January/February
These cold winter months brought little drama. Snow followed us on our whirlwind trip to Las Vegas in February...and the Arizona Highway Patrol shut down the roads on the way to the Grand Canyon...so, we still need to do that as a family.
March/April/May
My brother Andrew decided to join the Army. We all worried so much about him. He was very brave and tried very hard, but got hurt during some of the drills. He came home in June (bittersweet: we were happy, he was sad). He decided to give college another try and is doing very well. I'm very proud of his courage!
I visited New Orleans in April for a work conference. I think this is one of the best times I've had! I so enjoyed the people, the atmosphere, Bourbon Street.
CJ turned seven in May and I officially no longer have a baby/toddler/pre-schooler. He's just so grown up. I really never thought I could love someone so much!
Ken, CJ and I took a trip to the Laurel Highlands in the southwestern region of Pennsylvania to go whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River. This area is just absolutely beautiful and water is pristine. We camped one night in an area without any cell phone reception. It was divine. We had a fabulous time! We also visited a couple National Parks while we were in the area!
My dad also went back to work after being laid off for over a year.
CJ finished 1st grade and was promoted to 2nd grade. Yikes...it's just flying by!
June/July
Ken and I explored Cincinnati. We went to the William Howard Taft National Historic Site (yep, another NPS cancellation!!!).
We also explored Chicago with CJ and my nephew Justin. The purpose of the trip was Lego Discoveryland. While we were there we went on the Sky deck in Willis (formerly Sears) Tower, visited the Navy Pier, swam in the lake and tried Chicago-style pizza. We made some great memories!
The hot months of July were spent at baseball games/football began and just goofing off. Nothing earth-shattering, but we had fun! I also decided to become a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. Wish I had more time to devote to this because I really like it.
August/September
The last days of summer are precious. We took a last minute trip to St. Louis to visit the Arch (another NPS cancellation!) and cruised the Mississippi on the Tom Sawyer.
We also visited Mammoth Cave National Park in September with friends, as well as Dino World, The Lost River and the worst diner we've ever eaten at. It makes for a great story to tell for those that were there.
CJ started 2nd grade and has an absolutely amazing teacher. We are very blessed to have her!
October/November
October was probably the hardest month of the year because each day I re-lived the tragedy of losing my brother. In October 2009 he was admitted into ICU on October 5th and died on October 31st. It still seems unreal and there are times I think that I made up the whole thing, only to be slapped with the cold reality that he really died.
I went on with the usual Halloween festivities despite a feeling of sadness. For me, it helped me cope, but never once did I forget Charlie, and I never will.
October was also busy with football and we've made some amazing new football friends in addition to the ones we already have! I would have never believed a youth football association could be so amazing, but it is and we're so happy to be part of it. Now, if we can convince CJ that he wants to be part of it (because that's what really matters) we'll be in business!
I turned 33 on November 24th. I obsessed about this slightly because my maternal grandmother was 33 when she died. I now realize how very young that is. But obsessing over bad things never makes good things happen, so I'm not giving it to the universe. My mom and husband gave me an incredible birthday gift, Toodles...a little Yorkie/Pom mix. She just now weighs 2 pounds and she's a cute as she can be!
December
Oh, the most wonderful time of the year (I say with sarcasm). It's such a hectic time. But I do feel that this year (despite not saving any money for Christmas) I had a great time. My tree was beautiful, the stockings looked great and I got to spend alot of time with husband...and we really enjoyed each others company.
We celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary by spending the evening at the Westin downtown. It was wonderful. It's great to have time alone to reflect why we fell in love. And if I had to do all over again, I'd still choose him. I'm a better person because of him.
We attended our first 11 p.m. Christmas Eve service this year at Mt. Moriah UMC. It was beautiful and touching and I cried through the service. By time the candlelight part began, CJ was snoring in the pew. At midnight, we were at church wishing everyone Merry Christmas. It was the perfect way to celebrate the birth of our savior.
So, I'm now one hour away from it being New Year's Eve. As I reflect on 2010, I'm thankful beyond words that I'm here to write this, my family is here and we didn't have any tragedies come upon us. I know not every year can be like this, so I'm especially grateful for this year. My prayer for 2011 is that God will grant me courage to withstand any of life's trials should they come and to hold tighter to my faith than I have.
To all of you that read this, here is an old Irish blessing for you:
Here's to the bright new year
And a fond farewell to the old;
Here's to the things that are yet to come
And to the memories that we hold.
May God be with you and bless you.
May the best of this year be the worst of the next.
May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
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