Cooper Clubhouse

New app

2012-01-19T21:51:00.001-06:00

Ok, I got a new app for my phone so I can better blog from it. Let's see if it works. I have added some more photos of Campbell and also of my hair. Sorry Sarah and Candace, but I joined the dark side even though y'all told me to stay blonde. It's much closer to my natural color, which I'm planning to try out in the future.

I posted an update post under this one that explains what in the world we are up to. Ha.

For Emily

2012-01-19T20:56:00.006-06:00

My faithful blog follower Emily from Little Rock asked me to put these fingers back on the keyboard. So I'm doing just that. Writing is my therapeutic outlet anyway. Feels good to be writing -- on here and in general.

My last post was about a month after Campbell was born. That was about 4 months ago.
Since then the Cooper Clubhouse has left its tree in Tupelo and moved to Montgomery, AL. Kurt is the new student minister at Trinity Presbyterian Church. We really like Montgomery and our new church family, although I have shed quite a few tears missing our Lawndale family and others in Tupelo.

Let's see...Campbell is 5 months old now. He's a grinner and loves to "talk" and laugh. He scoots in his crib. Poor fella has reflux, but other than that he's so wonderful. I keep wondering how I got blessed with the perfect baby. Must be like his daddy.

Montgomery is cool. We currently live about a mile from Target. Woot woot! I don't go a lot, but it's nice to have one. Ha. We are staying in a temporary home in Montgomery until our Tupelo house sells. Our awesome realtor Jason Warren has shown it a lot, so I'm praying someone will make an offer soon.

Basically what I'm doing right now is putting lots of stuff in God's hands. My worries, the changes in our lives, our house being on the market, day to day activities, some loneliness, etc. My sweet mother-in-law got me a wonderful devotional book for Christmas called Jesus Calling. I'm sure you've heard of it. It is fantastic. It's like having a therapist talking to me each morning, telling me God's promises and showing me scripture. I love it.

Poor Winnie Claire. She is having a difficult time adjusting to our new home. The laminate floors are so slippery. She slides everywhere. The other day she got down off the couch and slid into the TV stand. I died laughing, but she was so afraid. Now she stands in the bedrooms afraid to walk into the living room for fear of slipping and sliding. She is a VERY CAREFUL stepper now. So funny.

Here are some photos of little fella. Enjoy!

Eating Cereal

Daddy feeding C in Montgomery

Daddy reading to me

Napping on Daddy at the freaking DMV. Gah. (Nap is cute. I hate the DMV.)

Sitting in the stroller in the church nursery.
He loves strolling! And the nursery loves him!

More cereal

Playing and grinning, what he does best. His Pop took this picture.

For the future, I hope to learn to sew on my new sewing machine (props to Bethany and Sarah) and also to keep making some jewelry (nothing fancy). And a fabulous lady at church named Ruthie (http://ruthiecarlson.blogspot.com/) paints beautifully. I want to take some lessons from her, too!

We shall see what the future holds. Meantime, would love some prayers. Change is hard, but it is good. We are happy to be in God's hands and plan.

Another blog question

2011-09-14T23:47:00.002-05:00

A while ago I asked how to outline my photos in black so they show up better, and sweet Sarah Caroline Ueltschey told me (all the way from Peru) that she'd help me, and I never followed up on it. Sorry SC. I'd still love the help. Send me an email (I think your mom has it).

Also, when I upload pics from my phone to my blog (using an app called BlogWriter), the pictures are HUGE when I get on my computer and look on my blog. How do I get them to be normal sized? I don't want to upload from my phone and then have to get on my computer and re-size the photos. Defeats the whole purpose.

For some reason I feel like Laura Henson will know the answer to this question. But, I would love help from anyone!

First bath

2011-08-28T09:24:00.001-05:00

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Pics of Campbell

2011-08-28T09:20:00.001-05:00

Long story short: I had Campbell by emergency c-section and he weighed 5 lbs, 14 oz. After my water broke and about 12 hrs of labor, they took him and he was born on mine and kurt's 6-yr anniversary. I'm going to post some pics from my phone.

I love this little fella!

God is funny

2011-08-11T23:41:00.001-05:00

Anxious about childbirth, I decided to look up Bible verses about peace. Concordance mentions "peace and security" in 1 Thess. 5:3. Turned out not to be what I had in mind:

"While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape."

Ha.

39 weeks, 4 days & more nursery

2011-08-11T16:09:00.005-05:00

I went to the doctor yesterday and we have a plan. Yesterday I was 60-70% effaced (That means thinned out. Might be TMI for some, but this is my blog), and not dilated any. But that is progress from my appoint last week. Nothing had happened at my appointment last week.

My due date is 3 days from now on Sunday, August 14. We are hoping Campbell will come by then (or after) on his own. However, if he is not here by Thursday, August 18 (a week from today), my doctor will induce me and try to speed Campbell along. August 18 is my grandfather's birthday, so if Campbell waits to come until then, he will share a birthday with one of the greatest men I know. Plus, I believe 40 weeks and 4 days is plenty of time for Campbell to make his appearance on his own, especially since I'm already "progressing" some.

AND there is a full moon this weekend. I've heard that affects labor as well. Maybe Campbell will be a werewolf.

Taken by my buddy Laura this morning. 39 weeks, 4 days, and just had biscuits and gravy at Shockley's. YUM!

Drum roll, please! My awesomely talented friend Sarah (whom I've mentioned before) has done it again. Lawd, she is the best thing with a paintbrush! I showed her my nursery colors and commissioned her (how fancy am I? Ha.) to paint 3 canvases for Campbell's nursery. It was easy to put my complete trust in her, and I'm glad I did. Look how perfect these are!

Lion

Elephant (With a bird! And it's red! My favorite! Red and birds!)

Giraffe (which is on the fabric in the nursery)

Y'aaaaaaaall, this nursery is my most favorite room I've ever been in ever and will probably be my favorite room ever in every house where we ever live ever! :)

Now let's see when Big C comes to live in it.

Also, this Saturday (a day before my due date) is mine and Kurt's 6-year wedding anniversary. And man, I'm lucky in love. And very thankful.

39 weeks

2011-08-09T22:02:00.005-05:00

My buddy Bethany commented that I haven't blogged in a while. It's been 8 days since my last post...and Campbell is still hibernating.

I need to get a 39-week picture to put on here. I haven't blogged because all I would write is:

Tired
Anxious
Emotional
My back hurts
Nauseated

WAITING...

Waiting is hard, and I feel guilty saying that because I have so many friends who have adopted and are adopting, and that is REAL waiting. Or at least a different kind, and longer for sure.

Technically Campbell isn't due until Sunday. But I'm growing weary of carrying an approximately 7 lb baby around. But, I'm also anxious about him being here because then I'll be his mom and that's HUGE.

I sent a text to Bethany tonight asking for prayer. (She has a 7-month-old baby girl.) I told her I'm having a hard time waiting on Campbell to arrive, but I'm also freaking out about him being here. She said that is a perfect description of emotions for this time in my pregnancy - 5 days til my due date.

I go to the doctor tomorrow to get checked and see if I've progressed any. He dropped at 36 weeks, but since then no dilation or effacement or anything. Maybe this will have changed by tomorrow, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

I keep saying to myself (and to God), "I need grace." I think that'll be my motto for the next several months.

So there's your dose of honesty. I'm thankful, yes. So very thankful. But also weary, anxious, hopeful, uncomfortable...and waiting.

Sleeping angel

2011-08-01T22:24:00.003-05:00

If this isn't the sweetest girl you've ever seen, I don't know what is.

(Scroll down to the next post see pics of Campbell's nursery.)

Campbell's nursery

2011-08-01T21:51:00.009-05:00

I'm just chillin' at 38 weeks pregnant. Wonder when this little dude is going to make his appearance?

While we wait, I'll show you pictures of his nursery. It's not totally finished, but pretty much. My awesome friend Sarah is going to do some canvases for the wall, and then it'll be perfect!

Glider and shelf

Shelf with sweet stuff and day gowns, etc.

Sampler my aunt made for me when I was born. So sweet!

Dresser, closet, glider

Dresser

Wicker trunk with Moses basket on top and boppy pillow and changing table

Changing table and pretty frame and curtains and owl play mat

Crib

Darling pillow and his lovies

Curtains, mat, crib

I actually painted this! Sarah would be proud. haha.

This is the sweetest room I've ever been in! I'm a bad photographer, so the pics don't do it justice. If you stop by in a couple of weeks, maybe you can sit in the glider and rock Campbell himself!

Full term

2011-07-24T14:11:00.002-05:00

I'm super thankful today. I am 37 weeks pregnant today, which means I'm full term, which means that if Campbell comes now, he will be fully developed and functional.

So, 3 weeks until my due date. I will post some nursery pics soon. It's practically finished. Just need to hang a few items on the walls.

And Winnie has been sweet and helpful as usual. She likes to go in campbell's room and sniff and lay by his crib. She will be a sweet big sister!

36 weeks

2011-07-19T22:27:00.001-05:00

Well, I'm 36 weeks. I'll be "full term" on Sunday. I have been very blessed through this pregnancy. It hasn't been easy, but looking back from here, God has been faithful and has given me a normal, uneventful pregnancy. I pray the coming weeks and months are similar.

I read this on my pregnancy iPhone app and found it funny. Enjoy!

If only you'd known you were going to trade...

Monthly PMS for nine months of weeping
Lacy thongs for cotton tents
Sex for gas
Zinfandel for warm milk
Birth control for laxatives
Going to the gym for getting up to pee
Your waist for a hot-air balloon
Kickboxing for kick counts
Your innie for an outie – a way-outie
Sleeping for groaning
Freedom for the most intense love you've ever known

Genuine inquiry

2011-07-17T23:04:00.003-05:00

Taking a break from the baby posting, I have a question. Sincerely. Not making fun of anyone.

It seems like in the past year or so (maybe more -- I'm not always up on trends), people have started listening to vinyl records again. It seems like it's a big deal. I admit I see it more among the "hipster" crowds, but nonetheless, it is trending. (Which would probably offend said group. Which I find amusing.)

