Windy City ReCap

Daniel and I had a good trip to Illinois. We made sure it was a good mix of both business and pleasure. On the business side, our campus visit went well. We met with a couple of profs, sat in on a class, toured the campus, etc. On the pleasure side, we made the most of our time in Chi-town. We visited with some good friends, ate good food and just enjoyed time with one another.
Here are a few highlights in photos:

The best pizza I have ever eaten!Me and my man!
We watched the Cubs beat the Mets at Wrigley Field
The Art Institute of Chicago - we only made it through part of it - can I just say IMPRESSIVE!
The two specks in the middle on the left is usPhotos on The Bean in Millennium Park
Love

Chi-Town

Well, tomorrow morning Daniel and I are headed to Chicago. This is not a vacation, but more a scouting trip for us to check out our "new home." Yes, Daniel and I are moving to the Chicago area. What a shock for this Florida girl who has been transplanted in Texas for the past 8 years and who thinks anything under 70 degrees is just WRONG! I have never been to Chicago so I am looking forward to exploring the city even if it is cold, windy and rainy in the middle of April!

Daniel has been accepted to a PhD program at Trinity Divinity School and will be starting the program in January. He was originally accepted for the Fall semester, but there was one tiny problem. The first day of classes just happened to coincide with my due date! YIKES! Not exactly the perfect circumstances for a cross country move to a new city. So instead of causing his wife to go into a frenzy, my sweet husband petitioned to defer his start date until January and the program director in his infinite wisdom (knowing that a hormonal pregnant woman is a force to be reckoned with) approved his petition.

So, we are making the trip to check out the campus, meet with faculty and staff, and scout out areas where we may want to live. We are tentatively planning to move at the beginning of November.

Pictures to come next week.

Oh, oh we're halfway there.....

I HEART ELLA GRACE

This is the same shirt I wore in my 15 week pic. What a difference!

Up Close and Personal

Need I Say More

What's In A Name?

Naming a baby is not easy! Although, I have to admit Daniel and I did not have a difficult time coming up with our little girl's name. For months, even before we found out we were pregnant we talked about what we would name our first child, or at least I talked about it and every now and then Daniel would throw in a thought or two. If it was a boy, it would be named after our fathers and Daniel's grandfather. If it was a girl, we would name her Ella. Once we found out we were pregnant we would talk about whether this baby would be Will or Ella. One night as we were getting ready for bed, Daniel asked, "What do you think about the name Eleanor?" I told him I liked it, but that it was a very traditional name. He said, "If the baby is a girl, I think we should name her Eleanor and call her Ella." I then asked him if he knew that Eleanor was my Nana's name. He did not, but that sealed the deal. Our little girl would be named Eleanor Grace. We chose the middle name Grace, because this baby is an unmerited gift from God. That's what's in a name!

Daddy Knows Best

Daniel and I are pleased to announce that in August we will be welcoming

Eleanor "Ella" Grace Cooley
to our family.
We are tickled pink!

This is her sweet little profile.

The Big Day

Tomorrow is the day Daniel and I will find out if our little peanut is a boy or a girl! I cannot wait! So far, based on our blog poll, more people believe this little one is a boy. Check back tomorrow night for the big announcement.

Don't Talk Back to Darth Vader

Proverbs 31:10-31 for Today’s Woman

Next weekend I have the privilege of leading a retreat for the women of Grace Point Church
I will be speaking on Proverbs 31. I thought it would be fun to write a modern day version of Proverbs 31. So, here for your reading pleasure is Proverbs 31 for today's woman.

An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.

The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.

She does him good and not evil,
As long as he puts his clothes in the hamper
And the toilet seat down.

She looks for wool and flax at Macy’s , Dillards, and The Loft
And tries them on in delight.

She is like merchant ships;
She brings food from afar like Taco Bell, McDonald’s and Pizza Hut.

She rises while it is still night,
After hitting the snooze button a half dozen times.
And gives food to her household, i.e., Poptarts and frozen waffles.

She considers a field and buys it with her earnings,
And hires a landscaper and gardener.

She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong
By lugging her oversized Coach purse around.

She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night
Because she falls asleep on the couch with the tv on.

She stretches out her hands
As the tailor at the cleaners alters her clothes.

She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to her needy children.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For they are all dressed in scarlet fleece pullovers from Old Navy.

She purchases coverings for herself;
Her clothing is exquisite.

Her husband is known in the neighborhood,
Where he hangs out with the other men and talks sports.

She quilts and crochets,
And sells her goods at yard sales and craft shows.

Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.

