It's a Girl!

**this post is 2 months old because baby girl was born in January**

I had the privilege of being there for my childhood best friend, when her baby girl came into the world. My best friend, Meg, went to the hospital around 11am with her momma. I finished class, packed, and got to the hospital around 2pm. By 9pm she asked for an epidural and kept dilating normally. (but slowly) Nurses and doctors checked on her every 2 hours throughout the night, while her mom rested in the recliner, and I slept on the couch.

By 5am her brothers, dad, and baby's dad were back. We ate some food, Meg kept breathing through contractions, and the doctor came to check her at 7am. She said that baby should make an appearance by 1pm.

At 10:30am Meg kept feeling more and more pressure. Her nurse came in, checked her one last time to confirm she was finally dilated to 10, and said she could start pushing. Her mom, me, and the future dad her the only ones in the room. She started pushing before 11am, but after 2 hours, the doctor came in and said that baby was in the same spot.

They wheeled her back to perform a c-section, with her momma by her side. At 1:58pm, McKinley Darlene came into the world.

Finally after recovery, her family & friends got to go in and meet baby McKinley!

It's funny how we all have our own plans, but sometimes God's plan is different. No matter how much time passed with no progress, or how uncomfortable Meg got, or that baby girl just did not want to come out. He is faithful. And we were thankful that McKinley was healthy and stubborn. ;)

xoxo,
Michlyn

The Rest of Summer {2015}

The summer after my senior year was probably the best summer of my life so far.

I gained such beautiful friendships and grew closer to those that I love. My "big sister" (actually my former babysitter that became a huge role model in my life and now I just call her my sister) and how much wisdom she pours into me without even trying. Her faith is so strong and it's so inspiring.

My amazing cousin who seeks out my time just to chat and catch up. Who randomly sends me bible verses for encouragement and wants to know how my day is going. We've been best friends since we were little and I love how our bond has only gotten stronger even though we see each other way less than we used to.

This summer I started dating my best friend and that has been such an incredible transition. He pushes me to do my best and believes in everything that I do. I love getting to talk to him about anything and know that he's going to support me. He made this summer one I will never forget.

Lots of memories. Lots of love. New beginnings are ahead.

xoxo,

~Michlyn

Senior Summer

I live a crazy, beautiful life. Soaking up the sunshine. Working hard. Seeing friends & family. Enjoying my post senior year summer.

starbucks for lunch after a 5am shift.

baseball game with Megan.

sunset on the way home from work.

moments like this.

 fourth of july.

road trips.

You can follow along with my busy life at smalltowngirl_michlyn.

xoxo,
~Michlyn

Happiness.

Recently, I've been encountered with the question "Are you happy?". And to be honest, this year was a growing year for me in my strength, maturity, and faith. Nine months ago, the beginning of my senior year, I didn't feel happy. I was stressed, disappointed, lost. Everyone else around me had their lives and plans put together and smiles on their faces.

It felt like I was getting over difficulties in my life and I had no one to turn to. But I kept a smile on my face and went through the motions. I prayed to God to "just make me happy". I quickly learned that He couldn't just "fix" my problems. It takes positive changes and efforts to gain what you want to achieve.

If something makes you unhappy, you have to know what needs to change. Sometimes it takes weeks and sometimes months. Happiness is something everyone wants. If something makes you radiate joy and the people in your life are witnesses, then keep it. Other peoples' opinions often shouldn't matter but when they're people that love and influence you, listen to them.

I'm so thankful for a Savior that loves me unconditionally and is there when it feels like no one else is. He lifts me out of the trenches and back onto the right path. Today, I can honestly answer that question with a positive "yes!".

Do what makes you happy.
xoxo,
~Michlyn

Looking Back on 2 0 1 4

2014 was such a great year! Looking back I learned many lessons, gained new skills, experienced joy & heartbreak, accomplished my goals, and planned new adventures.

One thing I've noticed about 2014 is that everyone around me, hated it. Friends, family, strangers, people on social media - just about everyone. They post things saying "2014 was supposed to be the best year of my life, but it was the worst." Or say "Goodness I'm glad that's over, here's to 2015." I find it sad that looking back on a full year - 365 complete days, that people find it collectively awful. So sad.

I'm thankful for the entire year - good & bad. For what I learned and what I'll learn in the coming year. Whether you look at the glass half empty or half full, is your choice. Even if you're looking back at 2014 or looking ahead at 2015. Stay positive, there's a lot out there in the world to experience. You won't always experience good but you also won't always experience bad.

Here's my year in 2014.

In January, my school hosted our annual Snowdaze dance, and that was a blast! Me & my entire group of friends are counting the days until this year's dance! And sadly for us seniors, it will be our last Snowdaze altogether.

In February, I took my annual blogging break  and took time for myself to reflect on my life and the chaotic busyness of it all. 

In March, the first day of spring came & that included getting myself back into shape before summer.

