Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

If this is the first time you've visited our family blog site, then welcome! I have to make a disclaimer right up front and admit that I'm not an avid blogger, but I have always been willing to "change" with the times and thought this would be a fun way to share our family update with everyone. When I first mentioned to my family that I wanted to use "change" as my theme for our Christmas letter this year, they all baulked - having thoughts of Obama and the political arena. But the phrase "nothing is as constant as change" is true. Some changes we welcome and some we don't. But we all go through changes in our life. We'd like to share some of the changes we've experienced in 2008:

Marci

With all the traveling Marci has done this year, she’s changed laundry and suitcases a lot. She was able to travel back east with us in April to visit family and sites in Washington DC as well as many other places throughout the year. She continues to teach business classes at Franklin Pierce High School in Tacoma, advises their DECA club and volunteers at Make-a-Wish and Paramount Theater. One of the biggest changes in her life was moving her records to a family ward from the single adult ward. She teaches Relief Society.

Jeni & Kevin
The big change in their life this year was moving out of an apartment complex into a rented home in Pasco. They have a back yard for their growing family and a garage! Another big change was sending their oldest to kindergarten. Aubree (6) was very ready to start school. While she’s at kindergarten, Carter (4) attends a co-op preschool taught by mothers. Paige (20 mos) is learning to talk so she can hold her own. Kevin works as a state auditor.


Heidi & Kyle
They are glad that nothing much has changed in their life – what with the economy crisis, Kyle is glad he is still employed with a home development company. Heidi is enjoying the change that comes with 2 growing children and working 2 days a month as a dental hygienist. Kate (4) loves changing into dress-up clothes all day long as she pretends to be a princess, a bride, a teacher, a mom and a dancer. Preston (14 mos) is changing every day as he is growing up and learning to walk.

Jeff & Sadie
The biggest change this year was the marriage of Jeff and Sadie. They were married on December 20th in the Idaho Falls temple. Sadie is from Idaho Falls and recently graduated from BYU-Idaho as a Registered Nurse. She will work at the hospital while Jeff continues his education at BYU-I in construction management. They are very much in love and it has been fun to be a part of this big change in Jeff’s life.

Sara
Sara is going to find out what a change it is to live away from home when she starts school this January at BYU-Idaho. She was accepted on the winter-summer track and thought it would be the most miserable experience staying home until January when all her friends from high school left in the fall. But she managed to make the best of this change and got a job working at the middle school. It’s going to be a big change in our lives to not have her around – she’s been a delight.

Jared
You’d notice right off the change in Jared – either his height or his voice. As a freshman in high school, he’s playing sports and enduring homework. He’s not sure he’s ready for the change in our family – being the last and only one home.

Craig
Some things never change – and that’s good. He still provides for our family – working hard on the farm. He still plays early-morning basketball. He still coaches for the middle school. He still attends every high school sporting event. He still falls asleep in the chair. He still loves his family and his wife.

Vicki
After working for Wahluke Produce for 6 years, I made a big change and cut my hours back which led to a part-time position with Powercode – a company run by my brother John. I like working from my home and it’s been really fun working with my brother. I’m still teaching early-morning seminary and love having Jared in my class. Life is busy but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Like President Monson said, “the difference between the changes in my life and the changes in yours is only in the details. Time never stands still; it must steadily march on, and with the marching come the changes.” I’m just glad I’m marching along next to you!

We hope you know that our love and appreciation for you and your friendship never changes.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Love, The Sabin Family