The Cooks

Birthday Madness!!!!!!

2012-02-13T19:37:00.000-06:00

It was full blown birthday madness at the Cook house this weekend. Clete's birthday falls on a Wednesday this year so we chose the weekend before it to celebrate. Clete wanted to have a friend spend the night for his birthday this year, so after school Friday we acquired another 6 year old boy! I grossly underestimated the power of two 6 year old boys! By party time on Saturday, I was running on pure adrenalin. Clete had a great time though and the party was a success! Clete originally wanted an "Angry Birds" party, but there were no "Angry Birds" decorations to be found. We finally settled on a "Cars 2" party!

Let's Party

Cars 2 Cake

Birthday Boy!

Tripp's First Day at the Park

2012-02-02T13:27:00.000-06:00

Clete LOVES to go to the park! The weather was so nice Sunday that we decided to take Tripp along too! I took tons of pics, here are a few:

Scrub-a-dub-dub!!! Little Cookies in the tub!!

2012-01-29T11:34:00.003-06:00

Now that Tripp is sitting up on his own, he can finally take a bath with big brother Clete!!!

Clete was so excited when I told him that Tripp was going to take a bath with him!

Clete got all his little bath toys out and was teaching Tripp how to play

Tripp had the best time!

Bath time at the Cook house is definitely going to be easier from here on out!

Jumperoo #2

2012-01-29T11:25:00.003-06:00

YAAAAHHHOOOOO!!!!!

After jumping sooooo hard in his 1st Jumperoo and breaking 1 of the springs, we have replaced it with a newer version! Here he is enjoying his new Jumperoo, hopefully he won't break this one!

Nothin like a little front door target practice at 8 AM on a Saturday morning!

2012-01-28T08:14:00.003-06:00

After about 30 minutes of "Momma, can I go shoot my BB gun?, Momma can I PLEEEASE go shoot my BB gun?" And me saying, "No son, not until Daddy gets home!" We settled for this:

At least he has the safety thing down !

He's the cutest kid ever!!!

The Best babysitter!!!

2012-01-25T11:03:00.002-06:00

Tripp and Willie

Willie is the best babysitter! He absolutely loves babies. I remember when Clete came home from the hospital, Willie watched him like a hawk! If I was in another part of the house and Clete began making a noise that Willie didn't think was quite right he would come get me. I mean the dog would pitch a fit, kinda like he needed to go outside really bad, but when I would start walking behind him he would take me right to Clete. I am so glad that Tripp is going to have the opportunity to get to know him too. As you can see Willie is quite a bit older now, look at the gray hair around him mouth! We love him to pieces and I think Tripp is pretty fond of him too!

6 Months Old!!!

2012-01-23T07:49:00.003-06:00

Tripp is 6 months old!!!

Wow, I can't believe that my little chunky monkey turned 6 months old yesterday! He is sitting up all on his own, but still won't attempt to rollover(very stubborn child)! Tripp loves peas and bananas, squash not so much. He loves, or should I say LOVED, his Jumperoo, he jumped so hard in it yesterday that he broke one of the springs! Oh yeah, his favorite word, DA DA, he just reminded me of that one. We go for official 6 month check up tomorrow and of course the dreaded shots, wish us luck!

Too cute to pass up!

2012-01-20T00:06:00.002-06:00

SOOOO cute, I just couldn't resist!!

The most precious baby I know!

Look at Me!!! Look at Me!!!!

2012-01-04T14:20:00.003-06:00

I cannot believe it, but my little buddy is sitting up! This is funny because he will not even attempt to roll over, but he will sit up and play with his toys. I even asked the doc at his last appointment about it, he said that the bigger the baby a lot of the time the longer before they roll over. In other words, he's got to get up enough momentum to roll his chunky little self over!

Tripp loves playing with his little "tool bench". His favorite "tool"? The drill of coarse!

Tripp also had another mile stone this week. He said his 1st WORD!!!! And that word is.....wait for it........DI-DA or just DA! (Sigh) I think that Dale has been whispering da-da in the baby's ear since the day he was born. We were sitting in the floor playing Monday night, when Dale came in from work. Tripp looked up, started flapping his fat little arms and began spewing forth "di-da, di-da, di-da. He is also being a little trooper right now with his teething. The poor little thing is drooling constantly, chewing on whatever he can get in his mouth, has pretty bad "poopies" and is ill a lot of the time. I hope those teeth break through soon!

2012-01-03T11:14:00.003-06:00

New Year's Eve we celebrated Christmas with my family. We all piled up at Jeff and Wanda's for some of my Granddaddy's ham and ham sauce. Pete and Joan made the trek from Hanceville. Damaris and Brian also made a long trek from north Georgia. This Christmas was great, not only because of the memories we made, but because we found out that we are getting a new family member. Tiffany and Jason are getting married!!!!

All the Cousins

Britt with his stash

Daddy with Tripp and Dumbo

Clete with his new Alabama hat

Clete opened his cool race track that hangs on the wall

Clete schooling them at Life!

Christmas Day 2011

2011-12-28T17:03:00.004-06:00

Merry Christmas!!

Mr. Clete Cook woke us up at 2:30 AM Christmas morning, I managed to keep him wrangled in our bedroom until 4:30 AM, after that all hope was lost! We decided to go ahead and let him get into his loot and get the older boys up there when we could!

Our tree with Santa's additions!

We finally got the big boys up to come get their loot!

Poor little Tripp wound up at the Dr. when they opened at 1 PM!

The big boys with their new toy in the "mancave"

Daddy with his big present!

(haha I knew about this one for a long time, I was with MiMi when she got it framed!)

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-28T16:19:00.005-06:00

Christmas Eve this year was so fun! MiMi and Pop came over at lunch time, MiMi and I prepared a wonderful Christmas Eve feast for everyone. We baked a ham, made potato salad, baked beans and macaroni-n-cheese. For dessert I fixed up a chocolate pie!! After we all ate it was time for the kids to open their 1 gift for the night, which after much begging from all parties involved, turned into 2 gifts! Unfortunately, little Tripp didn't make it through dinner, he was starting the early symptoms of an ear infection, BOOOOOOO!!!

Our tree with all the loot!!

Jackson with 1 of his gifts

Drew with 1 of his gifts

Britt with 1 of his gifts

Of course the man of the hour, Clete with 1 of his gifts. I think he actually talked us into letting him open 3!

To end the night, our tradition of Daddy reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas"

Just because it's Christmas!

2011-12-22T09:19:00.003-06:00

Sweet, Sweet Babies!!

And we're JUMPING!!!

2011-12-21T15:25:00.002-06:00

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

2011-12-14T23:08:00.002-06:00

I am so excited about Christmas this year! I am still in complete awe that God blessed us with another little Cook to celebrate it with! Not to mention the fact that this year I'm not puking every 10 minutes! I think last year we were lucky that we got the tree up and the stockings hung! This year however, I have gone all out! I have even managed to get a few gifts wrapped already, complete with my fancy bows!

Santa Clause is coming to town!

2011-12-14T22:41:00.004-06:00

Clete in the sun room with the kids tree and his new Christmas Train! Granny surprised us with the new train on Saturday, Clete and Tripp love it!

I always put up a kids tree every year, it has all the ornaments that the kids have made throughout the years. I think that once Tripp begins making ornaments we will have to upgrade to a bigger tree! Like the commercial says, " No Mom ever turned down a homemade ornament"!

Tripp in his Santa hat hanging out with the stockings! He's so precious!

2011 Opelika Christmas Parade

2011-11-30T18:29:00.003-06:00

Even though it was a little bit chilly today, we braved the wind and headed downtown to the Opelika Christmas Parade. I have to say, both my little buddies were complete Angels! Tripp had a fun, fun, fun 1st Christmas Parade!

Tripp and Auntee April. Thank goodness for Auntee!

Happy Little Elf!

Auntee, Clete and Tripp

Mommy, Clete and Tripp

Clete and Tripp

What is that?..... It's a TOOTH!!!!

