What a difference 10 year makes!!

I had been planning on just doing a year in review but after reading Mrs. O'Kelley's blog I thought I would give it a try. So here goes.

I decided to do from 1999 to 2009.

1999: Wow was this ever a year. I graduated high school this year and started my first sememster of college. I found out I was pregnant and got engaged. I was married this year as well. All this before I turned 19...which I did in December of 99. Brian and I as well as his whole family suffered the loss of Brian's dad, Dan. He had been fighting cancer for many years. The way I think of it is that God must have thought that Dan would have been more useful in heaven looking over us without cancer invading his body. Brian was hired on full time at work (he had been co-oping for a few years before all of this). This was wonderful because it meant healthcare and his pay was salary not hourly. I dropped out of the college I was in.

2000: Steven was born in April. We lived with my mother-in-law. We lived in the basement which had been converted into an apartment. Brian and I celebrated our first year of marriage in November.

2001: Who can forget those terrorist attacks?!? We bought our first home (well as of right now our only home) in December. I turned 21 this year. Brian graduated from Southern Tech College in December of this year as well.

2002: I stayed home with Steven while learning how to be a wife, mother and homeowner. We took our first family vacation to the beach this year.

2003: Matthew was born in October of this year, making us a family of 4. Matthew develped Pneumonia and was hospitalized for 3 days in November. Steven started 3 year Pre-K.

2004: I did a little subbing here and there to try and supplement our income a little.

2005: I started working as a two year pre-k teacher and Matthew went to school with me. Steven started Kindergarten. Brian and I purchased our mini-van (which I still have and LOVE). This is the year we decided to change churches. We moved our membership to a church that is closer to home and the worship style was more our style.

2006: Our daughter, Kendall was born in November. I went back to subbing since I was pregnant.

2007: I ended up finishing out the year teaching for a friend who had left in February to have her baby. I had my first ever jury duty.

2008: Brian was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He had surgery to remove the tumor and did 15 rounds of radiation (preventitive measures). He did so good with everything.

2009: Brian was cancer free for a year in July. I started a new job at a new preschool in January working 2 days a week and Kendall came with me. In August I returned but now helping to teach a new age...3!! I had my 10 year high school reunion. Brian had his first ever jury duty. Most important...WE CELEBRATED OUR 10 YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!!! Wow how awesome is that?!?!

I know I am probably missing a few things, but I have heard you loose a little bit of your brain with each child you have..well guys I have had 3 kids and my brain wasn't that big to begin with. =) Throughout the years we have made many friendships. We have lost friendships and made old friendships closer. We have lost loved ones and gained so many more. I am so glad that I did this. I is making more excited out what the next 10 years will hold. I recommend everyone do this if possible.

I hope to not make my next blog post so distant.