Sometimes, God makes it a little more challenging to count your blessings. For us, this has been one of those years. We've had what seemed to be more than our share of heartbreak and anxiety. In June, Michele's Grandma Maddie passed away. In October, her Grandma Ertl died. Later in October, Julia got the H1N1 virus, and she's been sick ever since, fighting back-to-back illnesses. Since July, Matt's had four weeks of work furloughs, with one more coming over the holidays. In many respects, it’s been a tough year.
But, there's the other side of the story - the wonderful blessings that far outweigh the difficulties. Although they are very much missed, both grandmas lived long, full, happy lives. As sick as Julia has been, she has not been hospitalized, and she's on the road to recovery. And, while Matt's been on furlough, Michele is able to work full-time and more.
Here are a few of the highlights about the kids this year:
Alex – Very clever and far too grown up for his age. He’s very involved with Cub Scouts (the next time you see Matt, ask him about the swimming test he took at Cub Scout Summer Camp). Alex continues to do well in school (as long as he’s not daydreaming about building contraptions.) And, in spite of reminding us that having the little kids “ruined his life,” he is usually a wonderful big brother. He still has a great work ethic, and has taken over cutting the lawn and shoveling the driveway among many other jobs. He is a joy to be around, even if most of our one-on-one time comes during errands, grocery shopping and brushing our teeth.
Julia - Before illness set in, Julia had a great summer. She loves to swing, and her new game is to kick the person pushing her and then smirk. She has been ‘talking’ to us more by responding to questions and comments with vocalizations - and her timing is too perfect to be a coincidence. She likes to be part of the conversation, and I don't think she always agrees with us. Julia also has four new members in her entourage – nurses that are with her five days a week, making sure all of her medical needs are met. We’re sure they are a large part of the reason Julia has not ended up in the hospital in spite of being a very sick little girl over the last two months. She loves the extra attention, and mom and dad are happy to get a bit of a break once in a while.
Luke – He’s still our outgoing, charming boy. He’s in 4K five mornings a week, which he loves because he can spend time with his ‘buddies.’ He loves going to the Texas Roadhouse, and has charmed one of the hostesses into giving him dance lessons every time we’re there. And, that kid really has some good moves (he did not get that from his father…) He has also proven to be a little fish, and is doing great with swimming lessons.
Erica – She is in 3K three mornings a week, and she loves it. All too quickly, our ‘baby’ is turning into one headstrong little girl. She is so much sweet and sass wrapped in one adorable package, we can’t help but hold back laughter when she starts in. She has a comeback for everything, like the time we asked her to pick up the many toys she had out and she responded, “Hello! I am not an octopus girl. I can’t pick up eight things at one time.” Oh, but the sweet side of that girl. She gives the tightest hugs, has a sparkle in her eye and is just full of love.
And, we have a new furry addition - a teddy bear puppy named Cooper joined our family in August. We may be biased, but he's the cutest little guy on four legs we've ever seen. He's also a little stinker, but we can't help but love him.
Happy holidays to our family and friends. We hope that your blessings far outnumber the challenges you face.
Wishing you peace, love and hope -
The Rosners
