2011 Wraps Up

So the wording on the christmas card I designed is not just coincidental.  For us, 2011 has been an incredible year full of faith in God, hope for the future, and overwhelming love from others. We were so incredibly blessed in 2011!  The Lord was surely mindful of us, which was well needed after the heartbreak and disappointment we experienced in 2010. 

It all started out with another fertility treatment in January - which resulted in a beautiful, albeit early, little boy on August 16th.  Although our little Ammon Ray had a rough start - spending some time in the NICU and being on oxygen for a few months - he is now a healthy little boy who is growing well and bringing such joy and enrichment to our lives. 

In February, Eric left Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) to become a Portfolio Manager at Zion's Bank.  He loved his position and the people he worked with but couldn't pass up an opportunity to leave again in December to become a Risk Manager for American Express.  He's excited that this new position will be similar to his work he did when he was with Merrill Lynch and hopes we can be there for the long run.  We feel like we've finally been able to ride the "Banking Bubble" and come out on top. 

In June of this year, Eric finally passed the second level of the CFA after studying many long months for about 20 hours a week.  I was especially ecstatic since it meant that he could help out more around the house and with Alex in my last months before Ammon arrived.  Only one more level to go that we hope he can pass this coming June!!!  Keep your fingers crossed!

Last of all, Eric took the GMAT and received a score that will give us a good chance at getting into any MBA program we would like.  I told him we'll have to wait a few years for me to recouperate from his CFA study sessions, but it's nice to know that the option is available for us when we are ready for it. 

We cannot forget to mention our sweet, little first-born, Alex, who has accomplished much this year.  He has moved (successfully) into a big-boy bed, potty-trained, and started pre-school.  He is also such a wonderful big brother and such a big helper to me :)  He still doesn't eat anything and is as stuborn as his Mommy, but at least he's out of the terrible twos!  We love him so much and could not imagine our lives without him. 

We are especially grateful to our friends and family who helped us this year -especially with our difficult trial surrounding Ammon's birth.  We have been shown such tender care and love from those we hold as our closest friends, and some of those we barely know.  We are so overwhelmed that so many would be willing to help in our time of need.  We only hope that with our many blessings, we will be able to give back to others who may be experiencing difficulties in their lives.  We are also mindful, without a doubt, that God is in our lives continually and loves us unconditionally.We hope that you will be able to feel of that love this special time of year and in the year to come. 

MeRrY CHriStmAS!