She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue,
Except when she is reprimanding her children.

She makes sure the house is clean and the laundry is done
Rather than watching Oprah.

Her children acknowledge all her hard work and sacrifice
By making a mess;
Her husband does too,
He complements her by saying,
Honey, you’re the greatest wife ever now “What’s for dinner?”

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.

Holy Heartburn BatBoy!

I now understand all those looks of agony on the faces of the people in the Tums and Rolaids commercials. A couple weeks ago I had my first experience with heartburn or acid indigestion or whatever you want to call this evil thing that seems to enjoy taking over my stomach at the most inopportune times. Yes, a few weeks ago at about 1:15am I woke up sweating and writhing in pain from some of the most gut wrenching stomach cramps I have ever experienced. The only time I had ever felt that bad was when I contracted amoebic dysentery in a third world country which shall remain nameless. However, this experience was a little bit worse. On top of the terrible stomach cramps it felt as though I had swallowed a lit match and it was not going to be extinguished. I will save you all the gory details, but let's just say I resembled the girl in the movie The Exorcist. My sweet husband slept through a full hour of my agony before I woke him up in a panic. I chewed some Tums and anxiously awaited some relief while my very sleepy husband tried to calm me down. Eventually relief came. Fast forward to yesterday. I ate an extremely bland diet all day. Cereal, bagels, refried beans, tortillas, a banana, water, water, water... you get the picture. However, my body was NOT happy. I chewed some Tums, no relief. I took a walk, no relief. I took a Pepcid AC, no relief. Finally, around 8:30pm Daniel suggested we go buy some Mylanta. We did. I took four tablespoons and guess what it worked! From all the books I have read they say that acid indigestion and heartburn only get worse as pregnancy progresses. So, meet my new best friend...

Rejoicing!

A couple of posts ago I put out a request for prayer for our dear friends Amy and Allen and their sweet little boy Simon. Today, I have good news. The judge has granted Amy's parents temporary custody of Simon. As of today Simon is with his grandparents. Amy and Allen were also granted unlimited daytime visitation. That means they can see him whenever they want until he comes home! Thank you Jesus! In spite of this great news, please continue to lift this family up in prayer. They still have a long road ahead. Simon will undergo some genetic testing to help possibly determine the cause of his injuries. Also continue to pray that Simon will be back home with his Mommy and Daddy soon.

On the homefront, I had my 16 week prenatal appointment today. Doctor L said everything is progressing great! We finally heard the baby's heartbeat and it was music to this mom's ears. The doctor did mention we have an "active little critter." Hopefully I will be able to feel this activity soon. Only four more weeks until we find out whether it is a boy or a girl! Yes we want to know, yes we have names chosen and no we are not keeping them a secret. If it is a girl her name will be Eleanor Grace and we will call her Ella or Ella Grace. If it is a boy his name will be William Wayne and we will call him Will. Check out the poll in the upper right corner to place your vote on the gender.

15 weeks

Ok, so a few of you have asked for a belly picture so here goes.....

I am just SO excited to be posing for this photo!

There's a baby in there!

Prayers Needed!

Please be praying for some dear friends of ours, Amy and Allen, and their sweet little boy Simon. They are going through a very difficult time right now. You can visit their blog here to learn more.

Guatemala was Great pt. 2

Guatemala was Great pt. 1

The trip was wonderful, and Gloria and I are so appreciative of everyone who supported us financially and otherwise. In fact, there was an excess of financial support given on our behalf that will go directly to the ministry in Guatemala!

We spent four days in Guatemala City and three days in Antigua. The San Gabriel boys home in Guatemala City was a challenge. All the boys were split into 5 groups. Our group proved to be challenging. Most of the boys were a collection of various "special needs" cases & most of them were great, but a few were a handful. Looking back on it I think I can see that those boys can tell tales that no child should know. I pray that those kids will receive the love and care that they deserve.

Check back later for another installment...

We took some photos in Guatemala. Click on the link below the picture and check them out!

Guatemala 2008

More pictures from other team members.

The Childs

Stubborn Little One

So I finally made it in to see the doctor today. The day I have been waiting for. The day Daniel and I would get to hear our little peanut's heartbeat.

