Super Cooper Turns 7

Eight years ago we had four children. We had never discussed having any more, and so I guess we both figured our family was complete.

We headed to Winnipeg for a visit with my husband's family when Austin was 2 years old. While we visited with so many of Ray's relatives, I saw the beauty of the relationships of his large family. There were so many sisters and brothers, aunties, and uncles. It was wonderful for me, a girl coming from an emigrated English family where all I had was my mum and dad, brother and sister. I had always wanted more relatives, but it just didn't happen.

When we came home from our trip I really felt strongly that I would love to have another child. I was pretty sure that Ray was 'done', so it took a lot of courage to ask him if we could have another baby. The reason it was hard was because Ray is a nice guy and I didn't want him feeling pressured to say yes, simply because it would please me. I wanted it to be from his heart.

Finally, my dear friend, Renee, told me that if I didn't tell Ray he would not know what I was feeling, and who knows how he was already feeling?

I picked up my Bible and used it to gather the courage and see if I was feeling that it was what I was supposed to do. The Bible fell open to a verse:

Malachi 2:17 "Has not the Lord, made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. And so guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth."

As I read this verse I felt that I needed to approach Ray. But I sat on it and waited. Finally, the next day, I decided to talk to him, but first I took my Bible and read it. As I opened it that night, again I opened to this verse. This was no coincidence! The Bible was not marked to this page. It was not worn to this page. I was supposed to be reminded of this verse. I was being told, Step out in faith and trust Me.

And so I did. And Ray said yes.

When Cooper was born we already had his names picked out: Cooper Malachi Courage. At the time the reason he had Courage as a middle name was because I loved the sound of it, and I thought it was a good thing for any child to have a middle name of Courage. When they are scared and have to face something, yes, they have the Lord, but I felt it was also a strong name for facing situations that called for Courage! Just recently though, someone suggested that Cooper had the name Courage because it took courage to suggest another baby to Ray. Honestly, that never crossed my mind, but yes, it would be a good reason to name the baby Courage. And of course, you know why Malachi.

Cooper was born and he was a wonderful, precious gift. The only thing was he cried. And cried. And cried. And didn't sleep. We tried everything. Took him to the doctor, fed him lots, cuddled him. Anything I could think of. Finally, at seven months, I began feeding him ground rice cereal. Homemade stuff that would stick to the stomach. Wouldn't you know it. He was hungry! We are told to feed a couple tablespoons for a baby's first meal. Well, not Cooper. That child ate and ate and ate. He consumed about 2 full cups of ground rice! And he stopped crying, and he began to sleep. The poor child was hungry! But how could this have been? The doctor nor I had figured this. He was nursing well! But he was simply really hungry.

As you would figure it, this is the child that loves and *needs* food! He is always hungry, and always eating, and not a drop overweight. He must have an incredible metabolism.

More Please?

A Happy Little Ham!

What Is Santa Going to Bring Me?

Cooper is our sweet, loveable little guy. He has a sensitive heart and great big crocodile tears when he is sad. If he thinks that he might have hurt someone his heart breaks. He has embraced his new sisters from the very first day and adores them.

When Cooper had just turned two years old his daddy decided to go visit his mother in Winnipeg. We agreed Cooper should be the one to go. I had just had a baby and it was hard enough being left with five boys as it was, including a newborn. It made the most sense to send the littlest and keep the newborn, 6, 8, 12, and 14 year olds with me.

I didn't say it was an easy decision. I just knew I couldn't do it alone if I had a busy two year old as well as a 3 week old! So I packed his little bag and labeled his little body. Labeled his body, you say? Yessiree! I used a permanent marker and wrote his name and phone number on his back, in case Ray lost him at the airport, or anywhere else for that matter!


This trip was very special because it gave Ray a chance to introduce his mother to another one of her grandchildren, and all of his aunties and uncles got a chance to love on another little baby, since all of theirs were all grown-up.

They had a wonderful trip and of course, Ray made it home safely with my number 2 baby.


