In Quick Review

Yes, I am still alive! Not having internet at the house makes it very hard to blog!
This month as been crazy busy. I have so many fun pictures to post, which will be done soon hopefully! We have done so many fun things that I will create a blog for each one of them, so I don't want to give too much away. But, we have spent a Saturday seeing 2 really great friends of mine, which I got to take the day off of work to do so. We celebrated Emily's 5th birthday, which was so much fun this year, got to play with fake snow...yes, I said fake, and so many other little things here and there.
I am not sure if I blogged this or not, so if I am repeating myself, disregard! Emily gets sick so often every winter. She is sick for 2 weeks, healthy for a week, sick for 2 weeks, and so on and so forth. I was stuck working the day shift one day, so my mom took Emily into the doctor, who happened to be her doctor, to get Emily checked since she had been sick for over a week. Turns out she had a serious sinus infection. He put her on 2 weeks worth of antibiotics and an allergy medication. He believes that she has been suffering from allergies this entire time. :( So, treated that and she felt tons better. This past week, she started getting sick again, just two weeks after she finished off her antibiotics. AGH. I had to take her into the doctor for her 5 year check up on Monday and her doctor is now referring Emily on to an ENT. Which reminds me...I forgot to call. WHOOPS!
Also, to go along with Emily's misfortune...the crown on her tooth that fell out when my dad gave her the carmel apple sucker and we got it fixed the morning my dad past away...it fell out again today. :( So, now I get to call her dentist to have him send a referral to the pediatric dentist in Portland. This poor girl is going to HATE dentists and doctors really soon.
And, for me...I have been promoted at work to the Front Desk Supervisor and it is keeping me very busy. I like it so far, but some days I want to pull my hair out!
I also have been having problems with my right eye. It has been very blurry at times. So, I decided to just pay to go to the eye doctor since my medical insurance won't cover eye exams unless it is for medical purposes. Lucky for me, it turned out I do have something wrong with my eye! The eye doctor had to numb my eye to look at it and turns out the I have a hole in my retina. That is not causing the blurred vision...something called a floater is in my eye causing the blurred vision. I am slightly paranoid about my eyesight since macular degeneration runs on my moms side. But, all is well. Did find out that my vision is 20/30, so when I go back in June for a check up on my retina, I will be getting a prescriptions for glasses and contacts. Not sure how well I will look in glasses!
Hope to post pictures of all our happenings soon!

Random Pictures

I have so many pictures of her sleeping...I think that there is nothing more precious than watching a child sleep.




I was scrapbooking and she wanted to help. So, I printed off a picture of her from the computer and she did her own scrapbooking! Turned out rather well if I must say so myself!

My great friend Shanna was a HUGE lifesaver. She came to the hospital after my dad past away and was the greatest friend ever. Her and her mom just took care of Emily for me. Kimberly, Shanna's mom, bought Emily a wooden cupcake set from the hospital gift shop that comes with markers so she can decorate, erase and decorate all over again. Well, the next day, Shanna came over to the house with 3 boxes of cake mix, 3 frosting's and cupcake papers. Emily and Shanna made cupcakes together! It was so nice to have something so positive for Emily going on. Poor Emily couldn't stop crying, waking up in the middle of the night crying out for papa. She had witnessed everything while I was attempting to drive my dad to the hospital...I think that she kept dreaming about it. Shanna was the one person who could get her to laugh for the first week after everything. Emily still asks when we are going to see Shanna again!

The Oregon Coast

I absolutely love the beach. It is the most amazing place to be. I captured these pictures. Some are from October, and the sunset is from Friday night. Just thought that I would share some.

SNOW!!

Ok, trying to get out of this state of depression I have been in for the past month...
It actually snowed here!!! I was more than thrilled, however most of the other people here were not! I love the snow. It is so much better than the rain. At least when it snows, it is still sunny outside...not so depressing. It started snowing Monday night on Novemeber 22nd and continued through Tuesday. It didn't stick much, but Emily was thrilled. She made a snow angel on the deck.

For an Amazing Father and Papa

November 2nd, 2010 my world came crashing in as I watched my dad pass on. It was sudden and completely unexpected. I miss him so much and my heart aches constantly. He was an amazing man who did so much for others. He was the greatest dad and an even better papa. I was no where near prepared for this, but I know that this is better than having to watch him suffer from Alzheimer's. I love you dad and I miss you so much.

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be,
So He put his arms around you and whispered, "Come with Me."

With tearful eyes I watched you and saw you pass away,
Although I loved you dearly, I could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest,
God broke my heart to prove to me, He only takes the best.

