The Princess and the Teeth

Brianna has been teething again (has it ever really stopped??), and her poor little gums have been so sore that she has been just miserable. All day long she asks for food or drink, but then it hurts too much to actually consume it, and she ends up screaming. Poor little thing. We do our best to numb her gums and give her Tylenol or Ibuprofen, but sometimes it's just too much for our little Princess.
I was surprised last night to wake up at around 3:00am to hear her calmly saying "Ow. . . . Ow. . . . Ow." Now, I love my children, but I am not one to jump up in the middle of the night if things sound under control. So, I laid there, hoping against hope that she wasn't really in that much pain and that she would just go back to sleep. Then she yells, "MO-om, NEeed You!" I swear, it was that clear. I laughed out loud as I got up to rescue her.
I was having trouble locating the Tylenol, but I found the stuff to rub on her gums. Normally, she kind of fights against this at first, not last night. Not only did she open her mouth right up, but she kept giving me the tube and signing "more". Considering that she must have been in a great deal of pain, I am amazed at the fact that she was simply delightful. She was cheerful and talkative. She found the lights and shadows of the night fascinating.
All in all we were up for about an hour, but she truthfully made it a wonderful hour with my sweet girl!

"Let us not have tears. Partings are a natural part of life."

Today our sweet little Dolly found a new home. I told Ben last night that someone was going to come and get her today, he seemed totally unphased. Dolly did seem a bit nervous when I grabbed her dog-house and put it over our gate, and gathered up all of the dog things from the back yard. Poor dog. But it is for the best. We are not a dog family. Sometimes it's just best to realize your limitations and to accept them.

I have been laughing hysterically as I flashed back to this post. Just so you know, most of the "Pro's" on my list proved to be myths. Interestingly, with Dolly, so did most of the "Con's". She didn't even have a wet nose.

Truly, I experienced way too much dog-induced guilt. Those sad little eyes staring at me through the sliding glass door . . . ALL. DAY. LONG. I wish her the best, and I can't wait to get my screen door replaced and keep it open ALL. DAY. LONG.

Oh, and ten points to whoever can identify the movie quoted in the title of this post.

All We Need Is Love, Love. Love Is All We Need.

Wow. I am so naive. I watched the movie Hotel Rawanda a couple nights ago. It is a true story that takes place during the genocide of Rawanda. It was heart-wrenching. It is worth watching. The main character is a reluctant, but very true hero. I only hope I could do as much good in such trying circumstances.

There is one quick scene in which the background to how the Rawandans had arrived at this is explained. I learned that when the Belgians occupied Rawanda, they literally went through the country measuring the width of people's noses, judging the lightness or darkness of their skin, and the height of their stature. Based on these physical characteristics, they divided the people into two categories of people. This division remained after the Belgians left, and, as one group turned against the other, eventually resulted in the senseless slaughter of one million people.

Satan is so cunning. One million people murdered, and all he had to do was convince people that the division was real. Real enough to kill for.

Oh, how the world needs more love!! Please love your neighbors! Forgive someone who's been a real jerk to you! Take time to really get to know someone! Practice random acts of kindness! Give where you can! Serve where you can! Be a force for good in your sphere! Please.

Please.

Feeling Random Again

Ben got into an Eeyore mode last week, and it lasted for a few days. He would go on and on telling James and I how rough his life was; how he never got to do anything fun; how he always had to do all of the work; how we were always mean to him, etc., etc.

On one of these days, we had just been to the library, and walked across the parking lot to the park to enjoy the beautiful day. (Note how he doesn't get to do anything fun.) Ben decided that he was a king, and that I was visiting him in his kingdom. I was playing along nicely, but he definitely had the Eeyore tone in his voice. (Note how I'm always so mean to him.) Then he pointed out the three flags flying in the breeze.

Me: Oh, those are nice flags! Are they for your kingdom?
Ben: Yes, they’re mine, . . . but even the flags don’t respect me.

Now, to this point, I really thought that Ben was being melodramatic, but seriously folks, when even the flags don't respect you? I, honestly, don't know anyone who has ever had it as bad as Ben -- and that's a fact!!

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I'm starting to believe that the American Dental Association, along with Weight Watcher's, secretly promotes Halloween -- especially the Trick-or-Treating!

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James didn't sleep last night. Nope, he was up all night working on a lecture he had to give today.
I definitely understand the stance that some of the Old School doctors have about James' generation. You know, about how they just don't work as hard, and about how they don't take patient care as seriously.
Ya.
And you wonder why we're on a count-down?!

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Ben has had a cough and a stuffy nose for a while now. As we were watching a movie together, he pointed at the character who was having a hard time walking on an injured leg for the first time, and said to me, "I breathe like that Dad, out of my mouth. I don't think my lungs are connected to my nose anymore."

