2010 Ogren Family News

For years my Dad has included us in his annual family newsletter that is usually accomplished sometime during the holidays. I've decided to try creating one for our own family now that we have begun to do so much branching out from all that has been familiar to us so far! So without further ado:The biggest adventure we have experienced this year, by far, is our PCS transfer from the Southeast to the Pacific Northwest. Mark received orders (his first location choice) to the USS Nevada out of Bangor, WA in December 2009 where he officially reported to in April. Although I desperately wanted to join him for the initial trip out there, the remaining responsibilities with my music therapy degree and the sale of our home kept Molly and me behind in South Carolina. On Easter Sunday we said our goodbyes having no idea how long it would before we saw each other again in person. This photo of the three of us was taken the morning that he left. It was one of the most difficult days of my life.
Molly and I kept ourselves busy while Mark established a new life in WA. My biggest, personal news is the completion of my music therapy degree! In March I finished my 9-month-long internship responsibilities making me eligible to graduate from Charleston Southern University. It was my desire to have no remaining loose ends to tie on graduation day. So, in early April I took the board exam and officially became Angela Danae Ogren, Music Therapist-Board Certified! I'm so incredibly excited that I persevered with this field of study for 4 long years, despite all of the obstacles I encountered along the way. I wasted no time after becoming board certified to begin my NICU music therapy certification. After a weekend trip to Orlando, FL for the clinical portion (involving a surprise breakdown on interstate 95) and a two day trip to Cleveland, OH for the lecture, I have now completed my take home test which is in the mail on its way for grading...
In the early fall, 6 months of being on the market, we received an offer on our house. It took several extremely patience demanding months to finalize all of the mounds of paperwork and to complete all of the necessary steps for moving. In the midst of all this, we had yet to see Mark after 7 months of being apart. Encouraging news for a closing date was nowhere to be found. My parents graciously funded a trip to WA for Molly and me to visit Mark and our future home the end of October! Our reunion with him was a moment I'll never forget. We only spent a week in WA however it was very productive! Much family time was had in addition to finding a rental home and my getting to know the area on my own as much as I possibly could.
Mark was briefly able to return to the south in November. After flying to SC and spending about a week with family and friends, he made his way back across the country in my Jeep with Petey and Lucy (the dogs) with him. He made this trip in the middle of the horrible winter storm that hit the upper midwest, having a minor fender-bender in Montana. I was relieved to get the highly anticipated phone call that he had finally arrived safe and sound! Molly and I had almost a week to say our final goodbyes and prepare for our one-way, cross country flight. It was one of the most difficult things I've ever done, bringing closure to the only part of the country I've ever lived. Thanksgiving Day was our last day in SC.
So far our life out here in WA has been going very well! For months Mark described to me just how much he enjoyed being here. He especially loves seeing a new part of the country after spending 11 years in the south and being with a boat again. Although I very much miss my friends and family in the south this area is rapidly growing on me as well! Molly and I have been making friends and seeing new places almost every day. And we've quickly begun to establish a new life for ourselves. The feelings of distance and isolation have slowly begun to creep in, especially when I have trying days with Molly. We haven't seen very much of Mark since we arrived because of his work schedule. It's been quite an adjustment going from helping hands everywhere I go, to just me as her only caregiver. A few Navy wives that I already knew beforehand have been very helpful with Molly when I've needed it most! And I'm so grateful for their kindness. On Christmas Day we were able to host dinner for several other sailors unable to travel home for the holidays. It was my first major holiday away from all of my extended family. However, the food was fantastic (I was the cook) and the company was wonderful! I was glad to provide a home cooked meal and fellowship on such a rotten holiday to be away from all of our families!
2-years-old, as of December 17th, Molly is beginning to branch out on her own as well! There are so many things for kids to do around here. One of her favorites is an indoor playground, the Imagination Station, where I get to relax with free Wi-Fi and coffee while she plays to her heart's content! With my Mom's help, she'll be starting an early learning class, for 2 mornings a week, at this facility at the start of the New Year. This will be something that Molly can call her own. I'm mainly looking forward to this opportunity for her to gain some socialization. That's something I simply cannot effectively teach her at home, especially without having siblings for playing and arguments!
Mark is now faced with a huge decision for this upcoming year. Whether to reenlist or to finally say goodbye to the Navy. He feels strongly about ending his (what will be) 12 1/2 year career with the Navy. Whichever route he decides to take, Mark has expressed an interest in sticking around this part of the country for a while. We will support him in whatever he decides.
It's hard to believe all we went through and accomplished this year! We've learned a lot from difficult decisions that needed to be made. And we still have so much progress to make as a family being new residents of WA. What I am most grateful for is that we are finally a family together again. Whatever 2011 holds in store, the Ogren family is ready.