Miriam didn't get off the bus today. I was terrified. "Where is she? Is she hiding behind the sign at the end of the road? No, is she one of the kids I can't see very clearly? I can't remember what she was wearing. NO, that isn't her. WHERE IS SHE?!?!?" These are all thoughts I had in the brief moments it took me to get to the other children. Panic started setting in, my hands were shaking, but I managed to ask a boy in her class if she had been on the bus. He said, "Yes, she was on the bus, but she didn't sit by me. I don't know why she didn't get off." My panic started to subside a little, but I was still worried about Miriam. I figured she'd be in panic mode as soon as she realized she missed her stop. I pulled my cell phone out of my pocket, scrolled through my contact list, and made a call to the school's transportation department. Within a few minutes I knew she was safe and I knew how I was going to bring her home. Relief, PURE relief.
My darling child is now home safe. We've had a nice chat about PAYING ATTENTION when you're riding the bus. Her friend was reading her library book and she was distracted. She didn't even realize she had missed her stop until the bus driver called her name. Thankfully she didn't start crying until they pulled into the bus depo. Everyone was very kind about the situation, but I think it scared Miriam enough, that this won't happen again.
You may be asking, what does this have to do with the title of this post. Well, let me explain. I had three different instances where I felt prompted to do something. It wasn't an earth shattering feeling, just a memory, or a thought, I didn't even think of it being from the Lord. It just felt like I remembered to do something. Looking back, I can see how the Lord directed my actions, and had I not listened, this situation could have been much, much worse.
Whispering #1: Today after I took Miriam to the bus stop, I remembered to put the Transportation Department's phone number in my cell phone. I had been meaning to do this for weeks, ever since the bus didn't show up on time because of a break down at the school. I kept forgetting. I even thought of it last Thursday when at the last minute we found out school was canceled because of the ice. I put it off and it never got done. Today, I didn't put it off, I looked up the number and plugged it in. Because I had the number, I could call as soon as I realized she wasn't with the other kids. I can't imagine the stress I would have been under had I needed to walk home and look up the number BEFORE I could call. I would have been a mess. Instead, I was able to take immediate action and that helped my panic level stay a little lower.
Whispering #2: I almost always walk down and meet Miriam at the bus. Sometimes I am late and she makes it home before I leave the house. Today I was tempted to stay in the house and let her walk home alone. I felt guilty for being lazy so I put on my jacket and headed out the door. Had I not been there to see the kids get off, I would have not known she missed her stop. I don't know any of the children or the parents personally. I would not have known what to do when she didn't come home. I wouldn't know if the bus was late, or if something happened to her as she was walking home. It would have been my worst nightmare coming true. By seeing the children, I knew the bus had come and gone. I was also able to verify that she had been on the bus and just didn't get off.
Whispering #3: Just as I was walking out the door I saw my phone sitting on the table. I knew I was running late, but I felt I should grab it and take it with me. I walked back to the kitchen and grabbed it, feeling silly because I really don't need to have my cell phone with me all the time. Especially if I'm just walking down the street. If I wouldn't have grabbed my phone, it would have been like I said before---more waiting time before I could ACT.
I'm just so grateful that today I listened to those little feelings I had. I'm sure everything would have turned out just fine if I hadn't listened, but the Lord knows me so well. He KNEW that my heart could not handle the stress of not knowing where Miriam was. Yes, I am one of THOSE mothers. My hands have barely stopped shaking and it's been an hour since I picked her up at the transportation department. Besides feeling relieved, I feel so loved. I know the Lord loves me and wants to help me not die an early death from a heart attack brought on by stress. All of this has given me a resolve to listen harder and do things when I first think of them. You just never know when something little will be the missing piece of the puzzle. None of those whisperings today seemed to be a big deal. It wasn't even until I was home with both my girls safely in my arms, that I put it all together. Again, I'm grateful for a Father who knows more than I, and is willing to help me. I need to do a better job at recognizing His help in my life. I'm sure there have been many times that it has been Him guiding me, and I end up thinking I'm a smart person with good luck. Hopefully this post will be a good reminder to you and me to look for those little whisperings throughout our lives, follow them, and then to express our gratitude for them.
**Side note: The other day a girl in our neighborhood was walking VERY slowly home. There was a little red truck driving just as slowly down the road. I felt like I needed to stay at the end of our walkway to make sure she made it to her home safely. FINALLY, the truck passed by and the girl entered her walkway, but it was a long wait. I'm sure the truck driver was wondering why I was standing there eyeballing him, but I just knew I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happened to her. All of this was very fresh on my mind as I was doing my initial search for Miriam. See why I was so scared?
