At Last.....

We've arrived in Weaverville for 3 days of hugging and laughing with Melissa.  When we first saw each other there were tears shed, but lots more hugs.  She looks wonderful!!  We had a wonderful time of sitting together and soaking in the feel of being together again.  I could see such a change in her mood....she has a calmness that radiates from her.  She's happy!!  Walking around the school was absolutely beautiful.  We petted baby ducks.  Petted 2 horses.  Looked at a worm.  There are tons of wild turkeys, but I didn't see any.  I'll post more...today we're leaving for a wonderful day of walking around Asheville.

Our first family visit in Asheville



Smoochie, smooch....




Relaxing in a mineral bath in Hot Springs, NC



Melissa's room at school

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Sweet horse at her school



She's looking so grown up with her hair straightened





Wild Turkeys everywhere!



Asheville Academy in Springtime

Tabb and I went to Melissa's school in Asheville for our first family visit - April 6 - 10th.  It was really emotional for all of us, but so reassuring that she is thriving and happy.  There are sad moments when she is homesick or has flashbacks, but the support is right there and they are able to help her quickly bounce back.  She loves school and is doing very, very well.  She enjoys fencing and soccer.  Each morning she gets up and helps to feed the ducks, chickens, and horses.  Then the girls walk to school.  Since the classes are so small, she gets lots of one on one teaching.  It is helping her catch up.  But most importantly, she's not overwhelmed by all the noise and social nonsense of middle school.  We are going up to Asheville this weekend. We're renting a cabin and bringing Katie with us.  The girls will have such a great time together.  They haven't seen each other since February.  I'm looking so forward to sitting by the campfire, relaxing in the hot tub, and cooking for my family.  I don't even need a school book - since I am done with school!!

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  :)

New School

Melissa will be going to a new school! She'll attend a school in Asheville for the remainder of 7th grade and probably 8th grade.  It's a beautiful school for girls ages 10 - 14.  It only has 6 students. There are horses, llamas, chickens, and donkeys.  She'll take dance, fencing, piano and voice.  Although being away from home will be hard for her, it will also give her an opportunity to grow.  We're so grateful that she'll have this opportunity and pray that the Lord will strengthen her and strengthen us during this separation.

Welcome 2012 !

When thinking about this new year, I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue to be strengthened by opportunities to serve.  This year, I hope I'll be able to "balance" well and work improved scripture study into my day.  I found this quote in a article in the Ensign - my new word for this year will be "authentic."  If I can do things for the right reason and with the right spirit - my efforts will be authentic rather than crossing off a task on a list.


"In addition to the recorded acts of faithful leaders, our legacy also comes through the unheralded service of the millions who are nameless in the scriptures—wives, children, laborers, soldiers, fathers and mothers, the bedrock sons and daughters of God. Like them, we do not require great worldly means or high office to serve. We serve according to the circumstances and seasons of our lives, even as we speak well of others, teach a class, express gratitude, share good thoughts, bear testimony, refuse gossip, remember people’s names, and pray for others. Consistent with the heritage of service portrayed in the Book of Mormon, these also are the essence of authentic charity.  As we are converted and our lives are truly aligned with the teachings of Christ, we find opportunities to serve, take initiative, accept and magnify callings, and eagerly engage in good works, not always being commanded (see D&C 58:26–29).  This legacy of service is one evidence of Christ’s true and living Church, even His holy mark upon us as a people."  E.  Dallas Merrell

Last Post of 2011

I feel like such a slacker!  It has been months since I last updated my blog.  Rather than go into lengthy explanations, let me update a few highlights:
1.  Fall was wonderful.  We enjoyed out nighttime ritual of sitting outside by the fire and cooking so-more's.
2.  I finished my Nursing classes towards my BSN with a gradepoint average of 3.93.  Not too bad!  Although, I don't graduate until Spring of 2012.  I have a few painful general ed classes still left to take.
3.  Work - it has been wonderful, hard, stressful and overall the best thing I've ever done in my work-life.  I love my fellow managers, director, and co-workers.  I feel like I've found my niche.  I'm grateful that my co-workers have been patient with me as I've made changes in the Unit.  It's hard for them to get used to a new manager, but they've been wonderfully "underground" with any complaints - I'm grateful for that!
4.  New Granddaughter - Khailyn.  We're grateful for her safe arrival.  She's beautiful!!
5.  Ups and Downs - Yes!!  I wish I could say that I'm handling the "downs" better, but it would not be truthful.  The personal trial our family has experienced continues to be a "refiners fire."  I feel Heavenly Father's love for us...I'm just overwhelmed by the difficulty of the trial.  The other hard part is the loneliness of the journey.  I have no doubt that each of us have our own trials that challenge and refine us.  I just wish I had more hugs from family and friends, more time with my husband (alone), more time doing fun things, and more time studying the gospel.
6.  Service - this has been a year of service.  I am grateful for the many opportunities that have been placed before us to strengthen family, friends, and strangers.  Losing yourself in service is a true principal and I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.
7.  My family - this past year I've seen my children overcome obstacles and be mindful of the needs of others.  One thing that the Clement's children have all understood - being grateful for what they have and being willing to share.  My children are so unselfish.  They really don't ask for much of anything and they understand the principal of "waiting" or "doing without."  I worry about that sometimes, but then I realize that they have a true understanding of the value of hardwork and being resourceful. 
8.  2012 - More distance between our family and 2010.  More focus on health.  More focus on reading the scriptures.  More time with my husband...I miss him.  With our recent trial, we have done our very best to "divide and conquer" in caring for the needs of our family, but we really need to spend some quality time together.  I look forward to seeing my Mom and Marlin.  I need time with my Mom!  Maybe I can figure out a way to see my siblings...that would be incredible. 

A few photos are below that summarize the past few months - Happy New Year everyone!!

2011 Nursing Magnet Conference in Baltimore!

Michelle, ?, Amy Body, and Tanya Creech at the Magnet Conference

Brian at the Church Trunk or Treat

Abigail at the Pumpkin Patch - Farmer's Market

Nicolas putting his great carving skills to good use!

Our lovely yard in the Fall

Our family with the Elders on Thanksgiving Day

Abigail's first Christmas Parade

Thanksgiving Dinner

I love making Katie happy!

Melissa as "Mary" in the Ward Outdoor Nativity!

Dad and Katie decorating the tree

Let there be light!

Christmas morning....I was exhausted and Melissa was all smiles!

Katie the Abominal Snowgirl!

Greydee dee with Abigail

Love this photo of Melissa

Katelyn, Nicolas, and Kimberly - my lovely nieces and my handsome son

Natalie, Brian, and Kylie