coming and going

life has really gotten the best of my lately. my mind is thinking six different things at once and i'm starting to wonder when it's gonna slow down. this summer is quickly coming to an end and i'm over here screaming STOP!! at first i really didn't want to move home for the summer because let's face it, my life has moved up here (in orem). but now that i've moved back to orem... i'm ready to go back home. plus, if any of you have noticed i've hurt my ankle and have been in a boot the past three weeks. dance is starting and i'm not. life as we know it might be over. or as i thought. this week // weekend has had quite the ups and downs.

monday and tuesday i had to sit and watch dance camp all day, both days. to say i wasn't okay with it is a slight understatement. monday after camp i headed over to the kofford's house for a meeting about cooper's run. (more to come about that in a minute) it was nice to be with a family at such a frustrating time. yet... times got a little awkward as old friendships came about.

tuesday my sweet little nephew was born at 11:30 am. what a sweet little man he is. after dance i slept for a solid two maybe three hours. can someone say "I LOVE NAPS!!?" and after waking up i headed back to the kofford's house to grab some yogurtland with them.

wednesday i slept in and slowly, very slowly got ready for the day. happy pioneer day by the way! that night i went to the kofford's (yes, again) ate yummy food, had a bowl, or two, or three of homemade ice cream, and watched some fireworks! you all know how i feel about fireworks! the awkward old friendship became not so awkward and the night ended on me treated a few post firework burns-- you can call me nurse.

thursday... what did i do thursday? OH! i went to my new physical therapist. how could i forget? talk about a crucial day! let's just say i'm super grateful for people who know what they are doing. steve (he's my therapist) knew exactly what was wrong with my ankle after telling him how it felt and the problems i had. even better he went straight to the pain without me having to show him. my other doctors... not so much the case. he took my boot off, and is working deep within my ankle. the pain is going away and i'm going to be able to dance a lot sooner then i was first told! HALLELUJAH!!! that night i headed back to the kofford's to stuff and put together the cooper run packets. what a lovely night it was.

friday morning i was back in physical therapy. i got to go to dinner with ash and bre around 5:30. it was nice to catch up and be able to talk about somethings that were on my mind. good laughs, awkward moments. you know the drill. i pulled up to the kofford's house around nine-ish to help them throw together a few more odds and ends for the big day saturday.

like i said this week // weekend has had a lot of ups and downs but boy have i felt the love. i have been blessed with the opportunity to celebrate the life of someone coming into the world and one who's was cut short not to long ago. being the aunt i have felt so much love for such a little thing(s). the newest one... he's perfect really. but what baby isn't? scott b turner was born july 23rd at 11:30 am. he weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and we couldn't love him more! i can't wait to meet that little guy!

this being the third nephew of mine i've felt all these feelings of love and happiness before, but today (saturday) was something so... i'm lost for words. i will never forget what i felt today.

this past year i have grown very close to my sweet hunter and her momma. with calls for advice. coming over for tears. laughs. quick hello. and many many i love you texts they've made me feel apart of their family. a few years ago cooper, brother to hunter, passed away. hearing this story and watching this family love, remember, and cherish the moments they had with their little coop has been a true blessing. this year they asked me to help and be apart of cooper's run. (an annual city 5k and fun day they hold in remembrance of him and all who helped at the time of his death.) this morning we met at the church to set up all the last minute tables, booths, and signs. as i helped, i watched how much time, effort and love was put not only into the event, but into the kofford family. i honestly have never been apart of something so incredible and important in my life. being able to help set up and watch everyone who came to support was truly the most incredible experience. the kofford family is so united and loving. they are amazing people. to be like them with my future family is only something i can hope and pray for. it would be such a blessing, really. they have been such a blessing to me. they came into my life at the perfect time.

after all the excitement of the day dies down they head up to the cemetery to be with cooper. tonight i was able to be apart of that also. it really was the perfect way to end a perfect day. watching the sunset as we listened to such beautiful voices sing hymns and primary songs... the spirit was so strong. stronger then i've ever felt. it was so edifying and reassuring to feel the love of the savior. he loves cooper so much. he loves the kofford's so much. and he loves me. all he wants is for us to return to him. if we just listen and do unto his words, we will be at his feet once again with his arms open wide. tonight i was a little closer to heaven-- how peaceful it was.

pray, he is there; speak, he is list'ning.

you are his child; his love now surrounds you.

he hears your prayer; he loves the children.

of such is kingdom, the kingdom of heav'n.

this family will forever hold a very big part in my heart. they will never know how much they mean to me. such sweet spirits they have. i never had the chance to meet cooper but tonight i know i meant apart of him. and to me... it was the most important part. 

i can't wait for the day i will be able to sit and eat popsicles with you coop! 

all photos of cooper via hunter kofford

xoxoxoxo