Happy Birthday Cooper Gary!

Cooper turned 2 today and, as is tradition in our family, he got to pick an activity to do, and what we ate for every meal (he was more inclined to listen to his sisters than me today so we mostly had junk food much to my chagrin). His activity was to play outside of course, but neither he or his brother lasted in the snow for more than 10 minutes before cold hands and runny noses won out. But not to have his day spoiled we made our own playground indoors, slide included! Dave spent the afternoon with the boys inside and I took the girls, who weren't ready to leave the snow, sledding. Once the girls tired themselves from climbing up hills, we went to McDonalds(aka Mickey Donalds or Old McDonalds) and spent an hour playing on their huge indoor playground and had Coopers favorite - french fries. That evening Cooper chose doughnuts over cake, so of course I got creative and made up the most cake-like looking doughnut I could and stuck two candles on top. Dave was certain he'd get sick if he ate it all, but I was certain he'd only take a few bits and squish the rest between his hands. It was lots of fun to see him so excited over his doughnut cake, and other activities that day, but it was even more fun to see his siblings get into the celebration and treat their brother extra special all day long.

2008 Cox family Christmas letter

I’d like to say that this year I’m going green by posting our annual Christmas letter on our family blog site instead of through the post office, but, in all honesty, I’ve just put off writing it till the last minute, so my apologies to you all.

Typically I rack my brain to remember what has transpired over the past twelve months, and typically I spend a good amount of time phrasing and arranging our little stories because typically not much changes from year to year with our family. But this year has certainly been atypical, to say the least. Since most, if not all, of 2008 has already been documented in previous blogs, I’ll leave it to you to sift through the details if you wish.  However, as a courteous summation, our highlights are as follows:

 

 Anne has caught a genealogy bug of sorts and has written and bound three family books, and is currently working on books four and five.

 Dave finally closed the chapter on NCARB testing and received his Architectural license in June. And promoted to Senior Associate at VCBO.

 

 

Nicole had her first piano recital and ran in her first marathon.

 

Emma started kindergarten, reading, bike  riding, and fishing.

 

 

Carter has mastered the computer and navigating the web to his favorite internet sites (P.B.S. kids and Star Fall).

Cooper, after proving he was old enough to climb out of his crib several times, has graduated to the lower half of his brother’s bunk bed.

 

And in March we adopted Princess, the family dog.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In spite of the commercialism and chaotic festivities that typically occupy the mind around this time of year, this past month has been both reflective and sobering for Dave and I; mainly due to the passing away of his grandmother, a life threatening scare from our niece, and other heart breaking family events.  Although partly removed from the personal impact of these events, I find myself on the one hand very shaken by the realities of life and the trials some are called to endure and on the other hand full of peace and assurance as I’ve plead for understanding from our elder brother, Jesus Christ.  Of all the things we could possible say to you this year; an idea presented to us by a dear neighbor comes to mind. WWJG … what does that mean, you ask? Well, perhaps you’re familiar with the popular wristbands initialed WWJD worn by some as a reminder of What Would Jesus Do.  This Christmas, we’ve elected instead to remind ourselves of WWJG, or “What Would Jesus Give”.  The answer: He gives us the unique strength and power that comes from knowing who we are what life is all about.  He gives us the hope to believe that through His atonement our imperfections can be made pure and whole. Through His suffering in Gethsemane, He gives a healing balm as one who knows perfectly the sorrows we feel; and He gives unconditional love as he stands ever ready to lift us up when we turn to him for help.

As our family and friends span ever greater distances between us, and the hand of relief is not so easily extended, we wish for you know that you are in our hearts and prayers. May the gifts of Christ grace you and yours this Holiday Season.  

Love,

            Dave & Anne.

 

P.S. We wanted to share with you this christmas video clip that was sent to us by a dear family friend.  Hopefully the link works. 

 http://mabrystudios.typepad.com/reflections_of_christ/2008/03/reflections-sli.html