A funeral. A concert. A wedding. A remembrance. A new life!

Well, let's just say - it's been a week of high highs and low lows. But, we're thankful for them all.

Sadly, one of Joe's best friend's dad passed away on Sunday. Matt's dad was 71 years old and has been in and out of the hospital for months. He had 8 kids and 14 grandkids, I believe. Matt was close to his parents and spent a lot of time at his dad's bedside these last few months. Thankfully, he had a chance to say goodbye. Our hearts go out to the Parmenter family as they face many difficult days ahead without such a wonderful man in their life.

We went to the Kenny Chesney concert on Thursday night with a group of Coppolas and had a great time. We're "seasoned" Kenny concert-goers, this being our fourth concert. But, I'd have to say it was one of his best! We had a great time- and Joe had maybe too good of a time! We even rented a party bus this time!

One of my good friends, Lindsey, got married to Tyler on Friday night in Cedar Falls. Joe couldn't go with me due to work, so another good friend, Alicia, became my date. I wish I would have taken a photo of the stunningly beautiful bride, but shockingly, I never brought my camera. It was supposed to be an outdoors wedding, but it rained. Oh well- everything still was beautiful! The pastor said an interesting statistic in his sermon- there was a study done of two groups of 1200 people. Out of one sample of 1200 people - 600 were divorced. The other sample had this statistic: only ONE out of all 1200 were divorced. What was the difference? One sample prayed together, read the Bible together, and went to church together- the other did not. In this day and age, with a 50% divorce statistic looming, I think it's wise to do whatever it takes to put yourself in the right sample statistic!

This morning, my sister, Greta, and I headed to the Ovarian Cancer Walk at Grey's Lake in memory of my sister's best friend, Angie Norem. Ten years ago today, Angie passed away from ovarian cancer- I believe she was 23 years old. I remember a lot about Angie- her smile mostly though. I remember what she wore to my sister's bachelorette party- it was white capris and a brown t-shirt and I loved her outfit. And, I remember she wrote me a letter and signed it "Angel Kisses." I remember listening to Ivy sing with her at the bar, "Down Under," and Angie and I went and peed together and she talked to me the entire time we were in the stalls peeing. And, I remember getting the call that Angie had gone Home. Although I knew her for a very short time, I knew enough to know the kind of person she was. Some call Ovarian Cancer a "silent" killer, but it often speaks in "whispers" - very subtle signs. Go to http://www.ovarian.org/ to learn more. Here is a photo of my sister and Angie ten years ago, and a couple of pictures from the day.

I saved the best part of the week for last: I have a new nephew to brag about!!! Bennett Michael Coppola was born today to Tony and Kelly, and joins big brother Davis. He officially makes the fifth grandson for my in-laws! We are very excited to welcome yet ANOTHER Coppola boy to this family!!! He weighs 8 lbs. 2 oz and is getting some oxygen to help him breathe, but otherwise, is happy and healthy. Mama Coppola is doing great and the bizzo only had to push "two to three times." I'm heading to the hospital to meet him in five minutes and I can hardly stand the anticipation!

I think God works in curious ways. When my husband was born November 10, 1977, my uncle Kim was killed in a car accident the next day. When I was born February 10, 1978, Joe's grandpa had just passed away the day before. And, ten years ago today, Angie Norem passed away, but today, there's new life to believe in. When one family is grieving, often another family is rejoicing at the exact same time, and I think God plans it that way. My mom once told me that my dad and grandparents didn't smile much after Kim died and when I was born, I gave them something to smile about again. Maybe she was trying to make me feel good, but I've always felt a little sense of purpose to my life since I heard that. Bennett gave me something to smile about today and it was just what I needed this year, and someday I'll tell him what my mom told me. They say that a baby is a God's sign that life will go on. I believe that. Thank God for Bennett Michael- what a blessing! Pictures to come very soon!!!!