2011-11-28T11:47:00.002-06:00

Yep, Tripp has his 1st tooth! Funny thing is it's not a front tooth, it's a molar! I found it last night as he was pitching a fit to fight taking a nap. This baby is so ready to eat solid food that he is trying to grow his chewing teeth 1st! I guess this explains why he screamed all day Saturday and couldn't be satisfied, yes even during the Iron Bowl. It never crossed my mind that at 4 months it would be a tooth! Oh well, this is the best picture I can get since it is in the back!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T23:38:00.004-06:00

My tired little buddy after an awesome 1st Thanksgiving!

Tomorrow, 1 year ago, I found out that we were expecting this beautiful sight!

We are so very thankful for God's blessings!

Hope everyone had a great day!

For My Beautiful Britt

2011-11-22T19:36:00.003-06:00

Made a wrong turn, once or twice, dug my way out, blood and fire. Bad decisions, that's alright. Welcome to my silly life! Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood. Miss "no way, it's all good", it didn't slow me down! Mistaken, always second guessing, under estimated, look, I'm still around. Pretty,pretty please! If you ever, ever feel, like you are less than perfect, Pretty, pretty please If you ever,ever feel like you are nothing, You're perfect to me. You're so mean when you talk, about yourself, you are wrong. Change the voices in your head, make them like you instead. So complicated, look happy, you'll make it! Filled with so much hatred, such a tired game. It's enough, I've done all I can think of. Chased down all my demons, I've seen you do the same. Oh, pretty, pretty please don't you ever, ever feel like you are less than perfect. Pretty, pretty please if you ever, ever feel like you are nothing, You're perfect to me. The whole world stares,so swallow the fear. The only thing I should be drinking is an ice cold beer. So cool in line and we try, try,try. But we try too hard, it's a waste of my time. Done looking for the critics, cause they're everywhere. They don't like my jeans, they don't get my hair. We change ourselves and we do it all the time. Why do we do that? Why do I do that?(Why do I do that?) Pretty pretty please don't you ever, ever feel like you are less than perfect. Pretty, pretty please if you ever, ever feel like you are nothing You're perfect to me. You're perfect, You're perfect!

Alecia Moore(Pink)

Big Boy!

2011-11-21T16:25:00.002-06:00

I can hardly believe that tomorrow Tripp will be 4 months old! He is quite the little chunk, weighing in at 17 lbs! He loves to play with his toys and can reach for and grasp them, of couse then whatever it is goes straight to his mouth. He babbles, laughs and smiles all the time! He loves playing in his Exersaucer(Thank you Aunt Gladys). He is starting to reach for me now, previously he would get this really serious look on his face, thrust his chest out like a rooster and grunt! I will have to admit however, that he is incredibly spoiled! Tripp wants to held ALL THE TIME! Both his Daddy and myself are to blame, one of us is constantly holding him! Oh well, he is our last baby so why not! We are working with him trying to increase his play time, he only wants to be out of my lap for about 15 minutes and then he wants me to pick him back up. We spend a lot of time these days on the pallet in the living room. Overall he is the most precious little chunky money that there is!

Happy 19th Birthday Britt!!

2011-11-19T12:04:00.003-06:00

Ole Blue Eyes

Happy 19th birthday Britt! We love you and are so proud of you!

From the Heart

2011-11-03T10:34:00.003-05:00

I normally only post happy, family related entries here on the blog, but today I am going to get on my soapbox. It's a big box, so get ready! For the 2nd time in the last 2 weeks, I have found out that a young, vibrant young lady( younger than myself) has breast cancer. I am LIVID! I am not a spring chicken, but this disease seems to be attacking at a younger and younger age. I mean how dare this SELFISH, NON-DISCRIMINATING disease keep attacking young mothers! This infuriates me! As a mother you do everything in your power to keep your children healthy and protect them. You spend sleepless nights worrying about their well being. Then POW this nasty disease smacks you in the face! As I sit here posting this, I am looking at my precious 3 1/2 month old baby boy, I can't begin to imagine being too sick to take care of him. It is beyond my psyche, thinking of leaving my children and husband behind! Seeing the beautiful face of my funny and soooo smart 5 year old everyday, seeing my handsome 13 year old Homecoming King turn a double play in a baseball game, seeing my awesome 18 year old(soon to be 19) graduate college, get married someday and becoming a parent himself... this decrepit disease has the ability of wiping that all away! All I can think is WHY,WHY,WHY!

I lost my mother to colon cancer in May. It was too late when they found it. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about her. I live everyday knowing that my baby boy will never know her. He will never be able to go to "MiMi's House" and get fed Hershey Kisses by the bag full, never get to go to Wal-Mart with her and get spoiled beyond belief in the toy section, never get to go grocery shopping with her and come out with endless treats and chocolate milk! Most of all he will never get to feel her hug him, kiss him or hear her tell him that she loves him.

I pray that I will never have to face this awful disease. I also pray that there someday soon will be a cure! To those of you who have battled and have won, you are my hero! To those of you that are battling it now, kick it straight in the butt!! Early detection is key! Get your mammograms, colonoscopies, see your doctors and get your pap smears! There was no history of colon cancer in my family, like I said earlier, it doesn't discriminate! Be strong!

Love to all,
Robin

Halloween 2011

2011-11-02T15:34:00.002-05:00

Time to go Trick-or-Treating!!!!!

Fall Festival 2011

2011-10-26T10:24:00.002-05:00

More fall fun!

Jack-O-Lantern Lane

2011-10-24T22:28:00.004-05:00

Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year! I love to see all the little kiddos dressed in their costumes, so excited just to get that candy from you. I also love all the fall festivities. "Auntee" April and I decided several weeks ago that we were going to take Clete to the "Jack-O-Lantern Lane" festival in LaFayette. Sunday was a gorgeous day and off we went to the pumpkin patch!

For Mimi and Pop

2011-10-24T22:22:00.003-05:00

Thank you Mimi and Pop for the new Alabama gear! Yep, Clete is quite the handsome little man!

Fall Break 2011

2011-10-18T21:04:00.006-05:00

We had a great time during Clete's 1st "Fall Break". Yesterday was kind of a bust since I had to make another trip to the doctor, more antibiotics and steroids for me UGGHHH!! I woke up today bound and determined that no matter how bad I felt, Clete and I were going to spend some much needed "Mommy and Me" time together.

We started the day with a coloring session in the "Hot Wheels" coloring book. This gave Clete the idea of making Mimi and Pop a pumpkin picture for Halloween, so off we went to the craft drawer. After getting showers, doing a couple of loads of laundry and eating lunch, we had a photo session with little Tripp. Next, we all converged to the kitchen for an afternoon of Halloween cupcake baking. To wind up our afternoon, Clete went through an entire pad of sticky notes. I mean there were sticky notes everywhere! Normally, this would be a big "no-no", but he was actually spelling words on the sticky notes, then bringing them to me to read. He was doing such a good job with his spelling that I just let him keep going. We all were pretty tuckered out by the end of the day and the boys had no problem hitting the hay! I know I will definitely cherish these moments for a life time!

On this day......

2011-10-08T00:00:00.003-05:00

On this day 11 years ago, I received the surprise of a life time! I big rock for my finger! I will never forget that day. Dale did everything by the book, including asking my parents blessing. He says that he was going to wait until my birthday to pop the question, but he was afraid that my grandparents wouldn't be able to keep the secret. I think it was him that couldn't keep the secret! About lunch time I looked out my office window only to see Dale walking into the building. He came into my office with a huge grin on his face and said that he had a surprise for me in his back pocket. I reached around and pulled out a velveteen box. The box that the ring was in was not a typical ring box, but more like a earring box so that is what I thought it was. I got the shock of my life when I opened the box to find this beautiful ring! I still had no idea at this point, what it was for though. The conversation went a little something like this:

Me: " Oh my gosh it is beautiful!!! Thank you!!!
Dale: "Yeah, I thought it would make a good engagement ring. You know, if you ever wanted to get married."

