finger painting

I'm sure many have heard the story, but it started with one contract after another falling through and ending up without a home, and wanting to move forward with our family and life. So we entered through that door. Sunni took a few steps, a sniff of the place and walked out. I continued with the "potential/visionary" glasses on. I can only say that it must be a God given gift, because with the amount of "sight" needed to view this house as a home was significant. It really is funny to think back over the last year. At this time in 2008, I was stroking Sunni's hair and saying, "It's going to be ok. Really?! We will do a little work and it will look gorgeous...one day".


And after this last weekend... approximately one year from when we put an offer on this fixer-upper... ...we are still married ...we still love each other ...we still laugh at the process ...we know there is still more to do

...soon and very soon...we'll paint the door. (and patch the hole on the other side of the light:)

These are some of the illustrations on the pages of our story. Look forward to seeing yours.

Almost a year old

It has almost been a year since we began this adventure called home ownership. A fixer upper can be any house. It can be large, small or somewhere in between. On the whole, I think we have been ridiculously lucky in our venture. We have been blessed with friends and sales that have kept us afloat and smiling. We laugh more than we cry, and we even take pride in what we have done. We continue to make small improvements as the days go one. Most important, we have made this our home. We love our neighbors and the surrounding area. The joys of using this house to form and enrich relationships has been well worth the sweat and tears.

THEN: August 1, 2008
NOW: July 17, 2009


Our CURRENT Adventure: I have spent the last few days prepping the house for a full painting. I am sorry for those who have grown accustomed to locating our home by the faded mint green siding. From now on you will just have to look up and be guided by those ridiculously ugly eye-sores, also known as solar panels.

Never too young!

(You will need to turn the monitor 90 degrees, sorry).

The joys of being an uncle. Just think of all the videos we will be able to post up here over the years?!

Gender Neutral Baby Stuff

As we journey through the adoption process we are learning, enduring and growing. How do you plan and make goals when you have little knowledge of what you are getting yourself into??? You don't...you simply take one step at a time. With that in mind, the nursery begins to get a face lift.
Thank you to my (Ryan's) mom as she begins working on the bedding for the baby-to-be. During a recent visit, we did the quilt shops, debated and chose colors. A boy? A girl? We don't know. So...greens, yellows, browns...the world of neutrality.


This is the beginning of the quilt. (The swatches and background.) The finished product will have a bunch of little blocks surrounding the large patches...We'll show you a picture when it is all done.
Soon and very soon...

God's canvas...(Cannon Beach, OR)

Vacation!

We just spent the last week on vacation. One would assume that after a week away from the typical "grind" of life, I should be rested, rejuvinated and ready to resume the several hats that I wear. I guess I would agree with that...that is until I spent a week with my beloved nephew. This little 19 month old spitfire kept the activity in our vacation. Sand castles, ocean water, playing with a new tent (from his favorite Uncle:) ), feeding the geese, blowing bubbles and running everywhere. What a character?! Oh the Stories?!

Celebrating Cement!!!

One of the biggest transformations has occurred at our home. We have cement. And not just any masonry but a new Front Porch, Sidewalk and Patio...Seriously exciting! The biggest change happened at the rear of the home... when we moved in there was no rear door to the yard...and no patio...Our yard has truly become one of our favorite places to be. We look forward to many a BBQ, cook out, picnic! Join us?

Spring has sprung!

Much to our excitement...Spring has arrived. And it brought forth hostas and a mysterious plant. Any guesses? (currently 3 feet tall and growing)...

H1N1 run amuck

"Let me out, let me out!" she cried from inside the prison walls. She longed for the days when she was free; days when she could come and go with ease.
Stricken with a head cold turned respiratory infection then add in a fever and a country freaked out by the pigless "Swine Flu" you get a recipe for house arrest. The area schools were closed with potential cases of the pandemic flu. Lucky for the pictured prisoner the results of the flu test led to a thumbs up and "all clear."
"Free at last, Free at last, Thank God-Almighty. I'm free at last"

Don't Judge a Book by it's cover...or a house.

When we moved in...the house was in need of much work. (understatement) We began work August 1st of 2008...it is shocking that it has been 9 months of sweat, blood and tears...many tears...many. As some of the previous posts show, we have done a bunch of work. In fact we have only done a portion because we have been overwhelmed and blessed by our friends and family: Painting parties. Pastoral carpet removal. Late night drywall smashing. Mold abatement. Kitchen demolition. Kitchen renovation. Flooded basements. Landscaping. Donated Perennials and the list goes on and on...

