Here are the first photos we've received from Melissa's new school.  Each time we talk with her, she is so happy.  It's a very small school with only 6 girls.  The staff is amazing and supportive.  She is doing great with her school work and is quickly catching up.  Some of the activities she gets to do includes dance, fencing, piano, cooking, farming, and arts/crafts.  Each day there is something special that the girls get to do.  I am so thrilled to see her smile.  Today, I told Tabb that I actually felt a glimmer of happiness.  He surprised me by saying that he wasn't there yet.  This is going to take some time to get used to her not being here with us, but if the pictures are any indication...the best is yet to come!!

Update

Melissa has now been at her new school for over 3 weeks.  She is doing really well.  Actually she's doing better than we could have hoped.  There have been some hard moments for her; especially with homesickness.  I have felt the same way...homesick for my daughter.  The first 2 weeks after she left, I couldn't relax.  I was so used to every single day having a challenge to face and protecting her from all of the obstacles she faced each day.  It's hard to give up control to someone that you have to trust.  I don't trust easily anymore. Someone said something to me the other day that hurt alot, but it was true.  They said that I've changed and I've become hard.  I could see why she said that, but it's really not true.  Only Tabb and my Mom know just how torn up I am inside. It's going to take a really long time to start to feel happy again.  About a week ago, I did notice that my chest wasn't feeling so tight anymore.  The last 2 years have been hell on earth..there is no other way to say it.  I don't feel hard inside, just tremendously damaged.  I've got to work on healing myself for the sake of my family.  We need to focus on the future and let go of the pain of the past.  I do know that  Heavenly Father will take care of the justice and mercy required to deal with the criminal .  Last week, I got a call from someone who offered a service to our family that we needed desparetly, but would have never asked for.  I could hardly talk when the offer was made and all I could do was cry.  Probably scared this person to death, but that is an example of how the Lord knows our needs and blesses us through the service of friends and family.  I'll never in my life forget that phone call - we received a blessing we never asked for.  Our Stake President and Bishop could be compared to having an angel on our right hand and on our left hand.  They have been so loving and supportive.  I'm deeply grateful that they were called to serve at this time. 

On the positive side, we will be going to the temple this week.  I am planning on going every other week. With temple attendance, service projects, and increased family time, I hope these things will make a difference.  Nicolas made 6 points in the Church basketball game last Friday...best game ever for him!!  Katie is doing super in school.   Do you think we're getting back to normal?  I sure hope so  :)