tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89142833843500581372024-03-14T01:12:27.720-05:00Joy from the AshesThe Story of our Cobb Family AdventureRachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.comBlogger332125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-14857620438323015622020-08-04T11:14:00.003-05:002020-08-04T11:14:40.276-05:00Summertime Steadiness<div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Is anyone else having trouble finding routine in the craziness that is summer 2020? <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I am a planner. Yes, I still carry around a paper planner. I have a dry-erase calendar on the wall for my family. I like to know what to expect and when to expect it. I cannot remember a time in my life that was so up in the air, so uncertain, so scary.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">There is so much uncertainty about our future. So many decisions for parents to make about school... Virtual school, private school online, Send my kids to brick and mortar that's open, homeschool them? Decisions about activities in these last few weeks of summer-- Do we go on vacation? If we go, we have to wear a mask 24/7, how will that be fun? Can we swim in the resort pool or go to the beach without wearing a mask? Will it be safe to put my children at risk? Do we stay at home? How many more times can I hear the kids favorite movie? How many times do I need to remind the kids to do their daily responsibilities? <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I have so many mixed emotions. I'm sure you do too. If you don't, you must be a robot of some kind. While I am uncertain, one thing I do know, is that God knows what the future holds. He also told us that we will have trouble(John 16). So, what did I do to ease my stress? I started diggin' into my bible to see what God tells us about being steadfast.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">1Corinthians 15:58 says Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">And one of my all-time favorites--</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Phillipians 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I also was reading in Ruth about Naomi- and it struck me differently this time. I love the story of Naomi in the bible- and how her story encourages me to remain steadfast in my faith. Her story encourages me to rest assured that God provides for the restoration and redemption of all of his people. Naomi wasn't naive to her bitterness- She told others, showed us through her story, and even blamed the Lord and said that "He has afflicted me; the Almighty as brought misfortune upon me" (Ruth 1:20-21)<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">But, in the end, what happened? God didn't snap his fingers and change her life-- he restored her and redeemed her through the laws and faithfulness of his people. <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I believe that this time in history may be one of the hardest our generation goes through... and God may not snap his fingers tomorrow and make it all better. However, I encourage you to trust in Him. Believe in His truth's. With thanksgiving, put your trust in him and let God know what you need. If I have learned one thing about trials (and believe me, I have seen my share of hard times), God doesn't always answer my prayers in the way I want. He does, however, always shows himself. His blessings overcome the hardships. His ways are better than my own, and I know my life would be so much harder without His Peace and Joy that He instills in my heart. <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">So, I encourage you-- When you struggle making plans, when you can't fill in your calendar the way you like, and when you're discouraged... SEEK HIM. Hold tight to his Steadiness. Be steadfast in your FAITH. God never waivers, never fails, and always has a plan--even if we can't see it clearly.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">And if you're in a season of waiting, hold onto your babies. Watch The Greatest Showman for the 2,427th time. Eat some chocolate. Drink some coffee.<br /></span></div><div><br /><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">And for goodness sake, hold on to your faith my friend. Hold on tight.</span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">~Rach</span><br /></div>Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-79091144233262181172020-06-22T12:02:00.001-05:002020-06-22T12:02:58.100-05:00In His Shadow<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The past 15 weeks, we have been under "Stay At Home" advice from our government. State, City, and County officials have all told us that Shelter In Place is best for us. Face Masks are required here in our city to go anywhere. Stores are making sure people social distance. We finished up the School semester at home. Summer is different than we've ever experienced. Our life is not normal, but there is hope.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The bible tells us in Psalm 91 that "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This brought a specific visual to mind. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The day was Halloween 2019. We were trick-or-treating with friends in a neighborhood a couple blocks away. This neighborhood is a giant circle and they block the street off every year for trick-or-treaters. Most are families with little kids, but intertwined are teenagers and adults with scary costumes. I had the wagon, and Paxton (my youngest) was in it most of the time. I got him out to walk up the driveway of this large house that was lit-up well. I was walking right behind him, smiling and giggling at his excitement to get free candy. He wasn't quite 2 years old and everything in the world was exciting and fun to him. He had no fear of danger at all. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwpLtar2VHE/XvDj1654wsI/AAAAAAAAGyc/9z1fhhQtXQ8O_MKkiNZ2q8L99CUznKmvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1143.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwpLtar2VHE/XvDj1654wsI/AAAAAAAAGyc/9z1fhhQtXQ8O_MKkiNZ2q8L99CUznKmvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1143.jpeg" width="244" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we got closer, what I thought was a "scarecrow" was actually a person dressed up and standing still to scare kids that came up to the house. Pax turned around and immediately grabbed my right leg and while he held on for dear life, we kept walking to get candy. He walked in my "shadow" and held on tightly because he knew he would be safe with me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We grabbed his candy and he turned around and reached up and said "Hold You". He had his candy and was done with the "scaries". He never questioned for one second that he would be safe with me. I am his Mommy. He trusts me. He has no reason to fear as long as he is holding onto me and walking in my shadow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I read Psalm 91, for the first time during this pandemic, I couldn't help but cry. I thought of The Lord, My Abba Father, My protector, my leg to hold onto. I was so thankful that even though I didn't know what the future held, He does. I trust him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This time of uncertainty is hard for many people. I'm sure you may have struggled at some point during the last 15 weeks or so. I don't know what your needs are, but rest assured that HE does. Seek him and hold onto him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rest in His shadow.</span><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eq7t3zcq9eg/XvDj16cE8HI/AAAAAAAAGyY/A37OTGNbFzIIosv7yfy3TkCw4lvubnZOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1144.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1459" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eq7t3zcq9eg/XvDj16cE8HI/AAAAAAAAGyY/A37OTGNbFzIIosv7yfy3TkCw4lvubnZOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1144.jpeg" width="246" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<br />Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-53360827484785364392019-07-26T09:11:00.003-05:002019-07-26T11:55:21.483-05:00SeasonsI'm so thankful for this blog.<br />
<br />
I sat down this morning to start a new blog. Then I decided I'll just be authentic with you all.<br />
<br />
There are so many times I've said "I'm going to start writing again". Life happens. The writing doesn't. <br />
<br />
<b>I don't regret anything</b>. This blog is a the story of our life. Some was written, some wasn't. This is testament to our life, the Story God has written for our family. His goodness and blessings are poured out in the posts. Pain and sorrow, lessons learned, and crazy and/or thrilling life changes have been <span style="background-color: white;">documented.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><br /></span>
There is a <i>vulnerability</i> in writing. Once it's written, it's <u>there</u>.<br />
<br />
I have been writing in journals consistently, and I may start copying them into this blog.<br />
<br />
For now, a new season is here. <br />
<br />
My three big kids will be heading back to school in a couple of weeks. It'll just be me and the tiny dude. I'm not even sure if I posted about him! We have <u>FOUR KIDS</u> now!<br />
<br />
I'm praying and hoping that writing consistently will help me continue to fulfill my purpose.<br />
<br />
<i>My hope</i> (through the blog) is that somehow, the posts on this blog will inspire, uplift and encourage. Uplift people who are hurting. Inspire those who long to create. Encourage those who want to move forward, fulfill their purpose and nurture their relationship with Christ.<br />
<br />
<b>Thanks</b> for those of you who still subscribe and read this ole' thing.<br />
<br />
<b>Welcome</b> to those of you who didn't know this existed. May you be blessed!<br />
<br />
<b>Cheers</b> (with a coffee mug in hand) to this new beautiful season.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="text-align: center;"> <i>~Rach</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qAp9bfXSnqA/XTsJVDZ7w1I/AAAAAAAAGs4/cDB52rWdA18GzG-QsM2uhGuUqfzDDTFBQCLcBGAs/s1600/PastorFamilies-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qAp9bfXSnqA/XTsJVDZ7w1I/AAAAAAAAGs4/cDB52rWdA18GzG-QsM2uhGuUqfzDDTFBQCLcBGAs/s400/PastorFamilies-26.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-76915656153262259492018-06-04T08:26:00.001-05:002018-06-04T08:26:18.639-05:00Creative Mama PodcastI had the pleasure and honor of being interviewed by Creative Mama Podcast. If you are stuck in the mundane tasks of motherhood and need an uplifting word of encouragement or, if you would just love to hear our story, I know you'll enjoy the podcast. I hope and pray it's a blessing to you. Have a super week!<br />
<br />
