Household of Boys!

It's been so long since we've updated our site, that you all have probably stopped checking. But just for those few people that are hanging in for an update...here is one, finally. As you saw from our previous blog, Caedmon arrived healthy. He continues to be "healthy." I feel like all I do is feed that kid! He's huge! He fits into clothes now, at 3 months, that were big on Ashton at 6 months. He's all smiles now, which is so much fun! Ashton is really good with him. He's learned to be very gentle and kind to him. We thought he might be a little more jealous of someone taking Mommy's time, but he's adjusted very well. It works out well for me, because now when Ashton sees me holding/feeding Caedmon, he actually will want to sit on my lap for a few minutes. Ashton has never been a "cuddler" so when he sits for a few minutes, that's a big deal! I'm holding out for Caedmon to be my cuddler, although he seems to have just as much energy as Ashton, if not more...keeps my life moving and crazy, but lots of fun.
Ashton is in such a fun age right now (of course, we'll probably think every age is fun). He's starting to say a few words. He says "help" "up" "more" "da" "ball" "jes" (yes) "horse" "shoes" "truck" and of course "no" is his favorite word. :) He knows a ton of animal sounds, which we probably like to show off a little too much. We just think it's so cute!
My sister, Lisa, is staying with us until Christmas. She came in September and will probably be returning to Northland in the spring. She is working, earning money to help my parents out with the college bill (they have 3 kids in college right now...ouch!). It's been great to have Lisa here. She helps out with housework when she's not working and helps a lot with the kids. Ashton enjoys having her around as well.
The business is beginning to slow down a bit now that winter is close. We're trying to come up with some ideas for this winter that could help with some income. Landscaping isn't exactly a year-round business in Colorado. The Lord was very gracious and good to us this summer, though, and we've been able to save some money to get us through the winter, in case we're not able to come up with anything else to do. We have learned so much through starting this business.....A lot about business, but also a lot about trusting God. It's been very good for us.
Andrew got a new toy....he had a job that required a 4-wheeler, and so of course, that was a wonderful excuse to get one. He found a used one in Colorado and was able to get it much cheaper than expected. He loves it! He spends a lot more time "feeding the horses" now. :) One of Ashton's favorite pasttimes is riding the 4-wheeler with Daddy. He could do that for hours! It's great for him because he gets to be with Daddy, outside, and moving....perfect combo.
Ashton is our little ball of energy. The Lord is teaching us a lot about parenting. We're constantly re-evaluating how we discipline/train Ashton and learning as we go. Sometimes we say, "Nope, that didn't work. We won't do that with the next one." :) And sometimes the Lord allows us to find something that really works well. People always say parenting teaches you a lot about yourself, and it does. But I think the thing that has impacted us the most is that now we understand more, how God deals with us and why. Once we became parents and had to think through how we were going to raise our child, it made us much more aware of God's training, love, discipline, grace, etc. for us as His children.
I spend most of my time at home with the boys. Two extremely energetic boys, 15 months apart, keeps me pretty busy. I do teach a drama class on Fridays, which I have enjoyed. But other than that, I take care of my family and do some paperwork for the business. I am so thankful that I have been able to stay home with the boys. I can't imagine missing all those precious little moments throughout the day.
Well, I think I've gotten you pretty much updated. Hopefully we won't take so long next time. Sorry to all those that kept checking and found nothing new! Thanks for reading.