My question is this: what is so good about vinyl? Does the music sound different (better) than if I bought it on iTunes and played it on my iPod? I just don't understand it, and I would appreciate some enlightenment.

My father-in-law plays his old records, but he's almost 65. What is the value to youngsters though? What makes it cool? Help! I want to be in the know.

Technical question

2011-06-25T21:55:00.002-05:00

If I want to put a border around my photos when I upload them, how do I do that? Anyone know how to add/change that setting on blogger?

Snuggly punkin

2011-06-24T10:36:00.002-05:00

Kurt snapped this shot this morning. (Excuse my hair...) My sweet girl wanted to snuggle. Pretty soon our mornings will consist of snuggling little Campbell in the bed, too! That is, if Winnie makes room for him.

I love my little family and feel very blessed and thankful to God for his many blessings.

32 weeks

2011-06-18T21:27:00.001-05:00

Here's mama at 32 weeks! Hanging in there!

Tonight we went to an engagement party for some friends. It was fun to get dressed up and socialize, even if I didn't feel as cute as other smaller, non-pregnant girls. Ha.

I'm going to the doc every 2 weeks now. After 2 more visits, I'll start going every week. EEK!!

I'm anxious. I'm happy. I'm thankful. I'm scared to death. I laugh. I cry...I'm pregnant.

The baby is due in 8 weeks. The nursery is not ready and I haven't registered anywhere yet. However, both of those are expected to change this week.

We are going to birthing classes. Quite informative. I'll not elaborate.

I read a Charles Spurgeon quote this week and I am trying to give it focus: "Listen no more to the wailings of your trembling flesh, which cries, “Alas, I am weak,” but hear the voice of him who saith “I am God Almighty."

I'll post pics of the nursery as it comes along.

Also, it is my opinion that Extreme Couponing and Hoarders are THE SAME SHOW. Thank you and goodnight!

29 weeks

2011-06-03T09:41:00.001-05:00

Winnie girl turns 2!

2011-05-05T20:28:00.007-05:00

This little girl...

The day she came home

First bath

turned 2 years old today! Happy birthday to my favorite girl! She's growing up and is still a great joy to us! I foresee Winnie being a sweet big sister to Campbell when he arrives. Hopefully the adjustment will be smooth.

(best picture ever!!!!)

Presents

Inspecting her gifts

Here's to many more birthdays, sweet girl. Love you!

Tupelo sighting: The Easter spirit

2011-04-25T22:32:00.005-05:00

Kurt and I saw this sticker on a car Sunday afternoon. Couldn't agree more. ;)

Fraidy dog

2011-04-19T22:31:00.009-05:00

Winnie sporting her new name tag

Well, we have discovered yet another irrational fear held by Miss Winnie Claire. (She's so much like her mama!) In addition to being terrified of storms and the vacuum cleaner, she also dislikes the sound of cards shuffling. That's right, folks. I gotta cancel that family trip to Tunica for next weekend.

Kurt and I were playing rummy tonight, and when I first shuffled the cards, she came up and sniffed them while I shuffled. I was glad she was interested in what we were doing. However, with each subsequent shuffle, she jumped back and huffed a little. She whined the entire rest of the game (we tied, btw, which I consider a victory for me since I married a card counter and usually lose at everything) and acted startled and annoyed as we shuffled at each new hand.

In addition, a product review:

A few weeks ago, we ordered Winnie a Thundershirt. My description is that it's a swaddle for a dog. It Velcros around the dog's body and helps it to feel less anxious, or so it says. Winnie wore it for two storms and one round of vacuuming (that was Kurt's idea), and it didn't calm her. In fact, it annoyed her. Each time she wore it, she shook like she shakes after a bath -- like she was trying to get it off of her. So, we sent it back this week.

If anyone has tried this or any other remedies for anxious dogs (besides pills, which I'm not beyond inquiring about and acquiring at the vet), let me know. There's a storm brewing outside right now and Winnie is already panicking. With each clap of thunder, she crawls closer to me on the bed. Now she is laying right next to me with her head on my leg. My only remedy has been to put her in my closet. She feels safe in there. In fact, she usually goes in there on her own when she's afraid. I call it the R. Kelly Syndrome. (Trapped in the closet...) I have a feeling I'll be taking her in there myself at some hour tonight.

I have a built-in weather adviser. When it's storming, she goes in the closet. When it's safe, she comes out. Very simple.

Poor little girl. If you're a storm or the vacuum, she'll run scared. But if you're the UPS man, she'll bark her head off at you. Don't dare try to walk up to our front door, and heaven forbid you should ring the doorbell.

She is a woman, after all. I guess it's her prerogative to fear what she wants, even if it doesn't make any logical sense -- like cards shuffling.

23 Weeks

2011-04-19T19:29:00.003-05:00

Here is a picture of Campbell (Baby C-murda) and me at 23 weeks. If I look tired and bleary-eyed, it's because I am. But I'm thankful and blessed as well.

As you can see, I'm all belly. I feel like I'm carrying him low, and also that he likes Tae Bo. He is jumping and kicking like crazy. Sounds like he will have lots of energy like his sweet daddy. I hope he also has a wonderful sense of humor like his dad. Love both my fellas. (And don't forget Winnie girl! She's my best girl!)

I hope to start decorating the nursery soon. I had a yard sale a couple of weeks ago, so now I have some room to get ready for Campbell.

I also went to a consignment sale in Columbus called Coopers Closet. I got a Graco travel combo (car seat, stroller and base), a play mat, a pack and play for when we visit family and friends, and a beautiful antique high chair. Won't need that for a while but I couldn't resist it.

A friend also gave us a glider and a bumbo chair they don't need anymore. People have been so generous to us.

Even though being pregnant is often uncomfortable and emotional, I'm so thankful for this blessing. Going to the doc next week. Here's to a good check up!

Also, the dear servants at Parkgate Pregnancy Clinic are training new sonogram technicians. My friend Bethany is a volunteer there, and she is recruiting people to volunteer to receive a free ultrasound. I am going on Saturday for mine! Maybe I'll get some cool new pics of Campbell.

Sweetest nurse ever

2011-04-13T19:27:00.002-05:00

I've been sick for about a week. Allergies...sinus junk...general feeling of YUCK. I finally went to the doctor yesterday, and he took care of me as he always does. (I LOVE MY DOCTOR!) But this junk has laid me out for a few days and I haven't been out of the house much lately. Sigh.

However, someone has been by my side the whole time. Winnie girl - my best nurse. I usually call her my shadow because she follows me around the house, but since I've been in bed for a couple of days, she has been right there with me. Each time I cough, she checks on me. She has given me sweet hugs and has napped right beside me for hours (when I can actually sleep - meaning breathe through my nose).

Kurt has been a wonderful nurse too. He's so patient and understanding, and he has done whatever I have asked. What a blessing my family is.

I'm 22 weeks right now and besides the sinus infection, I'm feeling pretty good. Campbell is kicking away in there, which is comforting and strange at the same time. I love the little fella, and I think he and Winnie will get along well.

God is teaching me to trust him in lots more things now - things I never used to think about. I am very blessed and am thankful for his faithfulness.

I'm gonna give Winnie a treat now. She has been so sweet to me!

It's a boy: reveal video

2011-04-05T22:59:00.019-05:00

Finally a blog about the reveal!

Kurt and I went to the doctor Tuesday morning March 15 at 8:15 AM to find out the gender of the baby. We wanted to find out before telling others so it would be a special moment for us and could settle in before we had family over at lunch that day to announce it. My younger sister Brittany stayed the night with me Monday night to help me get ready for the luncheon, etc. So, I came home from the sonogram and told her it was a BOY! And then we got to work.

I made a cake on Monday and put blue frosting on the inner layer Tuesday before everyone came. (I have since learned I'm not a baker. It was almost a disaster.)

Brit took a pic of me preparing the cake.

Final product. No one will know the icing is blue until we cut it.

Even Winnie girl was ready with her Big Sister bandanna on!

So our family and close family friends arrived dressed in blue or pink to guess the gender.

Team blue

Team pink

Here's the video of us revealing it. We had planned to let our cousin Nita say what color the icing was, but she just ate up the attention and didn't care about the cake. Everyone still got the message.

Me with a slice of baby boy cake!

Happy grandparents!

This little stork has a place to mark boy or girl. Thanks for bringing this, Bonnie!

If you have made it this far in the blog, you deserve to know his name. We are naming him

Campbell Sims Cooper

And lastly, I am 21 weeks now. I went to the doc today and everything is on track and we are both doing well. So thankful for God's blessings of a wonderful family, a great doctor who knows how to deal with "tired, hungry, sick, and crazy!!!", precious friends who give generously and are always available to help and listen, and a sweet husband and puppy who love me and Campbell.

19 weeks

2011-03-16T23:43:00.003-05:00

This is me at 19 weeks, carrying our baby boy. Wow!

Gathering the videos and pics from the reveal party. Will post soon.

Results are in

2011-03-15T16:46:00.004-05:00

Well, if you guessed a girl, you were wrong! It's a BOY.

The sonographer was certain of it, and we have pictures to prove it. We had family over for lunch today for the big reveal, so I will post video and pics soon. Now, I'm off to rest. Just gonna take a short nap with my girl Winnie and my baby boy. Ahhh! Still hasn't sunk in.

Beware the Ides of March

2011-03-14T22:35:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow, the Ides, we will find out what gender Baby Cooper is. Can I just say this is CRAZINESS? I'm just beyond putting it all into words. I think it will be emotionally overwhelming because it will become more real. God has been faithful to us as a couple and to our families and I believe he will be nothing but that in the future of our lives and in the life of this child - no matter what it looks like.

Please pray that we get a good report on Baby Coop tomorrow. Our only preference is healthy and happy.

Stay tuned for the announcement!

Guest Blogger: Winnie Claire

2011-03-08T16:55:00.008-06:00

Hey you guys, I'm grounded. Mom won't let me go outside for the time being. So I'm just sitting here moping on the couch next to Mom. She says I'm lucky she'll let me sit by her. I guess I was a bad girl. I'll let you decide.

