Finch Family Newsletter 2009

We are another year older and deeper in debt to Heavenly Father for incredible blessings of family, friends, health and happiness. Oh…there have been a few challenges here and there, but the struggles have been tremendously rewarding. Below is a snapshot of one of the best years of our young lives:

Conner was born in late 2008 and spent the first month of his life in the hospital undergoing the first of three major heart/lung surgeries. He is a little fighter and has a sweet spirit. Conner has been a divine blessing and we are eternally grateful Heavenly Father sent him to our family. His most recent surgery in November 2009 went well and should be the last surgery for the next few years. What a blessing that our Doctor was able to even repair his heart. Ten years ago he never would have lived past his first few years. What a gift!

Tanner turned three in September and has provided us with an appreciation for red hair. We love the auburn color and the personality that comes with it :) Tanner loves to wrestle, play football, make noise (a particularly well developed skill) and laugh.

Mason turned five and started kindergarten. He loves school and the sociality of friends. It is fun to watch him learn new things. Mason loves to ride bikes, wrestle, color, sing and tease (an innate ability passed down from his mother). He is a great big brother.

Preston was baptized in August with three of his cousins. It was a great opportunity for the family to gather in Lewiston to enjoy good company and share in the memorable experience of ordinances together. Preston is in 2nd grade. He loves school! His memory is like an incorruptible hard drive that can regurgitate detailed data upon request. This comes in handy when he imitates Napoleon Dynamite….definitely a personality you want stored in your child’s head :)

Porter is ten years old and a great example to his brothers. What a fun age! He has talents and abilities that have started creeping their way out. Porter has started learning to play the simplified hymns on the piano with a little instruction from Grandma Finch. He can throw a spiral across the yard, devour a book in one night, and organize his brothers to make a fort of blankets, pillows and chairs in the living room for their webkinz and build a bear friends.

Whitley is not like all the other boys…because she is a girl! Whitley has quite a talent for music and selected the trumpet this year in band. She also recently learned Beethoven’s For Elise on the piano (thank you Grandma). She surprised us and learned it when we were away for Conner’s surgery. We were all amazed. At the ripe old age of 12 (going on 20), Whitley is now involved in Young Women’s, and is in Junior High! She embodies the nick name given to her by one of her “sister’s” father: Twittly.

A job change for Andy in March took him out of his comfort zone. It didn’t make sense on paper to make the change, but we felt it was the best thing for us. We may never know why, but are convinced we are in the right place at the right time. It is a blessing to be employed in this economy and meet the needs of a growing family.

Our family has had many opportunities to stretch this year with months of sleepless nights, extended periods of staying home with Conner, being strong when it was hard, working with doctors and nurses, tests, loneliness away from each other( 4months to be exact). Conner had the hardest part of all-going through the surgery and recovery. We all made it! Our motto this year was from President Monson’s counsel. “Find Joy in the Journey” This has helped us count the blessings along the way. All in all we have been blessed beyond merit. We have felt the Lord’s hand in all aspects of our lives. We have felt your prayers and encouragement. We have been blessed to know you and call you friends. We pray that your service and prayers in our behalf this past year will return to you ten-fold (that will serve you right!).
Love, The Finch Family