So turns out that I'm not very good at keeping up with this blog. I am much better at posting things on Facebook. Here is a wrapup of the past 8 months.
March 23rd was Roman's 1st birthday! We had several friends and family come to celebrate with us. Roman got lots of toys and clothes and was really diggin' his cake. He was very timid about his cake at first but eventually dug in. 
Jenny and Joe and the kids came out the weekend after Easter. We got pictures taken with all the kids. They turned out great! I will try to get some of them up soon.
Since my last post (in August!) we have been through Halloween, Christmas, New Years and Easter. I was kind of a lazy mom in Halloween and didn't dress Roman up as anything. Even Matt and I went to a party and we made very last minute costume decisions.
Christmas was much more thought out. We had a Christmas Eve dinner at our house with my family and and Matt's family. Matt's family came back over for Christmas day and we had a big brunch and we opened presents around our very tall fresh cut tree!
The day after Christmas we went over to my parents house to celebrate Christmas with my family. We went out for a quick sledding trip with Jenny, Joe, Ben and Maddie. After a little whitewashing episode, we ate dinner and played some Wii sports and air hockey.
We hosted a New Year's Eve party at our house just like we did last year. We had a great turn out and were able to put together a Beer Pong Tournament. We were very greatful that Matt's parents volunteered to watch Roman over night.
March 23rd was Roman's 1st birthday! We had several friends and family come to celebrate with us. Roman got lots of toys and clothes and was really diggin' his cake. He was very timid about his cake at first but eventually dug in.
Jenny and Joe and the kids came out the weekend after Easter. We got pictures taken with all the kids. They turned out great! I will try to get some of them up soon.
At the beginning of February, I decided to make a change in my job. For the last 3 years, I worked for the riding school at the barn close to my parents house (where I actually learned to ride when I was a kid). After a few years, I decided to go partially "independent" which means that I worked for myself with my own clients and insurance. At that time I also worked for the school and when students were ready to "graduate" the program, I took them under my personal instruction. By doing that, I was able to make more money and make my own decisions. Well after 3 years and a few co-worker changes, I decided that I had had enough of taking orders from other people who had been there years less than I had. I went fully independent and I'm now my own boss. I was able to take all my students with me which means I wasn't losing income. Actually, I doubled it. Before, I was only making 40% of the profit the school was making, even though I was doing all the work. Now I make 100% of what the clients pay (minus Uncle Sam's portion) but even after all that, it is a much better move. Being my own boss rocks and the relationships I have with my clients are more personal and I don't have to worry about anyone leaving. If someone is unhappy, I will know it right awa and be able to fix it. It is very liberating and the stress has left.
Matt is still enjoying his job with GE Johnson. He was working 3 hours away in the mountains for about 4 months which means he stayed in a hotel 3 nights a week. That time was very stressful and lonely for both of us but that is over. He is now home every night and hanging out with Roman. We have witnessed his first crawling steps, his first walking steps and maybe sometime soon, his first words.
