Blogging via ipad will require patience.

This technology amazes me, but challenges me too. I'm trying to figure it all out.

Not only does technology amaze me, but the power and love of my Heavenly Father. He blessed me with a dear friend to share life with...long life...hard moments...richness...joy...pain...the list goes on. My beloved is mine and I am his. Thanks be to God for allowing me to become a wife. Not just any wife, but Eric Cooley's wife. Daily I'm amazed!

He's a great husband and a tremendous father. I could not have dreamed of a better partner to be loved by or raise Nash with! I had no idea, but God did; He knows and answers long prayed prayers. I love that!

Today my shout out goes to Eric. Thank you for loving your family whole heartedly and so tenderly! We love you endlessly!

You ROCK!

These Treasured Moments

Here I am, resting in a camper in El Paso, Texas visiting family. It's been a blessing as I've interacted with loved ones. Sure it's had those moments; you know, the ones that cause some cringing...my boy is delightful, but willed in many ways. I'm learning and growing!

Today we enjoyed some sweet shopping, good eating and a much needed pool retreat. The weather is fabulous as have been the memories. We long for home though...

Eric has been working on completing our bathroom floor while we're traveling. It's caused a few trials for him, but he presses on. I love that about him! He's such a dedicated man...he loves us wholly and daily does all he can to show that...we are blessed; richly!

Saturday will come. I look forward to his arms holding me and snatching up his mini me. Until then we will continue to soak our time here in...to embrace time with family...to count our blessings...one by one...

oh the fun we've been having...

trips to utah to see uncle michael and cousins...visits to the park with friends and family...birthday parties...bike rides, bubbles and trampolines...yes folks! summer has finally arrived and we're LOVING every minute of it!

enjoy the sweet sweet savory sunshine as it gently kisses you and yours!

thoughts

My head hurts. My right ear hurts. My eyes hurt. My nose is stuffy. 


I believe I have a classic sinus infection; yippee! Really, though...it's not too much fun.


In the midst of my feeling crappy I'm rather enjoying a fire my husband was kind enough to build (can you believe it's May 24th and we're burning a fire?!) and the rain falling softly outside the window while my babe enjoys his afternoon nap.


My heart is pained today. Pained for those who can't enjoy a fire or rain or even feeling crappy. Those in Joplin, Missouri who have lost it all. I know the storms have hit elsewhere recently but this one pains my heart because of connections. I know those people, not all of them, but Joplin was once home. There will always be a near and dear place in my heart for the season of life I spent there. The hospital I once worked at; gone. My roomate from college, her sister's home; gone. They have 4 kids and nothing right now; NOTHING! It's tragic! 


Currently I sit, enjoying this life, this moment I've been given.  I find myself feeling bad because I'm enjoying these moments and so many are not. This tragedy has been a reminder to me of so many things, it's not always the BIG events that cause others to not enjoy their moments; it's circumstances. So many right here in Laramie are not enjoying their moments because of conditions...not a natural disaster, but a disaster of their own circumstances. Today I'm reminded to pray -- it's simple, right?! 


Pray for those that cannot speak for themselves. Pray for restoration of communities around our world, restoration in marriage, parenting and relationships. Pray for wholeness and authenticity. Pray for those whose hearts feel as though there's nothing else. Simply pray...without ceasing...He hears me and I need to remember that!

Father, I come before you, the Maker of Heaven and Earth. The one who knows all and contains all. The one Father who has caused everything for purpose. You are good and I know that full well.  God, I cry out to you on behalf of those in Joplin and those affected by the storms. Hold them, comfort them, provide for them. Let them know that you are near. Continue to reveal yourself to them in ways unknown. Use those who still have to help offer comfort and provisions. Father cover that city. You are present and I give you praise for your presence! Bring restoration in full to Joplin Lord Jesus and protect them in the moments to come. 


Colossions 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Warmth

The sun was shining (insert smiles here) and therefore it called for a celebration!


We were in Loveland yesterday and decided to swing by the park for some much needed sunshine.  


Nash LOVES the park and would stay all day everyday if we'd let him.

someone's hat is a little large...

there was this fabulous spinny seat that continually would spin due to the weight shifting...he enjoyed it!

this mama's heart

It is rare to shower alone these days.  Nash enjoys taking showers with mama and dada, no matter if he's showered already.  He hears the "show" come on and off he runs to join whoever may be in there.  Today I intentionally gave him a bath before my shower.  I was feeling the need for a bit of alone time in the shower today.  After he was dressed and ready for the day I informed him that he could play in his room while I showered.  I received a very concerned look as though he was stating, "Excuse me, I was planning on showering with you!"  He began pulling cars from his car bucket and was showing 'Pucky' his cars.  I took advantage and began my solo shower.

This is one reason why I LOVE this boy....upon my exit to check on him, this is what I found -- nothing makes this educator mama more happy....

Nash loves his books and I so love that about him!

it's snowing; again...

I should know better than to believe that though it's May 12th the sun will shine in Laramie, Wyoming.

What?! Snow, you say; yes...it's currently snowing...and has been since yesterday.  Welcome to the best of Wyoming spring weather. Instead of moping about it though I've decided to embrace another day in my hoody and bake cinnamon swirl bread.  Surely carbs will help ones heart when waiting on that spring weather; right?!

Needless to say, I don't know whether it will help my physical heart, but it definitely helped my emotional heart and it fed a bit of my photo heart as well.  I have been loving following Recipe Girl's recipes and find that each one I've tried has been easy.  Due to this, I'll continue to cook/bake with her recipes close at hand!  If you haven't checked out her blog you definitely should!

I'm listening to Nash through the monitor cry "mama, mama, kitty, mama." I suppose if mama doesn't respond than maybe his kitty will?! You never know around here...

He has continued to brighten my everyday.  Today he's feeling a bit under the weather, but has been trooping through.  He is getting very good at jumping and loves an audience while he performs his jump. 



Over the past week (when the sun was shining) we spent quite a bit of time outside.  I was reminded that it is sunscreen season in our house. Nash is getting really good at bringing the "screen" to us before he exits to the backyard for his playtime.  I'm thankful he understands so much at just 1 1/2.  It helps this forgetful mama! 

We find ourselves daily enjoying some trampoline jumping, ice popsicles, balls, golfing, sitting, sidewalk chalk, bubbles and many other wonderful advantages to staying outside and enjoying all that's there!

Nash at 18 months, he cracks me up! This is probably one of my new favorite pictures of him!

I hope whether you find yourself stuck inside today because it's snowing or outside soaking up the beautiful rays that you're enjoying it regardless.  Happy Thursday to you!

Today we get to go to the circus; surely that will present a reason to smile; right?!