According to Mom, it was a normal day. Rainy and cloudy, but normal. My super cool parents and my Pop (some people call him Phil) installed a new door for me with a doggy door in it. It's really nice, and I have enjoyed using it for the past week and a half. I can go in the back yard as I please, and Mom and Dad don't have to get up with me every time I want to go outside. We have all been really happy with it.

But today I went on an adventure, and our neighbor ratted me out. She sent Mom a text message saying I was out of the yard.

I admit I've been a digger in my past. My parents had hoped I was finished with this phase, but I dug out of my large fenced-in back yard and explored the neighborhood. Mom says I'm acting like a spoiled brat and not being thankful for what I have.

I've explored the neighborhood before, and it upsets my Dad. He is worried I will get hit by a car. Mom knows I'll come back, but she gets frustrated when I roam. I guess it's because I'm being disrespectful to them and bothering the neighbors.

The worst part about escaping today was that it has been raining all day. Mom and dad gave me a bath just two nights ago, which is not easy and takes two people, according to them. But I didn't consider that either. I dug out of the back yard, and I walked around for a bit. I didn't go far. In fact, I went right next door. My neighbor has a tiny teacup yorkie. Her name's Miley and she weighs 4 lbs. I hear her barking sometimes, so I wanted to see if she wanted to come outside to play.

I went next door and scratched on the front door for a while. I didn't realize my paws were dirty, and I got mud on the door. Then Miley's mom Christy opened the garage to leave me in there until Mom came home, but somehow I forced my way into her house. Miley is really small and was going crazy with me in there. Christi let me out and I roamed some more until Mom came home. When she drove up, I rounded the corner of the house. I was wet and smelly, and my paws were dirty. Mom was not happy. Mom has apologized to Christi and still feels badly, but Christi is nice and forgiving. She is a good neighbor to Mom.

So that's that. Do you think I was bad? I'm still technically a puppy. I'll be 2 years old in May.

I heard Mom tell Dad that she found an electric fence at Petsmart and wants to install it ASAP. I just heard it thunder, so I hope Mom doesn't stay mad at me for too long. I might need to wear one of her shirts again.

If you need me, I'll be inside for the time being. Feel free to ride through the cove so I can bark at you through the window.

Ready for my close-up

2011-03-04T15:26:00.003-06:00

Even though I think it is inhumane to put clothes on a dog, I read that putting a tight tshirt on a dog will help it calm down during a storm. Not sure why. I can't stop laughing at this pic! And the shirt says "I heart Cozumel."

Baby poll

2011-03-03T21:40:00.002-06:00

I added a poll to my blog (top right). You guessed it. Question: What is Baby Cooper's sex? Take a guess!

The poll will be up for another week and a half. We find out on March 15 what we are having!

Alive Alight Aware Awake

2011-02-28T14:49:00.010-06:00

The title of this post belongs to a mentor of mine. It is his motto by which he lives his life.

Photo found here

My friend Nichole sent me a blog entry from A Holy Experience blog. She and I were sharing fears about the future and daily life (I'm a worrier). This article reminded me that God is faithful and that it is best for me, as His child, to be present in this moment where He is. Even people of other faiths or no faith can benefit from being present and aware and alive in each moment.

My favorite parts are:

"I miss living this moment because my head’s already moved into the next moment — the one that isn’t even here yet — and when I am not in this moment but trying to shove into a moment that doesn’t even exist — I miss out on living at all. I may bodily be in this space but I am not even alive.

When I am present to the Presence of God meeting us in this moment, I am not worrying, I am not regretting, I am not chaffing, griping, fuming, fretting.

Be all here: and be holy.

Be all here: and be happy.

Because the Presence of I AM always fills the present moment.

Be all here and be at peace… content… awake —- Alive. When I am mindful of this moment, the mind fills with God and the heart fills with peace and joy-thanks fills the prayers and isn’t the only way God can come to us is through the door of this moment? Here"

Wow, how refreshing! Important people to me have encouraged me to do this, and I pray I will learn. Knowing that God is always here during each now gives me faith to trust Him for the future as well. Let it be.

Full article here.

Funny little pup

2011-02-27T21:56:00.005-06:00

In reference to my previous post, T-town is supposed to get another storm tonight. Joy. Winnie is doing well right now, but she's exhausted. Why? Because we hosted youth group over here tonight.

After the students leave, she typically goes straight to our bed and goes to sleep. When her friends come over, she likes it, but it exhausts her! Tonight she went to the guest bedroom (washing the sheets right now for company coming tomorrow), which is rare. I went to investigate and found this.

Preparing for the storm? Crawling to safety? Just needs a break?

She got under there for a little while.

Bad picture. But she looks happy.

And Kurt got under there with her for a minute, which was funny as well.

She is now sitting between Kurt and me on the couch. Sweet girl. We love our puppy.

Surviving the storm: Winnie style

2011-02-27T21:22:00.006-06:00

On Thursday night, a storm apparently came through Tupelo, but the tornado sirens near us didn't go off. Or either we didn't hear them. Other people in our area said they didn't hear them either. Oh well. Not to worry. My mother-in-law was our personal tornado siren. She sent us texts and urged us -- nay, implored -- to get in the closet because we were under a weather attack.

Winnie had been in a panic all evening. Panting, shaking, sitting practically on top of Kurt and me for hours. She is so afraid of bad weather. So we finally got her into the closet. After we got in there, she was fine.

Sitting between us in my closet.

Well, the storm passed and Kurt got out of the closet, but Winnie felt so safe in there, she apparently didn't want to leave. And she was blocking my exit. So she and I sat in there for a little while longer.

Just hangin' in the closet.

I was finally able to move her over, stand up, and get out of the closet. However, she wasn't so sure about leaving. I left the room for a few minutes, and she didn't follow as she usually does. I went back to check on her, and I found her peeking out of the door. So precious.

Trying to decide whether to come out.

Winnie finally came out, and she slept at the foot of our bed all night. Bless her heart. She just doesn't like storms.

Duped by Etsy

2011-02-22T14:05:00.004-06:00

Well well well. Boy do I feel silly! For the past few days I've been talking to Kurt and a few others about my "Etsy catastrophe" and my "Etsy disaster" and how I feel like "such an idiot!" and "Gah!" (Napoleon Dynamite style, of course)

That DARLING picture you see above was my first purchase on Etsy. I needed a new key chain because some boys in the youth group were trying to wrestle my keys away from Kurt (typical) and broke one of my key rings, so now they're all jammed on there and I can't hang up my keys on their hook. So, I decided not to buy the cute Fossil owl or bird key chains at Belk for $16 each, but to look on Etsy instead for something cute, handmade and less expensive.

I noticed after I ordered this totally cute owl key chain that my bank account was charged but I received no shipping notification. So, I emailed the seller. What else, right? The seller then notified me of my mistake. Apparently I forgot to read all of the information. It wasn't even the fine print that I missed, which makes this situation worse. The title of the item is

"Owl Key Chain Card Holder Machine Embroidery Design File."

Right there. At the top. First thing one would see...Machine Embroidery Design File. Apparently I stopped at "card holder." Sad. So, if any of you embroiderers (Ahem, Becca) want to make this for me, I'll send you the stupid file and you can make as many as you want. Gah.

Baby bump

2011-02-16T09:47:00.002-06:00

Well, it's not that big, but here's a pic of my tummy at 14 weeks. Enjoy, Audge!

The ones I love

2011-02-14T13:07:00.003-06:00

My sweet husband and my puppy girl (even though she is about 40 lbs bigger now.) I love this picture.
And Baby Cooper (even though he/she is also bigger now. We don't have an updated sonogram pic). We will find out in about a month what this little precious punkin is!

Sick days

2011-02-11T22:45:00.001-06:00

I've been at home with a cold or a sinus infection or "the crud" for the past 2 days. Ugggghhhhhhh.

Sneezing. Coughing. Constantly blowing my nose. It is so dry and raw now. But the WORST part is not being able to breathe through my nose. I can't sleep any other way. I'm not a mouth-breather. Sigh.

Since I can't take mega meds since I'm pregnant, I'm trying to wait it out. So, I've been wearing these new, cute slippers my friend Laura gave me and putting Vick's Vaporub up my nose. I'm just praying this illness goes away soon.

Kurt and I are watching The Social Network right now. We are enjoying it. If the real Mark Zuckerburg is anything like this actor in the movie, he is a jerk. But a smart, successful one.

Winnie has been playing outside a lot lately. She has wanted to, especially when the snow/ice was stuck to the deck. She likes to eat it. Crunch crunch.

I hope I sleep well tonight. Wish me luck.

Tupelo sighting

2011-02-03T20:28:00.001-06:00

Stay classy.

Girl talk

2011-02-01T21:59:00.001-06:00

Having a heart to heart with Winnie girl is always a sweet time. Home is where the dog is!

Blog updates

2011-01-31T10:57:00.002-06:00

Ok, check out my blog now. Thanks to my friend Laura, I made some adjustments to the width. But my blogging area is now wider than the background. Is there any way I can make the background margins smaller to accommodate a larger writing space? I'd appreciate any advice.

blog help

2011-01-30T14:30:00.005-06:00

My blog design is all messed up. I want a template that allows me a bigger writing space to post bigger pictures (they were getting cut in half on the last one, especially when I blogged from my phone).

I found a cute one at Hot bliggity blog, but I pasted it in the HTML/Java script, and it doesn't look right.

What should I do?

Heirloom

2011-01-29T14:05:00.004-06:00

I love family heirlooms! My grandmother brought this to me on thursday for baby's nursery. My aunt cross-stitched (sp?) it for Leslie/me when we were babies. I'm going to put it in Baby Cooper's nursery. So sweet.

Baby's first gift

2011-01-24T19:40:00.002-06:00

My friend Laura brought me my first baby gift last week. It's a stuffed cow named Darcy (she named it) and a book called The Pregnancy Journal. So sweet! I'm thankful for supportive and encouraging friends whose excitement makes me smile.

Also, I'm writing this blog from my phone! Booyah!

There is NOTHiNG on tv on Monday nights. Gah. I'm watching Property Virgins on HGTV. This couple has a down payment of $100,000. Whoa! Dave Ramsey would be proud.

