As Christmas approaches tomorrow, we've been reflecting on the blessings that our family has received this past year. It's something that's rather easy for us come Christmas, since we open all of our presents by December 23rd - currently it seems to be the longest running family tradition we have! So with all of the gifts out of the way, it's easier for us to be reminded the true reason for the season.
We were very blessed this year in so many ways. In January Matt found a new job that he truly loves and is really thriving in. He enjoys going to work now, and has been a star on both of the teams he's belonged to since starting there. Matt's job also provides him free college, which has been an amazing experience for the both of us. He is going for his bachelors in business management and has already completed his first year with amazing grades, acing all of his finals!
This year brought some health trials and once again, Jessica had to choose between working outside of the home and risking her health, or staying home and tightening the budget. Home it was. Thanks to God, our budget didn't tighten too much and we've still been able to celebrate holidays and birthdays and were even able to have a much nicer Christmas than we did last year. Jessica's health has improved greatly. She has taken many strides in overcoming her anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. She has even begun taking baby steps to dealing with the rest of her health, mainly her weight.
This year came with the unfortunate passing of our puppy, Sookie, who was given to us when she was unknowingly, already sick. We had her for only one month but it was very hard for both of us. Willow, our six year old Pug, is healthy and happy as ever. Sometimes she gets skinny because she refuses to eat for a day or two, instead using that time to her advantage to play. To help bulk her up a little we've created the "dog omelet", which she just makes a mess out of.
We welcomed a new life into our extended family this year. Jessica was present for the birth of our new nephew, Trey, who is Jessica's sister - Kristine's - first born child. We try to keep in touch with our other siblings and their children as well. Matt's brother Andy and his wife Megan are doing well with their three children, Noah, Hannah and Leah. Noah just turned six years old. Where does the time go? In Utah, Jessica's sister Tiffany opened her own children's boutique and has been featured on television shows there and has been reviewed by many renowned internet sites. Her girls Samantha, Isabel, Emilee and Lily all are growing up too fast if you ask us. Samantha just turned twelve and had the opportunity to go to the temple for the first time and help do the work for Grandma Pacini, who died in 1999. Jessica's brothers, Johnny and Nico live with their mother Miki, and Grandmother in Utah and the boys are growing up into handsome little men.
We see Matt's parents as often as we can, but not nearly as often as we'd like since we now live in Albuquerque and Matt's work schedule prevents us from getting together sometimes. Both parents are doing well, though they had to put their Boxer, Finn, to sleep this year due to seizures. Leia, their Pug is still alive and kicking, proving that Pugs somehow seem to be a very long lasting dog. Jessica's aunt Paula, who is basically her mother, moved to Denver this year with her husband who was promoted in his job and relocated. They sold their home here and moved this summer, which was very hard on both Jessica and Kristine. Plans however are already set for Jessica to visit them next week and stay into the first week of the new year.
We were very excited to visit get a visit from Matt's aunt Dawn, who came down in September to stay with Matt's parents, as well as Matt's uncle Don and aunt Tammy who followed up in October. We hope to travel more in the coming year to visit Matt's family in Michigan and Ohio, as well as Jessica's family in Utah.
Sadly this year has brought grief to the family as well. Jessica lost her great aunt Vera this fall, and the family was struck again with the passing of the newborn daughter of Jessica's cousin, Brandon. Prayers are still going out strong to their family, as well as the daughters of Vera. Personal issues have arose on both sides of our family - as well as our friends, with members who are dealing with hospital stays, surgeries, cancer, heart problems, divorce, unemployment and much, much more, but we know that God is still there with them all through the hard times.
As rough as 2010 was, it seems that we've come out stronger in the end as 2011 approaches. Christmas was a great blessing this year, as were all the holidays which we celebrated with much gusto, alongside family and friends. We send out our love, good thoughts and prayers to those who are still in great need, and our hopes that despite your situation, you find at least a moment of peace to celebrate the wonder of Christmas.
In Love and Friendship,
Matt, Jessica and Willow
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