The Ferrells and Geronimo- Part I

We have met several fun couples so far...one being Matt and Jen Ferrell. These guys are our Youth Ministers at Woodmen- both on the high school side. The fact that they're in youth ministry already elevates them to "awesome" status with us- a profession the Cooper side of the fam knows a little bit about (15 years for Bobbie). They are newlyweds as well, and it has been great getting to know them. We are looking forward to serving alongside them at Woodmen!

Matt and Jen discovered a place to go cliff jumping and invited us to tag along. And yes...it's just what it sounds like- jumping off a cliff into a deep pool of water- that is (btw) ABSOLUTELY FREEZING!

We had a blast! The spot was absolutely gorgeous- a great picture of what Colorado has to offer as far as scenery.

Here's our day in pictures...

Hiking in to the spot- beautiful.

Our first look at the cliff.

We picnicked on a rock close to the water. Here was our view for the day.

The Ferrells!

Continue to Part II- too many pictures for one post! :)

The Ferrells and Geronimo- Part II

The nuts-o guy at the very top who jumped from there....we figured this was at least 60-70 feet up.

The sign that relinquishes the federal government from any responsibility.

Jen and I climbing up for our jump. Just a little P.S.A. here- we jumped before the guys. Seems that they were a little bit leery of the whole thing.

Me! Geronimo! Props to the Hubs on his camera work! Mid-air shot!

Marc getting set-

Marc! Nice camera work Jen!

Survived-but this shot captures Marc trying to catch his breath from the 50 degree water he just got out of...I thought I was going to have to jump in to rescue him. It literally was paralyzing for the Alabamians!

We did it!

Thanks again Matt and Jen! "Y'all" rock!

Honor Flight

This is my Grandaddy- a World War II veteran. Saturday, August 21st, 2010 was a day that will probably live in infamy in his mind...a day that hopefully he'll remember with swelling pride and distinguished honor.

He was selected to be a part of the River Region's Honor Flight. This program flies World War II veterans to Washington, D.C. for the day and gives them a chance to tour many of the historic monuments...with the "star" being the WWII Memorial which opened to the public in 2004. He enjoyed the opportunity to see the WWII Memorial; however, Grandaddy told me his favorite part of the trip was visiting Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. Here he is during the "Changing of the Guard" ceremony.

My Dad went with him...and it was quite the day. Their wake-up call was around 3:30 am in order to be at the airport to leave, and they did not return until close to 7:00 pm. They were welcomed at the Montgomery Airport by hundreds of people dressed in red, white, and blue...waving Old Glory with lots of applause and cheers. I was told it was unbelievable.

This is Congressmen Bobby Bright shaking Grandaddy's hand and thanking him for his service to our country.

The truth is...I know my Grandaddy is a WW II veteran but will never know what he actually went through to have that title. My knowledge about his days in the war are lacking. However, for me at least, I don't need that piece of the puzzle to legitimize the fact that he's a hero.

I mean...he's my Grandaddy...and that alone deems him a hero. If I know anything about grandparents, it's that they go absolutely bonkers over their grandchildren. I've seen this "behavior" in my own parents, and when I think back to my childhood, it was the same with Nanny and Grandaddy. They spoiled me- I remember RC Colas and Moon Pies galore, naps in the recliner complete with epic snoring, rides on the Harley (yes...Davidson), Mardi Gras beads (the "pearls" were my favorite), driving lesson on the riding lawn mower, and a trip to Disneyworld- just to name a few. I look back on these things, and they make me smile. Great memories.

Being a vet, I know there are many memories in Grandaddy's life that are not so great. He's the one who made the sacrifice of "not so great" memories in order for me to have the "great" ones. The older I get, the more that fact baffles me. Men and women who continue to serve our country in a way that is so profound-a trip to D.C. just doesn't seem to be enough.

However, I'm hoping that the Honor Flight at least knocked on the door of being "enough" for my Grandaddy. He was so grateful for the opporunity, and I am so grateful that he was well enough to go.

Because of Herbert Eugene Cooper's military service to the United States of America, I am the person I am today- and so are you "Blog Reader". And...I want to say "Thank You"...because I can read the back of your t-shirt in English.

Love,

Kelley "Re" Cooper Smith

He couldn't be happier...

Well...who else "needs" an iPad to do their job. Apparently my husband's new boss thinks it's a must...so it was delivered to our doorstep last week. It's "work issued"...only can be used for "work related stuff". Yeah. Right.

He couldn't be happier...

Mr. Fox

Can you see him? There are lots of creatures roaming around Colorado. We've seen several whose habitat seem to be a bit odd. We were leaving a restaurant just last week...and there stood a doe in the middle of the parking lot...just hanging out...eating the grass in the flower bed. We were 10 yards from her before she caught our scent and started to meander off towards the woods.

And apparently...we have a new friend. We saw Mr. Fox for the first time back in June and thought it was just a coincidence. However, Marc saw him again a couple of days later on his way to his Tuesday morning bible study. Then...we ran across him as we were walking around the neighborhood. And...finally, Friday night he showed up in our backyard while we were grilling out. He's fast, so getting a good picture was a little difficult.

I guess we should get used to having these little creatures around us. However, we're hoping that we won't have to blog about Mr. Bear. :)

Cowboy Campfire

Marc and I have loved getting involved in our new church-Woodmen Valley Chapel. A couple of Fridays ago, we helped out with the 1st Annual Cowboy Campfire at Woodmen. Marc and I both dipped applesauce on the food line. Then, we enjoyed the entertainment provided by Scotty Vaughn, a local ranch entertainer and cowboy. The event was topped off with a huge bonfire and....S'MORES! One thing kept it all from being perfect...the rain! The entire event had to be moved inside because of the weather...well...except for the bonfire of course! The truly dedicated s'more fans (like myself) braved the elements in order to toast some marshmallows and enjoy any campfire must...the good ol' s'more. We had a great time...rain and all!

Change is Inevitable

We've had a great summer here in the wild west, but camp is over and we're settling into real life. I started school today (on a volunteer basis until they clear my medical record- don't get me started!) and Marc accepted a new job yesterday.

I just knew that I would have the biggest career change here in Colorado, but wouldn't you know my sweet Hubby is going and stealing my thunder! I mean, who does he think he is...really? :)

In all seriousness, we continue to be amazed at how God shows us his gracious favor as Marc had two positions that were offered to him. Both were great opportunities, but he will be staying with the same company and moving to the sales "side of things". An unbelievable gift, especially with the economic downturn these days.

This job was completely unexpected and will bring about change to the way we operate around here. Marc will be traveling with his new position. I, selfishly, love to have my husband around. In fact, I really don't do well when he's away. In Alabama, I could fill my time with work or dinner with friends, but those two things may not do the trick considering I'm developing these aspects of my life at the moment.

Change is inevitable. Even though I struggle with this truth, I'm learning it's God's way of rescuing me from myself and drawing me closer to Him. The God- who is true, real, solid- and unchanging. So why am I not automatically drawn to this on a daily basis? My heart searches for things in this world that are transparent and fleeting. But...the change redirects my heart to the constant-Jesus.

"My faith is like shifting sand, changed by every wave...so I stand on grace." This Caedmon Call's lyric sums me up on most days. So, as we enter this new change, I'm confident of God's continual work in my life. I'm thankful for it...even though my sinful nature fights against it...I stand on grace.

I'm proud of you Marc. Thank you for loving me as Christ loves me...unending and faithfully. And in the words of Miss Crow...."A change would do you good." Bring it on.