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Friday, December 31, 2010
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.
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
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
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Preschool Photos
Doug told me that I needed to hurry and post something positive right after my last post. Well, I'm sure you'll enjoy seeing pictures of my darling baby girl.
We have been so blessed that Shaylynn was able to make such a smooth transition into West Valley School District's Preschool Program. I was worried there would be problems with her IEP or that they'd say she needed more testing, or worse of all, that they would say she didn't qualify. Shaylynn's speech has improved so much, but it she still has a long way to go before she is at the same level of speech as her peers. Anyway, all my fears were for naught, and she started school on September 7th.
Last year she begged and BEGGED to ride the bus, but it was easier for me to drive her so I didn't have to wait for the bus. Apparently there could be a 20 minute difference in drop-off time, depending on if a little girl in a wheelchair rode the bus or not. Well, this year I GLADLY signed her up for the bus. Her school is located out in the boonies and it would take me about 15 minutes ONE WAY to get her to school. She has to get on the bus at 7:45 a.m. but because she's the first one on, she's also the first one off. Her school doesn't even start until 9 a.m. However; she gets home a little before noon. She LOVES riding the bus and she looks SO cute on it. It' a mini bus equipped with seat belts. We're in charge of putting her on the bus, buckling her seat belt, and stowing her backpack in the tub. When she gets home, we do the complete opposite. Her bus driver is a gem! We just love Beth!
I'm nervous because next year Kindergarten is all day every day. I have no idea how Shaylynn will do being gone all day. I guess it will be nice to only have to do one bus drop off and pick up instead of the two I'm currently doing.
Well, enough talking, I promised you some pictures.
Isn't the shirt adorable? She wanted to buy it because it was like her "daddy's working shirt". She just HAD TO HAVE THE TIE!!!! Funny little girl. I tried and tried to get her to wear some really cute jeans, but she INSISTED on wearing those shorts. Even now, when she saw me posting the pictures, she begged me to get the shorts out.
We have been so blessed that Shaylynn was able to make such a smooth transition into West Valley School District's Preschool Program. I was worried there would be problems with her IEP or that they'd say she needed more testing, or worse of all, that they would say she didn't qualify. Shaylynn's speech has improved so much, but it she still has a long way to go before she is at the same level of speech as her peers. Anyway, all my fears were for naught, and she started school on September 7th.
Last year she begged and BEGGED to ride the bus, but it was easier for me to drive her so I didn't have to wait for the bus. Apparently there could be a 20 minute difference in drop-off time, depending on if a little girl in a wheelchair rode the bus or not. Well, this year I GLADLY signed her up for the bus. Her school is located out in the boonies and it would take me about 15 minutes ONE WAY to get her to school. She has to get on the bus at 7:45 a.m. but because she's the first one on, she's also the first one off. Her school doesn't even start until 9 a.m. However; she gets home a little before noon. She LOVES riding the bus and she looks SO cute on it. It' a mini bus equipped with seat belts. We're in charge of putting her on the bus, buckling her seat belt, and stowing her backpack in the tub. When she gets home, we do the complete opposite. Her bus driver is a gem! We just love Beth!
I'm nervous because next year Kindergarten is all day every day. I have no idea how Shaylynn will do being gone all day. I guess it will be nice to only have to do one bus drop off and pick up instead of the two I'm currently doing.
Well, enough talking, I promised you some pictures.
Isn't the shirt adorable? She wanted to buy it because it was like her "daddy's working shirt". She just HAD TO HAVE THE TIE!!!! Funny little girl. I tried and tried to get her to wear some really cute jeans, but she INSISTED on wearing those shorts. Even now, when she saw me posting the pictures, she begged me to get the shorts out.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Where Have I Been?
It's obvious I've not been blogging for awhile. I haven't even looked at very many blogs in the past month. There have been a variety of different reasons, but only one of them is very good. I've debated and debated on writing about this excuse; I've even started and then deleted several attempts at a new post. I just don't know how to write about what's in my heart and on my mind without sounding selfish, insane, uncaring, grumpy, ungrateful, and like I'm trying to get attention and sympathy. I finally decided that I love each of you (at least those of you I know look at this--if I don't know you, well, drop me a line and I'll love you too). Since I love you and care about you and what is happening in your lives, I thought you may feel the same about me. Especially since you're reading this blog. That must count for something. Right? Anyway, with that all said, I'll start.
