Enter in the New Decade...

Happy 2010 to you!  I have been thinking a lot about the last decade. Where was I on the eve of the year 2000?  Remember when everyone was talking about the mass chaos that would occur that midnight?  We were all waiting to see what would happen as different places around the globe entered the new millenium.  I remember that year so clearly.  It's been 10 years and a lot has changed and so much has happened.  I have lots of ups and downs.  It's been a great ride and I am looking forward to another great decade ahead!  So, here's my list of events that stand out to me from the last decade-

1. I became a mom in 2000 and now have 3 amazing kids! I celebrated NYE in 1999  three months pregnant with my JT and remember laying on the sofa listening to my husband light firecrackers outside with my two brother-in-laws and my niece sleeping upstairs.


2. Lived in the same house the entire decade.


3. I watched the twin towers go down on television - devastated and frightened for the future of my child, what kind of world was he going to grow up in!


4. Was happy to see a Conservative in the White House who defended life, marriage and all the things that our founding-fathers believed in.


5. I entered my 30's.  I had no problems turning 30...it was being in my "thirties" that was tough to grasp.


6. I was the proud owner of a mini-van.  I loved driving that door-sliding vehicle around.  I now watch my brother-in-law drive so proudly.


7. I went on 4 cruises in the last decade - Mexican Riviera, Southern Caribbean, Northern Caribbean and Ensenada


8. I traveled to Hawaii 3 times and loved each visit.


9. I visited New York 3 times - my very first time was in Feb. 2002 while Jeff was out there doing a job after 9-11.


10. Saw Yosemite for the first time


11. Watched my children (all 3 of them) start preschool and leave home for the first time.  Watched my boys start elementary school (my cupcake will start next Fall - new decade)


12. Watched my kids find their own friends and cherish those friendships.


13. Went to see the Nutcracker for the first time (with my Cupcake)


14. Visited Canada for the first time.


15. Watched my husband make Partner at PwC - in a time and economy that most people are losing their jobs, my husband attained his ultimate career goal.


16. Got to travel to Argentina in 2004 to visit my grandfather for the last time.  I am so thankful for the 5 days I got to spend with him, holding his hand, hugging and kissing him.  He was a gem and there is noone out there like him and I am so blessed to have had him in my life.  We lost him just 6 months after his 90th birthday.  I will always miss you, Abuelo.


17. Said good-bye to my Tio Luis - I can't tell you how many days we spent at his house as a child - lots of wonderful memories there!  Love you, Tio.


18. Welcomed 11 nieces and nephews into my families (2 from Jeff's side and 9 from mine)


19. Watched my parents celebrate 38 years of marriage and my in-laws celebrate 43 years - if that isn't a picture of marriage lasting I don't know what is!


20. We left Rock Harbor and became members of Calvary Church, Santa Ana - church feels like home and we've settled in nicely to our new home...here's to another decade with CCSA!


21. Met the most amazing, wonderful, women of my life.  In the past 7 years I have made friendships that I know will last a lifetime and I cannot imagine my life without these beautiful women!  Thank you, girls, for all you've given to me in the last decade...Here's to another decade!


22. Saw my Husband grow comfortably into the man I knew he would become.  I am so proud of the Man he is in all aspects of his life - he is an amazing husband, wonderful dad, great boss (according to those who work for him), devoted son and a great brother.  I love you, Babe, and simply cannot imagine my life with out you!  Thank you for being the person that you are!


23. I ran my first half-marathon in this decade (and hope to run a marathon in the next)- started running at 31 and can't imagine my life without it!


24. Said good-bye to two miniature schnauzer's and welcomed our crazy boxer Lulu to the family - we can't imagine this house without her now!

Those are just the things that stand out to me, but I hope they were able to give you a picture of how wonderful my life has been these past 10 years.  Will you post and let me know what your favorite memory of the last decade is?  I would love to hear it.

I want to wish you all a safe and Happy 2010.  May the Lord bless you and keep you!