2010 - Summing it Up

So. 2010.

You know, it's an even number, so theoretically, it should have been a great year (I like even numbers). But 2010 kinda kicked my rear end. There were some really good and fun things that happened for us this year, but there were also some difficult and really not-so good things too.

In October, we took a family trip to Disneyland. That was fun and really great.



But then during the trip, we learned that Jake's dad, the kids' grandpa, suffered a major heart attack while hunting and passed away. He was out in the middle of nowhere with his youngest son who had just gotten back from his mission 5 days earlier. It was really tough and continues to be a source of sadness for us and Jake's family.



We also decided to try and take advantage of the housing market here and buy a new home. This resulted in months of searching and visiting a LOT of houses. Then when we finally found one we loved (a large one-story, perfect!) we lost it in a last minute bidding war. Kind of broke my heart. Then, after a few months, we found another house that we liked (not as much as the first, but a good second--yes I am a little bitter still). It was a dreaded short sale and we spent months thinking this just wasn't going to happen. Then, it happened. Almost. Pretty much. We are still waiting for the official letter from the bank. So that has been a roller-coaster of a ride that will be a bit scary even after we move because we are keeping our current home and renting it out. Scary. But good. But scary. You get my drift.

It has also been a good/tough year for Mason. He started kindergarten and we discovered that the kid is kind of a math wiz. Good! So they moved him to a "gifted" class of kinder and 1st grade mixed. This has been a bit of a challenge with his ADHD and sensory issues. He is so smart, but can be overwhelmed by his emotions--whether they be happy, sad, or angry--he reacts with his feelings. Needless to say, that can be an issue in a large class of kids. But at the end of the day he really WANTS to learn to control himself better and so that is a big start, I think. Now we just need to figure out the best way to give him the tools to do it.



And another reason why 2010 hasn't been a favorite is because I had to suffer through my entire first trimester in it. Oh man, being pregnant IS amazing--but it really does kinda suck. Now that I am feeling a little better, I am hoping to start enjoying it (tolerating it?) a little more, but first trimesters are THE WORST. Bleh.

So I am looking forward to 2011 with hope and maybe a bit of trepidation. It is going to be a big year: moving to a new house, having a new baby, dealing with the fact that I'll be on the downside towards 40. Yikes. And yet, Yay!

All in all, our family has been truly blessed. We have had sadness and struggles just like anyone else, but also have been given the ability to overcome them. Our Christmas card this year (sorry if you didn't get one--I wish I could send one to everyone!!) was beautiful. The photos were taken by my talented sister-in-law Tara Bowman and oh how I wish we were as perfect and idyllic as these gorgeous photos portray.



But it is our imperfections and trials as a family that make us...US. It binds us together. It helps us to appreciate what we have and what is really important. And I think as we go into this new year, as long as we remember the most important things, then we will be all right.