Cave Conquered!

Cave Conquered!
Picture is worth 1000 words!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

October???

can you believe it is October? Where has the year gone?

Jaque has been so busy in school. Our softball is now finished. Although they did not have a good year on record, they had a lot of fun, and showed a lot of heart to the bitter end. Maegan - you did a great job trying to stay focused.

We have been very busy. Lane and Lindi are FINALLY married. Lane, it took you long enough. It was very beautiful and we all had a great time.

Since we have talked last, we have ordered graduation announcements, class rings, and who knows what else. Senior year is tough on the pocketbook, but I could not think of anything in the world I would rather be spending my money on. Jaque, a BIG senior. Wow. I look at her, all grown up and am so proud. She is such a unique blend of Chris and me. I thank God every day. In fact, I changed my alarm in the morning, it says Thank God for One more day with you.

How often do we remember to do that? My dad turned 60 years old on October 3rd. He is a great man. Throughout my life, he has always been at my side. He is the strength that I pull from, he is the rock in our family. And yes dad, I remember the one spanking you gave me. It was the ice water I spilled on you that made me do it. Happy Birthday Dad.

Jaque is doing well. She is gearing up for hunting season. She is continuing to get stronger, and look healthier. I pray that God is working in her, she shows signs of his power throughout her body. He knows that she is strong, and he is not finished with her yet. We must all pray and be prepared to receive God's blessings in her life. She is scheduled to go to Little Rock to Dr Kisser in January for a physical theraphy regimn. Dr McCarthy says that he is the best around. Dr McCarthy would know, he fought the devil for Jaque, and won. As he says, Jaque Jaque Jaque!

Thanks to all for continuing to follow her story. You will not be disappointed.......Love you!



Senior year..............

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Jaque

Hey everyone its me Jaque.... Senior pics are tomorrow.....Im kinda excited but its wateva...lol I cant wait till thanksgiving....food....family omg i jus cant wait.. I want to say to all the young girls that read my blog......Dont fall in love durin high school live life take it one man at a time have fun AND remember there is someone who cares for you.....lol....
oh
i dont know if mom told yall but i wakeboarded it was so fun... well ttyl

Monday, August 25, 2008

It's a small world!

Say What? One of the writers of "I'll Walk" posting on Jaque's blog, no way......YES WAY! What a blessing it was to see. Little bitty Jaque Hall from Haworth OK touching lives.....each and every day. That poor ol' devil just does not know who he is dealing with. The ol' devil thinks that he can send bad things our way, but he forgets about the "Jaque" factor.

That ol' devil forgets that Chris, Jaque, and I are so blessed with our wonderful family and a huge group of friends. And we have proven that it is not just about pryaing for Jaque, it is about us all praying for one another. Do you all remember the waiting room in Texarkana, in all the confusion, I told someone (not sure who) to take pictures of the people there, because Jaque would not believe it. She would not believe us getting kicked out of the general waiting area in little Rock, on more than one occasion. And when we were last at Little Rock, I showed her the surgery waiting room that we filled with those that could make it up that Thursday, January 17 --- she was amazed.

We were at the McCurtain CO softball tourney last week. You know she is 3 x all tourney team -- and with me, she is it again this year. We were watching a team warm up, and she commented that they probably did not like her very well, because in a game last year, Jaque hit their pitcher with a screwball (on accident) and she was out for the rest of the game. I reminded her that they sent balloons and a little lion. And a wonderfully signed card. She just smiled.

As we strolled through the bal park, we were stopped by kids, and most every coach that was there. Jaque of course gave them a hug, and told them " I bet you are sure glad I am not out there!" She is so wrong. I know everyone in this county cannot wait until the day that Jaque blankets them with a shutout, no hitter.

Last night we were getting ready for bed, and she was feeling of her ribs. She was telling me which ones hurt, guess that is the broken ones still healing. She and I were talking, and I said God knows what he is doing. He is HEALING YOU OF YOUR WOUNDS. IN HIS TIME. That is true in all of our lives. We must imbrace all that makes up our everyday. We must Seize each day. Yes, that is easier said than done, I know. But I know that with parents like Chris and I have - we are fourtunate. Our mothers literally dropped their lives for a month - would have done more if we needed. And still found time to spend with us to help when we got home. And I have no doubt that if I called them today, they would be here as soon as they could. Prasie God for them, let us all not take for granted one day that they are here on earth with us. May each of you reading this say a prayer for them today.

