Top 10 of 2010

Last year I posted my Top 10 of 2009 to commemorate many of the highlights and meaningful moments of 2009 and to help celebrate the New Year. It was very therapeutic for me to build this list and I'd like to give it another try this year. In 2009 it became obvious that narrowing down one whole year into 10 small events is a larger task than one might assume. I came to the conclusion that anything that sounded good at the end of this sentence should make my list:
"2010 was the year that such and such happened (Such and such of course being my memorable event)."

Please enjoy my Oh, That Was the Year [THAT] Happened List

#1: [The birth of two new nephews: Noah Finn Shipley and Samuel Maddox Mullinnix.] Babies always seem to deserve a spot on the top of the list. These aren't just any old babies, however. They are my adorable nephews and sweet playmates for Caleb.

#2: [My sister almost died.] I know it sounds horribly morbid...and it was. My sister/best friend/person I could never live without nearly died after giving birth to that darling new son of hers. But we have since healed and are beyond blessed to have her still in our lives.

#3: [I started a new job.] I left my post at the Herald-Sun after five years of working as a graphic designer/writer to seek new challenges at Durham's Partnership for Children as a Community Development Coordinator. And challenged I am...every single day on the job. I love it.

#4: [I finally got a raise and better benefits.] I had not had a raise in three years prior to starting my new job. This is not uncommon for those who are lucky enough to be employed and is definitely a result of this unceasing recession. And the fact that I got a new job during such a horrible recession, I credit that to God.

#5: [I joined a photography club.] I had toyed around with the idea before and finally got the nerve to do it. I even got lucky enough to have a friend join with me. This club is full of experts and novices and we are all eager to learn.

#6: [We had live-in guests all summer long.] Hubby and I were fortunate enough to have Caleb's grandmothers take turns staying with us for the summer and help with child care duties during our workweek. The memories for Caleb are irreplaceable and hubby and I enjoyed the company. Needless to say we felt very spoiled with all the help.

 #7: [Our trip to New Orleans.] Hubby and I took a well-deserved second honeymoon - sans Caleb - to New Orleans. We just got back a few days ago - photos to come soon. We both agree that we thoroughly enjoyed the time away but that it is difficult to separate ourselves from our parenting responsibilities.

#8: [I started my own photography Web site.] While it is still a project in the works, it is something I have always wanted to do. Thank you so much Pam and Rick for nudging me in the right direction and for creating a beautiful site. http://melaniebusbeephoto.com/.

#9: [Our trip to Destin, Florida.] This was the most relaxing vacation I have had in a long time. I loved the time with family, waking up to enjoy coffee and breakfast, and introducing Caleb to the beach and the swimming pool.

#10: [My year of breastfeeding came to an end.] A feeling of dread came over me in the months prior to quitting breastfeeding. I thought it would be painful, both physically and mentally. The moment passed very quietly. Caleb was ready to quit breastfeeding just as my body was ready to quit producing milk. What a blessing that it worked out that way.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about my Top 10 of 2010 and wish all of you a very Happy New Year.