Mush

I want to do a blog post, because that it what I do before I go to bed... but my brain is mush.

I do not know where the weekend went or what I did.  Well, I do... Friday, we had friends over for the first time since before Christmas I think.  It was really fun, and then I tried to do graduate work after they left, but Brady woke up from his nap, when he really needed to sleep more, so I tried to cuddle him back to sleep, and I accidentally fell asleep.

Then Saturday I did grad school all day as much as I could, while running kiddos to birthday parties.

Then Hubby and I did the Rangely Mardi Gras party, which was all-you-can-eat Crab that they fly in specifically for this town fundraiser.  That was fun, but I was distracted because I still had a ton of graduate work to do (and assignments are always due Sunday nights... so I don't like to still have assignments to do on Saturday night - I like them done already). 

Then Sunday, I did graduate work all day long.  I listened to lectures while I made breakfast, I wrote discussion posts while kids were playing and arguing, I ignored them all and just got in the zone... and that's kind of where I still remain.  I have had airpods in my years listening to lectures or audiobooks all day... and it's pretty tiring.

It really does feel like I didn't have a weekend because I studied special education all weekend...and now I go and work in special education all week.

The silver lining is that we have something special planned for next weekend, and so I am trying to focus on that carrot out there... and get next week's assignments done early so I can truly enjoy next weekend.

A lot to Accomplish

 There's a lot to accomplish this week before Christmas vacation.

Michigan Football

 A few weeks ago I attended a professional development seminar with a few colleagues on a Friday in October.  The speaker began the workshop by asking each of the attendees to share something for which she was grateful.  The speaker said it could be something in our classrooms, and with our students, or in our personal lives.

Each of the other attendees shared something she was grateful for in her classroom and with her students.  I, unashamed, shared that I was grateful for Michigan football.

Of course, I am grateful for hundreds of things in my life -- probably thousands of things in my life, but Michigan football has been very important to me this fall, even moreso than in past years.

I have had a long list of stressors in my life since May.  I don't mean to complain, because a lot of these things are good things... but I have worked almost nonstop for months:

• moving one hundred miles away
• preparing a house to go on the market
• living in a home while trying to sell it
• trying to buy a home for 8 people in a town WITHOUT ANY HOUSES FOR SALE
• starting a new job where the work is never done (I am filing two teaching positions that the district has never had before)
• supporting my husband as he works a new job
• being mother to our six children
• moving a second time in three months
• attending graduate school classes online

When I attended this professional development day, Michigan was going to play their in-state rivals, Michigan State the following day.  Michigan had not played the previous Saturday as they had a week off.

What I learned that previous weekend was that the only time during the week I let myself take a break and fully relax is when I'm watching a Michigan football game.  The weekend that Michigan did not play a game, I didn't put my feet up and relax at all.  I need that break each week and I really look forward to it.

I am so grateful for Michigan football.

I am also grateful that Michigan is undefeated with a 12-0 record for the first time since 1997.  That just makes those Saturday games where I relax all the more fun to watch!

Message For Now

 My sister-in-law gave us a light-up message board sign for Christmas to hang on our wall.

I change the message on it every other month or so.

Coming into this Spring, this is our message for now:

A Little History

 I was recently asked to a write up some information about myself for an Introduction section of a newsletter that the company I work for sends out monthly.

They asked for a LOT of information... but I did my best to comply and make the write-up interesting, although I really doubt many of the organization's employees will take the time to read it.

After I wrote it, i realized that it might be nice to share some of my backstory here.  I'm assuming most people who read my blog have known me for many years and they know how I got to where I am now... but maybe a few of you are not familiar with my story.

Here it is:

Mrs. Brooke S. Miller, M.Ed., TVI/COMS

Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

WHO I AM and HOW I GOT HERE

As a Michigan Native, I answered the call of the Colorado Mountains after earning my undergraduate degree in music from Washington and Lee University (Lexington, Virginia), and earning two Masters degrees from Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)  in the areas of Early Childhood Education, and Special Education (Visual Impairments).  I had grown up skiing in Vail, and my dream was to grow up and move to Vail – or really close.  I began teaching students with visual impairments along the Western Slope of Colorado in the fall of 2010 and always find my work to be very rewarding.  In 2013, I earned my Certification as an Orientation and Mobility Instructor through the University of Northern Colorado thereby enabling me to fill my current role in the Colorado River BOCES, which is Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Certified Orientation and Mobility Instructor.

