According to Prudence

TODAY'S TOPIC??
You guessed it. Diapers and the contents thereof. According to Prudence, disposable diapers are the worst invention of all times. They are disgusting!!"One time we were driving along the turnpike when I saw someone toss one of those disposable diapers into the garbage can. That's terrible. Where do they think it's going to end up?" HMMMM.... let me guess. A landfill somewhere?? Of course then it will take millions of years to break down, thus adding to the destruction of our planet. Cloth diapers are much better.Although some advocates say when you factor in how much water it takes to properly clean said diapers, the detergent used (chemically based), fuel to make hot water for washing, etc., it's a toss up.

In Prudence's case, she had diaper service.Convenient enough. None of the nasty on her fingers. Nice that she had the financial resources to pay for the service. I wonder how she'd feel about "alternative" diapers?Is there a service for this type of diapering need?

Regardless, when it comes to thisI'll take whatever I can get my hands on. Well except for the poop.

Asian Eats

 

Last evening we went to Mike and Angie's house for an Asian dinner. Andy, Jamie, Dave, Josie, plus all our children were also invited. Everyone brought something to share... yum. We had curry chicken, sticky rice, fried rice, sweet and sour pork, egg rolls, and of course fortune cookies. Good food, great friends! Next get together.... my house... stromboli, pasta, and Italian themed desserts.

That Amazing Dog

I know I always talk about my girls. They really are wonderful, however, there is another very talented female in our family. Samantha. Many of you have met her. She's a hoot... well most of the time anyway.She loves watching TV.She lives for her daily naps.She's a natural at putting her butt in your face!She loves her tongue... and she adores licking you. I'm not so big on this one.She's a great listener. She NEVER repeats anything she hears.She has a blast in the snow.But most of all....... We don't have to feed her from a bowl anymore. She's now able to be fork fed. WOOHOO. We're still trying to teach her how to use her own paws to hold the fork. It's not going so well. So for all of us with children on the Honor Roll, don't forget about the "other" loves of our lives. Our four legged friends!

Oh Canada

Brie had an extensive project she had to do in World Cultures. The assignment was given in December, which allowed the students one month to work on it. That gives you an idea of how involved it was. Brie is a weird child. She actually enjoys school! She also loves a challenge. When she brought the rubric home she was so excited about everything she'd have to do.

I think she did a terrific job! She had to highlight the following: polar bears, the Inuits, dog sled teams, hockey, mounties, beavers, and a famous Canadian actor (which happened to be Hayden Christensen... rather interesting name, don't you think???). Additionally, she had to find a picture of Niagara Falls, Canadian products sold in the York area, Canadian currency, and a Canadian news article, something about the maple leaf (like the leaf itself), and last but not least, the Canadian flag. Thanks to Cheri for the money, news items, and Green Giant label (that one counted as extra credit). When all was said and done it looked something like this.......Don't you just love the beaver!?! We had to figure out how to "mount" it on the display. Just for future reference, the little plastic thingies with the "teeth" at one end that you stick the other end into (like you find on the backs of toys to keep them in place) is what we used. It worked out great. I used box cutters to score the cardboard, then Brie slid the thingy through, connected it to a second one, and tightened it in place. Nice work!

Has Winter Arrived??

I think it has. It's beginning to look a lot like WINTER!! WooHoo! This has been an unusual winter season. We had a small snowfall in November... then nothing but rain or freezing rain... resulting in ice. I loathe ice. I'm terrified of falling, not to mention wrecking the van. That would be a total bummer. It's starting to look like we're entering a different pattern... at least a little bit.

Yesterday we woke to a few inches of snow. Last night we got a bit more snow. Over night we got freezing rain... this afternoon plain rain. I guess you can say we had a mixed bag. That's ok though. We had enough snow for Brie and some of her friends to go sledding.It was really cold. The wind was kicking up causing it to feel really bitter on the skin. I guess it's a sure sign that I'm getting old because I was ready to come home much sooner than the girls were.As I was watching the girls, the clouds opened and it rained pretty hard for a few minutes. Out to the west you could see the clouds beginning to break and the sun was starting to shine through. It was really pretty. When I turned back to the east, I saw a beautiful double rainbow.I'm not sure how well you can see it, but the second rainbow is just to the left of the brighter one. It was so cool to see it in the winter. Another reminder of God's promises. What a wonderful winter day!