**Click the link below**<br />
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-mama/id1362148066?mt=2" target="_blank">Creative Mama Podcast</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i6jV_rnvqjY/WxU97esgxLI/AAAAAAAAGqQ/xg-JaUz2I5sUVkHQHxBURr5CUOLWOagCACLcBGAs/s1600/8038F8E4-0CBE-401B-9142-6B660A9446C8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i6jV_rnvqjY/WxU97esgxLI/AAAAAAAAGqQ/xg-JaUz2I5sUVkHQHxBURr5CUOLWOagCACLcBGAs/s320/8038F8E4-0CBE-401B-9142-6B660A9446C8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-28931741161033446842018-06-04T08:16:00.001-05:002018-06-04T08:16:11.350-05:00We've Moved to FLORIDA!What?! You read that correctly! We are now residents of Florida. --and that's not all that's happened... We've added a new bundle of JOY to our family! It's been way too long since I've written, but I feel the Lord calling me to document our lives again. I have a passion for helping Women (mom's especially) find Joy in the every day moments of Life. Hopefully, this blog will help some mama's along the way find that JOY.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W4bonh12T3k/WxU7Y-iztyI/AAAAAAAAGp8/exlbtuM9udcWmn_Qs7m0r31FnUKN1_ioQCLcBGAs/s1600/PastorFamilies-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W4bonh12T3k/WxU7Y-iztyI/AAAAAAAAGp8/exlbtuM9udcWmn_Qs7m0r31FnUKN1_ioQCLcBGAs/s320/PastorFamilies-26.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2wqzzZS8oZA/WxU7d8GP3KI/AAAAAAAAGqA/ro5W0mTIq_wMNdi2jLNApLA6WKoUmbBxwCLcBGAs/s1600/PastorFamilies-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2wqzzZS8oZA/WxU7d8GP3KI/AAAAAAAAGqA/ro5W0mTIq_wMNdi2jLNApLA6WKoUmbBxwCLcBGAs/s320/PastorFamilies-32.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-88166030501243311462016-12-14T12:54:00.004-06:002016-12-14T12:54:38.220-06:00Dear Mom to a Toddler...It's Christmastime. Go easy on yourself. Don't think you have to do EVERYTHING social media tells you to do. Don't think you have to create every recipe on Facebook that looks amazing. Please, for the love of everything that's right and pure, do NOT make every kind of Christmas craft with your kids that you've pinned on Pinterest. They won't remember it anyway. <br />
<br />
When you take your kids for an ice cream treat and your toddler picks the blue ice cream, don't freak out that she might ruin her clothes. And for the Love, when she decides (after eating half of her ice cream) that she instead wanted the orange one, don't loose your cool. It's not worth it. If you do, it is OKAY. Your child will still love you anyway. She will also love you if you don't give in and let her have the orange ice cream as well. <br />
<br />
When you check out at the grocery store and she wants candy or gum, or whatever else the store puts at her eye level, you CAN SAY NO. She will survive. I promise you that. And guess what!? YOU WILL TOO. What's that? She will scream or cry? That's okay. I guarantee your child won't be the first one who cries in Walmart because she didn't get her way. <br />
<br />
Don't be too hard on yourself when she cries all the way home because you had to buckle her in her car seat, then throws a fit because you take her out of her car seat and she wanted to DO IT HERSELF. She is only two. She is not a reflection of your love or parenting. She is learning limits. She is figuring out she has a "will". She <i>thinks </i>she has an opinion.<br />
<br />
When she opens a present under the tree. Re-wrap it. Put it back. Make her wait for Christmas. She will learn good things come with patience.<br />
<br />
DRINK A CUP OF COFFEE or wine, or whatever your poison may be. Eat yourself a piece of chocolate. Count to ten. Do whatever it takes to cool down. <br />
<br />
Love your child. They will grow out of that stage. I promise. I have witnessed it. YOU will survive. Sometimes, you don't feel like it-- but I promise you, you will.<br />
<br />
And for the Love, put the tv on for your child and take a shower! You need it!<br />
<br />
This parenting stuff isn't easy. Toddlers are just down-right hard. Let's just all admit it to ourselves. Let's help our friends out. Encourage one another. Stop the mom-shaming people.<br />
<br />
And when you're trying to write a blog, and your toddler needs your arm for a slide for her hotwheels to roll down, just take a break. She will only be little for a short time. Play cars with her. Have a tea party next to the Christmas tree. Let her have the Christmas washi tape you purchased for those cards you didn't send. Let her stick it to the table. <br />
<br />
And above all else...<br />
<br />
Give yourself a break. Keep your Joy Mommas!<br />
<br />
**Disclaimer, no children were hurt in the writing of this blog. These examples may or may not be true life examples from my life. You decide. #hazelwashere<br />
Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-19726958927770573062016-11-02T18:36:00.001-05:002016-11-02T18:36:56.821-05:00Hey Hillary!When I was 16 years old, my dad came up to me (i was sitting outside writing in my journal). He said to me, "Honey, don't ever write anything you don't want anyone to read. One day we will be gone, but our words will be left. Your great grandkids will read everything."<br /><br />This was the age before social media, before emails were used daily. This was before texting and video chatting, snapchat and instagram. <br />
<br />
Pen to paper.<br />
<br />
Regardless the <strike>era </strike>circumstance, that statement full of wisdom made an impact on me. <br />
<br />
I have never written anything I wouldn't mind people reading. When our home burned 4 years ago, I mourned the loss of all my journals. I had my quiet time journals, journals for my kids -i wrote down their milestones and the funny things they said. I had blessing journals. Journals where I wrote thanks to the Lord for providing in unusual ways, little blessings I didn't want to forget. I guess a part of me wanted my kids to read those one day and realize how influencing The Lords presence was in our life.<br />
<br />
Anyway, Since that day in 1998, I never wrote anything I didn't want people to read. <br />
<br />
Hillary, you may want to heed this advice. First of all, it's thousands of emails. Not just one email. And supposedly, they are things that could incriminate you. Did you really thing no one would ever read your emails? Oh wait, I guess you did because, YOU DELETED THEM. Really? I'm not sure I want a president who is so naive and careless.<br />
<br />
I guess it's not up to me, but people let's take my dad's advice...<br />
<br />
<b>Teenagers</b>, don't text things to one girlfriend you don't want the other girlfriend to know.<br />
<b>Husbands</b>, don't text inappropriate things to women who aren't your wife.<br />
<b>Wives</b>, don't text complaints to your friends about your husband.<br />
<br />
<u><b>PEOPLE, </b></u><i>for the love</i>, Don't write things in emails you don't want people to read, then delete them. That seems pretty simple. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Proverbs 12:18</b> (NIV)
</div>
<ul class="search-result">
<li class="reference"><div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The <em>words</em> of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the <em>wise</em> brings healing.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Ecclesiastes 9:17</b> (NIV)
</div>
<ul class="search-result">
<li class="reference"><div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The quiet <em>words</em> of the <em>wise</em> are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-85570545390007589512016-10-18T21:52:00.003-05:002016-10-18T21:52:50.232-05:00Be Still my Precious ChildWe are getting ready for a huge garage sale. We sold our home in Coweta in May ( a series of evens that will have to be put in their own post to do justice). We downsized from a home we thought we'd be in forever, on 3 acres, to a little home in Midtown Tulsa to do life and be in community with the people who go to our church. We literally reduced our square footage by over half. The moving process was quite quick (from deciding to sell-- to moving). We rented a storage unit in Coweta, and started moving things there, that we knew we wouldn't need immediately, as well as things like Christmas Decor and Seasonal clothing, etc. <br /><br />Now, it's 4 months after moving and we have decided we don't need those things anymore. Less is more, right? Right now, our house is in piles. Our Master Bed is piled high with clean laundry to fold. We did school today, but it was not my best effort (sometimes life is school, right?). It would be an understatement to say that we are surrounded by chaos right now. <br /><br />We had lifegroup at Chick-fil-A tonight. It was the easiest thing to do, with the play-place for the kids, and dinner already prepared. My kiddos played hard and had their moments on the way home, in the car. Hazel refused to put her Pajamas on, after I <i>finally </i>got her to take her "cowboots" off. Pick your battles, right? Ha!<br />
<br />
I told the big kids they needed to read for 30 minutes tonight (I'm still trying to justify "reading books" as a school lesson, since today was only computer learning). It got quiet quickly, as I was working in the living room. I went to go check on the kiddos and find Tobin reading to Hazel. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HdOZh5-_OhE/WAbdHcwTg3I/AAAAAAAAGm4/zkP1hxZLwVENdv932WO49czbARhFjA1OACLcB/s1600/IMG_1784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HdOZh5-_OhE/WAbdHcwTg3I/AAAAAAAAGm4/zkP1hxZLwVENdv932WO49czbARhFjA1OACLcB/s400/IMG_1784.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It was sweet.<br />
It was peaceful.<br />
It was quiet. <br />
<br />
Everything else in the world had disappeared to them. The chaos didn't matter. The building blocks on the floor didn't matter. The piles in the living room didn't matter. The fact that we had fast food for dinner didn't matter. I took a deep breath and thanked God for my sweet life. I felt the Holy Spirit. He was saying "Be still my precious child". <br />
<br />
<br /><br />It's such a representation of our relationship with God. We try to do so much sometimes. We pray and beg for God to do things for us. We cry out in despair. We are so "busy" to read our bible yet, at the same time, it's the only thing that helps calm us. It makes the world disappear. It makes the chaos quiet. <br />
<br />
I hope that no matter what my life is like ( the day-to-day crazies) I can teach my kids to always remember that their relationship with Christ is the priority. It's what rejuvenates me, what silents my crying heart. What calms my uneasy nerves. If we truly want to have <u>intimacy </u>with God, we have to quiet the chaos and clatter, and let God's <b>presence</b>, his <b>stillness</b>, his <b>Peace</b>.<br />
<br />
The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him. Habakkuk 2:20<br />
<br />
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Psalm 62:1<br />
<br />
<span class="text Luke-10-41" id="en-NIV-25405"><span class="woj">“Martha, Martha,”</span> the Lord answered, <span class="woj">“you are worried and upset about many things,</span></span><span class="text Luke-10-42" id="en-NIV-25406"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>but
few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is
better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="text Luke-10-42" id="en-NIV-25406"><span class="woj">Mommies, find your JOY in the Lord! He is waiting for you. </span></span>Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-32899317505544911522016-10-18T15:44:00.003-05:002016-10-18T15:44:42.783-05:00Back in the SaddleI've put off posting for WAY TOO LONG. Since I posted last, I had a couple visits in the hospital, we sold a house, moved, and started homeschooling. I feel the Lord telling me to start writing. Not sure if anyone follows me anymore, but it's not for everyone else. This is in obedience. I'd love for my kiddos to come back and read this one day, too. The fact is, there are too many things that God is doing in our crazy life that I can't stay silent any longer. I have been lead to share. So, here we go!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Quick update:<br />
<br />
Hazel is now 2 1/2 and super busy, fun, and in to everything! ha! Don't remember what our life was like before her. We all love our little Hazel Bug!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NU9_SIR5oqI/WAaIyZOFoZI/AAAAAAAAGmo/4Nx008VMk_Q_VJMlanmWA75xTOEvBPtQQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NU9_SIR5oqI/WAaIyZOFoZI/AAAAAAAAGmo/4Nx008VMk_Q_VJMlanmWA75xTOEvBPtQQCLcB/s320/IMG_1769.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_1488830340"></span><span id="goog_1488830341"></span><br />
<br />
