Reflections on a Decade

As headlines on the Internet light up with the media's take on the highlights of the decade...I thought about the highlights in my life over the last 10 years. For one thing...I'm a little sad that I can now view my life in "decades". But at the same time...age brings a lot of experiences that are not forgotten. The past 10 years have been momentous for me. It's hard to imagine another decade in my life that could have as much activity as this past one...but I know there will be many (Lord willing). All that being said...I thought that I'd share some of the highlights of the last 10 years of my life:

2000~Graduated from college and began my first job. I was officially "on my own" and loved the excitement of the unknown of the future. I imagine that never again will I be as eager for the unknown as I was 10 years ago. :)

2001~My family welcomed 2 new family members...my brother-in-law, John, and my nephew, Jake. When Jake was born my life was completely changed. I instantly became infatuated with this precious child and LOVED him more than I thought I could love a child (little did I know that 8 years later I'd experience an even deeper love with my own child).

2002~I traveled overseas for the first time and simultaneously met my future husband on the same trip.

2003~I grew up a lot in this year and learned things about myself that were difficult but necessary to learn in order for me to become a better person, most notably a better wife to Bradley. This year I left the job that I started when I graduated college (this was VERY emotional and difficult) and also became engaged to Bradley.

2004~I married my best friend and instantly had 2 additional parents, 2 brothers and another grandmother. The Wilkie's have treated me as their own since Day 1!! We also purchased our first home and I started a new job...at an employer that I'd be with for over 4 years!

2005~We welcomed yet another person into our family...our sister-in-law, Tara. Little did I know at that time that I'd grow to truly love and value her as much as I do today!

2006~The birth of our 2nd nephew, Charlie and the passing of my precious Papa, both within 6 weeks of each other. Both of these people have filled my life with laughter...my Papa during my childhood and Charlie, well, the last 4 years. :)

2007~Bradley and I moved away from everything that I had ever known. One of the most difficult, yet rewarding things I've done. We sold that first house that year. I think I will always love that house. During this year we also went to visit family in East Asia and welcomed a niece to the family! Precious Adaya.

2008~We purchased our second home (where we live today) and became pregnant with our precious baby girl. I was also laid off from my job...a surprisingly emotional experience...and Bradley had a motorcycle accident that made us both realize that the Lord can take us home at any moment He chooses...

2009~The birth of our Claire. No other words need apply. :) We also welcomed another nephew to the family, adorable Elliot and said goodbye to Bradley's beloved grandmother, MaMa.

What an amazing decade. What does the next one have in store for our family??

So happy on our wedding day!

Claire Marie born March 29, 2009.

Christmas, 2009.

Nephews Jake and Charlie.

Niece and nephew, Adaya and Elliot.