WHAT I DO

When a student with blindness or visual impairment requires specialized school services in order to access the school curriculum, I provided those services.  The Orientation and Mobility part of my role helps students with visual impairments develop safe travel skills and independence both in and around their schools, neighborhoods, communities, and surrounding areas.

MY FAMILY

I met my husband as a first year teacher in Eagle County in 2009.  We were married in June 2011, and that fall he took a job teaching 6th grade in a tiny town named Rifle, CO.  Together we set up house as newlyweds thinking we might stay a couple of years.  Ten years, six children, and two pets later, we are still here and happy to call Rifle our home.

Husband: Chris Miller, educator in Garfield RE2 Schools

Daughter: Tracey, age 7, a second grader and artist

Son: Howard, age 6, a kindergartener and athlete

Daughter: Caroline, age 6, a kindergartener and nurturer

Daughter: Lee Lee, age 4, a preschooler and director

Son: Hunter, age 2, a toddler and thrower

Son: Brady, age 7 months, a baby and smiler

MORE INFORMATION

     In our family’s opinion, Miner’s Claim (Silt) is the best restaurant in the area for dinner, and Order Up (Rifle) is the best place for breakfast or lunch.  As a family, we love Michigan football, Cardinals baseball, hunting, swimming, fishing, and taking family road trips.  We have taken our children on adventures in 31 states thus far.

Preggers VI: 39 Weeks

How far along?  

39 weeks, 2 days

    

Comparisons:

 

 38 Weeks with Tracey... because she was born 38 weeks, 6 days

 
35 Weeks with the Twins... because they were born at 36 weeks 1 day, and I never took a 36 week picture.

Lee Lee at 39 weeks

Hunter at 39 weeks

How I am feeling?  

I'm actually feel very well.  I mean -- I'm large, I'm very pregnant, I'm uncomfortable at times, but really, I am cherishing these final days of pregnancy because this is it.  I don't plan to ever be pregnant again.  Also, I am feeling some relief and accomplishment because as of this afternoon my maternity leave begins.  The baby can come as soon as he or she wants... or he or she can take his or her sweet time because I am DONE working for the year!  PRAISE GOD!

How big is the baby?  

The size of a pumpkin (hopefully a small pumpkin) -- 19.9 inches long, 7.23 pounds

 

Sleep:  

I'm still sleeping really well as long as I can fall back to sleep.  Most nights I get up several times and go right back to sleep... occasionally, I wake up during the night and then I'm awake for about 2 hours.  That's not fun.

Boy/Girl Predictions:  

Nope but I'm getting excited to find out... and I'm getting VERY excited to come home with the new baby and tell our other children if they got a brother or a sister.

Baby Nicknames: 

"Baby" 

  Best moment this week:  

So far the best moment of this week has been Mother's Day, and finishing work.  Also, the kiddos have learned that if they offer to rub my feet and my back before they go to bed, they usually get to watch a little extra tv.  So that has been incredibly sweet and special.  I've ended several days this week with Tracey and Caroline each rubbing one of my feet, Howard rubbing my back, and Lee Lee rubbing my belly.

 

Food cravings:  

I'm eating ice cream at while I'm writing this blog, and that tastes AMAZING! 

 

Missing:  

At the moment... nothing.  I'm really happy to be where I am in this pregnancy, and so happy to have finished my work and be on maternity leave.

Movements:  

Yes, and I really enjoy them... they are definitely less frequent now that the baby is bigger... but still moving around.

Labor Signs:  

Yes... but just getting my body ready.  Nothing that has made us head to the hospital yet... but labor is coming eventually, no doubt.

 

General Attitude:   

Really calm and peaceful at the moment.  I feel like I've gotten a really good sense of how my body heads into labor with my last two childbirth experiences and so I am able to just chill when I'm having contracts and not get overly excited about anything yet.

Both Hunter and Lee Lee arrived within 24 hours of their due date, so I am expecting the baby will arrive sometime this next week... but time will tell.  I am just so excited to be done working, and ALL I have ahead of me this week, so spending time with my children, focusing on being a Mama, and preparing for the baby.

 

 What I am looking forward to this week:  

Hubby and I are headed off for a 24 hour baby-moon, and I am excited for that.  We have done a one-night getaway before every one of our babies has arrived, and it feels very special to be doing it before this last baby arrives.  And then, I'm excited to not work heading into next week!    

 

Milestones: 

\I've now carried this baby longer than I carried Tracey or the twins... and I've reached the week when Hunter and Lee Lee were both born... so we're expecting this baby sooner rather than later.

