Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Merry Christmas from the Middleton's!


Merry Christmas 2012! 


Technology sure has changed the way we keep in touch these days! For the past 7 years we have always mailed out Christmas cards with an updated family photo. It feels a little strange to do a digital version, but it just fit our family this year! Feel free to print out the picture if you want a hard copy, haha!

This year has been a blur, in a great way! Time really does fly when you have fun! As you can see in the photo above, our kids are growing like weeds! Keeping up with the 3 balls of energy in our house has made the time fly!

We are on year 2 of our church plant to South Florida! It's been quite a journey so far and we are just beginning! We have our challenges, but God has been so good and we are seeing awesome things happening around us. It is an honor and privilege to be here, and we are blessed with the people God has been surrounding us with! The best is definitely yet to come!

For a little family update, Ross just turned 32! He loves learning how to navigate being a lead pastor and building relationships with people in our church and community. Best of all, is his love for his role of husband and father! For his 32nd birthday, he has a Rocket Man experience (water jet pack in the ocean!) to do! It's never boring around here! 

For myself, 31 (yikes!), the 1st half of 2012 was survival mode with the addition of baby boy #3 (Will) and his learning how to sleep. Once the 2nd half of the year began I finally feel back in the groove of life. This is the first year both Aiden & Eli have been in school, so it's been a nice to have the one on one time with Will. I have really enjoyed leading small groups and our KidNation children's ministry. Recently, you'll find me most often bike riding with the boys, grocery shopping or folding laundry, haha! 

Aiden is now 7 years old! He is in 1st grade. He is Mr. Socialite. Aiden would tell you his favorite thing in school is math (doesn't get that from me!).  He also has really started getting into chapter books, his favorite right now- Captain Underpants. :) Aiden and Eli both played on a basketball league this year, and that was so fun, Ross got to coach too! It may be hard to believe but they are really starting to show signs of growing up, Lightning McQueen has been over taken with super hero's in capturing Aiden's heart! You can sum up Aiden's personality as "I want to impress you," haha. 

Eli is 5 years old, and in Pre-K. He never ceases to surprise us. He picked up bike riding with no training wheels real quick and practically lives on his bike now. When he's not riding, he practices basketball so he can play for FSU one day (according to him). :) Eli had a hard adjustment to school (even though it's only 3 hours a day) haha, but now he loves it and has made some good friends. Eli is best friends with Aiden and one of the best big brother's ever to Will. I couldn't ask for anything more, and pray it stays that way for life! A summary of Eli's personality is "I'll do it when and how I want to," lol. 

Will is now 15 months old! He started walking on his own just a few weeks ago, and that kid is fearless! This past year has been such a joy to watch him grow. His smile is priceless and he is always keeping us on our toes. He is fascinated with light, and I think he knows more Korean words than English words (thanks to our friends Bella & Elizabeth). He is happiest outside or climbing things (like the ladder to the top bunk of the boys bed!). He really is a sweet heart that loves to give hugs and make us all laugh. So far, Will's personality is "I'm a mama's boy." :)

On a sadder note, Ross' grandpa, Papa, passed away today. We'd appreciate a prayer for the family as they hold the funeral over the weekend. Thanks!

We hope your Christmas season finds you well, and hopeful for the future! 
On to the future-  Happy 2013!

With love in Christ,
Ross, Amy & the boys