We're alive!

As you have noticed, no posts this quarter. I do intend to post more regularly because I think it is so great to see my family grow online.

For those of you who are remotely interested in what is happening in our lives, I will offer the cliff notes version along with my personal commentary.

1. Our computer died and we did not replace it until this week (that slows blogging progress.)

2. Dan lost his job in May, really (We learned that this economy babble is serious and that you can sustain on PB&J along with the occasional piece of fresh fruit, but you don't have to like it!)

3. The boys have spent the entire summer playing all-star baseball. Matthew's team made it to the state finals where the team finished 3rd overall! (we have learned much Virginia geography along with location of bathrooms throughout the state)

4. Matthew turned 12 and Michael turned 10 (They are not cute little babies anymore. Rather they are becoming increasingly independent and insightful young men headed for the akwardness of puberty-I love them!)

5. I have launched my Silpada business and will be working part-time as a nurse at UVA where I can be home everyday during the week and work part-time as a Silpada designs rep. (It is so important to have dreams and do what you love every day without settling for anything less.)

6. Dan starts a new job in Maryland on August 17 as the Manager of Decision Support where he reports directly to the CFO of Baltimore Washington Hospital (I am so proud of him! We have also learned that we cannot sell our house right now so he will have to commute M-F, something we've never done before. I also love the state of Maryland because it is beautiful like Florida except not so hot. Only draw back-they say "you's" instead of "ya'll"- I can't get onboard with that.)

7. School starts August 25 and the boys will go into 5th and 7th grade. I am overwhelmed by this! (I remember 5th and 7th grade like it was yesterday. Do they have the same inappropriate thoughts, strategies for life and ideals of the world that I had at that age? Likely, the answer is yes...)

Overall, we have endured a trying summer but come out much further ahead than we ever imagined. It has been one full of growth and opportunity even if it didn't seem like it at the time. Choices are important. Think long and hard before making any decisions and do what is right for you regardless of who else thinks otherwise. Finally, family and friends who really care about you and have your best interest at heart is essential to reaching your full potential.

So, stay tuned for new pictures and stories because they are on their way!