Now I'm going to get on my computer and see how my phone blog turned out. :)

A Christmas Surprise

2011-01-17T14:59:00.022-06:00

Well, here's how it started. Well, I guess you know how it started. I was a couple of days "late" (which never happens), so I took a pregnancy test. I was surprised to find this result:

So, I drove to the church to tell Kurt (took Winnie with me, of course). When we got home, we took these photos of our reactions:

So Kurt and I kept it a secret for another 2 weeks, until Christmas. Then we told our families, and swore them to secrecy.

Back story: Both my grandmother and Kurt's mom Barb had a rough year in 2010. My grandmother had to have emergency stomach surgery for a hole in her intestines in the fall. It was touch-and-go for a while, but she has recovered well since then. Barb got diagnosed with breast cancer last summer and had a double mastectomy and a subsequent stroke caused by a blood clot passing through a hole in her heart (that she was born with). Her recovery has been a difficult road for her, but she is doing really well now and is cancer free!

At each house for Christmas, after all the gifts were opened, we told my grandmother as well as Barb that we had gotten them an extra something "special" because they had a rough year. See the rest below...

Telling Marty's family on Christmas Eve:

Telling Kurt's family on Christmas Day:

Quite opposite reactions, huh? One was utter shock. (Sweet Granddad got teary-eyed.) The other was sheer joy. However, it took both parties a while to catch on to what we were telling them.

I love how Winnie joins in the excitement in the 2nd video. Ha. Sweet big sister.

Next we waited almost 3 weeks to tell anyone else, which was a huge feat for Barb because she was so excited. Every time she saw me during those 3 weeks, she squealed. And she's still squealing!

We wanted to wait to announce it to everyone else until I had my first sonogram -- where we got this:

Baby Cooper * 10 weeks * Due August 14, 2011

That little wiggle worm was dancing around (good moves, like its mama) and its heart was racing (we got to hear it!). It was so surreal, and I cried for quite a while during and after. Seeing our baby was amazing. There's nothing like it.

Obviously we feel very blessed and look forward to what this year will bring. Our friends and family have been so kind and encouraging. We are thankful to God for such blessings.

Emily: My bargain buddy

2011-01-10T17:03:00.000-06:00

Emily and me

Emily, my neighbor from RTS when we lived in Jackson, enjoyed my blog dedicated to Audrey. So, I decided to make one for her as well!

Emily is a year older than I am and went to Belhaven College (now Belhaven University - psh, please) with my sister Leslie. Emily was a ballerina in high school in Tallahassee, which drew her to Belhaven. She majored in Psychology, and married an RD at Belhaven (Ryan), who was attending RTS to get his counseling degree. Kurt and I married in August of 2005, while he was in school at RTS, and moved into married housing. In October of 2005, Ryan and Emily married and moved to RTS married housing in the apartment next to ours. There ya go.

Ryan and Emily

Emily and I hit it off instantly when I met her through Leslie, and we reconnected as neighbors at RTS. We were practically the same age and we wore the same size in clothes. On top of that, we were both BARGAIN SHOPPERS! We had many double dinner dates at each other's apartments (Ryan makes a beautiful cosmopolitan and other mixed drinks) and game nights. We even had a neighborhood cookout/drinkfest when Hurricane Katrina hit and we lost all of our power. Grilling outside in the dark, drinking our beer. It was fun.

But one of my favorite nights was spent doing what we called Closet Shopping.

We had a 3rd neighbor (Katie) who was married to Kurt's RTS roommate (Brent) when they lived in single housing on campus. (sorry for confusion). They married that December I think, and they lived on the other side of the Russes. Katie was also petite like Emily and me. The three of us decided to go to our closets, one closet at a time as a group, and get rid of clothes, letting the others choose what they'd like. I think we started at mine, and I got rid of some things I didn't wear anymore, and Emily and Katie took what they wanted. Then we moved to Emily's closet, did the same, and ended at Katie's. We had a blast! We each ended up with a good amount of clothes for FREE! You can't beat that for a bargain.

I have no idea what our husbands were doing while we were closet shopping. Probably playing xbox.

See, we love sales!

Emily and I even had a yard sale together. I priced all of my items with stickers and Emily went the brave route (I hate to haggle) and asked people to make her an offer. We both sold a decent amount that day, but OF COURSE, we started the yard sale by trading a few items ourselves. I think she got some of my shoes in exchange for some of her jewelry. (To our husbands' dismay. I remember Kurt saying, "Sweetie, we're supposed to be getting rid of stuff today." Oh well, I can't pass up a good deal.)

Our husbands graduated from RTS and we moved to Tupelo, and the Russes moved to Little Rock, Ryan's hometown. We were determined to see each other still, so we visited them in LR. Emily told me about a sale the Junior League of LR was having downtown. We each paid for a ticket ($5 maybe?) and woke up extra early to get there when the doors opened and the deals began.

Us with our loot at the Junior League of LR sale. What am I wearing?

It was pretty chaotic. We looked at rack after rack, and we make several trips to the bathroom of the building where women were changing in the stalls to try on clothes. Eventually people got tired of waiting on stalls to open, and we all changed in the open air of the bathroom together. I didn't know any of those people, so I didn't care. (Plus, I'm not known for modesty...anyway.)
I still have a dark orange Banana Republic sweater I got there as well as a brown top with fluttery sleeves and a black Anne Taylor blazer thingy. Yay! I'd like to make it an annual event, especially now that they have little Eliza Day.

Eliza Day

Emily and Ryan welcomed Eliza a couple of months ago, and they stopped by our house during Thanksgiving break on their way to visit family in Florida. It was so good to see them and meet this precious little girl.

So, Em, when's the next bargain hunting adventure?

Merry Christmas from the Coopers

2010-12-14T15:21:00.003-06:00

Kurt, Marty & Winnie

Guest Blogger: Winnie Claire

2010-12-11T10:40:00.005-06:00

Woof! It's Winnie. You may be wondering how I got this computer.

Mommy was sitting on the couch watching 30 Rock and checking Twitter on her computer. I did my usual routine of whining and jumping on the couch, then standing over her lap, between her and the computer so she can no longer see the screen. What else can I do since I can't tell her, "Mommy, I want some attention!"...or a treat, or to go potty, or to go to the mailbox, or to take a walk, etc. So I resort to whining and forcing myself physically on her to get her attention.

She just got up to get a diet Dr. Pepper (she drinks those a lot), so I took over her computer. I'm pretty sure Mommy talks about me a lot to her friends, but she doesn't talk a lot about me on her blog. Shame on her! I'll be sure to whine extra at 3:00 this morning to punish her for that.

About me:

I like squeaky toys. If they don't squeak, forget about it. My usual operation when I receive a toy is to find the squeaker, run around the house squeaking it, and then park myself in one spot and chew and pull and tear for 30 minutes until I get the squeaker out and the rest of the toy is strewn about the room and Mommy has to clean it up and complain about how no toys last around here.

I also like rawhide bones. Mommy gives me about 1 per day. When she gives it to me, I will either run to the back door so I can chew it outside and prance around the yard with it in my mouth, or I run back to Mommy and Daddy's room and chew it in there. I really like Mommy and Daddy's room. I stay on their bed a lot. When Mommy wakes up in the morning, she takes me out to potty, and then she gets in the shower. When she does that, I get in her spot on the bed and snuggle with Daddy.

Sometimes at night when Mommy and Daddy go to bed, I get in the bed with them. Mommy calls it a Fam-Sam (family sammich) because the three of us are snuggled up like a sandwich and there isn't much room left in the bed when I get in there.

Another thing I do on occasion is fart in Daddy's face. A couple of weeks ago, Mommy was getting ready for work and said to Daddy, "Guess what the scale said this morning? 122.8!" and then Daddy said, "Well guess who farted in my face last night and then left the bed?" Mommy said, "Me?" and Daddy said, "No, Winnie!" I didn't understand what all they said, but I heard my name, so I knew it was important.

I have 3 friends that I know by name: Gus, Hula and Blue. If Mommy says, "Where's Hula?" I run to the window, jump in the chair, and look out of it and whine. Sometimes Hula's mom Leslie comes over and leaves Hula over here to play with me while she and Mommy go for a walk. We run around the back yard and wrestle. When Hula's mom takes her back home, I watch them out the window until they turn off the street. I love my friends.

The window chair is where I spend a lot of time and watch what is happening in the neighborhood. We live at the end of a cul-de-sac, and I see lots of exciting happenings on our street. Sometimes Mommy or Daddy looks out the window with me.

I like treats a lot. Beggin' Strips are my favorite! I also like Milkbones, and Mommy lets me brush my teeth with Greenies every once in a while.

Lately I have been waking Mommy up at 3:30 or 4:00 in the morning, whining next to her face by the bed. Sometimes I need to go potty, and sometimes I am just bored and want to play. She really doesn't like this new habit of mine. Daddy is nice and gets up with me some, too. Last night they took my water away from me at 10:00, and I didn't wake them up. I bet they keep doing that, and maybe even take it away earlier.

Mommy and Daddy have stopped giving me people food because it was making me throw up. Mommy feels bad, but Daddy says they are doing it because they love me. However, it doesn't stop me from begging for food when they eat. I put my head on their lap and drool on their clothes. I even whine, but they just won't give me a bite anymore.

I really hate bath time. Mommy and Daddy have to bathe me together because one of them has to hold me in the tub and one of them bathes and rinses me. It's a team effort. I endure it, and I always give them the most pathetic look that says, "Why are you abusing me?" while they bathe me. Mommy gives me pep talks throughout the procedure, but it doesn't help. After I get out of the tub, I shake off all over the living room an kitchen, soaking the floor, and make Mommy and Daddy towel dry everything.

I hope I get lots of toys and treats for Christmas. I'll let you know how that turns out.

Woof,
Winnie C. Cooper

Words of Wisdom

2010-11-09T15:04:00.003-06:00

I need to write down all the things my grandmother says to me. Her comments almost always have to do with my weight (yes, she's always harped on lil' ol' me about my weight -- even though I have had my bigger times in the last year --) or my appearance (what I'm wearing, how my face/hair looks, etc.).

