Cooper's Heart

This morning Cooper randomly said, "Mommy, remember when Papa was awake up and played with me on the playground? I was so proud of him. I would be so happy if he would wake up and play with me on the playground but now I am so sad because he died to go with Jesus."

It is so hard for kids to understand but such a learning process for them to understand the true meaning of the love of Christ and eternal life with him. Thank you Lord for the blessing of Cooper and his sweet gentle spirit and heart!

Last Days........

This was Nana and Papaw's last night with us before they headed back to Powell the next morning!

Cooper and Papaw enjoying their ride in the back of the van going over all the bumps!

Darin with his daddy.

Paul and Phyllis taking advantage of the beautiful Mexico weather.

Cooper discovered the little window in our bathroom. Thanks Darin ;)

Nana's attempt to get a Christmas picture of us.

Darin must have thought he was the only one that looked good since he cut all of us out. I know, I know, you had to send in a picture of yourself for something. Just a joke D!

We never would have thought that this would be our last picture with Papaw.

Here our 3 of the 12 grandchildren. I only knew Paul for a little less than 7 years but was so blessed to know him in that time. He was such an incredible man. You always want to be more like christ and he really thrived to be like that. He left a great impression on everyone he met. You wanted to talk to Paul, he just made you feel so special hanging on every word you had to say. I know Cooper, Avery and Ashlyn will never know how much on an incredible grandfather they had but pray that they will see him again one day!

Thank you Lord for allowing them to come when they did and for us not knowing the news or the word "cancer" then so we could have a good trip and memories with them instead of them being here and us dwelling on what was to come. Thank you Lord! We give you all the glory and praise!

Monkeys, Tigers, Bears and Fish?

We were able to go to the zoo while Nana and Papaw were in. Papaw was not feeling very well which we didn't know why at that time but Papaw stayed behind while all of us and the Haynes kids went to the zoo. The zoo isn't just like a zoo, it also has an aquarium and a safari ride. We didn't get pictures of the safari ride but it was very neat. Cooper got to feed a giraffe a carrot.

If this kid is leading us with the map then we are in trouble!

Oh no, maybe we should let Cooper lead us ;)

Here is the gang! Minus me and then Ashlyn is to the right of the pic in her stroller.

I think Darin thought the animal we were looking at was a little stinky!

Avery looking over at the tigers. I promise Bowden was right behind her. He was just enough behind her for a second to get out of Nana's way taking her picture.

One of our own little monkeys!

And there is another one of our own little monkeys!

This black leopard was just walking on the ground underneath and when he jumped up to the window, so did Landri. I think they all screamed though. It was hilarious!

These two were pals. At least while we were standing there they were. Might be a different story next time we go there.

Here is Ashlyn enjoying the zoo.

Nana and Coop enjoying the beautiful view of God's creation that is behind them!

Just amazing!

I love, love, love this picture! They look so sweet here. I know they fight but they love each other so much.

Nana with two of her favorite "mexican" grandkids!

Cooper started getting a little tired of walking so he decided to sneak in Ashlyn's stroller while I was holding her. He is such a nut that I love so much!

Baby Ashlyn still sleeping through it all.

This was Avery's favorite part of the whole day. It was a sink to wash your hands after you pet the sting rays. She could have played in that water all day long.

Here is Darin trying to help Cooper pet a sting ray!

Avery loving looking at this huge tank of all different kinds of fishes.

We had such a good time with Nana! We were upset that Papaw couldn't go but now we know why he was feeling so bad! Cooper told Papaw all about it we went got back though! This was a trip that he will never forgot! Thanks for going with us Nana and being such a trooper with all that walking. Also thanks to the Haynes kids that helped us so much with the kids. They truly are such a blessing for our family. Thank you Lord for reminding us of your beautiful creation and all the different animals that YOU created!

The Girls and Papaw and Nana

I really need to get caught up since I am still blogging from November! I forget what all we did this day but thought these were so cute pics of the girls with their Papaw and Nana!

Avery doesn't like to have her picture taken but as soon as she saw Nana having a picture with Ashlyn she just had to get in it as well. I love the look on Ashlyn's face. Kinda like, is my sister really going to be like this all the time?

Avery loved getting Papaw to watch Dora with her! I believe Papaw also enjoyed it!

Blessed With Showers.........

I was so blessed to have another baby shower! Every Thursday morning I have a women's bible study. It is all missionaries from different agencies, different missions and different goals. The one thing that we all do have in common though is that we are all white people living in Mexico!

This is a pic of Avery sleeping in her stroller. While me, Nana and Ashlyn were at the shower; Darin and Paul went walking through the neighborhood and across the street to meet Poco and his family. Paul was so excited to tell us all about people he got to meet and them fixing him coffee and stuff! He was so filled with excitement it was too adorable to hear him just talking about everything he experienced on his walk and meeting some of our friends.

Becky helped me with writing down what I got and from who. It is also the only picture I have of her there at the shower. Sorry Becky!

All the pictures were of the girls or should I say women in the small group. I have been so blessed by each of these women. Getting to be apart of this small group has been so incredible. You can get so drained being on the mission field or anywhere. Just trying to seek the Lord's will can be tiresome. But only he can fill you up but can use others to encourage you with their words. Thank you ladies! I love you all so much and can't wait for another study to start!

It was also so sweet that Phyllis got to meet these ladies as well. I think her just knowing how blessed me and Darin are with such great people around us really helps her with us being away from family! I know the ladies loved her just as much as I do. Well maybe not that much but still they loved our Phi Phi!

Nana meets Lincoln

We all went to pick Cooper up from school and he was so excited to show Nana his friends, teacher and his classroom. Lincoln is a private school but it mostly Mexicans. Cooper is the only "gringo" in his class.

Here is Cooper and his best friend Emiliano. Emiliano likes to let Coop try his food at lunch and then Cooper has to refill his water because Emiliano likes everything hot.

Here is Ms. Patty the most incredible teacher. She has to be with a gang like she has. We pray for her very often!

Here is Coop with his Nana! He was so excited for his Nana to meet everyone. It was so cute seeing him with so much excitement.

Here is the gang of boys. Minus Emiliano, he was sweeping.

Cooper and one of his friends, Luna.

Then there is Hannah, his favorite girl to play with. I think she plays like one of the boys is why Coop enjoys playing with her so much. Ms Patty said these two and Emiliano is the inseparable trio.

Me with my little man. When you have your first child and people say to watch out that they grow up fast, you just really don't believe them. But now I do understand what they were trying to tell me. You truly have to cherish every moment.

Nana had to take a picture of her little man as well driving the big tank!

After we picked Cooper up we went to the Haynes for a meeting and some fellowship with the team.

I think this is a wonderful picture of Becky and Sus!

Nana and little Avery. Can you tell she is worn out? I was talking about Avery not Nana!

Just another wonderful day with Papaw and Nana!