Perfect Provision.  2010 reflected God's perfect provision providing what our family needed when we needed it, and I don't ever want to forget the challenges we faced and how God brought us through them.

On March 23, we were blessed with another beautiful, healthy baby boy.  At 8 lbs. 4 oz., Morgan Eli arrived after 2 long days.  (I was induced once again, but it didn't take the first day). We were thrilled to get a brother for Memphis, and already they love each other (and drive each other crazy).  Memphis can be so sweet with him at times, rough at other times, but mostly, Morgan is happy to get attention.

In addition to Morgan, two other Roper babies were born in 2010.  In July, Jedidiah (Jed) Russell Roper was born and Sadie Ann Roper was just born in November, making a grand total of 9 Roper grandkids for Aaron's parents.  Yes, Christmas should be wonderful chaos.

Memphis is 2 ½ years old and more fun and adorable than ever.  He is way obsessed with motorcycles.  He plays with his little dirtbikes all day every day, loves to watch cycle shows, goes for rides with Daddy on our dirtbikes, and wears his favorite motorcycle shirts constantly.  Peter Pan is another favorite and that's who he was for Halloween.  He has a knack for puzzles, and is working the 24 piece puzzles by himself now.  We love listening to him talk in full sentences now, and the funny stuff he'll say.  He has a hard time containing his excitement, and will jump up and down repeatedly when he's happy about something.  He adores his Daddy, and Aaron gets to come home to a big hug and an excited 'My Daddy Home!' every night.  

Morgan looks so much like Memphis did, but has been a completely different baby.  Memphis has always slept great.  Morgan is still not sleeping through the night, and cries/screams every time he's laid in his crib awake.  He is also much needier than Memphis ever was, never wants to be set down or left alone.  He is so much serious too than Memphis was, though he can have some terrific smiles when he's talked into it.  He is very chunky still (which I love) as he has yet to get very active. He will always laugh if I kiss his bare belly (loves having his clothes off) and is a sucker for the 'Wheels on the Bus' song.

By God's grace, Aaron is still working with his brother and father.  Like so many, their company faced some challenging times this year, (unlike any other year in its 25+ year history); but God has been merciful to our family and the company.  We have learned to be grateful for every day of work, and strive to take nothing for granted.  Our own little family was further blessed, (when uncertainty was at its peak and finances were tight); Aaron was provided with a second job, working part-time as a property manager.  Lastly, I am also grateful for the continued opportunity to work very very part-time, a couple hours a week from home.  

With a new baby and financial uncertainty for much of the year, we didn't camp as much as we would have liked to, but we did finally make it to Nevada to ride our dirt bikes in September.  We also went to Half Moon Bay for 3 days in October, just the 4 of us, and had fun taking the kids to the SF Zoo and Academy of Sciences.

We continue to spend much of our free time on church activities at Horizon.  We still meet weekly with our group ‘The Pilgrimage’, and look forward to this weekly discussion and accountability time, as it continues to impact our walk with God, and each other.  We studied several impactful books this year, including 'Forgotten God' by Francis Chan and 'Knowing God' by J.I. Packer.  We're currently reading Pilgrims Progress.  I'm still teaching 4s & 5s Sunday school with my mom, and facilitating a Mom's group every other week.

To see many pictures of Memphis & Morgan from the past year, visit croper.keepandshare.com

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank him for his answers." Philippians 4:6

 Wishing you a Merry Christmas!  ~Aaron, Christina, Memphis & Morgan Roper