Christmas recap

Just a few pictures of the holiday - it was a good one!

Cooper's preschool Christmas party.

These boys are pals. Gotta love the cuz.

My tree.

At Central Market on the cool playground.


Aunt Kelley and the kids making cookies.


Proud of his decorating talents.

Cookies for Santa.

A Billy Joel in the making. Thanks Santa!

Mom and her new "Smoothie" bike. Just like a kid at Christmas!


Rachel passing out presents. She's the best at this.

"I promise I won't beat on it ALL of the time!"

I AM cool.

Yes, THIS is how close we were to the Old 97s concert last night at La Zona Rosa (picture with Luke's phone).

It was HEAVEN. We went with Randal and his girlfriend Emily to the concert, and basically became best friends with Rhett Miller. Not really. But, we did go to Frank & Angie's pizza (not far from the venue) to eat before hand. We were worried about getting to the concert in time, when behold: Rhett and his band were TWO TABLES AWAY FROM US. I got my picture taken with Rhett, and I thought I was going to pass out I was so nervous. The teenage Sara was out in full effect - he's pretty rock-star dreamy, with the swooping hair and great jeans. Whew, anyway. I WILL post the AWESOME picture as soon as I get it off of Emily's camera. I promise, it's cool.

One of the best concerts I've ever been to. If you get the chance to see these guys, you have to go.

Merry Chrimmis!

Hope everyone had a great day!

A day in the life of Photo Card Cafe'.

Thought you guys might want to see what Sara and I have been doing this holiday. Only recently has it started to slow down, but last week was a doozie.

Here's how it starts, pictures all divided out.


The Wal-Mart trash. They love us there.


All wrapped up and ready to pack.


What I eat while doing this.


The MAJOR amount of boxes, envelopes and packing slips, ready to label.


Going to the poor mailman that comes to my door to pick all of these up. What a ride! It was a good Christmas season for cards!


Oh, and here's a better Santa picture of Cooper. We went to this Pflugerville Old Town Festival last weekend and got some better pictures. Notice Cooper is in shorts. This Texas weather is out of control. Merry Christmas!!!

My best/worst Christmas music list part one

We've been listening to Christmas music since before Thanksgiving, so much so that Cooper now does the radio jingle "Magic ninety-five point FIIIIIVE" all of the time. I like it though.

We've heard a few great artists sing some holiday songs, and some REAAAALLLY bad ones. Thought I'd share some that you might be surprised about.

A hard one, "O Holy Night"
Best - Celine Dion, of course
Worst - Brandy (seriously)
Close second-to-worst - Kelly Mitchell and Destiny's Child

"I Wish I Had a River"
Best - the original, Joni Mitchell
Worst, and I'm not kidding - Barry Manilow

"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"
Best - Brenda Lee
Worst - Lee Ann Rimes

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"
Best - Bare Naked Ladies
Worst - well, can't think of a worst, Bare Naked Ladies are just the best.

"Silent Night"
Best - Burl Ives
Worst - Stevie Nicks (I know, I like her, but she sounds like a man)

"So This is Christmas"
Best - John Lennon
Worst - Celine Dion

Here are my three favorite Christmas songs, and their best singers:
"Celebrate Me Home" - Kenny Loggins
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" - Judy Garland
"Another Auld Lang Syne" - Dan Fogelberg (yeah, yeah, I know)

Honorable mention: "The Angels Cried" - Alan Jackson and Alison Krauss (I have to mention her somewhere, as the best artist on earth.)

There you have it. I'm sure I'll think of more. Merry Christmas! Expect a nice post on all of the card shipping I've been doing lately ... whew!

Santa rulz.

Here are Cooper's recent Santa pictures. We had a free, take-your-own-pictures Santa experience at the Kaleidoscope toys in Round Rock. The lighting was not good, and Santa could have picked a better recliner, but who's worried about that?

He did so wonderfully. Walked right up to Santa and sat in his lap. We'd talked it up a lot - how great Santa was, etc., etc. So, it helped!





Mmmm ... I'll do anything for a candy cane.



Still a little scared of this guy, but I didn't cry!



Even though he did GREAT with Santa, he did NOT like the Chick-Fil-A cow.

My camera.

I have officially fallen in love with my camera. Or, he's just really cute.

This can't be happening.

Cooper is on day two of NO NAP AT ALL. His naps cannot be over already, can they? We got up at the same time, etc. Had to go to bed really early last night because of no nap. He slept a lot last night, and now another no-nap day.

I really don't know if I can give up on naps. I think I'll have a nervous breakdown!