Transcription Error

 When my phone receives a voicemail, I can listen to the voicemail, or I can read the transcription of the voicemail.  It is sometimes nice when I'm in a setting when I can't put the phone to my ear and listen to the message, but I can glance at my phone and see the typed gist of the message.

That said, of course the phone sometimes has errors in the transcriptions.

So, when my friend posted this on facebook last night, I laughed out loud because I could imagine this happening and portraying a very different message than the one intended.

Lunch on a Skyscraper

 I don't know the details of this picture, but someone posted it on facebook and it practically mesmerized me... I stared at these two photos for a long time.

I guess the ironworkers of Chicago in 2017 recreated the famous Lunch on a Skyscraper picture that was originally taken in New York City in 1932.

Both pictures are so incredibly impressive and my knees shake just thinking about being up that high eating lunch.

Next School Year - MomTruth

There are two moms from Canada who have a pretty funny take on Motherhood.  They have a youtube channel, a book, a podcast, and probably more things of which I am unaware.  They have grown in popularity over the past few years and I have enjoyed their videos and diatribes for probably two years or so.

I do not share many of their posts or videos on my blog because they are a little crass for me... but I saw a video the other day that pretty much articulated many of my stressors at the moment... so despite their language and style, I decided it was worth sharing.

If you like the video, check out Cat and Nat on youtube for more of their thoughts on motherhood.

God's Plan

The Mountain Millers have quite a bit up in the air when it comes to this fall.

Well, let me back up... I feel safe in saying that nearly every single family in the country with school-aged children has quite a bit up in the air when it comes to this fall.  Specifically, what schooling will look like in every district around the country for the 2020-21 school year.

Well, the Mountain Millers are no exception to wondering what schools will look like this fall, and wondering if we will want to send our children to school or if we will have other options.

In addition, other factors are unknown to us at this time that I have not shared on this blog, and will not be sharing at this time.

All that to say, I have been praying like crazy since early May regarding all of the unknowns of which I am aware, but I've pretty much been figuring out some plans in my own head and asking God to follow through with those plans I've created.

Well... so far, He has not been listening.

My plans do not seem to be His plans.

So, as we enter July, I have changed the way I am praying about this fall... I am trying to pray for His plan.  I am trying to accept that He has a plan that I CANNOT see.  He has a plan that is already in the works, and I cannot even begin to imagine what it is... but He does have the plan, and His plan will be revealed in His time.

Now, I will admit, this is not the way I like to pray because local schools are supposed to start on August 18, and Hubby and I are supposed to sign contracts and report for work duties WEEKS before then... so I REALLY REALLY pray that God's timing coincides with the school district calendars... but I am trying to increase my faith and trust that He has a plan, He is guiding our steps, and He will open doors that I do not even know are there.

I'd appreciate your keeping us in your prayers during this time of prayer and waiting on God and I'll certainly keep you posted when there is news to share.

Working From Home

Nine weeks into quarantine, and Lee Lee has learned what it means to work from home.

Oh My...

My work car to start this week...

At Work

Just two ladies at work on their computers...

 

10 On The 10th

10 (or more) photos taken on the 10th of the month...

It was my dad's birthday...

Lee Lee headed downstairs for school

Thursday was our first really cold day -- highs in the 30s, lows in the teens, an snow... so we had all the snow gear laid out in the family room the night before.  Snow pants, boots, coats, hats, gloves, and backpacks...

 7:00am loading the truck

Our yard didn't get snow... but the mesas and mountains did.

We've been taking the truck these days, and I love having the kids so close in the car.  In the suburban, they are way in the back... but I can actually hand them breakfast from the driver's seat.  Once the baby arrives, we'll be back in the burb, but I love the truck in the meantime.

Snow on the soccer field as we switched to my work car.

Off to see students... with coffee, water, an audio book, lunchbox, and dry cleaning.

Don't all teachers have a small skeleton model in their office for their blind students to learn anatomy better?

There is one full-length mirror in my life-- and its across from my office at one school.  The problem is, its too late to change my outfit once I look in the full length mirror.  I didn't realize that this sweater doesn't actually cover my belly.

After school, this is what happens.  Lee Lee and I chat while the other three zonk out.

To keep the sciatic pain in check, I drive with my left leg pulled up on the seat.

We facetimed Papa to wish him a happy birthday, and Lee Lee sang the whole birthday song to him with just a little help from Mama.  It was so sweet.

