Many of you will receive our family letter with our Christmas Card this year, but I thought I would post the letter here, too.

COOK FAMILY NEWS 2008

Scott (17) is living up his senior year at Hilliard Davidson HS. He is busy singing in 3 performance groups: Senior Choir, Madrigals and Boys in Blue. He serves diligently as Student Council Co-President and enjoys writing and performing songs with his friends. Other activities include Chamber Orchestra, performing in the school plays, early morning Seminary and activities with his Priest Quorum. He was chosen as Homecoming King and is looking forward to college next year. He is a caring brother and son.

Andrew (15), a sophomore, is also busy with high school life. He performs with Scott in Senior Choir and Chamber Orchestra and serves on Student Council. He and Scott played “Come Sail Away” with their band for the Homecoming pep rally and Variety Show. He plays on the JV basketball team and was selected for the OCC Honors Choir. He really enjoys his early morning Seminary teachers and currently serves as the Teachers Quorum President. He is excited to drive with his temps and continues to bring fun and laughter into our family.

Claire (13) enjoys 7th grade and middle school life. She played soccer on the school team and enjoys being goalie. She plays violin in two school orchestras and enjoys all her teachers. She is in the Beehive class presidency and loves the Young Women’s program at church. Her reputation as a great babysitter has gotten around so she earns lots of money! She has another year to go with braces…hurray! For her 13th birthday she got a tabby kitten, Bailey, which we are all enjoying. She is a great big sister to Spencer and Ian and is a great helper for Mindy at home. Having grown 6” in the last 2 years her graceful presence is a blessing in our home!

Ian (9) is in 4th grade. This brought new friends, teachers and homework responsibilities for him at school. One day a week he attends a FOCUS program for gifted children at the 6th grade school. He loves to play soccer and also enjoyed baseball this past summer, especially when he got to be catcher. He takes piano lessons and sings in the Columbus Children’s Nina Choir. He is a Bear in Cub scouts. He loves to read and play with Spencer on Webkins or with their friends on our court. He keeps us on our toes and makes family life fun and lively.

Spencer (6) is in 1st grade and loves his teacher, Mrs. Clifford. He has excelled in reading and writing and enjoys recess where he can collect bugs, spiders and other living things. He has started piano lessons and loves to sing Primary songs from the church website. He is often found singing, humming or whistling a tune of his own creation around the house. He is just starting to play T-ball, soccer and basketball…we’ll see how he likes sports! He is a smiley, social boy who brings joy and smiles to those around him.

Mindy turned the big 4-0 this year and was spoiled by a gift a week from Dave for the big count down. The demands of home and family take much of her time but she does make time for reading, knitting, and supporting community recycling projects. She serves in the Primary presidency in our ward and enjoys teaching and interacting with the children. She is the Drama Boosters Secretary for the high school and PTO Vice President at the elementary school.

Dave continues to successfully balance work, family and church responsibilities. His efforts serving in the Stake Presidency culminated this fall when our new Stake Center was completed and dedicated. He travels often with his legal immigration work but also took the family on some fun trips this year. We visited NYC for Spring Break and the Outer Banks of North Carolina over the summer. He and Mindy celebrated their 20th anniversary with a cruise to the Bahamas.
Although life is demanding we count our many blessings at this joyful time of year. LOVE AND GREETINGS TO ALL!