Summertime Steadiness

Is anyone else having trouble finding routine in the craziness that is summer 2020?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

And one of my all-time favorites--

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

And for goodness sake, hold on to your faith my friend. Hold on tight.

~Rach

In His Shadow

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.

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".  

This brought a specific visual to mind. 

 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.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 


Rest in His shadow.

Seasons

I'm so thankful for this blog.

I sat down this morning to start a new blog. Then I decided I'll just be authentic with you all.

There are so many times I've said "I'm going to start writing again". Life happens. The writing doesn't.

I don't regret anything. 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 documented.

There is a vulnerability in writing. Once it's written, it's there.

I have been writing in journals consistently, and I may start copying them into this blog.

For now, a new season is here.

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 FOUR KIDS now!

I'm praying and hoping that writing consistently will help me continue to fulfill my purpose.

My hope (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.

Thanks for those of you who still subscribe and read this ole' thing.

Welcome to those of you who didn't know this existed. May you be blessed!

Cheers (with a coffee mug in hand) to this new beautiful season.

                                         ~Rach

Creative Mama Podcast

I 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!

**Click the link below**
Creative Mama Podcast

We'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.

Dear 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. 

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.   

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.  

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 thinks she has an opinion.

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.

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. 

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.

And for the Love, put the tv on for your child and take a shower!  You need it!

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.

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.

And above all else...

Give yourself a break. Keep your Joy Mommas!

**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

Hey 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."

This was the age before social media, before emails were used daily.  This was before texting and video chatting, snapchat and instagram. 

Pen to paper.

Regardless the era  circumstance, that statement full of wisdom made an impact on me. 

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.

Anyway, Since that day in 1998, I never wrote anything I didn't want people to read. 

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.

I guess it's not up to me, but people let's take my dad's advice...

Teenagers, don't text things to one girlfriend you don't want the other girlfriend to know.
Husbands, don't text inappropriate things to women who aren't your wife.
Wives, don't text complaints to your friends about your husband.

 PEOPLE, for the love, Don't write things in emails you don't want people to read, then delete them.  That seems pretty simple.

      Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)

• The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
  
  
  Ecclesiastes 9:17 (NIV)
  • The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
    
    
    
    
    
    

Be Still my Precious Child

We 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. 

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. 

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 finally got her to take her "cowboots" off. Pick your battles, right?  Ha!

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. 

It was sweet.
It was peaceful.
It was quiet. 

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".



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. 

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 intimacy with God, we have to quiet the chaos and clatter, and let God's presence, his stillness, his Peace.

The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him. Habakkuk 2:20

 Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Psalm 62:1

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 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


Mommies, find your JOY in the Lord!  He is waiting for you.

Back in the Saddle

I'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!

Quick update:

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!

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.

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.














 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! 

 

Hope you'll join us as I get back into the blogging world.  #Cobbfamilyadventure

What to do when someone you love loses everything too

Friday 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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

We hung up.  I collapsed and cried.  I couldn't believe it.  How could this happen?

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. 

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. 

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.


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. 


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.

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. 

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. 

For those of you who want to help, there is a gofund 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. 

Normal Platelets and Prayer Requests

I had an appointment today and my platelets were 228k, which is normal! PRAISE THE LORD!

People ask how I am doing.  As long as my platelets are normal, I can consider myself doing very well.

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. 


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.


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.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
- that my platelet counts stay in the normal range
- that my body will start feeling "normal" again, and the side effects from the drugs will wear off soon.
- that Hazel will adjust well to bottle feeding, and sleep better at night.
- for finances, that God will provide above and beyond for all of these medical costs



Thank you so much for the prayers.
Thank you for the meals!
Thank you for notes, texts, and calls of encouragement!

First Full Day Back at Home

Yesterday I was greeted with these precious signs and washi-tape hearts on the door when I got home.  

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!  

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? 

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! 

It was sad to see them go, but I was full of gratitude as I watched them drive away.

I am so thankful that I am alive, on the uphill climb of healing, and safe inside my home again.

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! 

I took my (hopefully) last giant dose of high octane drugs today.

 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! 

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.

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. 

Sweet friends brought dinner last night and tonight which has been such a blessing!  Hazel enjoyed French fries tonight with her new 6 teeth!  

There has been a meal train set up and posted on my facebook page hat our amazing church family has set up.

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. 

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.  

I'll update tomorrow! ~Rachel

I'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!  

What does all of this mean?  

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.  

As long as my counts stay out of high risk levels and I don't developer complications, I stay out of the hospital.

Things to pray for:

- Today the roads are slick and Icy. Please pray for safe travels for us as we drive home.

- Pray that my platelets continue to rise to normal level (between 150,000. & 400,000.  

- 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.

- 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.

-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. 

-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!

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. 

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.  

Here is to a happy, healthy 2015! 

ITP relapse

Sunday 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. "  

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.

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.

Ok, back to the story...

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)

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.

We covet your prayers and are believing in miracles!

What 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. 

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!

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! 

I will trust you, Lord

I 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.

"What?" I thought...

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.

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.

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". 

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.

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.

Lord, forgive me when I don't trust you.  Forgive me when I sin and worry about things I have no control over.

From rashes to worrying...

I promise to trust you, Lord.

Back to the Blog

Well, 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.


We bought a house on 3 acres in a little town outside of Tulsa and we are loving the country/small town feel. 

(Here are the kids in front of the new house, the day we closed)

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.

Thanks for keeping up with our family.  

Introducing:

Hazel Hope Cobb
8lbs 9oz  - 19 Inches
born 7:40 am April 3rd, 2014


We are so in Love...

8 days to go!

 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!

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.

 This picture was taken at 37 weeks.  I am pretty convinced I'll be having a 9lb + baby.  We will see.

 
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 ;)

 Here I am at 36 weeks.

I've been busy making cute little things for my new girl.  Little spit-up bibs and burp cloths are my most recent projects.

 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!
 

 

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?

 Please be praying for us as we await this baby's arrival.

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!

Catch Up Post: Christmas, Winter, Snow, Birthday, and Baby Update

 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!

We had the Cobb Family Christmas at our house this year. 

 It was great to have Mimi and Mamaw here all the way from Oklahoma City. 

 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!

 Caroline and Zoe are at the age where they play wonderfully together, most of the time. They were such buddy-buddies this trip!

 My love, me, and the bump.

 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. 

 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?!

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.

 

 

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!

 

 
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.

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)

31 weeks

 32 weeks

 34

This was taken yesterday, one month till my C-section. 

Baby Update:

35 weeks, 1 day pregnant

29 days to go until my Scheduled C-section on April 3rd.

Baby Girl is measuring 3 weeks ahead of time. Yes, 3 weeks big. Ooops

Weight gained till now, only 3 lbs.

Gestational diabetes diet and exercise program going great!

Feeling good, except I'm having intense lower back pain. 

Spending every available second with my big kids, enjoying them.

We are in full "get ready for baby" mode around here!

Getting excited!  We cannot wait to meet her!

Still haven't decided 100% on a name yet.

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!