My grandmother is a proper lady. She hardly ever speaks a crass word, and if she does, she spells it. For example, one time she said, "I am so D-A-M-N angry..."

She and my precious grandfather stopped by my office today to give me a hug. I haven't seen them in a few weeks, and they were passing through Tupelo and wanted to see me. It was a pleasant visit as usual, but then we had this conversation:

"What meeting do you have today at 5:00?" asked Grandmom.
"It's with a pretty important client," says I.
"Well, make sure you put your powderpuff to your nose beforehand," Grandmom concluded.

Of course. Can't leave without commenting on my appearance. She is too proper to say, "Your face is shiny. Fix it."

She also likes to say, "You just need the taste." She says that when telling my grandfather he doesn't need a ton of jelly for his toast (because you just need enough to taste it, not enough to pack on the calories) or when ordering a kid's sized yogurt instead of a normal-sized one.

Stay tuned for more words of wisdom from my grandmother, who will put you down, but only in the nicest, most loving way.

Winnie goes trick-or-treating

2010-11-02T18:55:00.003-05:00

This picture looks like Winnie, but it's not. Well, it's not actually her, but the poor thing did get sick today.

This morning started out normally. I went to work; Kurt went to work; my sister Leslie was visiting and slept in before packing up to head home. Leslie called me at work about 10:00 this morning saying that Winnie had gotten herself into some mischief.

First, the typical thing. Leslie left the guest room door open, and Winnie chewed up and scattered all of Leslie's feminine products. Like I said, typical.

Then the bad news. Winnie girl chewed the top off of Leslie's migraine medicine pills and there were pills strewn about the bedroom floor. Oh no. Leslie didn't hear Winnie in the guest room and didn't know to keep the door closed to protect her belongings, so she discovered Winnie after she had raided Leslie's medicine cabinet, a.k.a. suitcase. (That pup is not afraid to rummage through your stuff...or your trash cans, etc. She's nosy. Like her mama.)

I called Winnie's veterinarian and they said to give her some hydrogen peroxide and make her vomit, then sift through the vomit to see if there were any pills in there. GROSS. (Note: I'd rather clean up dog poop than dog vomit. If you've ever had to clean up dog puke, it gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, "That girl/guy/outfit is dog-vomit ugly.")

Leslie was the one at home, so she agreed to give Winnie the peroxide and wait. After Leslie turned Winnie's head back and made her swallow some peroxide, it took about five minutes for Winster to puke. Leslie had taken her outside at my suggestion, so Winnie was able to vom without getting the floors dirty. Leslie called and said, "She puked...3 times. Do you have any gloves so I can examine it?"

Well, I told her I did have gloves, but only garden gloves. So, she used those. Thankfully, no pills were discovered. However, Leslie did discover a bar code sticker from something I bought (who knows?) as well as a paper clip. Yikes.

So, Winnie girl is ok. I'm ok as well. Kurt's ok, too. Bless our hearts. Here's to keeping a closer eye on my little nibbler.

I'm obsessed

2010-10-27T13:44:00.001-05:00

with this song...

Hoarding Tendencies

2010-10-27T09:31:00.004-05:00

As I mentioned earlier, I got out all of my fall/winter clothes and put up my "flimsy" summer clothes. I stored them in the attic in four 20-gallon tubs (3 were mine, one was Kurt's), and while Kurt put them up there for storage, I was bull-headed and got them down by myself. Subsequently, I pulled my quadricep muscle in my left thigh. Those sum-guns were too heavy for me to be maneuvering down the attic stairs. Oh well.

Upon unpacking the contents of the bins, I discovered many treasures I had forgotten about since last year. Some things I can still wear and like, and some things I cannot -- which I am giving to Leslie (my sister) like I do every year.

I also discovered inordinate amounts of some items. I have 12 coats. Yes, 12. Who needs 12 coats in Mississippi? I also have upwards of 25 purses, and about 9 pairs of boots. I have subsequently diagnosed myself as a hoarder.

Similarly, I have about 8 different kinds of shampoo/conditioner in my shower. Poor Kurt only has 1 kind that he uses, but it is hard to locate amongst the plethora of my products. Maybe I need my own bathroom.

Also, my closet is bigger than Kurt's (as it should be). After spending about 10 minutes hanging up his sweaters and corduroys -- and 2 hours hanging up my fall clothes -- I told him I had run out of closet space and asked him if I could use some of his. He was not amused. He even keeps his Sunday suits in the guest room closet because they won't fit in his regular closet. Ha. I guess we know who the high maintenance one is in our household...Winnie. Annnnd possibly me.

This post is for Audrey

2010-10-25T09:23:00.004-05:00

(Drey)

So, Audrey practically begged me for a blog post. Well, maybe not begged, but scolded. Whatevsies. (Audrey-ism) Audrey and I became friends post-Katrina. Kurt and I had been married for 2 weeks when Katrina hit NOLA. I had just moved to Jackson and was starting a new job and a new life and was trying to adjust to everything. I didn't know many people, but Kurt interned with a ministry similar to RUF at Millsaps College and I, of course, went with him to every meeting. Upon my first visit to Millsaps Christian Fellowship, I met Audrey. I assumed she had been a Millsaps student all along, but she and her boyfriend had actually just transferred for one semester from Tulane in New Orleans to Millsaps in Jackson because of Katrina. In that way, I am so thankful for Katrina because Audrey was a savior for me that semester. Neither of us had any girlfriends in Jackson, and we became instant friends. I begged her to stay at Millsaps and finish her college career, but she and her boyfriend (now-husband) Doug returned to New Orleans (who can blame them?). We saw each other as often as we could after they moved back, and she even asked me to be in her wedding about a year-and-a-half ago. It was the most fun and lovely wedding I've ever attended/been in. Love this girl.

I have been thinking of writing a blog dedicated to Audrey anyway, so here goes.

Topic #1: Dresses

I have been wearing dresses a lot lately. None of my pants from last year fit right now (although I've lost 7 lbs...yay!), but I'm working on it. When I found myself shopping for pants, I got bummed out about having to buy two sizes bigger than what I used to get, so I decided to wear dresses because they are more forgiving. Audrey owns no pants. (Her only pair of jeans recently died a shameful death.) She wears dresses everyday. And she always looks cute. Dresses make me feel more stylish than pants anyway, so I think I might continue with my trend. Audrey is my dress-wearing inspiration. My uniform for fall and winter is a dress, tights, and boots. So simple, yet so fun!

Speaking of transitioning from summer to fall, Audrey got out her fall clothes and put up her summer clothes on the first official calendar day of fall. She does that no matter where she lives. However, she is currently living in Boston, so she kind of had to get out the warm clothes on time this year.

Last night my grandmother told me that it was going to get cool outside on Friday, and then she said this: "You need to put up all of those flimsy things you were wearing this summer." Flimsy? Wow. Thanks, Grandmom. I guess she meant my flowy, cotton summer dresses...? Whatevsies, Grandmom. I am making the seasonal clothing exchange today, so she'll be proud.

Topic #2: Tennis

Audge said she wanted to hear about tennis. I started playing tennis again in the spring, and it has been wonderful. It is a great outlet for me, and it is practically the only thing I'm decent at athletically. At first I lost all my matches, but I wasn't going to let that make me quit again this time, and it paid off. I got on a semi-winning streak (winning 4 matches in a row), but I am back on the losing streak, having lost my last 3 matches. Oh well. However, one of my teams is going to the state championship in November in Jackson, so I'm looking forward to my first State experience! Hope my nerves don't get the best of me and that I enjoy myself. I have met lots of new people through playing tennis, and it is very fun and laid back (despite my competitive nature). People bring beer to every match, and some people even drink while they play. Ha! I prefer to stay hydrated with water during the match, but I don't mind a celebratory (or consolation) brewski after a match.

Topic #3: Weeds

Have you seen the show Weeds? It comes on Showtime. We don't get it on TV at our house, but a coworker recommended it to me, and I decided to investigate it. Thankfully, it was on our instant viewing on Netflix. It can be raunchy (you've been warned), but I have enjoyed catching up on the seasons. I guess I have to wait until the current season ends and comes on Netflix so I can watch it.

Topic #4: Family

I always told myself I'd never start a blog with, "Sorry I've been MIA lately." I blog when I can, and that's that. However, I have terribly missed blogging lately, and Kurt and I have both had family issues that have kept us busy. Kurt's mom got diagnosed a few months back with breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy, and right after her surgery (or during...we don't know), she had a stroke. She is currently cancer-free, but the stroke caused her to lose her left field of vision. That means she can see out of both eyes to the front and to the right, but she can't see to the left out of either eye. She has adjusted well to it so far, except for not being able to drive. That has been a real setback for her because she's such a go-getter and a doer. She is going to the neuro-ophthalmologist next month in Birmingham to see what her options are for repairing her vision. She is a special lady to me, so please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Also, about a month ago my grandmother had emergency surgery for a perforated gastric ulcer in her stomach. Bless her heart, she's been through difficult physical problems her whole adult life. She is at home healing and taking care of my grandfather, and he her. That's the short version (ha..family drama), but please keep her in your thoughts, too.

Topic #5: Winnie Claire

Winnie Claire is doing well. Right now she is trying to get between my computer and me. Apparently I'm not showing her enough attention. We recently stopped feeding her people food because it kept making her sick. Not that we gave her a lot -- just a bite here and there. But that is no more. However, it doesn't keep her from begging while we eat and salivating on our legs whenever food is around. Poor thing.

She also got an eye infection recently, and we had to put ointment in her eyes everyday for 2 weeks. Poor punkin. She loves to snuggle with Kurt and me, and we love her very much.

She is now looking out the window and whining, so I better tend to her. (Can you tell I have the day off?)

Just seen a big ol'...what?

2010-08-11T15:33:00.005-05:00

Ludacris said it best: I gotta big weed stash, pocket full of cash... Just seen a big ol' A...well, you know the rest.

And now even if you are not naturally endowed with junk in your trunk, you can be. How, you ask? Why, with Booty Pop, of course!

Yep, I saw this item today in Bed Bath & Beyond. I SHO NUFF needed this in high school.

Apparently you just wear it as underwear (see below) for a little extra dance in your pants.

