Funny how I really cannot recall what was happening or the changes that were to follow for the year of 2010 back in January 2010. I think what we hold in our memories the things that hit us dear to our hearts.
We had a bread new nephew Jack and were able to go and meet him the weekend he was born. What a sweet little fellow. I knew this year would be special because God was going to bless us with another grandchild with the help of Jennifer and Joe. I also remember wondering where Jessica and Scott would be heading to as they were planning for the future of their family and knowing they would not be close by truly saddened my heart but I also knew this would make their family what God had chosen them to do with His guidance.
February was bitter sweet because Jessica was moving to Virginia and I was wondering how often I would really get to see her and her family. I have had experience with Justin for the prior year as he has been in Ohio and we just don't get to see him often enough. I cannot express how much I miss my sweet son. We had a family get together prior to Jessica leaving and she had Annalise announce she was going to be a big sister. This was the bitter sweet moment because I knew it was going to be hard as it has been with Justin living out of Texas. God knows what He is doing but sometimes it is so hard when you have to make this kind of change in seeing your family as often as you want. Makes me appreciate the family I have here more but still miss the others so much.
March there was a big change in my job and I was moved to the main clinic and my job was specifically for coding. This I truly enjoy due to me getting my certification but there was
alot of uncertainty about what was to come later in the year. Of course we had three birthdays this month to celebrate Justin, Jessica, and Shelby's special days. The first time I was not with Jessica for her day and the second time with Justin.
April was our 31st anniversary and first big trip. My husband and I took our first trip to Ohio so we could see Justin perform his recital which was wonderful. We got to see so many things on our way to Ohio and even
stoped to try and find some diamonds at a Diamond Mine but we only found rocks. I think my husband really had
alot of fun digging in the dirt. I did at first but got to hot so I went and found shade and watched him. We got a small tour of Justin's school campus and where the college students hang out. Pretty nice if you ask me. We stayed down town was a pretty nice hotel that was like a town house as we had a full kitchen living room and bedroom. Since we were on vacation I really did not use the kitchen but was nice to have for snacks and drinks. The first
morning we were planning to go site seeing but that was brought to a
hault due to a big parade to mark the beginning of the baseball season. I have never seen so many people at one time. We did get to do a little walking around down town which was an adventure in itself due to there were business people along with street people that you knew had problems when they were cussing out
themselves as they were walking. We got to go to the biggest Macy's ever which happens to be one of our favorite stores to shop at. Just walked through no buying on this trip. I thought Justin could not get any better in performing and then we went to his recital.
WoW he is one fantastic performer. I mean it not just because he is my son but because he is Good!!! I am one happy mom to see and be able to hear his progress. God has truly given him a talent with his music and I know he will be happy. After a few days in Ohio we went on to Virginia to visit Jessica, Scott and Annalise. It was so nice to see them and they took us on a little tour of the base and saw Scott's ship the SS
Kersage. I did not realize it but Scott describes the ship as a city and by the size I see how that would is possible. I cannot imagine being on a ship for days and days with no land insight. We also got to see the beautiful beach. I hope we get to see it again when it is not so cold. Went to the zoo and had a super day as the weather was perfect for the zoo. I also got to go with Jessica to her doctor appointment.
May I really don't remember much about. I guess it is because we had so much in April we needed a month of normal. Found out Ashley was not doing well and tried to go visit her when I could.
June we began the anticipation of baby Logan's arrival as Jennifer was so getting so big and was not sure if she would make it until July. I believe this is also the month Ashley went to be with the Lord. She had autisum her whole life and died of a heart attact one morning. She was doing better but never really gained her strength back after complication from gallbladder surgery she was in the hospital for over a year trying to get her strength back.
July was the big surprise from Justin as he came home for a few days for the fourth of July. Best surprise I had in a long time. It was also the arrival of our first grandson Logan on July 21st. He had a little problem because even though he was full term his lungs were not so he had to spend 10 days in the
NICU so as soon as we were able that is were we started getting to know our sweet grandson. We also celebrated my husbands birthday on July 31.
August we were thrilled that Logan was doing well and able to be home. Also noticing from pictures of Jessica's belly she was going to have a big baby. We also lost another family member this month who was also Ashley's grandmother. My step mom (Linda's) mother. It was such a sad time and so hard for Linda especially after losing Ashley two months prior.