On September 7, Doug and I found out we were expecting baby #3. After trying off and on for the past two years we were ecstatic to be pregnant again. Our due date was May 3--Miriam's 8th birthday. As with my other two pregnancies I was sick right away. It was all I could do to get the girls up and ready for school. I enjoyed every aspect of being pregnant even though I didn't feel well. It had been six years since I had been pregnant last. It was like being pregnant for the first time again. I was sick, but I was happy.
Even though I was happy I was a little stressed as well. Our health insurance with Doug's job hadn't started yet and the temporary insurance we had didn't cover pregnancy. I wasn't sure how we were going to cover all the expenses until November, and at times I wished the pregnancy would have waited another month, but I figured it was all in the Lord's timing. I was pregnant and somehow we would make it work.
I decided on my doctor and we had our first appointment. During our first ultrasound the doctor couldn't find anything that would lead her to say we had a viable pregnancy. There was a little bleep on the screen that she said COULD be a heartbeat, but she just couldn't say for sure. She told us to come in a few weeks later for another ultrasound. I didn't think much of it because my periods have always been a little odd so I figured we just weren't as far along as we thought. I went ahead and had all the blood work done. Doug and I decided we'd not say anything to the girls or anyone else until we had a picture to show.
A few weeks later we went in for our second ultrasound and this time there was a definite sac, and something inside the sac, but again, the doctor didn't feel comfortable in giving us any specifics. She told us to wait another couple of weeks and to come in again. At this point I really started to worry.
A few days later I miscarried. I woke up to a little bit of blood but figured it could be just some spotting. By the time I showered and was getting ready for the day it was obvious what was happening. I called my mom to make sure I wasn't overreacting. I was crying and by this time the girls were up and getting ready for school. I overheard them in the bathroom talking to each other about how I must be having a baby because my tummy was getting bigger and I was sick all the time. Up until that point that hadn't even said a word. It broke my heart that they would pick up on the pregnancy THE DAY I was no longer pregnant. Knowing that Miriam would be affected by it the whole day, we just told the girls that we weren't sure if I was pregnant or not, but that we'd talk about it when they got home from school.
Miriam was devastated when we told her. I think she thought of the baby as a full term infant that had died. Shaylynn didn't have much of a reaction, but over the next couple of days she kept talking about the baby in my tummy. I had to keep reminding her that the baby had died and that mommy's tummy was now empty. Both girls are doing better now and constantly pray for "a new baby in mommy's tummy".
I told Doug that after the pain of miscarriage I get to say that I've given birth three times. No way did I go through all that and not get to claim something! I had no idea that something so small could hurt SO bad!!!! At one point Doug had to give me a blessing because we thought I was on the verge of hemorrhaging. Not only was it painful physically, but it took it's toll emotionally. It was a loss of my dreams. I had finally pictured myself with a newborn and now that dream was being lost. It didn't help that a large number of people started announcing their own pregnancies. It was like a punch in the stomach each and every time.
I once asked a dear friend of mine how she could be happy for someone who had just announced a pregnancy when she herself was trying so hard to have a baby. She told me she could still feel joy for those around her while at the same time grieving for herself. I didn't understand. I figured she was a pure saint (which she is) for being able to feel that way. It wasn't until now that I understand what she was saying. As much as it hurt to read about someone else getting pregnant, I was still so happy for them. My joy was full, but I still cried. I cried selfish tears for myself. In the end, it was joy that won out, it still does. I'm truly happy for those around me. I wonder how I'll react when they start giving birth during that time I should be giving birth, but maybe I'll be blessed with another pregnancy of my own. I don't know the future, but I do know of a Father's undying love for me.