After nine months and much reliance on our sense of humor, this house has become our home... To answer the questions...no, we're not done. But like all of us, it is a work in progress.

Happy Anniversary!!!!

Like most married couples we celebrated our 6th anniversary (April 12) as one would expect...
1) Ryan's parents were in town, and 2) Sunni had the stomach flu...

...another year and counting...Happy Anniversary to us!

The HIGHLY energetic World Of Melvin Cooper

(be patient while the video loads) We have told you time and time again...Melvin is a couch potato. Here is proof. He is a a sleep-junky! Now this is contrary of how he will act when you visit the house. IF you show up, he will put on this happy dance of excitment (and most likely urine) but don't let that fool you. He is a bum!

Biggest Loser Update...

For those who care...and for those who don't (since you are still reading):
The Family Biggest Loser competition has be re-energized. A couple has been faithfully going to a local gym. One member of the family registered a loss of 8-10 lbs... So the journey continues.

FYI: Some of us need encouragement, some don't...either way it is your job to be an encourager of healthy living and eating. (Thanks, on behalf of all of us :) )

Fingerprinting...

It seemed like a harmless thing, get a set of your fingerprints and send them into the FBI. So like any desperate-to-be-a-dad I head on down to the local police station and subject myself to a very STRETCHING moment.

For those who know me, you know that I hate to have sticky, messy or dirty fingers. I refuse to eat with my fingers if utensils are available. I strongly dislike the residue lingering on my fingers...(perhaps a little OCD?)... Some may agree and even have similar convictions. Just to reiterate and emphasize the point, I use a fork to eat french fries, rice crispy treats, and pizza. (for those thinking...those aren't healthy foods, you've missed the POINT of my rant. So come back to the point: I hate schmutz on my fingers).
Back to the story...

I am welcomed by a waiting area full of "interesting" characters. I go up to receptionist, pay my money and turn to take my seat in waiting. A couple of those waiting grinned at me, as if to say, "Dude, you totally got Hosed! I've never paid to have mine taken." The door opened, and I am welcome by Officer "I have a large semi-automatic gun strapped to my waist"...I'm already a BIG FAN of this guy. I follow the officer down a series of hallways to a small office, show him my ID, remove my jacket...and that's when it happened...My ten digits were defiled by Officer "leave black, oily residue on peoples' fingers."

Some will read this and say..."Boy he has issues." Others will say, "What a strange man?!"

I prefer to think..."Oh, the things we do for our (future) children!" (The journey to adoption continues!)

WHAT WERE WE THINKING?!

It started off so innocent. It started off "fun". It started like many things do, with good intentions...But one thing led to another. And now I type before you as a man of regret and fear! 

Forgive me Father, I know not what I did...

T'was the week before Christmas and all through the house

not a creature was stirring not even a...Melvin

(much bigger, louder and clumsier than a mouse, but hey, he's ours).

Sunni, talking with the folks and I surfing the net,

we schemed and dreamed about our Christmas bet.

The T-Shirts were made the bandannas bought,

now to sell the family on the vision we had caught.

A dare, a challenge, a competition if you will...

nothing simple that could be fixed with a pill.  

The 4 Johnsons and 2 Coopers struck a 6 month target,

Half a year of weight loss and healthy living we will not forget. 

Oh MY, What did we get ourselves into!!!  
We will be our own, Biggest Losers!

Who wouldn't want an Indoor Pool?!

In an effort to keep our renovations on the cutting edge and keep up with the "Jones's" we were welcomed back from our trip by our new indoor pool.

The water had subsided significantly, so like the main floor tub, I will need to make sure we get a plug to keep the water in.


With that said let me introduce you to my closest friends.
1) The Shop-Vac...a Hardy tool...always there to work hard no matter the condition...and BOY does it Suck! (I am so immature)
2) The original Box Fan. This mighty warrior of wind has the potential to blow the water away...(perhaps this is what God used to part the waters for Moses?!)
3) The wonderful DE-Humidifier. (If Water is "life-giving", this will literally SUCK the LIFE out of anything:))
This perfects the flood recovery materials. I have used them all extensively in the last week.