At this point I still am clueless to the fact that he meant that he actually wanted to marry me now! A couple of minutes of oohing and ahhing went by and Dale said to me:
" Well?? You gonna answer my question?" to which I replied:
"What question?" he replied:
"Do you want to get married?"

That was it!! It was at that moment that we began this most incredible journey!! I love you Dale and can't imagine what my life would have been like without you in it! One word does come to mind though, BORING!!! The last 12 years of my life have been extraordinary because you are in it. You, these 2 beautiful babies that you have given me and the 2 beautiful babies we share in our hearts are the greatest gifts from God that I will ever receive! Happy "Engagement" Day Anniversary! You are my best friend and the Love of my life!!!!

Little Brother

2011-10-05T22:03:00.002-05:00

Our little buddy is growing like a weed! Today we went to the doctor for what was supposed to be our 2 month check. We were scheduled for this last Wednesday but, I was too sick to go. I have had the "crud" for 2 weeks now! I have had my fingers crossed the whole time that Tripp wouldn't come down with it, but yesterday he woke with a stuffy nose and was "croupy" as he could be. Today instead of getting our dreaded shots we had a visit to get him checked out. Bring on those wonderful breathing treatments, we have a touch of RSV. I am a basket case because I have never had one this small get sick. I think Clete was almost 2 before he had so much as a cold! We did get some stats though: 12 lbs 11 oz and 23 1/4 inches long. He is a chunky monkey! The doctor also threw me for a loop when he put the little booger on cereal! When he asked how Tripp was eating and I told him that he was still eating 5 oz every 2 hours, that was his solution! We go back for a follow-up Friday, hopefully the breathing treatments do their job. Even though he has a terrible deep down nasty cough and gross "stuff" coming out of his nose, he is still just the happiest little thing! He is just cooing away, it is the sweetest sound! I have a feeling that even though his shirt may say "Little Brother", he is going to give his older brothers a run for their money!

My Blue-Eyed Babies

2011-09-19T22:52:00.002-05:00

I can't believe that Britt Nathaniel is now a full time college student! Time has flown by with him and we are so proud! Hopefully Tripp's eyes will stay BLUE, I think that Clete's had already changed by this point. I am proud of all my boys and it makes me so happy to see them interact with each other in such loving ways. Keep up the good work in school Britt, we love you!

Saturday Morning with Daddy

2011-09-17T08:55:00.003-05:00

The little ones in bed with Daddy watching College Game Day! Yep, they are true Cooks!

This is how Daddy watches TV at 9AM on Saturday, through his eyelids!

Mr. Jealous, oh I mean Clete had to get some camera time!

Happy Grandparents Day!

2011-09-16T22:57:00.003-05:00

On Wednesday, MiMi and Pop came to Jeter Primary to eat lunch with Clete for Grandparents Day! We love you MiMi and Pop!

Clete and Tripp waiting to eat lunch with MiMi and Pop

MiMi, Pop and Clete

Tripp's 1st boat ride

2011-09-14T14:12:00.006-05:00

August 21, 2011
Daddy and Clete driving the boat

Daddy and 2 of his boys

Jackson and Clete playing on the rock at Chimney Rock

Capt. Dale

Momma in a bikini for the 1st time all summer!

Jack and Clete

Clete jumping off the pier

Jack, Clete and Tripp

More Tripp

2011-09-14T13:57:00.004-05:00

Just a few pics of our 1st few weeks with our beautiful baby boy!

Clete's 1st Day of Kindergarten

2011-09-14T00:11:00.003-05:00

I can't believe that I have not posted this yet! I am making a HUGE effort to catch up though!

Better Late Than Never.....

2011-08-20T18:58:00.004-05:00

Well as everyone can see, we now have a new member of the family! Tripp was born on July 22, 2001 at 11:39 PM after a pretty quick induction. We have had so much going on over the past 2 months, I am soooooo behind on posts. I figured instead of doing several that I will just combine them all so here goes!! Hopefully I will remember everything!

We completed Clete's 1st tee-ball season, this was at his end of season party! He had a ball!

Tripp is here!!

Clete greeted us when we arrived home!

Dale's 14 Year old Dixie Boys baseball team won the State Tournament and went to the world series in South Carolina!

Introducing........

2011-08-20T18:33:00.003-05:00

Allen Dale Cook III "Tripp"

July 22, 2011 11:39 PM

8lbs. 7 oz.

20 1/2 in.

A Nice Quiet Weekend

2011-07-10T16:02:00.003-05:00

Since we are between Dale's Allstar tournaments, we figured we would take what kids we have at home to the lake for some last minute alone time! The kids had a great time playing with cousins and we rested.

My feet sticking out from under Tripp

Pop, Clete and Raleigh

Clete and Hamilton on the paddle boat

All the boys minus Raleigh and Tripp: Jackson, Carson, Hamilton and Clete

Tripp's Room

2011-07-10T15:44:00.003-05:00

I am way behind on blog posts! Between Clete's tee-ball and Dale's Allstar tournament, we have been very busy bee's! I figured I better go ahead and get this on the blog, if I wait much longer Tripp will be in the pictures!

Clete and Daddy putting Tripp's crib together!

My Grandmother's Cedar Chest that is full of everything baby! The Moses basket and rocking horse were bought for Clete by my Mother. She didn't get to shower Tripp with gifts so we filled the room with things she bought for Clete.

Tripp's organizer from Auntee April, filled with all his little blankets, burpees and diapers. His little carseat ready to go!

Tripp's new crib! Thank you MiMi and Pop!!

And here we are!

Happy Fathers Day!

2011-06-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Fathers Day to the best Daddy and Hubby that anyone could ask for! We love you so much and appreciate everything that you do for us! I want to thank you for putting up with my hormone driven rants over the last 9 months, you have been a REALLY good sport about it! Thank you for taking such good care of me and Tripp, I don't know what I would have done without you! I love you!

1st Tee-Ball Game!

2011-06-16T09:17:00.004-05:00

Clete and Daddy had their 1st tee-ball game Tuesday! These kids were sooooo cute out there hitting the ball and running the bases! I think that all the Dads had just as much fun as the kids!

Clete's New Room!

2011-06-14T09:49:00.002-05:00

We finally finished Clete's new room this weekend. He is sooooo excited about his "big boy" room! Now on to the next: Tripp's Nursery!

Tee-Ball!!!!!!!!!!

2011-06-02T10:09:00.003-05:00

13 years ago, I embarked on a new career:Baseball Momma!!! This all started when Britt was 5 and began playing tee-ball. As the years have passed, we have moved up through all the leagues with Britt and Jackson and have had the time of our lives doing it. There is nothing that my husband loves more than to be on the ballfield! I have to admit, I love it to!

This year Clete begins his journey in the world of baseball. I have never had to do this entire season starting at 8 months preggo though, it may prove to be challenging! Dale and I figured it up, and we have about 18 more years of baseball left! The 1st practice was yesterday and by the end of our 1 hour session, my ankles were huge! Dale, of course, is the head coach of the "Lookouts" as well as still the head coach of his 13-14 year old team, the "Cardinals". Gonna be 1 busy, yet fun summer if Tripp continues to cooperate!

Here are a few pics of the little cuties!

Congratulations Britt!!!

2011-05-31T09:41:00.003-05:00

My Blue Eyed Baby graduated from Opelika High School Friday night! It just seems like yesterday that I was holding him in my arms at the hospital. Time absolutly flies! Congratulations Britt, we love you so much and are so proud!

Clete's Pre-school Graduation

2011-05-31T09:27:00.003-05:00

It's hard to believe that my little buddy will be starting kindergarten in a couple of months! We are so proud of him! I know I'm a little behind on post, but with everything that has transpired over the last few weeks, I am lucky to remember to put on underwear in the morning.

This was also a very hard day for me. My Momma has never missed one of Clete's programs so it was very difficult not having her there. I am always sitting in the aisle recording while she sits in the pew taking pics. I know that she was watching though!