Caroline is 7 1/2, going on 13. Her moods are up and down these days. She asked Jesus into her hear on her 7th birthday this year, and was baptized on Valentines Day-- such an amazing moment for our family. She is such a great big sister to Hazel, such a great helper to me, and her humor contributes to our every-day entertainment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XUWiZn23K9Y/WAaIyZOuwGI/AAAAAAAAGmk/g1iyD9T-WOEzJEKKppelYFJ2l6Ptzm-dQCLcB/s1600/IMG_9997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XUWiZn23K9Y/WAaIyZOuwGI/AAAAAAAAGmk/g1iyD9T-WOEzJEKKppelYFJ2l6Ptzm-dQCLcB/s320/IMG_9997.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Tobin just turned 10! T E N !!! Double digits folks. Wow. He is so smart, loves building and learning, and is doing great leading his sisters in our every day adventures. He is such a great helper to me.<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpiU6XED7M8/WAaIyAxRCRI/AAAAAAAAGmc/56jD8H4qDbMOEoOY4lZRIjxylUTmYSwYgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpiU6XED7M8/WAaIyAxRCRI/AAAAAAAAGmc/56jD8H4qDbMOEoOY4lZRIjxylUTmYSwYgCLcB/s320/IMG_1292.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The State Fair was a couple weeks ago and my parents came to visit and
go with us. Tony snapped this right before they left. Such a fun time! <br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-20miewTm59Y/WAaIyRQeUEI/AAAAAAAAGmg/oiyZwqSYVrwUV6b1X96oeGrdWKTlpLJOwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1652.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-20miewTm59Y/WAaIyRQeUEI/AAAAAAAAGmg/oiyZwqSYVrwUV6b1X96oeGrdWKTlpLJOwCLcB/s320/IMG_1652.JPG" width="290" /></a><br />
<br />
Hope you'll join us as I get back into the blogging world. #Cobbfamilyadventure Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-65065480622975472642015-07-07T22:41:00.002-05:002015-07-07T22:41:43.822-05:00What to do when someone you love loses everything tooFriday my bay sister Sarah got married. It was a beautiful ceremony. It was perfect! We will never forget it. It was a Celebration of what the purpose of the true Godly union of marriage is all about. What a special time for our family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kGw2epJdnoM/VZyaJg-NrjI/AAAAAAAAGkE/YBm4rK8Xql4/s1600/IMG_9615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kGw2epJdnoM/VZyaJg-NrjI/AAAAAAAAGkE/YBm4rK8Xql4/s320/IMG_9615.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIYOEHG2Tkw/VZyaEEEhcpI/AAAAAAAAGj8/UihIxKNsb3M/s1600/IMG_9644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIYOEHG2Tkw/VZyaEEEhcpI/AAAAAAAAGj8/UihIxKNsb3M/s320/IMG_9644.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It was also a celebration for our family in another way-- A celebration of the body of Christ coming together, in so many indescribable ways, for one special day. You see, 9 days before the wedding, my parents home burned to the ground, along with every preparation for the wedding.<br />
<br />
Last Tuesday I was working on a couple of projects for the wedding, in my own home. My phone rang and I answered "Hi mom!" I was a little surprised, because it was a little after 4 pm and my mom usually didn't get off of work until 4:30. She sounded frantic. <br />
<br />
"Rachel, I just got off the phone with your dad. I'm racing home. The house is on fire!" I said, "NO". and the breathe in my chest was gone. I couldn't breathe. My mother said, "Just pray honey. Pray for a miracle". I told her to call me when she got there and told her to drive safe. Then I prayed. I marched around my house praying outloud and pleading with God. NO! NOT AGAIN to my family! Not that house. All the wedding things, everything my parents had worked for in their life. I prayed the fire would be put out before it reached the main part of the house. I prayed my dad was safe. I prayed Sarah's wedding dress could be saved. I prayed my mom would be safe getting there. I prayed for the fire fighters (volunteer fire department in the rural Ozark Mountains). I prayed and pleaded outloud. I called Tony and he came home. <br />
<br />
About 25 minutes after my first call with my mother, she called back. I answered. She said, "It's all gone honey. Your dad is safe, but everything is gone. The whole house is enfulfed and I can see through it to the barn. There is nothing left. We have lost everything. " I started sobbing and even then, she said it would be okay. She told me not to come to Arkansas, but just to pray.<br />
<br />
We hung up. I collapsed and cried. I couldn't believe it. How could this happen? <br />
<br />
What I didn't know then... After calling 911, my dad ran back into the house several times to try and get things. He got his guns and Sarah's wedding dress. He emptied the kitchen trashcan and took photos off of the walls and filled it up as much as he could. He was going to go back in and it was smoky so he decided it was too risky. I am SO GLAD he didn't go back in the house. His life was spared. <br />
<br />
It puts things into perspective again. I felt like my scars and scabs were ripped off and bleeding again. I was devastated for them, for us, for my siblings and my children. I was also thankful. I was in shock too. It's strange the series of emotions that can hit you in just a few moments. <br />
<br />
The next week was filled with chaos pretty much. I started working frantically to try and recreate anything I could for the wedding. I made phone calls, sent emails and texts, and facebook messages. We borrowed things and bought things and thrifted items that we would need. Three of my Aunts showed up to help with anything that they could. People we knew and people we didn't know, rallied around us and provided meals, and money, and items from photo frames and vases, to plates, glasses and place cards. We worked hard, made memories we will never forget, and the wedding was absolutely perfect.<br />
<br />
<br />
What do I do now? I know my parents were distracted and are now grieving. They are still dealing with the investigation of the cause of the fire, and insurance people. What a headache. I know (sadly, from experience) that they are going to need help for at least a year. Each new change of the weather will be heart ache for them. Holidays are going to be really rough. My parents home was the center of holiday gatherings for our family. This year, and probably many to come, will be different. <br />
<br />
<br />
Their house was more than just walls. It was home. It was the home I grew up in. I remember the day we moved in, in December 1989. It was a cold day. We moved from California and I remember wondering "what in the world is this place?" It was a place my family could always go to and feel loved and comforted. After our fire (august 2012) it was a place we could go to and feel stable, the place that never changed-- Nonnie and Papa's house. It was home for my kids. It was security. My family is grieving another loss.<br />
<br />
The main thing is that we are all so thankful my dad didn't die in that fire. He really could have. And, honestly... if my mother had been home she may have too. She probably would have tried to save everything she could. So, I'm thankful both of my parents are safe. I'm thankful that my parents taught us what to value in life. I'm thankful that this world is not our home, we are just here temporarily. <br />
<br />
So, what do you do when someone you love loses everything too? Count your blessings, be positive, and pray. I may not know exactly what my parents need or what they are feeling, but I remember the pain I felt. I know God has a plan and purpose to everything. I know he is our healer and provider and comforter. I urge you to focus your effort and purpose on things that are eternal--things that matter. Everything will burn eventually, but no one can take our relationship with the Lord away. Tell people about HIS goodness and focus your life on things above. <br />
<br />
For those of you who want to help, there is a <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/xr5d54mk" target="_blank">gofund</a> account set up. Please pray for my parents- Jon and Diane Alen. Please continue to pray for them in a month, in six months, in a year. The pain will still be healing. <br />
Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-7993152334320252802015-01-06T11:40:00.001-06:002015-01-06T11:40:31.140-06:00Normal Platelets and Prayer RequestsI had an appointment today and my platelets were 228k, which is normal! PRAISE THE LORD!<br />
<br />
People ask how I am doing. As long as my platelets are normal, I can consider myself doing very well.<br />
<br />
The last couple days have been rough for me. My body's reaction to the high dose of steroids has not been wonderful. The side effects have not been fun. My lymph nodes have been swollen and very sore. My digestive system is just jacked up, to say the least. I have been tired, and trying to rest when Hazel does. Each day gets a little bit better. My doctor told me today to expect better things every day. We are praying the side effects will fade quickly and my healing will continue. <br />
<br />
<br />
I have been advised to quite nursing Hazel. My hormones have been imbalanced and breastfeeding doesn't help with that. She was royally ticked off at me yesterday. She did not want to take a bottle. It has been pretty emotional on me as well. I know it's something I need to do for my health and I am okay with that. I had quite a bit of milk in the freezer, but we have now started on formula. Boy, that stuff is expensive! She is eating table food a lot now and is 9 months old, so we will only need to do formula for a couple months before she turns one. Please pray that she transitions well with formula. Prayers for her to sleep through the night would be great too. Seriously.<br />
<br />
<br />
I go back on the 21st to meet with my Hematologist and talk about a plan for maintenance. As long as I don't have anymore dips in platelet counts, it should be an easy, short process.<br />
<br />
PRAYER REQUESTS:<br />
- that my platelet counts stay in the normal range<br />
- that my body will start feeling "normal" again, and the side effects from the drugs will wear off soon.<br />
- that Hazel will adjust well to bottle feeding, and sleep better at night.<br />
- for finances, that God will provide above and beyond for all of these medical costs<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Thank you so much for the prayers.<br />
Thank you for the meals!<br />
Thank you for notes, texts, and calls of encouragement!<br />
<br />
