Judy and Brent Joslin - People that have inspired me

This is a couple that I have known for 40 + years.   This picture was taken at their 50th wedding anniversary which Gary, boys and I were lucky enough to attend in a beautiful town--Camp Nelson in California.  It is a place that holds special memories for Judy growing up.  It was a vacation to remember for the Coopers and was so much fun hanging out with this precious family.  Surely road trip to remember ~~~.
I met the Joslins sometime in the 1970's.  I grew up and attended a small country church in Redland.  Brent was going to MSB and their family found our church to be a part of ---- weekly Wednesday service, Sunday morning and evening.  We thought the Joslins were cool because they were from the big city of Portland and took time out to be with us.  Ann(Danelle's age), Katy (my age) and David (the cool older brother).  The Joslins were a very big part of the youth program.  These parents were so important to us because they really challenged and led us to see a more clear picture of what a Christian is.  We studied the Word, grew together and had so much fun.  The fun church times were the main  activities of our childhood.  We often sit around and talk about the Redland/Evergreen people and fun stories we remember.  I pray someday my kids with find other adults that influence them in a good way as Brent and Judy have been to me.
Brent and Judy spent many years with New Tribes missions in Bolivia.  Those years they developed relationships with missions and spent much time letting the Lord lead them to
share the gospel.  It molded them to love all types of people and developed their hearts.
Many times after high school and when my parents were gone and sisters all married -- I spent holidays and family time with them.  They gave me support, encouragement and direction to focus on God to get me through the rough years.  I lost many friends through those years but so thankful for the folks that help me keep it together. 
Judy has a very calming tone and loves to go collect old "stuff".  Ann takes after her mother in that aspect so we make a good garage sale team.  I go after the newer items and Judy & Ann fight over things that are older but they can see these items as "gems" of sorts.  I love the times and talks I have had over the years and still have with Judy.  She is a wise woman.  She is always interested in my family and kids.
Brent seems tough on the outside, but really a big heart on the inside.  He can ask questions for hours and get to the depth of your soul or toes.  He also loves to laugh and gets in some uncontrollable giggling and snorting stage that makes us all cry.  If something tickles him....watch out people!  Costco is one of his hang outs. :)
They inspire me to be dedicated to the purpose in life -- to love the Lord God with all my soul, heart and mind.....   Also to care and get involved in people's lives around me.  Right now I can't be in the same room with too many children or I panic... but I can make a difference one kid at a time, because they have made such a huge difference in my life.
I am so blessed to have you in my life!!
Love you so much!
Debbie

David Kopra - People that have inspired me

David Kopra

There are folks that you meet in your life that change your entire life.  I decided I would blog about these folks.  God has placed each one of them in my life for a reason.

This story starts years ago when I was in my late twenties.  I had been a hairdresser for several years and knew I was not satisfied with my job.  I had lots of advice in those days about finding your passion in work that you love to do.  I had lived on my own starting at age 17 in college and then out to the big world.  I made ends meet (barely) so I went back to school part time in Accounting ~ a class that I loved in high school.  I had a difficult accounting job in a "man"s business for over 7 years which I was thankful for but, I knew I was not going anywhere at that company.  I feel into depression between my tough job and my father passing away.  One night I was out with a friend and she told me about a temp job and she knew I was a perfect fit. 
I began working at CTR business systems for David Kopra.  He was an amazing boss and mentor.  I was a "temp" for several months  that ended in a 7 1/2 year gig.  CTR was built into an amazing company with great management that I would call a generous liberal company.  If we worked hard, we were compensated well and each of us was treated with dignity and respect.  I called Dave the "heart" of the company.   He spoke to everyone he came across and was brilliant in his mannerism.   He made us want to work hard, be efficient, make 0 errors the first time and make the company rock.  I have so many great memories and friends from those days.  I always compare my work to those days and often find myself thinking, "what would Kopra do"? 
I strive in my professional life now with all the skills Dave taught me.  They really have made me a confident and somewhat proud person of my skill level.  I stand up for myself and (usually) know what I am talking about amongst the professionals in the law firm.  (Thank you for taking the time with me Dave)  Patience of Job --- that man had :)  I am so blessed to have weeded out the bad jobs in the past years and landed in a "sweet spot" just right with the balance of work and family.
His compassion spilled into his personal life as well -- he has a wife he adores and kids he is crazy about.  I remember him on phone conversations with his kids and him telling them how to take care of situations.  He was always calm but firm with wise direction.  I was able to work with his lovely daughter, Kelsey (teen) that I remember telling me how her mom would tell her that she needed to take care of herself in life and let the men come along later.  She has become a beautiful confident woman.  I hope that I can be like Dave and Ann when I speak to my kids about life choices and be as encouraging as they are to their children.
January 2013 Gary gave me and the boys a special gift of a calendar with the idea that each month of the year we would do a special family activity, take photos if it and record the fun.  Gary picked the a trip to Olympia to see Dave and Ann and the puppies!   We were able to spend a couple days with them, go to a new kid's museum in town, reconnect and it was such a JOY to be able to share with our friends.  Dave is always telling us how lucky our kids are to have us as parents, well we really know we are the lucky ones.  We are lucky to have such great friends.
We love you and thank God you have crossed our paths.  You have made a difference in the journey of my life.  Thank you!!!!
Coop 

     

Grant turns NINE 9 !!!

Grant turned 9 in January.  He is such a great kid.  We are so glad to be his parents.  He likes school.  He loves Math and Science.  He is a great swimmer and loves to run.  He celebrated in the photos above with a few friends at the Evergreen Wings and Waves.  It was his first time at the water slide park and he loved it.  It was not crowded and we had a great time.  We LOVE you Grant!!!

Ian turns Eight 8

Ian turns 8 December 19th.  He is a great child full of life and love.  He enjoys legos, skateboarding, biking and about any outdoor activity.  He is into pirates and weapons.  He loves people and having fun.  He enjoys his friends at school, cousins and family.  He loves to sport a mohawk haircut and keep active.  We are so lucky to have our baby and often refer to him as the best Christmas gift that God ever gave to us.  He is a joy in our lives.   
Happy Birthday Ian Robert Cooper!!!!  We love you.

Christmas ships on the yacht 2011

Our family was generously invited by one of Gary's clients to watch the Columbia river Christmas ships from their yacht one evening in December. Most of the pictures did not turn out so well but we have a few to remember the time on it. The boys love and are attracted to water so I was nervous for that but also manners, etc. The couple was gracious with other members of their family and friends invited to make up 8 children. The boys learned as much as they could about how to drive it and ended up in the engine room beneath the boat to complete the tour. The evening was very cold , but there was dinner, special drinks and warm hot chocolate with whipped cream and sprinkles. It will be an event to treasure and we are so thankful. Merry Christmas!