Our Christmas Card

To you & yours - thank you so much for being a part of our village. This year, our family has experienced record highs and lows, but have remained strongest together. We are so grateful for the role you have played in supporting us as we have become a family. Here is an update on how we are all doing!

Jacob is constantly blowing us away with his academic abilities. He can often be found creating something incredible with whatever is in the recycling bin. While Jacob’s mental health is currently only relatively stable, his compassion for others and willingness to learn is thriving. He loves to be outside - hiking, rock climbing, zip-lining - you name it. We can’t wait to see him on the basketball court in a couple weeks and in his next musical this summer - he is such a performer!

While she has always been our shy one, our Tashari (7) has been breaking out of her shell this year. From the basketball court to the classroom. She is constantly reading - loving any book about adventures. Maybe thinking she’s too cool for us a little too young, but her heart for others is beautiful. It’s hard not to smile when you get to be with her, because she just loves life.  Somehow she never runs out of energy and is up for anything - another adventurous one.

Oh, Charlie. We are so grateful for some recent support for him which has enabled him to regulate himself. He is still our little energizer bunny, but now he is in so much more control of his body and emotions. Each day we are shocked by his empathy and consideration of others. Our little engineer is always trying to figure out how everything works and he is inquisitive beyond his years. We can’t wait for his debut on the basketball court this winter as well - it will be a riot for sure.

Don’t let her curls and eyelashes deter you - she is our little firecracker. While our Bella is always keeping us on our toes, her compassion and self awareness has increased dramatically. She is our best snuggler. Her genuine desire to forgive or comfort others is a gift. We are also blown away by her ability to read and devotion to school - constantly pushing herself to learn. She loves caring for others and knows everything about everyone. Bella loves to display her colorful wardrobe & personality to the world.

Henry has found a wonderful groove lately! All the supports are lined up for him and he has started to thrive at school. He is finally feeling safe, able to cope with his feelings and express himself. We are so proud of his growth and our ability to get to know him better. Our Henry is our generous one - always willing to sacrifice what he has for others. He is so thoughtful and considerate to others. The way he notices the need in a room is priceless. We are hoping he makes it on the court this winter in his basketball debut as well.

My incredible husband, Ben, is still loving his role at Anthem. He is constantly meeting the needs of his clients - resourcing them and providing them with outstanding service. Ben is also serving in the youth group "FUSE" at our church - Epikos. He always comes home with such an energy for influencing those kids he cares about and it has been one of the best things to happen to him this year. He's a fun dad & decided to take on coaching both of the boys K-1 & 2-3 basketball teams at Upward this winter!

What a year it has been for me as well! After getting to finally take our family (+Grandma Jan) to Walt Disney World last winter, Ben & I went back for a long weekend to celebrate our 10th anniversary in May. I have decided to turn my love of the Happiest. Place. On. Earth. into a vocation! I have recently launched my role as a Dream Designer with My Mickey Vacation Travel. Being able to use my expertise of Disney knowledge to book & plan other people's vacations at little or no cost to them is so exciting to me. I have also continued my newest love of writing on my two personal blogs & as a contributor for the MKE Moms Blog. It has been a joy for me to find a few new outlets this year.

Thank you for your ongoing support, love and willingness to walk this journey of adopting out of foster care that reaches far past their "adoption days". Until next year - maybe you'll even get a card in the mail!

Merriest Christmas wishes -

Jill (for all of us)

"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)