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I've taught Brianna to say "Eye, yi, yi!" : )

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I guess I should say, that James' program really is top-notch. He is getting excellent training, and has had many, many positive experiences. We are grateful that he has had this opportunity, we only wish there was a more humane way to gain this experience.

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Brianna was the cutest little chicken the world has ever seen for Halloween!!! And Ben, well, he wanted to be Spiderman, but wasn't allowed to wear the mask to school or to the church activity. So, he decided to wear his costume without the mask, and he called himself Peter Parker. Clever child!

Something to Make You Smile

My sister e-mailed this to me, and it was just too funny! I've watched it over and over, and I can't keep from laughing. Hope you enjoy as well!

click here

Random Thoughts

We all have things that energize us, or "charge our batteries", and things that "drain our batteries." In order to be happy and feel balanced, we need to make time for things that "charge our batteries", and rid ourselves of any battery drainage that is expendable. There most likely are things that drain our batteries, but are necessary. In these instances, maybe we need a 'tune-up' or a new perspective.

I know I'm alone in this, but I really don't enjoy cleaning perpetual dishes and laundry. I had a good wake-up call a while ago when I read this post on a friend's blog, and realized that these things aren't interruptions to my life, THEY ARE MY LIFE. I think there must be stages to acceptance, because even though I realized this, I'm still struggling with those never-ending tasks, and allowing them to "drain my batteries" way too much.

I hope to get to the point where I view the dishes and laundry as evidence of the multitude of physical blessings God has given me (i.e., the fact that I even have clothes and dishes) as well as proof of the wonderful family by which I am surrounded. Maybe then, doing the dishes and laundry will be a "battery charging" experience!?


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Do you think 6 graham crackers with chocolate frosting was too much?


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Our Pack Meeting last night had the theme of "Down on the Farm." As part of the meeting, we split into groups and had different activities in which the boys could participate. The activity that I took charge of was grinding wheat into flour. I have a hand grinder, and LOTS of wheat from James' and my sporadic attempts at food storage.

So, we gave each boy 30 seconds to grind as much wheat as he could. Each boy got to take home the wheat that he ground in a sandwich bag, along with a recipe to make Cracked Wheat Cereal. (Yummier than it sounds, I promise.)

I was amazed how much these boys enjoyed this. Some asked if they could have another turn -- and it really is hard work cranking that grinder. One asked if he could have my grinder -- um, no! Others said it was their favorite part of the evening -- and that was AFTER the ice cream!

On the way home, Ben suggested that we grind all of our wheat, and eat Cracked Wheat Cereal everyday to save lots of money. We talked about putting cinnamon, apples, etc. into it. Then Ben said, "Mommy, you're yummin' me out!" : )

So, there you have it: if you want to be a hit with young boys, have them grind wheat by hand!

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Residency is hard. And crappy. While James and I have both grown in a lot of positive ways during this experience, there have been major sacrifices, and times when we have wondered if it is all worth it. I don't say this to compare my trials with anyone else's -- I don't believe that to be a healthy practice. I'm just saying, . . . if you're young, and you're interested in the medical world: FIND ANOTHER AVENUE to fulfill that interest!!! Might I suggest: Physician's Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, Physical Therapist, etc.

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I love blogging! I love the outlet it provides me, as well as the connection I feel to my family and friends, whether they are across the country or just a few blocks away! This will be such a blessing to me when I move away from all of my good friends here. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for blogs.

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I don't think I will ever measure up to Ben's expectations for what a "good mommy" should be.

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I can't wait to get my new contact tomorrow!!! Although, my new 'funky' glasses have grown on me! I guess I should always let some middle-aged black man pick out my frames, since I was blind at the time. He did a good job!


Here's to a clearer perspective tomorrow!

Possibly the BEST Post I've Ever Done

The weather was so nice this evening, and the kids were being so cute swinging on the swing set, that I had to grab the camera. Unfortunately, taking pictures of moving objects is more difficult than I thought. However, even though some of these are blurry, I still think they're worth sharing!

What a doll!!




What a handsome boy!
Ben has discovered twisting the swing up, and then letting it untwist. He had a great time!
Brianna hated the swing the first time we tried it, but now, it's hard to get her out of it when it's time to go in.
What a cute dog! Surely one of you wants her??!

Ah! Here's my evidence that I do actually try to do her hair, and that occasionally I win the battle. What a gorgeous baby, if I do say so myself!!
Brianna was enjoying her pancakes with blueberry jam, while Ben was enjoying the pancake batter?!

This is a GREAT still photo of the movie below! She was having a blast, and to our knowledge, received no injury!

I swear this toy is the most fun toy on the planet! Brianna needs to write a manual for all of her peers so they can enjoy all of the facets of the bouncing zebra!

This would be right BEFORE we lowered the mattress as far as it would go! I didn't even know James had captured this. It was a fun discovery when I uploaded the pictures.

And here they are in action on the swings. Our neighbor (Ben's "best girl friend") came over to join us!

