2010: Looking Back

Can you believe it? We are staring 2011 in the face at this very moment (and possibly, post-2011 by the time I actually complete this blog!). This has been quite a year! I've been sitting here attempting to recall all the events this year brought, but I'm drawing blanks. I see great big block letters like, "WEDDING" and "MOVING" flashing in my brain... But that's about it! Then it dawned on me that 2010 started out with my husband already in Afghanistan. If you have gone through a deployment, you will fully understand me when I say that it is the blurriest sense of passing time. It almost stands still, yet life does go on. So, January through June is almost completely erased from 2010. My apologies to my future children if they inquire about my activities of February or March, 2010. 

But this year was a wonderful year. I am almost sad to see it come to an end (though happy it's another year closer to January of 2013). God has been faithful and ever present. He was faithful to not only safely bring Strom through his second deployment, but He granted Strom the Green to Gold scholarship he had been working toward for nearly two years. What an answer to hard work and prayer! So Army life is on hold as we rock out the collegiate/ROTC life for a few years. It's a change for my husband, but I think he's enjoying it! 

We have had our share of adventures this year (many of which you have enjoyed along with me!). The greatest of all, of course, was our wedding on August 8th. All the precious memories with my family leading up to the big day will stay with me forever, only leading to the most incredible day of Strom's and my life. Sometimes we still can't believe all the phone calls and cross-country flights have come to an end. It was a beautiful and special day that I continue to want to relive over and over! As well as our honeymoon! I got my first passport stamp when we arrived in Antigua! (I recommend Antigua for anyone desiring a tropical dreamlike vacation!). I still miss our fruity drinks and endless relaxing on the beach and by the pool... *sigh*

Our return to the states brought with it the packing of all my belongings...Into the UHaul everything went, and Virginia-bound we were. A tearful goodbye to be sure, but God brought us through the ups and downs and we have settled into our new -- and first! -- place together. 

With little time to relax, we headed up to Washington D.C. the weekend following our move and excitedly attended Glenn Beck's Restoring Honor Rally. What an honor it was for us to be there!! Not to mention, when we arrived at our hotel, we learned of our room being double booked. Rather than fret, I rolled with the flow and wondered if I saw a park bench on the way into the city. Thankfully, the situation was quickly remedied when the hotel bumped us up to the presidential suit for the weekend. I'll take double booking any day! *wink* It is an event I will carry with me for all time. The spirit of the American people was present that day! I expect encouraging things this coming year! 

The very next weekend, we were on our way to Seattle Washington! I'm talking nonstop honeymooners here! I think I am still tired! Strom's wonderful grandmother threw us a lovely wedding reception for all those who were unable to attend our wedding in Maine. It was a very short but very sweet weekend trip! Their generosity towards us was such a blessing!

The adventures continued when we boarded that Texas-bound plane for the wedding of my precious friend, Kelle. (You can read about it Here!) And what a time it was! My first trip to Texas was about as memorable as could be! We started as online deployment buddies and are now the best of friends. Amazing how things can turn out! 

Ironically, I and two of my closest girlfriends were all brides this summer! How did that happen? What sweet memories we all made together! 

And of course (jumping seasons here) we celebrated our first Christmas together. I am a major lover of Christmas, so this was monumental for me to finally have my man with me through the season. From the numerous Peppermint Mocha runs, Christmas performances, and gift shopping, to our eggnog-filled wine glasses and trip home to Maine, it was wonderful and special in every way.  

Last (but not least) the random moments that pop into mind are these little pictures: 

Left: While visiting my family Florida, I was actually and completely taken by surprise when I walked into my bridal shower. If you know me well, you know that I am not easily left in the dark. It was one of the sweetest moments of the year! 

Center: My family and I took in a Yankees game! Although they were not victorious, it was a fun event - even if my nephew was less than impressed!

Right: As part of Strom's bachelor party, my dad, brother, sister, sister's boyfriend, and sister's boyfriend's father (family friends!) trekked up Mt. Katahdin. They were crazy. Insane. Out of their minds. I was begged to come along, but I thought to myself, "Lounging in the pool the week before my wedding orrrr.... hiking 10 miles... tanning? Hiking? Yeah...." I tanned. I lounged. I kept all my bones in one piece. But they had fun! 

So that is 2010. More or less. Probably less... But it's what I can recall (or find pictures for!). 2010 had its amazing highs, and it had its lows...But it was a year full of growth and faith. I am happy to be standing (okay, sitting on the floor waiting for the ball to drop here on the East Coast!) here with my husband at my side, my parents cuddling behind me, our closest family friends to my left and right, and two of my three siblings crowded around me. And somewhere in this big house is a our little kitty girl - terrorizing her cousin kitties I am sure.

So here we are, 2011 one hour away. A new decade filled with promise and purpose. I raise my glass of water to this new year and praise God for His every blessing. 

Happy New Year!!