Happy New Year!!

We rang in the new year at our favorite beach getaway....Topsail Island! It's the perfect spot to relax and rejuvenate. Wishing you and your family a safe and healthy 2013-

This Just In....

Jon went to the Post Office to grab our mail (yes, that's right- we don't have a mailbox at our house..it takes some getting used to but I LOVE it now!) and guess what was there???

Letters from COOP!!

Here is his post card-



We couldn't be more thrilled....
But, the best part was his letter (exactly as it was written)-

Dear Mom and Dad,

Top bunk is not that great, here is why the air conditioning can't get up here. Some things that have been cool are the wet willie, carpet ball, sailing, Ski School and our cottage. I am going to send you another letter tomorrow.

Love,
Cooper


P.S. Can you send some candy cause all the people in my cabin are stuffing down stuff.

Turn page



When I turned the page, this is what I saw-




Oh my word!!! If you know my kid then you realize how dire the situation is to have no milk. He can't get through a meal let alone a week without milk!!

I'll be packing a 1/2 gallon in a cooler for him to drink on the way home when I pick him up! Sweet little thing!!

Oh, my heart is so happy right now-

because....

i want to be sure to remember the moments that melt my heart when he has no idea i'm watching!!

My boys-

Today is a special day.

10 years ago today, my sweet husband became a father.



I love this shot. Cooper actually took it and if you look closely you can see both of us reflected in Jon's glasses.

10 years ago today, our lives changed forever.

10 years.
A decade.
Double digits.
It doesn't seem possible.



He's simply the sweetest, most kind, thoughtful, funny, loving, considerate and dedicated child on the planet. I love his little brain, his sense of humor, how independent he's become, how easily he's accepted the challenge of completely starting again and how excited he is to start each new day.


Happy Father's Day to the man I adore and to a wonderful dad.
Happy Birthday to the best kid I know.

I love you both more than words can say.

Love,
Momma

Memorial Day

Hope your day is spent with people you love doing things you love. Remember to take a moment to remember why we celebrate today, and to be thankful for those who have so bravely fought and gave their lives for our freedom.

The 2nd 1st Day of 4th Grade

When we moved, we made the decision to leave Coop in school in Richmond. We thought it would give him some continuity and lessen the stress of moving. It was the right choice, for all of us at the time.

As the months have passed though, Cooper developed an interest in changing schools and that interest turned into a question about when he'd go to the new school...and then a request, "can i go to the new school". And Jon and I decided that if he was asking it was probably a sign.

It was- and it's been the best decision for all of us.



The 2nd 1st day of 4th grade was fabulous and full of change.

It started off with a good luck snuggle from a really great pup.



Notice that he's wearing a t-shirt. No t-shirts in private school....but in public school they are allowed. Cooper is over the moon about that!

No bus stop at private school either....



And if there is no bus stop in private school, that means no bus.



I felt like he was in kindergarten as that bus pulled away. I managed to hold it together but did follow the bus to school to meet him and make sure he was settled!

Day 1 went well.....the kids were so welcoming, his teacher is a doll, the bus driver is kind, the cafeteria holds promise (another 1st for him), and he's feeling completely comfortable (which is HUGE!).

Best thing for him about the 1st day? Not getting assigned the "haunted locker". What a good thing THAT is.

Can't wait for Day 2!

Today was Good

Saturday.
I thought it would never get here.
It was even a 4 day work week because I took Monday off but it didn't matter.
The week was long and hard and truthfully I could have worked all day long today and I still wouldn't have been caught up.

But I didn't.
And so, today was good!

Coop went to a sleepover birthday party in Richmond last night and Jon left early to do some jobs and pick him up. He took the dog with him so I had the house to myself.

It was blissful.

A little recap-

-slept until 8:45
-watched a DVR'd episode of Grey's
-showered
-mopped the floors
-ate lunch on the porch and read a magazine



(my lunch was pita bread and the MOST AMAZING hummus- white bean and basil from Trader Joe's. i bought it on a whim and i'm so glad i did, it was divine.)

-after lunch called my new friend mary to see if she wanted to run check out some outdoor furniture with me
-spent an hour shopping and laughing!
-came home....Jon was mowing the lawn and Cooper was playing with a friend
-did some laundry
-took down my Easter decorations
-ordered a pizza and watched a movie with my boys
-said goodnight to my boys and am catching up on blogging


I loved my day- got things done, spent time with friends, relaxed and got re-energized and ended the day surrounded by my sweet little family (and our needy dog)!