Previous to my miscarriage I had been prepared for it. I was happy to be pregnant, but I was ready if it didn't work out. I was content with whatever happened. It wasn't until the DAY BEFORE I miscarried that I connected with the baby. I finally wanted this baby with all of my heart. I didn't want to lose him/her. My first thoughts when I saw the blood was, "You're kidding me, right?" It was tempting to be angry with God for allowing me to connect only to lose the baby. However; I knew where those feelings were coming from. They were words from Satan. As I looked back on everything that had happened, I could see the Lord's hands preparing me from the beginning. HE LOVED ME!!!!! He didn't leave me to feel the pain without giving me a cushion to fall back on. He had guided me in so many decisions I had made previously. So many things could have been done differently and I would have had pain a million times more difficult that what I experienced. For example, Doug and I have always told family and friends about our pregnancies right after we get a positive test. This time we were able to keep our mouths shut---that's amazing for us, we aren't very good with secrets. It was hard enough having to tell the few people who knew about our pregnancy about our loss, I can't imagine if I had to announce it to a lot more people. It was very difficult to talk about. In the end I made my sister-in-law tell Doug's family. In fact, Doug was the one who had to tell his sister. I just couldn't talk about it without crying. It would have been too hard to discuss it with people. See how long it's taken me to blog about it. :) I was also blessed because I hadn't purchased anything for the baby yet. It would have been very hard to return items to the store after all of this. Somehow I was able to refrain from making any purchases, which again, is very unusual for me.
I still have moments where I have gut wrenching emotional pain. Sometimes I just feel like something is missing and I just can't put my finger on it. I know it will just take some time, but in a way I don't want to lose this feeling. Previous to now I thought I had expressed the proper sadness and understanding to those who had lost a pregnancy. I realize now that I NEVER understood. I NEVER fully "got it". Yes, I had been sad, yes I had cried for them, but I didn't really KNOW what they were going through. I THOUGHT I did, but I didn't. I'm hoping that from here on, I can be someone that others feel they can talk to about their feelings. I hope I can be more sensitive to their needs and desires.
Well, now you know why I haven't blogged for a long time. At first it was because I was sick, and then it was because I just didn't know how to write about what was going on. Please don't feel like I'm writing because I want your sympathy, but because I love and care about you. I want to know what is happening with you and how you're doing. I figured I owed you the same courtesy. I know this trial of mine doesn't compare with some of the things the rest of you are struggling with. I would never want to presume that my life is more difficult that yours. Please just know that if you ever need a listening ear, I am here for you.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Stylish and Ready For School!
Miriam started school on August 31st. She was really excited to go to school, me not so much. She and Shaylynn play so well together and I just love having her home. Second grade just sounds so grown up and it's hard to believe my sweet baby is no longer my sweet baby.
We went to see her classroom and scope out the school a week prior to the first day of school. When I checked into the office the principal seemed a little gruff and I was nervous about how Miriam would do since the school we moved from had a principal that was friendly and kind to every student. He may have called her "Maren", but at least he was consistent in calling her the wrong name which means he thought he knew her name. Anyway, she had me call Doug and the girls in while she went and checked to see if we could see Miriam's classroom. By the way, it was only one week before school and they still didn't have the classroom lists finalized. When the principal came back she had Miriam's teacher with her and she was willing to give us a tour of the whole school! Once Miriam was in the office the principal soften a LOT and was really cute with her. I was so relieved because Miriam really is terrified of making mistakes and doing things wrong. Authoritative people really make her nervous.
The tour of the school was great and Miriam really liked her teacher. I was relieved because her teacher last year was absolutely amazing. I had debated on talking to her teacher about Miriam's anxiety. Sometimes NOT knowing makes it a little easier to deal with the situation, but it can also come as quite a shock when you aren't prepared. When we went in a week later to drop off supplies I mentioned it when Mrs. Mochel asked if there was anything she needed to know. I'm not sure if it helped or hindered, but Miriam has loved going to school since the first day. She's made two new friends that she just loves. One of them is because Mrs. Mochel moved the desk of one little girl next to Miriam's when she heard Miriam was looking forward to making new friends. I KNOW Heavenly Father was answering my prayers through that one little thing. I had been praying and praying that Miriam would be able to make friends that would love her and play with her all the time instead of her being the "extra friend" that would only be asked to play when there wasn't anyone else. She struggled with that last year. She was a great friend to everyone and would love and care for them when they were sad or hurt, but no one really paid much attention to her unless they were sad, hurt, or no one else was around.
We took Miriam to school the first day of school. I walked her to her classroom and she asked me to come inside with her. Back in the corner where she puts her backpack I gave her a hug and a kiss and said good luck. She grabbed my hand, looked me in the eye, and in a teeny tiny voice said, "Mommy I'm scared." The tears I had been holding back just about exploded out of my eyes. I gave her another hug and told her everything would be fine and that I'd help her get to her seat. All the kids were watching her (she HATES it when people look at her). I could just feel the terror running through her. When we got to her desk and she scooted in her teacher came over and took my place. When I left she was introducing her to the girl next to her. I made it to the car and then I lost it and started bawling. Good thing Doug had come with me so he could drive.