Cooper has always been such a blessing. An easygoing, kind little boy. I can't imagine life without him. I would encourage anyone that believes that children are a blessing, to listen to their hearts if their heart yearns for a baby. God *does* provide for His children and He will bless you for accepting one of His little ones. And you will be blessed by your child's very presence!

I have a funny story to tell about this very day. I had laid some rolls to rise by the fire. Cooper sat by the tray and looked, and looked. And then he edged closer, and then a bit closer. I could see he was being very tempted to touch. They looked so very fluffy and soft. He reached out with two little fingers and poked one. It deflated nicely. He looked around, and didn't see anyone watching. So then he popped another one, and another, and another. Until they were all gone. It was hilarious. I had it on video, but sadly that video was deleted by mistake. Such a mischievous little boy! But wouldn't you have also been tempted?


A busy day playing in his room at bedtime! Crashed and fell asleep on the book shelf.

One day, Cooper was planning on running away. See the backpack on his back? Well, as he was on his way downstairs heading out to the big wide world he noticed his little brother needed some help. So he stopped to help his little brother dress.

Cooper and Austin are the best of friends. Little partners in crime.

My Little Copper Headed Cutie
(how could I be expected to cut that gorgeous hair! I have old ladies coming up to me in stores remarking on how beautiful his hair is.)

What Happened To His Teeth!!???

Cooper and His Big Brother

Sound Asleep - All Worn Out

Dane decided to give Cooper swimming lessons when he was three years old. Cooper did amazingly well, until he ventured out on his own one day! We were feet from the beach but he slipped into a drop-off, and it was one of the scariest days of my life. I thought he had drowned! The irony is one of the other very terrifying incidents I lived through was when Dane disappeared at a lake when he was two. One moment he was there (I had just done a head count) and the next second he was gone. We found that he had gone walking up the lakeside looking for a 'friend'!! I thought he might have drowned.

Our unfinished outhouse. By the time we moved away from this house we still had not finished it. It did the trick though!



Our boys were involved in a homeschool play, A Mid-Summer Night's Dream. These three little ones played fairies.



Cooper with his delicious breakfast in Disneyland. He was in his element with a restaurant that served all you can eat!

Cooper was a maniac on the rollercoasters! There was not one that he would not race onto. He loved them all. His big brother learned courage from him.

It was Cooper's best day the day he met Winnie the Pooh! He stood in line waiting his turn and when he saw Winnie the Pooh, he called out, "Hello Winnie the Pooh!" He literally ran right up to Winnie and threw his arms around him! Such a delight.

Cooper turns 4, Cassidy 8, Briton 2

When he was 5, Cooper became a little Beaver in the local scout troop.

The Beginning of Learning to Read

Cooper was a very slow beginner when it came to reading. He could hear the ending, middle, and beginning sounds of words, but I couldn't for the life of me get him to learn his letter names and sounds.

When we began school this September, Cooper was just at the beginning of the Grade 1 workbooks. By the time February came (just after he turned seven), Cooper had completed the entire Grade 1 and Grade 2 years in Language Arts and Math! He is soaring in school and cannot be slowed down. We still have four more months of his Grade 1 year to get through and he is racing through his Grade 3 Phonics books. It is wonderful to see a child take off when they are ready to! Just last night he took a picture book off the shelf and insisted on forsaking me reading to him and Briton, so that he could read a book to his little brother! That is why I don't stress about when they begin to read! They will begin, when their minds are ready to digest that information, and when they are, watch out!

With the Rest of the Short Patrol

Welcoming Big Brother Home For Christmas

We always do birthdays pretty low-key. Years ago, we stopped having a crowd of kids over for the day and began instead to concentrate on spending the day as a family with the birthday child. A few times in their childhood we will do something special or have a few guests over. This was one of the quieter years for Cooper.

Cooper was so impressed when I gave him a pancake shaped like the number 7.