Monday Memories

The other day there was a figure skating program on TV. The girls were in the room with me and before I knew it I was telling them about Emile and her love of Scott Hamilton as well as the Riverdance troupe. SO, today's memory is called....
My Very Talented Dancing Emile!!

When Em was about 3, Riverdance was extremely popular. You couldn't turn on PBS without seeing one of their performances, which was fine with me since I really liked watching them. What I didn't realize at first was just how much of an impression it was having on Emile.One evening while I was watching a performance, Emile came into the room, ran back out and after several minutes came running back into my room. She had put on her black patent leather shoes and was ready to join the dance. It was hysterical! Here she was in her panties and undershirt... and of course her dancing shoes... She was dancing her little heart out!She says she's grateful I didn't have a video camera to record such events. I on the other hand wish I had had one. (It's ironic I came across this picture. Emile had these exact shoes AND socks that went with a black and gold dress I bought her for Christmas one year).

Another HUGE love of hers was Scott Hamilton. EVERY time she spotted him on TV she'd ask if I could bring him home so she could play with him. She thought he was pretty darn great. For the record, so did I.Such sweet memories. Where have the years gone? I'd love to be able to go back in time once in awhile and replay moments like these. This will have to do.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

I came across this today. I thought it was quite profound. Perhaps it will touch you as it did me.

Teenage Brains (or lack thereof)

I'll get right to the point. Contrary to popular belief, I suck! Ok, now that we've established that point, let me tell you why. I'm a bad mom. I have a favorite child. I'm always mean to my other child. I yell all the time. You can add you're own thoughts from here......It's out of the realm of possibilities to consider the fact that I actually try to do more for the "unfavored" child just to keep the peace. Of course, that's not how said child sees things. Figures.So we come to the brain. According to Cosmos (8 Sept 2006), teenagers "hardly use area of brain involved in thinking about other people's emotions." Duh! Imagine that. It took a fMRI to tell us what we already had figured out on our own. Now all I have to do in keep reminding myself that "this too shall pass."Does this apply to me, her, or both?!?

According to Prudence

I have the "pleasure" of seeing a woman several times a week. For confidentiality reasons, I will refer to her as "Prudence." Prudence is in her early 80's and obviously very set in her ways. I've NEVER encountered someone quite like her. I've decided to share some of her more interesting statements with you. There are so many that I won't be able to share more than one at a time. Further more, I'm 100% certain that with each passing visit, I'll obtain more to share. Let's see what you all think about some of the world.... ACCORDING TO PRUDENCE.

BREASTFEEDING:
"I never breastfed my babies. They were just starting to tell us it was better than bottle feeding, but my children seldom got sick. They did just fine. The thought of breastfeeding is vulgar. That's what animals do. I'm not an animal." Prudence.So began our "discussion" one day last week. Being a strong supporter of alternative health choices, home based and midwife assisted childbirth, as well as breastfeeding, I just couldn't keep quiet on this one. She went on to give me some examples of how offended she's been seeing women breastfeeding in public. "They just pull up their shirts and do it in front of everyone." When asked if the nursing mothers had blankets over their breasts, she said "yes, but you could still see the outline of their breast and you knew what they were doing."

I was told of another time when she and her husband were on a boat tour with several other people (mostly retired). There was a nursing mom on board, who was covered up but still breastfeeding during the tour. Several people got upset by this. Finally the Captain came over and told the mother there was a special room for nursing on board. The mother went to the room to finish. Prudence said everyone applauded the Captain. That ticked me off. I said "Shame on them. Shame on everyone who applauded a nursing mother being treated in such a rude manner." I asked about a child's right to be fed. Her response? "Children have no rights." I disagreed with her and said that the child's mother was protecting its right to eat. We "adults" are the voices of our children. Some obviously care more than others! I also reminded her that babies have been fed at the breast since the beginning of time, and will continue to be forever. It's a natural part of life and shame on people for making it ugly or sinful. Heck we see more on TV and magazines than most nursing mother's show!When I was breastfeeding my children, I had a sling. It was great. I also pumped and gave the girls breast milk from a bottle. It was a great way to let others be hands on with them, too. I suppose growing up in a culture that is pro-nursing, I am more tolerant. Regardless, everyone has a right to sustenance."Virgin Suckling the Infant Christ" by Gasparo Da Loho Annibale Carracci. 1883

It finally got to the point where I knew it wouldn't matter what I said. She wasn't going to concede, nor was I. I still had one last remark to make. Prudence is a devout Catholic. As such, I reminded her that even Christ nursed at his mother's breast. She stammered at that, at which point I said it again. Jesus Christ, the very savior of this world, was breastfed. That was the end of the conversation.

