The Miller Memoirs

First Day of School

I dread this day every year. I absolutely love having my children at home. I hate when a new school year begins. Not only because it's an indicator of another year passing, but because of what it does to my poor heart. And although I am thrilled that they are so EXCITED to start school, a part of my heart is also walking through those school doors--following my children and praying for their happiness. And every year school begins, my heart pleads with my Father in Heaven for their spiritual safety. Pleading that they will remember what will make them happy. And when my prayers have been prayed, it is then that I must have faith that they will remember who they are, where they are going, and how to get there. I must have faith that they will stand strong against the temptations that will surely come their way. And, I must have faith in them. As they enter the school building each year, my mothering is less--my time with them is slipping away, and I have to trust that they know, and that they will choose to be happy. For after all--it is their choice. It is not what happens to us that makes the difference, but how we choose to react to what happens to us that will determine who we will become. And to be honest, if they can remember this, my Father in Heaven sends peace to my heart, and I find joy in their new growth. 

 There is a song by Hilary Weeks called Standing Still that seems to capture the feelings of my heart. It says, "If I could, I would ask time to stand still, so I can hold you a little longer. I would make the minutes stop, so we would always have today. I won't let the sun go down until you know how I feel. I love you so much. I wish time could stand still."

 I do love my children. I hope I always remember the precious moments, and the New BEGINNINGS. This year is full of NEW BEGINNINGS and Endings. Jacob started Kindergarten, and Hailey started 6th Grade (her last year in Elementary). All three children will be at the same school for this year. It will be the only year they will be able to share the same school. And although I am sad that time has slipped away and that my youngest is now heading off to school and my oldest is getting ready for Junior High, I am thrilled for this one and only year where my children can enjoy each other. What a treasured memory!

Jacob-Kindergarten; Hailey-6th Grade; Amber-3rd Grade

Amber asked me all morning if I was going to cry. I kept telling her that I was thrilled for her new year, and her new experiences. I emphatically determined that I would not shed a tear--today was a day of joy. As I was taking their pictures, my voice cracked, and Amber was thrilled. It was as if she needed the affirmation that mommy was really sad to see her go. I was glad I could reaffirm my love to her! I was sad, but I am happy for her too.



At Amity Elementary just before school started!

On the first day of school Jacob was talking about how much he loves his teacher. He was so excited about how nice she was and he was going on, and on, and on, and on... about his love for this new teacher. All of a sudden his face reflected worry, and then he said, "And mom, you have nice hair." To which I responded, "Can't I be nice? or kind?"
He said, "And you have a nice face."
I guess we can't have it all... At least I am pretty, right?
My heart loves this story. I hope I never forget how sincere my little boy was here, and how genuine he was when he worried about not complimenting his mom in the midst of complimenting his teacher.

At the beginning of each year, Bryan blesses the children:

Hailey:
~Be sensitive to the spirit
~Understand Role
~Know Heavenly Father love for you
~Even in times with challenges, be strong in attitude to be kind
~Be at peace with actions and understanding of own mistakes
~Understand the Atonement
~Read scriptures
~Know the path that leads to righteousness
~Help friends continue to grow in school
~Excel in subjects
~Well prepared for future schooling
~Continue to have physical strength and strong mind
~develop coordination and skills
~Sensitive to needs of family

~Help sister and brother in their needs

Amber:
~Bless You Comfort and Counsel
~Feel the Spirit
~Bless you with Good Friends who help you choose the right
~Do best
~Find success in schooling and other activities
~Grow physically and spiritually
~As you read scriptures, your testimony will grow stronger of the covenants you made at baptism

Jacob:
~As attend school, overcome fear
~Smile and Make friends
~Be a Leader inclusive of others
~Choose the right
~Desire to do good
~Listen to teacher
~Be strong around friends
~Have success
~Be able to remember what mother has taught you
~Good attitude towards learning
~Be strong
~Develop physical skills