Cooper will always be "Super Cooper". That is a name he acquired a few years ago, and that is just who he is. Happy Birthday Super Cooper!! It is hard to believe you are seven years old. Your beautiful little freckled-face is getting more mature daily, but you will always be my little copper headed boy! I am so glad we listened when God whispered in my ear about 'one more little baby'. We are so blessed to have you.


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Valentine's Date

Ray and I rarely (if ever) get out for dinner alone. We do have babysitters with our older boys and they are wonderful. In our small town, though, there are not a lot choices! We did go out last year for my birthday to a tiny classy gem of a restaurant nearby. It is very expensive so we have only been a couple times.

This year, Ray suggested we go out for dinner, and I explained we had no money. We agreed to keep it very low price. I bought Ray some nice chocolates and a card, and he bought me some beautiful flowers and a nice card with some very sweet words.


Then I had the idea of Ray going out to get some Chinese just for the two of us, and I would rent a couples movie. While Ray was out getting the food, the kids were rushing around getting their chores done. I had a chat with the little boys, the ones that would be the hardest to corral. I explained that mummy and daddy were going to have a date. Would they be good little boys and help us out?

Briton said, "Deao!" (deal)

The agreement was that the little boys would play in their room, the girls would be in theirs, and the big boys would be out in the garage recroom playing Playstation. At 8:00 pm they agreed to come into the house and very quietly put the little ones to bed for us.

A date!

I found a Christian radio station on the internet, set the music and then headed upstairs to freshen up. Ray popped into the bedroom and then out again with a nice shirt on. It was so cute because he came down with this shirt that I don't like. It was some kind of white with black plaid. He never usually wears it, because he looks so good in navy or black, and white is so not his colour.

Well, Ray is such a sweet, accommodating guy that he gave me this look, "Is this the right shirt?" And I gave him a look right back that said, "eehh weell..." and he made a funny-faced sheepish exit. I knew he was going to find one of his black shirts. lol

When he came back he had a grin on, knowing he was set in the right shirt. lol! Hey when you know what looks good on your date, you know it!

He lit the candle on the table and put out the delicious smelling food.


We sat down at our little end school table, amidst the shelves of schoolbooks and games.

It was very strange at first, having just the two of us. I finally told Ray if he didn't start chatting I would have to bring down some children! lol Eventually, he got used to the quiet of no little voices and filled in the silence with some chat. It is odd when you have no time for dates without little people. We are so used to talking with interruptions and chitter-chatter around us all the time!

The house was quiet and the children were as good as gold! Not a peep. Finally, at one time we heard two little bodies tiptoeing through the upstairs, just within our view. I looked up at them and they peeped around our bedroom door frame. "We're just going to the bathroom," they said. Then curiosity got the better of them, "What are you eating? Are you having a party?"

Then they quietly went away. Ever so good and sweet!

At 8:00 PM Dane, Austin, and Cassidy came in and without a word to us (sitting there in the candlelight with the music playing in the background) crept up to the children upstairs, brushed their teeth, pottied them, and tucked them into bed, and then they slipped back past us again and went back outside.

If you know our big boys, it is impossible for them to put the children to bed without someone yelling. They just don't know how to do things like little mothers; they must romp and then the children get out of hand. Well, not tonight. How considerate of them all.

After our delicious dinner we adjourned to the TV room and watched The Time Travellers Wife.

It was a wonderful Valentines Day date and we will most certainly be doing more dates like that! I can't believe we never did it before.

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Valentine's Party 2010

Dane and I talked about him having a few friends over for a movie night and pizza, and before I knew it, I had Austin and Cassidy inviting a bunch of their friends, we had games planned, decorations organized and it was a full-fledge Valentine's shin-dig!

The wee ones had a little visit in the beginning and then headed upstairs to their own quarters to hang with their dad and have a pizza and movie for themselves.



It was a lot of fun and a big hit with the tweens and teens!