Sick

My poor girl has had what I thought was a cold for 3 weeks now. Finally Friday I decided the poor girl has dealt with it long enough and I called the doctors office. Well, come to find out, her doctor only works Mondays now and is booked until mid-November! Obviously that wasn't going to work, so I had to schedule her in to see another doctor for today (luckily they are open 7 days a week!) So this morning at 9 I took Emily in to a doctor she had never seen before...if you know my daughter, she is just like me and extremely shy around people she doesn't know. Most doctors are very patient and understanding...not this one. I was less than impressed with her and refuse to let my daughter see her again. However, we did get a diagnosis of a bacterial sinus infection and she is now on some really strong antibiotics for 5 days. If they don't work, I am taking her back in and seeing the P.A. that we have seen before and I love. So, let's hope she gets feeling better soon.
Last Wednesday Emily went on her first fieldtrip of the school year. They went to a pumpkin patch in Corvallis. She got to pick out a pumpkin, which all of the pumpkins were green, and in the words of Emily, got to go on a ride with hay seats! She was exhausted when they got back. My parents picked her up because my mom and dad both got off of work around the time they were supposed to be back (the bus ended up getting back over an hour late because of construction.) But I do believe they all had fun. Next week they are having a Halloween party and she gets to wear her costume!
Speaking of Halloween, I was supposed to get the night off, but my manager "forgot" and is now unable to give it to me. So I will miss her very first Trick or treat experience, but hopefully my mom can take her.

First Day of Preschool 9-21-2010

Emily really missed school over the summer and couldn't wait to go back. When we walked into class, her teacher was so excited to see her, I wish I had a camera on had to record their facial expressions! So far her teachers have said that they are quite surprised at how much she has changed over the summer and how much she has come out of her shell. She is interacting with kids this year and helping other kids. I am quite proud!!
In other news: We are already on round 2 of the cold. She was sick for about 2 weeks with the cold, and just came down with it again Thursday night...this time much worse. Luckily this morning she is feeling tons better. My parents have been so great with watching her and taking care of her while I am working so much. My dad even sacrificed watching football yesterday so Emily could watch some Disney movies and cuddle.
Will have to post another blog soon...I have tons of fun pictures, just the lack of time to post them!

AAGGHH!!!

Where oh where has my sweet little girl gone? I swear, I spend my entire work week missing her so much, and then my one day off, she spends the whole day throwing fits, whining, complaining, etc. Is this her acting out because I am working so much? Or is this her acting out because school has started back up and my parents have returned to work so she isn't getting as much attention? I don't know...but I want my sweet little girl back!!
Next week she goes back to preschool three days a week. She is so excited to go and see teacher Ginger. We went and got "school" clothes, but she really just needed new clothes. She is all set for school now. And, we even managed to get a costume for Halloween. Yes, this year I am finally letting her go out. Let the good times roll! But, we will just be going to the mall where I know the candy is safe and it will be well lit. I am slightly paranoid!
I was going to go out to Michigan this past week and get my things, but because of the financial set back from the car accidents, the trip is being postponed until late spring.
Summer is offically over...the rain has arrived and I am already depressed! Business at work hasn't really slowed down, which has been nice. I've only had a few slow nights and it about killed me out of boredom. But, the lobby and desk area are exceptionally clean!

Horrible Blogger!

I cannot believe how crazy life gets. Time just gets away from me, which probably explains why I am constantly doing things at the very last minute here lately! Emily has been doing amazingly well with swimming lessons. She had to repeat level one, but mastered it the second time around. She has been in level two the past 2 weeks and loves it. However, I do believe she will have to repeat level 2 next summer, which is ok. As long as she is having fun while learning, that is what is important to me. Her and one of the girls have had 2 out of the 3 classes together. They are so cute to watch. If one girl is behind, the other one will wait...even when putting their swimsuits in the machine that spins them to get the water out.
Work has been crazy busy lately...even the week days, which tend to be slower. It is nice having a lot of business, but I am burnt out by my Friday! We have the most awesome guests, but then there are those few that really take everything you have to be nice and patient.
My mom got a new car and I have yet to wreck it, which I am knocking on wood as I type this due to the fact that I will be driving her car for a week while my car is in the repair shop. Yup, I said repair shop. Long story, but my back bumper is being replaced and maybe the rear fender. My parents insurance company probably hates me right about now and I don't blame them. 3 claims in 6 weeks...I kind of hate myself too!
Gearing up for preschool. My mom got her notice that she still has a job, but had to move schools. :( This is sad...she loved the school she was at. But, as I pointed out, she still has a job and that is what matters. But, with her being moved, she will no longer be in the same building as Emily when she is in school. This is just depressing. It was nice knowing my mom was right there if Emily needed her. I guess I am slightly over protective. Now I will be worried the entire 3 hours about how she is doing.
Emily also decided that her hair was in her face a few weeks ago and since papa was watching her while I was at work and my mom was gone, she was going to take care of the problem herself and just cut it. Now mind you, scissors have NEVER touched her hair, not even a trim. The next morning when she woke up and she was sitting on my lap, I noticed her newly acqured "bangs." I was livid. My mom laughed, which probably saved Emily. In the native culture, hair is very sacred and is rarely cut. This is something I was trying to uphold on the native part of her life. I guess a few bangs won't hurt, but still made me want to cry. It actually blends in most of the time and you can't tell. It is when I pull her hair back, which I do almost every day, that you can tell. It is hair and it shall grow back...I have to keep telling myself this!
Also discovered that Emily gets carsick. Her and I were taking my car over to Salem to have the dealership look at it. As soon as I got into Salem and on to busy Mission St, I hear her getting sick. I look back and she is covered. She tried to catch it in her hands and she looked up at me and started crying. It was so sad. So, a quick trip to Target for a new outfit before meeting a friend for lunch at Red Robin! Poor girl. Luckily she fell asleep on the way home.

