Christmas Letter 2009

Dear Family & Friends,

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message).

Welcome to our Christmas blog. The above scripture came alive to me recently as I was considering the times we're in and my response to them. The economy and the dangerous environment it can create in our souls requires a prescription from heaven and that was just the dose I needed.

Well, you've reached a site that will now explode with full, dad-like bluster and pride for his clan, so hit the exit button now if you'd rather not be exposed. In these updates, I take the "half-full" approach to my team and while I could fill a page or two about our struggles and defeats, I won't do it here.

Will (19) - Is a freshmen at UNC Chapel Hill and is majoring in biochemistry. At present he's interested in pursuing a medical career and this past summer received his Emergency Medical Technician certification. His high school graduation was a blessing, his summer a challenge to his parents but he's now prospering in every way during his first semester in college. He plays bass at the weekly campus worship meeting, joined the Republican club (didn't know they had such a thing) and started his own blog. We miss him a lot, but know he's in the right place and growing in the Lord. Will has deep convictions, loves God and is enjoying other people more than ever.

Ben (17) - Decided to return to the Jacobsen Institute of Advanced Leadership (homeschool) this past year and Rebecca graciously accepted his application. It's interesting having this brawny man at home to say the least, but Rebecca says that he gets an A for effort. It is comforting for me that I never have to worry that someone will come and bother my home. He continues to be mostly focused on hitting things, crushing things and all-around "putting the hurt on people" with various forms of punches, kicks and submission holds. He's got a bit of a following now from other guys who also envision themselves becoming future MMA champs (Mixed Martial Arts for those of you uninitiated). Ben decided that he was a Conservative Libertarian this year, I'm not sure what it means but I like the words conservative and liberty. He and I are enjoying completing Men's Fraternity this year via weekly live internet feed. He ran his first half-marathon this year and beat his dad by 20 minutes. Ben is gritty, funny and discerning.

Anna (15) - enjoyed her second year at CCS participating in drama and debate. She went on a mission trip to New York City this year and quickly picked up the accent and had no fear engaging the teenage "ganstas" that I'm sure looked quizzically at this blond southerner with the bright blue eyes. She leads a weekly girls bible study in our home and continues on the youth worship team. She loves to sing, act and has a particularly-honed skill of mimicking any odd voice she hears. She is fluent in New Yawker, Suthern (including red-neck) Scottish and Teenage Boy. Anna is vibrant, soulful and pastoral.

Christian (11) – stepped away from his heavy soccer schedule and devoted himself to tennis this year. A perfect day for Christian includes; getting his homeschool work done early and taking to the courts with his other homeschooled buddy for hours of "hitting". He takes on a particular dull mood when rain is forecasted or his tennis schedule is thwarted. Christian is skilled at handling virtually everything having to do with running the home including diaper changes, cooking elaborate meals, feeding Mattie and at times, though unapproved, disciplining rebellious toddlers. Due to this sense of responsibility and strong work ethic, I seem to stay monetarily indebted to Christian and he has a mafia-style way of reminding me of my obligations. He's lots of fun but always in charge. Christian is focused, affectionate and trustworthy.

Luke (8) – is quite a fella and great fun to be around. He plays soccer, reads a lot, plays piano and absolutely loves listening to story tapes (Adventures in Odyssey and Jonathan Park). He has a great vocabulary and scientific bent. He's still usually the first one awake in the morning and now insists on eating a pre-breakfast snack with his morning coffee. Luke has now come to kindly demand that dad scratch his back while I "check" on him at bedtime. Luke is studious, adventurous and articulate.

Caroline (7) – started swim team this year and really did well. She enjoys ballet and starts soccer this spring. She's still Luke's shadow and can keep up with him and all his back-woods adventures. She has a keen fear of alligators though each night I tell her that none live in the house, town or county. I guess visiting the alligator farm this past summer was a bad idea. Caroline is kind, supportive and creative.

Elizabeth (5) – Ellie still LOVES to hug and kiss and hold Matthew (read smother)...all the time. She has quickly taken to reading, is a self motivated student and enjoys dressing nicely and keeping her hair. This year a clear competitive trait shown through as she always made sure mom and dad saw her matching the swimming or other feats of her older siblings. Ellie is quiet, gentle and generous.

Mary Katherine (3) – the softer side of Mary "Cake" came through this year, yet she remains opinionated and fiery. She got a lot of personality and loves to make us laugh and seems to always have a song to sing. Mary Kate is energetic, passionate and happy.

Matthew (1) - just turned one and has us all wrapped around his finger. Having this latest gift in our home this last year has been our highest privilege and we consider him heaven-sent. He's an easy baby who seldom cries or has a bad day. He's tracking well in his development and we've learned a lot about what to expect but we're also keeping our hopes high. Mattie is fun to be with and therapeutic to hold.