September we celebrated Jennifer;s birthday. Also started getting a little nervous for Jessica as Scott had to leave earlier than planned to be out on the Ship for 6-9 months with no visits in between. I was greatly relieved when I
found out that Jessica's in laws were heading to Virginia to be with Jessica to help her with Annalise and the upcoming birth of Elizabeth. I will be forever grateful they were able to be there as I was not able to get off work at this time due to job issues and
uncertainty. October Elizabeth was born October 15, 2010. Was so very proud of Jessica she is one strong woman. Also thankful everything was fine with Elizabeth. God is so good.November still a trying month at work but finally decided I had to go to Virginia to see my daughter, Annalise and my new grandaughter Elizabeth. I requested to be off for 11 days starting December 1 to return on December 16. I finally got the approval and to my surprise my Dad insisted on paying for my trip as a birthday gift from him and Linda. I was so totally surprised and very grateful for their generosity. They were going to go with me then backed out due to not sure about visiting with Jessica just having a baby and all that goes with it did not want to make her feel overwhelmed. December was my first trip to Virginia alone in a plane as Carol was not able to take any time off work after November 15. My Dad and Linda picked me up on December 1 and took me to the Airport in Austin. I had a stop in Chicago the on the Virginia. Once the plan landed I called Jessica and she was waiting for me outside. I was so overjoyed to see the girls and I will never forget the biggest smile I have ever seen on Annalise's face when she saw me. On the drive to Jessica's, Annalise was saying sometimes tears happen when you are happy and then she was whiping tears. So smart for such a young girl. We had such a wonderful time and I enjoyed being able to see Jessica's day to day life and truly enjoyed playing barbies with Annalise. Getting to know Elizabeth was such a treat she is one happy baby. I was even able to give Jessica a few breaks by staying with the girls while she went out a few times for groceries and errands. We had so much fun and enjoyed the time so much. Thank you Jessica for having me stay at your place and see you are doing just fine. I am so very proud of you as I cannot say I would be doing as well as you have done. A few days prior to me leaving Jessica's I fould out my sweet Granny was sick and had to have surgery. She had a really hard time but was doing better. First thing I wanted to do when I get back was to go see her. Early the morning I was leaving I got sick and was unsure if I was just nervous about leaving or if I was really sick I took two doses of immodium and seemed to feel a little better. Jessica took me to the airport at 7:30 and my plane lets at 9:05 headed to Flordia. I took a few plastic bags with me on the plan as my stomach was just not feeling right. I never thought I would get sick and throw up on a plane but yes I sure did and was glad I had the bags with me. I had a layover in Flordia of two hours but finally made it back to Austin and was pickup by my broher Steve and I was hoping the whole way home I would not get sick in his car. Got home and sick again and had to call into work on Thursday as was not able to make it. Went to the doctor to get a note since I was off the last 11 days of work and my boss told me there was a mandatory meeting at 10 am but my doctor said go home and rest note to be off the next two days. I have never in my life been off for so may days from work. Which I did even though I wish I could have made it to the meeting. Come to find out my job was being outsourced and we were given an oppertunity to have a job at a billing company. I was hired and hope and pray everything works out for all of us who were affected by this big change. After all this we still took time for Christmas as we went to Jennifer's Christmas Eve and spoiled the grandkids a little and enjoyed spending time with Jennifer and her sweet family. Went to my Dad's Christmas Evening for the traditional Wells gathering. Christmas Day was pretty quiet at the Vance house and then we went and spent the afternoon at my inlaws for the Vance Christmas. We enjoyed the time we spent with family. My last day was 123110 with KDC and it was so sad and in combination of working at the Eye Center I was at 15 years and now starting all over with a brand new job to begin 010311. Just very thankful I have a job as if the company did not want us I would not have a job. God truly blessed most of us but two people were not hired and it was so sad to see them go. I finally was able to go visit my sweet Granny. I pray God heals her so she will not feel so bad about having to have so much help with her everyday life.Thoughts about the year:With the big trip we took I realized God gave us new oppertunity to seen new places in His big beautiful world.Thankful for Skype so I can actually see my family even when I cannot be there.God still blesses us with family and we can make it work even with distance.Don't take one minute for granted as it could be your last minute with that person.We are not promised that changes will not happen in our lives. When God closes a door He opens another one for us.We really have to put our trust in God to get us through all the good and bad things we have to deal with. I cannot imagine going through everything without Him.Blessings for you and your family for 2011!!!
