Dear Family & Friends,

Okay so here goes the traditional Christmas letter. Usually this provides lots of opportunity for reflection, and I usually enjoy that this time of year. However, I find myself really wanting to move forward and focus on the future right now.

The last year has brought us many ups and downs as every year does. I am not even sure that 2009 is any more significant than any other year. The kids keep getting bigger, older, and busier. I am not sure I am ready for the future when that increases. But there is never a dull moment in our lives.

Isaac the "communicator," who never lacks in having something to add to conversation, has been busy with Scouts, Student Council, Tutoring, adjusting to the responsibility of fourth grade, and sports. Oh did I mention SPORTS! He's killing me... a definite miniature Danny. As if we didn't see this coming. Although, he is very adamant about what football teams he favors. Let's put it this way...he has a list of his top favorites, of which the Jets, Green Bay, and thank goodness the Broncos hold onto top spots. He got to see his first live Bronco game, and join his first Fantasy Football league. Yikes! Am I ready for the coming years????
Marina the "Energizer Bunny" unless it's Monday thru Friday and she has to get up and get ready for school, has made huge improvements at school this year. She is much more confident and comfortable in first grade. For which I am extremely grateful. When we went to her parent-teacher conference, she told us that she wanted to work on following the school rules more. Her teacher immediately asked her what rules she was not following? The teacher has rave reviews about her behavior and outstanding level of responsibility for a 1st grader. While we are thrilled to have such great praise, and we occasionally see glimpses of this at home, but most often we are left with the much more stubborn and opinionated side at home! She loves to pretend that she is the teacher on duty at recess and tells us we're all in trouble and writes our names down on the "bad list." What does this tell you about her? So, we keep her busy doing art projects, and gymnastics. She has to have that little body busy all the time!Danny finally earned that Master's Degree and we all take a lot of pride and ownership in this accomplishment. We just spent last weekend celebrating with friends and family at the old Zang's Brewery. Congratulations Danny! He continues to love his work. And the fact that he has a good job and good health insurance is a constant on my list of blessings.
Together, Danny and I, have worked at getting to the temple every month, and I am so grateful that he and I continue to set goals and strive to live righteously. We truly are very blessed to share such a wonderful friendship and love. I know that this has carried us through all the difficulties over the last couple of years. So, this brings me to the reason we are focused on the future. The Lord had directed us in ways that we can't explain. However, we know that His hand has constantly guided us on this path to have another child. We were ready to be done, when the Lord said, "Try again." We have learned to let go, and take the leap of faith, truly leaving things in His hands. So we have slowly embraced the possibility that a new baby would arrive sometime this Spring. As we are on the brink of discovering the gender and hopefully finding a name we look to hope and faith to lead us the rest of the way.

I've spent sometime pondering on what life will be like with a new baby. I think I forgot how to change diapers, make bottles, and get up in the middle of the night. And I've asked myself, "What...are you crazy." And then I think on the joy that my children have already brought me. I think on how life would be simple and boring without them. I think of how selfish I might be; and all the growing and learning opportunities I would've missed. And I realize that there is no greater gift in this lifetime than to partake in this journey. The Lord really had purpose and a plan when He commanded us to "multiply and replenish the earth." I used to think He was a little crazy and that commandment was only meant for Eve. But now I truly understand that it is part of the eternal plan. And I wouldn't want to miss a minute of it.
May you see the Lord's hand in your lives. May you have the strength and faith to let Him lead you. Our sincerest wish and prayers go out to you at this special time of year. Thanks to all of you that bless our lives. May we always be good at remembering to express our gratitude to all of you.

Love,

The Sandoval's
Vycci, Danny, Isaac, & Marina