Scotland the Brave: 2012 Saddlers in Review

I realize that I'm one of the "slackers" :0) but I figure better late than never. Truthfully, this holiday season, and the entire year have really flown by. Our family has hit a pretty crazy stage of life, full of lots of changes and new adventures. I'm not sure that I'm ready for all the changes but... they keep coming just the same. Here is a quick list of some of the things that have happened to us this year:

McKenzi graduated from high school.
Heather was accepted into the Elementary Education program at Weber State.
Kade turned 10 (our last child to hit double digits).
Ryleigh started Jr. High, and Drew started High School.
McKenzi moved out in August (Kade took her room to seal the deal) and began school at Utah State.
I turned 40. (gag!)
Brian is serving as 1st Counselor in the Bishopric
I finished the first of 3 levels in the teacher ed program...just one year until my student teaching.
Kade started tumbling lessons (he LOVES it...and has some talent there...who knew?)
Ryleigh continues singing.
Drew had his first date...and handled the "Dad" meeting VERY WELL.
Everyone 12 and older went to Martin's Cove for trek (an unforgettable experience)...Kade got to spend time with Grandma and Grandpa Campbell.
We all went to Nauvoo for the Petersen family reunion.
I got called to be Young Women's President.
We got a new puppy (Koda) on Thanksgiving (why NOT throw a puppy in the mix?!?)

Having a house full of tweens, teens, and children learning to be adults makes life interesting to say the least.

With McKenzi moving out, I've really begun to appreciate the times when we are together. Time is flying by and I'm afraid to blink anymore. ;0) As we have been working with Koda on not mouthing, jumping up, etc., the conversation actually moved to the fact that he will be around when I become a GRANDMA....(what?!?!) Do you see now why I'm reeling a little? CRAZY!

Now to the serious part of my message. I know that with Brian being self-employed and me being in school full-time, our time and finances have not allowed us to visit as often or as long as we would have liked. We've been in survival mode the last several years and I've not been as good as many of you at keeping in touch. This is no reflection on how much you are loved or thought of. You are all daily in our prayers and thoughts.

I am so grateful for our family; for the service Ben and Jesse and their families give for our country, for Josh's kind thoughtfulness toward my kids as he travels the world, for Mary and Brandon and their sweet and sassy family (they are all sweet...but the sass makes it fun! ;), for Amy and Jon's examples of pursuing an education and the creativity they encourage in their kids, for Lacey's desire to stay in touch and make sure we know her sweet Etta, and for Mom and Dad and their example of service, testimony, and obedience. These are just a few things I love most about our family...and the humor.

This holiday season I am grateful for the gospel in my life and for all the blessings that I have in my life because of it. I'm grateful to have the blessings of the priesthood in my home, and for the opportunity to be sealed as a family. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior.

I hope you have peace and love in your home this Christmas season!

Love you always,

Your Sis (Daughter)
Heather

Here are some fun pics of 2012!