Christmas Letter 2010

Dear Family and Friends,
As you can see it's been awhile since we've updated the blog, that probably shows you how incredibly busy we've been lately!! :) Well along with all the busyness, we've experienced a roller coaster of a year, with many ups, a few downs and even a couple twists and turns, but at the end of the ride we are so thankful to have each other and the many blessings of family and friends that God has given us.

Brett
Brett continues to work for Southern California Edison, in this last year he transferred from the training department to operations (YAY!) and was selected to begin the Senior Reactor Operator training program (double YAY!). He is doing very well in the program, however it can be demanding at times with the swing shifts (some day’s nights 6pm - 6am) and rigorous testing. He spends any spare time he has playing with Ari and teaching her new words, it's amazing how he can teach her something so quickly- he is her favorite teacher and best friend. She knows when Daddy shows up its time to PLAY! Brett continues his interest in stocks and investing and does an excellent job of managing our retirement and helping others.

Michelle
Well I have to say being a Mom is a full time job, I'm constantly impressed with Moms with multiple children (like my Mother-4, and Brett's Mom-4 as well), their sacrifices and hard work make it hard to complain with my one little one, even on the roughest day. I can honestly say I LOVE my job and that I have the best bonuses of sloppy baby kisses and an occasional REAL hug! In the last year I started a money saving-freebie blog (http://aordinarymommy.blogspot.com/), joined and help start a Mommy's group for Moms in my area, got a Cricut die cut machine that I love (not a scrap booker YET), and continue to take a TON of photos. This week I will actually get to display my photos for the first time in a local businesses lobby. I've made MANY wonderful Mommy friends in this last year, I am very blessed and thankful for the strong support group that has developed, it REALLY helps if Brett has long hours or Ari is sick, their kindness and caring reminds me daily of Christ's love for us and how great it can be.

Ariella

This is what you REALLY are looking for right? Ariella (or Ari, as we call her) is constantly changing, growing and learning new things. Her interests include long walks to the mailbox (she can walk YAY!), reading (mostly board books and ANYTHING with a cat "meow" or dog "gog" in it), and animals (BIG favorite is "gogs" followed by "meows" if she can catch them). As you can tell this little one is TALKING, so so so much, she says "gog", "meow", "heddo" for hello, "papa", "dada", "momma", "bobble" for bottle, "book", "Elmo", "ug" for hug, "uppie" for open, and the list goes on. She celebrated her first birthday in October and celebrated with a REAL Elmo, 2 chocolate fountains and an apple cider fountain (all borrowed), it was incredible to say the least and we've both been cured of the desire for big birthday parties!! :) Ari's is cutting teeth very very slowly, but that doesn't stop her from eating anything she wants. This little one had inherited my love people and can make friends with anyone she meets, when she gets impatient while shopping I just walk by a crowd and she's happy making strangers into part of her fan club- she's VERY easy to love.

Unfortunately it hasn't been completely sunshine and roses this last year, Ari was hospitalized in November for dehydration from some stomach bug, followed quickly by a double ear infection which has proven resistant to all antibiotics. We've also found out that she had bilateral urinary reflux which makes her susceptible to urinary tract infections which we've had our fair share of in the last year. She's currently on maintenance antibiotics that she will continue to be on until she grows out of it or has surgery to fix the reflux. We are hoping growing out of it will happen sooner. Please keep her health in your prayers. Brett and I both lost grandfathers in the last year with my grandfather passed away in March and Brett's grandfather passed away in November. We miss them so much, but are thankful Ari had the chance to meet them both. I fell down some stairs and injured my ankle in October and continue to do physical therapy. Thankfully it wasn't as bad as it could have been and Ari was safe (she was in my arms when I fell).

Brett's brother Scott was living with us up until September when he was deployed to Afghanistan. Please keep him in your prayers as well as he plans to return in March and stay with us. Ari's excited to see "Unca Scott" again. My mother and step father moved in October to a RV resort about an hour from where we live. It's so nice to have them closer and they LOVE the California weather. They say if we ever move they will stay.

Well that is about all the rollercoaster for now, I promised to post to this blog at least once a month going forward so you can keep updated with the events as they happen :).

Love and Best Wishes for the Holiday Season!!

Brett, Michelle, and Ariella