Primrose School of Cool Springs

Today we had the honor of accepting a very generous check from Primrose School of Cool Springs for The Cooper Trooper Foundation. This is the 2nd time they have selected the foundation as a recipient of donations from their annual Spring Fling. We are so appreciative for their support in helping families in the fight against childhood cancer. They are truly an amazing group over there!

Our family accepting a check for CTF from Tracy (owner) and Susan (Director) at Primrose School of Cool Springs

Easter

I realized that I never posted anything about our Easter this year. Easter is my favorite holiday, especially because of the hope found in celebrating our risen Savior! We have a few little family traditions that we like to do to remember the true meaning of Easter like our Cross cookies, resurrection rolls, church, and resurrection eggs. I love talking with my children about the reality of the relationship we can have with Christ, because HE is ALIVE! When you think about it, the importance of the resurrection and what that means for us who believe in and follow Jesus, is really the single most important event in the history of the world! What a joyous reason to celebrate! Of course, we love to die, hide, and hunt eggs and all the usual traditions as well. And, my boys favorite thing to do is take family pictures in the yard (not really)!

An Angel Who Can Now Fly

Me and Hay Hay having a little "chat"

My niece, Hailey, went to be with Jesus on April 28, 2012, after 17 amazing years on this earth. She was born with extensive brain damage (microcephaly), Cerebral Palsy, and other complications and her birth parents chose to walk away and leave her at the hospital. My wonderful sister and brother-in-law self-lessly welcomed her with loving arms and ended up adopting her, knowing the difficult road ahead for her. 

There have been many times that I have gotten a call from my sister that this could be the end for Hailey. You see, she was not expected to live nearly as long as she did...by the doctor's standards, that is. She was in and out of the hospital on too many occasions to count. However, on this particular day that I got the call, I knew this was the end. Hospice had been called and Hailey's body was failing her for good this time. She would be taken off the ventilator soon. I knew I needed to go and say my final goodbyes and be there with my sister and family. I am so grateful that I got to spend her last days with her and my family. It's been a month since she died, but it seems like yesterday. Although she never spoke a word, her smile spoke more than any words can say. There is such peace in knowing she is with her Maker, now in a perfect body, that no longer suffers. Unfortunately, there is still the deep ache in our hearts, as we miss her being with us. Thank you Jesus, for the HOPE found in you, and the assurance of knowing that we will be with sweet Hailey in your perfect timing!

Scott and Heather with their sweet daughter, Hailey

My sisters, Lauren and Heather, with Hailey

I miss you Hailey Anita Lawson. Your life has impacted me and so many others in profound ways!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

It's that time of year! BASEBALL....we love some baseball at our house and look forward to the spring, when school is winding down, the weather is warming up, and my suburban becomes full of dirty cleats, gloves, bats, helmets, water bottles, and bat bags! We spend countless hours at the ball park, between practices and games. It's our home away from home!

This year Colby is on the Giants team and Carson is on the Diamond-backs

Both of the boys are playing on teams with familiar team-mates and coaches, which is fun for them. Some of these kids have played together for 4 years. It also makes it enjoyable for the parents, as we have all gotten to know each other and our kids over the years. I love watching them improve and learn more about the game, as well as the character qualities involved with being on a team and playing team sports!

Carson has mostly been playing short-stop and 1st base. He really loves short-stop and has gotten quite comfortable in that position. He is a such a little competitor! I really am proud of how he cheers on his other teammates and goes out of his way to encourage other players. He got a game ball the 2nd game for hitting 3 home runs and was super excited about that!

Carson with Andrew Whetstone- they have played together for 4 years!

Up to bat

Colby typically plays 2nd base and takes it very seriously. He has improved so much with hitting already this year and has been hitting off the coach pitch much more frequently vs. the tee. He has gotten several outs for his team and is a lot faster at running bases than he was last year. He listens to his coaches and is  passionate about cheering for his teammates. One thing I really love about Colby is how he smiles from ear to ear, regardless of how a play turns out...if he hits and gets to base...he smiles. If he gets out....you  got it...he still is all smiles! Such a great attitude all the time. It is especially fun to watch him "slide" into home plate. He runs right up to it and then "slides" at the last second. 

Can't help but love that little cute butt!

Colby striking his "running pose"

The boy's papa has gotten to come to several games this year, since he lives closer. This has been a real treat for them!

With Age Comes New Responsibilities

Carson will be turning 9 years old soon and dad thought it was a good time to introduce mowing the yard, as part of his responsibility from time to time. It is a push mower (and NOT self-propelled), so it is quite a work-out. He did really good and only missed a few spots! He was certainly tired when he was done, but his face was beaming with pride. I have to say...I am proud of him too. He is a hard worker when he wants to be and will push himself to do better, whether it's school, sports, or just doing things around the house. Of course, we have our moments of giving little effort and lots of procrastination, like any other 8 year old boy. But, when he's in the "helpful mode"....he really rocks! My baby boy is growing up!

Bathtub Horror

Well, Cooper did it again! He has been independent in the bathtub for a while now and typically enjoys playing with his little figures, bath toys, etc. for quite a while, without too much supervision. It's actually a great time for me to finish up dinner or help one of his brothers with homework.

The other night I was on the phone with my sister and decided to peek around the corner, just to check on the little man in the bath. I seriously panicked when I saw him! It appeared that there was BLOOD everywhere on the tub and all over Cooper! The little stinker decided to get a tube of my lipstick and paint himself and the tub! As soon as I saw my, now depleted lipstick tube, I was filled with thankfulness (that this was NOT blood) and then I wanted to strangle him. I had to use an entire bottle of make-up remover to get it off the tub and off of Cooper! NOT fun! This boy is seriously something else....but I couldn't love him any more! Fun times!

Dressing Up!

 The last month or so has held several opportunities for the boys to dress up for school and Mom's Day Out activities! They enjoy doing that, as do I love watching it, when it's not sprung on me the night before! I need a little planning time and don't do too well with the impromptu, "Mom, I'm supposed to dress up as (fill in the blank) tomorrow!"

Colby dressed up for "Wacky Wednesday" for Dr. Suess week

 

Cooper dressed for a 50's Sock Hop at MDO

I don't think I anticipated how much little boys like to "play dress-up",  and always thought that was more of a girly thing. Boy was I wrong...we have 2 big tubs full of old halloween costumes and clothes for them to dress up as just about anything they want from doctors to dragons to Darth Vader! In fact, right after Halloween I usually go shopping for potential costumes for next year, in hopes they will like what I get and want to "be" that for 50-75% off the regular price. Some times it's a hit, other times not so much, and those costumes go into the dress up bucket. It's pretty cheap entertainment, whether they decide to wear them for halloween or not!! Who knew??????

Favorite Book Character Day at the boys' school

Carson was an Army guy from a non-fiction book he read about a young vietnam veteran's  journal during the war.
Colby was a Red Ninjago guy

They had a parade at school and held up their book, as they paraded through the gym for parents and 3rd-5th graders. I was glad to hear that Colby's costume hung on, at least through the parade....I was a little worried about it. I won't even go into how much tape and safety pins were involved, not to mention the last minute sword made of cardboard and construction paper!!