OK, so i didn't mean for this picture to post sideways, but I decided it was kind of a good description of the last year. This is a painting Avery did for me on Mother's day of our "family". It is framed in my kitchen and will stay there.
Looking back, it's been a really BUSY year for us. We had a placement in the Spring/Summer and you can think of EVERY emotion and know that we experienced it at some point. We have a lot of fun memories from the time they spent with us. We also learned a lot about each other and what our family is capable of. Like any other area of ministy, the kids were not the hardest part... navigating the system, birthparents, schedules, etc... was what we were probably the most surprised/ overwhelmed by. (Oh yeah, and I still haven't learned to accept the INSANE way the world works) The youngest one gave us all sorts of "one liners" that still creep up in conversation. She was a funny little girl. It's pretty quiet around here these days, and we are on stand-by again. I would love to tell you that I am getting good at waiting, but I'm not.
Our girls are still growing.... Ellie is- no doubt- gonna pass me in height this year. Emma is taking gymnastics and is wonderful at it. (The floor BOUNCES in the gym, and anyone who knows Emma realizes how great that is for her!!) Avery is still just lovin' life (and coughing). She's just happy to be wherever, doing whatever...
I've decided I'll just skip talking about the farm this year...It rained...A LOT...
We hope all of you have a WONDERFUL Christmas. We feel so blessed to have so many friends to send Christmas cards each year.
We love all of you,
Todd, Melinda, and the girls