Did I make a difference? Probably not. You'd have to meet her to understand. I felt better though. And just for the record, my home is a .......

Monday Memories

Pain and Frustration... today's memory is from an event which we unfortunately "participated" in on January 6, 2003. Our car crash. To be honest, I had forgotten that tomorrow marked the anniversary. Emile reminded me of it when I picked her up from school this afternoon. I knew it was coming up, I hadn't really given it much thought.... with the exception of the fact that I had a MAJOR flair up from my injuries last week.

A really crappy day. A snow delay.... taking the girls to school we were "T-boned" by a van. My door took the impact. The girls got out on their own. I had to be cut from the car. Brie had facial injuries requiring several surgical procedures to repair everything. I had 3 pelvic fractures, a hairline fracture to my right femur, as well as low back and left hip damage resulting in permanent nerve damage. Fortunately Emile wasn't physically injured that day.

So here we are 6 years later.... still hanging in, living life and doing pretty well. The girls are doing great. Brie's face looks fantastic. She will always have some scars from her injuries, however, she looks really good. Dr. Kenna, Brie's Plastic Surgeon, did a wonderful job with all the repairs. I will forever be grateful for her expertise.

After nearly 2 1/2 years of reasonably managed pain and pretty good function in my back and left hip, something has changed. For some reason I started having trouble going up stairs a few weeks back. Next I noticed I was tripping or stumbling (I'd think I had my left leg lifted high enough). I started having more numbness and "pins and needles" in my leg and then all heck broke loose. I began having severe pain last Monday... by that evening I was miserable. I could not sleep that night. It was impossible finding a comfortable position. I started calling my old doctors, my family doctor, my auto insurance company, and my trusty attorney. By Tuesday evening I had a prescription for steroids and pain meds. It took an hour and 50 minutes for the meds to start working. I did sleep that night. I was so thankful for rest and pain management. Now all we have to do is figure out what has went wrong and plan a way to fix me up again.

I guess it's safe to say I'll probably live with some degree of complications stemming from the crash. It's an event none of us will ever forget. For those who have survived a serious auto crash, you know what I'm talking about. A part of you changes forever. I'm thankful for the progress we've made... and I pray for renewed health.

A final note... please always be aware of where you are. Things go wrong so quickly. Take the few seconds to fasten seat belts. Make sure everyone is as safe as they can possibly be... just in case.

A New Look

Ok, so it took a few days, but I finally got my blog up to date. It's so sad to let go of Christmas. I figured I'd have some people looking at me strange if I kept everything Christmas themed much longer. I must say I'm quite pleased with how everything looks now. I'll have to post some pics from New Years Eve and day. Maybe I can get to that tomorrow. We'll see. For now I'm going to go read "The Glass Castle," which is this months book club selection. I'm almost finished. Later.

Monday Memories

CHRISTMAS......

When I was a child, I'd get so excited for Christmas to arrive that I'd literally make myself sick. I can remember many Christmas mornings on the floor of my mom's bedroom. I was so beside my self waiting to open gifts that by the time we were finished, I'd start feeling sick on my stomach. Mom would make me take some Pepto. I'd ALWAYS end up throwing up. Nothing like pink puke. To this day I won't take Pepto! YUCK.On a more pleasant note....... My all time favorite Christmas gift was a Barbie's Friend Ship. I wanted one so bad. It was the only thing I asked for when I was.... I think about 9 or 10. When it was closed it looked like a flight attendants carry on bag.But.... when you opened it up, it was the inside of an airplane. It was FANTASTIC!! I mean it was the absolute best!
I loved that plane. I thought I was something pretty special to get such a wonderful gift that year. I know it was my "big" gift. I also know I kept it right beside me as I lie on the floor, sicker than a dog, after opening my presents that morning. That was alright though, I still had my airplane. Life was just fine.

Monday Memories (on Saturday)

With all the excitement, hustle and bustle during the holiday season, I obviously got behind on my blog. I thought today would be a nice time to catch up on everyone's blog and add another entry to mine. Today's memory has to do with music.