Dane and I had a game plan of what would happen when they came over. Most of the kids knew each other, but for many it was the first time that they would be mixing ages. We had youth here from 9-16. As it turned out later, I heard one mum tell me that her daughter said in almost a baffled tone, "It was so much fun. It was weird cause it really felt like family."

From what she said, her daughter didn't realize how much fun she could have with such a variety of ages. The sad thing is that the world misses out on the interaction of their siblings with each other and their friends; there is such indoctrination of 'age segregation'. I think part of the reason the party was such a success was because it broke down some of the rules of socialization.

Because we wanted everyone to feel comfortable we had a few things 'planned'. Planned meaning, if the youth walked in and seemed awkward then we had a backup plan. But as it turned out we certainly didn't need that. They took over and had a ball.

The girls did a fabulous job of getting into the theme and came thoroughly dressed up. The boys were a little more low-key, wearing their black clothes with spots of red. *smile* I think Dane was a little shocked at the girls. You see, when I suggested to him that he call his friends and give them the heads up that it was a Valentine's Party, he thought it was a silly idea. Meanwhile, the younger two boys cheerfully called their friends and told them to come in red, white, or pink.

So when the girls showed up looking like this..... Dane realized his mother wasn't so nuts after all.

Actually, I scored a few points for my generation in a number of ways. *grin* I also told him that the kids would likely want to use the juke box and the karaoke machine. He told me there was *no way* they would do that! (you know those teen years when it is important to do things 'right'.)

YMCA

Well, he was partly right. The boys didn't. *grin* The girls were very entertaining, though!

They Loved the Juke Box!

The Guys Found Other Things to Do

My plan was to break the fourteen youth into two groups. Group 1 would make their pizza first, followed by Group 2. Also, when they played the game of Babble they would divide again. I broke the group up in such a way to introduce one set of kids to another and it worked wonders. What a racket they made!!


The concept of the game is to read all the names on the card out as loudly as you can to be heard above the rest of the group of up to eight people. Basically they were yelling or screaming. You have two cards, so you are whipping through about 12 words one after the other. You are listening to the others read their cards as you call out yours, hoping to hear one word that matches one of yours. If they match, the game stops and the group checks the match. You roll a dice and one of the two people win the cards. You can imagine what an ice-breaker this very loud game can be!! I may be posting some short videos at some point...

When this game was over the kids just naturally rolled into the game of charades. Well, that was funny!! Some were more natural at it, having played many games in their families.


The older boys were the last to get involved, but yes, they finally did and had a good time.


PIZZA TIME: It was interesting when I called the first team into the kitchen and informed them that *they* would be making their pizzas from scratch. They kind of looked a little unsure and dithered around a bit. I stepped in and showed them the sauce, peppers, onions, meats, and cheeses and said if they needed me to give me a shout. It was funny cause shortly after Dane came to find me and told me he didn't know what to do with the oven.

Funny. Why? Because we make pizza every weekend and each of the kids makes their own. I think in the madness of the moment he just forgot. *smile*

So, I went back in the kitchen and commandeered a girl that I could see looked like she knew what she was doing, and suggested she take charge and delegate. She jokingly took on the role and began dispensing orders. I then turned to a boy near me and said, "Jesse, how'd you like to cut up the green peppers?" He immediately stepped up with a smile and took over.

And the rest is history. They just needed a gentle shove.

The results were interesting. I would hear a request, "Mrs. L. is it okay if we put pretzels on the pizza?"

Hey! It's your pizza. You gotta eat it!! LOL!! And so they did. And potato chips. And some of the pizzas were very oddly made: a few pieces of meat strewn on one side of the pizza and nothing else. Others were more elaborate.

The Final Results

The Feast

During the course of the evening, I fell across this Valentine lying on the stairs. I knew at once that some small boy wanted to give this card, but didn't have the courage. *smile* The night before the children had all been making Valentines, and this was the one that was made for someone other than a sibling, thus rendering one child without a card from their brother.