Rebecca continues to display her wonder-woman (wife, mom) characteristics, but of course I am keenly of aware of the kryptonite that can drain her. Even though she's got a job bigger than Obama's, she handles it with grace and quiet strength, always beginning her morning with the scriptures, coffee and worship. We celebrated 20 years of marriage this past June and while our plates are full and a lot of miles have stacked-up in those years, in many ways we're feel that we're just getting started. Tomorrow is the anniversary of our first date 24 years ago.

Thanks for sharing our lives and thanks for letting us be apart of yours. Please leave your greetings in the comments section below.

Merry Christmas!

Ron, Rebecca and family

Christmas Letter 2008

Dear Family & Friends,

Well you're in it now. Given that you had to take an extra step and visit this blog to read our Christmas letter, versus simply opening our mail, I figure that I can give you both barrels. I'm also not space constrained, so expect all sorts of fatherly, boisterous, bragging about my clan. I warn you, go no further. However, if you persist beware, our letters have been verified to cure insomniacs.

Will (18) - Is a senior at Cary Christian School (CCS) and just turned 18 yesterday. I've been rather emotional this week as I've pondered the fact that I have this fine boy/man turning 18 while just having fathered another boy now just 23 days old (more on him later). I couldn't be any prouder of Will and the man that he's become. He played his final high school football game last month. While watching I imagined I was standing in a Roman coliseum watching Maximus and his team of gladiators fighting their last battle. The picture of this team at the end will forever be etched in my memory that, while they lost by 2 points, the opposing fans stood in awe after the game, giving high-fives and unusual respect to these guys who had just played their hearts out, leaving everything on the field, to come back from way behind. At the end of the game, I witnessed my shy and usually emotion-challenged son cry warm, heavy tears as he came to terms with his last football game, saying goodbye to his team-mates. Will has also jumped headlong back into his guitar strumming and now plays with his youth groups' worship band. Despite the fact that he's sporting a Duke sweat shirt in our Christmas photo, he's applied to UNC and is excited about the prospect of attending college there. He's also going on his first mission trip with his Senior Class to Costa Rica in January. Will is contemplative, intellectually bright and surprisingly creative.

Ben (16) - A sophomore at CCS, Ben has come into himself alot this year. His main interests continue to be his physical fitness, boxing, punching, running and weights. He even had the opportunity to join a gym for awhile and enjoy some sparing. But dad started have fears of him taking a wild punch and suddenly couldn't fit in driving him anymore. Ben has also become a theologian this year. He spends vast amounts of time reading theology books and Internet sites and even downloads seminary lectures on his ipod. He's taken a leadership role in his youth group and routinely attends Wednesday prayer service. His shepard's heart is certainly peeking through. Ben is resilient, focused and compassionate.

Anna (14) - entered CCS this year with great flourish. She quickly became popular, made many friends and got the lead in the play (The Secret Garden). Anna is a blooming flower. Soon after she and Will tried our for the youth worship band, she was asked to begin leading some songs during worship and has become a inspirational worshiper. Yet some of her stage drama is finding its was into real life as we find her doing her homework on the roof, walking the dog in the rain and other Pride & Prejudice-like wild behavior. She and Rebecca enjoyed a Mother/Daughter trip this past Spring, apparently making friends with some of NYC's finest. Anna is artistic, joyful and very friendly.

Christian (10) – has taken lead-dog role at the Jacobsen Insitute of Advanced Leadership (homeschool). He's a man on mission and expects everyone to yield to his wishes. He has an opinion on everything, primary of which is Dad being in the center of his universe and constant recreational companion. He's still the anchor defender on his championship soccer team. His coach rely's on him so much he plays him the entire game with no break. Christian is my main mountain biking companion, but he's faithfully getting Luke into proper conditioning. Besides soccer, his main activities are tennis, avoiding piano lessons and reminding me of all the money I owe him from past jobs I've forgotten to pay him for. Christian is determined, loyal and considerate.

Luke (7) – has really taken-off reading this year and continued his piano lessons. He still loves football, but has kicked his thumb sucking habit. Luke is great company, is still my morning coffee companion but now is able to read his own bible along with me. I discovered this year how much Luke enjoys singing and is rather good. He quickly learns lyrics and isn't afraid to stand in front of people and sing. Though he's always been my cowboy, he fell in love with horses this year at a dude ranch we visited this past summer.