When I was in elementary school in Utah (Granger/West Valley) I was in the chorus. Once Christmas we were invited to sing in the "Living Christmas Tree" at West Valley Mall. Of course we were all excited and had no idea what a living Christmas tree was or exactly what we'd be doing other than singing. It was more fun than I imagined.We all marched up into the tree and the lights went down so just the lights on the tree were lit. Then we sang. It was thrilling! So many people were there to watch us perform. I don't remember what we sang... just the experience itself. While this picture isn't of our little school choir, it looks very similar to the tree we were in. What a memory.

Fast forward 30+ years. Now I go to watch my own children in their Christmas music programs. It's exciting in its own way to do so.Brie playing her flute for one of the numbers.So demure.Emile after the concert. Doesn't she look lovely in her new dress? The entire band got new outfits this year.

Sorry the quality isn't the best, however, it still sounds good and shows our talented band in action. Em thinks I'm a dork but who cares? It's my right to brag from time to time, right?!

Before I know it I suppose I'll be going to see my grandchildren in their Christmas programs. Another chapter to look forward to... another memory to build.

Merry Christmas

It's been a while since I took the time to blog... so I figured today was a great day to stop for a few minutes and take the time to remember what is most important in my life. My family... and of course this wonderful season, Christmas.Christmas Eve before the girls opened their "Santa Jammies."Em and Brie all ready for bed when the time comes.

Our day started out a few minutes after 7 when Brie decided she just couldn't get back to sleep. This is the earliest either of the girls has ever woke on Christmas morning. She was beside herself with excitement so I told her she could wake Emile and we'd head downstairs. Before we knew it we were deep in wrapping paper. Oh what fun!!!!Just a wee bit of happiness was displayed when certain gifts were revealed.

Following the gifts, I made a quick breakfast of eggs, sausage and toast. Next came showers and getting dressed to head over to Aunt Cindy's house to see family. It was nice to spend a few hours together.Nieces and nephews... as well as great nieces and nephews. Isn't it great!?!L-R... Jamie & Andy, Sarah & Michael, Lindsey & Jason, and Anya & Ben. Don't I have terrific nieces and nephews?

And so you have it. Another Christmas has come and almost gone. Another year has past... a new year is almost here. How can it be that time moves so swiftly? How thankful I am for all the blessings I have received this year. For all the prayers offered up on behalf of my family. For all the help and "gifts" we've been given. I'm honestly not sure were I'd be without all the caring people in my life. I'm once again reminded of the true and eternal reason for the season.......MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Monday Memories

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

That it is. We've got the tree up. The front porch is decorated. I still could do a few more things in the house but I'm not sure if I will or not. Remember, whatever I put out now will have to be put away in a month. You know what I mean, right?! Besides, if I stop decorating now, I'll have more time to bake. That brings me to my Monday Memory..... Holiday Baking.

When I was a kid my mom wasn't really into baking. It wasn't that she was a bad cook, she just wasn't into it. There were always a few things we did make during the holiday season. Like most people we made sugar cookies. That was always a BLAST for us kids... not so much for Mom. Perhaps it was the mess we left in our wake....Mom made fudge. I don't remember her making it every year, but when she did it was good.Mom was an expert at two particular items. First, was her mashed potato candy. I can remember her mixing the powdered sugar in with the potato and stirring until she had a dough ball.. then she'd roll it out and smooth peanut butter over the surface. Next she'd roll it up and cut it into bite size pieces. Some batches she'd put red or green food coloring in so they'd be more "Christmasy." They tasted so good! I had almost forgot about the candy until a few years ago when all of a sudden it popped back into my mind.Last but not least, Mom was FANTASTIC at making fruitcake. Now keep in mind that I hate fruitcake. I can't even say I liked her fruitcake. I did like watching her make it... the time and love that went into each step. She truly took pride in this and it showed. She would make several each Christmas to give as gifts. When they were finished baking and cooling, she'd painstakingly wrap each one, place it in a round tin, seal it, and prepare it for mailing across the country. It was a labor of love for her. Her fruitcakes were truly beautiful.

I have no intention of making a fruitcake anytime soon. I will, however, be baking with the girls this year. Brie in particular is interested in making some treats to share with others. It's great being at a stage of life where my children enjoy helping me with some of the fun stuff that goes along with the holiday season. I'll have to make sure and take some pictures of our adventures in baking. Who knows, maybe someday my own children will be sharing "Monday Memories" with their children and look back at the pictures we take this year. Something fun to consider.