10 Year Anniversary and an Announcement

 
I have been thinking a lot about the past ten years and I feel like it needs to be marked in some way. Ben has a much better way with words, but I thought I would try anyway...
The last 10 years have held countless adventures. We have lived in 2 countries, 3 states, 5 cities, and 9 different homes. We have gone from students, to employees, to employers, to parents. Our relationship has grown and changed in a way that isn't measurable but it is remarkable. 

What I most like to look at about our relationship is who I was went I married Ben and who I am now. I can't believe how much as changed and how much has still stayed the same. I love who I am and the potential for what I can become, being married. We are in this together, always. The main struggle of our first 5 years was infertility and the main struggle for the second 5 years has been parenthood. A bit ironic huh? 
I honestly don't know how to convey the impact the choice I made 10 years ago has made on my life. But it is my life, my whole life and I love it.


For the Announcement:
Many of you know that we have been fostering a baby. That baby will soon be placed back with his parents and Ben and I have decided that we will continue to foster. We feel that they Lord has blessed us with talents and resources that many children need and we hope we can provide. To answer some of your questions...

• Yes this is hard. We are going into it with our eyes wide open. We know the pain that comes from fostering but we also know some of the joys. We have faith that with the Lord's help we will be able to take some of the more painful situations and make them good. 
• We will not be able to talk about our foster children's backgrounds, please don't get offended if I say I can't tell you. They are free to share with you the details they are comfortable with.
• We can't post pictures. I can't even post and cover their faces (I know I have in the past I had to remove them). I might post something and cover them entirely just to document they were there but that is all. I wish I could do more...
• These children will have had some trauma in their lives. Your love, support and prayers are always welcome! I will also need advice and encouragement. 
• This will also be an adjustment for our children, remember them in your thoughts and prayers. (Although they are excited and keep asking about when they will get more kids) 
• If you are interested in fostering or adopting please feel free to reach out! If you know someone in a similar situation please pass on my contact info, I would love to chat.