Clete with Miss Stephanie and Miss Joy

Clete getting his Bible and diploma

Happy Mothers Day!

2011-05-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Mothers Day to my sweet Momma. We love you Mimi and hope that you are well soon! I am asking everyone to send prayers her way. She is in EAMC and not doing well at all. Please pray for her and our family. Happy Mothers Day to MiMi Suzzanne and Granny, we love you very much!

Easter Weekend

2011-04-29T08:55:00.003-05:00

We headed up to Hanceville Easter weekend to spend time with the family. We also celebrated my Mommas birthday. It was a great weekend!

Clete getting him some eggs

Clete, MiMi and Tito

Clete and Paul playing the guitar

Clete counting his eggs, off course he won ALL the prizes!

Senior Prom #2 OHS

2011-04-28T09:12:00.003-05:00

I was going to post the traditional Prom pics, but this one is the most beautiful one that was made!

Britt and my beautiful neice Taylor! They are 11 months apart in age, I am so glad that they had the opportunity to grow up so close! I am so proud of them!

1st Senior Prom of the Year 2011-B'Gard

2011-04-21T08:57:00.002-05:00

My beautiful little blue eyed boy is growing up!!

Happy Birthday Dale!

2011-04-11T07:08:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to the sweetest husband! You are the best and we love you more than you know! Hope that you have an awesome day!
Love,
Me, Britt, Jackson, Clete and Tripp

Happy 13th Birthday Jackson!!!

2011-04-05T09:06:00.003-05:00

Happy 13th Birthday Jackson! I cannot believe that this child is 13 already! Time is flying by way too fast! We celebrated his birthday this weekend, I will post some picks later, camera battery is dead of course! Love you Jackson!

Happy Birthday Damaris!

2011-04-04T07:25:00.000-05:00

Happy, happy birthday to my sister! Hope you have a great birthday!

Happy 10th Anniversary!

2011-03-31T08:48:00.002-05:00

Happy Anniversary to my sweet husband! Can you believe that you and I have been married for 10 years? I would do it all over again and again and again and again!! We have been so incredibly blessed. Hope your ready for our next big adventure with little Tripp! The blessings just keep coming. I love you so much!

Thank You Daddy!

2011-03-22T08:45:00.006-05:00

When I talked to Dale yesterday at lunch, he told me that he bought me a present! When he came in with a bag from Fun & Fancy, I was more than excited! In the bag was the sweetest baby blue outfit and most precious baby blue gingham Noah's Ark diaper bag! It was one of the sweetest things I've ever seen. This is officially the 1st present for little Tripp and his Daddy bought it! We love you Daddy!

BIG 3 days!!

2011-03-15T10:33:00.004-05:00

We had a HUGE weekend! Of course on Friday we had our 3rd and hopefully final ultrasound and found out that Allen Dale Cook III aka "Tripp" is on the way! Clete is sooooo excited he is getting a little brother. He keeps hugging my belly and saying that he can't wait to play with his little brother! We can finally start buying things and getting ready for his arrival.

Saturday we headed out early to the baseball fields. We caught a little of the Opelika game before heading over to Smiths Station to watch Jackson play in his 1st ballgame of the season for Central. He did great and actually was called in to close the game! Here are a few pics:

Sunday was a beautiful day and we spent the afternoon watching Daddy mow the grass at MiMi's and then at our house. We had a great few days, ready for the big warm up this weekend!

Clete's 5th Birthday Party

2011-02-20T19:48:00.004-06:00

Here are a few picks from Clete's birthday party. It's getting harder and harder these days to get pictures of him! In true "boy" fashion he is starting to shy away from the camera, not quite the ham he used to be!

SpongeBob Birthday Cake

Blowing out the candles and making a wish!

Tee Ball Bat! Thank you MiMi and Pop!

Baseball Cleats! Thank you MiMi and Pop again!

Baseball Pants! Thank you Granny!

Ready to play!

Racing with Champ

Clete and Mommy

Daddy caught us eating up some McDonald's!

This was just a small portion of his gifts! He had a great time and we thank everyone for coming!

2011-02-15T18:52:00.001-06:00

I had to work hard for this birthday picture! He wasn't too keen on pictures this morning.

Happy 5th Birthday Clete!!

2011-02-15T00:00:00.000-06:00

I am in complete disbelief that my little baby is 5 years old today! It seems like yesterday we were meeting him for the 1st time at EAMC. Happy Birthday BooBoo! I hope you have a great day! Daddy and I love you so much and are so proud of you. We cannot imagine what life would be like if we didn't have you. You are going to be such an awesome "BIG" brother!

Amazing little things!

2011-01-19T10:18:00.002-06:00

One of the most precious moments during a woman's pregnancy happened for me last night: I felt the first little movements of our precious little miracle! The first time you become a mother, those first little movements are tattooed in your brain. With each pregnancy thereafter, you know exactly when that moment happens because you know what those precious little "taps" are! Last night as I was in bed watching TV, I felt those first 2 little "kicks"!

This meant so much to me! I was suddenly overwhelmed with emotions that I have not allowed myself feel. This pregnancy is one that we never saw coming and quite honestly couldn't believe even happened. We actually "made" a baby naturally, with no doctors, no drugs and no hormone therapies. Due to our past problems, I really have held back in the "attachment" department. That 1st week after we found out was such a whirlwind of doctors appointments, blood work, more doctors, more blood work and ultrasounds. The end diagnosis: everything looks great, hormone levels are great and baby looks great!

Even with the encouraging results I still remained convinced that this pregnancy was going to end just like the others: me and Dale with broken hearts and no baby! As the weeks moved on my fear only seemed to get worse! I was terrified that something was going to happen while Clete and I were alone. What would I do? Who would I call?

Finally last week when we saw our baby, healthy and swimming around like a little fish, I began to relax. But, last night when I finally felt that precious evidence of life, I took the wall down! I absolutely cannot wait to hold our little miracle in my arms and kiss its soft little head! I can't wait to see Dale hold another of his children for the 1st time, that man lights up like a Christmas tree when he holds any baby, especially his own!

We may not have a lot of money or expensive material things, but what we do have is way more precious than any amount or any brand name piece of clothing! We have a family!

What a year it's been already!

2011-01-15T20:14:00.003-06:00

Wow! This year has been full of so much already! From freezing temps and ice storms to that awesome win for those Tigers. It's been a while since I last posted, sorry but this Baby has had me on my rear end for 3 months now! I owe my sweet husband everything in the world for taking care of me and making sure that our household continued to function.

At our last doctor visit, some pain felt during the normal pushing and prodding sent us to the hospital for another ultrasound. What we saw on the screen was amazing! That little cutie was all over the place! The ultrasound tech was laughing so hard, he said he had never seen one this early be so active! That little thing was all stretched out, waving and kicking its little legs. We also got a little surprise, little stinker measured about a week bigger than what we originally thought, so my due date was moved to July 23, 2011. Anyway, this is little doodlebug!

Is this little cutie: Carallyne Elizabeth or Allen Dale Cook III?

Well, we won't know that for a few more weeks. My hubby's "boys" have a tendency to be on the masculine side as you know. I have to say, I'm putting all my candy in a "Blue" basket!

WOW!! What a Christmas!

2010-12-27T13:48:00.004-06:00

We had an absolutely WONDERFUL Christmas! We had to change things up a little bit this year do to the fact that I have been sooo "baby sick". I just didn't have the energy to prepare the house for guests this year, so when Dale's mother graciously offered for us to come to the lake and do Santa, I swallowed my pride and took her up on the offer.

Everything turned out great! The boys had an awesome Christmas and so did we! We have so much to be thankful for this year! To top off an already wonderful day, it began to snow! It has never snowed on Christmas during our lives and now our kids will have a Christmas to remember for the rest of theirs!

Hope everyone had as wonderful a Christmas as we did!

