2010 in Review.

2010 has been exactly like the name of my blog describes...a roller coaster. I'm happy to say that it has mostly been good things, happy and fun things, but like life usually promises, it had it's dips, too!

First and foremost, is my role as Grandma. I love it. The year started out with a new granchild in our lives, Jessica. She was born on January 5th, and she is such a cutie! Meeting her the following April, embedded her into my heart forever. She's cute, sweet and already had such a personality. Although since then, I only see her on facebook, she still pulls at my heart strings and we work hard at being a part of her life. (Even if that only means sending toys and clothes!).

I also met Muchi, Nancy's little foster child. She's was two at the time, kind of shy, but totally adorable. The first time she came up to me and called me Grandma...well, it was all over. I am happy to be there for her, as is "Grandpa" and both of us are very happy and proud of Nan for taking this sweet child (and her sisters) into her life and giving them the kind of home every child deserves.

Then, there's Jake. Since he lives here in town with us, we get to see him almost every week and watch him grow. He is such a delight! It's awesome to watch him change and grow, and see his personality develop. He babbles constantly (like his mommy) and I know once his words develop, well there will be no stopping him! Since he has been here (2 days) he has learned "ow" and "doggie" and "what doing?". He may have known some of them already, but it's the first time I've heard them. His happy little "Hi" makes us laugh every time. He chases Max like a wild man and loves Elmo like a one year old. He loves to read and play with his toys and has a new love of blocks! Jake has changed my life, and this has been one of the best years of my life! There's more to come and I can not wait!

Tony is back in college! It makes me happy, and more importantly, it makes HIM happy! He seems to be into it and might have just found "his" field. I wish I could tell you what that field was, but I'm not sure! LOL. It's something with microchips in a computer. He's doing well, that's all that matters!

Andrea and Chad have had a usual first year of parenthood. Trials and tribulations! We've all been throught that though! I'm proud of the mommy that she is, wife and teacher. If only I could get her to clean her room! But that's an age old problem! hahahah. Just kidding! Watching Chad with his son melts my heart every time. They love each other so much!

One of the dips in our year has been Bill's diagnosis. It has been very trying, and something that has been not easy to digest, for either one of us. Sometimes I feel like it's the white elephant in the room. His tremor is pretty noticeable at this point, and his neurologist is trying hard to keep it from progressing. His new med has changed him in many ways, all for the better. It's funny how things had been different for him, and we had no idea why, and just kind of chalked it up to old age! LOL. But he feels good, and has more energy and spunk, and he's really more like the 'old' Bill he once was! For that, we are grateful.

Meg and Nancy are loving their lives with their prespective families. They are both working, and being mommies. We are always so happy to hear about them! The oldest daughter has moved to IL and trying to start a new life. It's been a hard road for her. We keep her in our prayers.

Other than that...well I got to see my brother this year. That was fun! I hadn't seen him in awhile. I have a new nephew Jayden, who's a doll! I'm content with my job, such as it is, and Bill is doing well in his! I am thankful to work with such lovely ladies who are my friends, and not just my coworkers. Plus, I love my doc. She's awesome in so many ways, (and crazy in so many others!) I wish her well as she embarks on her journey of having two girls, one which is two!

I look forward to having a year full of fun surprises and adventures. Bill and I reach our ten year mark together! Our marriage has totally been that roller coaster ride of which I speak...but I wouldn't have it any other way! Ups, downs, and even some loop-de-loops, but that is the story of our life! And you know what? It's okay! It's awesome!

I look forward to hearing Jake say, "Grandma" this year. Or Grammy. Or Nana. Or I love you. I look forward to it with all my heart! Plus watching him develop into that special little boy that I know he will be.

I look forward to seeing the CT clan! Whether they come here, or we go there...I can't wait to see them!!! I miss them more than they will ever know.

I look forward to 2011. May the ride be less bumpy, but continue to be full of thrills! Without that...life would be boring.

Happy New Year. May 2011 bring you peace, love and happiness. Enjoy the ride!