Proud smile

Coolest thing

See the link below. This is a couple from church's house, friends of ours, and he happens to own a Christmas lighting company. You just have to see it - SO COOL. Christmas is almost here!

Oh yeah, Happy Thanksgiving too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4aYbMVYn34

The newer, new camera.

Yes, we took back the Nikon Coolpix and splurged on the Nikon D40x SLR. We LOVE it so far - the pictures are FAR superior to anything we've ever had, but we haven't had a chance to take any really fast pictures yet. I will have Cooper run later and we will try. It's pretty big, and doesn't have a video feature, but the child setting and continuous shutter are worth it.

If you know Cooper, this is one of his many famous faces.



And another classic.





At the park today with Victoria and Kelsey (sorry Vic, I didn't get a pic of them together!)

Ice, Ice, Baby

I went to spin class this afternoon, and behold ... The entire Austin Icebats hockey team was there, spinning with me. I was the only girl, besides the instructor. It was pretty motivating, since I was pretty slow comparatively. Made for a fun class though, when normally, it's the worst/hardest workout ever. *wink*

The new camera.

Well, the old Canon elph broke, so we purchased a Nikon Coolpix with WIRELESS I tell you. WIRELESS! It's pretty nice to have. Takes great pictures too, for a small camera. I highly recommend. Here's a few from yesterday and today.

Happy Halloween!

I thought this picture looked funny because it looks so posed, but it's not at all. :)

I'll add one of the costume soon. Have fun trick-or-treating!

The next Michael Jordan

Cooper went to his two-year well check yesterday, although he wasn't really well. he has a sinus infection and bronchitis, bothf or which we got some good meds. Other than those things, he's "very, very smart" says the doctor. He "puts sentences together extremely well" and "is healthy, and did I mention smart?" Yeah, yeah. He's a genius.

We've learned that not only is he tall, HE IS THE AVERAGE HEIGHT OF A THREE YEAR-OLD. Stats:

Height: 37.5 inches (110th percentile)
Weight: 30.6 lbs. (75th-95th percentile, because of his height)

His head is normal, and his body mass index (BMI) was on the low part of the average side. "He's perfect, and will definitely be tall," she says, but I think she's just trying to make me feel good. It's working. :)

This just about sums it up.

We had a whirlwind weekend in Abilene for ACU Homecoming. It was a lot of fun seeing some friends who live there, and others who had come into town for the festivities. Starting to feel a little old, since the "Coming Home Queens" were seniors when we were freshman. Whoa.

Cooper loved the parade, carnival (go bouncy house thingie), hanging out with Nonnie, Poppie, Rachel and Uncle George, and the really hot football game. Also, I highly recommend not going to club breakfast. I've never felt so rested at a homecoming!

We went to see the musical "Aida" performed by ACU Theater. Let me say, it was amazing (shout out to cousin Lindsey as well). The lead actor and actress were perfect. I was incredibly impressed. Well, I've never really not been impressed with ACU Theater. It was GREAT!

Cooper threw up five times last night - it was wonderful. He's had a fever and coughing here and there, and I'm not sure where the throw up came from, but he's much better today, and still sleeping. We're supposed to go for his two year well checkup tomorrow, but that might turn into a sick checkup. Details to come!

TWO!

Coop,

Sometimes I sit back and wonder about my life. I wonder how the past has affected the way I am now and what I do, and how the future is going to be. I wonder if I'm a good wife and mother, if we're putting money in the right places, if I look older or younger than I am, how your future is going to turn out, where you'll go, what you'll do. Occasionally I have a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach because of my brain telling me that I've forgotten something when it comes to teaching you words, manners, social skills, numbers, books of the Bible, anything. Your dad and I stress about dumb things like money and work, and I pray that doesn't roll over into your daily life (we are not good examples when it comes to stress). And I wonder if that stress will ever end. The list goes on.

What I do not wonder about is this: The past two years have been the best years of my life. This I know.

You are a total joy to everyone you encounter. Your smile and happy demeanor light up a room. You can have entire conversations with most anyone about anything at all, because you speak so clearly and logically. Everyone loves you. It is for these reasons that we sometimes wonder whether or not you are our child - not just the blue eyes and blonde hair. Most kids want to be just like mommy or daddy. I want to be more like you.

We are proud to be your parents. I am proud to be the mother of a boy who is going to go so far in life doing whatever it is he wants to do (pilot/doctor/hint). You have a strong will, overflowing energy, a "doers" attitude, and a stubborn confidence. Each and every day is an adventure with you, even though you are a boy who loves routine, and phones (so obsessively you are a cell phone for Halloween because that's all you love). And, I get to be a part of this daily adventure. I'm so lucky to get to spend each and every day with you, and can honestly say that I've made the best decision for our family to do so. We are all so happy.