By the evenings end, he had worked up his courage to gift his little friend with his sweet card. Austin is a very loving boy with a big heart. Ever since I can remember his life's goal has been to get married and have children. It frequently comes up. Actually, I remember specifically over four years ago, when he was six years old, him telling me, "I can't wait til I'm a daddy." That came from the pleasure he received from his baby brother, Briton.

This desire has not waned, and I have full belief in it, because ever since I was a tiny child that was my life's goal, and look where I am today! God will give us the desire He puts in our heart.

After the pizza time, I let the youth know that they were responsible for the cleanup. Probably another surprise! *grin* There were no complaints, as they moved into the work. But what was the most surprising was the who actually did the work! The guys! The girls did a minor amount and then headed off to the TV room to romp and wait for the movie, while the men did the work. After a fashion....

Ever seen a counter cleared with a dustpan and brush? Hey, it did the trick! It was nice to see Dane in his element. He is my kitchen dinner man, so he knew exactly what he needed to do and he roped in his male counterparts. You can see him at the sink clearly at home! LOL


The kids all found seats in our smallish TV room - on top, beside, near a friend, squished or otherwise.

Dane had bought a few movies, so I figured I was good to go. It was 8:00 PM, and I figured it would be relatively peaceful for rest of the evening. The little ones were now in bed and the teens were being picked up at midnight. My chaperoning was done, and all was quiet. Or so I thought!

Naive Me sat down in the livingroom to watch a Walton's episode by myself. Ha Ha! That lasted all of an hour or so. They decided they weren't keen on the movie choice. They discussed it further, took a vote, and decided to ride it out for the ones that did like it.

As they emerged from the TV room at just after 9:00 pm, I thought in a mild panic, "What am I going to do now?"

You HAD to see these hyper teens in the 5-8 PM slot when they were bouncing off walls, furniture and each other! LOL!! And you all told me BOYS were noisy!!! Seriously, it was the GIRLS!! I have never heard such squeals and silliness.

It was all good and they were just awesome, but seriously. All you adoptive mums who signed up for girls, because you thought they were calmer. Okay, so you may be right when they are little. But watch out for those teen years. Oh my goodness!! LOL!! The boys were extraordinarily calm, standing around chatting, playing games, and the girls were... well, you saw the photos up above! *grin*

So you can imagine why I had a mild panic thinking WHAT will they do from 9-12??? LOL Thankfully, they quickly figured it out when they decided to go out into the dark night and jump on the trampoline, climb in the treefort, chase each other around the yard, and play hide-and-seek. All things that I had no clue they would end up doing. They did this until 10:30.

At which time they came in and decided to arm wrestle in my fancy livingroom. *grin*


We then moved on to icecream sundaes, and this evolved into another movie. As it turned out boys and girls don't always want to watch the same type of movie, thus the girls took the TV room in the garage, and the boys took the TV room in the house! But all were happy and they played and watched TV until 12:30 when they were all picked up.

It was a roaring success, and I am hoping to do another one for Easter. I figure a Back to School Party and a Christmas Party would also be great themes. My plan though, is for the next one to be more of an outdoors party complete with hotdogs and bonfire...
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Valentines Day for Kids

The children had fun preparing for Valentine's Day. They made red playdough.

They also made Valentines for each other. There was one error made. Each child was given seven Valentines to give to each other. I looked at Austin's and discovered he had made a Valentine for a little girl he is friends with. That meant one of his brothers or sisters had to go without. I had bought special Valentines and they had each a set. (Of course, he could and did end up making others to make up for this).



I was helping Savannah and Briton, so of course theirs were all correct. They gave one to each brother or sister. Then I discovered that Cooper had given Colt two, Dane two, and Cassidy two, and had one made one for one other child. Oh la la!

I thought that was the end of it, but no. Raine had made one for Dad. LOL!!! We *were* going to make for mum and dad and extra people out of other paper later. So now it was all confusing. By the time I was done I had some kids with two Valentines and others with seven.

We did get it all sorted out, but I tell you, it was like working with a classroom trying to keep it all organized!

