A Year in Review

My friend April posted a song on her blog, "A Baby Changes Everything" by Faith Hill. I tried to add it to my playlist, but I couldn't get it. Anyway, the tears just started flowing as I listened to it. It is about Mary. I thought about how young she was, the judgments and persecution she received and didn't deserve and of how far she traveled. After that long journey she was told there was no room for her and gave birth in a stable filled with animals and I assume a strong odor. I am grateful for Mary and her sacrifices she made. Including the sacrifice of watching her son die on the cross. I hope that I can have that kind of faith and strength. I am so grateful for the birth of Christ and the opportunity to celebrate it.

Well, this year our Christmas cards were short and sweet. A postcard with a short poem on the back. I listed our blog on there for everyone to keep in touch all year. So I thought I would take the opportunity to review the year.

We start off every year celebrating Alexis' birthday. She turned 4 and had the most awesome Princess cake you have ever seen (thanks to Grandma!).

In February we went on a family vacation to Disneyland and it was the most perfect vacation for us. The girls loved every minute of it. We were disappointed we didn't make it to the beach on that trip, but we spent three full days at both parks. Dawn's sister met us there with her family and spending time with cousins was just as exciting as seeing Mickey Mouse!

Spring Semester, Dawn took the Certified Nursing Assistant course and worked part time at the day care on campus. The girls went to work with her and they miss going there every day. Dawn doesn't miss going there every day. She passed her state test and works as a CNA at the hospital. She works an average of two shifts per month which is just enough.

In June we bought a house and moving took up most of May, June, and July. We killed our grass our first two weeks in. I have a lot of learning to do when it comes to yard work. I did learn how to use a lawn mower though and actually find mowing kind of enjoyable.

Alexis started preschool and she also tried out a tumbling class. She really enjoys tumbling, although she has decided that she is going to take dance again. I told her she had to choose because I am not going to pay for both. She really is a little girl and not a baby anymore. O.k. so she is almost 5, but she is getting so tall and lean. There is no chub left on her body. Yes, I am jealous!

Denali turned 2 in November. We have lived in Ephraim for 2 1/2 years now, I just can't believe how fast time has gone by. Denali speaks in full sentences and decided to potty train herself. She is quite the character and you can't look at her without smiling. Lexi and Denali love eachother and play well together, most of the time. They also having started some sibling rivalry that some days makes me want to pull my hair out.

Even more exciting news than family vacations, healthy children and a new house, is we are going to have another baby. And it is a boy! We feel so blessed and the new year is going to fly by with the baby coming in March. If you have any name suggestions, we are welcome to them!

We are spending Christmas in Alaska. All of Dawn's siblings and her mother live there and Alexis can't wait to see her cousins. It was expensive and we are traveling to a place where it is much colder and much shorter days, but we are really looking forward to spending time with family and seeing old friends. The oldest cousin, Ben, graduates this year. So it may be a long time before everyone can be together again.

We made a trip on the Polar Express where Santa came on the train and gave everyone a bell. He also made an appearance at the Dart Family Christmas party. He comes to the Christmas party every year and you couldn't even convince me that he isn't Santa. He knows everyones name from year to year and Alexis is convinced he is going to bring her a tea set for Christmas. And as long as our luggage makes it to Alaska, she won't be disappointed!!

It may be the New Year before I post again. So we want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!