Today was good.

Easter Dinner

Easter dinner was magic!!!
I was with people I love, eating food I adore and celebrating the gift that is our Lord.

Who could ask for more?



My 1st official holiday dinner in our new home.
I couldn't wait to make things festive and I loved the way the table looked.

I found the sweetest nests to use as place cards- and then found eggs to go inside. I forgot how handy a glue gun can be!



We had 10 for dinner and although I do have 10 place settings of my china, I didn't love the way it looked with the nests and flowers. Good thing my hubs lobbied for white plates- they have come in so handy!



I only have a place setting for 8 in white so I improvised and brought out some antique flow blue plates. I used glasses with blue trim that we rec'd as a wedding present to carry the blue around the table. My mom and I were both giddy when it came together. The finishing touch- blue bunnies that I bought on clearance at the shop where my sweet friend Arlene works. She was coming for dinner and commented immediately when she saw them.

The best part about the table?



Peeking in from outside, seeing everyone together and sharing the special meal with special friends and family.

Hope your Easter was wonderful too!

For Eli (because he's a WINNER!)

Last year I introduced you to Eli. He's still adorable!


Last week I got an e-mail from his mom, Jen, with details about helping them in their quest for support of the Central Virgina Autism Society.

I read the e-mail and ended up in tears. Then I sent our friend Diana a message and warned her not to read the e-mail at work. Luckily, she hadn't seen it yet and heeded my advice.

My next message was to Jen to 1) let her know that she made me cry 2)tell her how amazing she was and 3) ask whether I could blog about them again.

She apologized, said her intent was to be fun and lighthearted and that of course I could blog about them. I love that girl.

You be the judge....and if you're so inclined, click to help the fight against Autism.

**************

“I AM A WINNER!”
These are the exact words that Eli shouted as he crossed the finish line at last year’s Autism Society Central Virginia 5K Run/Walk.

Our family has been participating in the ASCV 5K event for 4 years and it has become one of my favorite days out of the year. It is a time where my family and friends get together and raise awareness about autism. It is a day of no special education, social skills classes, speech therapy and/or occupational therapy appointments. It is a day that educators don’t have to gather any data that determines how far Eli is delayed or the challenges he faces.

We simply spend the day celebrating Eli for the fun loving smiling little guy that he is!

I often wonder what Eli thinks of the ASCV walk that we participate in every year. We often speak the word “autism” around him but have not had that “formal” conversation of telling him that he has autism. He has yet to question why we walk, why we wear shirts with his picture on them and why he sees so many familiar faces at the event- former speech therapists, occupational therapists, teachers, daycare teachers, coaches, family and friends. I am actually looking forward to the day that Eli asks “Mom, why do we participate in this event?” I think my response will go something like this:

• I walk because you are my son … my only son.
I walk because you are mine!
• I walk because you are brave without knowing it. You encounter noises and textures on a daily basis that make your body uncomfortable yet you continue on.
I walk because you make me proud!
• I walk because you teach me how to be a better person. You have made me a better mother and a more compassionate person.
I walk because you are a gift!
• I walk because you are smart. You see things in such a different way. You see the small joys in a spinning washing machine, an opening door or the smell of bubble gum.
I walk because you give me insight!
• I walk because other families do not have support that we are blessed with.
I walk for more information and research!
• I walk because one day a person will tell you that you are different and not typical and they won’t do it nicely.
I walk for understanding!
• We walk because you are a son, a grandchild, a nephew, a cousin and a friend to many.
We walk because autism has affected ALL who love you!
• We walk because we love you!

Last year Team bELIeve came in 2nd place for the highest fundraising team- a big accomplishment! We are hoping for another successful year. All funds raised from this event will stay within the greater Richmond area, providing much needed support to families and individuals living with autism.

Click here to make an online donation to the ASCV Walk and to support Eli.

************
Thanks Jen- for making us understand, for making us act, for allowing us to support your family and making a difference.

I'm so proud to be considered a bELIever!!

Minimize it

This picture has nothing to do with my post...it just makes me smile. This is Aunt Kathy and Cooper at her big 5-oh birthday party. I love his grin and how adorable he looks in those crazy glasses. I also love how much they love each other!

I want to remember his goofy little grin (and those adorable baby teeth)..I also want to remember the funny things that he says. They are coming less and less often these days but every once and a while he says something that is priceless.

