Merry Christmas 2009

It was such a success last year that I've decided to blog the Christmas card EVERY year :)

This year has truly been a growing year as we have faced many challenges and heartaches. But in the course of traveling these rough roads we have grown closer as a couple, as a family, and in our testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The year started with me very pregnant and already threatening bedrest. It was a very snowy, cold, and long winter. In February I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. It only occurs during pregnancy, but it can cause complications for both mother and baby. As I was learning how to control my diabetes and trying to keep baby Eliza from coming early I was noticing that Darci was presenting with many symptoms associated with diabetes.

Darci went to the Primary Children's Medical Center ED on March 3, 2009. There she was diagnosed with Type 1 (juvenile) Diabetes. Darci, Bret, and I spent 4 days at the children's hospital learning the tip of the iceberg on the ins and outs of caring for Darci and her disease. Our nephew, Brady, has Type 1 and his mom and dad (Audra and Nate) have truly been angels in our lives. I cannot fathom how much harder this year would have been without their love, support, and knowledge.

One week after checking out of one hospital I was checking into another one. Preterm labor was cause for 4 days of bedrest in the Intermountain Medical Center to mature the baby's lungs and control my diabetes. This was hard as Bret and I were still trying to figure out everything for Darci. I went home and with the help of many, MANY wonderful people I was able to stay down and still have the children taken care of. Family, friends, and ward members were beyond generous. And Bret was AMAZING!!! He had the burden of being mom, dad, provider, homemaker, and nurse to Darci and I. He never complained while I could see the weariness of worry in his eyes. The kids and I are so blessed to have this wonderful man be our father and husband. How did I ever get so lucky!!

Eliza held off for as long as she could, but it seems she was determined to be a March baby. On Tuesday, March 31, 2009 Eliza Karen came into the world almost 6 weeks early. She was an astounding 7lbs 7oz and she was in the IMC NICU for 9 days. We were so happy to have her come home healthy and strong.

Through out the rest of the year we have been adjusting to these and other life changes as we have gone along. Christopher is such a sweet and sensitive little man. He puts so much responsibility on himself to care for all around him. He is funny and smart and caring. He started piano this year and seems to have a knack for it. 2nd grade is a blast and he has fun with his friends. He's excited as he prepares to turn 8 years old and be baptized.

Xander is getting smarter all the time and learning more and more how to cope with things that make him nervous or uncomfortable. He has the BEST imagination and is a pro at puzzles. Joy School is his very favorite thing and the kids who are in his class are his very best friends. He is so sweet and tender with Eliza. It's a side of him not many see often.

Darci is my hero!! She is full of joy and sunshine. When she was in the hospital she was so scared and despondant, I was so worried it had changed her. But as soon as we came home she continued to be her sweet, sunny self. She lights up a room with her smile and loves everyone. She endures all the finger pokes and insulin shots like it's nothing. What a special spirit she is and how much the light of Christ shines through her at such a young age.

Eliza is the perfect little caboose to our family. She is easy and mellow. She loves to watch her siblings play around her and has lots of smiles and laughs for anyone who will give her attention. She does not like to be alone. We ALL love her so much. The other 3 kids love to shower her with kisses and attention. There has never been any jealousy issues from Darci. Darci just loves her to death.

So, from a rough start to a sweet end, 2009 has us feeling blessed and surrounded in love. May life bring everyone who reads this the same love and blessing into their lives. May everyone be able to find joy in the journey and strength through trials. And most of all may everyone who reads this feel the love of their Savior, Jesus Christ, and the hope of his Atonement.

*******MERRY CHRISTMAS***********