Just keep Jaque in your thoughts as she tries to make it to the softball games, they are hot and it really is a long time in her chair. She needs your prayers. May she be touching the lives of those girls. No matter how much she pushed them, she cares for each and every one. She is the first one there if they are in trouble, and as I told the buckytown website, she is the last one textin' them to make sure they make it home on Friday night. I love you all, and as Jaque would say, "That's how I roll."

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Schools coming!

Yes, it has been awhile. I have missed you all. Believe it or not, i can tell when you all are reading this blog, the power of prayer is great.

I guess everyone reading is feeling the back to school rush. In some kind of way, it affects us all. Our house is no different. Trying to get clothes, schedules, and routines down - that is difficult when summer is still here. It seems as though we have skipped a few months. I wrote August on a check the other day, and thought where has time went?

On to the important stuff. Jaque is doing well. She has been feeling great, and got to go to Lane's wedding shower last weekend. It was great to meet his friends, and be a part of the new life he is building. I know that they too are still praying. One said we are not just praying, we are praying for a complete recovery. We went for a pulmunary (lung) study, and are awaiting the results. The estimate that Jaque is around 5'8" now, still growing. She is still thin, but putting on weight gradually. She is wearing a size 5 (all you women can visualize her now!). She jokes that her shoes are actually lasting now, and she does not have to take them off in the house.

Funny those things that we worry about, and how they really do not mean a thing. I mean I would really just love to see Jaque run through my house with muddy shoes that are brand new. I cannot wait to see her get her brand new school jeans marked up with grass stains because she is playing football with the guys, again. And when she gets mud all in the floor board of my truck, I will do my best to just laugh about it.

So how do we keep the faith. Day in and day out, how do we, those that love and respect her, keep the faith. Simple. God tells us that we should give our children to him. 100%. We cannot teeter totter. So, I give her to him each morning, and thank him for her each night. She, and all our kids are such a blessing. And we must not forget to cast that ol' devil out. He is not welcome in this house.

And what about those doubters (you see in passing) that say we must resolve ourselves to what is here and now? Those that say..well she must be depressed? To embrace life in its current form is a must. No one (doctors) can say what the future holds for Jaque. Only God knows. But that can be true for all of us. Who of us does not have a bad day? Jaque's wonderful attitude is such a refreshing blessing. And still I am amazed at some of the things she tells me. Her bad days are short curfews and nights that she cannot go out with friends. She told me last night that she had to eat pasta, because it was the night before their first softball game for school. She just smiled so big when she said it, and said "that is what I always do mom." And we did. She knows, as I know, that she will walk again. We are not sure when...but she will.

So what say we to those doubters? Just pray that God will fill them with the HOPE and LOVE that we all have. Just tell them that each day on this earth is a gift. And tell them that when she walks, they too will feel the power of the LORD come over them. Like I always tell you guys, it is the JAQUE factor. Please pray that the lung study comes out well. And eat some PASTA!! Love ya'll.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Is it hot or what?

Good evening all. We have just made a mad dash from Little Rock to get Jaque home in time for the first softball practice of the school year. We had a quick appointment with Dr MacCarthey. It was short notice, nothing wrong. It was her check up for 6 mo after surgery. He took new xrays and said all looked like it was healing very well.

He told her that she looked great. He also is referring us to a physical theraphist in Little Rock that specializes in spinal injury. He will be a look local resource for us. Yes, we missed most everyone in Little Rock, but Jaque promises to return and see you all soon. This time maybe we will have a little more notice.

Deanna is here and rode with us. We had a great time, and enjoyed spending the night in Little Rock. Man, it is a good drive up there. It was almost more that Chris and I could handle knowing that all of you came all that way to be there for us. You are such great friends and family. It was emotional, actually seeing the hospital really for the first time. I could not even find my way to cafeteria. It truely is amazing that God blessed us with all of you. Our mothers, well I can jsut not say enough about what you have done. Brother Jerry and Jason, you have kept the fire lit.

