Life as we know it..

I haven't written much about life at our house in a while. To be honest it has been a bit of an up and down lately. We are very blessed and thankful for the life we have, just feel a bit beat down more often lately. The last month or two is seems that at least one of us is sick (which means some short nights with Autumn), we've been to 2 funerals (the sad but happy because they were ready to go kind), learning the new trials that come with Aaron running his own business and having friends that seem to be under attack with different things as well. I guess this is real life - struggles that have the potential to make us stronger.

On a brighter note - we are excited about the future God has for us. Although it means we have a somewhat erratic schedule, we are enjoying spending 1-2 weekends a month in Glenwood Springs with my parents. I've picked up some work there and we plan to help my parents with some projects around their home. This summer Autumn and I get to fly to Washington to see a good friend and then a month later to Baltimore area to meet my new nephew that is due very soon! After that we have a fun road trip planed where we start off with my 10 year HS reunion and then get to see quite a few friends up the west coast, surf and visit 4 national parks. To put a Cherry on Top we were able to use FF miles to book a 2 week business trip/vacation to Hawaii for $15! We'll take it - we are so thankful for the friends that will host us and sooooooo excited to have Autumn meet our friends as well as introduce her to Hawaii and the ocean we miss so much!

Past the summer... our life plan is currently to get Aaron's business so it self sustains our family, I'll continue to work PRN and make hats for the winter craft fair season and then we are going to try to be able to be on the Big Island or Maui for at least a couple of months between January and April each year. This plan is of course pending God's leading and income possibilities! We are hoping that this flexible lifestyle also allows us opportunity to see what God might have for us in regards to 3rd world missions - maybe going to the same location for a chunk of time each year?? We shall find out in due time!

Our Autumn Bear: we are both thoroughly enjoying being parents to our Autumn. Aaron gets to spend all day Mondays and Tuesdays with her while I'm at the hospital. She has become quite the mobile little girl - she can now cruise on her hands and knees and always has the objective of getting to something to either stand up or get into something she shouldn't. For some reason electric plugs, night lights, computer cord and the plug in carbon monoxide detector are the most appealing things in the house. We are learning how to baby proof the house, prevent visits to the ER and attempt to get her to understand what is and isn't for her. Fun stuff! It has been an interesting adjustment having to watch her like a hawk - not as much gets done around the house - that is for sure! In addition to the motoring abilities she is acquiring, she has started to repeat us more and I'm sure she called Ella - Elwa the other night. She also seems to be calling Aaron baabaa while patting his chest. Everyday she endears our hearts, gives us snuggles and toothy kisses - we are so blessed!