Christmas 2008

Merry Christmas everyone! Our family has had an eventful year and we want to thank everyone who's played a part in our adventures!



Kent has performed the great balancing act of this year. He completed his residency in Albuquerque in June, then moved on to Houston at MD Anderson. Due to the unexpected death of his father and the numerous stresses of a residency, he decided to leave early and found the 'dream job' in Phoenix, AZ at Maricopa Hospital. He enjoys the full income that comes of being a pharmacist and finds his biggest task is to regain his life! For those who don't know, residencies are designed to cram in 2 or 3 years of work experience into one thus leaving very little time to breath! The new freedom (and breathing time) has him spending it with Isaac and Flo as well as developing new hobbies. He purchased a Canon Rebel (digital slr camera) and is learning the fine art of photography. This small and sometimes intrusive contraption goes everywhere and is now fondly thought of as a 'second wife' by Flo.



Flo has grown into her role as a mother this last year. She is learning to find the balance between homemaking and playing with a child and in so doing, has discovered new levels of multi-tasking and organizing. The art of moving has been perfected to a science by her, and she is relieved to know that June of 2009 will bring the last move for a few years. (We move back into our house in Glendale) Besides cleaning, cooking, laundry, playing with Isaac, church callings, keeping the general household sane, she has a few hobbies. Her latest projects and hobbies include reading, writing, trying new recipes, a FHE laminated activity book as well as the two blogs she manages. We are also happy to announce that we found out 2 weeks ago that she is pregnant. Prior to Isaac she had a few miscarriages, but we are hopeful that this one takes since she's experiencing so much nausea!



Isaac is 18 months old now. It is hard to believe that time has gone by so quickly. He is as active as ever and loves reading, playing with stickers, pretending to cook, collecting rocks, listening to music, dancing, pushing buttons of all kinds, and making new friends - especially when they are girls! Heaven help his parents when he gets older! His vocabulary has increased dramatically in the last 2 months with favorite words being Isaac, purple, blackberry, blue, nut, tall, and "ho,ho, ho". He had his first real adventures with refined sugar so there will be no turning back no matter what his Mama does. His cautious but inquisitive nature and sweet disposition bring joy to his parents life.

We've survived 3 moves, 3 different states, one hurricane, a family member passing, and the day to day battles of living. We are so grateful to all the friends and family that have helped us in our adventure this year. Most of all we are grateful to the Savior and his mercy and goodness. All the changes we went through this year turned into blessings in His hand. We love this season when we celebrate his birth and life, may Christ's Spirit rest with you all for the coming year.