Thanksgiving Before Thanksgiving

This year was the "off" year for the Hatch/Cooper Thanksgiving Day gathering, so Stephanie was kind enough to rent a place where we could get together and have a Thanksgiving feast.  The day before Thanksgiving, we all met in North Logan to eat a yummy lunch and enjoy each others company.  Everyone contributed on the lunch and it was so good. 

We started off the day by going around the room and saying one thing that we were thankful for.  I am so thankful for my family....each and everyone of them.  They all have such neat qualities that help create a loving and caring family dynamic.  I am also grateful for my health and strength.  I am thankful for so many wonderful friends.  Life would not be as enjoyable if I wasn't surrounded by such wonderful people.  I am thankful for Jesus...his birth, His life, His example, His atonement and His resurrection.

Jamie and Konrad made a really neat shadow box for Grandpa Cooper.  It contained inside a picture of him from when he was in the Navy.  It also had a picture of his ship, the S.S. Washington.  Konrad also did some research and found out which medals grandpa had earned while serving in the Navy.  Konrad and Jamie were able to purchase replicas of the medals and they were also in the shadow box. Jamie presented it to grandpa and told him how proud all of us were of his service for our country. There was not a dry eye in the room.

It was nice to be able to just sit around and talk and visit with my grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncle. I always enjoy spending time with family.  Steph put a alot of work into decorating the place, providing most of the food and pies, and doing little extra things for the kids.  She always goes above and beyond.

Here are some of the major happenings in the Cooper family this year; Cort had some complications and after lots of blood work and many tests, they found out that he has some problems with his liver.  We are all  hoping that the medicine will help solve the problems.  Jamie and Konrad struggled for quite a while and finally separated in November. Chelsey and Scott got married 2 days after Thanksgiving.  We are so thankful for family that can help us make through these ups and downs!