I have been wanting to write a blog about the past year for some time now. So I thought it would be great to start with my "Thank you" letter to all those who have helped, supported and prayed for us over the past year. I still can't even wrap my head around all the love and support we have been given this year.
Our family of 5 was increased last April to be a family of 8! I always thought about fostering or adopting children when my kids were older but it nevered crossed my mind now. We were always busy and I always heard people saying how expensive adopting is. I knew raising my 3 was expensive enough. Let me give a little back ground Aaron had knee surgery in 2007, which he was suppose to go back to work in six weeks but during surgery they realized the tear was not just 1 but 2 and he was going to be out for 6 months! Then when he finally went back he was laid off (which never happened in the 15 years up to this point)2 times during our bad economy. I forgot to mention we had just bought a house to fix up and a new car to hold us over for the next couple of years right before this all happened. So our finances depleted quickly. I felt like we were in the perfect storm. Then just as he was back for a full year and we started to feel like we might be able to breathe again, we had a situation come into our lives that we know the Lord placed before us. My 2 nieces and a nephew needed a place to live along with love, food, clothing, and all the other things most kids take for granted. You can imagine how terrified Aaron and I were. Taking on 1 more kid is nuts and very expensive but 3! Aaron said well God always provides and we will just have to let Him be in charge. I am a worrier though and the thought of increasing by 3 made me crazy! That leads me to my Thank you letter. I wandered how was God going to provide for us? But He is always faithful and has of course been. Whether it was by sending one of you with a meal, gift cards, hand me down clothing, money or even toilet paper(which you can imagine with 6 kids we use alot), the women who listened and taught them at their Bible study, He always provided through all of you. There has been nights where I just cry and Thank God for all the wonderful people He has put in our lives! One of my favorite things to do is listen to the children pray for the people who have blessed us and ask God to bless them! Christmas was one of the best ever for all the kids. Again thanks to all who helped make it special. I was so stressed how to make it ok for 6 kids but with all my helpers it was beyond wonderful.
Now as for school, the children are doing awesome! Abagail, Lexie and AJ fit right in at their new school. All 3 have wonderful teachers who love and guided them through their first year. They received a ton of awards and we are so proud of them. I am especially proud of AJ who was struggling with his reading and by January of this year was at the end of a second grade reading level. Abbie had academic excellence all year and Lexie was named Student of the Year with her name permantly on a plaque at her school! My 3 children are also doing great with all the new transitions. Alyssa is doing well in school in her first year of High School. She also received 1st year all league as a freshman which is a huge honor for soccer! Aaron left Calvary to be a light to others at a charter school. We are so proud of him for being so courageous and bold. Sean is also doing well in school and soccer where he just made his first travel team! My nieces and nephew also played their 1st sports this year! They all played soccer and Aj played baseball. The girls will be doing cheerleading in the fall which they are extremely excited for.
So life has been insane as we call it here, "Controlled Chaos"! I just wanted to let all who helped know that you have helped make this year work for us! You are the answer to our prayers. I don't know where or how we will continue to go but I know the ONE who does so I put all my faith in Him.
My nieces and nephew all have a relationship with Jesus now! If that was His only purpose for all of this it was so worth it! They love going to church and signing music.
Thank you all for everything! We will continue to pray for you all and ask for you to pray for us.
Some prayer suggestions for us:
Aaron Sr. - The stregnth for his body to keep working as hard as he is to provide for all 8 of us!
Michele- The ability to controll, love and handle all these kids and their activities and schooling and support Aaron with all his work
Alyssa- She is my right hand helper - Let her always serve with a joyous heart and grow in her walk as a teenager!
Aaron-to continue to be a light at his new school and to always love the Lord and stand so bold
Sean- for some self-controll- he tends to be hyper and needing of attention
Lexie- self-controll for her tongue and behavior
Abbie- for judgement when dealing with people
AJ- he needs a lot of love and courage
Whole family- finances and support and always for our vehicles that keep breaking down!
And Once Again Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." Proverb3:5-6