Guess what? We did not get to hear the heartbeat! The baby is perfectly OK; however, he/she had decided to take a nap right up against one of my very large blood vessels. So, all that Daniel and I could make out over the doppler was the sound of my blood pumping through my veins. Our doctor tried to get the little one to move with the doppler and when that didn't work she pulled out the ultrasound machine. She poked and prodded, but our precious peanut would not budge. I guess it has inherited a bit of it's mother's stubborn nature. Hopefully, the events of today are not any indication of the next 18 years of our lives. I was a little disappointed that we did not get to hear the heartbeat, but was excited to get an extra ultrasound out of the deal. We saw the baby's heart beating away and the doctor said it's heart rate was 151 and everything looked great! I go back in 3 weeks and hopefully at that time the baby will be in a cooperative mood and we will get to hear the sound I have been waiting for.

Waiting

It seems like an eternity has passed since Daniel and I headed to the doctor and saw our baby for the very first time. 5 weeks have passed since that appointment and I have been anxiously awaiting my second appointment. The appointment where we will get to hear our precious little one's heartbeat. I was supposed to go this past Friday, but thanks to a two and a half hour delay in the Guatemala City airport that appointment had to be rescheduled. It was rescheduled for today. Unfortunately, I received a phone call shortly after 9am this morning informing me that my doctor has the flu and my appointment would have to be rescheduled for Wednesday. So now I am just waiting. I feel like a little kid waiting for Christmas morning to open that gift that has been under the tree for a while now. I hate waiting!

The Cooleys Have Landed

Daniel and I are home from Guatemala. We had a wonderful trip. We have stories and a ton of photos, but right now we are focusing on laundry, unpacking and getting some rest. We will post again soon, but until then here are some photos.

Daniel and Roman

Hencel our little athlete!

Juan Jose

Hugo and I getting a little help from Susan Gray during the 3 legged race

Sweet Little One

Precious kids in Alotenango

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Daniel and I are headed to Guatemala today! Check back for updates!

1 + 1 = 3

Math was never my strong suit in school. In fact, I loathed math. My least favorite math, Geometry. Ninth grade was one of the worst years of my life because of that class. But I pushed through and eventually came to a mutual understanding with the world of numbers. In fact, I have even tutored several students in Algebra. My math teachers would be proud!

Having said all that, the title of this post has nothing to do with my superb math skills or lack there of.

Actually, the title of this post is to help me announce that Daniel and I are expecting a baby! I am currently 8 1/2 weeks pregnant and Baby Cooley's estimated due date is August 27th. I had an ultrasound at 7 weeks and Daniel and I were able to see the baby's heartbeat at that time. We go back to the doctor on February 15th to hear the heartbeat. We are both very excited as we approach this next chapter in our lives.

Fundraising Complete

I am pleased to share that Gloria and I have reached our fundraising goal for our mission trip to Guatemala. We are thankful for all our family and friends that were able to support us in this way. Please continue to pray for our team. The team will meet next month to plan.

Mission Trip to Guatemala

Gloria and I are hoping to participate in orphan ministry in Guatemala and we need your help. We feel led to join a team traveling to Guatemala City in February to share the love of Christ with children living in the San Gabriel Boys Home and the Manchen Girls Home. We will also be able to encourage and share fellowship with a church plant in Guatemala City.

Here is where you come in.

1. Prayer Support. We want to offer you the opportunity to support us and the orphans of Guatemala through prayer. Please pray that the young people in the homes we visit will be open to the gospel and that the team will be able to encourage and bring joy into the lives of these young people. Many teams have already visited these homes over the past several years, and many of these young people have become followers of Christ. Pray for these little ones as they grow in faith.

2. Financial Support. Please consider assisting us financially or through the donation of American Airlines Miles, perhaps in lieu of a Christmas gift. Your support in helping us reach out to needy children in Guatemala would mean as much to us as any gift could ever be. You can donate online using the donate button. If you would prefer to send a check, you may do so by making the check payable to Buckner International and mail it to our home.

Feel free to check out the pictures from our trip to Guatemala in 2004, and come back later for more details about our trip.

Going Deep

I normally do not write about really deep or personal things on our blog. It is more a means of keeping our friends and family updated on our not-so-exciting life. However, tonight I just felt the need to write about something deep.

Our church, Grace Point Church, is beginning an Advent series this Sunday, as are probably numerous other churches across the US. Our pastor, Brent, has asked Daniel and I to be in a video to be played on Sunday morning. The message and the video will be focused on "Hope." Not a worldly hope, but the hope that believers have because of the redeeming work of Christ Jesus.

Brent has asked me to share about two of the most difficult life experiences I have walked through. First, my father's illness and death and second, my mother's battle with breast cancer. While these two circumstances are similar, both involved cancer and both involved a parent, my life was affected differently by each. Not because my mom survived and my dad did not, not because of different relationships with each parent, but because of where I was and am in my relationship to Christ.