Caroline (6) – is still one of the sweetest people I know, always thinking of others, very mannerly and kind. She's the leader of her girl gang (Ellie & Mary Kate) and is constantly dressing everyone up. Caroline started ballet this year and enjoys showing dad all she's learned in class. Despite how long or involved my tucking-in may be at night, she just doesn't settle down until Mama "checks" on her. Caroline is an encourager, naturally happy and a team player.

Elizabeth (4) – Ellie loves to hug and kiss and hold Matthew, all the time. She is very feminine, nurturing and quiet like her oldest brother Will. She is affectionate and would prefer to watch Paula Dean's cooking show than cartoons. Ellie is reflective, gentle and generous.

Mary Katherine (2 1/2) – continues to be our loudest and most fiery child yet. We call her the cheerleader because she is so enthusiastic about everything and you can hear her many, many yards away - this is a problem in the morning. She insists on wearing dresses or skirts with tights. Mary Kate is energetic, passionate and happy.

Matthew - our new born son has all captured our hearts. He was born November 20th after one of Rebeccca longest labors. As some of you know we discovered shortly after birth that Matthew has Down Syndrome. We consider him our latest adventure and are preparing ourselves for his wonderful future.

Because I invest all the time to write this annual tome, I get to brag on my sweetheart, though she fusses at me. It's probably obvious to everyone, that Rebecca is the anchor in this family and her handiwork can be found at the root of nearly everything good that happens in our home. Despite our struggles to keep each other from spinning out of orbit, God graciously keeps moving us forward. She's an amazing woman, wife and mother who I remain rapturously in love with.

We love you and are so grateful for our kinship with you. Please leave us a greeting down below by posting a comment.

With Christ's richest blessings,

Ron, Rebecca and family

Christmas Letter 2006

Dear Family & Friends,

I’m not enthused about Christmas letters but feel especially gripped to update you on the eventful year we’ve had. God is good and we embrace His will in our lives even when we experience pain. As many of you know Rebecca’s wonderful father Billy O. Wilson, “Papa”, was enduring a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and most recently ALS (better know as Lou Gehrig’s disease) and passed away this past June. We had the privilege to see him and Rebecca’s mother move to Cary 4 years ago and join us in helping to raise our family. Papa was so very gracious and loving to the kids and seemed to relish playing with the little ones especially. Walking with Papa and Nana through his illnesses however tragic, was actually very inspiring and we considered it an honor to serve them and witness him, with such honor and grace finish his final days. He never complained, never uttered a harsh word (though he endured many humbling experiences) and always thanked everyone who came to treat him. One month before his death, Rebecca delivered our beautiful baby girl Mary Katherine Faith (via emergency C-Section – a whole other story). We’ll never forget the memory of presenting Mary Katherine to him, tears streaming down his face, grateful that he could kiss her face and hold her. Papa finished his race and inspired us all with his godly life and death.

Here’s a brief update on each of the kids.

Will (16) - he continues to be an “A” student at Cary Christian School in the 10th grade and started driving this year! He started in the schools inaugural varsity football team, played lacrosse for the first time and was captain of the tennis team. He and I enjoyed a great thrill at Christ in the Tetons – a father/son adventure week in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in June. Will stepped up this year in many ways – he’s tenacious, disciplined and loves the little ones.

Ben (14) – he left homeschool and started at Cary Christian School this year and likes it fine. Right after starting CCS, he went with his homeschool tennis team to Alabama, representing the state of NC. They did remarkably well, coming in 5th in the south. He played JV football as middle linebacker and plans to play on their tennis team in the spring. Ben was such an example of servanthood, patience and Christlikeness as he served Papa every week, cleaning his apartment, feeding him and just being great company. Ben was truly inspiring in this role that unfolded before us and he embraced serving and honoring his grandfather in amazing ways for a young man his age. We had a special manhood ceremony this year for Ben during our regular camping trip with the McClure family.

Anna (12) – continues to homeschool and receive wonderful motherhood practice. She excels in piano and ballet, going “on point” this summer and achieving “ballet company” status at her studio. She also plays on the homeschool tennis team and is finally getting that “Wilson” back-hand perfected! Anna remains wonderfully kind and very mature and could just about manage this home by herself. She and I enjoyed a Dad and daughter weekend at the beach with special friends this year and made great memories.

Christian (8) – is as lively and enthusiastic as ever, he could sell ice cubes to an Eskimo and is a huge helper in the home. CJ was again a star player on his soccer team and recently won the Preston Village Jungle Bell one-mile run! He’s a lover, a giver and the life of the party.

Luke (5) – has started to read amazingly quickly this year – basically teaching himself. This year he’s turned from baby boy to young boy becoming very obedient, a leader to the little girls and a great helper to mom. Luke is loyal, loves being with Dad and is affectionate.