It is a Christmas tradition in our house for Dale to read "Twas the Night Before Christmas"

Sunrise on the lake Christmas morning

MiMi and Pops tree with some of the loot! We couldn't fit it all so the rest was in the kitchen

Britt

Jackson

Clete on his 4-wheeler!!

Clete riding the 4-wheeler in the snow

Clete's Last Pre-school Christmas Program

2010-12-17T10:57:00.003-06:00

I can't believe that this is Clete's last year of pre-school! Time has flown by! I am really going to miss all the teachers and staff of Bright Beginnings FBCO. They have always been so good with the kids. Next year it's on to "Big Boy" school, not sure if Momma is ready to throw her baby boy into that mix yet!

Introducing...............

2010-12-01T11:55:00.002-06:00

Yes, that is what you think it is! We are very surprised and very excited to announce that Baby Cook is on the way in July!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T10:54:00.003-06:00

Britt's Birth Week!

2010-11-13T19:55:00.004-06:00

On Friday, November 19, 2010, my blued eyed angel will turn 18 years old! I cannot believe that it has been 18 years since he came into my life. Yeah, I know, "Birth Week", well he deserves a whole week! There is no good reason that Britt is still walking around here on Earth with us today, other than that God wasn't finished with him yet. Britt has gone through so much and we are so proud to have him.

I loved him from the minute I knew he existed and from the first time I saw his tiny face, knew I never wanted to let him go! Britt, along with his brothers, are my entire world! It is so hard to entertain the fact that soon he will be leaving me to start a life of his own. People often talk of "giving the bride way", well let me tell you it will be just as hard when the time comes, to give my son away. I can only hope and pray that the girl he chooses someday will take care of him as I have!

I have very high expectations, this sometimes makes me very hard to live with! However, my expectations are only as high as I know their capabilities to be! I also love fiercely and hope that I have instilled the same in Britt. As everyone knows, you mess with my boys and your taking the bull by the horns! I hope that he will carry the same loyalty with him throughout his life.

It is indeed hard to comprehend: my funny little blue eyed angel is about to be a handsome blue eyed man. Love you Britt.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T11:40:00.002-05:00

Happy Halloween!!!

Tailgate 2010

2010-09-27T10:31:00.002-05:00

Saturday, Dale and I went to Auburn for a little tailgate fun!

Me and Dale

Me and Suzanne

Suzanne and Marc

Another Great Weekend!

2010-08-01T22:27:00.004-05:00

Clete has crossed a milestone: swimming without his life jacket!! We had another great weekend at the pool and took the opportunity to shed the life jacket and start teaching him to swim without it. He did great!

Clete jumping off the diving board!

Ummm got your goggles on upside down bud!

Me and April

Clete playing on the steps

Swimming with Daddy

Swimming without his life jacket on!

Swimming underwater

Yep, our little buddy will soon be swimming just like the big boys! Thank you Suzanne for inviting us to the pool again!

Fun in the Sun with ALL my guys!

2010-07-26T22:32:00.004-05:00

Well, we finally had the opportunity to have a NORMAL family weekend. It was wonderful not having to schedule all of our activities around baseball games, baseball practices or coaches meetings. My awesome boss Suzanne, invited us to spend the afternoon at her pool! The boys, as well as Dale and myself, loved it! Thank you Suzanne!

Bubba relaxing in the pool. I can't believe that in a few days he will begin his SENIOR YEAR!

Clete playing in the pool. He had a great time and by the end of the afternoon was jumping off the diving board!

Daddy and Jackson hanging out under the diving board. Jackson tried really hard to get Dale to jump off the diving board. Finally he DID! Too bad I didn't have the camera ready!

Jackson doing flips off the diving board. He is definitely the most limber of the 3!

Our boys! Trying to figure out what trick to do next!

Britt coming down the slide. Clete wouldn't go down it unless Bubba went too!

Clete making a SPLASH coming down the slide!

Clete and his Bubba about to go down again!

I am so glad to have days like this with my family! It is days like these that make the best memories! I LOVE you guys! YOU are what make MY life worth it!

Pokin' Right Along!!!

2010-07-22T09:20:00.003-05:00

Well, baseball season for the Opelika Dixie Boys 13 year old all stars is over. These boys represented Opelika in the state tournament and did an excellent job. Dale you are a wonderful coach, both on the field and off! This group of young men have no reason to hang their heads! Hold your heads high and be PROUD of your accomplishment.

On the home front:

Dale is back home with us for the rest of the summer!!! YAY!!!! He loves baseball so much, but we are so glad to have him back with us now!

MiMi is on "sabbatical" for the next couple of weeks, she is visiting my brother Peter and his wife Joan in Cullman. Momma hasn't been feeling very well since she had the fall that almost broke her nose. She suffers from high blood pressure and has had a hard time getting it back under control since the accident.

Since MiMi is away, Clete has been staying with his cousins, Tiffany and Taylor during the day while I work. They have done an excellent job with him and he has had a blast with them. They take him swimming at the Sportsplex and go to the parks to play! He has also had a great time hanging out with Uncle Jeff when he gets home. Clete loves it when Uncle Jeff gives him bag of chips off the potato chip truck!

Recently, I was asked to fill in for a friend at PC Dr. in Opelika while her daughter had the District swim meet. After a week this "fill-in" turned into a permanent position!!! I am absolutely loving my new job and the chick I work for! Not only am I learning all about how to "fix" computers but, we have a pretty good time in between! Oh, by the way, the friend that I was filling in for is Leah and McCall placed in several of the events she competed in at the swim meet, she is on her way to State!!! Way to go Princess Sassy Pants!!! We love you and are so proud!

So here we are pokin' right along in this unbearable heat!!! Life is great! Hope everybody is having as great a summer as the Cook family! Love to all!

All Star Update!!

2010-07-12T10:17:00.001-05:00

Congratulations Opelika Dixie Boys 13 yr All Stars District 5 Champs!!!

Dale and the boys are headed to Scottsboro to play for the State Championship! Congratulations Dale, you have done a great job coaching these boys! We love you and can't wait to see you guys win the State Title!!

Happy 4th of July!!!

2010-07-04T00:30:00.002-05:00

It's been soooooo long since my last post!! We have been so busy over the last couple of months! Dale, of course, was once again asked to coach the 13 year old Opelika Dixie Boys Allstar team. So far they are undefeated!!! Mark Mitchell, our league director, named Dale "Coach of the Year"! Even though it cuts into our family time, I am so proud that my husband loves to be out there helping these young men. He gives so much of his time to them and always makes sure that each child realizes some hidden talent! Good luck with the rest of the tournament, let's go all the way to the show!!

Other than baseball, we pretty much have been working, working, working! Not everyone has the ability to say that they go to work everyday with their best friend. I do have that blessing, for right now anyway!! I love being out there with Dale, being productive. Clete has been able to spend ALOT of time with MiMi since both of us are working. Clete loves my mother so much and it means so much to me that he is able to spend this quality time with her just as the other kids did with my grandparents. I completely believe that he would move in with her if we let him! Britt has been working at the ball fields in the concession stand and press box. He really enjoys being able to be at the park doing something since he is now too OLD to play in the league! He loves baseball sooooo much. He also has been getting all kinds of info together for school. I am so proud that he is officially a senior, he has been given an awesome gift and I hope that he runs with it! Jackson has been at the beach most of the summer. He went for a week with his mom only to return for 1 day then go back for another week with Dale's parents.

So here we are 4th of July!! Tomorrow will be an awesome day of fun in the sun and great food! I forgot my camera of course, so I will try to get some picks downloaded from someone. Hope everyone has a great holiday! Love to all!!!!

Congratulations Taylor!

2010-05-21T23:02:00.004-05:00

My "Taterbug" graduated tonight! We are so proud of you Taylor, and love you very much! We hope that you achieve everything in life that you set your mind to. Always remember that no matter where you are or what you are doing, we are always here for you. Live life with a fresh perspective everyday, you never know what each day will bring. Most of all have fun and don't let anyone bring you down! Love you Taterbug!!!!

