Year-End Update

I just want start out by saying that we loved seeing our friends and family this Christmas but we really missed those of you who we didn't see over the holidays. That’s one of the joys and sorrows of having such a large family: you can’t be with all of them, all of the time. One of our New Year’s Resolutions is to try and see you all as much as possible in 2013. If you guys want to help us out with our resolution, we welcome the help (and any visitors to our humble little home!).

Work-

                So my poor, poor wife had to deal with me leaving her for a full week at the beginning of December  so I could go to Dallas for a medical conference for work. I really enjoyed the conference and it was a cool opportunity to make myself more valuable to the company, but afterwards I promised Val that I will do everything in my power to not travel for work that long again. Just too hard being away.  Work is going just grand right now and I am continuing to move up in the company. It is really a tender mercy of the Lord. They are opening a new plasma center not too far from our house in Provo and I have been asked to run the whole medical side of things. That’s alone is pretty great, and the nice raise that comes with it ain't bad and helps us out soooo much. We are really blessed that I have such a great job.

On top of that, Valerie just got herself a new job! I would let her tell you all herself, but I need to brag about her a little bit first. She submitted a sample email ad for a local, growing company that was looking for an ad writer/editor for their documents. It was amazing, and so much so that the owner of the company hired her as soon as he read it. No questions asked about experience, no resume submitted, and not even an interview or application. So she will now be working for them, writing ads for their promotions and any odd editing stuff they need done. It’s not a ton of hours but it’s all from home and it’s good experience for an English/editing major! I have a very talented wife.

Christmas-

                We had a wonderful week in Oregon with my family for Christmas. We first flew into Portland for my cousins wedding on Saturday, which was just beautiful. Gotta love being in the an LDS temple with family. It was pretty amazing having my youngest brother Tommy, who just got his mission call to Columbia, in the temple with us. We then drove down to Medford and enjoyed 5 days of being lazy, eating too much, and being around family. I think we need to buy about 200 acres of property someplace and have all our family just move together in one centralized location. We love being around family. Overall, a great trip despite Valerie being a bit sick and throwing up a few times Christmas day.  

                Another tender mercy moment. When we got back to Provo after being in Oregon, we went to get Valerie’s car Draco from my work where we left it for the week. We tried starting it and it just wouldn't start. After getting some more gas and a LOT of jumping it, it still wouldn't start. When one of the managers from work walked by us, he was flabbergasted that Draco was our car. All last week they had been calling the cops and trying to get it towed because it was covered with a foot of snow and no one at work seemed to know whose it was. No one knows why, but somehow it didn't get towed! We still had to get a new battery for it, but I HATE getting my car towed. So that was a blessing.

A New Year-

New things this year? How about a list! 

·         Val’s new job

·         My new promotion and new center

·         Both of us will be in school (We’ll see how having a baby mid-semester works for Val. I’m sure she’ll do great).

·         New baby girl around March 3^rd!!!! (Any good names suggestions?)

·         Applying for PA school in May 

This last year brought some pretty great things into our lives (like all you guys!). We’re just excited to see what this one will bring!

With love,

Bard Doll (aka Brad)

P.S. We might be doing our baby’s blessing the Sunday of General Conference weekend ( April 7^th). If anyone wants to come for that and Conference we would love to see you! Don’t you want to help us with our New Year’s resolution?!?!