Coop and I were driving home and he was telling me about something on the computer. He explained that he couldn't see the whole thing at one time on the screen....

He said, "Since I couldn't see the whole picture, I decided to minnie mize it."
It was like he was saying Minnie Mouse except minnie mize.

I couldn't resist...and I made him say it again. Except he's getting too smart and he said- "you know the word momma, I'm not sure exactly how to say it."

"Minimize buddy. Minimize."

I wish I could minnie mize him....and keep him in my pocket all the time.
So sweet that one.

growing up

My sweet kid is growing up so fast. It makes me dizzy.
I took this picture to commemorate a pretty big milestone.
Cooper took his 1st Communion.


Although it's a big milestone it happened with minimal pomp and circumstance. That's exactly how Cooper wanted it and I actually can't argue with him on this one.

He was ready, solemn, excited, nervous, prayerful and pretty proud of himself.
We were proud too.


My sweet kid is growing up so fast.

yay

I bought myself a little treat...I can hardly wait for it to arrive!

40 in 40

My sacrifice this year for Lent is to give up sweets (yes, coincidentally the day AFTER I ate the last piece of Caroline's cake).

This year, I'm adding something to my journey.
I'm going to run 40 miles in 40 days. So, 40 in 40.
Is it a big deal? For me, yes- and that's why I'm doing it.

I'd love to say that I started off strong today.
But I didn't.
I went into sugar dt's around 6:30pm. It wasn't pretty.
I was able to fight the temptation and didn't eat sweets...I did however eat a 1/2 loaf of asiago boule that was delicious.

I had to phone a friend (thanks Sarah) to talk me down.
And, just when I thought I was back on track- my darn treadmill malfunctioned and I kept blowing a fuse.

Grrrrr.
It's day one, I'm having sugar withdrawals and I'm now working on 40 in 39.

Here's hoping that your Lenten sacrifice is meaningful and getting off to a better start than mine.

thankful thursday (fab fun for the fam)

Family traditions are funny and sometimes they come from out of nowhere. When I was little, my dad took my brother and I to see the Harlem Gl*betrotters. He took us because his dad took him. I remember it fondly. Turns out, Jon went to see them when he was little too! He remembers it so vividly that he can even name some of the players.

Last night we took Cooper to see a game, and just like that, the tradition continues!

The Gl*betrotters were in town for one night and they didn't disappoint! What was disappointing is that I didn't take my camera. I SO regret it.

We simply had the BEST time!

Even though Coop had done a bit of research before we went, I don't think he was ready for how much he was going to love it.



On the way home I asked him whether he had a good time.
His answer?

"Momma, I LOVED it!"
"They had some spectacular dunks!"

As a parent there are times when you work hard to make things happen for your child.......and the result is less than satisfying. But when you get a reaction that's so happy, so full of joy and so from the heart, well- there is nothing better.

After the game the players line up around the court and kids can get autographs and have their pictures taken with them. Since I didn't have my camera, my pix are less than good. No matter- Cooper was elated!

His favorite players were Ant & Cheese.
That kid makes me laugh and so do these shots!



Coop & Cheese



Cooper getting Ant's autograph
He slept with the ball last night. That's how much fun it was.


I'm thankful for parents who start traditions
I'm thankful for the means to be able to continue them.

I'm thankful for the staying power of a bunch of basketball players committed to entertaining a crowd and amazing us with their skills.

I'm thankful for a basketball loving little boy who actively pursues the perfect dunk shot.

I'm thankful for my sweet hubs, who waited in line at Will Call for 45 minutes with a smile on his face....all because he knew what was inside and how much our child would adore the experience.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to spend time together doing something that we ALL enjoyed!

What a great night- truly fun for the whole family.

SOLD

Today I left our house as its owner.
When I came home, I was a renter.


I don't have a recent picture....I need to take one.
This one makes me smile though...it was taken at Christmas in 2009.




There is no sold sign....there never was.
I got an e-mail from a friend asking whether I know of any houses in our neighborhood that might be on the market.

Well, maybe mine.
Jon and I talked, they drove by, liked what they saw, came for a visit and said "we love it- how much?"

Yup, that's the story. It was unexpected, completely random, almost never happens and is absolutely thrilling!

And so we went into high gear putting a plan into place- a plan to start a new chapter in our lives.

And although it's a huge change....and although Cooper is not thrilled...and although it means doing things VERY differently....

I can hardly wait.