The funny thing was when Raine was trying to figure out what to do about her missing Valentine, Austin was whispering repeatedly in her ear to miss him. It was quite funny. Obviously, he was thinking that he missed someone, so he might as well be the missed Valentine for Raine! LOL! It took a while for Raine to decide to take him up on his sacrifice.

Raine is thinking really hard if she should listen to Austin.

We did work it out and had Dane step in and help make up some extra ones, so they all got an even number at the end of the day.

.Savannah Looking For Her Name on the Cards

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Olympics 2010

The Olympic torch came through our town and so we headed out to town on that cold January afternoon. I have to admit I was more of a coward of the cold than the children or Ray were! They were all happy to stand in the freezing cold weather, while I would have been happy to watch from inside.


They had soup and such at the event and after the torch came through we warmed our insides with some delicious hamburger soup. I was so cold I could barely hold the bowl without spilling it - my hands were shaking that much.

Austin forgot to bring his hat with him and it was very cold, as I said. I tried to keep him warm by wrapping my arms around his head, but it wasn't very efficient. lol. So then I suggested he share Raine's scarf. Colt bought the girls these very long scarves for Christmas and we had said they were long enough for two people. Well, they certainly were! They were about 8 feet long. Long enough to wrap Raine and Austin both up in hers.

The scarf was wound around her neck twice and then around his head and neck and there was still room to hang down!

Our friends had brought the children mascots from the Olympics, but only Cooper brought his with him to the event. He was very happy to get a picture with Mukmuk, his mascot.


And then Raine saw her mascot and they got her picture too.


Because of all the people at the parade and the paparazzi (lol) I had a hard time getting a good picture of the torch runner.


At the end of the afternoon, as I was heading home I realized I was going to see the torch runner leaving town. You should have seen me darting around town in my big van trying to catch up with the guys. I was trying to get ahead, park myself and then line up to get a nice shot. Well, I did a good job of it. Then my batteries died, so I had to open the camera, rub the batteries to give them more juice and then take my shot. Too late! He was behind me.

I took off again around more corners, totally looking like a nutcase I am sure, then I got settled and here he came again. Oh, but now my camera was full! I had to speedily turn it to review and empty some pictures and then try to take my pictures. I wasn't too sure, but hopeful. I did think it was blurry though.

I knew I had one more chance before he headed up the freeway and I was stuck behind him. I darted around Saveon Foods, up a back alley, around a bend and then pulled up to a yield turn at a traffic lights. Perfect. I could see him coming and I was ready.

Oh, but my camera was full *again*! I figured I was done. I sat there waiting for him to pass and then he didn't! He stopped right in front of me. Okay, so I deleted some more pictures and then I decided then and there to shut off my car and jump out. Yes, I know I was parked in a lane on a road. But what the hey! Nobody behind me could drive out anyway. He was stopping traffic in front of me. I was pretty safe.

I jumped out and got ready to take my picture... And then a lady jumped into the road and threw herself up against the runner. The crowd gathered, we all pulled out our cameras, and waited. And waited. And waited.

Finally, in my anxiety to get a decent picture of this once in a lifetime event of a runner running through my town, I said, "Can you please hurry up?" to the guy who was taking her pictures. I am sure my feelings were echoed by those around waiting to take their pictures!

The lady stepped out from her photoshoot and then... the torch went out.

I said, "Are you going to relight it?" Cause he looked like he was done.

No, he said, it was all done.

WHAT? Are you serious! After all my hard work. No pictures! That woman! *grin* I decided to take a picture of him anyway without the lit torch, but seriously! Is that what I wanted! lol


I dejectedly got in my van and headed home, just to find cops shooting past me with lights and sirens. As I turned into my road the great big Olympic bus flew past me. Okay, so that was where this across runner was! I was under the impression these guys ran across Canada. Not drove from town to town and then ran the last feet into and out of town. Very odd.

Happily, when I developed my pictures I was able to see that I did get a decent shot at one of my darts around town.

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