My grandmother would probably call this a boohine (boo-hyn) enhancer. Either way, I don't need this item anymore. They are about 10 years late for me.

However, I know what I will be taking to Dirty Santa parties this Christmas!

Song for the week

2010-07-25T22:18:00.002-05:00

This song is by no means new, but it's one of my favorites and I identify with the lyrics. Enjoy!

What's your secret?

2010-07-21T22:34:00.003-05:00

My friend Carrie Anne posted this video on Facebook. Hilarious!

P.S. Sadly, I kind of want to try it...

My mother-in-law wouldn't purchase the CamiSecret though. As she says, "Cleavage is in!"

Not exactly a spray tan

2010-07-20T22:40:00.004-05:00

It began as any regular evening. I was walking Winnie around our neighborhood, as I do regularly during the week. As we rounded the corner to our street to end the walk, Winnie and I saw a white, furry animal. I wasn't sure what it was -- I only noticed how pretty I found it.

Then the adventure began. Winnie lunged toward the picturesque creature and starting pulling me with her. Startled, it turned around, raised its tail, and started spraying. I realized it was a skunk -- an ALBINO SKUNK (Yes, they exist. I Googled it.) and sprinted toward my house, pulling Winnie as she fought me in her effort to "go play" with another animal.

Thankfully we outran the stench, but I bet our street will be stankin' tomorrow morning. Consider this your warning, West Tupelo: Hold thy breath!

Spoiler Alert!

2010-07-20T22:38:00.002-05:00

Anna and I went to Kroger to stock up on water before we left for RYM. Check out this tricked out spoiler we saw in the parking lot!

Tea and Tans

2010-07-10T23:16:00.007-05:00

Lately...

I have discovered that it is time I stop shopping in the Junior's section. I have put on a few pounds (lame), and I guess my body has matured somewhat...Anyway, I have officially outgrown the Junior's section. When I told Kurt about my revelation, he responded, "Uh, yeah... you're 26 years old." Apparently it was obvious to him that I should wear adult clothes at, what I consider, a mere 26 years young. Oh well.

I also realized I don't like John Mayer's music anymore. His last few songs have been sub-par and just plain bothersome. Even when his old stuff comes up on the ol' iPod, I tend to change it (with the exceptions of "Find another you" and "Another kind of green"). I hope he hits a better stride soon. There's just no comparison between mediocre John Mayer and the amazing talents of Ryan Adams.

Last month Kurt and I took our junior high youth group to RYM in Florida. We are leaving on Monday to take our senior high youth back to the same conference. My favorite part about RYM is, no, not the food -- although it is good. It's not the seminars, although Kurt is teaching one, and it is sure to be a hit amongst the youth for the 2nd year in a row. It's not even the night out to eat good seafood and shop. I love RYM because it is AT THE BEACH! That's right, we get free time each afternoon to enjoy the sand and sea, sunbathing, and reading books. And this year, sunbathing is key. "Why?" you ask. Because I plan to be the victor in this year's Second Annual Tan-Off between yours truly and Drew Allison. He won last year, and I plan to win the rematch this year. I have spent lots of time in the sun this summer, so I believe I have a fair shot at this. I'll let you know when we lock arms and compare in August.

Guess what Winnie Claire's been up to lately? We have discovered she likes an array of snacks NOT designed for dogs. Pita chips and hummus, Cheez-its, pretzels, and gummy bears -- to name a few. The other day I took her with me while I drove to AT&T to pick up my iPhone 4 (wooty woot!). I left my car windows down so she could breathe in the sweltering July heat, and I was in the store 10 minutes maximum. I returned to find an empty 4-pack of Nutter Butter cookies and an empty cup where my tea once was. So, little Winnie girl might be British after all since she downed, albeit a lesser version, of tea and crumpets.

Tupelo Sighting: Champion

2010-06-15T21:28:00.004-05:00

The Lawndale Presbyterian Church Youth Group Ultimate Uno Champion was recently spotted. She now only answers to Nighthawk, and will sign no autographs unless generously compensated.

2010 so far: A few of my favorite things

2010-06-15T20:57:00.020-05:00

1. Reuniting with friends from college

Donkey Kong, Bowser, Mario

John, me, and Greg

The Noreds and me

Anna and Kel

2. Giving Winnie her birthday presents

3. My birthday breakfast from Kurty Poo

4. This dog I saw floating in my friend's pool

5. Graduates

My brother Ryan

My sister Brittany

My buddy Katie

6. Family

Granddad

Grandmom posing under a Corona sign: "Hey, my name is Martha, and I like to party."

(Granddad suggested I take this one!)

Cousin Katherine and Baby Nita

The Coopers

7. Purses, apparently

Long story...

8. Dancing

A thing of beauty

2010-06-15T20:53:00.004-05:00

I commissioned a painting of Winnie. My friend Kathryn Wiggins, a professional painter, did it for me. I gave her a picture, and she must be magic because it looks EXACTLY like Winster.

Let me know if you want her information for a painting of your baby (pet or human). She's great!

Product placement

2010-06-15T20:36:00.006-05:00

After complaining about Winnie's ~~atrocious~~ normal shedding habit, my friend Amy suggested the FURminator! It's a metal-toothed brush shaped like a large razor, and it really grabs the dog's undercoat. Brushing Winnie used to be a battle, but she loves that the Furminator gives her a good scratch!

Kurt, preparing for Furminate

Got my game face on

My baby girl

Kurt furminating Winnie (yes, in our kitchen...now we do it outside)

This is the result! It works!!

This brush can be pricey, but I got mine for half price on Amazon.com. Let me know if you get one!

Ole! Winnie turns 1 today!

2010-05-05T09:46:00.003-05:00

My baby girl Winnie Claire is 1 year old today. She has been a great dog-ter (daughter) for Kurt and me. We got her 2 new toys. A red dog thingy and a new giraffe ("raffey").

Happy Cinco de Mayo to her! She requested margaritas and tequila shots, so it shall be.

Tupelo Sighting: Rated X

2010-05-03T22:11:00.003-05:00

Kurt and I were riding down a street in Tupelo (Ida, for those who know the local geography) today in a ghetto-ish area, and thus begins our conversation:

Kurt: Marty, look over there!

Me: (eyes on the road, hands at 10 and 2, of course) Oh my gosh!

Kurt: That woman is naked! NAKED.

Me: Holy Crap! She's completely naked!

Yes, people, a lady was strolling -- leisurely-- not running, in an apartment complex parking lot N.A.K.E.D. We saw her from the back only, thank goodness, but we couldn't believe our eyes. Our conversation picks up here:

Me: Should we turn around and take a picture?

Kurt: No way!

Me: Well, she has pretty hair. (She did. It flowed down her back.)

Kurt: Her hair is what you're looking at?????

Me: Well that and her rumply butt.

Kurt: Marty, gross!

Marty: What! It is!

Kurt: We will never forget this day as long as we live.

Anyway, yes, we did see a totally nude person walking in a parking lot today in Tupelo, MS. There is no documented photo for this Tupelo sighting...you're welcome.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

2010-04-03T21:31:00.006-05:00

I went to the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Jackson this year for the 2nd time. Last year was -- if I may borrow an overused word by today's youth -- epic. This year was fun, but didn't quite measure up to last year. We didn't get there early enough to get good "seats" (standing spots?) and I was tired from my sister's birthday party the night before. Anyway, I did get lots of beads and saw a ton of interesting floats and float-riders. However, this dude was the most entertaining part of the day.

Technically, parade spectators are supposed to stay behind the barricades. However, people (mostly children) often stand in front of them to be more of a part of the parade. This guy wanted to make his presence known.
First he was pacing back and forth as the floats passed, shouting at them for "the good beads." Then he began his performance, as seen below.

Move over, Beyonce! After the booty-shaking stopped, the strip-tease commenced.

Then the cops showed up to reprimand him and told him to get behind the barricade like the rest of the adults.

But he didn't let The Man get him down. His St. Patrick's Day spirit could not be squelched.

Long live this dude! He knows how to party, in front of God and everybody. I hope he is in the same spot next year.

Now, who else thinks this guy looks like John Wiggins????

Nashville Sightings

2010-04-03T16:49:00.004-05:00

Saw this in a thrift store. Funny!

A real snowman!

I bet Anna Frances Duggan would like to try this joint.

You want me to eat what?

2010-03-21T16:32:00.011-05:00

Each time I see Taco Bell's commercial for the new Pacific Shrimp Taco, I nearly gag. The first thought I have is, "Is there such a thing as artificial shrimp?"

I don't know anyone who has been brave enough to try it either on a dare or because they want to, but I will make a deal with you. If you decide to eat this fancy item from Taco Bell, please take a picture of yourself eating it, and email me your review of the product and the photo at martylcooper@gmail.com. I will then post them on my blog so we can either warn or encourage people to try Taco Bell's new delicacy.

If I get at least 5 reviews, I will eat one and write my own review to be included with the others.

Who's up for the Shrimp Taco Challenge?

I hate goodbyes

2010-03-21T16:21:00.004-05:00

Help! I can't find one of my dearest friends: Salt and Vinegar chips.

I have been on road trips the last 2 weekends (Nashville and Jackson, respectively), and one of my favorite parts of the road trip is to stop at the gas station to get junk food. Typical snacks for me include Gardetto's, cheese puffs, mustard pretzels, or some kind of chip product, coupled with a diet Dr. Pepper.

Kurt and I stopped at a store outside of Nashville on the way home last weekend to get a snack, and I looked for Vinegar and Salt chips. They were nowhere to be found. I found this odd, but I figured that particular store was merely out of one of my favorite snacks, and I settled for something else.

On my way to Jackson on Friday, I stopped in Louisville to get some Vinegar and Salt chips and a diet Dr. Pepper. The delicious snack was nowhere to be found, so I had to settle for Dill Pickle chips -- a close second, but not as tangy.

Kurt says they don't make Vinegar and Salt chips anymore "because they're gross." He is wrong.

Do you know where the Vinegar and Salt chips have gone?

An update of sorts...

2010-03-03T21:58:00.005-06:00

1. Winnie is about to be 10 months old. Her birthday is on Cinco de Mayo, so everyone is welcome to bring their puppies over to our house to play and drink margaritas with us on Win's birthday! Ole!