Taylor and Chloe

Wanda and her girls

Jeff and Wanda with their family

Momma "MiMi" and Grandmomma Helen(Wanda's mother)

Taylor, Momma and Daddy

Taylor with the aunts and uncles: Doug and Natalie(Wanda's brother and sister in law)Damaris and Brian(my sister and brother in law), Peter ans Joan(my brother and sister in law), me and Dale

Dale, Taylor and myself

The cousins: Tori and her hubby Paul, Taylor, Britt, Tiffany and Clete

Taylor's graduation cake and cupcakes

Taylor is Graduating!!!!

2010-05-19T22:40:00.006-05:00

On Friday, May 21, 2010, my niece Taylor is graduating high school. Taylor is my brother, Jeff and his wife Wanda's, baby girl. Taylor is only 11 months older than Britt. Time has passed by so fast! Next year at this time we will be getting ready for my baby's graduation. Here are a few pic's of our babies through the years. Hope you enjoy the pictures as much as we have enjoyed living the life with these beautiful kids! Congratulations Taylor! We are so proud of you!

Taylor, my beautiful niece, wow I can't believe that you are already graduating!!!

Me, Taylor and "Beanie Cat" napping at Grandmomma and Granddaddy's

Britt trying wake Taylor from her nap at Grandmomma and Granddaddy's

Taylor, Britt and Tiffany "Rockin Out" at Grandmomma and Granddaddy's

Britt and Taylor reading at Grandmomma and Granddaddy's

Taylor, Britt and Brady playing the piano at Grandmomma and Granddaddy's

Taylor and Britt at Britt's 1st Birthday party

Taylor and Britt sleeping at Grandmomma and Granddaddy's house

Taylor, her Daddy, Britt and Tiffany Halloween 1999

Taylor, Britt and Tiffany with Cap't Hook

Taylor and her Momma at Disney World

Taylor, Britt and Tiffany at Disney World

Taylor on the carousel at Disney World

Taylor and Britt at Britt's birthday

Taylor and me

Taylor and Britt, Flower girl and Ring barer at our wedding

Taylor and Britt

Taylor, Tiffany and Tori

The Weekend

2010-05-18T21:17:00.002-05:00

Our weekend festivities kind of started Thursday. Clete's class had their end of the year program, as always the kids were precious. Clete, of course, as he always manages to do stole the show! He did so good singing with the class. At the end of the program as the kids were supposed to be exiting, here comes Clete, running down the middle of the aisle with his hands held out hollering "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!" I was kneeling in middle of the aisle videoing and taking stills. The chapel erupted into "Oh how sweet, awwww and isn't that the cutest thing!"

Friday night was a good family night. Dale picked up wings from our favorite place, Dixie Wings. The kids along with Dale rode the 4 wheelers around the neighborhood. April hung out with us for a while and Matthew stopped by for a few. We had a good time just hanging out with the family.

Saturday was a little hectic. Dale had 2 baseball games, 1 at 12:30 and 1 at 3:30. Britt also had to work the press box during these games. It was HOT!!!! We had to leave the games early though because Jackson had to get home and shower for an engagement he had in Phenix City. In between all this, Shiloh somehow escaped AGAIN! Thank goodness I caught him before he got too far!

Sunday was pretty relaxing! I really needed it! We all just hung out all day. April came by to hang with us again, we love her she keeps things interesting around here!

All in all it was a good weekend, however, it is now Tuesday and I am still tired! So no pics with this one, I posted pics from Clete's program already. Now to get ready for my beautiful niece, Taylor's, graduation!

End of the Year Program

2010-05-16T21:17:00.003-05:00

On Thursday Clete had his end of the year program at Bright Beginnings. These kids were so cute! Throughout the year the children are taught Bible verses set to different songs, so they sing all their little songs at the end of the year program. Clete had excellent teachers this year, they really love all these kids and do a great job teaching them. This year they took pictures throughout the year and put them in albums that the children presented to the parents at the party after the program. They also had the kids color or paint pictures for every letter of the alphabet and laminated them in a spiral bound notebook. We will miss Mrs. Cindy and Mrs. Wendy terribly! Clete's class was Mrs. Cindy's last class, her daughter is having her 1st grandchild and she will become a full time babysitter for her new granddaughter. Mrs. Cindy's daughter is naming her little girl Leah, which is a special name for me since that also happens to be my best friend/soul sister's name! Clete had an awesome time this year and can't wait for next year. I, however, wish I could freeze time. He is growing so fast, I cried like a baby through the entire program! It was also great to see Ty Garner there with his family, his middle son Landon is Clete's age. More proof that God is so good!

Clete presenting me with his photo album

Clete eating his HUGE sugar cookie

The kiddos singing their hearts out!

Clete with Mrs. Cindy and Mrs. Wendy

Saying "Goodbye"

2010-05-15T02:46:00.004-05:00

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind for us! Unfortunately with all the good, comes the bad. Abby our tabby cat that we have had since 2002, has disappeared. Dale and I had both noticed that she was sleeping alot recently and also trying to get out of the house anytime someone opened the door. When cats are getting ready to pass away, it is their nature to go off alone. That is what we think has happened. We love Abby so much and she was such a big part of our family. We never had to worry about her scratching one of the kids, she just let them pull her around wherever and never so much as uttered a sound. She was the sweetest cat and we miss her terribly. Abby was a stray that appeared at our trailer right before we moved into our house. We aren't really sure how old she was, but the vet estimated that she was about 1 year old then. Her absence has affected everyone in the house including Sox our other cat. He is really acting out right now, but I guess I would do the same thing if I were him. Anyway, Abby we love you and will always remember you!!!!!!!

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-15T01:52:00.004-05:00

I had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend this year! Everything got going Saturday morning. It is very important to me to start traditions with my children. One thing that is very important to me is teaching the kids to have good values. I want my kids to be humble and not materialistic. That being said, early Saturday morning Dale and I took Clete to pick flowers to give to all the grandmothers. It was so fun! Next Clete and I sat down in the living room with all the arts and crafts supplies and made Mother's Day cards for MiMi Nicky, MiMi Suzzanne, Nana Kay and Granny. Saturday afternoon we all loaded up to begin the festivities. First we went to my mothers house. My mother has been so supportive over the last few months, I don't know how I would have survived without her. Next stop was the lake. My wonderful husband and expert griller prepared the most scrumptious steaks for all us Moms! We had a great time with MiMi Suzzanne and Granny, along with Aunt Gladys and Aunt Cyndi. I also want to say Thank You to MiMi Suzzanne for the new shoes!!! I can't wait to put together new outfits to wear with all of them! Sunday was the best! My sweet husband told me to "go back to bed" when I tried to get up and carry on my daily chores. He is the best! Later in the day we took Clete to the park for some outdoor fun. The night ended with an excellent spaghetti dinner. I ate so much over the weekend that I thought I was going to pop! My husband and kids showed me how much they do love and appreciate me, it was great!

Without these beauties, I wouldn't be a MOM!!!!

Slumber Partay!!!!

2010-04-28T14:25:00.004-05:00

After Britt's welcome home dinner, I took my little lady McCall and April home with me for a Slumber Party! I have a very special relationship with all of Leah's children.

Nick: Way back in the day, it was me and Britt and Leah and Nick. We did everything together.

McCall: FINALLY we had our little girl. Need I say more? She is spoiled rotten!

Champ: I have a very special bond with Champ, I actually watched him come into the world. At one point I thought I was going to have to catch him because Dr. Litsey was not moving fast enough!

April and I had sooooo much fun with McCall! We pulled the sofa bed out and slept together on it. We watched movies, ate snacks and had a full "Manny and Peddy" session. Dale and Jackson did make us watch sports center for a little while, but they gave the TV back to us pretty quickly. Dale liked having a little girl in the house for a change, he looked so cute kissing her goodnight!

