Merry Christmas 2009

Merry Christmas from the Denos family. I had the best intentions of getting Christmas cards out this year but failed miserably. Well, I got the pictures printed but never got around to putting addresses on the envelopes. Sorry Everyone! But I couldn't let this Christmas Season go by without letting all of our friends and family know how grateful we are for them and the blessings they our to our family.

This has been a year of changes for our family. We moved up to Idaho at the beginning of this year so that Bill and I could attend BYU-I and finally finish our degrees. It is very different from Southern California and it has been hard being away from our family and so many great friends but we are adjusting and Idaho is growing on us. I love the seasons, I can't get over how beautiful it is here. We are also enjoying the slower pace of life. Even though we are busy with school, it has been easier to enjoy the little things in life.

ELLIE, 3- What a beautiful little girl she is turning into. Before I had Ellie I always told everyone that if I had another girl I wanted to combination between a girly girl and tom boy, Ellie is definitely living up to that. She loves playing dress up, changing her clothes 10 times a day, singing and dancing. But she also loves to playing outside and getting dirty, she will wrestle with her brother, and is adventurous. Ellie has a beautiful smile and I love when her laugh fills our home.

JARED, 6- Is now in 1st grade and learning to master reading, when we can get him to sit long enough to read a book. Jared is a really smart kid, he loves numbers, (math, time, money...) and is very logical, and can figure most things out very quickly. Jared is our social little guy. He always wants to be playing with his friends. He is always asking to go play or have friends over. Jared has the greatest sense of humor and is always coming up with the funniest things. He also has the biggest heart. He knows when to give a hug or make someone laugh.

RACHEL, 8- She had a big year this year, she turned 8 and was baptized. We had the opportunity to head back to California so that family and friends could be there. It was a beautiful experience. Rachel is loving being a third grader. Her teacher is great and has really brought out Rachel's personality in class. Rachel is at a fun age and sometimes when we are talking sounds like a "mini" young adult. Rachel is extremely creative and loves arts and crafts. Rachel has such a loving personality, she is super responsible, and puts 110% into everything she does.

KIRSTIE, ???- Yes, I hit the BIG 30 this year. Didn't do much for the ego by heading back to school with a bunch of 18 year olds just out of high school. I am loving the opportunity I have to attend BYU-I. It has been a lot more challenging trying to be a mom and go to school. Being a mom is the greatest joy in my life and I am blessed to have 3 amazing kids. This year has been eventful and I had my sister Chelsea living with us for a few months, she is now living in Washington. I especially miss her when Bill is working late and the kids are in bed. I also had my brother David and Kyle get married this year. I am so thankful that my brothers found eternal companions. Welcome to the family Sonja and Alysa.

BILL- Is busy with school and work. He is applying for the paramedic program for Fall. He will eventually graduate with a Bachelor's in Emergency Medical Services. He will be a Firefighter/paramedic and will have different career choices. Bill is loving having the Snake River at his fingertips. Almost every spare minute he spent fishing this summer. He would be hunting right now but never found the time to get his license. Bill's mom has a stroke right before Thanksgiving. She is doing remarkably well, and we pray that she makes a full recovery. We decided to surprise her and make the trek to California for Thanksgiving. It was great to see everyone.

My parents had two liters of puppies this year so we added a new addition to our family. A puppy named Maverick. He is just like one of the family now. The kids love him and actually are being really good about taking care of him.

We hope everyone enjoys this holiday season and has the opportunity to reflect on the birth and life of our Savior.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year,
Love,
The Denos Family