Christmas is extra meaningful this year.

##Hello and Happy Holidays!

This is just a quick note to get you up to date on the Carney family’s happenings over the last year.

The spring had us celebrating with Danae. She spent many months in preparation, and in April was Baptized as a member of the Catholic Church. It was a long fulfilling journey that led to another event later in the year.

After Danae was baptized in April, we decided that we should have our marriage blessed by the Church. When we got married, a Methodist minister performed the ceremony, so our marriage was never officially recognized by the Catholic Church. So, now that we’re both Catholic we had our vows renewed and blessed.
We decided on a simple ceremony on Sept. 1st at St. Joseph’s followed by a party with our friends and family. Both Vanessa and Madison played the piano at the ceremony, adding their own special touch.

Both Mike’s mother, Jeanne and Danae’s mother, Norma came to visit for our ceremony. I’m quite happy to report that they each made a new friend while they were here: each other. And that’s what has me worried! These two got along so well that they were like a couple of kids again.

In the fall, [[Vanessa Becomes an Alterserver]] was the big event. We’re all very proud of the commitment she has shown with many hours of training she dedicated herself to serving God with pride and dignity. Both girls are in CCD classes and Madison will be having her First Communion in April of next year.

Vanessa is in 5th grade already and Madison is in 2nd grade. Madison and Vanessa are both in Girl Scouts and Danae is a leader for Madison’s troop. Both girls play soccer and basketball. Mike is a coach for Vanessa’s travel soccer team. They are both taking piano lessons and Madison is in a dance class. Danae also volunteers in Madison’s classroom once a week. All of these activities keeps Danae very busy.

We are planning a trip to Disney World, Florida during February vacation. We are very excited about it since we have never been to Florida.

Well, that’s about it! We all hope that this holiday season finds you in good health and high spirits and that the coming year is full of joy and good fortune.