Party Pictures

Here are some pictures from Saturday. I included mainly pictures of my Dad's brothers. Do those guys look alike or what?

More Dress Up

Michael

We had a cookout with all the Cooks last night, at our house. Instead of being alone we surrounded ourselves with the people who loved my Dad the most, his family. At the end of the night we busted out the Michael Jackson wii game. It was so much fun and the kids thought they were playing even without the controls. My sister often made a perfect score and my best dance was Beat It :)

Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalms 30:5

5 Years

Tomorrow will be the 5th anniversary of my Dad's passing and yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my Papa's. I still can't believe that both of them died within 3 days of each other. How I miss them! I thought retyping what Julie wrote about my Dad might be cathartic. If you are suffering with depression or suicidal thoughts please seek help. As a survivor of suicide I am open to talking with anyone who struggles or helping them seek help.

Tim Cook

On Sunday morning, June 25th Charles Timothy Cook passed away. By the gracious provision of Jesus his frail body was exchanged for a glorious one, his restless mind exchanged for eternal peace and moments of intimacy with God exchanged for everlasting fellowship. Tim was an adored son , brother, cousin, uncle and friend, a cherished father and a beloved husband.

On July 23rd 1948 in Kansas City, MO Jack and Ruth Cook were delighted with Tim's birth. He was the 3rd of seven children and was best characterized by his good nature. Growing up Tim was a typical middle child, though more easy going that most. He loved all of his brothers and sisters, despite the fact it's been said he had to "survive" the older ones!

Tim's first job was running a neighborhood paper route, which he proudly did for a number of years. His earnings led to an elated purchase of a Cushman Eagle Motor Scooter. Tim also spent time in any sporting activity available. He loved sports, whether that was school participation in football and baseball, or simply shooting hoops in his backyard. Tim attended St. Monica's grade school for 9 years and was a member of one of the first classes to graduate from the new Jesuit High School.

Another love in Tim's life was cars, his first being a 1964 Rambler, which he nicknamed the "White Knight". The White Knight was followed by a 1968 Dodge Charger, his all-time favorite. Later in life he developed an unwavering devotion to mini vans. Who would have thought?

Being well taught by his father, on of Tim's strengths was car repair. He was also gifted with fixing and crafting things. From rigging his mailbox to building furniture, from green gooping the kitchen table chairs, to laying a quality patio in his backyard, he was a handy man for sure. Sometimes he would have to "give in" and call on a professional, as was the case with filling in the pool, but if all possible he would try for self-taught success.

Tim also loved, motorcycles, English muffins with peanut butter, airplanes, chocolate pie, doing "Nordy" while listening to Top Gun, cowboys, tools, Jim Knighton, Cici's Pizza, Wendy's, Wal-Mart, water skiing, snow skiing, National Geographic, reading, western art, smoking his pipe, the Beatles, John Denver, Lionel Richie, East Texas, Amy's compassion, Katy's faith, Cheryl's legs, being with family, playing poker with his brothers, taking pictures, posting notes around the house, eccentric practical jokes, parakeets, dogs (namely Teddy, Daisy, Rocky, Mandy, Maggie, and Dixie). The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band, Flowbee, Johnny Mathis, relaxing in front of a lighted Christmas tree, his i-Pod and Cheryl at first sight.

Cheryl's love for walking and Tim's love for listening to music on his i-Pod came together to create one of their favorite pastimes. Cheryl would throw on her walking shoes. Tim would charge up his i-Pod and off they would go. Time purchased an adapter in order for 2 sets of earphones to run off of one i-Pod. Because the adaptor cord lacked in length Cheryl would regularly get jerked around, but that did not take away from the special moments these walks brought about.

Tim graduated from North Texas in 1971 with a degree in business administration and accounting. He worked as a CPA for 34 years.

The dominant theme of Tim's life was his desire to provide for his family. He relished the thought of leaving a legacy of financial security. Though his desire for this legacy never wavered, it also came to include leaving a legacy of grace-filled living and even greater commitment to family.

In recent months Tim was struggling with depression, confusion and feelings of worthlessness. In addition to other avenues of recovery, Tim attended the Barnabas 33. Barnabas provided a safe place for Tim to deal with his sin and struggles, to build relationships with others, the most important of which was his restored relationship with God through Jesus. A family highlight at Barnabas was when Tim had to share with Cheryl the gifts he saw in her. With Amy and Katy on Cheryl's right he replied, "The two best gifts that you ever gave me are standing next to you."