<br />Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-58717108647425125422015-01-02T19:42:00.001-06:002015-01-02T19:48:05.361-06:00First Full Day Back at HomeYesterday I was greeted with these precious signs and washi-tape hearts on the door when I got home. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Rsb4hp1PxE/VKdJwEfHQmI/AAAAAAAAGh0/8WwOG3zVG3I/s640/blogger-image-318288629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Rsb4hp1PxE/VKdJwEfHQmI/AAAAAAAAGh0/8WwOG3zVG3I/s640/blogger-image-318288629.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Rsb4hp1PxE/VKdJwEfHQmI/AAAAAAAAGh0/8WwOG3zVG3I/s640/blogger-image-318288629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JXC1wbtvrrQ/VKdJw_prhgI/AAAAAAAAGh8/XF5KTuEbWW4/s640/blogger-image--1196414231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JXC1wbtvrrQ/VKdJw_prhgI/AAAAAAAAGh8/XF5KTuEbWW4/s640/blogger-image--1196414231.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Tony took care of Hazel through the night last night and let me rest. What a great night of rest in my own bed at home! <div><br></div><div>My mom and Grammy made the family breakfast this morning then headed to Mississippi to get Grammy back to her house. I am so thankful for them and how much help they were here! Grammy pretty much folded laundry 24/7! Between getting behind at Christmas, to returning with a weeks load of dirty laundry from our trip, we were quite behind. We still have missing socks. Where do all the socks go? <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oyJRRt6LKSg/VKdJGtE2nNI/AAAAAAAAGhk/gx6-i7N13gs/s640/blogger-image-1533862352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oyJRRt6LKSg/VKdJGtE2nNI/AAAAAAAAGhk/gx6-i7N13gs/s640/blogger-image-1533862352.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oyJRRt6LKSg/VKdJGtE2nNI/AAAAAAAAGhk/gx6-i7N13gs/s640/blogger-image-1533862352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DcdwUNrDf-o/VKdJFmuBOtI/AAAAAAAAGhc/zfEtrasWXlQ/s640/blogger-image--1151587956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DcdwUNrDf-o/VKdJFmuBOtI/AAAAAAAAGhc/zfEtrasWXlQ/s640/blogger-image--1151587956.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hazel bonded quite a bit with my mom (aka: Nonnie) while I was in the hospital and even started calling her nonnom. It is so sweet! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-U9bWBW9d2pU/VKdJCyUnHYI/AAAAAAAAGhE/NtbY8selBZc/s640/blogger-image--1250795243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-U9bWBW9d2pU/VKdJCyUnHYI/AAAAAAAAGhE/NtbY8selBZc/s640/blogger-image--1250795243.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was sad to see them go, but I was full of gratitude as I watched them drive away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I am so thankful that I am alive, on the uphill climb of healing, and safe inside my home again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When they left, my brother Nathan and his new Fiancè Holly came over to help. Boy, was it nice to have them here to wrangle the kids, help us sort through Baby proofing toys, and take down Christmas lights outside. We even fit in a tutu dress up princess playtime while Nathan shot nerf guns with Tobin and Tony put away laundry. Keeping the kids entertained is a full time job, so it really helped having them here for a few hours! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LrS8laWehTU/VKdJHqDvJ0I/AAAAAAAAGhs/iIoSuR1wmi4/s640/blogger-image--1705312936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LrS8laWehTU/VKdJHqDvJ0I/AAAAAAAAGhs/iIoSuR1wmi4/s640/blogger-image--1705312936.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I took my (hopefully) last giant dose of high octane drugs today. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-t41efjwHPEo/VKdJDwvPI5I/AAAAAAAAGhM/dmM66Khie3c/s640/blogger-image--1006723468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-t41efjwHPEo/VKdJDwvPI5I/AAAAAAAAGhM/dmM66Khie3c/s640/blogger-image--1006723468.jpg"></a></div> I go Tuesday to get my labs checked and meet with my Hemotologist Oncologist. There will be many appointments in the next months to make sure my body is responding to treatment and my platelets don't decrease. This steroid regimen is different than my last treatment and quite experimental. It's only been done on 7 people so far. We have high hopes it will do the trick! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The side effects from the drugs have taken a toll on me today. My body aches, heart races, and I am shaky, yet at the same time I am weak and tired. Since the steroids ramp up, I am having trouble actually sleeping. It's quite a weird feeling to be tired and weak but not get to sleep. I have quite a bit of swelling which they expect to go down pretty quickly, so I am hoping for that! The steroids also make me an eating black hole. It has been an interesting day. Please pray that my body will allow me to rest well tonight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I didn't really write much about breastfeeding, but I was able to pump in the hospital and my milk tested safe for Hazel which was such a blessing and answer to prayer! The drugs I am on now have dropped my supply quite s bit, so I am praying my milk increases. She is eating quite a bit of food and tolerating bottles wonderfully. All of this is an answer to prayer as well. You can continue to pray for these things. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sweet friends brought dinner last night and tonight which has been such a blessing! Hazel enjoyed French fries tonight with her new 6 teeth! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ag_hbT-IXsM/VKdJEtB7yoI/AAAAAAAAGhU/81z46Ls-5jw/s640/blogger-image--718811128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ag_hbT-IXsM/VKdJEtB7yoI/AAAAAAAAGhU/81z46Ls-5jw/s640/blogger-image--718811128.jpg"></a></div>There has been a meal train set up and posted on my facebook page hat our amazing church family has set up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thank you for all the amazing prayers and support. You can continue praying for the requests on the previous post. I'll let you know when specific prayers have been answered, or new ones are needed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Please know that you have witnessed another modern day miracle from our Lord! I cannot believe I get the privilege of letting the lord use my body as a living testament and miracle from him! What an amazing honor. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'll update tomorrow! ~Rachel</div></div></div></div></div></div>Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-14518162821425953662015-01-01T13:43:00.001-06:002015-01-01T13:43:25.768-06:00I'm busting outta here early!My Hemotologist came in and said my platelets are now 136,000! She was amazed and said she was thrilled that my body responded so fast and said I was in the "early response group" for this experimental therapy. She said I was out of the high risk for bleeding and I could go home today! <div><br></div><div>What does all of this mean? </div><div><br></div><div>Well, this battle is far from over. My 4th, and hopefully last, day of drugs is tomorrow. They will send me home with a bunch of pills to take tomorrow. I will continue to come into the oncology office and have labs checked. The hope is that my counts will continue to rise and stay in the normal healthy range without further treatment. My doctor told me there is 30% chance that they may have to do the 4 day treatment again, so we are praying that doesn't have to happen. </div><div><br></div><div>As long as my counts stay out of high risk levels and I don't developer complications, I stay out of the hospital.</div><div><br></div><div>Things to pray for:</div><div><br></div><div>- Today the roads are slick and Icy. Please pray for safe travels for us as we drive home.</div><div><br></div><div>- Pray that my platelets continue to rise to normal level (between 150,000. & 400,000. </div><div><br></div><div>- I do have a genetic risk for blood clots so we don't want my platelets higher than normal, as that would give us the opposite problem.</div><div><br></div><div>- Pray for a full recovery for my body. This year my one word to focus on is health, so I will be doing everything in my physical power to get as healthy and strong as I can.</div><div><br></div><div>-Please pray that once I get home, Hazel will continue to breastfeed, and my supply will keep up with her demand. My doctor agrees this is the best thing for both of us. </div><div><br></div><div>-Please pray that he Lord will provide for us financially through all of this. There will be many expenses throughout this process and we are trusting in his full provision!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>THANK YOU SO MUCHH for your continued prayers for our family. Please know you have been part of another miracle for the Cobb family. We are rejoicing today and accepting healing in our fathers hands. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Thank you for everyone who has visited me, sent food and gifts, called and texted, watched our children, and brought meals to my family while I have been away, and everything else too! We could not get through this without all of your support. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Here is to a happy, healthy 2015! </div>Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-18270188527319034322014-12-31T12:06:00.001-06:002014-12-31T20:01:22.418-06:00ITP relapseSunday I was at my parents house in Arkansas enjoying our Christmas break. On our way back to their house after church I was driving and noticed odd looking bruises on my hands and arms. My first thought was "oh no! ITP!" Then, I thought... "No. It's probably the hustle and bustle of Christmas and traveling. " <div><br></div><div>The next morning I noticed more bruises and by that evening I had small petechia (little red dots of blood) on my chest, and arms. I knew something wasn't right. I decided to pack us up and head home. If something was wrong, I didn't want to be away from my doctors and home, and support network of friends where we live.</div><div><br></div><div>I dropped the kids off with tony at the house and went to the closest ER. They checked my platelets and my lab results showed my count was 14,000. This is extremely low and very high risk for bleeding our, and other complications. Platelets help your blood clot. and without clotting, it's a bad thing. ITP stands for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Perpura. Google it, or look in my archives back to 2009. That's when I was first diagnosed.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Ok, back to the story...</div><div><br></div><div>This little hospital I went to transported me by ambulance to a bigger hospital downtown Tulsa that has specialist for my disease. I have a team of Hemotologist Oncologists working on my specific case. My ITP is not like the typical cases. My blood is different and they aren't sure why. They are doing a new experimental treatment on me over the next four days and will track progress closely. (More on that later)</div><div><br></div><div>Please pray for my platelets to increase. Pray for Gods provision for this hospital stay. Being in the hospital two different calendar years equals two different $3,000 deductibles. Pray for my babies at home. They miss me and I am missing their time away from school at home for break.</div><div><br></div><div>We covet your prayers and are believing in miracles!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-21941234415994628872014-10-22T14:00:00.000-05:002014-10-22T14:00:07.751-05:00What a break!Last week was fall break for our kiddos, from school. We had a fun, restful, rejouvenating getaway to Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri. We stayed for 2 nights, then went to my parents Farm in NW Arkansas and stayed a night there. It was a great week! Sometimes, you just need to "get away" from the every day to-do's of life. <br />
<br />
Big Cedar has a lot of things to do on the property. We played mini-golf, canoed (the kids and tony did this one), swam in several pools, and hiked around in the gorgeous weather. We will definitely be going back sometime in the near future! <br />
<br />
