women's conference March 2017

women's conference March 2017

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Birthday Bash


What comes around every year and is avoided by some, anticipated by others, but always celebrated (if you ‘re in our family)?  Birthdays at the Cope house are a big deal!  You can expect to wake up to streamers, gifts, a personalized birthday poster and the traditional birthday hat with candles on top (required to be worn as we sing a purposely-off-tune, obnoxious version of “Happy Birthday to you”). 

Birthdays were always a special occasion as we were growing up.  Mom was amazing at making it special, despite the fact that she had to do it so regularly.  With 13 children, she had lots of practice.  I think I was the only child that cared about my presents being wrapped, instead of in the usual brown paper grocery bag.  On our birthday morning, the birthday child awakened by the family gathered around the bed, bearing gifts, and singing.  Then, it was breakfast in bed and special treatment all day.  Nowadays, I still get a sweet card in the mail from mom and dad – but the best part is getting the phone call with the two of them enthusiastically singing “We love you, Chrisy, oh yes we do, there is no other that’s quite like you!  When you’re not with us, we’re blue.  Oh, Chrisy, we love you!”  They probably don’t know it, but it brings tears to my eyes, especially with each passing  year as their voices become less-robust.

Two decades ago I decided to broaden my birthday list to every member on both sides of the family, including grandkids and now great-grandkids.  The list grows every year, nearing 300 (and my greatest fear is forgetting someone!)  Once-elaborate, handmade cards have now become handmade postcards with the birthday name in bubble letters and a heartfelt greeting on the back.  Since we live away from all the family, it’s our simple, yet sincere, way to stay connected and express love for each family member.   


My husband likes to tease me about sending birthday cards to everyone I know and even the people I meet in line at the grocery store or on an airplane.  He’s not too far from the truth.  Years ago my postman said he has enjoyed seeing all the postcards I send, and jokingly said he wishes he could get one of my customized cards.  He told me his birthday.  I committed it to memory, and showed up at the post office with his birthday card on May 25th.  It brought a smile to his face.  In three weeks, Gary the postman will be receiving his birthday card again.  J







 By Chrisy Cope

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Pictures of memorable times

                                           Couple retreat in Spring of 2017- Vegas Temple
                           (This one's for you Mandi) Women's conference 2017 for Mom's birthday.                
Tavin with his mom, Chrisy.  He came and saw us while we waited to go into the conference center. (He brought grandma flowers!)










 Eating lunch the first day together. Chrisy and Mary flew in to join the rest of the sisters.
       

 At the conference center


time spent together in Salt Lake for Mom's 80th birthday


 
                       
     Grandma, Aunts, and nieces spending time together

Spring 2017
          Mike and Krystin's pool 2014        

                submitted by Cathy and Mandi      

Goodly Parents

“Goodly Parents”

I have loved keeping a journal through my growing up years and still enjoy it today. My journal has been a help and strength to me.  I love going back and reading my history.  

 The experience that I want to share today was back when I was in college living in Tempe, AZ.  I was very much in love with a young man.  I was struggling with what to do, he was not LDS, and had told me that he would not be willing to go to church.  I was heartbroken and knew want needed to be done.   I made a phone call to this young man and ended our relationship.  I quickly called my parents in tears; dad said we are on our way!  The family came to Tempe, which was a good 45 minute drive and we went out for pizza.  My dad went on a walk with me and told me that “sometimes we don’t understand why things happen the way they do.” I had just met Dave a couple weeks prior to this event.  It took Dave and me two months of dating before we were engaged!   The Lord has a plan, as we are obedient he leads the way. 


My dad is gone now and I am so grateful for the memories that I have written down.  I feel much like Nephi when he said “I have been born of goodly parents.”  I am grateful for the example of my parents.  I am thankful that my goodly parents were willing to haul their 6 children to Tempe to comfort their oldest daughter!   I’m sure coming to Tempe was not in my parents plan that evening, nor was it convenient.  As parents we do things that are neither convenient nor planned.  I appreciate their example of doing what it takes to keep the family top priority!  




-Shannon

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Lessons learned from Geri

Lessons I have learned from Geri:
Geri is our sweet oldest Sister, who was born into this life with the cord wrapped around her neck causing her to be deprived of oxygen to her brain.  She was later tested and has been able to function on an 8 year old level mentally.  About 6 years ago she fell and hit her head and now is suffering with schizophrenia.  I call her “Geri raw” because she has pure childlike motives. I marvel that as we get older we lose some of those childlike traits.
We were privileged to have Geri live with us for 9 years when our children were young; these are a couple things I learned from her:
  1. She loves herself without comparing
  2. She forgives easily
Geri has wonderful self-esteem. Katie, 3 years old at the time, got a new dress and we were telling her how pretty she was in her new dress, after a while Geri said, “Aren’t you going to tell me how nice I look today too?”  
I have caught Geri looking in the mirror time and time again saying, “You look good today, Geri.” Or we would be going somewhere and she would say, “Did you see that guy checking me out?”   
At what age do we start to talk bad about ourselves?  Geri, stuck at the age of 8 years old, has great self-esteem.  She never compares herself with others and really likes who she is.  I try to remember “Geri raw”, who has no social filters that control how she sees herself. Her childlike mentality helps me realize that God would want me to like myself and be grateful for what he has created.  Geri is my great example of how to treat myself.
She forgives as a little child. When our brother Jed was a teenaged boy he started teasing Geri, and while she took his teasing for a while, when she’d had enough she punched him.  Whatever Geri lacks in mental capability is made up in strength.  It shocked Jed to see how strong she was.  Jed apologized and Geri forgave him immediately.  There are no grudges, no time that has to go by before she forgives.  She simply forgives those that have treated her badly.  I try to remember “Geri raw” who can forgive as a child, so completely. 

Everyone in our family loves Geri; she is so pure and childlike. She makes us realize how much we can learn from her.  Geri has helped us look at those that are different in a loving way and try to see what they can offer to this world.  I thank the Lord every day that I have the privilege to be her sister and to learn from her remarkable life.



-Gina 

Couple Reunion Missouri 2019

Some pictures from the couple retreat Febuary 2019