(The salvaged items all crammed together...drying off)


On a more positive note...

Since we were in "clean up mode" we stumbled across the visible and hidden mold (from years of untreated and unacknowledged water leak and continual damage...)
Evidence of our fledgling pool. (Happy New Year!!!)

The removed drywall, trim, paneling, and framing...(I should re-write the 12 Days of Christmas version..."5 trash bins of MOLDing Drywall, 4 corroded walls of paneling, 3 closets gutted, 2 rotted out door jams, and a basement (bath/bedroom) remodel pushed to the front of a list of "to do"."


...and OUR story continues.

Twinkle, twinkle little star...

STAR 1) n. a five pointed shape (that has taken over the Cooper home).

I'm BACK!!!

Since the last post was made on November 12, I thought it best to take you on a FAST FORWARD version of the last month and a half. As this will be a quick montage, I encourage you to strap on your seat belts, keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times, and remember "in case of an emergency the exits are..."...You get the point.



1) A day of abundance...Our church community has an amazing way of responding to a need. HIGH FIVE to God for using them (us) to bless others during November.





2) Jason comes for a visit and gets his first piano lesson with Uncle Ryan. (Who cares if he learned anything...we all know it was just to humor Uncle Ryan)







3) Congrats and YAY!!! for Sophie (and Evan and Stephanie)...she is going to have a little sister! (sorry to post this picture...remember this from Sunshine's party...circa 2000?)





4) During house renovations, you can find the strangest things! The previous owners had good taste (in soup) but apparently lacked in garbage disposal (this found when we removed a ceiling tile in the basement.



5) Just one of the many reasons for our family to celebrate Thanksgiving. (Glad you are ok, W, M, and K)

6) Swedish Breakfast...apparently there was also a program going on...(Like that mattered!)

7) Christmas vomitted at our home...(I have to give her credit...she makes it looks good!)

Ladies and Gentlemen, this completes the in-flight entertainment. Please place your tray tables in there upright and locked position. Thank you for flying Cooper-Air.

It Happened!

It is with great measure of self-awareness that I say: It HAPPENED!  

In order to give you a more complete context for this awareness (It finally happened!) I feel it imperative to share my recollections of train commuting for the first time.  Like a young child on the first day of school, I woke with similar excitement and anticipation...My first train ride into downtown Chicago.  Would it be difficult? Would it be scary?  Would I get off at the correct stop?  How would I know where to purchase a ticket?  Are there assigned seats?  Where would I place my Superman lunchbox? (oh, wait! that was my first day of school...oops)  I eagerly await the option to be around other people heading off to the day's adventures in working.  

This being my first train ride I had one serious decision to make...sit on the two person benches (on the main floor) OR head up to the second level taking advantage of  an single-file row of individual seats.  Doors open...Like any good extrovert, I chose to welcome the company of another commuter by sitting on the first open bench.  Doors close.  And we're off.  I look around at the many surrounding comrades and the picturesque scenery racing by my window.  A couple of stops later the crowd is growing.  Finally another human to share my bench with.  As the middle-aged woman sat down, my mind flooded with questions: How has your day been so far? Did you get dropped off or did you park in  the lot?  Where are you off to? Where do you work?  What do you do there? Do you enjoy what you do?  How is the overall work environment?  Would you say that you are generally happy with life?  Tell me about your family and the people who have influenced you most in life!  Taking back control of my mind I said, "Good morning".  She responded likewise.  My excitement was building quickly.  She responded so quickly and politely.  She must be a nice person.  I wonder what her story is.   (turning a bit to more properly address her I confidently said, "Hi, My name is Ryan." 

(insert ridiculously uncomfortable and awkward silence here)

...nothing.  No response, no sigh, no hiccup, no look...nothing...REALLY?!  Nothing?  Yes, Nothing!  How can you be sitting within a foot of someone, shoulders touching, sharing the same air and NOT respond when they politely introduce them self?  I took the LESS THAN subtle hint and turned, faced out the window, with a face exuding my crush spirit (imagine a small child hearing for the first time that Santa is a sham).  Crushing.  And that is when it started...

