It's Been 2 Years

I haven't been on my blog for 2 years. But we're still alive and kicking. In the last 2 years I've completed my MA and continue to work at the college, but also after work, for a local company, using my education to tutor struggling readers. The kids have grown quite a bit. Everyone is in school now, and doing well. Annie, who now uses her first name, Dia, began playing competitive soccer a few years ago and is doing great! Will started football this fall...is he really that big? And can you believe Tiffany is a sophomore and wanting to take driver's ed? They are growing up so fast!

We've settled into life together, still have ups and downs, good days and bad days, but are overall happy in our little - big - family.

My mom, by the grace of God, is still with us and doing fairly well. She's as ornery as ever! Unfortunately, I haven't been well. Not too long after my last post, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, and have been struggling to stay healthy. Most recently I've begun to have a problem with my hip and am walking with a cane. It's pretty disheartening.

But we're gearing up for Christmas again, and that always elevates every one's spirits. We just got the tags out for the Giving Tree yesterday. The Giving Tree is the project that myself and three other foster families have been working on every year for the past nine years. We elicit help from churches and businesses in our region to gather Christmas gifts for foster children. We've been quite successful most years. The last 2 years have been a struggle. I blame George W. The economy is so bad, the people who used to give are needing help too now. I just hope we're starting to see recovery for every one's sake! Wish us good tidings this year in gathering help to give hundreds of kids a great holiday!

Thank you for reading,
Kelly