A Day in the Life...

Remember when I said I went all of Thanksgiving break without any work crises? I should have known that coming back wouldn't be so smooth... Today when I came back to work I faced: my 14 year old girl running away, my 19 year old getting reprimanded pretty heavily at court for being stupid, my drug dad relapsing, and another 14 year old losing all of her residential funding- and she can't go home. Mondays like this should be the only day at work for the entire week! On a happy note: I get to go home to Copper and Tim. Yea!

Not just because Thanksgiving passed, but I decided to keep a gratitude journal/blog to remind me of all the blessings I have. Here's a few thoughts I've had this week: I am grateful for the spirit. Last week Tim and I gave the usual "new member in the ward" sacrament talks. I really struggled with mine to the point of starting over Saturday night and spending the next several hours stewing over my thoughts. And bugging Tim to get busy on his. However, I was reminded that Tim has a natural way of bearing what's in his heart and mind. He had no problem catching everyone's attention and just talking- no notes, books, etc. My talk was on Christ's love. It was the perfect thing for me to be reminded of. I finally concluded in my talk that His love is God's gift to us, and that love for others is our gift back to Him. It was just the reminder I needed. It's awesome how when you're really in tune, it's the Lord speaking through you. I am gratefu...

We've had a great long weekend! No work for five days- and NO crisis calls! Can't beat that! This Thanksgiving we went to my mom's. It was so fun! Too bad my sister and her family couldn't make it; now it means we'll be on different rotating years, which really blows. I hope something works out- I love it when we can all get together. Trust me- it's hard to get all of us in the same household at the same time, especially around holidays, and it seems like those are the times when we should all be together! This year's highlights were: 1. Tim and my mom getting into their usual (joking) bikering. I can't even remember the specifics but it's funny to watch. Usually my mom wins, but I think only because Tim gives up. 2. Copper bathing in her pear/sweet potato/peach mush at the dinner table. No matter how many conversations we have about her keeping herself clean and presentable... 3. My grandma making comments that would have maybe been appropriate 4...

Growing up, my friends and I used to walk down to "the pit." It was sort of the hang out place for wilderness and free land- nothing but acres of ponds, weeds, trees, a creek, and steep hills. Until the pond dried up, we would catch pollywogs. We'd load them up in a jar and take them home to raise. When they finally turned into tiny frogs, we'd line them up on the patio in my backyard, or on the sidewalk, and race them. Mine usually won. Well, actually, nobody's won because they wouldn't jump in a straight line. When we mahandled them too much, they just died in our hands. And off we went back to the pit for more. I told this story to Tim as a reflection of my childhood. It was supposed to bring back memories of fun times growing up. Instead, we got into an argument about what a pollywog is. Please let him know what a pollywog is...

I am sorry for keeping you up since, 2:00 a.m. last night. I am sorry I wanted your whole bed, not just your pillow. Sometimes I need my space. I am also sorry I wanted you near at the same time and started crying when you went out to the couch. But look on the bright side- you got hours and hours in the middle of the night to catch up on old TV reruns, computer games, and deep inspirational thoughts. Really, you should be thanking me for giving you the gift of time. Love, Copper Dear Copper, 1. Do not call me Mama Cass. I am not dead, nor do I sing. 2. You did not keep me up since 2:00; it was really 11:45, only one hour after I went to bed. 3. It is one thing to sleep near me. It is another to spread your arms and legs in all directions, smack my face when you dream, and cry when I get up to leave. Yet you leave your father in peace all night... ? 4. Finally, I do not need the gift of time. Love, your mom

1. Exercising. 2. Introducing Copper to the shower. 3. Making my own baby food. 4. Writing my church talk. 5. Laughing. 6. Spending time with Tim. 7. Fulfilling my niece's wish to "go to the funny farm." Not sure how to yet. 8. Loving this cute face:

Copper turns FIVE MONTHS this weekend! 1. She's talking. So far, her favorite words are "Aaaahhhh," "Guoy-Guoy," and "Get me some food right now." 2. She' sitting. And, she loves the break from being on her back all the time. 3. She's rolling. Except she doesn't like to be on her belly. 4. She has her own bed. It's not a crib or a playpen. Join the club in telling me she's too young. But- she likes it. And, when she's not in her bed, she's with us. Also join the club in telling me it's a mistake. But- cosleeping has many benefits and it works for us. 5. She's eating. Formula isn't as satisfying as it used to be. So far her favorites are sweet potatoes, pears, and carrots.