Monday, January 28, 2008

CALGON

What ever happened to "Calgon, take me away!" Do they still make Calgon? I'm not sure I even know what it is. Is it bubble bath? All I know, is that I could surely use some tonight! As I was locking myself in the bathroom to get one moment of peace (which is rare, even in the bathroom), Jonah was crying and banging on the door, "Calgon take me away!" popped right into my head out of nowhere! Yes, it was one of those nights. I love my children dearly, but the fighting, teasing and obnoxiousness gets out of hand sometimes and hence, I go crazy. In these times of insanity, I find myself searching for any way to escape. Some privacy, hot water, ear phones and bubble bath sounded divine tonight. But, alas, it wasn't to be. I had just run the dishwasher and didn't have enough hot water to be satisfying. ARGH! I need two fifty gallon water tanks! Maybe one of these days!

Thursday, January 24, 2008

I decide it was time to get rid of my Christmas template. Better late than never, right? I think that's going to be my new motto. For those of you who know me, you'd think that's been my motto for years. I guess my tardiness get worse with each kid I have. Maybe for or five isn't such a good idea? I'm kidding. We might add one more to the S bunch in the next year or two. I need to get to a point where I feel that I could handle having four kids vying for my attention 24/7. Three can be exhausting enough. I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about.
I digress. I really wanted to share the experience of my first root canal. I know, you're excited. However, it was no big deal!!! Root canal has been the two words I have dreaded my whole adult life. I'm rather wimpy when it comes to having work done on my teeth. The shot, the smell and the numbness are just too much for me! So, I'm telling you, the tooth I had done must have been the one to have die! I have no pain whatsoever! It was less traumatic than some cavities I've had filled. Maybe my dentist is just a genius! (he's my brother-in-law) To help me and maybe you, in future endeavors to the dentist, I did learn a great tip today. Take your ipod! You so you can listen to your favorite tunes, close your eyes and zone out. I know, this can be difficult with the tugging, pulling and full head vibration from the drill and such. But, I thought it would have been nice to listen to a little Josh Groban on full blast to drown out the sound of the drill. (how do dentists ever get used to that sound?) By the way, I have to thank Kristen for getting me hooked on Josh. She took me to his concert and I've never been the same!
In closing, my dear friend wrote this and gave it to me today. I wanted to share it with you. Its past Christmas, but I thought it fitting for any time of year.
The greatest Christmas gifts:
To your Creator, faith
To your spouse, devotion
To your neighbor, love
To your enemy, forgiveness
To your children, patience
To yourself, hope

Isn't that great! So true for me in my life. Enjoy!

Sunday, January 20, 2008

LIfe

Do you ever have the feeling that you are in somewhat of a haze? You know what you are supposed to be doing with your life, but your path is somewhat of a mist? You are technically doing the right things, but you're missing the boat by seconds. I have to admit I feel this way sometimes. I'm going to get deep and talk about life for a minute.
Those of us who have a testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ and his gospel know how we are supposed to live. We know the commandments, we know are covenants, and all the responsibilies that go along with them. I truly believe that most of us try to live the best life we can, whether we are religious or not. But how often do we truly examine our lives? Take stock in all that we are doing. And truly think about what we truly should be doing.
I've been thinking about this the last few days. I took a trip down to my brother-in-laws office (my dentist), with my other brother-in-law. So we had at least an hour and a half to talk. Needless to say, conversation came up about being prepared and preparing our families for a successful life. By this I mean: testimony, schooling, food storage, etc. You get the idea. Our conversation got me to thinking. Am I really doing all that I should to live my life as Heavenly Father would have me? Are my priorities in line approriately?
My answer brings me back to my opening paragraph. A mist. I'm not sure, was my answer. I obey the commandments, read my scriptures, keep my covenants, go to church, try to do what is right, etc, etc. But am I truly doing all that I can to prepare myself and my children? Probably not. As time goes on and the world gets scarier, I can't help but think that we will have to stand out from the rest of the world. We will truly have to be a light on a hill shining forth truth, knowledge and goodness. To steal a line from my brother-in-law, "the time for sitting on fences is over". I don't feel that I sit on the fence, but I do know there is more I should be doing personally and with my family. I need to be less afraid of sharing the gospel. Light and knowledge should not be hidden. Why am I so afraid to share it? Truth and light bring true joy and happiness, why is it so hard to give that to others? If I have a testimony of eternal life and exaltation, why can't I share that with the people who are most dear to me in this world? I know that there is more I can do. I can be a more attentive mother. Teach my children better and focus on teaching them the gospel. I can study the scriptures better and participate more. I can love more and not be judgemental of others.
As a late New Year's resolution, I plan to look at my life microscopically and rededicate myself to live the best life that I can. So that I hopefully will look back and not have any regrets. I will know that I not only knew what to do to be faithful, loving and strong, but that I actually did it!

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Our Miraculously Disgusting Bodies

Do you ever wonder why our bodies work the way they do? I have been completely amazed through my life at how amazing our bodies are. What they can do is miraculous. Which is part of the reason I went into health care. Physiology is fascinating to me. The fact that we can produce offspring, grow, learn, and perform different tasks is fabulous! The range of physical stamina and strength is mind boggling. The fact that people can finish an iron man triathlon in eight some odd hours is just crazy! (2.2 mi swim, 112 mi bike, and 26,2 mi race). I am so thankful for these wonderful bodies that we have been given.
But, do you ever wonder why our bodies are the way they are? Why can they be so utterly disgusting and magnificent at the same time? Case in point. Poop. I'm sorry, but poop is so incredibly disgusting! Especially when its someone else's. One of the few reasons I wish I wouldn't have gone into health care. Okay, I have three kids. I should be used to poop by now, right? NO!!! It still grosses me out! I had a huge poop mishap I had to help clean up at work tonight. I still feel like poop is going to be on everything I touch! It was crafty poo. I swear it was hiding everywhere on the wheelchair. We'd think we'd cleaned it all, and wham mo! We'd find some more! Why is it our bodies have some truly disgusting functions? (I'm sure you can think of others) This could be bad, but, do you have a gross poop story? Please share!