Cooper John :: 2 years old

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. -Psalm 127:3-4

The truth in this verse is becoming more and more real to me as the years go on. 

Heritage :: valued objects, inheritance, legacy

Cooper is indeed a valued object.  Given to us for a short time to raise and train and direct and instruct and love on and so much more.  How his life takes shape and form is a heritage from the Lord.  What God has taught and instructed us we hope to pass onto him in a way that he will cling to it tightly and make it his own. The ultimate goal - he would be saved and pass that onto his children. A legacy. 

Arrows :: intended to fly straight, released from a bow

Cooper is an arrow in our quiver.  We will one day send him out from our home, like an arrow released from it's bow, and watch him fly. Beautiful and Precious is the job of a parent.  We take it seriously.  We toil and rejoice, pray and discipline, laugh and cry because we understand the outcome is influenced by what happens now. We know that we can't just sit back over the next 18 or so years and hope that when that day comes he will take off and fly straight.  We need to dig in and get our hands dirty, so to speak, relying on the Lord for the strength and wisdom it will take to release him with joy!  As much as I want that day to be long in coming - I also wait longingly to see the man he has become.  

Lord willing - he will be like his Daddy - who is like his - who both strive to be like the Lord :: heritage

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Cooper John, like the first song you learned at church and surprised us by singing one day, our love for you is deep and wide.  Not a day goes by that your Daddy and I don't end it talking about you and how you amaze us.  We are usually laughing and praying with thanksgiving that you are part of our family.  

This next year will be a big one for you.  You will become a brother and test your boundaries, I'm sure.  You will learn to use the potty and how to count to 10 without skipping 3, 8 and 9.  You will continue to learn to listen and obey and what happens if you don't.  

And then there are the things we hope continue.  I hope you still love to read books and play basketball.  I hope you still love tractors and dancing.  I hope you still love to snuggle with your Mama and run down the hall when Daddy comes home.  I hope you still shout hello to friends and family, and sometimes strangers, with that infectious voice. I hope your feet stay "happy" and you continue to try new things unaware of whether you succeed or fail.  I hope you still call yourself "Pooper" and use phrases like "I think so" and "How about..." But mostly, I hope you begin to understand the love of Jesus and the sacrifice He made on the cross so that you could have eternal life.

And a few photos of our boy on his birthday ::

  Donut cake and Happy Birthday face time with Daddy

Present from Mama and Daddy - 4 full episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - a favorite

 and a chair to match ours in the courtyard 

(Note: purchased by Daddy without Mama knowing - it's a little thing he does. We secretly love it even though I give him a hard time about it!)

Off to the Splash Pad to run around with friends

Then to dinner at Islands with Grammie and Gramps

 This was your idea.  

I think it went something like this..
"Daddy stand right there...Pooper stand right there"

Our Sweet 2 year old Man

Showing me you are 2
(using 10 fingers because it is a little hard to just hold up 2) 

Oh, little Arrow - I love you dearly.

Love, Mama

Happy Birthday & Father's Day Matt!

I love when June rolls around.

I have the opportunity to love on and celebrate my boys.

Matt's birthday, father's day and Cooper's birthday are all within a couple of weeks of each other!  First up...Matt!

What a blessing it is to be married and continue to find reasons why that person is so great!  Matt is constantly reminding me of what it is that drew me to him so many years ago and giving me more reasons for the years to come.  

He is so busy between long and demanding work hours and ministry at church but we always feel like a priority here in the house.  He takes our calls at any moment throughout the day, he welcomes us to the office often for lunches, he leaves early for special celebrations, he works hard to provide for us, he reads to Cooper every night before bed, he finds ways to show me how much he loves and appreciates me, he is creative in thinking of family outings and prays for us.  

Here is how we celebrated his special day!

Started out with the traditional donut cake!  

Cooper and I made him a new prayer journal since his other one went missing.  It was a fun project. 

Donuts with Dad!

 Cooper painted a picture to take to Daddy's office where we were joining him for lunch.

Lunch with work buddies!  

and lastly we ended the day at Brother's Sushi. Matt's favorite restaurant.  What a fun day!

Next up - Father's Day!  

It's amazing to see the man I've known as husband for seven years take on the roll of father.  He has learned a lot from our Heavenly Father and the examples of wonderful friends and family. Our boy just adores him and I can be sure Reagan will feel the same way.  The first thing Cooper usually asks me in the morning is where Daddy is. It's precious.  

After church we headed to the park for some fun with the family! We ate and played..perfect!

And then there is my Papa!  My Dad is steady and for that I'm so thankful. He always has been and always will be.  I know just what to expect and know he can be counted on.  A rare quality! Cooper gets such a kick out of his Gramps.  He talks about him often and loves to play with him.  We love you Gramps!

Two of the best Dads around!  I am one blessed Mama!

Next up - Cooper John Turns 2!

Get Away

Every year on our anniversary Matt and I set goals for the rest of the year.  This year, one of our family goals was to be intentional about getting away...just the three (soon to be 4) of us.  It could just be for a morning, a whole day or even a weekend.  The purpose of the time is to be together, away from distraction and just enjoy the company of our family.  Our lives are so full of so many wonderful things but we find value in slowing it down just a bit for a time to rest.

We've carved out time twice already and it has been fantastic!

--- The Beach ---

Our little man loves to dig and loves the water.  So we headed out after church one afternoon and found a spot on the coast to fill up on family time.

and finished it off with a yummy dinner at Malibu Seafood

--- Lake Arrowhead ---

We are blessed with a beautiful place to stay when we go to Lake Arrowhead making it the perfect place for a weekend away.  We were surprised to find wooden boats and Woodies on display in the Village!

This will be happening for real before we know it!

Feet up after a fun day sitting, chatting, enjoying each other's company.

Looking forward to a year filled with these moments