Busy, busy, busy.

Some say the hardest year of marriage is the first and some say there is a 6 year slump. I've even hear once your kids leave the nest you're likely to get divorced as well. Thanks for all the supportive advice world, but these two Shades are gonna make our own story up.

This year has had many challenges, but every one of them has made us stronger. Early this summer we said goodbye to my grandfather, Morris Burkett. I wouldn't say I was close with my grandpa but he was a constant in my life and he was basically my father figure growing up. It was hard saying goodbye. I wrote him a letter thanking him for truly living up to being a Christian. He wasn't judgemental of others lives, treated everyone with respect and although not affectionate, you knew he was there when you needed help. He was very fond of Jared and spoke to him more than he probably did to me my whole life!! They do have a lot in common. My grandpa taught computer and outdoor courses at Wabash Valley College, so needless to say they had a lot of good discussions. He had Jared working on his computer up to the weekend before he left this world. They were two peas in a pod talking about technology and the great outdoors. I'm so glad my grandpa was able to meet Jared and get to know him. I know he approved of my choice in a partner!

Last month we also said goodbye to Jared's grandfather, Oliver Junior Arnold. He, like my grandpa, lost his battle to cancer. Jared and his grandpa have the same witty personality and he always made us laugh with his honesty. I only knew Junior for a little over 3 years but I can tell he loved his grand kids like no one else. He was a hard working man. He had a garden and fruit trees and loved to hunt for arrowheads. He was so hard working he even threated to mow the yard two weeks before he passed, because Jared's sister didn't live up to his perfectionism... Hmmm sounds familiar ;) the funeral was hard but Jared was there for his family 110%. He has been helping his mother and grandmother with moving. His brother Kyle is in from Reno this week to help as well. His sister Lauren was a wonderful host and cooked for us while we were visiting. His grandmother is coping as best she can and is in the process of moving in with Jared's mother.

Saying goodbye is always tough but I'm thankful for my family. Everyone has been supportive. 

In other news, I started a new job on the first of June. I am now an Applied Behavioral Therapist at a clinic in Kentucky. I'm learning a lot and so excited to be working with kids. It's a tough job and I'm learning how difficult parenting is. I do feel I'm gaining knowledge on ABA therapy and feeling more confident in my new position. It's a rewarding job and I'm happy.

Jared is working at The Heart Group still and going to school as well. He has a class this month that meets on Saturdays, YIKES! He's a hard worker, that's for sure! This summer he did very well in mountain bike races. He received three 3rd place medals in cateory 2 and really impressed people with moving up a category and still getting on the podium. He also is getting a reputation for kicking butt on a single speed! He has trained our puppy Cadence to be a trail dog and she is a natural! Now when she sees a bike she gets very excited and wants to go for a ride/run. She's just like us.

It seems we are getting into the groove with our new schedules and working as a team! We really do have a partnership and work on most everything together. The first year is turning out to be great (knock on wood). We are so thankful for all our friends and family over the past couple of months. We love you all!!!

The pictures below are from our day hiking trip to Shawnee National Forest. We were testing out our backpacking equipment. :)