, gave Ron a beautiful gift of sharing Christ with others, and spared Ron's life so far, and hopefully for many years to come :-). We will be married 7 years this coming Summer, and I would like to add 70 more. Marriage is tough, but it is especially tough if someone isn't praying the way they should (that was me), and I know that life is busy, but in our brokenness, we cannot afford to slack in prayer. It would be an incredibly long post if I told you every place His fingerprints can be found. He is so good. He will be good, even if He takes Ron... He knows what He is doing. He isn't guessing what is best, He is God! He simply cannot make mistakes. I can trust Him.
May God help us to pray... see our children saved... glorify Christ... do our work heartily as unto the Lord... and, do it all with a smile :-)
I require my children to smile...
Good things today:
1. Hope is using her potty.
2. Faith and Charity have busy with their schooling and with chores.
3. I had devotions.
4. Ron is at the jail visiting and sharing Jesus' love
5. I got to hug my husband this morning... you all can take that for granted, but I have nearly lost that blessing several times.
6. Hope is begging for me to read to her a book about monkeys... children who love books are bound for a brighter future, don't you think?
7. I have figured out how to make a fantastically delicious coffee drink, and I am enjoying my own recipe... and, I don't have to pay $3-$4 for each cup either! You want the recipe? Okay, first make your coffee (I have to be careful about drinking too strong of coffee too often because my tummy doesn't like it, and neither doesn't my skin... so mine may not be as strong as yours), then pour a large cup of it, add one packet of hot cocoa, stir in a little chocolate syrup, add a couple tablespoons of French vanilla creamer, spray some whipped cream on top, and a little chocolate syrup on top of the whipped cream. Yes, it is rich and will probably make you fat if not careful. It is a nice treat... not healthy, but it is yummy.
8. My husband is planning to go back to work on Friday.
9. We should have our home paid off in a few weeks.
10. Faith has a loose tooth... okay, I think I am the only one excited about this, but I think little children are adorable when they are missing their front teeth... makes me want to have pictures done of them. It is her bottom teeth and I check them often, much to her displeasure. I can hardly wait! I am weird, huh?
That just about wraps things up.
Thank You, Jesus, for everything!