A lot has happened since I posted last. Summer is gone, and winter has laid its heavy, cold blanket of snow on the house and its surroundings.

I temporarily took on a salaried position at work, which I came to regret due to the thankless, 70-80 hour weeks the small increase in pay.

Ben's car got wrecked by a city bus while he was on the clock delivering.. and there were no repercussions for the driver or the bus company. Now we are down to one car, and one job (that's a whole other story and pending lawsuit, though) .

We adopted two beautiful cats, with the intention of helping with our mouse problem, but honestly the mice have been as far as they can be from my mind. I'm too busy being enchanted by our two boys, Sammy and Max. They are eight months old and full of energy and love and I'm so grateful for their small, warm and fuzzy presence. It's amazing how animals can make you look a little differently at how you move about your life. Watching them explore the house and learn about their surroundings and even listening to them romping about the house in the middle of the night has been delightful. I'm sure any pet owners who read this know what I mean.

I'm also going to be an aunt again! My sister in law is expecting in May, a little boy Finn. :) It will be such a joy to see our boy Brae as a big brother. He's already losing teeth! I've enjoyed so much seeing him grow up due to Christy's faithful photographic documentation of their family, and I can't wait until baby makes four! I'm so happy for my brother and sister-in-law, and proud of their expanding family.

Lauren got the fellowship in DC, and I'm so eager to hear how she's settling in and enjoying "city life." She has had some of the most amazing opportunities in her life and this is just the next chapter. I'm so proud to know her and be her friend.

I'm excited to see what the new year brings for us..