It is so hard to stay focused and remember that God is in control. I say hard, I mean to let that ol' devil creep in your thoughts. You now the one that makes you want to sit infront of the couch each day when you get home, instead of going in that yard to mow. But if you let that yard go to long, it is out of control and you end up having to call in help. Once it is grown up, it takes a good three mowings to get it back looking like it ought to. So why do we do it? Why do we let that ol devil in?

Well, God speaks. And we must listen. He says to me that All things are possible. He tells me that Jaque is alive today because of a miracle. And within that miracle, our family and friends have grown closer. Now, we must all work to make sure that we keep the grass mowed where we can see one another. I pray each day for the stregth to leave Jaque in God's hands. I pray for his will in her life. And I pray for those who think they have no one praying for them. Prissy, your comments are never to late to be read, and I feel your prayers every day.

Oh, and just to let you all know - Jaque helped Coach with practice tonight. She and Nina helped Coach Amanda break in the new recruits. Amanda, yes - the book 90 minutes in heaven was great. I promise to pass it forward to someone deserving of the read, and keep the love you have given me growing in our families. Please pray for us to live our lives to the best we can each day, and as school is soon to start back - pray for Jaque to surround herself with those that will indeed share in the glory she will receive. And pray that Jaque's accident will touch her friends and make the more cautioooous driving.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST when Dr McCarthey told Jaque that she was released to do what she felt she could, she admittedd that she had been on a jet ski by herself yesterday. He jsut smiled and told her good for her!

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Don't you just love summer?

Well, as I write this, Jaque is out wih her friends. She has had a wonderful week. God is working within her. She just radiates sunshine!

This week is the first week since her accident that she has ALL BY HERSELF gotten out of bed, gotten dressed, fixed breakfast, put her shoes and socks on, and straightened her hair!! ALL BY HERSELF. God is so great. It was the most glorious smile I have seen on her face. It was priceless.

She really can feel the prayers, and is learning that when things seem tough, just cast that ol' devil out and you are sure to feel better. Today on our way home from walmart she told me that she is excited about going to college. She said that she would like to still go to OBU, but that a lot of her friends are in Texarkana and that might be fun also. I am just amazed that she draws so much confidence from you all - our friend and family.

We had a great 4th. A few bumps, but nothing to tough for us! Eddie has become friends with frogs. You know that is funny "Fully Relying On God" FROG. I just hope he doesn't eat one. Technically is that people food? He and Jaque both went camping on the forth. They did not get to watch the fireworks, but they got to play on the tube.

I wanted to say a big thank you to Aunt Larissa. She has done so much for Jaque over the past few months. I know that we would not be where we are at today without her help. She is the quiet strength that I see Jaque drawing on. I am so thankful for her, Toby, Jaron, and Jordan. She is never to busy to lend an ear or to run to the RX. So thanks Aunt Lisa. God knows who his people are, and you are on that list. Not by you works alone, just for being you. You have made a difference in Jaque.

We got our sidewalks in the front yard finished. Jaque can officially make it from the front door, to the side door, and all the way down to the pond. Best part is she can do it when she wants to.

Please continue to pray. It is working. We rode 12.43 miles on the bike, new record, but what else do you expect?

Guys,in all of our everyday lives we all have a lot going on. Thank you so much for keeping up the prayer chain, and your faithfulness is so wonderful. I want you all to know that God is working in our lives, in Jaque's life, and he is GOOD. Please know that we pray for our family and friends every night. And please tonight pray for those that may not have anyone else. Without you, I cannot imagine the last 6 months. Without you all, I cannot imagine what Chris and I would have done. Thank you. Mom, Momma Kay, Melinda - you are the best. Mom and Momma Kay thank you so much for being with us all that time in Little Rock. You are the strongest people that I know. For all the laundry and the goodie baskets, thanks.

Hope you all are having a great summer, more pics to follow!

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

What a weekend!

We had a wonderful weekend, guys, how about you?

Saturday, the Texarkana Fastpitch had a benefit tournament for Jaque at Karr Park in Texarkana. It was a great turnout. Coacj John called jaque on Wednesday and asked if she would throw out the first pitch for the Vipers frist game. It was so great to see everyone.

