Pretty Lights

Well it's getting closer. We plan to leave Salt Lake the first weekend of May. Josh and I are going to head out Friday May 2nd, and plan to be in San Antonio by Saturday night. We will probably fly Josh home and fly Dannielle and Isabella down on Sunday the 4th, just in time for Cinco De Mayo! We don't have a place to live or jobs yet, but we are active in our search. The Cutler's have been a wonderful connection and have hearts the size of Texas!

For those that care...We are going to have a few activities before we leave. Isabella's blessing will be held at Dannielle's parents ward(roughly 8420 S and 1450 west)on Sunday April 20th at 1pm. We have personally invited a handful of men to stand in the circle, and are sad that the circle can't hold more people. I usally only go to stuff that I have a part in so for those of you that would just be coming to watch and think that sounds boring, I don't blame you. Why would I go to something I don't get to participate in right?!J/K We understand that even on Sunday's people have obligations and may not make it.

That's why we're having a second party! It will probably be Saturday April 26th and will be an open house style BBQ at Cory and Sheryl's. This is the important one! It's to celebrate my graduation! Hey, Hey, Remember that one time when I didn't graduate high school! Now I have an Associate's Degree from the Community College, and a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Utah! How cool am I! Man I hate school! We would like to see as many of you as we can whether it's at Isabella's party or my party.(Dannielle doesn't get one) Please don't second guess whether or not we care to see you. We care to see everyone! Even family, I know we avoid you a lot, but with us leaving for a few years we could probably tolerate you for a few hours before we leave.

We seriously are sad to leave the wonderful support we have here in Utah, but have to take this next step for our future and career. I am amazed how fast time goes by. It seems like a few weeks ago I was in High School, crashing Richard's S-10 into out-houses. Now Everyone's not just married but people have kids too! Like more than one! From Jr. High to High School, my mission and various wards I've lived in since being married I have had great friends. I want to say thanks to all of you for creating so many great memories together. We look forward to seeing everyone over the course of this next month, and wish we could bring you guys with us, but I think people get in trouble for hauling truck loads of people through Texas...

Our First Spring Break With Bella

I don't think I understood how much planning goes into a family vacation. I have new respect for my parents! This past weekend our family went to St. George for Spring Break with the Stark family. The weather was wonderful, hanging out with family was awesome, and we had a blast! Packing for the trip was one story and getting there was another. . . I always knew that taking children on vacations required extra room for packing. However, with all the items needed for our new baby, we were able to fill the trunk and back seat of our trusty Corolla! Holy Cow! We had to bring so many things! Not only that, but we had to bring extra clothes for Isabella's everyday "blowout" occurrence. Although I am being an antagonist about the organization that went into the trip, we had fun. This last weekend was also Isabella's first Easter. Having her in our lives really made me think about Christ's resurrection. I know that I am a child of God, and that Christ was resurrected for me, but looking at my new baby I can understand the unconditional love our Father in Heaven has for us. Words can't describe how special Isabella is to me, I know that Heavenly Father has a wonderful plan for her, and that she was meant to be in our family. Sharing such a special holiday with her was spiritually uplifting, I can only imagine how meaningful this holiday will be when she understands. Love, Dannielle

A Day of Rememberance

Just 22 days after Isabella's spirit was united with her mortal body my grandpa's spirit separated from his. Hugh E. Holt was born on January 23 1921 in Parowan Utah, and left this world Friday March 7 2008. When he was younger he was a basketball star, and a potato farmer, he was also a medic in WWII, and left a wonderful legacy behind. He was a true hero. Not just because he served his country so many years ago, but because he was a good father, husband and most importantly an amazing grandfather. He emulated integrity and honesty. His body was in a lot of discomfort for a lot of years, but he was always doing what he could to keep his mind sharp. I will always remember the sacrifices he made to ensure his family knew they were his first priority. The hours he spent repairing my flat bike tires, and shouts of encouragement he would yell from the sidelines of my little league games. Goodbye Grandpa. We'll miss you.

As Isabella came into this world I found myself pondering over the magnitude of the great plan we are all a part of. Again today and over the past few days I have been thinking of that plan, my thoughts are focused on the phase my grandpa has passed through. I am grateful for the knowledge we have been given of eternal life. How sad it would be to know nothing of the hereafter, and be stuck wondering if there was no greater meaning to this life. I recall a couple I taught on my mission. They were young (thirties) didn't have any kids, and were quite excited to learn about Jesus Christ. They progressed well, but hit a solid wall when we discussed abstaining from Alcohol and Tobacco. The gentleman had a hard time giving those habits up and ultimately did not ever get over that hurdle. It was only a few months later he began suffering from liver failure and passed away soon after. My companion and I attended the funeral services and were rather surprised to find his wife very composed. She believed what we taught her, and had faith in eternal life. She had shed her tears and felt there was no need to weep or worry any longer. Her faith was sure.

Bella's Bath

What a cutie! Bella loves being naked, not the bath part so much, so hopefully we don't end up with a little girl that won't bathe. I can't believe it has been three weeks since we brought our pumpkin home with us. I can't remeber what I used to do! Bella had her first doctor's appointment at the beginning of this week and she is doing great! She now weighs 7 lbs and has grow 2 1/2 inches (she is now 20 1/2 inches). I can't believe how fast she is growing! Her hair is starting to lighten up a bit, we are still trying to decide if it will be red. Her eyes are still grey but they look blue around the edges. Bella is starting to find her voice and makes the cutest sounds. We love you all - Dannielle

First Playdate

We can't believe we've had our little diaper filler home for two weeks now. She had her first playdate today! Cole and Jacee brought Bailey over for a visit. I think they just might grow up and be friends. They'll be able to complain to each other about their quirky dads, and we will blame Cambodia!
It looks like we will be moving to San Antonio somewhere around the 4th of May. I will aim to take the DAT on the 1st or 2nd, load the truck and head out! We are so excited to start this new adventure! We have so many good friends here that we would love to see before we leave so please, if you have a minute to come by for a visit in the next two months we want to see you. Hope everyone is preparing for Easter. Dannielle is ready to accessorize Bella in spring dresses and sandals! We wish you all the best:)