Just a quick update...

Talking with Nisa today, she convinced me that a blog doesn't have to have pictures to be cool. So I thought I'd give a quick, pictures-less update so you all know what's going on with us here in AZ.

Kyle is working hard still at for the County Attorney's office. He has had three jury-trials in the past 2 months and has won them all. This past Friday was his first time being first-chair on a jury trial - meaning he was the more-experienced attorney being asked all the questions of what to do. And he did great. Gotta love when your husband can put a drunk guy driving a golf cart on the sidewalk in jail. Oh the joys of living in Arizona.

I am also working now. I started my job in December and am finally catching on to what I'm supposed to be doing. I work for an investment company in their reconciliation department. Nothing glamorous, but it keeps me busy and learning. And I have been able to meet some neat people as well as been able to share the gospel on occasion. It's been a neat experience so far. I have also been teaching violin on Saturdays, and just picked up 3 more students, making my total 4. That has also been a growing experience.

AZ has been pretty nice the last couple of months with beautiful weather. And although the days are beginning to heat up a bit more (close to, if not reaching, the 80's), the evenings are still considerably cooler. So we have the joys of enjoying the "winter" season here a little bit longer.

Well, that's all for now. We'll update again soon. (Promise it'll be sooner than 3 months.) Love you all!

25 ain't so bad

So yesterday I turned 25. Yep, hit the official mid-twenties. And it's only up from here. :) Now I understand why people say they don't feel their age...I'm 25 now and still feel like I'm 18. Crazy how fast time flies by. But in spite of the reminders I got yesterday that I am now a quarter of a century and halfway to 50, I must share the joys and blessings that 25 years has allowed me.

1. At 25 years old, I have been blessed with amazing family and friends. All the phone calls and texts and family poems and cards full of birthday wishes reminded me of the wonderful people that are in my life. Seeing myself surrounded by amazing people like you makes me think, 25 years ain't so bad. With a support system like this, I can do anything...even turn 25. So bring on another 25!

2. At 25 years old, I have a husband who loves me, who gave me breakfast in bed, who remembered my favorite hallmark characters (Hoops and Yoyo...they're a hoot!) and sent me an ecard with them, who suffered through a chick-flick for me, and who checked to see that my knees weren't creaking thus proving I'm not too old. 25 ain't so bad. Bring on another 25 just like this.

3. At 25 years old, I have been able to appreciate the beauties of this world. What a wondrous world we live in! Heavenly Father has blessed us tremendously. And two special people in my life shared wonderful displays of this beauty with me. Thank you for showing me 25 ain't so bad. Bring on another 25 filled with the beautiful creations of this earth.

4. At 25 years old, I have come to appreciate many sports. But beyond that I have appreciated the support of family and friends while playing sports. Yesterday I had the chance to witness this loving support as I attended a baseball game with my aunt Aida and my grandma. Aida's nephew, Casey Fien, on her husband's side plays AA baseball for the Detroit Tigers. He's playing here in Mesa this weekend and his immediate and extended family on the Cooper side, plus Aida (and me and Grandma) traveled from California and Tucson to watch him play and cheer him on. What a wonderful display of love and support and encouragement! See, 25 ain't so bad. Bring on another 25 filled with this kind of support and I'll be just fine.

Aida and Grandma.

Some members of the Cooper family watching the game.


The gathering after the game. Grandma enchanting all.

Aida enjoying the family, and Casey and his mom chatting.

So thank you to everyone for making the last 25 years special and for helping me look forward to the next 25+ years. I can harldy wait to see what are the next things I'll learn. I love you all! Love you Kyle! And the biggest thanks goes to my Heavenly Father for all these wonderful blessings!

Go Trojans!

Yes, that would be the USC Trojans. Who else? My mom and dad came down on Oct. 25 to go to the USC football game against the Univ. of Arizona in Tucson. Oh and to visit with us too of course. :P And despite the fact that they would be sleeping on twin-sized mattresses in a cramped room, they were more than willing (Dad especially) to accept the invitation to go see the Trojans play. We were so glad to have them with us. It was such a fun weekend. We even got to meet up with my aunt Aida for dinner before the game. Thanks Mom and Dad for coming! It was a blast! Here are some pics from the football game.

The Trojans about to begin the battle.

The boys hard at work.

The final score: USC 17 Arizona 10.

Although a victory, it was still too close for my dad's liking.

The victors! Coming to celebrate with their fans and the band.

Dad cheering on his USC Trojans.

Mom and Dad at the end of the game.

Dad able to relax because USC won, and

Mom able to relax because Dad's Trojans had won.