McCall and Abby after a long night of fun

McCall with her Crimson and White finger nails.(She obviously is going to be a Bama fan like her mother)

Leah, McCall and me

Leah, McCall and Clete at dinner

McCall and Abby

Britt's Welcome Home Party

2010-04-28T13:30:00.003-05:00

We invited several family members and friends to celebrate Britt's homecoming. To my astonishment, everyone we invited came! We ended up with 20 friends and family there to support him! It isn't very often that you have a party and everyone on the guest list shows up.We are DEFINITELY a very blessed family! Since we had such a large party the wait at Red Lobster(Britt's favorite restaurant in town) was going to be 2 hours! Britt very quickly decided that 2 hours was way too long to wait and he would be just as happy at the Chinese restaurant across the street, so we all headed that way.

Those in attendance:
Dale, myself, Britt, Jackson and Clete
MiMi(my mother)
MiMi and Pop(Dales parents)
Granny
Nana and Popa(Britt's paternal grandparents)
Kimberly(Britt's aunt)
Uncle Jeff and Aunt Wanda
Uncle Pete and Aunt Joan
April
Bubba, Leah and McCall Hardegree

The "Blondourage" April, me and Leah

The whole gang, minus April who was taking the picture

The Brothers: Britt, Clete and Jackson

Kimbo and Britt

Britt and Jackson

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!

2010-04-11T00:01:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday to the best husband and father in the world. We love you soooooo much and are soooooo lucky to have you! Hope that you have an awesome day and many more!!!! I Love You!!!!

Britt is home!!!!!!!!!

2010-04-06T20:30:00.003-05:00

Dale, Ms. Williams, Britt and Momma

We are beyond excited that our son Britt is home! Britt has really come a long way since Christmas. We are so encouraged by all the things that he learned and the progress he has shown, we are certain that this is Britt's chance to completely change his life.

I want to say "Thank You" to a few people that have helped us throughout this ordeal:

Dale you have been my rock. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't taken care of me the way that you did. You were always right there supporting me and making sure that nothing caused me any harm. I love you sooooooo much!!!

Momma you have been there helping us in whichever way we needed. You kept Clete for me when I could barely breathe. You were right there picking up the pieces when Dale had to go to work. The way that you supported Britt through all this was amazing. He waited every week on your letters.

Matthew you have been an awesome friend to us. You and Melanie are the greatest! Matthew you have been there for Dale in ways that no one else could. We are so proud to call you our brother.

Leah and Bubba you guys are great! I wish that I had been honest with you from the beginning instead of waiting so long to tell you what we were going through. Leah you know that I love you so much and I am so glad that everything is going so well for you, Bubba and the kids.

April you are an amazing friend and you have helped me out sooo much with Clete! He loves you so much and I know you love him. Thank you for all those lazy nights of watching Ghosthunters and drinkin' coffee. I love you Babe!!!

These people are the ones that kept us going and we love them with all our hearts! One thing that we have learned through all this is that blood doesn't make you family, truly loving someone and being genuinely concerned for others is what makes you family. We consider everyone in this list our family and we love them very much!

Clete was soooo happy to see Britt, he has missed him soooo much! When he saw the car pull up in the driveway he came running across the yard with his arms held out screaming Bubba! Bubba! Bubba! He then jumped into Britt's arms and said "Bubba I missed you so much!" After a few minutes he came to me and said "Mommy, thank you so much for picking Bubba up!"

Dale and I can't wait to get Britt going in his new life! We missed him so much and are sooooo glad that he is home. Britt is going to need all the prayers and support he can get, the real work for him starts now! Thanks to all who sent your love and support!

Love,

Dale and Robin

Happy Birthday Jackson!!!!

2010-04-05T00:01:00.002-05:00

Today Jackson turns 12 years old. I can't believe that the blond, curly headed little chunky monkey is 12! Jackson is a joy to have as a son. We wish him the best day and many, many more!

9 Years!!!!!

2010-03-31T14:01:00.002-05:00

Happy Anniversary Dale!

Happy Anniversary to the best husband that a gal could ever wish for! I love you soooooo much! I am so proud of all that you have accomplished for our family over the years. We have raised an awesome little family together that I thank God for everyday. You are the best Daddy! You are my best friend. Here's to many more!!!!!! Love you Babe!

Introducing......

2010-03-19T00:58:00.003-05:00

Cooks Confections

One thing that I love to do is COOK!!!! Fortunately cooking is a talent that God blessed me with! I know that as mothers we often wear many hats:Wife, Mother, Maid, Cook, Scout Troop leader, PTO leader, etc. One thing that we all enjoy as mothers is seeing that one of a kind smile from those that we love when you sit a freshly baked batch of cookies on the table! Sometimes, however there just isn't time to bake those goodies that make everyone so happy or that crop of cupcakes that are needed for the class party. This is where I want to help. Since I love cooking, I figured why not make the most of it! So here we are "Cooks Confections", featuring homemade, old fashion cakes, pies, cookies and treats. So pass the word we are open for business! I have also created a blog specifically to showcase the items that I will be preparing. Each week I will feature a "Treat of the Week". Come visit us at www.cooksconfections.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday MiMi!

2010-03-18T16:25:00.003-05:00

We want to wish our MiMi a very, very, Happy Birthday!!
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday we love you!!
Happy Birthday to you!!!!

Feeling so blessed right now!!

2010-03-12T19:40:00.003-06:00

As my time without my precious son Britt is coming to a close(slowly, but surely) I am feeling so blessed!! Britt will coming home on March 30, 2010!!! I am beyond blessed in the fact that I still have my son!! The depth of his addiction was at a deadly level. We could have, at any time, gotten that telephone call or that knock at the door that every parent is terrified of. Britt has progressed so much! I did not realize how blessed we are with the strong bond between our boys! They love each other so much, their bond is unbelievable. I really saw this in one of the letters we received from Britt, here is a little excerpt:

"I'll have to take "Meat" (Clete) fishing this summer! I think he would like that! I hope that he is going to be glad to see me, I miss him so much! I put his pictures up on my magnet board and took everything else down. So I'm thinking bout you MEAT!!! We will race scooters when I get home, maybe you can beat me!!

This brought tears to my eyes and overwhelmed my heart with joy! Dale and I have succeeded! We have managed to raise a brood of boys that I know will fight for each other til the end!

I am also so very blessed with the best husband in the world! Dale, you have been right there for me in every way! There were days that I literally thought that I was going to die, it hurt to breathe. I felt as if I had to make myself breathe. I now know that I have to "cowgirl up"(as Matthew says) and be strong for Britt! Dale, I love you so much and don't know what I would have done without you. You are my rock, my best friend and that is something that not everyone is blessed with. Through all the craziness of the last several months, you have been right there loving me, taking up for me and kicking me in the hiney when I needed it. You have protected me from anyone and anything that you thought might bring me any discontent. I love you more than you will ever know and our kids are the luckiest in the world!

Are we rich financially? NO! Do we have a lot of brand name clothes and material things? NO! What we do have is an awesome, loving little family that we are so proud of! That's all that we need and we thank God for it everyday!

Clete's 4th Birthday Party

2010-03-05T12:41:00.003-06:00

Yep! I know this is a little late, but better late than never! Clete had an awesome birthday party the weekend before his birthday. There were a whole pile of kids and they had a great time. There was just enough snow left for them to play! Here are a few pics:

Happy Birthday Clete!!!

2010-02-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

Happy 4th Birthday to our beautiful little miracle!

We love you so much! You are so special to so many people! We hope you have a wonderful 4th birthday!

Love,
Momma, Daddy, Britt and Jackson

Snow Day 2010

2010-02-12T21:15:00.003-06:00

April and Clete

Matthew

Me, after Matthew hit me in the side of the head with a snowball!

Our street

Our house covered in snow!

