2010 in Review

Where did the year go? I think I say the same thing every year. It seems like each year passes more quickly than the last. 2010 has brought so many changes to our family. As I sit here thinking about the various memories I am amazed at how many happy times there were. I don't remember the pain of the painful or hard memories. They seem so distant and unimportant. I find this as a tender mercy from the Lord. At the time of trials we try to hang on with all our strength and we pray for continual strength to make it through. Unfortunately we may also lose faith and feel like it will never end. A few days, months, years, or even decades later we can look back without the pain and see how we were strengthened and how the Lord blessed us.

2010 started out with us being together for a brief few days before Doug headed back to Omaha to finish his last two rotations before graduation. Even though it was painful to have him gone, we did so well without him. I know that sounds bad, but it was such a blessing. Yes, there were many tears and many phone calls, but we did it! When I say we, I mean, Doug, Miriam, Shaylynn, me, and the Lord. It was a group effort with the Lord carrying us all.

In May, my wonderful brother-in-law and sister-in-law stayed with Miriam and Shay so I could travel to Doug's graduation. It was my first time flying by myself and I was blessed with a brother who helped me check in and the get to the correct security line in Salt Lake City. He didn't leave until I was in the right place. He may never know how special that made me feel (I did feel a little foolish for needing the help, but I'm glad I didn't have to ask--he just did it because he's fabulous).

Doug's graduation was FANTASTIC and we had so much fun visiting with his classmates and traveling with his family. Doug's parents, his sister Melina, and her husband Shane were able to join us. We had so much fun seeing historical places on our way home. Unfortunately we never did stay in a hotel with a pool (at least one that worked) until we split in Nauvoo and went our different directions. I blame Shane because as soon as we split Doug and I found plenty of working hotel pools.


June brought travels to find a job for Doug. Doug had an interview with Costco in Astoria, OR and also happened to find an opening in Yakima, WA. His phone interview with the Yakima location was done in a laundromat so we figured maybe that job would be a long shot. We asked if we could swing by Yakima on our way to Astoria. Once we arrived in Yakima and met the doctor here, we were hooked. It felt like home. Doug felt like he had the job, but didn't get the official offer until a week or two later. The interview in Astoria did not go as well and we did NOT like the living situation we would have. Doug also did not like the working conditions. We prayed so hard that something would come available closer to home, but when the offer came from Yakima, we grabbed it.

Washington

Oregon

We loaded up and moved out on July 8th. It was a painful move. I knew we would not be moving back at sometime in the near future. I knew it was too far to drive home every month for quick visits. Our families had been my support system for the year Doug was gone. I was used to having them right there when I needed them. How was I going to start all over again making friends?

September was exciting because we found out a new baby would be coming to our family. It had been so long it felt like having my first baby all over again. I was sick, sick, sick, but I was so happy. The week before Halloween I miscarried. It was difficult, but I'm in a happy place now. All four of us are excited for what our future holds as far as family members. For the present we just hold tight to each other and enjoy the special family we have now.

In November we traveled home to be with family for Thanksgiving. Doug was able to take a full week off from work. We had HORRIBLE driving conditions going and coming. From now on, we'll do our traveling during the summer months. We had so much fun seeing family. My brother from Texas was able to come during coordinating days. It was fun to be together. It was nice being so close to Doug's family. We went to Harry Potter, had a game night, and a small party for Shaylynn's birthday. There never seems enough time to see everyone, and it didn't help that the roads were so bad we didn't dare travel very much.

Christmas was very low key, but extra fun. It was nice not having somewhere to go and a time frame to stick to. We played games, took naps, opened gifts, and talked of the Savior and the blessing of His birth.


I can officially say I look back on 2010 as a good year. It was a strengthening year. It wasn't perfect, I wasn't perfect, but that's why the gospel is so important. We can fix the things that aren't perfect and look forward to doing better.

Hopefully 2011 is a FANTASTIC year for all of you. May you be blessed and feel the love of your Heavenly Father as much as we do.

Love,
Doug, Mallena, Miriam, Shaylynn