Tim was proceeded in death by his youngest sister Mary. Tim is survived by his loving wife Cheryl, of 35 years, his eldest daughter Amy and fiance Bob Meeker, his youngest daughter, Katy Budge and husband Nick; brothers Pat, Mike and wife Jeanie, Danny and wife Sally, Davide and wife Gail, sister Susie Murphy and husband Brian. He is also survived by 11 nieces and nephews, Shannon, Meghan his Goddaughter, Colleen, Maureen, John Paul, Matthew, Michael, Peter, Thomas, Sarah and Joseph.

Depression is the number 4 killer in the world behind heart disease, strokes, and cancer. If you suffer from depression and are not getting help, address the problem. Most of the time it it treatable.

Rose of Sharon

OK-A few weeks ago I posted some pictures of the awesome tree in my back yard (wondering what it was). I received an email from a lady yesterday who came across my blog. Here is her email. WOW!

Hi Amy,

My name is ------- and I am an overseas Korean.

I stumbled across your blog by chance today and saw the post about tree dated 31 May. I just wanted to let you know that the name of the tree is Rose of Sharon and it is Korean National flower. Amazing isn’t it? In Korean it’s written as 무궁화 which is pronounced as Moo Gung Hwa.

Enjoyed your blog. Many thanks.

Best Regards

---------

I was putting Timmy to sleep and I came out of his room to this....I asked her if she drew on her face and she admitted to putting on her make up. Looks more like a mustache to me!

Dallas Zoo

I took M and T to the Dallas Zoo last week with our neighbors. 101 out=too hot for the zoo but it was still fun!

Big Sisters

Last week Molly dressed our little friend Grant! He was walking around the house saying, I the QUEEN. We were cracking up. Then yesterday she turned Timmy into Snow White! The beauty of having an older sister.

Favorites

Since I can't get her off my mind I decided to post a few more pictures. We have a ton on our computer and Miss L was often our screen saver. The top photo was taken a week before she had her heart transplant. The middle pic, well I just love it! The last one is of her on her 2nd B-day. Molly picked the cupcake dress and we sent it as a present. I'm still in shock and so so sad.

Princess Lindsay

Our favorite heart baby Lindsay Dean went home to be with Jesus on Friday. She just made it to her third Birthday. We know Lindsay through her mother's blog and I think it goes without saying that she is an extended part of the Meeker family. Lindsay is a true hero, the perfect mix of sweetness and sass, and a fighter for sure. She endured more in her short life than anyone can imagine. It was hard for me to pick a Lindsay picture to post (so many cute ones) but I love her here with the angel wings and it's one of the first I saw of her. We love you Lindsay! You have touched our lives and changed us for the better. You will always be remembered in the Meeker house.

The Dean's have many medical expenses and now a funeral to plan. If you feel lead you can donate to the Lindsay Dean fund located on her blog. www.lindsaysheart.blogspot.com

Protein and Puzzles

Molly's two favorite things start with the letter P. Protein and Puzzles. I'm not really into either but I can fake it for puzzle time!

How?

Timmy,

Mommy is wondering....

How your tiny body can hold so much food?

AND how did you get to be so darn CUTE???

POOP

Today this house is all about POOP and throw up too.

Molly has been throwing up since Sunday morning. Timmy has diarrhea!!!! Rocky's anal glands were full and had to be emptied at the vet this morning AND Sunshine pooped in her cage. Really.....too much POOP for me! Do these faces say it all?

Tree

This tree has been in our backyard since we bought the house. I have no idea what it is. Gorgeous right???

3 Days

Only 3 days of school left! Can't wait for summer break but I will miss these cuties!

Birthday Party

So many people. So much love. I didn't get around to taking many photos. The B-day party was planned by Aunt Susie and Meghan. Meghan chose the duck theme which was so cute since Timmy loves his stuffed duck from Korea. They put so much thought and love into planning the party. When I walked in I was overwhelmed, in a good way. My Aunt even had a friend from work come to sing Happy Birthday in Korean. Tears..... I think children, adopted children especially bring out people's hearts. We love love love our boy and are so humbled that God brought him into our family.

Dance Pictures

Recital photos tonight. After we got home I showed Molly the pictures. When she saw the second picture in this post she said, who is that girl? I told her it was Molly Kate Meeker and she never believed me. The last picture is of Molly with the class helper, Miss Melissa. All the girls love Melissa!

After posting these pictures I was visiting my favorite adoption blog and found some heart breaking news. Little Esther went home to be with Jesus. Her adoptive parents were working so hard to bring her here to the U. S. Esther had a heart condition and was set to be adopted by the Leist family at www.nihaoyall.com. Say some prayers for the Leist family.