2. My grandmother fell last week and broke her left patella (knee cap, for all you non-medicals out there), right wrist, and right shoulder. Poor grandmom. She is in a lot of pain and has been in the hospital for a week now. She will stay there at least another week as she undergoes physical therapy. Thankfully, no surgery was required to reset her bones. All the breaks were clean.

3. I have been reading The Shack. ("Gasp!" sayeth all the conservative Christians.) Before you deem me a heretic, check out the book for yourself. It is good fiction. Admittedly, some parts of the book make me uncomfortable, but what is the harm in that? It is good to stretch our minds and consider other viewpoints (and deem whether we agree or disagree thereafter). I will save my book review for another post, but I find myself experiencing the same emotions as the protagonist Mack. I'm excited to see where this story takes me.

4. I have recently rekindled my love for Coldplay's "Amsterdam." I had forgotten how beautiful the music and lyrics are to me. I relate to the lyrics emotionally as well as spiritually, I think. Below are the music and lyrics for your consideration/enjoyment.

Making Whoopi?

2010-01-19T08:43:00.003-06:00

On the Today Show this morning, Whoopi Goldberg was being interviewed about her new book Sugarplum Ballerina. Meredith Viera talked about how busy Whoopi is on The View, and then asked her "Is there anything you don't do?"

Whoopi's response: "I don't have a lot of sex...I'm too busy."

Sure, Whoopi. That's the reason.

Off to Memphis!

2010-01-15T11:16:00.002-06:00

We are going to See Brian Regan live tonight at the Orpheum in Memphis!

Points to consider

2010-01-07T10:21:00.006-06:00

Warning: it's personal.

I get daily devotional emails from Ravi Zacharias ministries. However, I honestly haven't read one in about a year. I just haven't wanted to...

In the subject line of the email today it said "At the border of doubt and hope," so I decided to read it.

I would like to think that I teeter on the border of doubt and hope, but if I am honest, I live in a lonely world of darkness and doubt with very little hope. Maybe it is my natural disposition. Maybe it is from bleak life experiences that started when I was a child and have seemed to lag into early adulthood. Maybe it is from situations I wish so badly had worked out, but ended up backfiring and blowing up in my face. Whatever the reason, I can't seem to shake the cloud of despair that hovers over my daily existence.

Oftentimes I am distracted from it and the sun peaks through -- when I'm with friends or laughing at something, reading good literature or having a drink. Even shopping helps, and constant love and assurance from friends and family, but somehow this gloom, light at times and heavy at others, has remained for an entire 25 years.

How can this be?

The email today was insightful, and though I don't find myself in Stuart McAlister's shoes, I hope that one day I can gain a glimpse of his outlook. His story recounts a physical imprisonment, but for me it describes the personal prison of despair and depression.

McAilster writes, "I can well remember a point of surrender. After several days, I resigned myself to the possibility that my imprisonment could last for years. I might not get out for a long time, so I had to make the best of what was and to rest in God. It is a point where we accept the hardship, where we still believe in greater good, and where we surrender to what seems like inevitability. I think I came to relinquish my sense and need for control (I had none anyway) and simply accept that God would be there as promised, and therefore, to rest in Him. "

I have heard these same insights my whole life, but I have never seemed to master them. Or at least taking on this mindset hasn't seemed to work for me as well as others claim it does. It seems more like living in denial than reality. However, McAlister comments on that as well:

"As those raised in comfort and convenience, the very nature of all this may frighten or repel us. If the message we have believed or the model we have been taught has raised false expectations, then we are going to be subject to doubt and fear, and worse, reject the whole thing. But the gospel and Christianity are concerned with reality, and hence with truth. By this I mean what the true nature of life really is and means. Christianity is not an escape system for us to avoid reality, live above it, or be able to redefine it. Christianity is a way that leads us to grasp what reality is and, by God’s grace and help, to navigate through it to our eternal home. "

Something to think about...

Kathryn's new website

2010-01-06T08:49:00.003-06:00

My friend Kathryn Wiggins recently returned from a 2-year stint in Scotland where she got her master's degree in fine arts. She has a new website! Check it out!

Nicolas Cage, you sick!

2010-01-01T14:35:00.005-06:00

Twas the night of Christmas, and we went to see a movie with Kurt's parents and a few friends. Since I was the only girl, I sat with Kurt's mom and he sat on the row in front of us with 3 other dudes. There were about 8 previews before Sherlock Holmes finally started.

One of the previews featured Nicolas Cage -- the most terrible actor ever. I mean, EW! I cannot stand Nicolas Cage, and Kurt agrees. NC is so annoying in all his movies. Plus, the titles of his films are ludicrous -- nay, silly!

So, when he came on the screen, I sent Kurt a text saying, "You suck, Nicolas Cage!" He wrote me back, "He still sucks." I thought it was a weird response, but the movie started and I forgot about it.

The next morning as we were getting ready to go to West Point, Kurt says to me, "You SICK Nicolas Cage!" What???

After I asked him what he meant, he showed me my text from the night before. It actually read, "You sick, Nicolas Cage" instead of "You suck, Nicolas Cage." Oops! Another victim of unchecked predictive text...

Needless to say, "sick" has been subsituted for "suck" ever since then. Also, it seems a little nicer to tell someone "you sick!" instead of "you suck!" It also sounds slang, which is fun. "Man, you sick!" or "This eggplant sick!"

You know what else sicks? Cleaning up dog vomit.

Goodbye 2009

2010-01-01T10:55:00.003-06:00

So glad it's over.

Merry Christmas from the Coopers!

2009-12-24T11:47:00.005-06:00

Vacation? yep.....

2009-11-16T23:00:00.003-06:00

Well, that last post ended up being appropriate. I have taken a break from pretty much everything for the past couple of months...When you think of me, picture me in a hammock with a smile...if only I had one (a hammock, not a smile. I have a great smile!).

I've had this song in my head for the past couple of months. It's a familiar one, but it never gets old. (not my video...)

Enjoy!

Picture me here...

2009-09-28T16:20:00.009-05:00

As I sit at my desk at work, in my mind I am here. Today is perfect weather for a hammock nap. Or at least a hammock-book-read or hammock-mind-clearing in the breeze.

If I were to go to my "hammock happy place" (as opposed to my "beach happy place"), I'd take my iPod and A Confederacy of Dunces and just escape. Who's with me?

I might even use the following song as my theme for the day -- "Cathedrals" by Jump Little Children. (The accompanying video is good, too, although I'm not sure who made it...but you might see your happy place in one of the photos...)

Take a deep breath. Close your eyes. Enjoy the moment.

Sigh...

Great book, decent movie

2009-09-16T15:18:00.011-05:00

Kurt and I just finished reading The Secret Life of Bees. I read it in a week's time, told him it was good, and he finished it in two days. (Speedreader. Lame.)

We watched the movie last night. I tend to enjoy books more than movies, and this screenplay did not change my mind. It was not horrible, but still disappointed me in some areas. It mainly followed the book's storyline, but casting could've been better.

The best cast characters were Alicia Keys for June and Sophie Okonedo for May. However, Jennifer Hudson wasn't the right choice for Rosaleen and Oprah would've been a better pick for August than Queen Latifah. Dakota Fanning did a decent job as Lily, but I wasn't blown away.

Anyway, I highly recommend the book -- repeat, HIGHLY -- but I don't recommend the movie.

.

Speaking of remakes, I do have a favorite. One of my favorite books is Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. Oddly enough, I also enjoy the Americanized/modernized movie version which stars Gwyneth Paltrow and Ethan Hawke.

Click the video below to see my favorite scene in the movie. I also love the music in this scene. It is an original score written for this movie.

Tupelo Sighting: Dog lover

2009-09-14T21:04:00.003-05:00

Ok, so this guy really likes pit bulls. I'm thinking my next window sticker will say, "If it ain't lab, it's drab." What do you think? Maybe I need to add a curse word or two for emphasis...

Did that just happen?

2009-09-14T12:27:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I kept the nursery at church, and the sweetest little boy sat in my lap and had an accident on my skirt. I felt something moist and hot on my leg, and then I noticed he had peed.

I felt like an R. Kelly victim.

So, how was your weekend?

Anybody seen this?

2009-09-10T11:53:00.016-05:00

Unless you have been hiding under a rock for the past few months, you have undoubtedly seen the commercials advertising the Neckline Slimmer.

I had two thoughts the first time I saw the commercial:

1. Yeah right.

2. Ouch!

This item claims to reduce double chins and turkey necks (my words). However, there's no way this thing works. You'd have to do a gazillion neck crunches to make any progress. Can you imagine sitting at your desk at work and using this neckersizer (yep, made it up) all day? Others would find you very agreeable. (pun intended.)

Also, notice in the above picture. In the "before" picture, the lady is forcing her double chin because her nose is pointed slightly down. In the "after" picture, her nose is pointed straight out, thus reducing the size of her double chin. And let's not forget PHOTOSHOP.

In fact, that might be two different women. Their hair falls at different lengths. Maybe it's a mother (double chin) and a daughter who has yet to inherit it.

Secondly, can you imagine how painful these neck nods would be? Ouch! Instead of reducing chin/neck fat, it is my expert medical opinion that it would pull the side muscles in your neck, thus prohibiting you from turning your head from side to side without excrutiating pain.

As you may have deciphered, I will not be purchasing this...crap. Instead, I have started a savings envelope to have plastic surgery on my inevitable neck flap in the future. I am taking donations if you care to contribute to the Single Chin, No Extra Neck Skin FUND.

Hey, it happens...

2009-09-10T11:27:00.003-05:00

It's just been one of those weeks. Know what I mean?

85 and counting

2009-08-18T09:26:00.005-05:00

Happy birthday to the sweetest man I know! My grandfather turns 85 today.

A lady in West Point petitioned the locals to get together and send him 85 birthday cards for his special day. As of yesterday (the day before his birthday), he already had 93!

I am so thankful this day will be special for him. He deserves it. Love you, Granddad!

