http://blog.jcooperphotography.com Just another WordPress weblog Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:24:38 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en It is going to take a good long time to process all I learned this weekend.  But I am really excited about one concept that struck me HARD. We've been on "survival mode" for quite some time now.  It started in September with the stress of job interviews...continued in October with ... http://blog.jcooperphotography.com/2012/01/a-change-of-heart/ I can't even begin to tell you all what an amazing weekend I had at the Created for Care retreat in Atlanta.  Mr. P hunkered down with the kids (he even got some painting done!) and graciously allowed me a weekend full of adoption talk, learning, and friendship.  If you've ... http://blog.jcooperphotography.com/2012/01/created-for-care/ It is so cliche.  But seriously.  She was a toddler yesterday.  And now she's lost her two front teeth. {Hard to see with that little tongue poking through}  She's a tough cookie.  She let's me pull them as soon as they are wiggly...doesn't even flinch.  Nerves of steel.  Or maybe ... http://blog.jcooperphotography.com/2012/01/time-keeps-on-slippin-slippin/ Someone told me this weekend to keep posting pictures of the house projects.  Am I boring you yet with the white paint? Well then...let's carry on (if you shouted a resounding "YES!" you might skip over this post although it IS more about flooring and less about painting but there is ... http://blog.jcooperphotography.com/2012/01/el-progreso-en-la-casa-de-cooper/ So I've gotten a couple of comments lately along the lines of..."how do you do it all?"  And to be honest....when I've read them I have literally choked on my own spit.  The idea that I "do it all" is flattering but really makes me want to just roll around ... http://blog.jcooperphotography.com/2012/01/life-is-messy/ A day off from school meant that all of the littles were free to visit Gaga with some tasty treats.  We slept in.  Bundled up.  Picked out some glazed, chocolate glazed, and sugar coated donuts and went to see her.  She was having a rough morning but I think the ... http://blog.jcooperphotography.com/2012/01/donuts-with-gaga/ It's often "just" a day off from school in the middle of January.  But I don't want to forget the huge sacrifice made by many to boldly stand for freedom in this country.  As I explained Civil Rights to my girls this afternoon, I choked back tears.  It all seems ... http://blog.jcooperphotography.com/2012/01/a-dream/ One year ago tonight our lives changed for the better.  We brought Daniel into our home and hearts.  We are so thankful for him and all he has taught us this year about God's love. Happy Gotcha Day sweet boy...you are loved. http://blog.jcooperphotography.com/2012/01/a-look-back-at-an-amazing-year/ I have a love affair with Pinterest.  Not quite the same intensity of affair as The Librarian (oh man will I pay for that comment), but I do love it nonetheless.  I searched for "heart garland" a few days ago when I was having a moment of craftiness and found these adorable ... http://blog.jcooperphotography.com/2012/01/i-heart-you-garland/ When we moved in...the living room was a big beige box.  I was so grateful for the extra space.  But I just could not get excited about that room.  Big oak french doors leading into a sea of pale beige carpet, yellowish beige walls, and the biggest, UGLIEST, fireplace.  We ... http://blog.jcooperphotography.com/2012/01/fireplace-makeover/