Ben and I have a new niece in our family. Ben's niece, Kristine, had a baby girl on Friday, April 11th. She was 6 pounds, 3 oz, 19 1/2 inches long in great health. I realize that this post is a little bit late, but I finally got a few pictures to share, so enjoy.
My sister-in-law, Jaynie, holding her new granddaughter!
Emma Kristine CooperLately my husband and I have become very interested in listening to Christian pop music. XM radio has a station that we have both made as one of our favorites. Casting Crowns is a group that has some incredible songs. Check out this video for some choreography for one of their most popular songs...
Ok, so I got home from work today with the understanding that I already had so much on my plate for tonight that there was no way I would write anything in my blog. However, I had a surprise waiting for me when I got home, and just felt that I had to share:
The above was waiting for me on my doorstep! While I have kind of been expecting it, I didn't know if I would get it in the mail or if I would get it at my graduation ceremony in June. The most exciting (and I have to brag a little here) is what is included on this diploma:
I don't usually like to toot my own horn, but I am very proud of this accomplishment (even if it wasn't done in the traditional sense). It may seem a little weird at times to write about myself like this, so I have to just say, again, that I am very grateful for everyone that has supported me in this endeavor. Without all of you, I would not have the above pictures to be able to share!!!
And, a little special note to my husband: You are the one who pushed me back into getting my degree, and I am eternally grateful for that. Together, you have helped me to work through many issues that have come up in my classes. Without you, especially, helping me to stay focused on this through thick and thin, I would not have made it to this point. You mean the world to me. I love you more than I can even express!
With all of that said, it is official! I now have a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Management and a minor in Finance.
I'm reading a book right now about positive thinking, and what it can do in your life. The book, called Beyond Positive Thinking by Drs. Arnold and Barry Fox, is not just about positive thinking, but is about how there has to be action that corresponds to this thinking. It gives a story in the book about a woman who spent much of her childhood going from foster family to foster family, and being abused, abandoned, etc. Finally, at the age of 12, she was placed with this family who treated her like one of their own children.
The first night at dinner, this young girl was amazed as she watched "her dad" remove "ten plagues" from a water glass, in the form of drops. These "plagues", or tears, were things like anger, fear, self-pity, doubt, etc. After these drops were removed from the glass, the glass was refilled with "smiles". He would say:
Well, I started this blog with the idea that I would post every day, so I have to be a little more disciplined with that.
The week has been pretty busy, but for the most part unexciting. We have spent the weekend getting our church presentation together and paying bills. Sound exciting? The weather is starting to take a turn towards the good, and the grass is even starting to turn green. I'm even getting the itch to start spending some time outside.
I have nothing special to share necessarily. I ask for prayers for my friend Barb, who lost her grandmother last night. At the same time, I ask from prayers for my niece, who had a baby on Friday. It is weird sometimes how life works - as one begins another one ends. Kind of puts things in perspective. I'm thinking of all those who are grieving as well as those who are rejoicing.
I wish everyone a great week!
Ok, so I've thought about this for years and have finally decided that it is time for me to actually start my own. Last year, as I took a creative writing class, I realized that I needed somewhere to get some of my creativity out. In addition, now that I have actually finished college (FINALLY!!), I realize that I am going to miss doing my discussions in the classes. This blog will allow me an outlet of some of my opinions and create some ongoing discussions.
Another decision in starting this blog is because of the recent developments that have happened in my life. Those of you who are reading this probably already know me and have heard that I did finish from college education finally (I will walk in the ceremony in June). I am the first person in my family to actually accomplish this and I am just thrilled that I have been able to get through it. It was a rough road at times, but I can honestly say that the achievement of this dream has been incredible! Thank you to all of you who have supported me in this endeavor!
With this dream reached, my husband and I have decided to move on to the next stage in our lives. We have always wanted children, and we have struggled in actually having them. It's been an emotional time, but with my college education being complete, we can focus our energies on having some children and making our family complete. I love my husband and am highly grateful to have had the past 10 years together just the two of us, but neither one of us is getting any younger, and we are ready to share our love with children. As our focus remains on this dream, I want to be able to share our experiences in this endeavor.
I have to thank my best friend, Barb, for opening my eyes to blogging. I read her blog every single day and enjoy the stories that she has out there. While we don't live that far from one another, being able to keep up with her when our lives can't seem to catch up in person helps me still feel like we can stay close. She is an inspiration to me and I love her dearly!
With that, enjoy my blog and check back often!