I got the kids fed, bathed, and in pajamas.  Then a sitter arrived and I ran off to listen to the panel discussion with candidates for the local school board.  Notice my handsome Hubby is one of the candidates (far right).  He did such a great job.  He would make a wonderful school board member.

Go Gray in May Brain Tumor Awareness Speech

May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month

Two Blind Brothers Ted Talk

This was certainly worth the 17:21 of my time...

 

Vacation

I snapped a pictures over the week of Thanksgiving vacation that I feel like perfectly encapsulates my vacation...

In this picture, you see frivolous Christmas lights up in my family room, which makes me smile so much.  You also see several baskets of clean laundry just waiting to be folded.  This was my vacation.

My work never stops -- all of them.  The demands of my teaching job never stops.  The demands of my college teaching job never stops.  I now have a children's ministry job, which never stops.  And the demands of homemaking, motherhood job absolutely never stops.

Except when I just stop.

Over this Thanksgiving break, I actually took a vacation from pretty much all of it.

I took time off from most of my jobs.  I also gave myself a break with my regular motherhood chores, and instead I took some time to do the seasonal jobs that I LOVE!  I LOVE decorating my home.  (I also love Hallmark Christmas movies... which is playing on the television under the lighted moose.)  Decorating is not work to me... but it can be stressful if I let my regular jobs take priority over my Christmas jobs and Christmas joy.

You know what?  The clean laundry stayed in those baskets in our family room for about 48 hours... but it eventually was folded and made its way to everyone's drawers.  And I was so much happier while folding it in the light of these Christmas lights. 

 

Mark Twain

I read this the other day, and it really touched my heart.  I had never heard it before but it is a quote I want to remember.

 

Get Ready

Get ready for short blog posts this week.  I know I still have to post Addallee's nine month growth update (hopefully before she turns 10 months old) but this week is going to be NUTS!

First week of school, and first week for some of my students with high levels of vision needs.  Our kiddos don't start school for a few weeks -- so we had to find all day, Monday-Friday childcare for our four children for two weeks.  That really does not exist unless you have amazing parents like I do, and they agree to come and watch the kids all day every day for the first two weeks of school.

All that to say, my evenings will be spent preparing everything for the next day -- either work materials or home materials so that both home and work run smoothly these two weeks.

Get ready for short blog posts and a mama who will be spending every day really missing my crazy crew.

 

Purposeful Relaxation

I've had to be very purposeful with my time for awhile now.  I use my time wisely in terms of the dishes, laundry, working from home, answering emails during naptime, working out early in the morning while everyone is still asleep, playing with the kids during times of the day when they are most likely to bicker with one another -- I'm very productive and purposeful.

That being said, I believe this is the first school year that I will need to be very purposeful about relaxing.

Sure, I am purposeful about my time with my husband.  We devote time to one another at the end of the day, and we are good about making an effort to have dates together, but I am not nearly as purposeful to make sure I relax on my own on a regular basis.

This school year is proving to be overwhelming from the onset.

I will be working two or three days a week (not quite sure yet).  I will have more students than I have ever had before requiring more vision services than I have ever had before with this amount of work hours.  I have a few students with very high levels of visual impairments requiring me to handle work challenges I have never had to handle before.

My little ones will be attending school three days/week and Addallee will be watched by a friend on the days I work.

I will be teaching at our local community college.

I will be keeping up on house work, and laundry, and all of the advanced planning that goes into keeping everyone fed and clothed and clean given our busy work and school schedules.

Any one of my demands could take over every minute of my down time between now and June if I were to let it -- and in past years, I probably would have let it.  But this is my last year with Tracey at home.  My husband thinks this is a ridiculous statement because she is not leaving for college... but she is leaving in a year for kindergarten.  This is the last year that I get her at home for most of the week before we become slave to the schedule of public kindergarten schooling. 

I will be working when I need to work -- both with vision students, and college students... but when I am home with my kids, I will be home with my kids.

Last night, the kids were a little bit wild right before bedtime... so I sent all of them outside to the backyard and poured myself a glass of wine and watched them play while I put my feet up.  They wanted me to push them on the swing, which usually I would do... but last night, I told them I was sitting in my chair and they could push each other on the swings if they wanted.  I so rarely drink alcohol because I am nursing, plus I just don't sit and relax to enjoy a cocktail... but last night I did  and it was so refreshing.

This year, we will be so busy and we will be juggling our kids and our work and we will be pulled in many directions... but I will also be very purposeful about relaxing lest I will go crazy.