It's been a bit rough...but there's light at the end of this tunnel...

I came home from work Friday morning to bad news. Xander, the miracle I posted about last Saturday, died on Wednesday morning. Needless to say, I cried for an hour and couldn't go to sleep. My mind could not figure out how this sweet boy who was fine last Saturday could die so very few days later. My heart broke for his parents, who have now lost 2 sons to this genetic condition (Xander had an older brother, Kaison, who was born 4 days after my Talia, and died 2 months later).

From February 2010

I ran into Katy (Xander's Mom) at JoAnn's on Friday night. She, her Mom, and her sister were getting things ready for the viewing and graveside service on Saturday. Katy told me that they were somewhat prepared to lose Xander, since he had already lived well past his life expectancy. However, he'd been doing so well that they had hoped to have a little more time with him. Katy's spirit and testimony moved me so much...in the scheme of things, losing her sons in this life is just the blink of an eye, she will have the opportunity to raise her 2 boys in the next life. It makes me so, so grateful for an eternal family. The blessing of having this life and the next. The viewing and graveside service was emotional and grief stricken, of course, but there was also the promise of the next life, which keeps things from being overwhelmingly devestating. I am so priviledged to have been a part of Xander's short but inspiring life.

Cole and I took the opportunity to go out on a date on Friday night. We haven't been out of the house, just the 2 of us, in FOREVER (Christmas shopping doesn't count :)). We went to the craft store so I could pick up some material for a project I'm working on for Talia's birthday, went to the Junction to see Sherlock Holmes, and then hit the Olive Garden for a late dinner. Cole and I always enjoy each other...we had a great time just being together.

This weekend I was also reminded of the blessing of having a worthy Priesthood holder presiding over our home. Someone in our circle needed a blessing, and Cole was asked. He called me (I was at work) for counsel, and I was reminded again that a worthy Priesthood holder still needs his "rock" to ground him...I was very grateful that my husband was able to answer the call and use his Priesthood authority to bring comfort and clarity to someone we love. (And thanks to my Mom for coming and watching the kids so Cole could go without worry).

Tomorrow is reserved to catch up on paperwork, taxes, and chores. Maybe I'll be able to sneak in some time to work on my project for Talia's birthday....

Feeding Joe

We have a fish that Cole has named Joe. He's an oscar, and will eventually grow to be huge. Cole has already taught him to eat out of his hand...and the kids.

It's pretty amazing...and hilarious to watch. One of these days I'll get a video, but for now....

From February 2010

From February 2010

From February 2010

More Skiing!

The 23rd was the 5th grade ski day at the school my mom teaches 5th grade at. I told her early in the season that I wanted to tag along. We invited my siblings, and though my sister and her husband were unable to come along, my brother and his wife came with us. We had a WONDERFUL day! The weather was sunny, the snow was great, and we had a lot of fun together!

From February 2010

Chris, Brenda, Mom, and me...

From February 2010

Talk about an avalanche waiting to happen...

From February 2010

I thought these trees looked cool the way the snow was blown around them...

Celebration Time!

We had a celebration today. Cole's younger brother, David, and his wife, Amanda, are expecting a baby in a few weeks. It's been a long road of infertility and heartache for them (and by extention, the rest of us) so we are all THRILLED to welcome baby Danielle into our family. Today, Toni and I gave Amanda a baby shower (well, really both of them, but we stuck to the traditional model :)).

The food was amazing (and right now, I just realized I forgot to get a pic of the food table, and I'm kicking myself). We did appetizers and desserts. YUM, yum.

Amanda and her Mom

From February 2010

My niece Alyssa and me

From February 2010

Everyone was thrilled when Amanda got into the spirit!

From February 2010

I had to post this gift...so cute and amazing!

From February 2010

(I'm totally copying it)

This is Xander, one of my NICU miracles.

From February 2010

Xander wasn't supposed to live to leave the NICU, because of his disablities. He also happens to be the son of David's best friend Tony and his wife Katey. I was glad to see him today. I've been struggling with my job lately, and Xander reminded me of why I love what I do. The miracle of what I do. Anyway....

From February 2010

Heavenly father only blessed me with one sister by blood, but gifted me with a couple of sister in law's who are as close as sisters to me (Yes, Brenda, that means you too!)

The Mommy and the Grandma's!

From February 2010

When David showed up to cart home the gifts, he really got into the "Daddy" spirit....

From February 2010

David and Amanda, we are so excited, and know you will be great parents!!!

Special thanks to everyone who helped me out with things!

"I Need Somefing Choklat Mama"

How could any Mama resist that statement? Especially since I totally understand the need for a girl to have her chocolate :)
Talia is definitely a girl who inherited the Coop family chocoholic gene from her Mama.

I had the MOST WONDERFUl Valentines day. We don't go all out for Valentines, but we do like to spend the day showing our affection for each other.

I came home from work Sunday morning to find a surprise waiting for me...

From February 2010

...awww...that put me in a very loving mood! ;)

I put out our Valentines for the kids (the M&M tubes) and the cards from their Grandma and Grandpa, and went to bed.

When I got up, I got Talia and I ready, and decided to try an experiment with some new curlers I bought.

From February 2010

From February 2010

Talia liked them a lot....

I even decided to try them in my own hair.

From February 2010

I've been struggling with my natural curls lately. Since I've been growing my hair longer, the problems I had with my hair as a teenager (that I had really forgotten about) have come back. It's been coarse, unruly, and frizzy. I hoped that maybe using a curler to form curls would help. I liked the results (a pic of that in a minute) except that it was still frizzier than I would like. I guess it's back to the heavy duty frizz control stuff for awhile. Oh well.

I post this next picture to give you a reality check on my hair situation..