2 Word Wednesday

unbeatable uncle.




greatest grandma.

Nine

Cooper's last day as an 8 year old was spent at camp.
His last day at camp was his 1st day being a 9 year old.
Thankfully, camp ended at noon and I got to pick him up and spoil him for the remainder of the day!

While you're at camp, the only communication is via cards, letters and e-mails that are printed off and delivered to the campers after lunch each day.

This was our email message to our favorite 9 year old on the planet.

********

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COOPER!!!
happy birthday cooper!!!
hAPPy BIrtHdAy CoOPer!!!


Because you're turning 9, here are 9 things about you that are AWESOME-

1) You can shoot a foul shot (and make it!)
2) You can hit a home run
3) You are the funniest kid we know
4) You love animals, especially a really fluffy "dawg"
5) You are a splendid writer
6) You can tie your shoes
7) You are a good friend
8) You love GOD
9) You are the perfect little kid for our family!!

We love, love, love you!!
xoxo,
Momma & Dad


***********

We headed to the river to meet Jon & finish the birthday celebration.

Fortunately, I had planned every detail to make the most of his day.
Unfortunately, Jon didn't get the memo....



Fortunately, my sweet kid didn't mind one bit that his cake was a complete disaster.
Unfortunately, he needed quite a few blows to get ALL THOSE CANDLES taken care of.



Fortunately, his presents made up for any shortcomings with the cake.



Unfortunately, our blanket wrapping paper didn't conceal our gift for long!


Fortunately, there was a double rainbow on his big day.


Unfortunately, that meant we couldn't head out in the boat for some birthday fishing.


Fortunately, we were perfectly content to hang out with our river family and enjoy being together again!!


(yes, that's whole milk tied with a bow- Cooper's favorite and a treat that he only gets at the river!!!)

There's no place like home and nothing like feeling & being completely loved!!



Happy Birthday little kid!
We sure do love you-

7 Favorites from the River

There are an endless number of things that we love about spending weekends at the river.

The top 7 this week were-

7) Visits from 4 neighbors before 10am on Saturday morning. One even brought his tractor to "fluff up" our garden!



6) A great friend for Cooper to play with ALL DAY LONG & a kite with easy to understand directions!







5) Perennials that come back with a vengeance



4) and projects that promise to deliver down the road,




both outside...


and in.

3) Looking for a kid and finding him curled up in our bed with a good book.



2) THIS dog...who is always up for a visit



1) and finally, the opportunity to see things like this!



yup, that's a guy in a go-cart sitting in the back of a pick up truck while he eats lunch- they're picking crabs from the basket on the right side of the screen. and to be clear- that is a rebel flag that will blow in the breeze after their tank is full.

You can't make stuff like this up. You just can't!

Happy Hump Day-

bELIeve

Meet Eli-

Eli is the son of our friends Jen & Nathan.
Recently Eli brought it to their attention that his name was in the word BELIEVE.

He's right (clearly) but until that moment, it never occurred to them.
Kids are funny like that. They point out the obvious that isn't obvious.

Want to know what's not obvious about Eli?
Eli has autism.

He's a smart little kid who loves to play soccer and surf. He runs and laughs and figures things out like the fact that his name is in the word believe.

AWESOME.

Jen and Nathan are passionate about advocating for autism- it's a part of their lives. What's not to be passionate about?

For the past few years, Team Eli has turned out in full force at the Autism Society Annual 5K Walk. But this year, Team Eli won't be there.

TEAM bELIeve will be there instead!!!

It's fitting because he's absolutely a kid to believe in.


I'm thrilled to be supporting Team bELIve.
And whether it's through prayer, participation or donation, if you're interested or led I know they would love your support too. You can go here to learn more about this awesome event/cause and help Team bELIeve.



This is a portion of the message that I got from Jen-

Every 20 minutes, a child is diagnosed with autism. Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. Nathan and I believe that participating in the walk is an awesome opportunity for us to support families (like us) who are learning to live with the challenges of autism. Just like all new mothers, I was so excited when I found out I was pregnant because I was looking forward to teaching my child so much…funny how life works because it is Eli who has taught me so much!


Actually, they've taught ME so much.
Thanks Jen, Nathan & Eli.

GO TEAM bELIeve GO!!!!!!!!!!!

GO RAMS!!!!

If the pillows on my sofa make it through this game....I'll be thankful.
My boys are tough on a pillow in times of basketball stress!

GO VCU GO!!!