Brent sent a couple of questions for me to think about and to guide our conversation for the video we will be producing.
One of the questions he asks is:
How did you maintain your hope in Christ when you lost your father and cancer threatened your mother?

As I thought about the question, I came to the realization that hope looked very different to me in each circumstance.
I remember the phone call I received while a junior in college in which my mom shared with me that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. I had accepted Christ just 5 months prior to that phone call. As I hung up the phone I remember this immense feeling of hopelessness. I cried. I was angry. I began to question how God could allow this to happen to my mom. I kept thinking... my mom is going to die. I knew Christ, but as a young believer I did not know hope. Perhaps I did know hope, but certainly not the hope I know today.

7 years later I would receive another phone call. This time the phone call was from my dad with the news that he had been diagnosed with cancer. I would soon learn that the prognosis was not good. The treatment would most likely not save his life, but prolong it for just a short time. I cried. But this time they were not tears of hopelessness, but a cry of hopefulness. I did not think ... my dad is going to die, but instead, God please heal him.

My dad was not given an earthly healing. He passed from this life a little after 7:00am on Wednesday, May 11, 2005. A few hours later a neighbor shared with me that she was certain my dad was in Heaven. She told me that just the week before she came to sit with my dad while my stepmom ran errands and she asked him if he knew Jesus as His personal Lord and Savior. She told me with a smile on her face, that he said YES! Oh, what blessed hope of knowing Christ and Christ crucified, but even better yet, the resurrected Christ.

How did I maintain my hope? Through God's grace.
I spent time in His word, I prayed, I cried. I surrounded myself with other believers and talked about the things that were going on. I leaned on the promises of God. That He would never leave me nor forsake me. That even as I walked through the valley of the shadow of death , I could fear no evil because He was with me. I clung to the promise that His Word does not return void. I envisioned the mansion prepared for my dad, if he truly believed.

How did I maintain my hope? Again, I say through God's grace.

Growing Up Fast!

Wow! Kindergarten all ready!
So grown up!

I can't believe how quickly time passes. It seems like just yesterday that my nephew was born and of course not much longer ago my niece. They are just too cute!

One Week Ago Today

One week ago today I had already walked 20 miles, used multiple port-a-potties, drank more Gatorade than I have in 10 years, attempted to sleep in a tent while wearing multiple layers of clothing and had set out on day 2 of my 60 mile adventure. When I look back all I can say is WOW!

Last Friday morning, Daniel dropped Melissa and I off at South Fork Ranch in Parker, Texas. The temperature was a slight 34 degrees. I had goose bumps on top of my goose bumps. We dropped off our luggage and joined almost 3000 others for Opening Ceremonies. Emotions were high! Excitement, tears, laughter, anxiety they were all there. The spokeswoman for this year's events was a phenomenal speaker and she truly facilitated in preparing us for the journey we were about to embark upon.

The crowd was as diverse as a box of Crayola Crayons. Men, women, young, old, survivors, fighters, repeat walkers, first timers. But each person in that field had the same purpose. 60 miles in 3 Days in hopes of finding a cure!

Watching the Survivor Circle walk in carrying their banners, I could not help but cry. Tears of joy for these women and the many others who have overcome this terrible disease. But tears of sorrow as well, for those who have not been so lucky. I walked because I could and I can. I walked because there were others who couldn't.

I knew as I took my first steps on Friday morning that it would not be easy. Physically, I knew my feet would hurt, I knew my muscles would ache. I knew I would be cold and hot and at times truly uncomfortable. However, I also knew it would only be temporary. Emotionally, I did not know what to expect and looking back all I can say is that I rode on a roller coaster of emotions that weekend. And I am so thankful I did.

Today as I go about my daily tasks I think back on last weekend when I had no concern except for putting one foot in front of the other and accomplishing my task at hand. I remember the faces of the women I walked with who were walking because life had given them a second chance. I remember!

3 Day Photos

These Feet Were Made For Walking

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

Need I say more!

Blisters Don't Need Chemo!

Just a quick post to announce that I successfully completed the 3 Day! I was able to walk all 60 miles! This weekend was a life changing experience and not one I will quickly forget. To walk alongside approximately 26oo men and women, all with the same purpose and goal, was amazing.

I have stories and photos to post; however, right now I am just way too emotionally and physically spent.

Thank you to all of you who supported me financially! With your generous contributions I raised $2710.00 for Breast Cancer research. If you would like to make a donation, there are still four more weeks. You can make a donation here: http://www.the3day.org/dallas07/gloriacooley

Thank you to all of you who sent Daniel cards, emails and small gifts to show your support. I cannot begin to express how encouraging it was to receive "mail" at each Cheering Station. You played a major role in helping me achieve my goal.

