We passed our driving test!

The Davises and the Glenns passed their driving tests!!! All four of us passed...with triplets! The girls were so cute and kept telling me, "Mommy, I hope you win!" I had the cutest little cheer squad cheering me on as I got into the car (It was VERY TEMPTING to flash him a photo of the girls and make sure he knew they're "triplets," but I DIDN'T) I'm telling you, I'm learning to take advantage of the "Triplet Card" more - LOL :)

The employees at the facility didn't like that our Texas driving record was a computer-generated signature. The Japanese use stamps a lot, and they wanted some kind of "real" signature or stamp to show the letter was official. Our wonderful interpreter, after about 30 minutes of haggling, got them to accept the forms....whewwww.

We had to take a written test, and when we passed it, they signed us up to come take the driving test. Fortunately, Lockheed provides practice sessions on the courses. Sam and I, being so competetive, were more concerned about what each other made......we both made 90s.

We practiced Course A and Course B (which is in their cars), but didn't find out until the day of the test, which course we would be tested on. We had to memorize the routes of the courses, know at what point (in their appointed cars) to put on turn signals, change lanes, make sure not to hit any curbs on the Japanese-type side roads (very narrow), and make sure to lock the car, adjust the seat and mirrors, put on our seatbelts, start the car, put it in drive, release the parking brake, put on the left turn signal, look right, left, right, and pull out to start the course. We were also tested after we finished to make sure we got close to the left side when parking, stopped at the pole, put the parking brake on before shifting into park, turn off the car, and look back over our shoulder before opening the door.

I finished the Course B, feeling pretty good - I didn't hit any curbs, which is an instant "fail." The only things I thought I might have missed was looking over my left-shoulder when turning left once. Other than that, I had done everything like a well-rehearsed dance. I was even NOT NERVOUS going into the test - yes, Michelle was not stressing about something!! Anywho, I get out of the car, and the tester calls me over with our interpreter. He is telling her that I apparently was cutting my right turns too short when in an intersection. I tell him (smiling) "Domo Arrigato" for setting me straight, and then get really upset (not to his face of course). I ask our interpreter, "I'll still pass, RIGHT?" She says that she's not sure. This was never a problem for me brought up in practice, and I know I hit the "arrow" in the road with the left tire. There's no way I could have cut it short!!!! I could accept failing, if I had hit a curb, turned in front of a car, etc., but not for this!! All this worry to find out - I passed!!!!

There weren't very many in our group who passed. I think maybe 9 total. Everyone told us that most people, Japanese included, have to take the test several times before passing. We were also told that groups, like us, usually don't all pass - it doesn't look good :)

It was a great day because - WE ALL WON!!!

Am I bragging??? You bet!!! We're really proud of this!

We passed our driving test!

Our Miracle Babies are 5!

Wow! I remember thinking (crying) I would never have a baby. Then feeling the joy of finally seeing the two lines on the pregnancy test...I waited 7 years to see those two little pink lines. I remember waking Sam up at 5:30 in the morning to tell him I was pregnant! I remember him saying, "but I signed us up for scuba lessons???" I remember being REALLY ANGRY with him over that statement. I remember taking "several" more pregnacy tests, because I just couldn't believe my dream had finally come true. I remember seeing the precious "flicker" on the second sonogram. The first sonogram was too early to tell.

I remember going in, at 12 weeks, to have our third ultrasound, with a new OB/GYN. I remember telling him I was getting big really fast, and him telling me, "You're pregnant, honey." I remember Julie, the sonographer, finding two babies...I was so excited - I had always hoped for TWINS!!! I remember, Julie, the sonographer, saying she had made a mistake...nope, we see two babies. I remember her saying, "No, there are three babies!" I remember Sam telling her to "QUIT LOOKING!" I remember being hysterical and being asked repeatedly if I was OK. OK??? I wanted twins. Who has triplets? I remember actually driving myself to the bank afterwords??? Seriously, who lets someone drive after telling them, "you're not having one baby - you're having triplets!!" I'm thinking the hormones/shock rank right up there with "INTOXICATION!"