Fast-Forward to today.  (remember I am just sitting in my seat ready to begin my hour+ journey to work)

It started like any other Wednesday...overwhelmed by the piercing sound of a reoccurring alarm (Could it be that God actually created the snooze button?  Theologically, I'm leaning in that direction.), a rudely-awakening shower, dressing in the dark, mass quantities of hot black coffee, and then a trek into the city: via the trusty (and often delayed) Metra rail system.  I wait like the rest of the lemmings for the doors to open, allowing us to mindlessly step into the over sized transporter.  Like clockwork I step up, head to the second level and take my rightful seat of solitude and silence.  Armed with my mp3 player I effortlessly fall into my commuting coma.  

Then suddenly and without warning or provoking it happened.  A gentle man (mid 60's) began to share his concerns on the current economy.  While his rants were not directed toward me, I was within a 1/4 mile and was clearly able to hear him spout off about the sad leadership and future prospects in our world.  It is not that I agreed or for that matter disagreed with his assessments.  In fact, it did not matter what he was talking about.  The real point is...Why would anyone at that time of the morning, and in such a confined space...talk?  Not even loudly...just talk.  I mean really...clearly this man did not realize that when you enter through those sacred steel doors, you dwell in a world of impersonal, flat-affect drones...the Chicago work-force of today's economy.  

And THEN "It Happened!"  A flash back to my first train ride...remembering my-"Santa isn't real?"-face, showing my disgust and heartache over the state of "those people" who are so calloused in their selfish, self absorbed world.  

How do people become like that?...you tell me.

The Day After by Chuck Colson

The following is a post from Chuck Colson.  I read it on my friend's blog and thought it would be good though provoking read.  I know that this last month of election hooplah has been trying for all people.  Some were encouraged by our new President-elect...and others felt just the opposite.  Regardless... I hope that you can read this article and be challenged to respond in action...pray.  

THE DAY AFTER
by Chuck Colson 

Whether you voted for Barack Obama or John McCain, whether you're recovering from your all-night celebration or drying the tears from your pillow, today's a good day to remember the words of the apostle Paul: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:1-3). 

The new President will surely need our prayers because he and his administration face huge, serious challenges to the health of our nation and to peace in the world, challenges that, in my opinion, neither he nor any government on earth will have the power to overcome without divine aid. 

How has America come to this point? Why is our economy on the brink of disaster? Why is our culture so utterly depraved? I can only think of what Alexandr Solzhenitsyn said about the catastrophic consequences of the Russian revolution. "I recall," he said, "hearing a number of older people offer the following explanation for the great disasters that had befallen Russia: Men have forgotten God; that's why all this has happened." 

Solzhenitsyn was right. Indeed, I can't find any better explanation for why we Americans find ourselves in the state we are in. We have forgotten God. 

We have also forgotten that American democracy, indeed Western Civilization itself, is the product of the Judeo-Christian understanding of God and humanity. Without that revelation that man is created in the image of God, our founders never would have recognized the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Indeed, as I and others like Rodney Stark have argued, modern science and education, liberal democracy, capitalism flourished in Western civilization precisely because of the Judeo-Christian worldview. 

The attacks on Christianity these days are only going to intensify in the months ahead. But we must press on all the more to make a winsome witness. Those who would banish Christianity from American life are risking the very survival of American society. 

Friends have asked me whether this economic crisis is God's judgment upon us. I don't know. 
As I've re-read the Old Testament prophets recently, I couldn't help but notice the recurring theme: The people of God turned away from Him and worshipped false idols. The result was always disaster. 

Is God responsible for credit markets collapsing around the world? No. We're responsible. Because instead of worshipping God, we've worshipped false idols of the marketplace, credit card companies and cheap mortgages. We've put our own appetites over our duties to God and neighbor. 

So this is no time for Christians to go into the bunkers. No time to wail or moan over our retirement plans. This is a time to repent, to pray more, to give more. It's a time for Christians to lead, encourage, and minister to a faltering country in a faltering economy. 

This is a time for the Church to get serious about Christian discipleship. Enough cheap grace. 

So pray for the new President and his administration. But most of all, my brothers and sisters, this is a time to love our neighbors and to hunger for God and His righteousness.

By: Chuck Colson - November 5, 2008

Received from: A Moment To Consider
A Ministry of: Harvey and June Schneider
Servant Soldiers Ministries, Daphne, Alabama

NOW and THEN (take 3)

The NOW and the THEN

The NOW and the THEN

NOW and THEN (take 2)

The NOW and the THEN

The NOW and the THEN

NOW and THEN

The NOW and the THEN


The NOW and the THEN

More to come!