As we pulled into the parking lot, there they all were waiting for her. They had saved her a parking place up front! Coach John and all the girls sported pink hair bows with Jaque #5 on them. Funny, as we were leaving the house I had told Jaque that she had forgotten her pink ribbon, she said "Oh mom, it will be all right." And it was. Not all the Viper's could be at Texarkana due to previous plans, but we were so glad to see those that could make it. And Ashley - God did take care of things. **Always remember, when he wants you in a certain place, he will find a way to get you there!**

So - as we gathered on the field, all the teams stopped playing and came over to our field. Coach John gave us a great welcome and Jaque threw the first pitch to an anxiously awaiting Heather (that of course Umpire Gene called a strike!) Then as usual, Jaque had to trash talk all the umpires. HAHA! We did get some really good pictures.

Jaque and Coach John called the pitches. I can tell you all that Ariel did a great job, and as they usually are a great 1-2 combo. I know that it was not the usual combination, but it worked very well. And the smile on Jaque's face was proof. Ariel, you did a great job. We went to lunch and they were the usual cut ups that they always are. We did not let Jaque and Nicki ride together!!

A coach came up to me and said that his team would enter the NFSA world series, and would like to add Jaque to his roster. I told him that I appreciated the gesture and just one thing If she is up and walking by the time they go, she will expect playing time. We just laughed. For all of you that know jaque well, you know I am not kidding.

It was great seeing the girls working hard. Katie - I am glad you got to make it over. Most of the Vipers will be moving on to college next year. They played well, and got 3rd. The tournament was rained out late Saturday evening. God kept us all there as long as wanted.

I appreciate everyone that participated and helped with the planning of this tournament. I know that because jaque grew up in such a great organization, she is indeed blessed with many friendships, and Chris and I are also. This is part of what makes her the wonderful person she is today. The Viper parents are a great group. Your prayers and support is sssoooo greatly appreciated.

I know that in all things, you must trust God. I know that in all things, it will be he who strengthens us. I know that prayers are answered daily, and we all KNOW that Miracles happen, we seen them first hand.

Love you all and have a safe holiday weekend.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Urgent Prayer Request!

Please pray for our cousin DEANNA OLDHAM, she is currently in ICU and listed as stable. She desperately needs our prayers for her lungs. We all are aware that the power of prayer will guide the doctor's hands. Also, her parents Gin and Dee Bartgis, her two children Ryan and Justin, and her family. We love them and hold them up with our prayer chain. Give them strength, hope, and let them feel the love we all have for them.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

What a wonderful family we have!

Yes, we made it. Finally - we made it to Grandma's x 2 house. We spent the first day at Grandma Donna's. She and Papa Danny built a wonderful ramp for Jaque. We spent most of our time on the screened in porch and of course eating. Roxanne is looking great. Her baby is due end of July. Donielle and Jaque entertained Deanna and her friend Raven. They danced for two hours listening to songs on Jaque's phone. I don't think Jaque moved like that before the accident. YOU GO GIRL! Jaque's cousins Jordan and Lindsey came over too. Jordan and Jaque played guitar hero, and Lindsey filled Jaque in on how her softball was going. We were so glad to see Deanna play softball.

On Saturday we went to Grandma Della's 80 birthday. We got to see lots of family. most of them have only seen updates on the blog, so they were ready to get their hands on Jaque. Everyone I met said that they had been keeping updated on Jaque and had been praying for her everyday. God is good. Grandma Kay invited everyone back to her house after, and we had a wonderful time. Jaron and Jordan kept a good watchful eye on Eddie for us. Mckenzie and Andrew are growing so much. And yes, Tyson, you are a joy to have running with our crowd. For Jaque's friend that came over on Sat night, thanks for taking time out of your day and life to come and spend time with her.

Believe it or not, Sunday came all to soon. We let Jaque stay in western OK for the week. She has already been swimming, and fishing, and who knows what else. I am sure that she, Larissa, Prissy, and Lyndi are giving Grandma Kay a run for her money. I thank the for including her in their week of fun.