I'm just so proud of Miriam! She is working so hard to become a better speller, writer, mathematician, etc. It's so fun to see her get off the bus and give Shaylynn a huge hug. I'm the luckiest person alive to have such a daughter!
I had an outfit all picked out for her first day of school. Miriam decided she wanted something different. I really had a hard time letting go and letting her pick something I didn't think was deserving of the honor of being the "first day of school outfit", but it was her special day. As it turned out, she kept everything the same except the shirt. Doesn't she look adorable in those boots!!!!!!!
We went to see her classroom and scope out the school a week prior to the first day of school. When I checked into the office the principal seemed a little gruff and I was nervous about how Miriam would do since the school we moved from had a principal that was friendly and kind to every student. He may have called her "Maren", but at least he was consistent in calling her the wrong name which means he thought he knew her name. Anyway, she had me call Doug and the girls in while she went and checked to see if we could see Miriam's classroom. By the way, it was only one week before school and they still didn't have the classroom lists finalized. When the principal came back she had Miriam's teacher with her and she was willing to give us a tour of the whole school! Once Miriam was in the office the principal soften a LOT and was really cute with her. I was so relieved because Miriam really is terrified of making mistakes and doing things wrong. Authoritative people really make her nervous.
The tour of the school was great and Miriam really liked her teacher. I was relieved because her teacher last year was absolutely amazing. I had debated on talking to her teacher about Miriam's anxiety. Sometimes NOT knowing makes it a little easier to deal with the situation, but it can also come as quite a shock when you aren't prepared. When we went in a week later to drop off supplies I mentioned it when Mrs. Mochel asked if there was anything she needed to know. I'm not sure if it helped or hindered, but Miriam has loved going to school since the first day. She's made two new friends that she just loves. One of them is because Mrs. Mochel moved the desk of one little girl next to Miriam's when she heard Miriam was looking forward to making new friends. I KNOW Heavenly Father was answering my prayers through that one little thing. I had been praying and praying that Miriam would be able to make friends that would love her and play with her all the time instead of her being the "extra friend" that would only be asked to play when there wasn't anyone else. She struggled with that last year. She was a great friend to everyone and would love and care for them when they were sad or hurt, but no one really paid much attention to her unless they were sad, hurt, or no one else was around.
We took Miriam to school the first day of school. I walked her to her classroom and she asked me to come inside with her. Back in the corner where she puts her backpack I gave her a hug and a kiss and said good luck. She grabbed my hand, looked me in the eye, and in a teeny tiny voice said, "Mommy I'm scared." The tears I had been holding back just about exploded out of my eyes. I gave her another hug and told her everything would be fine and that I'd help her get to her seat. All the kids were watching her (she HATES it when people look at her). I could just feel the terror running through her. When we got to her desk and she scooted in her teacher came over and took my place. When I left she was introducing her to the girl next to her. I made it to the car and then I lost it and started bawling. Good thing Doug had come with me so he could drive.
I'm just so proud of Miriam! She is working so hard to become a better speller, writer, mathematician, etc. It's so fun to see her get off the bus and give Shaylynn a huge hug. I'm the luckiest person alive to have such a daughter!
I had an outfit all picked out for her first day of school. Miriam decided she wanted something different. I really had a hard time letting go and letting her pick something I didn't think was deserving of the honor of being the "first day of school outfit", but it was her special day. As it turned out, she kept everything the same except the shirt. Doesn't she look adorable in those boots!!!!!!!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
August Catch-Up
I'm sitting here listening to the girls play with our neighbor and wishing I was sleeping on the couch. I have no desire to do anything, especially make dinner so I decided I will post something. You can tell when Doug posts on our blog because there is little writing and lots of pictures. I tend to blabber on and on.
August started out in the best way possible with my parents and my youngest brother coming for a visit. They arrived Friday evening about the same time as Doug got home from work. They were able to stay until Monday morning. It wasn't long enough, but it was still a nice visit. My brother was adopted from Kazakhstan a few months before Miriam was born. He has been such a great addition to our family. He is willing to play with my kids for hours and hours. I don't know many fourteen year old boys willing to do that. He's so kind and helpful, we just love Kai to pieces! While my family was here we went school clothes shopping, drove around town, looked at houses, talked, watched movies, and attended church together. It was so nice having someone to sit by in Relief Society!!!!
