I’ve been reading lately that the decade of 2000 has been one of the worst in U.S. history. For me, however, it has been hands down the best decade of my life. There were some hard times, but overall, WOW.
In 2000, my best friend and love, proposed. We had a fantastic, fast engagement during which I moved to Abilene, TX and began teaching at my favorite position in Wylie (Abilene) ISD. We were married at the end of the year and rung in 2001 on our honeymoon in Bali.
In 2001, I was given the opportunity to become a trainer for the statewide reading academy. Brian and I took a great trip down to Austin for the training, and after training teachers for a summer, I started my Master’s program in Reading at HSU. Our first year of married life was exciting and well worth the wait.
In 2002, I deepened some new friendships at Hardin-Simmons that are so dear to me still today. Brian and I both continued working and taking classes toward our Master’s degrees. We enjoyed some camping trips in and around Abilene.
In 2003, I graduated from my Master’s program and decided with my husband that it was time to leave Texas. We moved to Alaska, Brian’s long time dream, and have not looked back. We had an amazing month long trip/move stopping to see the Grand Canyon, Vegas, dear friends in Fresno (and some from Dallas that met us there), and taking a three day ferry ride past Canada to our new home in Fort Yukon.
In 2004, we experienced our first extreme temperatures in the Arctic Circle, watched Northern Lights dance over our heads as we walked to work in the early mornings. We met and grew a friendship with some awesome folks who now live way too far from us. We toured the state in our first summer in Alaska, driving the Denali Highway, visiting Seward, Anchorage and points between.
In 2005, we welcomed our first child, Jacob Liem. What a joy. What an experience. What a way to deepen a marriage. Wow. I also put my teaching career on hold to become a stay-at-home mom. Lots of work, but I’m having a great time still.
In 2006, we welcomed our second child, Tobias James. Again, what a joy. In addition to that, we moved from Fort Yukon, which was a hard move, but it brought us to some new opportunities and we experienced God’s hand using us in some really neat ways in Circle, AK.
In 2007, we welcomed Jamiee Danielle into our family. We had a “baby free” summer and enjoyed seeing some more of the state with family!
In 2008, we welcomed our third child, Sarah Avery. We had an incredibly scary experience with her, but were so lucky to see God’s hand as he guided surgeons and healed her completely. She truly is a gift from our Father in heaven. We also bought our first house in Fairbanks and joined a fantastic church.
In 2009, Brian took a job in Fairbanks, ending the weekend commutes, and we have enjoyed a great time being together as a family and being in love. Also jumped into some great new friendships this year and I’m really excited about seeing them grow.
Thank you, 2000’s. I will remember you fondly – even if the rest of the world does not.