Let me also mention that the sweetest lady I know, my grandmother Martha (for whom I am named) turned 83 on July 25. She would kill me if she knew I published her age on the web.

My sweet grandparents also celebrated 30 years of marriage in June 11 this year. May they have many more together!

Happy anniversary to us!

2009-08-13T08:33:00.012-05:00

Four years ago today, my grandfather walked me down the aisle to marry Kurt at Grace Presbyterian Church in Starkville.

Then Kurt took me home to be his wife.

We had a lovely reception at Old Waverly golf club in West Point.

As we were leaving, my friends Becca and Kathryn put birdseed down my dress.

My response.

Even so, off we go!

I love you, Kurty-poo! :)

The Coopers

2009-08-12T12:40:00.005-05:00

Kurt, Marty & Winnie

Shut your biscuit hole!

2009-08-11T09:49:00.021-05:00

Hardee's has introduced another breakfast menu item: Biscuit Holes. As previously noted on this blog, I adore Hardee's biscuits. I will likely try this new delicacy out of curiosity, but I feel certain that when I want to splurge on calories, I will stick to the regular, whole biscuit.

One reason I want to try the holes is because of the following hilarious video. Enjoy!

You won't likely see this video on television because a conservative media watchdog has targeted Hardee's for risque commercial content. (Lame, guys.) Therefore, I am bringing it to you for your viewing pleasure!

You. Are. Welcome.

Any suggestions?

2009-07-22T10:25:00.009-05:00

I just finished reading the atrocious Twilight series. I do not recommend them. At the risk of offending my blog followers, I will explain my reason for not liking the books. The first one started out decently (but nowhere near the literary genius of a series in a similar genre: Harry Potter), then got progressively worse with each subsequent novel.

Sorry, Ginger.

Each time author Stephanie Meyer built up excitement toward a potentially important and/or dangerous event, she never came through with an equally-as-exciting conclusion. Quite a few times, the reader anticipated something major happening, and it didn't. It just didn't happen.

PLUS, some parts of the series got just plain creepy. You know what I'm talking about. Men falling in love with (excuse me, "imprinting upon") toddlers. ????? Can't handle it.

So, I am taking suggestions for what to read next. Please help me recover from Twilight's drain on my brain cells and free time. It's time for some quality literature!

A mile in her shoes...sort of

2009-07-04T22:56:00.011-05:00

Have you ever heard anyone say that in order to better understand someone, try "walking a mile in her shoes"? Today I did just that...kind of.

I was cleaning Winnie's crate, and Kurt asked me if I thought I could fit inside it. It is a medium-sized crate because we hope she will only grow to be a medium-sized dog...

So, I took the challenge. I crawled in the little door and, after spending enough time for Kurt to take my photo, I managed to crawl out. I plan to acquire a side job as a contortionist after managing my way into that cage.

Sitting next to the cage is Winnie's lovey that she snuggles with every night. I bet it could've fit in there with me, too. Hmmm, let's see...

Meet Winnie Cooper

2009-06-30T20:11:00.015-05:00

Kurt and I adopted a puppy on Saturday. After she was spayed, we brought her home yesterday. We named her Winnie after the lovable girl next door on The Wonder Years who just happens to share our last name.

Outside on our bench. Afraid of heights?

She likes to put both front paws in the food and water.

Winnie and Marty

Shameless plug

2009-06-24T21:17:00.007-05:00

I just had the BEST shower of my life. Why? Because today I bought and used the Schick Quattro razor.

I know, I know, they're going to come out with the Schick Ocho, like, next week, and I'll be really mad about it because adding more blades is just ridiculous. However, I may NEVER switch to another razor after using this one today.

I literally couldn't feel the blades on my skin. I might as well have been caressing my legs and underarms with silk. Yes, it is THAT amazing.

I love the Schick Quattro, and here's how I know it is the real deal. Ask yourself this question, "Do I have pretty underarms?" If you are like me, and the answer is "no," there is hope! You can get them with the Schick Quattro.

I had a friend growing up named Mary Esther. She had the most beautiful armpits in all the land. I kid you not. Every summer we'd go to camp and she'd wear tank tops and display her smooth underams and I'd be so jealous. I have a friend named Emory from Tupelo who has pretty underarms, too. I now call pretty armpits "emorypits."

A few moments ago, I hopped out of the shower and ran to the mirror in anticipation to look at my armpits. Guess who has smooth, lovely underarms now? Yours truly! Thank you, Schick Quattro!

An affair to remember: New Orleans in wedding season

2009-06-24T16:40:00.057-05:00

Recently my dear friend Audrey Fort married Doug Smith in New Orleans. They are both natives of Baton Rouge and went to college at Tulane. Kurt and I met Doug and Audrey during the fall of 2005.

They were forced to evacuate New Orleans and Tulane in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and chose to attend Millsaps College in Jackson for a semester before returning to New Orleans in the spring of 2006.

Even though we only lived in the same town for one semester, Audrey was my dearest friend in Jackson. I met her when I was newly married -- about 3 weeks -- and had just started my journey into adulthood. She was so kind and understanding, and to this day she is one of my dearest friends.

Audge is my inspiration for lots of things, but mainly fashion and learning. She also encourages me to exercise my writing talents and dig deeper into myself to believe in who I am.

Also, she's wildly witty and super cute! Enough of the sappy stuff and on to a preview of her wedding weekend.

Thursday:

Kurt and I arrived in New Orleans and commenced with wedding activities. Since I was a bridesmaid (the only non-family bridesmaid, thank you very much!), I rarely left Audrey's side the whole weekend. I was honored to be chosen to participate in her wedding, and it was incredibly fun! (And Kurt hung out with and had a great time getting to know the groomsmen as well.)

We started the weekend with cocktails at The Columns, and antebellum home now serving as a restaurant. The spring weather was perfect!

Julie (A's sister), Sarah (A's cousin), Audrey, and me

After cocktails and delicious appetizers, we went back to Audrey's condo to change clothes and ready ourselves for her bachelorette party. We had a delicious dinner at The Melting Pot (Audge's fave). Audrey then opened her lingerie gifts. The best gift was from her future sister-in-law, who couldn't bear to give Audrey any typical lingerie.

Adult onesie

The girls at The Melting Pot

We then met up with the groom and groomsmen (and Kurt) at the Omni Royal hotel in downtown NOLA and proceeded to Pat O's where, yes, I got a hurricane in a souveneir glass.

The girls at Pat O's.

Friday:

Friday morning we went to the Commander's Palace for Audrey's bridal brunch. Aside from a couple of wardrobe malfunctions (The dress Audge chose to wear got dirty in her trunk, so she had to go with a backup, which looked fabulous... and my dress's strap broke at the restaurant, and Julie had to get a safety pin from the waiter for me), the morning was lovely.

I ate gumbo and and New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp, and had a couple of mimosa's as well! It was a fine southern dining experience!

Audrey with Julie, her younger sister and maid of honor.

For dessert we ate cake, but not before the bridesmaids and flower girl pulled charms out of it. I got the wishing well...for good luck in the future... or whatever.

Pulling the cake charms

Friday evening Doug and his family hosted the rehearsal dinner at the Napoleon House, located a block away from the wedding location -- the garden terrace of the Omni Royal Hotel. Before we ate dinner, watched a slideshow of Doug and Audrey grow up, and hear all their friends gush over them, we had cocktails on the "party porch."

Kurt with some groomsmen on balcony

Doug's friends introduced me to a delicious local drink called a Pimm's Cup (which I called Pimp Juice, of course). Look it up. It's yummy. Kurt even liked it!

Kurt, Audge, Doug, Marty

Saturday:

Saturday was the wedding day! It went off without a hitch...well, I'm sure there were a few hitches, but Doug and Audge ended up hitched anyway.

Gracie Lou Freebush and the bride

The blushing bride

Katie, Audrey, Julie (sisters)

Kurt and me

First dance

Doug, along with his college a capella group, sang "Accidentally in Love" to Audrey. It was so romantic! Way to go, Doug!

After dancing the night away and enjoying gourmet food and beverages, we followed the bride and groom in the second line and waved goodbye to them as they rode away in a horse and carriage.

It was a weekend filled with romance, beautiful weather, excellent food and beverage, and lovely company. Thanks, Audrey! When can we do it again?

A Cooper Wedding

2009-06-04T21:24:00.015-05:00

Kurt's cousin Eric got married in April. Here are some photos from the occasion.

Rehearsal Dinner at Maggiano's. Wedding outside at a country club. So fun!

Eric, Ashley, Marty, Kurt

The Cooper Siblings

Kurt's awesome cousins Morgan and Taylor

The happy couple

Easter 2009

2009-05-26T20:30:00.014-05:00

This year for Easter we had lunch at Phil and Barb's house (my in-laws). My grandparents came, as did my younger sister Brittany.

Jordan and I matched at church!

D'andre brought his girlfriend Charity to church.

Easter best!

The Coopers

Babes

More babes

My family

Better late than never!

2009-05-26T20:09:00.011-05:00

Our cousins Sam and Katherine Hardin had a baby in April. Her name is Nita McKinley. She is precious.

The happy family

Proud Grandmothers Bonnie and Elizabeth

Aunt C-Murda

Nita's favorite cousin-by-marriage

Daddy's girl from the get-go

Tutti Frutti, O Rudy!

2009-05-24T23:49:00.005-05:00

Is that an old, barely standing shack located in the middle of a vacant parking lot? Why yes it is, and it houses my favorite respite from the summer heat. Well, my favorite one that Tupelo has to offer...

I prefer The Snowball Shoppe over the "chain" snow cone vendors because:

1. It is locally-owned, and I like to support local merchants.

2. Their Tutti Frutti is off the chain! It tastes like real tutti frutti...I'm not sure what that tastes like, but it doesn't taste all artificial like the chain snow-coners. Just sayin' it's the real deal holyfield.

3. "Summer snow" (not my favorite term, but I'll go with it) is dairy-free, which is good for my sensitive tummy.

I don't even know what Kurt or any of my other friends get when they are at The Snowball Shoppe. When I get there, I am overcome with excitement. It's like I black out or something, but then I always awaken with a tutti frutti in hand -- a very happy ending.

What are your favorite snow cone flavors?