I didn't take my real camera out much, but did take some photos of the kids. Well, trying to get a photo with all three kids looking wasn't easy, and didn't really happen. They sure are cute though! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dj2RONVgN3U/VEf90xQJrDI/AAAAAAAAGfw/LSc0cjY2uiw/s1600/IMG_8495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dj2RONVgN3U/VEf90xQJrDI/AAAAAAAAGfw/LSc0cjY2uiw/s1600/IMG_8495.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHGeK91_DpI/VEf9zUCRKBI/AAAAAAAAGfo/i6FUeJgPOQY/s1600/IMG_8496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHGeK91_DpI/VEf9zUCRKBI/AAAAAAAAGfo/i6FUeJgPOQY/s1600/IMG_8496.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LKlxZ6zsaPs/VEf988bjegI/AAAAAAAAGf4/YO8PR0ZTkwo/s1600/IMG_8498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LKlxZ6zsaPs/VEf988bjegI/AAAAAAAAGf4/YO8PR0ZTkwo/s1600/IMG_8498.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPi21tqqBaY/VEf-K5CQ1JI/AAAAAAAAGgI/fpG0zlTN9Xo/s1600/IMG_8504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPi21tqqBaY/VEf-K5CQ1JI/AAAAAAAAGgI/fpG0zlTN9Xo/s1600/IMG_8504.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KOCZVl-ojBo/VEf-JhXWJBI/AAAAAAAAGgA/sp3lJ2d6OVw/s1600/IMG_8524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KOCZVl-ojBo/VEf-JhXWJBI/AAAAAAAAGgA/sp3lJ2d6OVw/s1600/IMG_8524.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sBWBW0Z1v18/VEf-SpoEVRI/AAAAAAAAGgQ/XWB_nqGxfzs/s1600/IMG_8531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sBWBW0Z1v18/VEf-SpoEVRI/AAAAAAAAGgQ/XWB_nqGxfzs/s1600/IMG_8531.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiAJTUFTtpw/VEf-dhwbzrI/AAAAAAAAGgY/UAmJDq7E_xk/s1600/IMG_8537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiAJTUFTtpw/VEf-dhwbzrI/AAAAAAAAGgY/UAmJDq7E_xk/s1600/IMG_8537.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IeerkXrWCz0/VEf-gfvFm7I/AAAAAAAAGgg/9qKM0EymPWg/s1600/IMG_8540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IeerkXrWCz0/VEf-gfvFm7I/AAAAAAAAGgg/9qKM0EymPWg/s1600/IMG_8540.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-17631560191714955882014-10-13T00:17:00.000-05:002014-10-13T00:17:36.196-05:00I will trust you, LordI just got back from urgent care with Caroline. It seems she has some kind of weird rash. It will go away, and isn't anything life threatening or crazy like chicken pox or measels. The rest of us most-likely will not get it. "It's just something kids get." said the doctor. <br />
<br />
"What?" I thought...<br />
<br />
Kids get numerous runny noses, colds, splinters, and (apparently) rashes in their little lives. It's just something that happens. As I was was driving home, the doctor's words kept resonating in my thoughts and I began to wonder.<br />
<br />
Does God think this about us, His children? When we sin, does God think, "Another one of my children stumbled, it's just what they do." I'm not sure why I thought that.<br />
<br />
The nurse took us to a room and after she took Caroline's vitals, we waited for the doctor to come in. I was thinking... as Caroline's mother, all I wanted to do was take away her "itchies" and make her feel better. I ached as I sat in the room waiting for the doctor to come in, watching sleepy-eyed Caroline tell me she was scared. She gets scared easily these days, and is afraid of most things little girls are afraid of (like spiders and the dark), as well as things most little girls don't have to think about (another post on that later). As I rubbed her back, I prayed that this wasn't going to be a big deal. I remember taking her to the doctor for a bruised foot last year and finding out she had kohler disease--that was a huge deal. I was praying this wasn't going to be another big "to-do". <br />
<br />
It wasn't a big deal, but I was glad I took her just to be sure. We stopped for an ice-cream cone on the way home. I told her she was brave and that I was proud of her. We talked about how there was nothing to be scared about. She agreed that she had worried for "no reason at all". I explained that God tells us that worrying is a sin, and it only hurts our heart. I asked her how it made her feel to worry and she said she wanted to cry.<br />
<br />
I wonder if God cries when we sin? Does he look at us like I look at my precious Caroline? I think he probably does.<br />
<br />
Lord, forgive me when I don't trust you. Forgive me when I sin and worry about things I have no control over.<br />
<br />
From rashes to worrying...<br />
<br />
I promise to trust you, Lord. Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-10491527998918764142014-10-11T12:11:00.002-05:002014-10-22T18:01:16.123-05:00Back to the BlogWell, it's been 6 months. Our sweet Hazel is rolling everywhere, sitting up, and trying her tastebuds at some table food. The kiddos started in a new school this year. Tobin is in 2nd grade and doing awesome. Caroline is in Kindergarten and loving every second of it. We bought a house and moved when Hazel was 6 weeks old so I put blogging on the back burner. We have been planting roots deeply into the ground and are so thankful for God's continued blessings over our little family.<br />
<br />
<br />
We bought a house on 3 acres in a little town outside of Tulsa and we are loving the country/small town feel. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hcaiRupU3EM/VEg3ADqVZjI/AAAAAAAAGgw/2Ojesse7nhU/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hcaiRupU3EM/VEg3ADqVZjI/AAAAAAAAGgw/2Ojesse7nhU/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
(Here are the kids in front of the new house, the day we closed) <br />
<br />
We have lots of projects to do around here, but we are so excited to call another house OUR home. Now that we are somewhat in a daily routine I thought it was about time I start blogging again. The thought of catching up overwhelms me, so I will just take it day by day. There will be new posts (about who knows what) and I'm sure there will be "catch-up" posts as well.<br />
<br />
Thanks for keeping up with our family. Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-77020254989595398642014-04-14T21:16:00.001-05:002014-04-14T21:17:23.879-05:00Introducing:<b><span style="background-color: #741b47;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;">Hazel Hope Cobb</span><span></span></span></span></b><br />
8lbs 9oz - 19 Inches<br />
born 7:40 am April 3rd, 2014<br />
<br />
<br />
We are so in Love...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ygx9RJTfKI/U0yWJKUs8xI/AAAAAAAAGbM/A0CrOQ-cnqU/s1600/IMG_7823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ygx9RJTfKI/U0yWJKUs8xI/AAAAAAAAGbM/A0CrOQ-cnqU/s1600/IMG_7823.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bsvs3Xh-TX8/U0yWIi-wCvI/AAAAAAAAGbE/YSWcE4vZW-I/s1600/IMG_7836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bsvs3Xh-TX8/U0yWIi-wCvI/AAAAAAAAGbE/YSWcE4vZW-I/s1600/IMG_7836.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bi4Bsuig-yk/U0yWJPdMckI/AAAAAAAAGbI/AnKl0B32QDc/s1600/IMG_7849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bi4Bsuig-yk/U0yWJPdMckI/AAAAAAAAGbI/AnKl0B32QDc/s1600/IMG_7849.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEZgvCq4SQQ/U0yWJiz-y4I/AAAAAAAAGbY/t9-1pTTtkqU/s1600/IMG_7853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEZgvCq4SQQ/U0yWJiz-y4I/AAAAAAAAGbY/t9-1pTTtkqU/s1600/IMG_7853.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZ_52OjbnTg/U0yWKESshoI/AAAAAAAAGbk/ZVQjocrBOQc/s1600/IMG_7873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZ_52OjbnTg/U0yWKESshoI/AAAAAAAAGbk/ZVQjocrBOQc/s1600/IMG_7873.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6oh-SSd3LFE/U0yWKrDcBtI/AAAAAAAAGbo/psICZVeiL5c/s1600/IMG_7876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6oh-SSd3LFE/U0yWKrDcBtI/AAAAAAAAGbo/psICZVeiL5c/s1600/IMG_7876.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IOUMfYQY6Gc/U0yWK-W0QhI/AAAAAAAAGbs/grA2NA4206M/s1600/IMG_7884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IOUMfYQY6Gc/U0yWK-W0QhI/AAAAAAAAGbs/grA2NA4206M/s1600/IMG_7884.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-33370852517558187452014-03-25T16:27:00.002-05:002014-03-25T16:27:54.469-05:008 days to go!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fIaZRXrbis/UzHwnmHUDrI/AAAAAAAAGZY/mhVO7X_qE0Y/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fIaZRXrbis/UzHwnmHUDrI/AAAAAAAAGZY/mhVO7X_qE0Y/s1600/1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I took this Prego-Selfie today. I am 38 weeks. She feels lower today than she even did yesterday. I'm starting to feel really tired, lots of pressure, but not completely miserable yet. I"m so thankful to be carrying this sweet girl and am just trying to enjoy every second I have left. I'm not going to lie though, I'm ready to meet her!<br />
<br />
Because I have gestational diabetes, my doctor has me doing kick counts twice a day. Sunday, the baby's kicks were not measuring up and got everyone a little worried so we went to labor and delivery to be monitored. The baby looked beautiful on the monitor! We are once again so thankful that God is taking care of me and this sweet baby.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Gb85fTAX7g/UzHwnVoRQGI/AAAAAAAAGZU/iYjgZ5dBqgk/s1600/1a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Gb85fTAX7g/UzHwnVoRQGI/AAAAAAAAGZU/iYjgZ5dBqgk/s1600/1a.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
This picture was taken at 37 weeks. I am pretty convinced I'll be having a 9lb + baby. We will see. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kxySKSfpnQI/UzHwrKyeNRI/AAAAAAAAGaU/ZCUKCq2l9To/s1600/1i.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kxySKSfpnQI/UzHwrKyeNRI/AAAAAAAAGaU/ZCUKCq2l9To/s1600/1i.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Tony took this pic of me Sunday evening after we got home from church. It's a more flattering position that the one I took today ;) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9ZyUTukkV8/UzHwnzDnThI/AAAAAAAAGZc/zrWG_Ek3l6Q/s1600/1b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9ZyUTukkV8/UzHwnzDnThI/AAAAAAAAGZc/zrWG_Ek3l6Q/s1600/1b.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Here I am at 36 weeks. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ipPItZJqtJU/UzHwo4iQPEI/AAAAAAAAGZs/LwXX_HQOMZ0/s1600/1c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ipPItZJqtJU/UzHwo4iQPEI/AAAAAAAAGZs/LwXX_HQOMZ0/s1600/1c.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been busy making cute little things for my new girl. Little spit-up bibs and burp cloths are my most recent projects. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RiaVrtFElx0/UzHwpD3sFnI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/TjHXbhDGPVU/s1600/1d.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RiaVrtFElx0/UzHwpD3sFnI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/TjHXbhDGPVU/s1600/1d.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DvyFKFRtCJM/UzHwqcGv6XI/AAAAAAAAGaM/cJWRB9WLkAw/s1600/1g.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DvyFKFRtCJM/UzHwqcGv6XI/AAAAAAAAGaM/cJWRB9WLkAw/s1600/1g.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We are doing cloth diapers with this baby, after she gets out of the newborn diaper stage. We have been working on our diaper stash and getting ready for her, all around! <br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGTo5a9Rmfo/UzHwstl4W7I/AAAAAAAAGao/ZTod4D3NQBw/s1600/1l.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGTo5a9Rmfo/UzHwstl4W7I/AAAAAAAAGao/ZTod4D3NQBw/s1600/1l.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fAQCyAcresM/UzHwsrhuVCI/AAAAAAAAGas/SBNGTHTqQLk/s1600/1m.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fAQCyAcresM/UzHwsrhuVCI/AAAAAAAAGas/SBNGTHTqQLk/s1600/1m.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
We are all ready to see this baby. The kids drew this on the sidewalk last week. That's Tony and me, holding hands, with hearts above our heads. Can you tell which one is me? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kxySKSfpnQI/UzHwrKyeNRI/AAAAAAAAGaU/ZCUKCq2l9To/s1600/1i.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ORoFqZh0RI/UzHwqwQKaVI/AAAAAAAAGaQ/ypX4XcBjAnc/s1600/1h.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ORoFqZh0RI/UzHwqwQKaVI/AAAAAAAAGaQ/ypX4XcBjAnc/s1600/1h.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGTo5a9Rmfo/UzHwstl4W7I/AAAAAAAAGao/ZTod4D3NQBw/s1600/1l.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Please be praying for us as we await this baby's arrival.<br />
<br />
My C-Section is scheduled for April 3rd at 7 am. We appreciate your support and prayers. We will keep you all updated as the date gets closer!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fAQCyAcresM/UzHwsrhuVCI/AAAAAAAAGas/SBNGTHTqQLk/s1600/1m.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-46086173960243333692014-03-04T17:37:00.002-06:002014-03-04T17:37:52.915-06:00Catch Up Post: Christmas, Winter, Snow, Birthday, and Baby Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's been 3 months since I've blogged. A lot has happened. I debated
about updating all of our Christmas pics, talking about how great it was
