merry christmas!

Ho, Ho, Ho!  Time to spread Christmas cheer by updating our blog and recapping 2010.  At the beginning of 2010, Candace was pregnant, commuting to work in Salt Lake, and helping my parents renovate their condo in Provo (where we were living).  I was starting my last semester of grad school, applying for jobs, and serving with the 17 year-olds in our ward.  So much has changed and we have so much to be thankful for!

The latest with Curtis:
I'm loving my job at Crexendo Web Marketing.  I meet with clients about building new web sites and/or helping existing web sites get more traffic.  I've always been fascinated by strategies that grow businesses and right now there isn't a better strategy than to leverage the power of the internet, so its a perfect fit.  While I terribly miss the outdoor lifestyle that accompanies living a few minutes from Utah's beautiful mountains and rivers, it feels right to be back in Arizona.  Candace and I are looking at moving to Ahwatukee soon, which will keep my drive to work around 10 minutes.  Fatherhood has been the best thing that has happened to me since marrying Candace.  Reed makes life more fun than I could've ever imagined.

What's up with Candace?
This year Candace got a huge promotion at work, going from interior designer to Mama.  She seems to be amazing at whatever she does, as one of the last design projects she worked on earned an award this year.  Most importantly, she's done a great job transitioning into the role of stay-at-home Mom.  Its fun to see her learn and grow in Motherhood along with my sisters and sister-in-law.  Candace is still a book worm and uses photography, cooking, and painting as her creative outlets.

The 411 on RooBear! 
We can't get over how great our son is!  Every day he gets cuter and more lovable.  People seem to notice most his super silky skin, eyebrows, and mama's blue eyes, along with his smiley nature and extra-chubby figure.  Candace and I know we lucked out on this little boy.  While it seems he's at the perfect stage, I can't help but daydream about teaching him to play catch, taking him fishing, or riding ATV's together.  Just as Fatherhood has brought a lot of joy, its also taught me much needed lessons about love and life.  Becoming a father introduced me to how fragile life really is.  I've acquired more patience and selflessness, as well as an awareness of how much my parents love me.

I'm grateful for the Christmas season and the opportunity it offers for us to grow closer to those that mean the most.  Reflecting upon the love I have for my family and son has also renewed my appreciation for God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.  Candace and I know that it is by following Christ's example that we can find true Peace in this life and Salvation in the next.

Best Wishes for 2011!

Curtis, Candace, and Reed