A Couple of Very Handsome Guys

2010-02-12T21:07:00.003-06:00

Dropping a line

2010-02-02T13:07:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to drop everyone a line to let you know that we are still alive and kicking. The last couple of months have been torture for our family but, we are pushing forward slowly. For those of you who know what is going on we appreciate all the prayers and support, please continue to send them our way! For those of you who don't know, just know that our family really needs all the support and prayers that we can get right now! I will be back in a couple of weeks with Clete's 4th birthday post, I can't believe he is almost 4 years old. My how times flies!!!! Love to all!

Love,
Dale and Robin

Christmas 2009

2009-12-28T18:52:00.004-06:00

We had a wonderful Christmas this year! MiMi and Pop came to our house Christmas Eve afternoon. MiMi, Dale and I got into the kitchen and prepared a feist, we had so much fun cooking with you MiMi! The boys loved it too! Dale and I are big on setting traditions for our kids, we had such a good time with this one, we have all decided that this will be our Christmas tradition from now on! So MiMi and Pop, we will see you next Christmas Eve! Same time, same place!

Santas load that he dropped off!

Our tree filled with wonderful gifts for all!

Yeah, I know it has taken me long enough to get this post up, as someone pointed out to me this morning! Sorry guys, but I have been in the bed sick since before Christmas. I didn't get to attend any of the Christmas gatherings or the Christmas dinner that was held at my home that I helped prepare! I really missed seeing all the family from both sides. I especially missed watching all the kiddos open there gifts at Dales family gathering and at my family gathering! I hope that Santa was good to all of them! Here are a few pics!

Jackson helping Clete ride his new Dirt Bike

Jackson with his new football(we go through footballs and baseballs like you would not believe at the Cook house)

Britt with his VISA card

Dale reading Clete "The Night Before Christmas", a tradition at our house

MiMi helping Clete open gifts at family Christmas

I have been blessed with a wonderful husband and kids! They have all pulled together and taken care of me during my illness. I love them all so much and am so very proud of them!

A Very Special Thank You!

2009-12-26T20:28:00.003-06:00

We would like to send out a special Thank You to a very special lady! Dale and I had a wonderful time preparing all of our Christmas fiesta with you! MiMi and Pop arrived at our house about 2 PM Christmas Eve, we began cooking shortly thereafter and continued cooking until about 12 noon Christmas Day! Out of all that cooking came an awesome Christmas Eve supper of fried chicken and an even more awesome Christmas Day dinner of ham, turkey, dressing and ALL the fixings! Mom we had so much fun with you cooking in the kitchen, it really reminded me of how it was when my Grandmomma prepared Christmas dinners. Dale and I have decided that this is going to be our new Christmas tradition, so we will see you both on Christmas Eve next year to do it all over again! We love you both so much and are so lucky to have you in our lives!

Christmas Activities! Well, the ones we have completed so far anyway!

2009-12-17T21:34:00.004-06:00

Last weekend we braved the freezing rain to take Clete to see Jolly Old Saint Nick! He did a great job and very enthusiastically told Santa that he wanted a "Handy Manny Work Bench". Britt and Jackson looked overjoyed to have their picture taken with Santa! Oh well, what Mama wants, Mama gets!

On Tuesday, we went over to Phenix City to watch Jackson perform in his Christmas concert. He is playing the saxophone in the band at PCIS. He is 1st chair!! Way to go Jackson! Of course, we had a camera malfunction so no pics.

Today, we went to Clete's Christmas program at preschool(First Baptist Church Opelika) and his Christmas party afterward. Clete did awesome in the program! His character for their little "play" was Baby Jesus! He did exactly what he was supposed to and sang his little heart out! The party afterward was full of Clete's favorite snack: SUGAR!! The kids did a great job, as well as the teachers, we are so fortunate that he is able to be part of such a wonderful program!

Clete's class singing there little hearts out! They were so cute!

Clete enjoying his cupcake at the Christmas party

Clete chompin on his chocolate chip cookie

Christopher, he is the son of good friends of ours Chris and Angel
He is 1 week younger than Clete and such a cutie pie!

Tomorrow we have a birthday party for Jesus at preschool, then Clete's daycare Christmas party! Wow! All this so far and we haven't yet made it to Christmas!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!!!!!

2009-12-04T22:07:00.002-06:00

The Big Tree

Stockings hung by the chimney with care!

The kids tree. Every year I put up a special tree for all the kids ornaments they have made over the years.

Dale's outdoor masterpiece!

2009 Christmas Parade

2009-12-02T19:27:00.004-06:00

I am so glad that the Christmas parade didn't get rained out! For the last several years our boys have ridden on the city council float with Uncle Eddie. It has become a little tradition for them. Dale usually rides with them, but due to his injuries he couldn't this year so Britt filled in for him. Britt and Clete looked so cute up there together. I thought that we were NEVER going to get there though. There was a little miscommunication about where to meet, but we made it! After all the drama of trying to get to the float was over we settled on a nice spot just up the street that was free of strange noggins, but wouldn't you know it after all that trouble our kids ended up on the other side of the float so I was only able to get 1 picture of them! They had fun though and that's all that matters!

Clete and Britt riding on the float

Cool old fire truck

My bestie Leah and my beautiful Goddaughter McCall

OHS Band

Me and Clete before the parade

Thankful for sooo much more!!!

2009-11-30T19:10:00.003-06:00

Recovering Daddy and Clete

Thanksgiving was just last Thursday, I posted about how very thankful I am for my family. On Sunday I was reminded exactly how thankful I really am. Sunday morning Dale, Britt, Jackson, our friend Matthew and his son Doss went hunting. The 2 younger boys had gotten kind of "ancy" about leaving, so Dale decided to take them to see a really old granite wall that was built as a dam on the creek. Matthew was still pretty far out in the woods hunting. As they were walking across the top of the wall to get to the other side of the creek, Dale stepped in a hole and fell about 8 feet to the rocks below landing on his head. The boys(Britt, Jackson and Doss) rushed to his side to see if he was ok, he was not. Dale knew however, that the boys could not carry him from the woods, so he somehow got to his feet and walked until he was close enough to an area that Britt could get the truck into. The boys then got Matthew on the radio and told him to hurry!

After Matthew got them on the road he called me. Trying not to freak me out to bad, Matthew said that Dale had hurt himself and that he was taking him to EAMC. I immediately thought that maybe Dale had twisted an ankle or something, but I wasn't quite prepared for what I was told when I asked what happened. My 1st response was "Is he conscious?" When I found that he was that made me feel alot better. I then began preparing to race to EAMC! I called my big brother Jeff, he immediately without a thought rushed over to get Clete. He and his family love all my boys, although I am sure they were all pooped by the time Clete left! Melanie, Matthews wife immediately jumped into action taking care of the older boys. We are so blessed to have friends like them. I knew that all my children were taken care of so that I could focus on Dale.

When I got to the hospital Dale was still in excruciating pain. It was one of the hardest things that I have ever had to watch. As the doctors came for him to run the many, many x-rays and CTs, I prayed that he would be okay. Thankfully all the tests were negative for any fractures! Dale left the hospital with staples in the front of his scalp and a pretty bad cervical sprain! We are so thankful for this.

That night after all the kids were down for the count and Dale was passed out in the recliner from all the meds, it finally hit me. I had come dangerously close to losing my best friend and the kids their father! The outcome of all this could have been very different! How would I have explained all this to a 3 year old and what could I have said to comfort the 2 that witnessed it? I am so very, very thankful that I don't have to. The Lord has once again blessed us with the best gift, the gift of life. All I can say to any of you out there is this: There are no guarantees in this life, please whatever you do, don't take any person in your life for granted, not even for an instant! Love hard and faithfully and don't worry about what others are thinking or doing! I am just HAPPY for those that I have and am going to take care of them no matter what the cost!

Dale, I love you more than life itself and am so proud that I have you in my life and our kids lives!

Little Stinker!

2009-11-30T18:55:00.003-06:00

This post was not planned, but once I saw these pics I couldn't resist. I few mornings I have come into the living room to find Clete with my camera. I never looked at the viewfinder because I didn't know that he KNEW HOW TO TAKE PICTURES!!!! Here's some of his handy work!