Today I wanted to share with you all a very lovely story. On our way out of town Sunday, we dropped Jaque off at the Green's Resturant in Burns Flat. When I went in to tell her bye, a man stopped me. He was standing behind Jaque and had such a proud look on his face. He asked me if I knew him. He introduced hisself. He said that I may not remember him but that he went to all my basketball games when I was in school. Said he never missed one. Told Jaque that I may have been small, but I had all the moves. Here is where the story gets good.

He told me that last November he had the opportunity to see Jaque. What had happened is that she was in BF and asked the coach if she could practice with the Burns Flat team. She did not want to get rusty while away from Haworth. He just happened to be at the school and got to watch Jaque practice. He said he also got an opportunity to talk with her for a little while.

Brunt of what he said can be summed up in this statement. He said "You know Carol, I know a lot of people in this world that are up and walking around, and they are way behind where Jaque is in life. She is a wonderful confident young lady, and God has great things in store for her." He told me to be patient and that they would keep praying for her.

A stranger, well, pretty much a stranger. She has affected this man. She has touched his life. Not just through sports, but through her voice. He is right. To get where you are going in life you need a path that you want to follow. You need a plan to get down that path. And you need to know what you are going to do if you hit a bump on the way. The best part about life is when we hit a bump, we have help there with us through family and friends. They will either pick us up or lay with us a little while we rest until we are ready to get back up and go again.

The path is up to us. I am so proud of everyone that I saw this weekend. I am proud of who they are and that they are a part of our family. Thank you for putting this wonderful smile on this beautiful girls face. Thank you for all your prayers.

And until next time - find the song by Deirks Bentley entitled "I'll Walk." Jaque listens to it each night before going to bed. And remember, she is rolling down her path right now, of course rolling faster than she should, but that is because she knows she has all of you there to catch her if she falls. Love you all.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Look out Grandma's, here we come!

Do you like the picture? Yep, that is her. I just do not like that you cannot see the HUGE smile that she had on her face. We were up at the lake and her friend Josh had his jet ski. Of course she batted those beautiful eyes, and next thing you know she was in the drivers seat. I offered him gas money, he said no. I reminded him that gas was high and he should not say no so quickly. He said that "it's Jaque, so it is always ok."

She had a lot of fun. Then she and I went to the middle of the cove and we let her get off. We wanted to make sure that if she fell off, she could get back on. You know she is 17, so with her little indenpedent wings flapping, we were off. You would be suprised to know (well, most of you would not) that she needed very little help from me. She amazes me with her upper body strength. And when she puts her mind to something, nothing can stop her.

We are gearing up to go to Grandma Kay and Grandma Donna's houses. We are all very excited. It will be Chris's Grandma Della's 80th birthday party. What an occasion! I hope that the weather is on our side. I am sure that everyone in Burns Flat/Dill City, and Elk City area are axiously awaiting seeing Jaque. Well, let me forewarn all of you. It is not quite what you will expect. She is doing so wonderful. You kind of just look at her and really expect for her to just stand up at any minute walk right over to you and say "you just got punk'd." And walk off laughing.

I know, sounds weird to read. But, honestly, she just looks that great. We are getting ready to pur sidewalks at the house for her to access easier. And I was talking with a friend about it and about college approaching quickly. I had made a comment about how Jaque would surely get the best dorm room now. You know the accessible dorms are always bigger and easy to get to. She looked at me and said " you have not given up on her walking, have you?" I answered, "No, I have no doubt that she is going to walk again." I also said that I want jaque to understand that college is still the option for her and whatever we have to do to make it work would be done. My friend said, good - that she did not doubt Jaque either. Just reminds me that people around you take notice of what you do and say in your life. I need to make sure that each day I am sure to leave no doubt where my conviction is.

My God says that he is "Restoring health unto Jaque, and he is healing her wounds." Jer 30:17. He did not say it would be overnight, he did not say that it would take a life time. He will do this in his time. And that will be perfect. Thank you all for your faithfulness. Thank you for your support. And most of all, thank you for your continued prayer.

As news develops on the lake front and our brave child is captured again on camera - I will post!!! To Kelsi, Madison, Maegan, Haley -- thanks for keeping Jaque so busy this summer. love you all. Carol