Christmas Letter 2009

So...with all the help and added chaos at my house, I just realized that some people did not get my annual Christmas letter.  So sorry, here it is, just no picture because I don't have it digital.  

Happy Holidays Family and Friends!

Each year I enjoy sending out letters telling about our adventures of the year past.  Even more, I love to check the mailbox daily for news from each of you.  I love getting things in the mail other than very expensive bills!  (Who doesn't?)  well, onto the exciting stuff.

Brandt is eleven years old!  I can't believe that we have a child old enough to babysit.  It seemed that we would never be able to have our own babysitter - then again, I thought I would never be old enough to drive!  Brandt did awesome swimming this year and got a plaque for swimming the butterfly.  He won 3rd place in the country meet!  He is so excited about swimming and reminds me that he is going to get a job teaching swimming in a few years so he can be rich.  He also finished up all his requirements to get his Arrow of Light in Cub Scouts.  He is doing excellent in school, even though he isn't in the ALL program this year.  He is an awesome big brother that his sisters are so glad to have  We went to his Priesthood Preview a few days ago and he told me, "Mom, your little boy is growing up!  Don't worry though, I still have a few years!"  Too late-I already miss that little boy.

Kathleen turned eight this year and was baptized.  She made her mom and dad very proud and she looked beautiful in white.  She also started the third grade and is doing well for the little help she is getting with her homework.  She started doing girl scouts and has enjoyed many fun meetings and going to a horse riding camp.  She also is a very good cookie seller - save your money for January when you get her phone call!  She has been working hard at playing the piano and loves to practice when Odette is listening because it makes her smile and laugh.  We couldn't ask for a better big sister.  She takes excellent care of her two little sisters, even if it drives her crazy to let them touch her toys.  She is very loving and kind to everyone.

Josselyn has passed the terrible 2's and onto the terrific 3's! (That's what it is supposed to be right?)  She is still mischievous, but she is honest about what she is doing whether it will get her in trouble or not!  She loves to watch Scooby Doo and it is difficult to try and watch anything else when she is around.  She also loves anything princess-Briar Rose is her favorite-and wears a dress each day!  She has finally decided that a princess movie is almost as good as Scooby.  She makes me laugh, cry and panic.  I don't know what life would be like without her around to keep me and many others entertained!  She has unconditional love for everyone and will give anyone a hug and kiss if they are brave enough to ask!

Odette is one year old and the most beautiful, brown eyed, bald baby I have ever seen!  We found out on June 19th that she has leukemia.  She is finally starting to feel good enough that she sits up really well and is attempting to crawl.  Now if we could get her to decide that she likes food as much as her big sister!  She has been quite the fighter since June and we are so lucky to be her parents and have her as part of our family.  She still has about a year worth of treatments to go, but she will be at home much more during this next part of her treatment-yeah!!

Ken is still working at SSA Marine, which might not be gymnastics, but a job with insurance! (Hard to come by these days.)  This year he finished the laundry room and it looks awesome!  He is so great at building things.  I am not quite sure what he will work on next since the house is finished...maybe a new back porch!  If ever I think he is lost, I just look by the computer.  His favorite past time is to get lost in the World of Warcraft.

This year life has changed dramatically, but we have been greatly blessed.  We did manage to go to the beach and visit Great Grandma in the spring before her passing.  The kids also enjoyed going to Disneyland this year with the extended family.  We are so greatly blessed to have great family and friends like you!  We are also very grateful for the birth of our Savior this time of year.  May your holidays be Merry and Bright!!