IT'S BEEN A LONG HARD ROAD...

Well folks, here we go...
I have been MIA for a long time and, for that, I apologize. It has been an emotional and somewhat painful couple of months. After doing everything I could possibly do, I was forced to close Maverick in November. It was sucking me dry both emotionally and monetarily. I may never recoup the money I lost.. Maine is a very tough state to do business in and though the people and quality of life are both wonderful, that doesn't pay the rent. Or the creditcard bills, the gas, electricity, etc... So I was forced to try and get a job...
For any of you looking for a job out there and feeling like you are not getting anywhere, keep going. There were countless hours spent scouring craigslist, hotjobs, monster, linkedin, etc... I hadn't had to write a resume since I graduated college and hadn't been on a job interview in 20 years and I was SCARED! No one was responding. Long story short, I did end up getting a job. The problem was the location. I now find myself living in Boston.
The decision to move to Boston to work was hard, but the pay is so much better here and the jobs are out there if you look. We got a great apartment in Hull, which is about 30 minutes from the city. My job is great and being around people is exhilarating. I am managing a jewelry store in Copley Place. Not quite my thing, but I'm adapting.
The worst part of this whole move is that Andrew and Ian are still in Maine. The plan was that there would be a lot of back and forth on both parts and we'd keep it as "normal" as possible. Unfortunately, Andrew's dad ended up in the hospital with some major heart problems. Andrew and Ian stayed in Maine to care for the family and I went back as often as I could. Sometimes for less than a day. A month and a quadruple bypass later, Dad is back home and getting better every day. The boys came down to visit last week for a couple of days and now we can start figuring out a schedule. I miss my boys and am thankful that work is so busy that I am not allowed to think about Ian and how much I miss him for a period of time. He's been with me every day since he was born and that is the hardest part of this whole process. Thankfully he is with Andrew and Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Nancy and he's thriving and wonderful. Writing this is exhausting and I find myself missing Ian a ton. I will keep updating regularly and hope you are all well.
Big Love,
Sarah

WAY TOO LONG!

say sassafrass!

yeah, that my grandpa!

laying on the finished deck

Hello all!
Yeah, it's been a really long time. September flew by and I don't have much to show for it. Business is so sporadic and I'm really hoping for a miracle to get us through... Owning your own business sucks when you're not busy... I am in some serious denial about the summer being over. September was absolutely beautiful and we got out and did some things we didn't get a chance to do this summer. Ian went to his first aquarium and has since turned us all into sea creatures. I am very often a dolphin or starfish. I have been slowly working my way to the end of this book I am writing. I read what I had so far to Ian the other night. He loved it! Made me read it over and over. I needed that affirmation to keep me going. Experiencing writer's block when you're not really a writer is frustrating. Andrew was able to get the deck finished (somewhat) in time to enjoy some nice fall days. Now he starts working for all the other people who need his assistance. Other than that, not a whole lot to report. Go Kick some leaves!
Big Love,
Sarah

TOOT! TOOT!

Ian's best bud, Oliver.


Riding in the caboose.


Sliding down the pirate ship.


Ian with Thomas.


Ian spelled this all by himself....

Hello All!

Well, Thomas the train was in town and it couldn't have been more fun. Although it was about 100 degrees with 100 % humidity, we had a blast. I, as usual was astounded by how well behaved my boy was. Suggestion to SOME parents. Don't let your kids have a ton of sugar before noon. It's really not that fun for the rest of us. Don't get me wrong. Ian loves his share of M&Ms. Every now and then. And very rarely before lunch. When it was time to eat at Thomas, my son decided on a "nice green apple and some water." Are you kidding me? He's so good and, as you all know, I adore him. To top off the wonderful day, his best bud, Oliver and his dad joined us. They had a great time. Eventually the heat got to us and we had to call it a day. What a day it was. Ian is already asking when we can go again.... Next year, Honey. I promise.

Big Love,

Sarah

STAY TUNED...

Last year with Thomas. We still have the same shirt. Can't wait to see the difference.

Hello All!
We are going to see Thomas the Train tomorrow. Be prepared for a full on blog update. So much
going on. Can't Stand It!....
Big Love,
Sarah

HOWDY Y'ALL

Hello!

Hope you are all staying warm and dry. This clearly the summer that wasn't... I'm sooooooo over the rain. It's killing business, plants and my mood. Ian has been such a trooper and when the sun does shine, we try to fit in as much outdoor stuff as we can. Still haven't gotten really sandy, yet. This week looks promising, though. Andrew has been doing amazing things to our house recently. The house we are in now, that is. The windows on the porch are in and the deck has been torn up. It won't be hard to sell once we get it done. It's going to be perfect. Had a very nice visit from the Baringers. It was a great excuse to have a big lobsterfest at our house. Great fun. All in all, the summer has not been that exciting. There's still August and hopefully the weather will cooperate. All for now.

Big Love,

Sarah