12 or 2... You Be the Judge

As a school nurse I see children do all sorts of silly things. A few years ago I had a student who would come to the health room about twice a month with a rock stuck in his ear. He would purposely stick one of the little pea gravel rocks from the playground into his ear and then run around saying, "What? I can't hear you. There is a rock stuck in my ear." His mom found it cute and endearing until the last time when it required surgery to remove the rock. You know, that was the last time I saw him in the health room for a rock stuck in his ear. Anyway, usually children outgrow sticking things in their ears or noses by time they reach age 2. Unless they happen to be a 12-year-old boy. I had long theorized that 12-year-olds and 2-years-olds were not that different when it comes to actually engaging the executive function area of their brains. Recently, as in yesterday, a 12-year-old boy (that shall remain nameless, but with whom I am well-acquainted) was goofing around with his dad and managed to get a JellyBelly stuck in his right nostril. They were trying to distinguish the coffee-flavored JellyBellies from the rootbeer JellyBellies. The dad said "You can just tell by the smell" so the 12-year-old boy proceeds to place the JellyBelly just inside his nostril to smell. He figured the farther in the JellyBelly went, the better he would be able to smell it. The strange thing, besides the JellyBelly up the nose, is that he wasn't even smelling a brown-colored bean. It was blue and white-speckled--definitely NOT a potential coffee-flavored bean. How did the bean get out of the nose? Well, it just so happens that this 12-year-0ld boy has a fabulously smart mother who had him block one nostril while blowing out the other. Yes, I realize we could have damaged his eardrums, but there was just enough airflow around the lodged bean that I did not believe we were in danger of rupturing the eardrum. Plus, his dad said there was no way he was taking the boy to the emergency room to have a JellyBelly extracted from his nose.

What Would You Do?

Well we've had some snow! In our little neck of the woods we are up to about 36 inches--that's 3 feet for those of you who don't like to do the math. 3 frickin' feet of SNOW! I hate it! The snow is falling so fast that I can hardly keep up with the shoveling. Matter-of-fact, I've given up (at least for now. I'll probably go out again when David gets home from work). Earlier this morning I was on the phone with my mother-in-law and told her that if we could find a snowblower in stock anywhere, I would totally buy it. I told her "I don't even care if they say it is 1000 bucks. I'm desparate!" Well, I called every stinkin' store in the greater Spokane area only to find out that they are all sold out--EXCEPT for the power equipment store just around the corner from me. They have one in stock. The sales guy said it would totally take care of all the snow. Guess how much it is. That's right...$1000.00. Oh the dilemma!

The Element of Surprise

I do not like the cold. I do not enjoy the snow. If I could, I would live year-round in someplace that is warm and sunny 98% of the year. Today's events just confirm that I am NOT a snow-lover (or really even a snow appreciator). I'm sitting quietly in my warm, cozy office (somehow I've managed to convince them that I really need the temperature set at 78 degrees to be fully functional--actually my office doesn't have its own temperature regulator so I just think it gets hot)...anyway, there I am doing paperwork when a blinking light and blaring alarm go off. It is a fire drill. Fortunately I am in my warm, cozy office where I keep my coat and gloves so I am able to grab them quickly--unlike the 200 1st and 2nd graders who were watching "Safety Santa" in the lunchroom and had to evacuate out without the coats, gloves, hats, boots, etc. Oh, I forgot to mention that we are in the middle of a tremendous Artic Blast and it has been snowing all day. So out we trudge into the snow and cold. Not a happy face was seen--teachers, students or staff were all shivering and frowny. Ironically, and fortunately, "Saftey Santa" is from the fire department and we were able to re-enter the building quite quickly. Apparently if you have an unplanned fire drill, only the fire department can let you back in the building. Yeah for Safety Santa and the fire department!!

Top Dog

Here he is...the All-League champion for 75 pounds. Carson not only went undefeated for the season, he won every reagular season match by pin. I think he only gave up 4 points all season. During the All-league tourney, he wrestled 3 great matches. His first one (the only match all year where he didn't win by pin) was won 9-0. The other two were pins. All this was accomplished with having a dislocated middle finger on the right hand, which might require hand surgery. He is going to the hand surgeon on Monday.

Anyway, we are pretty proud of this guy and this will definitely make it on the "Graham Top Ten List for 2008". Great job, Carson.

Full disclosure

Remember the commercials that Group Health ran a couple of years ago about the guy with a rash? He was in his cubicle at work trying to schedule an appointment for his rash without announcing to the entire office his dilemma? Remember, he was discreetly trying to whisper, "I have a rash" to the appointment scheduler? Well if that was a perfect example of discretion, the following conversation would be the exact opposite... Setting: health room at Greenacres Elementary--1st grader is getting a band-aid for his finger Cast: 1st grade student and assistant secretary 1st grader: "I remember when I was in here before. I had a rash." Secretary: "You did? Do you still have the rash?" 1st grader: "No. I'm wiping much better now." The previous conversation is one of the reasons why I love being a school nurse--full disclosure from 1st graders. They tell it like it is.