and updating everyone on how our winter was. To be honest, I can't
make myself go there... all the way. Here are some snippets and pics to
sum it all up. That's what everyone wants to see anyway, right? photos!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had the Cobb Family Christmas at our house this year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sSUr9wrG1c0/UxZY7fPFNAI/AAAAAAAAGV4/IeQSZIUkjx8/s1600/IMG_7035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sSUr9wrG1c0/UxZY7fPFNAI/AAAAAAAAGV4/IeQSZIUkjx8/s1600/IMG_7035.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
It was great to have Mimi and Mamaw here all the way from Oklahoma City. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLZtJbUkIqQ/UxZZF_n4JeI/AAAAAAAAGWA/WaTSwkgbGXg/s1600/IMG_7114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLZtJbUkIqQ/UxZZF_n4JeI/AAAAAAAAGWA/WaTSwkgbGXg/s1600/IMG_7114.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
After Christmas morning at our house, we headed to Arkansas for some good 'ol Allen Family Christmastime. It was filled with tradition, yummy food and lots of laughter. I set up the tripod and we took some family pics. Here we all are!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zbEn5ftS2Mg/UxZZauywolI/AAAAAAAAGWI/gwY5Pgcj85c/s1600/IMG_7227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zbEn5ftS2Mg/UxZZauywolI/AAAAAAAAGWI/gwY5Pgcj85c/s1600/IMG_7227.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Caroline and Zoe are at the age where they play wonderfully together, most of the time. They were such buddy-buddies this trip!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-to1eS-W2e7Q/UxZZedpFXpI/AAAAAAAAGWQ/16xV62M9qzo/s1600/IMG_7243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-to1eS-W2e7Q/UxZZedpFXpI/AAAAAAAAGWQ/16xV62M9qzo/s1600/IMG_7243.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
My love, me, and the bump.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7AE39f48v0s/UxZZg0q4bpI/AAAAAAAAGWY/4rxipwdwr7g/s1600/IMG_7266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7AE39f48v0s/UxZZg0q4bpI/AAAAAAAAGWY/4rxipwdwr7g/s1600/IMG_7266.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
The kids and I made our first "homemade" gingerbread house. We were snowed in for several days and didn't have a kit, so I just used what we had (mostly leftover Halloween candy) and they had a ball! I think we started our own tradition. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VdVr9noBFR8/UxZZosYkwlI/AAAAAAAAGWs/rzY8P6TQUls/s1600/IMG_7013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VdVr9noBFR8/UxZZosYkwlI/AAAAAAAAGWs/rzY8P6TQUls/s1600/IMG_7013.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
We got LOTS AND LOTS of snow this winter. In fact, as I type this we are having a "snow day". The kids have used all their snow days for this calendar year. I'm not sure what they do to start making them up now. I guess we will see won't we?!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nV4xRYx6paA/UxZZy7bd8CI/AAAAAAAAGW0/7LCez5Baxsg/s1600/IMG_6890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nV4xRYx6paA/UxZZy7bd8CI/AAAAAAAAGW0/7LCez5Baxsg/s1600/IMG_6890.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Caroline turned 5 in February. I am still in disbelief! We only had a family party this year. My parents came over for the party, and so did cousins Indie, Kinzi, Zoe and Ezra! We had so much fun! She wanted a Hello Kitty party, so that's what she got.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6HN0fVWNZUQ/UxZe9qj_mII/AAAAAAAAGY4/1pYOE2jwtEc/s1600/a-.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6HN0fVWNZUQ/UxZe9qj_mII/AAAAAAAAGY4/1pYOE2jwtEc/s1600/a-.JPG" height="320" width="240" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-geptPT34vdM/UxZe4WQY87I/AAAAAAAAGYQ/tSbru7byImE/s1600/a+update1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-geptPT34vdM/UxZe4WQY87I/AAAAAAAAGYQ/tSbru7byImE/s1600/a+update1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkUAjJUgSSY/UxZe5pZu6cI/AAAAAAAAGYM/sYaV6qdjxu4/s1600/a+update3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkUAjJUgSSY/UxZe5pZu6cI/AAAAAAAAGYM/sYaV6qdjxu4/s1600/a+update3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mlfP0UhtXbM/UxZe4cBC6rI/AAAAAAAAGXo/ApaK2tiuNGA/s1600/a+update.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mlfP0UhtXbM/UxZe4cBC6rI/AAAAAAAAGXo/ApaK2tiuNGA/s1600/a+update.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had two amazing showers. One in Edmond, and one here in Tulsa. God has gone above and beyond to provide for this baby. We feel overwhelmed and so loved!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QGTPuYm0Ruw/UxZe6ZAsUGI/AAAAAAAAGYA/VRL8VGLPhpA/s1600/a+update5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QGTPuYm0Ruw/UxZe6ZAsUGI/AAAAAAAAGYA/VRL8VGLPhpA/s1600/a+update5.JPG" height="320" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-amb4_hiNO2A/UxZe8jmOgvI/AAAAAAAAGYc/ffQzaLvhXPo/s1600/a+update4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-amb4_hiNO2A/UxZe8jmOgvI/AAAAAAAAGYc/ffQzaLvhXPo/s1600/a+update4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My mom came over for the Tulsa shower and I snapped this of her and the kiddos before she left. She will be back when the baby arrives.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7xgvQ-bRdRQ/UxZe89KJuRI/AAAAAAAAGYk/lc5omlW_Jcw/s1600/a+update8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7xgvQ-bRdRQ/UxZe89KJuRI/AAAAAAAAGYk/lc5omlW_Jcw/s1600/a+update8.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
okay, here come the belly pics. Part of the reason I decided to post today was because I was worried that one day this baby girl would get on this blog and find no updates of when I was pregnant with her, like I did Caroline. Here are the catch-up belly pics. (feel free to skip over them)<br />
<br />
31 weeks <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bkoONDB5jig/UxZe9OJFQrI/AAAAAAAAGYo/XZMNBL_ClQw/s1600/a+update9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bkoONDB5jig/UxZe9OJFQrI/AAAAAAAAGYo/XZMNBL_ClQw/s1600/a+update9.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
32 weeks<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-puTznZe9Ayo/UxZe37decbI/AAAAAAAAGXg/esvXe3c0jls/s1600/a+update10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-puTznZe9Ayo/UxZe37decbI/AAAAAAAAGXg/esvXe3c0jls/s1600/a+update10.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pItxsxej09A/UxZe4mERTpI/AAAAAAAAGXw/ywsAnlat7BM/s1600/a+update11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
34<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJsSdcSE08I/UxZe7-6xn_I/AAAAAAAAGYU/O1AtnsxGw0E/s1600/a+update6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJsSdcSE08I/UxZe7-6xn_I/AAAAAAAAGYU/O1AtnsxGw0E/s1600/a+update6.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mlfP0UhtXbM/UxZe4cBC6rI/AAAAAAAAGXo/ApaK2tiuNGA/s1600/a+update.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
This was taken yesterday, one month till my C-section. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POlfeRT5JZ8/UxZe7ipXxlI/AAAAAAAAGYY/SaFb3yIkEFk/s1600/a+update7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POlfeRT5JZ8/UxZe7ipXxlI/AAAAAAAAGYY/SaFb3yIkEFk/s1600/a+update7.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJsSdcSE08I/UxZe7-6xn_I/AAAAAAAAGYU/O1AtnsxGw0E/s1600/a+update6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u>Baby Update:</u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
35 weeks, 1 day pregnant</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
29 days to go until my Scheduled C-section on April 3rd.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Baby Girl is measuring 3 weeks ahead of time. Yes, 3 weeks big. Ooops</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Weight gained till now, only 3 lbs. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gestational diabetes diet and exercise program going great!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Feeling good, except I'm having intense lower back pain. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Spending every available second with my big kids, enjoying them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are in full "get ready for baby" mode around here!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Getting excited! We cannot wait to meet her!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Still haven't decided 100% on a name yet.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QGTPuYm0Ruw/UxZe6ZAsUGI/AAAAAAAAGYA/VRL8VGLPhpA/s1600/a+update5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QGTPuYm0Ruw/UxZe6ZAsUGI/AAAAAAAAGYA/VRL8VGLPhpA/s1600/a+update5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That pretty much catches me up around here. I'll do my best to update as we get closer to baby-- especially now that I don't have the dreaded catch-up post to do. Ha! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pItxsxej09A/UxZe4mERTpI/AAAAAAAAGXw/ywsAnlat7BM/s1600/a+update11.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pItxsxej09A/UxZe4mERTpI/AAAAAAAAGXw/ywsAnlat7BM/s1600/a+update11.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-amb4_hiNO2A/UxZe8jmOgvI/AAAAAAAAGYc/ffQzaLvhXPo/s1600/a+update4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-48410805210929949542013-12-03T15:57:00.000-06:002013-12-03T23:03:17.941-06:00"Elf On The Shelf" Has More to Do With Jesus than Santa In Our home.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I hear things all the time from Christians about how bad and Sacrilegious Santa Claus is. I don't think Santa is necessarily Sacrilegious, or against Jesus' birth, I just think some people focus on Santa too much. When I grew up we 'did' Santa in our house. Every Christmas morning, there would be an unopened gift from Santa and goodies in our stockings. Then, we would walk over to our wooden nativity set and unwrap baby Jesus and sing Happy Birthday to him. That's right, Jesus was wrapped as a present. It may seem cliche, but as my Caroline tells me, isn't he the BEST gift of all? I don't think I was screwed up because I believed in Santa. I may be screwed up from other things, but Santa was definitely not the cause. I also grew up in a Pastor's home and all of my favorite Christmas memories involved my family and our Savior. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you research the original St. Nick, you know that he secretly left things for the poor, or those who were in need. What's wrong with that anyway? We have always told our kids about the original St. Nick. We also love watching Christmas movies like Elf or Miracle on 34th Street, or The Grinch. Anyone knows that the Grinch is make-believe, just like Santa, but it's fun to watch on TV and there are good morals in the story. People who let their kids watch Mickey Mouse but not watch Santa cartoons--well, I just don't understand the difference I guess. How is one make-believe character any different than another? Now, before you get all angry and mad at me and start writing me hate mail, please know this is just my opinion. Hear me out.<br /><br />I don't think there is anything wrong with making Christmas cookies, surrounding our family with tinsel and twinkle lights, or opening presents. I do see something wrong with the way our "world" looks at Christmas, with the materialism, and "want want want", but that could be a post of it's own and frankly, that's not my point in this post. I've probably rambled enough already. "Rachel, get back to the Elf Party"...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You see </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">pictures of everyone else's "ELF" that they've named and post funny pics on Instagram or Facebook. I saw a post on Pinterest the other day that was called "100 new elf on the shelf ideas". Really? 100? I'm not interested in getting our Elf out in September, but whatever floats your boat I guess. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tony and I have talked about "doing" Santa in our house, but doing Santa differently. We got an Elf on the Shelf when Tobin was 4. It was a gift, and Tobin named him Francis. I thought he was cute, but I had always hated the way some families use Santa as bribery to make their kids behave. I've had numerous conversations with other mom's, and even some of my family members, about the good and/or bad of doing Santa. I believe that if we honor Jesus Christ, and make the Lord the center of our home and holiday memories, there is nothing wrong with a little "ELF" fun. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The problem was, I searched all over the Internet for ideas on how to use the Elf, and still have our home centered on Christ. I didn't find many. I did find some good ideas, but they didn't fully incorporate what I longed for my kids and our Elf. I liked the letter that Rachel over at<a href="http://followinginmyshoes.com/" target="_blank"> http://followinginmyshoes.com/</a> , but it wasn't exactly what we wanted. I used parts of her letter, and added some of our own family values. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I thought I would share with you the letter that came with Francis when he arrived this year:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fg_eOmRlPNc/Up5QOP6dn3I/AAAAAAAAGVQ/kGU0daRR0N8/s1600/francis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fg_eOmRlPNc/Up5QOP6dn3I/AAAAAAAAGVQ/kGU0daRR0N8/s320/francis.JPG" width="240" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #cc0000;">=====================================================</span> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Dear
