Olivia is 11!

Dear Josh and Sara,

Another year has come and gone, and with it new adventures.  Our biggest adventure has been the addition since last year of two foster children and the adoption of five-year-old Ethan, bringing the total (at least temporarily) to eight kiddos at home (and nine kids total when you count Robby, who is on his own now).  Olivia, as second oldest at home, has played the role of big sister well, helping to watch out for the little ones. 

As you’ll see in the slide show, Olivia has begun learning to play the clarinet.  (What you won’t see is how she sounds on it—pretty good, actually.  She is talented.)  She continues work on the piano and, to some extent, on the violin.  She also really enjoys singing in a community girls’ ensemble.

Olivia continues to love to read (in fact, her Christmas wish list was about 2/3 books), and is doing well in school.  Recently, she received a special school award called the “Tiger BEST Award.”  We thought we’d share with you what her principal wrote to us in announcing the award:

“I wanted to share with you that Olivia was awarded our Tiger BEST Award today.  This award is only given to students who demonstrate Exemplary Super Tiger character.  Mrs. Lammers nominated Olivia for being kind and ready during all of Trimester 1, not needing any reminders. As a 5th grade student, Olivia demonstrates all "the right" things to do, day to day!!

We are very proud to have Olivia at Gilbert Intermediate.  Others look up to her and I know she'll continue to be a great role model!  I hope you're able to take some extra time this weekend to celebrate all the great things about Olivia!!!”

Olivia is also looking forward to entering the Young Women’s program at church next year (didn’t quite make the cut-off for this year).

As ever, we appreciate your decision 11 years ago to entrust Olivia to us.  We are grateful to you and wish you and your family all the best.  Through the ups and the downs in our lives, let us turn the Lord and be grateful for his tender mercies.

If you’re ever passing through Iowa and would like to stop by, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

All our love,

Robby & Sharon