Caroline (3) – is our princess-drama-girl. She’s a lovely girl, needs to be with Mama (almost all the time) – picking up all Rebecca’s charms. Caroline enjoys cooking in her kitchen and playing with Luke and Ellie.

Ellie (2) – is a quiet and reflective girl with a soft little voice. She’s very affectionate and cudley and has an incredibly charming smile (I could be biased).

Mary Katherine (7 months) – so far she smiles the most out of all of them (at this age) and is very easy (thank God!). Not surprisingly, I’ve have fallen head-over-heels again in love with another girl – my MK!

I could go on for pages describing to you how proud I am of sweetheart Rebecca, but it would sound way too mushy and I might get you blushing. Suffice to say, she amazes us all with the grace she carried herself with this year in trial after trial (too many to tell) and is the fountainhead of virtually all the joy found in our home.

Thanks for reading our update – Wow! what a ride – thanks for taking it with us!

May His Kingdom Come,

The Jacobsens

Christmas Letter 2007

Dear Family & Friends, December 15, 2007

I’m painfully aware as I write these first words that unless you’re one of our mothers, you’re probably not that motivated about reading this letter. Speaking of mothers - thank God for our moms! Now that both our dads have made it to heaven, we’re even more grateful for having our moms in our lives and enjoy their company. But since I have your attention, here’s an update on our clan if you care to read on.

Will (17) - A junior at Cary Christian School (CCS) and is about to get (from Dad) his first car. This is occurring because he just landed his first job at Bojangles. If you’re up North you have no idea what you’re missing from this ‘landmark of the South’ fast food chicken restaurant. He’s working the drive-thru and practicing his Spanish (pappas = fries). Will is beginning to think about colleges, just took his SAT and now says he wants to be an anesthesiologist. As difficult as this word is for me to spell, I’ve made sure Will knows how to spell the word scholarship. He continues to be the most focused and diligent individual in the house and has won his way into the top 150 of his age bracket in North Carolina tennis.

Ben (15) - A freshman at CCS, he had a staring role on the JV football team this year with the most touchdowns in his position of running back. At the start of the season his coach called him “the nicest, hardest-working guy on the team and who would also largely determine the kind of season they had”. The team went 6 & 1 but missed the draw for their division title game. Ben and I spent a week this past June in Wyoming at Christ in the Tetons. This father-son week drew us closer together as we hiked, fly fished, rafted and rock climbed talking about biblical manhood with 20 other dads and sons. I think the week was as transforming for me as it ever was for Ben. Despite his size and strength, he’s my teddy-bear and my great friend.

Anna (13) - may be enjoying her last year in the Jacobsen Institute for Advance Leadership (homeschool) and is nearing a decision about entering CCS next year for 9th grade. She continues to play piano, guitar, tennis and perform dance, although she’s taking a year off from her ballet company. Anna has really grown spiritually this year and walks in wisdom beyond her years. She’s very involved in her youth group and has a great heart for people.

Christian (9) – is still the life of the party and relentless at accomplishing his plan. He’s a renaissance man – he cooks, he changes diapers, mountain bikes, plays tennis, soccer and piano and can lick any boy in the neighborhood. Christian will talk to anyone and is completely confident and I’m sure you realize now that he can be really annoying to his older siblings. He loves being with Dad and insists on “his time” with me.

Luke (6) – just started piano lessons and has fallen in love with football this fall (though he still sucks his thumb). Given this new love he tends to be hurting his younger sisters as they get talked into football plays. Luke leads these three girls like he’s the king of castle and they are his princesses. He is the first awake each morning as we share coffee and Bible reading together (he drinks his with a straw).

Caroline (5) – is a great big sweetheart and very kind big sister. Caroline is an encourager and is great at thinking the best. She loves to dance and sing and always loves to be with mama. She’s learning to bake already and has “practiced” cutting hair on herself and younger sister, much to her mother’s alarm.

Elizabeth (3) – is still our quiet, gentle little girl. Ellie loves to hug and kiss. She and Caroline love to play in their own little make-believe land. Ellie loves to sing and frequently we find her quietly singing all by herself. She loves to “do school” and follows Rebecca around with her school book saying “me next, Mama.”

Mary Katherine (Cake) (18 months) – has developed into our most feisty and fiery child yet. She’s tough but developing a great sense of humor. She already says, “I’m so funny” with a smile and insists on having a bow in her hair like her older sisters. She’s petite for her age so she still gets a lot of babying.

More big news, we moved! After finding a house with basement potential around the block we took the plunge and moved into what is hoped to be our ‘last home’ (in nineteen years of marriage we’ve lived in 12 locations!).

We ask God’s richest blessings to rest upon you in this season of remembering His entrance into our world!

208 Clearport Drive
Cary, North Carolina 27519