Tobin and Caroline,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
hope you are having a wonderful Christmas season. Did you have fun decorating
the Christmas tree?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I thought we would do something a
little bit different this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
time of year – this time we call “Christmas” – gets very busy and kind of
crazy. Everyone just focuses on “want, want, want.” Have you been
telling your Mommy and Daddy what you want for Christmas? It’s OK to want
a few things, but I’ve seen people – grown ups and kiddos – get very selfish
with all the stuff they want. They want so many things that they forget
the whole reason we even have Christmas….</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Jesus
– God’s son who was born a long, long, long time ago… </span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
very first “Christmas present” ever given to the whole big world. </span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I don’t want you kiddos to forget
about Jesus as you prepare for Christmas. I want you to enjoy all the fun
– hot chocolate, singing Christmas songs, making yummy goodies, watching fun
movies, and presents – but I don’t want you to forget the most important
present: <u>God’s love for us and His son, Jesus</u>. I don’t want you to
forget that it’s still important to love others … to be nice to other people …
to help other people (<i>even your Mommy, Daddy, and each other</i>) … to show other
people how wonderful Jesus is.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, I’m here to help you kids (<i>and
your Mommy and Daddy</i>) remember these important parts about Christmas:
Jesus, God’s love and our job of joyfully sharing that love with others through
our gifts, kind words and loving actions (<i>the things we do for one another</i>).</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m going to hang out in all kinds
of places in your home this year, and each day I will bring you a challenge, an activity to do together and
an Advent Scripture (from the Bible) to help remind you to:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Love each other</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Speak nicely to one another</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Help each other </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Help your friends and neighbors too</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Give to people who don’t have all the stuff you have</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Remember that God loves you kiddos so, so, so much.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I can’t wait to go through this
Christmas Season with you and most of all, I can’t wait to Celebrate Jesus’
birthday with you soon! </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Looking forward to seeing great
things and wonderful love from each of you,</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Billabong; font-size: 28.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>~Francis<br />========================</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Billabong; font-size: 28.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
I enclosed an Advent Calendar with a "challenge" each day. I am using a calendar that I found <a href="http://www.loyolapress.com/assets/advent/children-advent-calendar.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>. Today's challenge was "I will secretly do a kind act for someone" the family activity was to "play a board game together" and the verse was "Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation." I gathered these daily items from several sources. There are some really good ones <a href="http://adrielbooker.com/family-advent-activities-christmas-countdown-fun/" target="_blank">here</a>. I also added a few of our own. If you google "Children's Advent" you will come up with thousands of ideas. I want our children, our home, and our Elf to be focused on Jesus this year. <br />
<br />
<br />
Now, what's wrong with that? Well, I don't think anything is. We will be counting the days till Christmas and celebrating our Savior's birth. You may disagree with me, and that's okay. This post is not to change your mind, or convince people what they are doing isn't right. If you like bribing your kiddos with your Elf On The Shelf, or if you only do Jesus in your home, that's fine too. I'm not here to judge you, or your traditions. I just ask that you focus a little more on Jesus this year. Celebrate HIM!
Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-45456561226310306352013-12-03T10:59:00.001-06:002013-12-03T10:59:22.073-06:00Pregnancy Update (and other news too)Hello! Once again, it's been way too long since I've blogged. Forgive me. I thought I would give you a life update real quick before the busy Christmas season keeps us busy.<br /><br /><b>Pregnancy Update:</b><br />23 weeks<br />
It's a GIRL! We are so excited to be adding more PINK to our home!<br />
Cravings: Spanish Olives, Pineapple, Ice Water, and Lemon Pepper (on almost everything).<br />
I'm feeling pretty good these days. No more nausea!<br />
I'm enjoying being pregnant and trying to enjoy every second of my big kids while it's just the two of them.<br />
She is moving a lot now and I love feeling her movement!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nampRyu8TDs/Up4MsSHFAUI/AAAAAAAAGUk/C_7YP_TSRhk/s1600/baby+girl.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nampRyu8TDs/Up4MsSHFAUI/AAAAAAAAGUk/C_7YP_TSRhk/s320/baby+girl.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lhqyW-ETrD4/Up4M963gJII/AAAAAAAAGU4/sP1qs_GKSek/s1600/23+week+baby+bump.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lhqyW-ETrD4/Up4M963gJII/AAAAAAAAGU4/sP1qs_GKSek/s320/23+week+baby+bump.PNG" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Kids Update: </b><br />
Tobin is doing great in school. We have dealt with our share of behavior issues this year, but we found out his eye sight isn't what it needs to be. The teacher moved him closer to the front of the room, and we have an appointment scheduled with the Ophthalmologist next week. We are thinking that the issue's we've been dealing with will be taken care of once he can see! Guilty moment for me. Why didn't I figure this out sooner? Sheesh!<br /><br />Caroline is thriving in school. She is the little teacher's pet. Everyone loves her, and she knows it. Ha! Today is her first day back at school after having Hives for 5 days. What a miserable Holiday weekend for her! We went to Arkansas for Thanksgiving to see my family, and I felt so bad for her! She was itchy and miserable. We still don't know what caused them. The doctor was 100% sure they were hives, and not another type of rash. He thought they were caused by a virus though, and not an allergy attack. Hopefully they will stay away! <br /><br />We had to change her asthma medication recently, and her health and sleeping in general is so much more pleasant, so this Hive-like virus really took it out of me this last week. I just hate it when my child is miserable! <br />
<br />
<b>Scentsy: </b><br />
Scentsy is keeping me busy this Holiday season. Scentsy makes the perfect Christmas gift, so I always get a lot of orders around this time of year. I really love my job-- I love staying home and making money too! My home will never smell bad. :) This is a pic of December's warmer of the month. It's 10% off and GORGEOUS! This photo does not do it justice. You can check out my website <a href="http://www.freefromwicks.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to find out more about Scentsy or to place an order.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QgEokIKvsds/Up4J3rzhUlI/AAAAAAAAGUY/xzr8ZHLk7EY/s1600/1479481_10202301160601404_1048392891_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QgEokIKvsds/Up4J3rzhUlI/AAAAAAAAGUY/xzr8ZHLk7EY/s320/1479481_10202301160601404_1048392891_n.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I hope your Thanksgiving was blessed! Enjoy the Christmas season with your loved ones. We will be spending lots of time together making memories! Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-67310892945786463532013-10-31T22:42:00.002-05:002013-10-31T22:42:45.320-05:00Halloween (and Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe) 2013I'm sitting here eating leftover avocado from dinner, and a Butterfinger candybar. I know, it sounds weird. Don't judge me. I'm pregnant and that's what ya get! Ha!<br />
<br />
Tonight, I made a yummy Mexican Chicken Soup for dinner. I got the recipe <a href="http://recipedutchess.blogspot.com/2009/03/inas-mexican-chicken-soup.html?m=1" target="_blank">here</a>, from <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/therachelcobb/boards/" target="_blank">pinterest</a>, and added my own flare to it. We have lifegroup on Thursday nights and serve dinner, so I always love to do "one pot" meals. They make it so easy! I made Mexican rice and we topped off the soup with avocado, cheese, and sour cream. It was quite tasty! I now have a bunch left that I will freeze for another night that I'm too tired to cook.<br />
<br />
We had a great night hanging out with friends. After dinner, the men stayed here and handed out candy and invites (to <a href="http://lifechurch.tv/">lifechurch.tv</a>) to trick-or-treater's who happened to stop by. The ladies took the kiddos down the street and around the block to knock on some doors. It always makes me smile to watch the people come to the door and look at my cute kids. I heard a lot of "what a cute lady bug" and "Wow- Iron Man!" <br />
<br />
We all trotted back to our house and handed out more candy and invites to church. Caroline sure did love giving the kids candy and invites. She was mad when I put candy in the candy sacks. She wanted to do it all herself. We have a bit of drama in our little Miss. Independent. She keeps it interesting around here. While we handed out candy, Tobin took the time to sneak/eat more candy. Oh dear, I'm surprised he even went to bed at all!<br />
<br />