In April, I got my first job, got a prom date, and stayed busy with school & managing the boys' varsity basketball team at my school.

In May, my friends and I took way too many pictures, walked across the stage at grand march, and danced the night away at our junior prom. 

In June, I posted my first Summer Instagram post and showed you pictures of my life.

In July & August, I was staying busy with all the summer activities; volleyball captains practices, getting my senior pictures taken, and being with my family. I also did a little post on my adorable brothers and reflected on the great time my youth group & I had down in Kansas City doing missions work and attending a youth conference.

In September, I did a post early in my volleyball season and talked about my team and how much we were progressing. Also, I re-winded through summer with Instagram and said how much I would miss the freedom before I started my first semester as a PSEO college student.

In October, I was in my second month of college classes, in the middle of my volleyball season, and Fall was right around the corner. When the days get cooler and the nights get longer, that only means one thing - Homecoming. I attended my last homecoming dance and became homecoming queen for my fantastic senior class.

In November & December, I finished my last season of high school volleyball and recapped my senior season. Then, a couple weeks later I turned 18 and got accepted into my #1 college. 

2 0 1 4 has been a blast! Full of memories - things I'll always remember and things I want to forget. Life is extraordinary and everyone has their own journey. I'm excited of what 2014 gave me and looking forward to the journey ahead in 2015.

Thanks for following along!

xoxo, Michlyn

Missing Pieces

I haven't been totally dedicated to blogging this year and fortunately I'm really thankful for that. Being able to enjoy life and every moment has been a joy, and 2014 has been a blast to document no matter how much I've missed.

But I'm just going to post a little on some of the most exciting things of my life that haven't made it to the blog yet. So here we go...

November 2014 

In the beginning of November I turned 18! Every kid thinks of their 18th birthday - It's one of the biggest birthdays you'll ever have and you think it's sooooo far away. My 18th birthday was very special and I was blessed to have family and friends to celebrate with that day. Through these 18 years, the Lord has blessed me incredibly and I couldn't thank Him enough for the beautiful life he's given me and the beautiful people he's put in it as well.

Earlier that same day, on my birthday, a special letter came in the mail for me. And in just perfect timing, I read that letter that accepted me into my dream college! I've wanted to go to this college since I was a little girl and as I researched it since junior year, I knew it was the place for me. Ever since I was little I've had a love for teaching/leading others and from the young age of  9, God gave me a calling to become an elementary teacher. So I'm happy to announce that in the beginning of Fall 2015, I'll be attending UNW to major in Elementary Education!

I'm so so excited to become an eagle next Fall and begin the next chapter of my life as an "official adult". ;) Still working out some little details but I'm also looking forward to graduating in May to start another journey. It's crazy how time flies - Soon this will be a reality.

Next I'm here to share a few senior pictures with you all! 

More to come - xoxo, Michlyn

Homecoming Queen {2014}

It's my senior year guys...You have to go all out for senior year! Whether it's helping the freshmen, making a fool of yourself, being a role model, or dancing crazy...Just have a blast and make some memories you won't forget! In this case, all of the above happened at our annual Homecoming Dance.

This year it was a Sadie Hawkins theme, which means the girls ask the guys to the dance. Of course you don't have to go with a date (like me) and it's still a blast. The senior guys (some of my best friends) all went to the local thrift store, bought some crazy stuff, and came to the dance all ready to have some fun. :) Otherwise, the dress code was "country" or "casual".

I have never been to the Homecoming dance before...It was my first and last homecoming dance and this year I was nominated with 2 other girls and 3 guys from the senior class, for homecoming royalty.

Twice a year we have secondary (9th-12th gr) dances, not including PROM. And every dance we nominate 3 guys and 3 girls from each grade for royalty. For homecoming, they just do the seniors and it was such a blast! They announce us at the pepfest and we get to play a little game in the gym, in front of the whole secondary side. (7th-12th gr. including teachers)

Varsity captains announcing the boys soccer team

Me and co-captain Hannah (#6) announcing the varsity volleyball team...Our girls like to have fun :)

Senior girl royalty nominees

The pepfest is 30 mins and then school is dismissed. That night, our school hosts the Homecoming Dance and that starts at 7pm. As everyone comes to the door, they vote for 1 guy and 1 girl from the senior nominees to become homecoming king and queen. Coronation starts at 7:45pm...

Left to Right: Kevin, me, Ryan, Emma, Cam, & Megan (yes she has a slushie)

Drum roll please......................................

Kevin was crowned king and I was crowned queen :) 

It was such a fun night and we made lots of memories! Senior year has been a whirlwind of never ending fun and craziness and I'm loving every bit of it. Just to top it off, here are a few more fun pictures from Homecoming night.

 

 Crazy senior/junior boys :)

 

 Alumni friends came and danced with us that night

 My volleyball girls

 

We are fabulous!

 

xoxo,

~Michlyn