Cooper's 8th Birthday and His Baptism

On March 26th my boy turned 8 years old. I love him so much and I can't believe how fast he is growing up! He was very anxious to turn 8 so that he can be baptized. Our plan was to have his baptism here in NM. When we found out that Cathy (Taylor's mom) wouldn't be well enough to travel we immediately made plans to have the baptism in AZ so that she could attend. Cooper is the oldest grandchild for Taylor's mom and the first to be baptized. It was really important for her to be there.

The baptism was beautiful. It was a perfect day! I feel so blessed to have the gospel in my life. It makes me proud to think that my son chose to be baptized and get confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Maybe as parents Taylor and I really are doing something right.

Our family


Cooper and my parents (Grandma Barbara and Papa Larry)


Grandma Cathy and Cooper


Cooper and Taylor's parents (Grandma Cathy and Granddad Butch)


Cooper and his cousins on Taylor's side. (Caidgen, Cooper, Cody, Ami, Tylie and Natalie)


The rest of our visit in AZ was great. Here are a few random pics.

We got Cooper got a .22 rifle for his 8th birthday. So Taylor and Ben took Cooper shooting. They had a great time.


Eli giving Grandma Barbara kisses


Eli enjoying birthday cake


Papa Larry and Cody reading

Our first major accident

March 18th, 2009

I need to back track a little, so bear with me. I will eventually get caught up with my blogging.

On March 18th Cooper had his first major accident. We were all outside playing (our whole family, plus I was babysitting 3 kids). There is a dirt hill by our house and Cooper had the ingenious idea to ride down it on his bike. I gave the typical mother's response, "It is your decision, but don't come cryin to me when you bust your head open!"
About 2 minutes later I hear Cooper screaming/crying. I ran over to him and immediately noticed blood running down his leg. I sat him down and squeezed his leg together to try to stop the bleeding. I could tell that it was a really deep cut. I do not handle blood very well so I was starting to feel woozy. Taylor had been outside with us but took off just minutes before this to go on a dirt bike ride into the desert. So I was all alone with 7 kids. How in the world was I going to get him to the hospital?! Luckily my neighbor/friend Steve was working out in his garage. I screamed "Steve, Steve!" He came running with his son and nephew. They picked up Cooper and carried him to my house. Meanwhile I was bent over with my head between my legs about to pass out! They got a towel and wrapped up Cooper's leg and sat with him until Taylor rode up. Taylor threw Coop in him truck and headed to the Urgent Care. It was the hardest thing for me to have to stay back with the other kids and not go with them.
Cooper ended up getting 9 stitches. 2 on the inside and 7 on the outside. I guess as he was pushing his bike up the hill his leg slipped and hit the side of his bike. He cut his leg on the large bolt that holds the training wheels on. DISGUSTING! He was such a tough kid through this whole experience and I hope he learned his lesson to listen to me when I give him warnings! Mothers know best!
These pics are a little graphic, so BEWARE.