Montpelier, Vermont, March 5, 2012~

Ravenna Eddleston here.  Hope this finds you all well and happy.  

We are all doing well: myself (Ravenna), Greg (husband), and our children (Grace, Maddox, Paul, David, and our newest family member, Josiah, who came just a few months back).  From three children, the ranks have swelled by two: we now have five children ... four boys and one girl.

Grace is so much happier ever since we had her first name changed.  We could not get it through to her that Mukhtar is a beautiful name: she hates it with every fibre of her being.  Now that she is known as Grace Mukhtar, she feels that she can handle the world.

My newest children, Maddox and Josiah, are both dear, sweet, wonderful little boys.  Josiah hardly cries at all and Maddox enjoys being cuddled and tended to.   I am truly blessed, especially when I see little Grace's mothering instincts kick into high gear.  She is so loving and tender-hearted towards her little brothers; it gives me hope for the future.  I wouldn't doubt it one bit that Grace would make an excellent mother when she becomes of age!

Paul and David are already making plans on teaching Josiah and Maddox the proper nuances of "big brother bonding" when they get older: they are both looking forward to teaching them about the finer side of baseball, football, soccer, basketball.  I am so proud of all my children!  

I just wish that all mothers had children as loving and compassionate as mine!!  The world would certainly be a lot better off!

The weather here is cold and snowy: winter is not quite ready to let go just yet.  We may get another foot of snow by Wednesday, the way things stand now.  I am more than ready for pear blossoms, warmer temps, and longer days!!  I am sick and tired of cold, snow, and cabin fever!!

Well, I will go.  Josiah and Maddox are both wailing up a storm; it must be time for them to start their day.  I will write in here again soon; until later, this is Ravenna Eddleston saying so long; may God bless you as much as He's been blessing my little family!

~Love, your friend in Vermont, Ravenna.  :)