Here’s a big ‘catch-up blog’!

        We’re in Michigan right now, though this is the end of a month long trip that was mostly spent in western New York. This may be our last long fundraising trip because we’re almost able to start packing for our move to Croatia. This isn’t official yet of course, and we aren’t able to make a moving date because we’re not fully funded. But we’re close… I’ve given up ‘protecting’ myself from disappointment and have been all-out hoping to leave in December. Unguarded… trying-to-plan-for-the-move-that-isn’t-definite-yet…. hope. We have reason to hope though, because this past month has been very encouraging and fruitful. We have much to celebrate! 

       I turned 30 a couple of days ago and concluded that I don’t feel any different yet. I’m ready to embrace this new decade of my life and I’ve actually only heard good things about the 30’s. I celebrated with our friends (Josko, Bethany, and Jen) here in Michigan by going out to eat and I savored every bite of Bethany’s cheese cake. We actually celebrated over several days since we had left over cheesecake. 

    We also had our 5th wedding anniversary! Hrvoje and I have had an amazing five years together- from Maryland, to Croatia, to California, Massachusettes, and then this year of nomadic travels. I feel like he is home for me because we recreate it where ever we are. I’m thankful to have a safe haven in our marriage.

     Ema didn’t dress up for halloween since we were celebrating my birthday (for the 2nd time . She did learn how to twirl and spin while we’ve been here, so she wore a ballerina two-two very appropriately to the restaurant. When we got home and gave out candy to the trick-or-treaters, she cried when they left the front door. She wanted to join the party outside!

       Also, her latest words have been ‘no no no’. She says this to herself while pointing at things that she can’t touch. We don’t need to repeat it because she does!

        I’m also taking an online class through Capella University to finish my masters degree (hence this blog has been neglected). It’s a Lifespan Development course that I’m enjoying but look forward to being done mid December.

    These pictures are from October in Massachusetts, but they’ll have to do for now