Breakfast Joy

The sun was glorious this morning as Cooper and I were eating breakfast.

Joyful boy

Ornament Exchange

Last night I went to an ornament exchange with some friends. I found this hilarious one as my contribution to the swap. I can't help but wonder how many of these were made and how many people have them hanging on their tree, clueless of the mistake.

The Mess

When I am working with my tutoring students, Cooper amuses himself in our TV room, watching a movie, playing with his toys, and having snacks. He is incredibly good while I work, leaving me and the students alone, for the most part. I feel very lucky that I can work and not have to hire a babysitter, for now at least. But, there are days when Cooper has an amazing ability to completely destroy the TV room. Here I captured some of his mess after a two hour tutoring session.

I honestly don't think Cooper ate any of the pretzels or gold fish...
he just threw them around.

The boy at his best.

Scouty helps clean up. I swear, dogs help keep the house clean!!

MAYA Christmas Gift

Last night was the annual MAYA Design Holiday Party. Unfortunately, Cooper was too sick to go, so Erik ventured alone. I was actually very disappointed to miss it, because the party was at the Pittsburgh Zoo and I know Cooper and I would have had a great time looking at all the animals. Santa Claus makes an appearance every year to give all the MAYA kids gifts. Cooper loves his gift, which he opened this morning: a NASCAR truck with two race cars. There is a bit of a vehicle obsession going on with Cooper right now, so anything with wheels is sure to be a big hit.

Checking out the race cars

Putting the cars on the truck

Driving along

Putting the truck back together

Thanks MAYA Santa!!!

First Snow 2007

Today Cooper played in the snow for the first time. He seemed very intrigued, though very confused and anxious about how difficult it is to walk in snow pants, boots, and snow covering his feet. He had fun though, and hopefully the first experience didn't scar him too much. See the pictures below for the whole experience.

Happy in the snow

Looking good in the new coat and snow pants

Checking things out from the porch

Uh-oh! Cooper face planted off the porch into the snow.
We went inside after this, but I couldn't
resist taking a picture. Needless to say,
Cooper did not like having a face full of snow.

One Amazing Kid

I've always been impressed and inspired by all that young people do. Here is an amazing example of a 10 year old girl moved to make a difference in our world, and to challenge others to do the same.

Laura is completing 25 good deeds in the 25 days leading up to Christmas. She is dedicating her work to her grandfather, who she was her inspiration to be a charitable leader, and she is honoring his memory through her good deeds.

Please check out her blog Twenty Five Days to Make a Difference. Be inspired and reach out to make a difference for others this holiday season. I know I'm going to.