Doug's license finally came through at the beginning of August so he is now working and being paid at his Dr. salary. Thank goodness! It's hard to live when your first paycheck only covers next month's rent, tithing, and leaves you $20 for the rest of the month. We're so grateful for Doug's job and the income that comes from said job. Now we can start tackling some debt!
Since I married a man that has so many fun ideas on how to get out into nature (he says fun, I say "why be in nature when you can be inside?") we had to have a camp-out in the backyard. Since our tent isn't family friendly, the girls slept in the tent and Doug and I were under the stars on an airbed. I woke up every 20 minutes freezing to death, but persevered until 3:30 when the neighbor's sprinklers went off (on of them was a geyser). By that point I was freezing, Doug had rolled over so I no longer had his body heat. I gave in and came inside. Doug, being the amazing father that he is, stayed outside so the girls could stay out there safely. It was a pretty fun night and I surprised everyone by actually ATTEMPTING to sleep in the outdoors under the stars. I was going to add to the event by making pancakes for breakfast, but after getting the mix started I realized I was out of milk. We had pancakes for dinner later that night. Better late than never, right?
The other notable thing that has happened this month is a potato exploded in my oven. Yes, a POTATO EXPLODED!!! Before any of you make the comment like my loving aunt, yes, I DID poke holes in the potato. It was a teeny tiny potato and I put about six holes in it. I have NO idea what happened, but it sure made a mess.
It is now more than half way through August. Where has the time gone? Miriam will be starting school on the 31st and Shaylynn will hopefully be starting the second week of September. Then I'll be home alone. I know people that envy me, but I dread it. I don't have any hobbies to keep my busy while they're gone. Oh well, I'll come up with something.
August started out in the best way possible with my parents and my youngest brother coming for a visit. They arrived Friday evening about the same time as Doug got home from work. They were able to stay until Monday morning. It wasn't long enough, but it was still a nice visit. My brother was adopted from Kazakhstan a few months before Miriam was born. He has been such a great addition to our family. He is willing to play with my kids for hours and hours. I don't know many fourteen year old boys willing to do that. He's so kind and helpful, we just love Kai to pieces! While my family was here we went school clothes shopping, drove around town, looked at houses, talked, watched movies, and attended church together. It was so nice having someone to sit by in Relief Society!!!!
Kai---He really does eat (he actually eats a LOT)
We celebrated my Mom's birthday since we won't be there in September.
Doug's license finally came through at the beginning of August so he is now working and being paid at his Dr. salary. Thank goodness! It's hard to live when your first paycheck only covers next month's rent, tithing, and leaves you $20 for the rest of the month. We're so grateful for Doug's job and the income that comes from said job. Now we can start tackling some debt!
Since I married a man that has so many fun ideas on how to get out into nature (he says fun, I say "why be in nature when you can be inside?") we had to have a camp-out in the backyard. Since our tent isn't family friendly, the girls slept in the tent and Doug and I were under the stars on an airbed. I woke up every 20 minutes freezing to death, but persevered until 3:30 when the neighbor's sprinklers went off (on of them was a geyser). By that point I was freezing, Doug had rolled over so I no longer had his body heat. I gave in and came inside. Doug, being the amazing father that he is, stayed outside so the girls could stay out there safely. It was a pretty fun night and I surprised everyone by actually ATTEMPTING to sleep in the outdoors under the stars. I was going to add to the event by making pancakes for breakfast, but after getting the mix started I realized I was out of milk. We had pancakes for dinner later that night. Better late than never, right?
The other notable thing that has happened this month is a potato exploded in my oven. Yes, a POTATO EXPLODED!!! Before any of you make the comment like my loving aunt, yes, I DID poke holes in the potato. It was a teeny tiny potato and I put about six holes in it. I have NO idea what happened, but it sure made a mess.
It is now more than half way through August. Where has the time gone? Miriam will be starting school on the 31st and Shaylynn will hopefully be starting the second week of September. Then I'll be home alone. I know people that envy me, but I dread it. I don't have any hobbies to keep my busy while they're gone. Oh well, I'll come up with something.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Mt Rainier Trip
Saturday we took a trip through the Chinook Pass and around through White Pass. It was a beautiful day. The only downside was the clouds in the mountains. So there is no actual picture of Mt Rainier here, but I will upload one we took earlier a few months ago later on. The girls did such a great job on this trip.
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