Another, year has come and gone for the "McFarlane Fam," we kicked off the new year, celebrating it at my parents house, playing games, movies, guitar hero, and have a great time yelling when the New Year began! Jared, Christian, Nan, Mom, Dad, Brian, Brilee and I, really enjoyed it all.
Soon, after Brian's employer Autoliv, took a turn for the worst due to the struggling vehicle industry taking a nose dive. His company makes the airbag parts for all major vehicle companies, and since the financial difficulties hit, it also hit Autoliv very hard. Many in the company, not just the Tremonton facility, but Brigham City (Jared's plant), and Ogden, started having lay-offs, having to down size as a result of lack of work. We were extremely scared, because Brian hadn't been there working as long as others. Since the company was going by seniority, it didn't give us much hope. So after much debate, we decided to take the chance to have Brian take a voluntary fourlough, hoping that when the commpany did pick up, he could be called back to work. They company did offer severance packages, but we decided against it, with good faith, he would make it through. The upside was the company did pay for us to keep our medical and dental insurance, while he was off.
Brian took the fourlough, and we found that we just couldn't make it on my one income, even with Unemployment. My dear parents, agreed to let us move back in with them for the second time, in to the basement. Within the week we had moved, and had to settle back in.
On a happier note, our daughter Brilee, began the new exciting journey of Pre-school. She graduated out of a USU program called Up To Three, which helped provide services in our home to help with her learning delays. She was put into a Transitional Pre-school which, helped her to make the change into a regular Pre-school, in Brigham City. It was so fun to take her every week so she could play with the other kids, and be taught the beginning fundamentals of early learning.
She turned 3 Febuary 8, and was then moved into the Pre-school called The Early Learning Center. It is part of the Box Elder School District, and she gets bussed 3 times a week. We meet with her new teacher, the staff and the director. We put together an IEP-Individualized Education, Plan, was put in to place. We set goals, discussed what we expected of Brilee, and concerns of areas she was delayed in. This has been the best thing for our girl, because she has learned and progressed so much! Every little milestone has been amazing! T
he staff has been so excellent too! Brilee loves the bus and can't wait for it to arrive! I cried the first time it came and took her, she isn't even tall enough to see out the window. That's when we knew our baby wasn't a baby anymore.
I went back to substitute teaching, because it was more flexible to be there for Brilee, during her new changes. I began to have increasing lower back pain, especially on my left side. The pain radiated all the way down my left bottom cheek, down my left leg to the ankle. It just throbbed and ached. I finally started seeing a Chiropractor, and it was so bad, I had to see him several days a week. Even with his help, It still never went away. Finally one day in May,I woke up in so much pain, I couldn't sit, stand or even hardly walk, with out being in so much pain! I finally went back to a doctor, had an MRI done. Then was sent to a back specialist over in Logan. Dr. Holley, looked at the results and showed me that I had a herniated disc, at the last two discs just before the tail bone began. It was pretty bad. We soon scheduled the procedure to have the protruding bulge removed. The operation wasn't set for several weeks. Until then I sure suffered, by the time I was to have the operation I couldn't wait, because literally I looked like the letter S, when I stood.
The operation was set for April 20, very early morning. Soon all the papers were signed, and I was whisked off to the operation room. Next thing I do remember is the medication being put into the IV, then waking up after. I stayed over 1 night for observation, and then released to go home. From there, I soon had to begin to get up and walk as much as possible. The doctor, put me on strict instructions, that the sooner I began to exercise, by walking at least 2 miles a day, the better I would heal. It was very hard to stay up on this regimen, but I did, walk as much as possible, even taking Brilee in the stroller. Today, I have recovered 100% and suffer no more pain. That's the best thing.
The greatest thing of April, was that Brian was called back, and began working again!! RELIEF to no longer have to worry about the job anymore. Brian of course couldn't wait to go back, and for my sanity purposes, I couldn't wait for him to go back too!! No I really love him, but it was time to go....
May, Brian and I celebrated our 5 year mark. We didn't do anything special this year, but still the same, we are very thankful for our lives together, and our daughter.
In June the school year for Brilee came to an end, how ever, her teacher thought it would be in her best interest to go to the summer program. Meaning, she would continue through Pre-school. The bus still came and picked her up/drop off. It was nice for Brilee to continue to have the services, during the summer.
July, Brian's youngest sister- Marie got married in the Bountiful Temple. We are happy for them!
August, Brian turned 28, and we had a fun time down at 7 Peaks. We went with his parents and siblings. Fun!
The regular school year began in September for Brilee and she got the same teacher, she started in. It was good news, because changes are always hard for the little ones.
October, Brilee went as super girl again this year, since it fit, and she loved it just the same.
Brian's job has been picking up finally and slowly but surely is recovering. Even some overtime has been available.
I celebrated my 26th Birthday in November, and it was nice celebrating with family and friends. I feel old :)
Thaksgiving was celebrated in the off year, at the McFarlane's in Ogden. Brian's younger oldest sister and her family were here from Iowa, to spend it.
Sad news to the Red Stratus, coming home from Brigham City, and even with the headlights on, I couldn't see the box, that someone left on the freeway. It was to late by the time I saw it, I hit it. It had an industrial lamp inside which plowed under the bumper into the belly of the car. Needless to say, my car had some major inside damage. A total of $1500 to fix everything I had bent inside. The car isn't worth that, so we had the mechanic pop out the bumper, and now we still drive it, and so far no other problems (Knock on wood). We will have to wait and see, when the day comes when it dies.
Christmas Eve was put on this year by my family. We came up with a hilarious theme: "Christmas With The Stars." Everyone, who came dressed up accordingly with some great creative costumes. It was marvelous, and so much fun! The kids put on the Nativity, talent show, awards were given, games, and prizes given. It was overall a blast!!! That evening we let Brilee open one gift before bed. We gave her some adorable red, pajamas to wear to bed. My parents use to let us do that every Christmas Eve. Glad that I am passing the same tradition on to her.
Christmas Day, was special, we celebrated with both sides, exchanged gifts, and the best is always with Brilee. Finally this year the girl participated and actully opened up her gifts, and cared! The best gift was the Doll House we got. It was fun, it came with little people and furniture. It even lights up and makes sounds.
Last but not least we rang in the New Year at Blair and Christie's home. Lots of dancing, music, eating. laughing, fireworks, and my mom's snoring. We had a good time as always with all those we came!
We are very thankful for the blessings we have recieved all year and for the families who have loved and cared for us unconditionally. Much Love,
Brian, Leandra and Brilee Norma McFarlane.
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