Cooper Hejl, happy second birthday. May you be richly blessed by God and everyone you come in contact with. You are the best son, and we love you. And as you would say, "My eyes are leaking!"

Mom

"I have a happy birthday party!"

Yesterday was Cooper's SECOND birthday party here at the house. He had such a great time, getting to see all of his family (missed George, Jackson and Alissa though), eat BBQ, cake and homemade ice cream (thanks honey!), and open presents. It was a Bob the Builder party, so he got tons of construction toys, and a Mr. Potato Head. He loved it.

It was pretty hot and humid outside yesterday. You never know what the October weather will be like in the greater Austin area. Next year might be an evening party, or inside at least. Besides the weather, a good time was had by all!

Cooper will be two on the 16th, so we're a little early because of conflicting weekend schedules. I'll post something on the "real" birthday. Just wanted to post some pics!

Got to lick the cake batter. Mmmm ...



The griller ...



The table.



Opening presents.



"Happy to you!"



Loves his sweets.



And, yes. I made the cake again!

An every-night thing.

Just thought I'd share what Cooper said in his prayer last night before bed. He's so cute, and overwhelmingly obsessed with phones. I will post pictures soon, just thought I'd let everyone know we're still out here, getting used to my first week at home.

Me: "Dear God, thank You for ..."

Cooper: "Mommy, Daddy, Joey ... Nonnie, Poppie, Nonnie's phone, Poppie's phone takes a picture ...

"Daddy's iPhone (I'm not kidding), Mommy's phone don't hold it, Granna, Grannadaddy, Hayden, Kelley ...

"Cooper's bed, Cooper's feet, Cooper's elbows, Cooper's eyes, Mommy's eyes ...

"Zacchaeus and Jesus, Cooper's going jogging, preschool, Ms. Cathy and Ms. Tasha, food ...

"Cooper's books, the Bible ..."

Me: "In Jesus' name,"

Cooper: "AAAAAAAA -- MEN!"

Love it.

WOO HOO

I don't usually blog about my job. In fact, I never have, and for good reason. Anyway, I QUIT MY JOB LAST WEEK. My last day is the 21st, and I'm pumped. Don't want to be too specific on the Internet, but it's a great thing. I get to stay home with Cooper and work on Photo Card Cafe'. I'm super blessed. Hopefully, it will give me more time to post more pictures. I don't want to speak too soon though ...

We have caved.

Luke got one, and I downgraded. No more Blackberry for me! Woo hoo! Little Samsung flip phone for me, and I get to play with Luke's. It's pretty cool, I must admit.

Getting HUGE

Sorry it's been a while. Gotta keep up with the pictures! A lot has happened in the past couple of weeks as far as traveling - Labor Day stuff, Hejls lake weekend and Cooper's FIRST day of preschool. He loves it so far!

Didn't want to hold his lunchbox.



But wanted to show his tummy.



Cooper's first jet ski ride - I'm getting better pictures on this.



This is what he does. Laugh and play with phones. We went to AT&T Saturday, and it was like his personal heaven.



Just thought this was funny.



Sara also has some great pictures of Cooper and Chase together on her site. Enjoy!

Okay, okay, I was finally tagged.

This should be an interesting exercise for me.

100. My favorite food is pizza.

99. I have an awesome son named Cooper who is growing up too fast.

98. I hate folding clothes.

97. I can say the books of the Bible in less than 20 seconds.

96. I'm grateful that I grew up with all of my family living in the same city, or the metroplex. Who grows up with all of their cousins from both sides of the family?

95. My husband is the greatest, smartest, most awesome husband in the world.

94. He has to eat the food off of my plate, even if he has som eof the same food still on his plate. Annoying.

93. I am a size 10.

92. I am nearly six feet tall.

91. I love InStyle magazine.

90. I love to rub Cooper's back at night before he falls asleep, and how he always asks "One more minute!" so I have to come and rub it some more. Cute.