Check back soon for photos and stories!

Why I Walk

I walk in honor of my mom as we celebrate her 10 year cancer-free anniversary. I walk in honor of Daniel's Great Aunt Frances who had breast cancer over 40 years ago. I walk in honor of the women who battle this disease every day.

These are the names of the women that I walk in honor and in memory of.

I walk so that my children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, will never have to walk the "breast cancer " road!

My sweet friend Lindsay sent me this small silver stone. It reads "Courage." The box reads, "Feel the fear and do it anyway!"
I am reminded of the courageous women throughout the world who battle breast cancer.

Daniel and I went out to dinner at Rock Fish before heading home for a good night's rest.

Tomorrow morning I will set out on a 60 mile adventure and I am so excited! Check back for more pictures and reflections next week.

This Post Brought To You By the Letters B and U

B is for Baylor, Bear, and Bad. U is for University, Upset, and Unbelievable. Yesterday, Daniel and I hit the road and headed down to Waco for the Baylor - Colorado Game. Much to our disappointment Baylor forgot to show up for the game, but Daniel and I still had a fun trip.

Our first stop of the day was the Bear Pit to visit the bears! Only one bear was out, but we were able to get a few good photos.

Gary Baxter was Daniel's next door neighbor while Daniel was at Baylor. Gary called Daniel and his friends the "Party Boys!"

Daniel and I during the Half Time show featuring the Golden Wave Band.

A New Lease on the Living Room

We recently ordered some new furniture, which arrived on Friday. We spent Saturday looking for stuff to go with our new couch and love seat. Our living room looks and feels very different. Feel free to stop by and check it out if you want.

Lions and Meerkats and Hyenas...Oh My!

Daniel and I went to see The Lion King this past Thursday night at the Music Hall at Fair Park. I had always heard rave reviews of this show and it definitely fulfilled my expectations. The costumes were phenomenal, the puppetry amazing, and the cast was extremely talented. I think the only thing that could have made it better was if we were in New York seeing it on Broadway.

Let's Go Swimming!

Saturday, Christi came to visit with her precious kiddos. I just love this family. I have known Christi and Ben and their children for 6 years. It is hard to believe how quickly time has gone by.

We spent Saturday afternoon hanging out by the pool chatting while the kids enjoyed the water. It was great getting to spend time with them. I took over 50 pictures of the kids swimming and playing in the pool. Here are just a few from our time together.

Just chillin'

Geronimo!

Look out below!

Silly guy!

What a handsome little guy!
Swimming, swimming and more swimming

Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, and Basil

If you read my previous post you know I tried out a new recipe over the weekend. It was delicious! Here it is for those of you who enjoy a new recipe every now and then.

Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, and Basil

4 1/2 C fat-free, less sodium chicken broth
1 T extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
2 C chopped leek (can substitute green onions)
1 1/2 C Arborio rice (risotto)
1/3 C dry white wine
1/4 C half and half
1 t salt
1/4 t freshly ground black pepper
1 C halved grape tomatoes
1/4 C chopped fresh basil
5 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, finely diced

Bring chicken broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan (do not boil)

Heat 1 T EVOO in large saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add leek to pan; saute' three minutes or until tender. Add rice; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in wine, cook 1 minute or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Stir in 1C broth; cook 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of broth is absorbed before adding next portion (about 25 minutes total). Stir in half and half, salt and pepper; cook two minutes. Remove from heat; stir in tomatoes, basil and cheese.

The recipe in the magazine also calls for a balsamic vinegar sauce, but I omitted this from our recipe the other night. If you choose to use it you will need 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. Before preparing the chicken broth place the vinegar in a small saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until slightly syrupy and reduced to 1 tablespoon. Set aside.

Once you have stirred in the tomatoes, basil and cheese and put each portion into a bowl or plate, drizzle each serving with 1/2 teaspoon balsamic syrup and 1/2 teaspoon EVOO.

Bon Apetit!

China, Candelight and Crystal

Like most young married couples, Daniel and I had never used our china or crystal, until last night.

Yesterday after talking with my sweet friend Meredith and discussing the issue of wedding china never being used, I decided that we really did not have to have a holiday or special occasion in order to use our beautiful china and crystal. So, last night I prepared a new recipe from my Cooking Light magazine and Daniel and I had a quiet candlelit dinner using our china. It was a lot of fun and we hope to do it again soon!

Candlelit dinner for two

Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, and Basil