What a crazy, busy, and amazing year it has been here in lovely Fresno for the Dean/Davis clan. On 1-1-11 Stephen and I got married with our families by our sides at the central coast. After some discussion with Ethan about his name changing to Ethan Dean, or better yet, Stephen's name changing to Stephen Davis (LOL), we finally settled on Mom's name changing to Dean, with A&E keeping their names the same. Stephen has come into our life, home, and family with such love, strength, and courage, and has blessed all three of us in ways we could have never imagined. I think I still have to occasionally pinch myself when I remember all that this cutie pie, successful, former bachelor agreed to take on when marrying me (and my kidlets). He is an amazing husband and step dad, and has brought true JOY back into our lives.
So about us: A&E are growing so fast, and in fact this past year Ashley won the growth award, surpassing me in height well on her way to possibly towering over Stephen. She is in the 6th grade, and is every bit of a lovable, nutso, preteen girl. She is goofy, occasionally moody, very smart, and independent and needy all at the same time. She keeps us on our toes, and we consider it an honor to get to teach her, support her, and help her mature into adulthood. She took on the challenge of cheer leading this year, and has done quite well. She still loves to sing, act, play the piano, and dance, and will most likely be back in theatre this Spring. Ethan is still a little squirt with the cutest freckle nose and the funniest quips. He turned 10 last month and is in the 4th grade. He has amazed us all with his academic and social growth, and just keeps truckin right along becoming the little man that I hoped he could be. He tried baseball last Spring, and was crazy cute at it, but since he didn't hit every ball with perfection last season, he is resistant to trying it again this Spring. (His perfectionist personality is a blessing and a curse.) ;) He is part of a Boy Scouts troop, and has been enjoying that. He loves Spiderman, and has grown quite fond of Marvel Superhero Comics. If you lend him an ear, he will give you quite an extensive history lesson on the subject. Both of the kids are doing very well. I am proud of their strength, and although they are shuttled each week between two homes, I think they are fairing quite well in the aftermath of their parent's divorce. Don't get me wrong. I wish for their sakes that it would have been different, but I am pleased to report that as far as divorce situations go, I think their dad and I have done a good job shielding them and giving them a happy situation to grow up in.
Stephen continues to enjoy his job at Kaweah Delta where he manages a team of about 17 IT guys and gals. There have been a lot of changes in his department lately, leaving him with opportunities for learning, growth, and advancement, so he and I are eager to see how 2012 will pan out for him. He is extremely hard-working and dedicated, and enjoys working there. For now, the commute isn't a problem, because he likes the job so much. He also began volunteering to assist with the tech stuff at church this year. He is enjoying the "camera man" challenge. If you are ever at our church, turn around and look up in the top corner. He may be up there trying to get the best shot of the stage.
I am on the downward slope of my nursing program, and can almost see the end in sight. I am amazed at how quickly the last year went, and how much I have learned. I still have some hurdles to cross, and a big huge nursing board exam to pass next year, but with a little help from God I will hopefully be practicing patient care by this time next year as an RN. I loved Labor & Delivery and Maternal nursing, so that is currently my goal for employment.
The Dean/Davis family is happy and blessed, and we thank our Lord everyday for this. We miss our loved ones, and treasure all friends and family who love us and support us with kindness, prayers, and time together. May your year be blessed with love and true joy.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Stephen, Shannon, Ashley, and Ethan
