Merry Christmas...Love, The Saddlers!

We have LOVED reading everyone's updates and looking at all the pictures. It's so fun to see what you are all doing.

As for us, things have definately not slowed down this year! ;0)

Brian fills his days building up the business and serving in the Bishopric, which he loves. His favorite is being able to spend time with the youth. As we all know being self-employed definately has it's drawbacks but the benefits are that he is able to be at all of the kids games, recitals, etc., and he always makes sure that people get where they need to be when I'm in class. This includes Drew's early morning seminary...good thing one of us is a morning person!

I'm currently carrying about 15 credits/semester at Weber State working toward an Elementary Ed degree and serving in Young Women. Between homework, YW activities, and the kids' schedules the days fly by but I wouldn't have it any other way. Brian and I try to provide a united front (since we're outnumbered) and when I accidentally blink, I can't believe how fast my kids are growing!

Speaking of... McKenzi is in the home stretch of her Senior year at Fremont High School. This year she was admitted into a medical magnet program called BHST that allows her to spend her 1/2 her days in college pre-med classes (medical interests must run in the family). She works 3 days a week, serves as FCCLA President at school and keeps up with her homework while also carrying 2 online courses. She definately has her eye on the future and was recently very excited to get an acceptance letter to Utah State University for next fall. No decisions yet, she's still waiting to hear back from BYU and BYUI... we'll see. Despite her heavy work load she manages to keep her sense of humor.

Drew has changed immensely this last year. He is really turning into quite an amazing young man. So far this year he has tried out for, and made, the school volleyball team (co-ed), ran cross country track, and is currently playing basketball. He has never had an interest in basketball before but since he hit the 6' 2 1/2" mark, his friends thought it was time to recruit him. In addition he made the honor roll for the 1st quarter of school. Right now he's in the middle of studying to get his learners permit (heaven help us) and hopes to start driving (with Brian and me) soon. He's got a great sense of humor; when he and McKenzi get together, it's quite a show!

Ryleigh turned 12 this year. She is involved in all things social, is loving being in Young Womens, wearing make-up (finally) and tries hard to stay out of all the 6th grade 'drama.' She recently started taking singing lessons and has had two recitals so far this year. Her last performance was a show stopper! It's a talent that she especially enjoys developing and we are having fun seeing her grow...especially when it comes to overcoming stage fright. Her latest challenge is practicing a song for sacrament meeting... an assignment from Brian... McKenzi is trying to learn a new song to accompany her by the end of January. Keep your fingers crossed.

Last but not least, Kade is finally hitting a growth spurt, which he loves. He has great friends at school, loves scouts and is getting used to being the only one home on Tuesday nights since everyone else is at mutual. He doesn't particularly love being the youngest because he often feels left out but it has its benefits. He can often be found having a 'sleep-over' in Ryleigh's room or running errands with McKenzi. Most of the time he practices defending himself against Drew (typical big brother behavior). Not long ago I walked into their room about an hour after 'bedtime' and found the two of them wrestling on the floor. Kade was laughing a full gut laugh yelling, "I love you too, Drew!" as they rolled around trying to pin each other down....some things I don't understand...but can appreciate just the same! ;0)

We love you all and think of you often.

Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!!!

Love,

The Saddlers