"oh, the places you'll go..." TOP TEN

(warning this is a lengthy post)

When I graduated from high school my family shared a book with me: Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr Seuss. This is a typical gift for the gradute to receive. A "GO GET'm" type of book. It serves as an encouraging word to pump up the individual into the ambition-filled mindset needed to make it in the world today. When I think back to this book, the discussions and encouragement from my parents I am greeted with a smile and a sigh.

Boy were they right...OH, the PLACES I would go...

1) a small town in Alberta, Canada where I would study the Bible. The comedy of the location was not that it was nestled next to the rocky mountains (and I only went there twice), but that my home away from home was formerly a youth detention center (prison) turned Bible College (redemption at its best).

2) a two week trip to Israel, via Great Britain. An adventure in seeing the Bible come alive. The comedy of going to a place known as, "David's tomb" to find that a) no one died there nor was burried there, b) especially king David...there were many instances of that.

3) a three year adventure in Chicago (known as College). I completed my undergraduate degree with many journeys...I invested myself in people...and I went to classes too...that was until I found a foreign land named "Chipotle." I should apologize to my Psychology professor for my skewed commitments to academia...or maybe the guilt is that I didn't bring her a burrito.

4) a path that led to marriage. Twice. Yes that's right. Two weddings, one marriage, one beautiful bride, many tears (most good), and no divorce. I could go on, but it is much more enjoyable to tell in person. Just ask us at some time...when you have time (a lot of time).

5) a road that led to Nebraska. To be more specific a church in the middle of a corn field. This town of hard-working and family-oriented folk welcomed us and walked a journey of pain and faith-deepening community... We are humbled and grateful for their partnership in life and ministry.

6) another road (I-80) which led to the burbs of Chicago and graduate school. As we shared our "call" with our family and new found loved ones we ventured toward the "big, scary, and dangerous" Chi-town...we convinced ourselves and others that it was the right choice.

7) a place of utter humility. Life had a funny way of reminding me that when I am weak, HE is strong. A life held together by a thread of faith...an experience of grace that only God can give. Mmmm...Grace...that's Good Stuff! For those who have not experienced that Grace...imagine a bathtub filled with Skittles, DOTS, Swedish Fish, AND Diet Dr. Pepper and it is ALL for you (Yeah...THAT good!)

8) a journey of sadness. (Trying to get pregnant...and not being able to)

9) a destination of complete joy. Once our home (see previous and I'm sure future posts) is completed we will finish the Home Study and then we prayerfully open our doors and heart to the child(ren) that God gives us. We have already been BLOWN AWAY by the presence of God through our friends and family since we said the word "adoption." We have prayed for God to work out the finances (average infant adoption currently is 15k-35k), emotions, and lead the process. Funny, how we are still shocked when we randomly receive a check in the mail, or extra change to put in our "baby jar?" Why? Because as faith-filled as we are, we still find ourselves humbled by the actual love and care that God has for us.

And who would have imagined of all the places I would go (towns, countries and regions)...of all the people and circumstances I would encounter... I would find the following...

10) an outdoor, self serve, insert your money and out comes Live Bait machine...Really?! Oh yes it is true...and I have proof. (see image). This can only serve as confirmation that God has a sense of humor...and some people take fishing FAR TOO seriously. I can only imagine what my loved ones in NE must be thinking now of the Chicagoland area.

Where has your journey taken you? Its ok to share...go ahead and do it...

Tell Me A Story!

Lights. Camera. Action.

It is starting to feel like home...Here is a synopsis of today's events:

Today we celebrated the dedication of our little guy, Liam Buki (LOVE HIM! Clarification we are Liam's Godparents...not his parent:)). What a celebration it was at church.

After church we spent some quick but enjoyable time with the Craigs (Blake and Jilly).

Then our dear friends the Smiths (and their nephew Eric) came over to help with the house projects...Many hands make light work...Or in our case; many hands make the significant amount of work a little lighter! They arrived 1pm(ish) and we all stopped for supper about 5 hours later. Fans were hung. Furniture moved. Lights installed. Furniture moved again. Oh the house is beginning (slowly) to look like a home. WOW! Thank you God. Soon this will be a place to welcome a little one to. I will stop rambling and post a few pictures of today's accomplishments.