What a Summer

This was a fabulous summer. So fabulous in fact that we've been living it up and I haven't updated the blog in a while. So, per my momma's request here are way too many pictures of the past few months... I officially became a soccer mom this summer and am proud to say that I am the loudest mom at the games. Lainey likes it at this point in her life, not sure what she'll think of my cheering her on in a few years : )

We visited Grant's Farm

and the zoo

homemade salsa with things we grew in our garden

Little man took his first steps

Lainey and I had a special "girl day" and she got her first pedicure

We read our first chapter book

We went to Starlight in Kansas City to see Cinderella with my family

We had some good, quality cousin time

We enjoyed the new playhouse my parent's and Seth built in memory of my great grandma

We played all day at an in-door water park

We celebrated the 4th of July at a small town carnival

We added a new member to the family...my niece, Malloree Grace

We had a wonderful vacation in Branson with Jamie's family

We visited Silver Dollar City and Lainey met two of her favorites

We got small glimpses of what it must have been like growing up in the O'Dell house : )

We found out that another member of the family is on his way! Baby boy #3 will arrive in January for Brian and Crystal!

We caught a glimpse of our daughter's driving ability. Yikes!

Praising God for a Miracle

I have been praising God in my heart all week for a wonderful blessing He has allowed me to be a part of. The little boy above is Luke Pope. He is the son of my closest childhood friend Danielle. Danielle and I have a long, wonderful history together that began when I was 4 years old. Our lives growing up were intertwined in so many ways and she is dear to me. Though we are not in each other's lives on a daily basis now, when we talk and catch up it's as if we have never been apart. I love her so very much.

About a month ago, Luke, who is 9 years old, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The doctors scheduled a surgery right away and began making preparations for it. The Lord gave Travis and Danielle the wisdom to get a second opinion as the neuro surgeon was uncertain exactly what type of a tumor it was. They came to St. Louis to a Children's hospital that is only about 20 minutes from our house. At their first appointment, the MRI showed that the tumor was slightly smaller than it had been. They were hopeful that it would continue to shrink and scheduled another MRI a week later. At that appointment, they found that the tumor shrunk such a significant amount that it made the doctors question if it ever was a tumor to begin with. They decided that there was no need for surgery and will continue to monitor his progress in the months to come. The doctors could not explain what happened in scientific terms. Danielle and Travis were quick to tell them that they believed this was a miracle and that the Lord chose to heal Luke. I feel so thankful to have witnessed this process and to celebrate with them how great is our God! Danielle and Luke right after the good news! Jamie and I were blessed to get to keep the Pope's other kiddos while they were at the appointment. Their family celebrated with a mini vacation in St. Louis after. So happy for them!

Lainey, Abigail, Samuel and Ethan

Playing princess

Some cute, well behaved, little men! Made Jamie and I excited for the years ahead with Cooper.

Thinking about my mom

Living the life of a mom day in and day out has given me a whole new appreciation for my mom. I now know the challenges, joys, and fears that my mom must have faced raising my siblings and I in a personal way. I am so thankful for the positive, warm environment that my mom created in our home. Whether it was singing around the piano, evening trips to Watkins Mill, baking out of my Jr. Cookbook, or pudding on Monday nights while we watched Little House on the Prairie. It was a wonderful home full of love. I could never thank the Lord enough for her Godly influence in my life. I love you mom. Happy Birthday.

Counting my blessings

Lainey, age 4 Cooper, 13 months

It was time...

...but wow, was it tough. My baby now looks like a toddler for sure. I had been waiting and waiting to cut it (jamie did a few trims here and there) but I just wasn't ready to do the first little boy cut. However, yesterday morning when Coop woke up looking like a wild man, I decided it was time. Off we went to Kiddos and Clips and now he looks so adorable...but so grown up : (

These are the before photos

And the after photos

Off he goes!

I was a little worried...

that it might be a bad day when Cooper snuck off to play in the toilet while I made his breakfast this morning. Can someone please tell me why this is fun? However, we survived, and made it to church to listen to the most handsome preacher ever deliver the sermon.

I know these pictures are far away but I was afraid of embarrassing my husband to death taking pictures of him while he preached. So, I did what any proud wife would do...I hid the camera in my purse and snuck off to the balcony. I just had to have a picture : )

Yep...it was a good day!

Little Sluggar

It seems unreal to me that I am about to blog about Coop's first birthday. I cannot begin to describe what a joy this little guy has brought to me and our family. His sweet disposition has been such a gift. I think all babies are sweet, but Cooper James is just plain easy to love.

I had no idea how much I would love having a little boy. From the moment we had our ultra sound and learned our house would soon be full of blue, I felt a little nervous. Sure, I have brothers, am close to my dad, and am married to a wonderful man; but to raise a Godly man felt a little overwhelming. I still have my worry moments, but it seems to be making a little more sense to me now. I am striving daily to teach Cooper to love the Lord his God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. I love to go into his room at night after he is asleep and pray over him. I ask God to somehow let him rise above the struggles that so many young boys face and that we would have the wisdom and ability to equip him to do just that. I am so grateful for every day with this little man.

Last night we had some great friends over for a bbq and birthday cake to celebrate Coop's first year. Such a fun time. Our attempt at a mini ball pit in the living room was quite a hit! If there is one thing Cooper can't get enough of it's a ball.

My guys

I happen to think that Coop looks like a gap baby in this picture : ) Just a momma's humble opinion.

I had me some fun with a wilton bag and a star tip. My hand is still sore today!

Like I said, it was a hit!

Cooper ate every bit of his cupcake. I think he might have a sweet tooth like his momma.

His new car/scooter that daddy picked out. I was leaning toward a train but Jamie said he would love this and he was right. Something about boys and wheels I guess!

Presents! Bed time at the end of a wonderful day. Happy birthday to my baby boy!