I remember calling our families to tell them the news. I remember my big brother, Phil, laughing at me. I remember Sam doing a lot of research and being so incredibly strong for both of us. He related all the positive and dealt with the other possibilities. There is so much more that I remember:
~Telling our parents, brothers and sisters, and dear friends about our miracles
~I had to eat A Lot when first waking up in the morning
~The first kick
~The first "Baby Party" at 4:00 in the morning
~Craving polish sausage dogs, cherry icees, and Fruity Pebbles
~Having my mom and Sam's mom and dad see the girls on ultrasound
~Finding out we we're having three girls
~Deciding on names
~Anxiously awaiting each ultrasound and doctor's visit
~Worrying about not knowing what a contraction felt like
~Making it to 28 weeks
~Having to have physical therapy (and the wonderful back massages)
~My back going out while trying to lift a laundry basket
~Snuggling Sam and letting The Girls kick him :)
~Watching my stomach when all three were active
~Looking at my swollen feet and thinking, "Ewwww!"
~No longer fitting behind the steering wheel
~Working up until 31 weeks - GO GLENN GIRLS!!!
~Going to the hospital on April 12th
~Having my husband by my side
~Having my momma and friends there with me
~Getting the spinal - they kept telling me I had to bend over more (Hello, have you seen the stomach?!?!
~Seeing Sam come through the doors :)
~Being told that Baby A was delivered, followed by B and C
~Hearing quiet then 3 precious, miraculous cries
~Holding Gracie on my chest
~Aching to hold Izzy and Sophie, but knowing they were in good hands
~Getting to snuggle Gracie all night
~Getting to hold Izzy for the first time
~Praying all night for God to heal Sophie
~Getting to hold Sophie for the first time

So much has happened between now and then - both difficult and joyous. God has led us through so much, and we, as a family, are grateful for his blessings of health, family, and friends.

We are so proud of our daughters. We don't know what God has in store for us, but we try to listen with all our hearts. The girls tell me often, "I believe in God, Mommy."

There is so much about our 3 little ladies that make us proud!!!

We thank our family and friends for supporting us over the last 5 years, and we thank God for His wisdom, guidance, and love.

Yep, I'm an Idiot! An OLD idiot!

We went to the 100 yen store today. Sophie has had her eye on a flute there for a few weeks. Izzy decided she wanted a flute too - what? no stickers, insects, or dinosaurs?!? Gracie (that's my girl) decided she wanted to be different :) Does she go with the stuffed animal, the bag of cotton balls, ANYTHING quiet???? Nope, she goes for the little drum (it was a toss-up between the drum and guitar). It's a 100 yen store drum...how loud can it be? Did I mention what an idiot I am?!?

So, being the good mother (I wish), I go out front to water the flowers that I planted with them yesterday (being the good mother). I hear this "noise"... there are various vehicles that drive around town blaring messages in Japanese...but, none to my knowledge that play Hannah Montana???? Yep, it's coming from the second story of OUR house, exactly where the Glenn Girls' room is located. As the blood begins to boil, I remind myself of all the times my parents came running into the room to tell me, "Turn that music down!" Although I'm sure I wasn't 4 going on 5! About that time, Izzy throws open the front door, and plays her flute for me. I take a very, VERY, deep breath, and ask that she goes and tells her sisters to please turn down the music (with a smile). I finish watering...Izzy, either didn't make it upstairs to deliver my message, or, I shudder to think.....ignored me. By this point, I figure I must capture this on tape and share with the world - you know, to get even with them (mwaahaahaahaaa!).

So here are the Glenn Girls accompanying Hannah:


I didn't catch Sophie's introduction at the beginning of the video, "Intro-ducing, the greatest singer in the world - ME!" We may have issues, but self-esteem issues isn't one of them.

Love and Hugs!
~Michelle