From February 2010

NO, that is not the flash bouncing off my hair. Those are my very white roots. My haircolor(well, really to have any color in my hair), which I love, is very high maintenance. This day was close to 26 days from my last color appointment. I have an appointment this week, on day 30. I use a root cover up from 2 weeks out until I can't stand it any more. Someday, I'll go to my natural white, but not yet. :)

Back to Valentines...I had seen these really cute cookies online on Saturday night. I really wanted to make a treat for our families for V-Day, so I decided to try it.
They turned out cute, but I overcooked them a little(I kept forgetting to set the timer) so they weren't as yummy as they might have been. I will definitely try them again, though.

From February 2010

We went out to dinner at Goodwood. YUM!

From February 2010

From February 2010

From February 2010

From February 2010

We had a good time. Then we delivered our baked goods, and hung out at my brother's house for awhile. He showed me some tricks for using photoshop that I have yet to be able to try, considering that I have been working and have had other projects to occupy my time. Soon, I hope.

I felt very loved on Valentines. I hope everyone else did too!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Cherish the ones you love.
Enjoy the love given to you.

Remember that Love is a blessing, and celebrate it.

My Valentine's

From Thanksgiving 2 2009

From FRIGHTMARES!!!

From FRIGHTMARES!!!

I am very, very fortunate to have 3 wonderful, amazing children, and a husband who is also my very best friend.

Cure for the winter blahs...

It happens to me every year about this time. The weather is a bit warmer, the snow starts to melt (leaving dirty, blah looking everything), and I start to get the winter blahs. Not blues, exactly...it just seems like winter is dragging on.

I've been saving my spending allowance since December. At Christmas time, I don't buy myself anything because I can get it for Christmas. In January, I'm still enjoying my Christmas gifts, and don't feel the need for anything new. February comes around, however, and I'm in serious need for some retail therapy. Something new, to ease over the winter and into the spring. Plus, I had a coupons from Victoria's Secret, New York and Co, Famous Footwear, and Maurices to ease the sticker shock.

We've been trying really hard in our house for the past year or so to completely live within our means. We no longer use credit cards. I've been being really good about living within a budget, funneling extra money into our necessary debt, building a food storage, and building our savings. It was nice today to be able to spend my saved "allowance" on myself...

From February 2010

(in Maurice's dressing room)
Talia loves to shop with me, and she was a really good girl today. I was even able to let her get out of the stroller...she stayed right with me and was a delight.
I went to the Layton Hills mall and had great luck. I got 2 pairs of pants and 2 shirts at Maurices. 2 Graphic T's from American Eagle (I LOVE AE's graphic T's...my absolute fav). A new Bra and a sleep shirt at Victoria's Secret, along with my free gift ;). I didn't find anything at Famous Footwear, but my coupon is still good for awhile, so I'll go look in Riverdale one of these days. I didn't even go to New York and Co, because I found the most amazing pants at Maurices. They fit like jeans, but are easy to dress up and down.

Talia and I had lunch at the food court. Chick Fil A for me, and Mcdonalds for her...

From February 2010

After we left, I had a couple of errands I needed to run on the way home. Talia and I had some "silly time" in the car, so that I could keep her awake. I ran to Sports Authority to pick up some ski goggles that were on sale this week. I've been watching for them to go on sale, the goggles are the last thing I needed (other than ski's, boots, poles and bindings--and I have to save for those) to have all my ski clothes and accessories.

Tonight, I'm attending a purse party one of my friends is having. I'm hoping to round out my therapy with a new bag, but I'm feeling pretty wonderful about my day.

Bye, bye blahs!

Science Fair 2010

Let's just skip over the my very upsetting Sunday, and go straight to the good news.

Kyle was required to do a science fair project this year. He picked his project from a list of projects on the internet. He worked hard and did a great job...I am really proud of his hard work!

Setting up...

From February 2010

From February 2010

From February 2010

Everyone was fascinated by the coiled wire "motor"..and how it spun...

From February 2010

Time for Surgery...

Removing Alec's stitches last night went really well. We put antibiotic ointment on the night before so that the stitches wouldn't stick...it worked great. Just snip and pull....

From February 2010

From February 2010

From February 2010

This morning, it even looks better...it's amazing how fast the body heals.

I love this age!

From February 2010

At least this moment was fun. It's been a trying few days filled with cuteness and tantrums. Drama, Drama, Drama.

Yesterday I was exhausted from working. Imagine my surprise, confusion, and irritability when my sweet, charming daughter threw a 30 minute tantrum because I wouldn't let her play with a AA battery. Yes, seriously. A battery. She cried for an hour after spilling spaghetti on her Snow White dress up. Today at least, I was more philosophical about the tantrums...it's amazing how much my perception can change on a full night's sleep. Tonight's major tantrum was because I wouldn't let her sleep in her "poopy-dot" (polka dot) pants, and I took the "bown" (bow) out of her hair. The bow was red with polka dots too...she's really into polka dots these days, and her polka dot jammies are in the laundry. I have been warned many times about "girl drama", but it seems it is starting to hit full force in our house...

On the upside, we had great Parent-Teacher Conferences. Both boys are delights, nice, smart, and have TERRIBLE handwriting when rushed (which is most of the time ;)) Oh, well. I have other battles to fight with them, handwriting isn't one I choose. Eventually, they can type most things.

Kyle is busily finishing up his science fair project, and then we'll be doing his state report. Speaking of...if anyone can think of ANYTHING interesting about Michigan, let me know...because all I can think of is a crappy football team and a pretty big federal bailout that still took my car brand away (Pontiac).

I had a lot of fun today making invitations and candy (for party favors) for the baby shower my Mother in Law and I are throwing for my younger sister in law. (Thanks for the loan and tips Mindy...it worked great!)