Christmas e- letter

Dear Family and Friends,

Due to lack of preparation, Christmas snuck up on us and we were unable to send out our family Christmas letter so I am posting it here.

2008 has been an eventful year like every year when one looks back; tons of family came to visit, many dinners with friends, fun family outings and the hectic things we do day to day. We can't complain about how busy it was because the year was so good to us.

Jim has continued to work nights 40 hours a week and pursue his schooling in the day. In June, both Jim's and Vanessa's parents came out to Utah to watch Jim walk in the June commencement program. He continued school through the fall semester and we can now say that Jim is successfully finished with his undergrad and has a degree from Brigham Young University in Psychology. His focus now has turned to applying for MBA programs for the coming fall. Isaac and Vanessa are very proud of him for his dedication, hard work and sacrifice that he has made to be a student, father, husband and breadwinner.

Vanessa has enjoyed being a stay at home Mom. She loves taking Isaac on different outings and playing with him. It has been fun and trying for her to figure out the inner workings of a toddler. She has also been able to go back to CA this year 4 times this year to visit friends and family. Vanessa had a goal to lose 60 pounds this year. Even though she didn't make her goal weight, she was successful at losing 35 pounds this year and continues to hit the gym 6 days a week. Vanessa is also thrilled that she is expecting our second child in July.

Isaac has had a great year. He was able to go into nursery at Church which he loves and he has made a best friend at the gym daycare, Ashton. Isaac is really into his cars and trains, loves playing with other kids, cooking, getting dirty and getting into everything. Isaac is very into watching and playing football and his new passion is bowling. We take him at least once a week. He is such a sweet boy and has tons of hugs and kisses for everyone and has a special place in his heart for little babies. He has become quite the traveler and loves going on "p-tings" (airplanes) We just think that he is hilarious and he makes us laugh everyday. He brings true love and joy to our little family.

As a family, we took a family vacation to CA which included going to Vanessa's parents cabin by Twain Harte, going to San Francisco, swimming and seeing a ton of other things. Isaac and Vanessa are VERY excited to have Jim around so we can have more for family time starting in January. We are also excited to the new addition to the family that will be coming in July. Isaac will be a great big brother.

We are truly grateful for all the love and blessing that were felt and received this year. We feel that we are very lucky to have such wonderful friends and family.Warm wishes we send to you this Christmas season and new year and we hope that you can always feel His spirit under your tree and in your home. 

Merry Christmas!

Love,

Jim, Vanessa, Isaac and baby #2