As I sit here, My amazing hubby is fixing our van. We needed new brake pads, and some rod or something came loose on the front tire and something had to be replaced. I don't speak car language; the point is, he is fixing it all up. I don't know what I'd do without that man! I'm so thankful for him!<br />
<br />
I'll leave you with some pics of my cute kids tonight. Tobin wanted to be Iron Man again this year, which was great for me so I went with it. Caroline wanted to be Snow White and then changed her mind to a lady bug at the last minute, so we scrounged up a Lady Bug Costume from the dress-up box. If you're wondering why we are Christians who Trick-or-treat, <a href="http://www.rachelcobb.blogspot.com/2012/10/is-halloween-ok.html" target="_blank">here </a>is a post I wrote last year. <br />
<br />
The kiddos are out of school tomorrow so we will be having a much needed family day! Yay! Enjoy your weekend!<br />
<br />
She wore her tap shoes, with red pom-poms glued on them (temporarily). Yes, we are transitioning to real shoes, without a walking boot! Yeehaw! (I need to do an update on her Kohler's Disease).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wYvXLH6zn7Y/UnMhP4Pem7I/AAAAAAAAGTA/zIahdF_q390/s1600/IMG_6007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wYvXLH6zn7Y/UnMhP4Pem7I/AAAAAAAAGTA/zIahdF_q390/s320/IMG_6007.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
We used last years bumblebee wings and hung them upside down for her ladybug wings. She said ladybugs had to have wings... that's the best I could do on the fly. Pun intended (-;<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nN_K6DgJ4Tk/UnMhwIzp89I/AAAAAAAAGTQ/4lvobnoXewc/s1600/IMG_6008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nN_K6DgJ4Tk/UnMhwIzp89I/AAAAAAAAGTQ/4lvobnoXewc/s320/IMG_6008.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAxXOMB7oto/UnMhwID6CtI/AAAAAAAAGTM/vZLamRs1KRM/s1600/IMG_6010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAxXOMB7oto/UnMhwID6CtI/AAAAAAAAGTM/vZLamRs1KRM/s320/IMG_6010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
There are actually two antenna's on this baby ladybug costume, but one was folded back in ALL the pictures. Oops!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oZpdBEfZ2eQ/UnMhwKGDBWI/AAAAAAAAGTI/rQjZHUi6ywI/s1600/IMG_6011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oZpdBEfZ2eQ/UnMhwKGDBWI/AAAAAAAAGTI/rQjZHUi6ywI/s320/IMG_6011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D_kU8rFEkgY/UnMhxBJXZKI/AAAAAAAAGTU/Hh2ti89R928/s1600/IMG_6012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D_kU8rFEkgY/UnMhxBJXZKI/AAAAAAAAGTU/Hh2ti89R928/s320/IMG_6012.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />Somewhere in the shuffle of last Halloween and moving this year, the attachable mask got misplaced. He didn't mind one bit! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Sb0IkWOZIg/UnMhxQ5tXDI/AAAAAAAAGTg/w3gqKls0ysI/s1600/IMG_6014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Sb0IkWOZIg/UnMhxQ5tXDI/AAAAAAAAGTg/w3gqKls0ysI/s320/IMG_6014.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
There was no staging in these photos. I let the kids pose however they wanted! Can't you tell?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MbFkasHh3qc/UnMhxo7WsfI/AAAAAAAAGTo/eWi5cGf6G4A/s1600/IMG_6016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MbFkasHh3qc/UnMhxo7WsfI/AAAAAAAAGTo/eWi5cGf6G4A/s320/IMG_6016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LMEcRGc7UZg/UnMhyPZvdqI/AAAAAAAAGTs/MqAFlGot-qE/s1600/IMG_6017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LMEcRGc7UZg/UnMhyPZvdqI/AAAAAAAAGTs/MqAFlGot-qE/s320/IMG_6017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6GlUGBB2QF4/UnMhyuGOArI/AAAAAAAAGT4/uul62I_HMco/s1600/IMG_6019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6GlUGBB2QF4/UnMhyuGOArI/AAAAAAAAGT4/uul62I_HMco/s320/IMG_6019.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sYwMYSzWh4E/UnMhzD91b5I/AAAAAAAAGT8/g8HaeKXbfCw/s1600/IMG_6022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sYwMYSzWh4E/UnMhzD91b5I/AAAAAAAAGT8/g8HaeKXbfCw/s320/IMG_6022.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />Enjoy eating your kids candy! I know I will!Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-55391332947585741952013-10-29T12:18:00.002-05:002013-10-29T12:18:56.276-05:00He Makes All Things New<span class="p"></span><span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">I have been absent from the blogging world for over a month! Sorry about that. I've been doing some intense face-time with my Bible. I've cried a lot too. I'm not sure what is pregnancy hormones, or what is real feelings some days. I guess that's how pregnancy goes! Ha!</span><br />
<br />
A<span class="p">bout a month or so ago, my regular jeans were not working anymore, and the realization that I no longer had maternity clothes hit me. It took me a week to get my grasp on it. Just when I thought, "It's been a year since the fire. We have been through 4 seasons. We have everything we need" I was hit with a brick. That wasn't the worst of it. </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">The thought that I'd never see the precious baby things that my babies wore and used hit me harder than I had imagined. Actually, I never really imagined it hitting me because you see, I did not have a reason to think about it before. Again, my motto of "We have everything we need, until we need something we don't have" came back in my mind. Oh, how I would love to get boxes out of the attic -- boxes of tiny baby clothes and receiving blankets and precious mementos. I'd love to look through them and reminisce and wash them and fold them for this new baby... But I can't. These are one more category of items that the fire stole from me. </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">I've been processing a lot of this lately. Some has been healthy through prayer and time with the Lord. Some has not been healthy-- crying, taking out my pain on <strike>Tony </strike>others, or maybe eating too much ice-cream. I was reading my bible one morning and I felt the Lord tell me "be quiet and wait". What? wait on what? Then he gave me more words, "my timing, provision, healing". So I waited. </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">I wanted to blog so badly, and get my thoughts out, but He told me to wait, so that's what I was going to do. I wrote in my journal and prayed and read and prayed and read. I made a conscious effort to not be discouraged. </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">During these weeks, he gave me this verse in </span>Revelation 21:5<br />
<br />
<b>He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then
he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."</b><br />
<br />
God told me he was making everything new. I wasn't going to look at this next season and get discouraged because I was starting over, yet again with something else -- Another category of loss.<b> NO! </b>He told me that He is making all things new! I'm going to get excited about this NEW baby, this NEW life inside of me, this NEW chapter for our family, and NEW baby stuff! <br />
<br />
<span class="p">Then it came. His answer, in the form of a baby crib. This is what He wanted me to wait on. </span>Sunday night we got word that a baby crib was waiting for us to pick up. I immediately started crying. Not because we were getting a free crib ( because that was really exciting!) but because God was answering my call to silence. He was telling me it was all going to be okay. In HIS timing, in his utterly amazing perfect timing, he would provide for all things needed-- not just for this baby, but in my healing. <br />
<br />I felt like today was the day to start writing again. I love documenting our lives. Family and friends keep up with us this way too. I don't ever want to come off as sounding whiny or anything like that. I want you to know that grieving is still a process. If you've grieved anything, you know this. This whole process has been so different that I would have expected. Now that we have a new city, home, school, etc. I didn't expect to hit another terribly hard moment. This whole (rip the scab off, painful) grieving baby things caught me off guard. <br />
<br />
I guess it is safe to say that it may happen again. For now, I'm resting and waiting on Him. My healer. My provider. My Abba Father. My sustainer. My friend and confidant. My forever love. My Lord.<br />
<br />Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914283384350058137.post-33422156257520610872013-09-12T22:13:00.000-05:002013-09-12T22:13:31.837-05:00One of those days`Ever have one of those days where you're adding domino's to the row, just waiting for them to fall? With every domino added, you hold your breath hoping they don't all fall and crash to the ground? <br /><br />Yep. Today was one of those days. I won't go into details, because I feel like the enemy would like me to pout about them and complain. <br /><br />What I <i>am </i>going to do is write tonight, so that I may help someone else along their road sometime. Maybe just one person, but that is enough.<br />
<br />
I am human, and have a hard time sometimes. I'm sure my raging hormones in the 11th week of pregnancy didn't help my situation today. Sometimes I feel as though a scab was ripped off and I'm bleeding the same wound over and over again. What is up with that? I wanna scream at myself, "Get over it Rachel!"<br />
<br />
I know that not everyone I come in contact with knows Jesus, so it's not fair to blame their behavior. I am responsible of my own choices and my own reactions. I know that's why my purpose, to share Him with everyone that doesn't know him, is evident. I also know that my <a href="http://www.chazown.com/" target="_blank">Chazown </a>is to help women find intentional Joy, every day, within every circumstance. <br />
<br />
So today, after a few (hormone induced) tears, I want to tell you this.<br />
<br />
If you have had one of those days, know that God is in control.<br />
<br />
He loves you. <br />
<br />The enemy <b>cannot </b>steal the JOY within you.<br />
<br />
You have purpose, and an intricate plan for your life.<br />
<br />
Don't let the bad days, emotions, or mean people get you down. <br />
<br />
<b>2 Thessalonians <span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2TH.3.3"><span class="label">3:3 </span><span class="content">But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="verse v17 selected" data-usfm="ZEP.3.17"><span class="label">Zephaniah 3:17</span><span class="content"> The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> your God is with you,</span></span><span class="verse v17 selected" data-usfm="ZEP.3.17"><span class="content"> the Mighty Warrior who saves. </span></span></b></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="verse v17 selected" data-usfm="ZEP.3.17"><span class="content">He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.</span></span></b></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="verse v17 selected" data-usfm="ZEP.3.17"><span class="content"> </span></span></b></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="verse v17 selected" data-usfm="ZEP.3.17"><span class="content">And one of my all time favorites:</span></span><b><span class="verse v17 selected" data-usfm="ZEP.3.17"><span class="content"><br /> </span></span></b><br /><b><span class="verse v11 selected" data-usfm="JER.29.11"><span class="label">Jeremiah 29:11</span><span class="content"> For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. </span></span></b><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JER.29.12"><span class="label"></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm going to go eat some chocolate ice cream now. Have a fabulous night!<br />
<br />
<br />Rachel Cobbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13398201388696163097noreply@blogger.com0