One thing I have learned about Emily is that she likes her routines. If you are to stray off of the routine, she gets very upset. She has gotten spoiled by both nana and papa and has specifics routines with both...mainly papa! Every morning she gets up and she gives me a hug and kiss and goes to see papa, who gets up really early. I get to go back to sleep, which I cannot thank my dad enough for! He makes her breakfast, which is usually toast. After she eats breakfast, she and papa play barbies. This is the morning tradition. Well, the past couple of days, my dad has had to be places early and is gone by the time Emily gets up. This has meant that I get up with her to make her breakfast. I apparently don't do things correctly and she needed her papa. First of all, I didn't turn on cartoons while we made breakfast. Then I almost didn't let her butter the toast. And here is what made me realize just how pampered she is...she informed me that her crust needed to be cut off!! Since when did this all start?! My dad got to hear about it!
I think that is about all that is new over here. Emily is still on her medication to help with bed wetting...starting to work, thankfully. Maybe I get to stop buying pullups for bedtime soon! And I am just working...exciting, eh?!

First Swimming Lesson 7-5-10

Emily has been in swimming lessons for 8 days now and has been doing so well. As you can tell from the pictures, she was absolutely terrified the first day...well, first week! By Friday last week, she was putting her whole head under water without second guessing it. Her last day in level one will be Friday...if they move her on to level two. I am so proud of her.

Birthday Party?!

The other day Emily decided that it was OUR birthday party, so we had to bake brownies! It was fun...I always love baking with her!

New Haircut

All of the hair I lost...but all of the blond is GONE!!!

Best picture I could get! Most people say it isn't that short, but like I said, it is the shortest it has been since 5th grade! It is actually growing on me, but I think I am going to grow it back out...but leave it my natural color!

Shawn's Camp

A childhood friend of mine died the day after Mother's Day. We attended his funeral and was amazed at how full one church could get. I didn't think that they would have a viewing, but they did. I wasn't sure if I was going to go see him, but I did. He looked like the same guy I grew up with...just looked weird seeing him laying there in a casket.
His parents live out in the country in a little town outside of Lincoln City...most people don't even know it is a town! But, his parents, uncle's, and both sets of grandparents are the only ones that live on this old country road and own acres of land. It is absolutely beautiful and so peaceful. Across the road from where his parents live, there is this area where they would have huge fires and get togethers. His mom had this sign made, "Shawn's Camp" and dedicated it to the memory of Shawn. The night of the funeral, all of his close friends and family met at this place for a big fire and to tell stories about him. I couldn't attend because I had to work, but I heard it was quite the turnout.
My mom was very close to him. She held him when he was 2 hours old and watched him grow up. He was just a year younger than me, so we were always doing things together for church and school. My mom took it very hard, and surprisingly, so did I. No, we were not that close, but we knew each other, we grew up together...it was Shawn. Everyone loved him...I can't think of one person who didn't like him. He was a jock, but he didn't act like your typical jock. He cared for everyone. Always had the biggest smile, gave the biggest hugs, there for you if you ever needed him.
My mom was waiting up for me one night when I got home from work. She told me that she was finally ready to go to Shawn's Camp and see this place that he loved so much. So, I agreed to go with her. The next morning, my mom, Emily and I all went to Shawn's Camp...a day that I will never forget.
To get to Shawn's Camp, we had to drive over a little wooden bridge that was over a small creek. It opened up into a field of grass, and you could see where they had the fires. It was surrounded by huge trees and the only thing that could be heard was the creek running and the birds singing. So peaceful...I could just spend hours there. Within minutes of getting out of a car, my mom noticed a white butterfly. My mom loves butterflys and she was thrilled to see one, especially white. It landed at her feet and just stayed there. Emily walked over to see it and it flew up in front of her, and then landed at my mom's feet again. We then walked over to the bridge to look at the creek, to which the butterfly followed us. My mom and I were discussing how peaceful it was and how we understood why his mom would go there often. Emily was in the background doing her imaginary play as usual. All of the sudden, she stopped, turned around and looked at me. With the most serious look on her face, she looked up at me and said, "Mommy, I can't see him." I quickly looked at my mom in disbelief. Could she possibly hear Shawn? We took a few pictures and decided it was probably time to leave. As we got in the car and started pulling away, the white butterfly appeared and flew alongside the car. As we pulled out to the road, it flew in front of us and wouldn't move. Normally, I wouldn't care and just keep driving and hope it got out of the way, but I just felt the need to stop. I stopped the car and waited for this white butterfly to move. It flew in front of the windshield for about 20 seconds and then flew back towards Shawn's Camp. Could it have been Shawn, I think so.
Come to find out, Shawn loved butterflys. When his mom would be planting flowers, he would ask her if they were plants that would attract them. He loved butterflys.
I know some of you are thinking this is a completely random blog for me, but I wanted to write the story to have it forever. And, maybe, just maybe, Emily being so innocent, did actually hear Shawn.