Cook Shack the Series 2008

Our New York adventure continues, and while the city hasn’t changed our understanding of it has. Our stay here was greatly improved when we were able to move to a two bedroom sixth floor apartment in the same building. It is amazing what an 11 by 13 room can do to improve living conditions. Being on the sixth floor helps out too, we no longer hear everyone coming in and out of the building, or walking or driving by on the street. We actually have sunlight, and the mice didn’t move up with us.

Reuben is a natural New Yorker. He can walk long distances, isn’t fazed by crowds, is an experienced train and bus rider with exceptional balance, and is completely satisfied with the limited wildlife because he doesn’t know any different. His favorite place is Riverside Park; he can spend hours at the playground, or exploring the trails. He astounds his parents with his tremendous development. He can carry on a conversation, tell entertaining stories, and has the memory of an elephant. He enjoys making people laugh, and is very good at it. He wins hearts, and has plenty of admirers to prove it. He will be three in January, and is happy to share that information with everyone he sees.

Justin’s New York experience continues to be a good one. He works hard on his MFA at Columbia University. He recently completed a short film entitled “Pas de Deux” about a young girl who has to overcome physical limitations and the confidence issues that accompany it. Justin enjoys the opportunities that being a film student at Columbia offers, including film screenings with question and answer sessions with directors, producers, and actors. He continues to work as a monitor in the Digital Media Center, and has had a few videography/editing free-lance gigs on the side. He serves in the Elder’s Quorum Presidency in our ward.

Brecken underwent a huge career change this summer, leaving her editing position with WGU to become a Musikgarten teacher. She is a stay-at-home-mom 6 days a week, and teaches early childhood music and movement classes one day a week. She finds both responsibilities fulfilling and uplifting and is much happier. Having time to spend with Reuben has been a dream, and both Brecken and Reuben display the benefits of this switch. She serves in the Primary Presidency in our ward.

While 2008 has been a blur, with its fair share of challenges, we are thankful for the blessings it brought. We are thankful for this season of thanksgiving and kindness and wish you all the best this life has to offer.