Our Christmas Card

WOW this has been a year of growth and change for our family. Luke is graduating from high school this June and Lily became a part of our family in Aug. Paul and I spend every waking moment trying to keep up with this clan of ours. we wouldn't change a thing!! China was so HOT. we look miserable in all the pictures because we are. over 100 and humid every day and most days over 110. We were very glad that our air had been out all of July and I had gotten used to the heat. I had no health struggles while we were there. Cant say the same for Emma, she had a very high fever and gave us a very big scare while we where there, she was fine after 24 hours but they were the longest 24 hours of my life, even longer then the 24 hours spent on an airplane! Ellie fell head first down the great wall of China (im not kidding!) by Gods grace she was able to catch herself with her left arm on the railing to her right, she spent the entire time in china in a sling (ended up being a hyper-extended nerve that has healed fine) We are humbled by and so very grateful for the love and support of everyone who was involved in our journey. if i started naming all of you I would run out of room! We missed our big kids like crazy but they did just fine without us.. I'm still pretty sure they were glad to have us back:)


the girls are all growing up too fast! Abby is 15, majoring in Ballet at TSA and loving it. She played volleyball this year and her team won the last game of the season (their only win) she is obsesed with Barbie (don't ask) and anything pink. Her and Ellie stay busy leading worship, tutoring, going to youth group, shopping and hanging out with friends.
Ellie (12) is also going to TSA and loving dance. this year has been a huge adjustment with all the big kids in school but they are all enjoying it.
Lily (10) is learning english and how to be a part of a family. All things considered she is doing wonderfully. she loves having a family and is learning how to share and be compassionate. Her arms do not stop her from doing much. see our blog ferrellchinajourney.blogspot.com if you want to see her in action:)
Emma (7) is adjusting to Lily being the center of attention. She has had the hardest time with the adjustment. it's been hard but a wonderful character building experience and she is loving having a sister to play with now that Lily has more english.
Paul is doing well at work and we are so grateful for his job in these hard economic times. He was nominated for a leadership award, 5 of 13,000 were nominated. it was a huge honor. I am trying to keep up with everyone-it's my full time job:) homeschooling the little girls, taking the big ones to and from school, feeding them, praying for them and cleaning up after them....well if your a mom you know:)
LOVE YOU ALL