89. I love to run.

88. I only really get to run about twice a week.

87. I love to sing, but I'm getting worse at it since I haven't sung it much lately.

86. I drive all of the time, all over the place. It's getting old.

85. I love Macs.

84. But I'm on a Dell right now.

83. I miss ACU, and all of my friends from ACU.

82. And I secretly want to move back to Abilene.

81. I have an anxiety problem.

80. I'm really bad at remembering to water my plants.

79. I love working with Photo Card Cafe' - had to get that link in.

78. I have contstant mom guilt about working.

77. Post-It notes are awesome.

76. I taught advertising at ACU for a year. That was pretty fun.

75. I have the cutest, smartest one year-old ever.

74. I'm thankful for all of my family - Martins and Hejls (Prices too)

73. I'm watching that Ice Truckers show - interesting.

72. I love king-sized beds, and can hardly sleep in anything smaller.

71. I obsess unhealthily about work.

70. I love lamps.

69. I need a mani/pedi like SO BADLY.

68. I wish I was more of a positive person.

67. I love to shop online for stuff. All stuff. Ebay is great.

66. I ate at Saltgrass tonight and had the salmon - pretty good.

65. I love to read, but don't get to very often.

64. I like reading biographies.

63. I'm feeling pretty boring right now!

62. I, like Leslie, love the smell of permanent marker.

61. I'm excited to see Charis, Ty and Colt in two weeks!

60. I also like to eat Mexican food, a lot. Chips and queso. Mmmmmm ...

59. I like Sharpies. So fun to write with.

58. I'm a compulsive email checker. It must stop.

57. So, I'm getting rid of the Blackberry.

56. Luke and I dated for two months and got engaged, married five months later.

55. We've been married six years.

54. I love Cooper's sitter, Kelley. Cooper loves her too, and her son, Hayden. They are best friends.

53. I love reading everyone's blog just to keep up.

52. I love good advertising on TV. Great commercials move me.

51. I just can't wait for the new fall season.

50. But I sorta can wait, because I like having nothing to commit to at night.

49. Fave movie: Ferris Bueller's Day Off

48. And Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

47. I love big sunglasses.

46. I have big normal glasses.

45. I hope Cooper doesn't turn out as blind as I am.

44. I don't like lots of jewelry.

43. My hair can get incredibly huge.

42. I try to read my Bible every day, but I'm not very good about it.

41. I hadn't printed out a single picture of Cooper since his birth, until about 2 months ago. Now I'm caught up.

40. I just bought a hard drive to take all of the pics off of my computer.

39. I can't wait until Christmas. It's the most wonderful time of the year!

38. I love music. All kinds of music.

37. Musicals are awesome.

36. I'm starting to sound pretty boring.

35. Church moves me to tears almost every Sunday.

34. We made the final payment on our Yukon YESTERDAY! Halleluia!

33. I love it when Cooper sings to me. He's getting so good at it.

32. I have a secret fear of the water. It's just so uncontrolable.

31. I hate the war between working moms and stay at home moms. Why can't we all just get along and accept each other as doing what's best for the family?

30. I also love the movie Big Fish. It's so beautiful.

29. The Food Network is my favorite station. I could watch it 24 hours a day.

28. Ironically, I don't get to cook real meals that often!

27. I did my undergrad and grad in advertising. ACU and UT.

26. I've only been to two UT football games.

25. After the first one, I gave birth to Cooper the next day.

24. Luke and I love the lake, but have not gotten to go yet this year. Stupid rain!

23. I wish I could organize my house better.

22. I worry that I'm not teaching Cooper something that's supposed to be learned at this age. I don't even know what those bits of learning would be.

21. Again, I'm always worrying, even though God says not to worry.

20. I have a poem called "The Buried Life" memorized - 98 lines. (remember this Leslie?)

19. I was a Siggie.

18. I was in the band and played saxophone. I'm cool.

17. I was also in the colorguard - award winning, mind you. We were not rejected cheerleaders!

16. I'm a huge fan of DCI - drum corps international. Nerd.

15. Luke and I have retainer nights.

14. I love good, strong coffee. Starbucks is still the best.

13. I miss getting "Big Swigs" at Skinny's in Abilene.

12. I am extremely empathetic. I always look at people's situations that are good or bad, and cry for them, feel for them, and put myself in their situations. I try to be very compassionate and realize that everyone is a person.

11. Did I say I was a Mac person, because mine completely broke, blue-screened today.

10. I can't wait to have another kid someday soon. Cooper would love a little bro or sis.

9. I want to throw my Blackberry out the window.

8. I don't like wearing makeup.

7. We have way too many flip flops, but Luke and I love them.

6. Austin has the best Mexican food in the world. Trudy's, La Morada, Chuy's, Guero's.

5. I'm running out of things about myself.

4. Jan from The Office EMAILED ME BACK! We're totally friends now.

3. I love how much Cooper loves his Nonnie, Poppie, Granna and Granddad. Talks about them constantly.

2. I'm thankful for the situation that God has blessed me with, right now. Even though I complain, get completely stressed out and anxious, am always driving and going and going, I feel so blessed to have what I have.

1. God really does intervene and help me in my life.

Werd up.

Just thought I'd post a pic of Cooper. We're doing well, busy as ever. Isn't he cute?!?!