No Day But Today: January 2007

Happy Birthday Coop and Congrats Britt!

Today is Ryan's Birthday (my older-younger, much taller brother!) He's a senior at Va Tech, and he's just a great kid! Today is his 22nd birthday. That means that I am getting old! This is a pic of us in Maine this summer.

Also, December got away from me, and I didn't have time to extend a HUGE congrats to Britt Sanborn, RN. She graduated from Mizzou's nursing school Dec 15th, and just this past week she moved to Chicago where she is going to pursue both pediatric nursing and acting. She is one of this world's finest women, and I am so blessed to call her my friend! I am pumped to see what she has to offer this 'real-world' post-Mizzou!

Me, Britt (one beautiful graduate!), Becca

Mizzou grads from an assortment of decades all joining in on the greatest song on earth: The Alma Mater. Can't you just hear it? Old Missouri, Fair Missouri, Dear old varsity. Ours are hearts that fondly love thee, here's a Health to thee!!
(I think you catch my drift!)

The night wore on, but we remained in good, happy, and healthy shape! (much better than my graduation party 2 years before). We even went back to the Penguin to redeem it! Pokey sticks allowed us to finish off the evening with a bang. Calories don't count when you are celebrating graduations, right?

Let the Exploration Begin!

Hello from SEATTLE!! I can't believe there is already one week down! The first week always leaves me with the overwhelming, 'Oh my what have I done' mixed with the excitement of so much to learn! There is a phenomenally wonderful church here in the city called Mars Hill. I've been listening to Pastor Mark Driscoll's sermons for a few years now, and as God would have it, I am able to start 2007 off listening to his teachings! He's practically a stand up comedian, and already I feel like this is a church community that I need to be in. So great. I took these pictures yesterday as I totally dorked out and walked down to Pike Place Market with my camera and Starbucks in hand. It's a great farmers market only about 7 blocks away!

Coffee and Food... these are a few of my favorite things.

Pike Place Fish Co..... you know the 'Fish Philosophy'?

I do believe that I will be able to utilize my Seafood Cookbook

Pike Place!

Phrozen in Phoenix

This weekend found a group of 'St. Louisans' escaping from dreadful weather to a prospect of warm and sunny in Phoenix, AZ. We've been planning the 'Rock N Roll' marathon since May, and it's hard to believe it has already come and gone ! The day of the run was the coldest Phoenix had seen in 3 years, but it was still better than freezing rain in St. Louis and 19 degrees in Seattle!

L to R; Rob Neff (Laura's brother) and his friend. Hannah Stevens, Cooper, Adam Stevens, Laura Neff

Laura strategically placing her running 'goo'; electrolyte gels...mmmmmm
She ran the WHOLE marathon in 4:27!!

Laura and Me wrapped up after our races.

Cozy back in the car... this is my 'you offically completed the 1/2 marathon' medal. It gets me psyched up for the full AIDS marathon in Florence.... anybody in??

Sleeping in Seattle

As opposed to sleepless... get it? So I have arrived safely to the Pacific Northwest. Yes, it's raining (snowing even). Yes, it's overcast... but it's still beautiful! I have been so blessed with wonderful people to spend time with since I left STL last week. God is taking such good care of me, and 2007 has started off wonderfully! I move in to my apartment tomorrow, and it looks awesome. Check it out! www.tower801.com Floor 20. Hope this finds you well; just wanted to send a little update. God Bless always!

Mele Kalikimaka and Happy New Year

Hi friends! The Coopers have safely returned from paradise. Maui certainly is all it's cracked up to be. The turtles are huge, the whales are abundant, the waterfalls are gorgeous, and the pineapple is delicious. As I tend to be an overuser of expressive adjectives, I had to dig deep in my vocabulary to find some to truly describe this place! Please enjoy just a few pictures, there will certainly be more to come! I hope you all had wonderful holiday seasons and that God blesses your 07 from the get go.......