The Past Decade

These are the 10 things that came to mind when I sat down to think about the past decade.  What a wonderful decade for our family.  We have had ups and downs and ins and outs.    I am going to do this post in chronological order not in order of importance.


1.  In 2000 we welcomed our wonderful and adorable son.  He has been a blessing from day one. He has been a mommy's boy since that time.  We struggled for a few years as he climbed everything, discovered the meaning of the word "no" and ran away every time things were hard for him.  Good thing he had great dimples and charm.  Since his daddy returned from Iraq in 2005 he has been adorable and almost perfect.  For those struggling with small rambunctious boys they do grow into great helpers and good brothers.

2.  Finishing our basement.  We started this in the fall of 2001.  We finished the summer of 2005.  Derrek and I did most of the work ourselves and paid cash for everything. This has added much needed space and fun to our family home.  It also has helped us keep our house cleaner.  

3.  In September of 2003  Shelby started Kindergarten.  WOW school has been an experience for our family from the parent side of things.  We have learned and grown much from our children's time in school.  I am grateful for good teachers for my children and also good staff who take care of them.  Someone called the little town we live in Utopic and truly I know my children are learning good things and have good people to associate with.

4.  Derrek got notice of his deployment to Iraq in 2004.  He left in July 3,2004 and returned  the last part of November 2005.    This was truly a trying time for our family however, we were really blessed.  I would not trade the blessings that have come from this time.  I am forever grateful for my husband.   Everyday he comes home I am so glad to have his presence in our home.  I am also grateful to my family who rallied around my children and me to make this time bearable.  Great neighbors and friends came into our lives also.  Tender mercies of the Lord were offered often.  Specific instances that come to mind are Derrek and my parents love and care, our young woman's group babysitting/help once a month, Rachel and Ruth and their sweet children who were a balm of friendship,  a Principal who coddled my sweet Shelby while she was missing her daddy and Uncle Mark who babysat Jacob and Shelby daily and provided a fabulous male influence that is still felt today. 

5.In the fall of 2005 I switched grades and started teaching Kindergarten.  WOW what a delightful change for me.  I love 5 year old's.  When the scriptures say we should be like little children I feel they are talking about be like a five year old.  Eager to trust, truly desirous to get more and more knowledge in their brains, excited about the simple things in life and honest to a fault. When they give out compliments/complaints they mean them. 

6.  Derrek and I celebrated 10 years of marriage in July 2006.  IT has been delightful to be married to my best friend for this time .  I hope we can enjoy many many more decades.  My grandparents (both sets) celebrated 60 years together before any of them passed away.

7.  In 2007 Rachel Lyn graced our lives with her wonderful and adorable spirit.  She has been the easiest child to raise.  She is so happy all the time.  She was and is a miracle in our lives.  I did not think I would ever be able to have any more children and she came and has blessed our family every day she has been here.

8.  In May 2007 I graduated with my Master's degree in Elementary Education with a emphasis in Reading.  What a great blessing this has been.  I love to go to school and learn.  It is however, much more difficult with children than before but doable.  Thanks to my mom who watched Shelby and Jacob while Derrek was in Iraq so I could go to classes.  Thanks also to the Reading  First program that helped me gain this education.

9.  Our Family Trips--  We have loved going to many different places such as Disneyland twice, camping, Yellowstone/Jackson every year, Arizona to see our great family, and other places I can't think of right now.  I love to explore new places with my kids and husband.  Derrek and I have traveled together on trips to the Oregon Coast,Buffalo,NY and the east coast trip with his parents.  I would like to travel more and I am sure there will come a season in our lives where we will do that.

10.  2009-  We started this decade out with a son and we ended with a son.  Our sweet Joshua was born still.  Though we are still not able to see the meaning in this trial we have learned to trust in our Heavenly Father.  I know he loves us each of us and cares deeply for each of us.  My favorite quote of this time period has been "God's will is what we would choose if we knew all the facts".  I am glad to know the great plan of happiness which brings knowledge and peace to my soul.

And thus we start 2010. 



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Smart Kids.

I know every parent thinks their children are perfect and well I am no different.  Derrek and I just got back from Student Educational Plan meetings (Parent teacher conferences).  I am ever amazed at my children.  They are far more capable and adept than I remember being at their same ages.  Maybe my memory is failing me but wow they are great.  Both of them are helpful, outgoing and very creative.Of course they do it in their own unique way which is very appreciated.  I have been extremely grateful for their smarts and their independence for a long time.  I love being their mommy.  Rachel is learning and growing daily also.  She is such a wonderful companion to me.  She loves to be my helper and to cling herself to my every move  Occasionally this creates issues but I love having her sweet happy spirit around me.