Well, I hope you enjoyed looking at my BEAUTIFUL children as much as I do!!

Good News, Bad News

The bad news is: Ben accidentally washed my contact down the sink this morning.

The good news is: the slime within the drain pipe grabbed my contact and held it for me.

The bad news is: even though I was able to retrieve my now disgustingly slimed contact, it was split nearly in two.

The good news is: James has been after me to go get new contacts for some time.

The bad news is: they aren't cheap, and we now have no choice in the timing.

The good news is: we do have some money in savings.

The bad news is: I am more than just a little embarrassed to wear my really old, really thick, really scratched glasses in public.

The good news is: we live in a day and age when I can get contacts, relatively quickly.

The bad news is: Ben felt so bad about all of this, that he punished himself with a major kicking, screaming, destructive fit.

The good news is: I let Ben know that I love him more than my contacts.

Of Teachers and Learning

I was fired once.

From my job.

As a Pre-school teacher.

For being "the ring-leader" of the bad attitudes among the teachers.

I sincerely hope that most of you who read this are laughing, thinking that I am joking. I sincerely hope that those who know me now, could never imagine this being true. Unfortunately, it is true. It was a good learning experience. One that has continued to teach me.

Let me tell you my side of the story:

When James and I met, I was a pre-school teacher at a private pre-school that I'll call "Ballinger". I loved my job. I loved the children. I loved teaching them. I really loved my job.

When we got married, I requested a transfer to another location in the city where we would be living. The request was granted, and I returned from my honeymoon, and immediately began working at the new location.

This new location had been plagued with mistrust and bad feelings between the teachers and the management. Many of the teachers had been there for at least one year prior to my arrival. There was a unity among the teachers in their dislike of the management, and in their feeling of being mistreated.

At first, I thought this was really weird -- totally different from my experience at the other location. However, it didn't take long for me to start seeing what all of them were seeing. I, too, began to dislike the management, and to feel that we, as teachers, were not being treated fairly. I began to participate in the daily discussions of these feelings and impressions at lunch and at recess.

It seemed that things continued to escalate throughout the school year. Even the management didn't like each other. Our Principal was fired, and the Vice Principal became the Principal. We actually liked the Vice Principal, who was now the Principal. However, we convinced ourselves (and I honestly don't remember if we had any evidence of this) that she was being corrupted by the others in management.

So, imagine my surprise when our now Principal called me into her office. She asked me questions about how I felt things were going at "Ballinger", and what problems I saw. I was candid, and told her my feelings and the things that I thought needed to change in order to improve things.

Well, then she told me that I was fired, and the reason that she gave was that I was the "Ring-Leader" of the bad attitudes. I was shocked! I told her that I thought she was wrong. After all, this problem had existed long before my arrival on the scene. I had only joined in the discussions that were already taking place.

Nevertheless, the firing stuck. I gathered my things and left. I was mad and hurt. I saw myself as the innocent victim. In fact, this firing reinforced my view that they were corrupt in management.

The lesson that I learned early on from my firing was that negativity breeds negativity. And, that when you are actively looking for things to criticize, you will find them. I am amazed, looking back, at how much energy was wasted among us in our criticisms, and at how devoted we were to the practice.


Many years later, another lesson emerged. I realized that although I didn't see myself as the ring-leader, or as any leader at all in that situation, doesn't mean that others didn't see me that way. I was older than most, if not all, of the other teachers. I was a returned missionary. I will never know how things might have been different if I had simply chosen not to participate in the discussions. Or, better yet, if I had found positive things to say, or ways to improve the situation.

So, I have learned that we never really know the depth of our influence. Maybe, without meaning to be, or even wanting to be, I WAS the ring-leader?! I don't know. But I do know that I have tried to be careful to be an influence for good since this revelation. I am by no means perfect, but I do try.

So, are you a "ring-leader" without knowing it??

Enlightening Discomfort

Some wonderful, enlightening quotes from a wonderful, enlightening book I am reading: Bonds That Make Us Free, by C. Terry Warner.

We cannot find [others] irritating without becoming irritated persons ourselves, nor can we find them worthwhile without becoming appreciative persons ourselves. Who we are is who we are with others. How they seem to us is a revelation of ourselves.

Personal identity and personal relationships are the same thing seen from two different angles.

To the extent that we can come to see others differently, we can undergo a fundamental change, a change in our being, a change of our emotions and attitudes, a change of heart.

Everything depends upon what we are becoming, and what we are becoming depends upon how true we are to the deep, gentle, and irrepressible invitation to do right by our fellow beings and before God.

I am enjoying feeling enlightened each time I pick this book up. Be warned, however, that the enlightenment is accompanied by an uncomfortable feeling as truths are revealed about how and why we/I treat others the way we/I do. However, without the enlightenment, and the discomfort, there would likely be little to no improvement in ourselves/myself.

I highly recommend this book, even though I have not yet finished it. So, what are you reading today??