Birthday Wishes

Happy 29th Birthday Craig!

Just wanted to wish my wonderful husband a Happy Birthday!! God truly blessed my life with Craig, and I am so thankful for him. He is patient, compassionate, thoughtful, humble, and dedicated. He spends long hours at work and comes home willing to help in any way. He doesn't wait to be asked. He sees the need and chooses to serve. He is constantly putting others first. Thank you Craig for showing me the servant heart of Christ on a daily basis. You are amazing, and I love you so much! I hope you have an incredible birthday!!

Sissy

I.LOVE.MY.SISTER.

On Wednesday, I drove to Nashville to catch my flight to Fort Lauderdale. I was thankful that Luke was able to take me to the airport, which allowed us a little time to catch up. I love my family! After a short delay, I boarded the plane, played some games on my iPad, and arrived in Fort Lauderdale. Bethany picked me up, and we began catching up.

On Thursday, I spent the day relaxing at the house. Bethany had to work. I worked on some school things, read a book, took a nap, and played some games on the iPad. That night Bethany had a work event, which she had planned. It was great to see her in action and to meet some of her co-workers. They all had wonderful things to say about her, which were things I already knew. I was so proud of my sissy!!

Bethany took Friday off. She picked up our rental car (the cool blue Mustang), and we spent the day at South Beach. The weather was perfect. The only problem was the wind pelted us with sand. Friday night we went shopping and stayed up late watching Friends. On Saturday, we planned to spend the day at the Everglades. However, it rained all day. We drove around Miami, colored our hair, watched football, and hung out with some of her friends. I had to leave early Sunday morning, which made me sad. The trip was great but just a little too short.

I am so thankful for my amazing sister! I wish we lived closer, so we could hang out more. I miss seeing her whenever I want. However, I am so proud of her. She loves her job and works hard. She is committed and dedicated to City Year, and she is a blessing to this organization. She is independent and out going. She has a great sense of humor and makes others smile. She is supportive and loving. She is my encourager and supporter. She knows what to say when I'm down, and she knows exactly how to cheer me up. I am thankful for my best friend.

Our ride for the weekend

Bethany's CasaRelaxing at the BeachOn my Miami tour
(We are both supporting our teams)

Fall Break

I have been counting down the days until Fall Break. Tomorrow I have a half day of school, and then I am off the rest of the week. I love my job and my students, but I am so excited about the break!! This year Craig was not able to take the time off with me. (He's studying for a big test in a few weeks). Well, I decided I wanted to go somewhere and relax. So, Miami...here I come!! I can't wait to see my sister and hang out for a few days!! I miss her so much, and I'm looking forward to our time together. I will post more about the trip when I return.

The secret's out...

This summer Grandma asked Santa for an early Christmas present. She asked that one of the Copelands would have a baby, so she could be a Great-Grandma again. (This request was also made to make her daughter and son-in-law extremely happy.)

When Bethany and I (as well as the rest of the family) learned the news, we were thrilled. We jumped for joy at the thought of being Aunts. We can't wait to spoil this little child!!


Well, congrats to the lovely couple...


Adam and Cathy, we are so excited for both of you!! We can't wait to welcome baby Copeland in April. We love you!! Aunt Anna, Uncle Craig, and cousin Tucker Bear

College Football

College Football means

lazy Saturdays on the couch

weekly RTR texts from the family

fun arguments with Craig about which team is best

sporting my team's colors as much as possible

yelling at the t.v. and pacing around the room

I love spending my Saturdays decked out in Alabama paraphernalia and watching numerous games with Craig. This is the only sport that I could watch all day. There's just something special about College Football. Here's to a great season!

30 Years Ago...

My parents, along with four other couples and four small children, left for Brasil. Their mission was to spread the love of Jesus and to teach the people about the grace of God. Mission: Accomplished. The work still continues in Brasil, and many lives have been changed.

I have always admired my parents for the sacrifices they made and for their commitment to the Lord. This past weekend we gathered in Fayetteville, Arkansas for a reunion. Four of the five couples on the team made the trip, and six of the fourteen kids were present. As a Brasil family, we have gathered to celebrate reunions at 5 years, 10 years, and 20 years. During the previous trips, I spent most of my time playing with the other children. However, this year I enjoyed sitting around and hearing the stories. We laughed. We had fun. We shared memories of God's provision and his love.What a wonderful weekend!! Thank you Dad, Mom, Rod, Tina, DJ, Deb, Terry, Jenny, Joe, and Jennifer for making a difference in the lives of so many. Thank you for teaching by your example and for allowing God to use you. I pray that I will always listen for God's voice and that I will be willing to go where he leads.

Deb, Mom, Jenny, & Tina

The American with 2 of his Brasilian siblings.
We missed you, Bethany!

On my heart

Brian and Cortney May

Brian works with Craig, so we have become friends with this sweet couple since we moved to Jackson. Brian is a fun guy to be around and always has a joke. Cortney is the type of person who would do anything to help you. They have a precious one year old son, named Jackson. Jackson is such a laid back baby, and he looks just like his daddy. This family's world was turned upside down on Monday.

Early Sunday morning, Jackson went for a walk with his grandparents in his wagon. While on the walk, a dead tree branch fell on him. He was rushed to the hospital and passed away yesterday afternoon. Shock. I just can't wrap my brain around this. I just don't understand. A precious little baby and a tragic accident.

Please pray for this entire family. Also, pray for the families of the children who will receive Jackson's organs. May he save the lives of many.

"Cast your cares on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." Psalm 55:22