Be Always Like the Lamb so Mild

Welcoming...Jonathan Dean Cope
Born Oct. 22
8lbs. 6oz---20.5 inches

It's been a while since the pull to blog has actually placed me in front of the keyboard, but Jon has given this family the excuse to crow a little. He came into this world like a charming little champ, and I expect great things of him. So, mark my words...this bouncing bundle of sweetness is going to make the world a better place.

Like most warm-blooded mamas, I love newborn babies--but not just because they are cute, soft, and sweet-smelling. I really think that birth is the purest point of seeing a child's potential. They come to our homes so full of brilliance, only to be exposed to bad parenting, preservative laden foods, and the influence of mindless television (all of which can occasionally be found in our home.) Looking at him now, I have no doubt that he'll be a good neighbor, a great father, and a loving husband. I'm also confident that he is capable of anything, and that he will always be found on the the right side of life's battles...so long as I don't mess things up. Talk about pressure!
So, I promise to block what corruption I can for you Johnny, so you can grow up to be the "night in shining armor"/future secretary of state that I know you can be.

Sleep baby sleep

Down where the woodbines creep

Be always like the lamb so mild

A kind, and sweet, and gentle child

Sleep baby sleep

Something to Blog About

Tree of Christmas Past

In reference to Andy's comment (which was in very poor taste) ...(JK). Here is an example of what your Christmas tree might possibly look like if your house catches on fire, and a snow storm follows.

Cuttin' Down Trees, Puttin' Up Reindeer and Singin' Songs of Joy and Peace

One of the best parts of the Holidays, is transforming your everyday surroundings into something special. I just love decorating the tree, and unwrapping the nativity(s).

The sisters had a great time putting together Mom's tree over the Thanksgiving Weekend, and when we arrived back in Enterprise, it was our first order of business.

Mom's tree is on bottom, and mine is on top. --(I prefer Mom's--I bought all of my decor after Christmas last year, and it turned out a little fancier than I like, but what can you do when your picking from the leftover clearance items. We also do a smaller (less elegant) tree upstairs with our superman and lightning McQueen ornaments.

Eveybody's Lookin For a Way to Get Real Gone

Best Wishes for a Happy Halloween--to you and yours, from the good people of Enterprise, UT (home of Indiana Jones, Lightning Mcqueen, and The Infamous Pumpkin Man.)

Baby Rain or Shine, All the Time. We've Got Eachother, Sharin' The Laughter and Love

Ben has recently embraced his pre-teen side, and come to grips with the fact that he's a fan of iCarly (an amusing TV show for the 11-15 age-group.) Anyway, Reid was watching T.V. the other afternoon, and iCarly just happened to be on. Now, Reid knows how much his dad enjoys this show, but unfortunately, Reid was just a little too comfortable to run downstairs and let Ben know. Luckily the camera happened to be handy, so he decided to photograph the entire episode for his Father. Needless to say, we have many more photos just like this one.

My greatest hope is that someday I can gather my male-dominated family and enjoy an episode of Gilmore Girls together. One step at a time.

When You Wish Upon a Star (and Purchase 3-day park hopper tickets.,) Your Dreams Come True...

Yes, we took the vacation of every middle class family's dream. Disneyland!!! Maybe it's a little white-trash, maybe it's a little cliche, but it all boils down to fun for everyone---including Olli, who may look unhappy in the picture below, but is shortly to be in raptures. I know he looks like grump town, but after his encounter with the rapid ride (note the wetness) we just happened upon Lightening McQueen; and all dampness was forgotten.