Doesn't Fit

Did you happen to catch the Hallmark movie on Sunday, Front of the Class? It was a semi-autobiographical presentation about a young man with Tourette Syndrome and his struggles in public education. The young man eventually prevailed, in spite of the public education setting, and is now a teacher--I believe he is still in Atlanta. It was a good movie and a pretty accurate portrayal of how Tourette's was dealt with in the public education setting 20 years ago. I wish that I could say that a lot has changed, but sadly it hasn't. Sure the Americans with Disabilities Act and Individuals with Disabilities Act ensure that children with Tourette's and other mental health or physical health issues are not discriminated against and that they can attend public schools. The problem is that nowhere is there any funding to provide support for teachers who teach these youngsters. Teachers do their best, but if the child doesn't fit nicely into the "normal" catagory, things can get ugly. I have a lot of empathy for the parents as well as the teachers. It is a difficult situation and with large class sizes, quite challenging to meet everyone's needs. One of my roles as a school nurse is to help explain the different conditions and their impact on the child's educational experience. I also try to help provide the much needed support but I am only at my buildings on a part-time basis. What I really hope to accomplish is to help the teachers understand where the student is at, what they are capable of, and that it may or may not be realistic to compare them to their same-aged peers. We just need to accept them where they are at and help them achieve from there. I am in no way trying to say that people with mental health or other disabilities cannot be successful or that they should be pigeon-holed into a certain stereotype. What I am trying to say is that in the public education world we need to make an extra effort to accept everyone as an individual with their own unique abilities, strengths and weaknesses. This takes a lot of effort. I guess what brought this discussion to the forefront was the movie on Sunday, thinking about how my own brother struggled in school because of an undiagnosed mental illness and learning disabilty, and several recent meetings regarding students who do not fit the "mold" and teachers are struggling--struggling with how to manage behaviors, struggling to know how to best help the student, struggling to find ways to engage students in learning. Unfortunately not everyone is going to fit the easily into the "normal" catagory. It's been about 20 years since the man from Front of the Class was in school. I wish I could say that now it is so much better, but it isn't. Public education still tries to stuff everyone in a box. In the public education world, if you have a physical or mental health disability, you still very much are a square peg living in a round world.

Do you love 12-year olds?

My boy Carson is great. He has a sly, subtle sense of humor. He has a mischevious little smile that gives him away immediately. He is, for the most part, caring and considerate. Carson adores his cousins (well, he adores the girls, but I think he would object to me using the word "adore" when talking about Travis and the other boy cousins). But make no mistake, he is also a 12 year old boy! 12 year old boys do not always fully engage their prefrontal cortex when making decisions. Because of this it causes them to leave messages like this on the home answering machine: "Hey mom, I'm going to the gym with Chambo and some of the other guys. Shopping at about 5 tonight will work best for me. See you later." See if he would have fully engaged the executive functioning area of his brain he would have realized that in no way, shape, or form would it be okay to call and leave a message informing his mom that was changing the carefully-made afternoon plans. Hopefully he also would have thought through the consequences of not talking to an actual person--meaning NO ONE knew where he was because NO ONE was home to hear the message. This caused generally low-key dad to place a somewhat panicked (maybe just irritated because remember so mentioned dad is in the car with 5 teen-age girls on the way to Twilight) phone call to working mom, "Have you heard from Carson? Is he with you? I waited at the school and then I drove home. He is not at either place." Fortunately for the 12-year old boy, his mom was once a 12-year old and in middle school. She remembered herself pulling much the same stunt, although because mom was 12 in ancient days before cell phones, she didn't even call to inform parents that she was changing plans. So, so-mentioned working mom chuckled to herself about the situation and called grandma because working mom knew that grandma would appreciate the coming full circle. By the way, as soon as working mom heard the message you can bet she got right back in the car and retrieved so-said 12 year old boy from the gym AND took him on the previously planned shopping trip. Remembering that you were 12 once, and you also did not always fully engage your brain when making decisions, can help you love 12 year olds and even find the humor in their actions. Just remember to act very, very disappointed at first otherwise they might believe that their lack of good judgment is OK.

Father of the Year

Raising teen-agers can be tough. They get these ideas in their heads that to them seem like the perfect plan and they just don't seem to understand why other, more mature people, don't view them in the same light. When these ideas come up I usually just try to squash them right away. I always have a million reasons for "why this is not a good idea". Fortunately for my children, Heavenly Father lead me to a patient, loving man (who at times is still half-adolescent himself). His usual response is "Sure, why not" especially if the idea is not too far in left field. He even responds this way if the idea has a direct impact on him. For this reason, I believe my husband deserves Father of the Year. That and the fact that he agreed to take Katelyn and 4 of her closest friends to watch Twilight tomorrow afternoon. Yes, my dear readers you read that correctly. My very manly, macho husband will be accompanying 5 teen-age girls (between the ages of 14 and 15) to see a movie about a teen-age girl in love with a vampire and her best friend who happens to be a werewolf. How in the world did Katelyn talk him in to that you ask? Something about big, blue "doe" eyes and a dimpled smile. What will I be doing? It really is unfortunate that David insists on me being a working mom and I don't get off tomorrow until 3:40 and their show starts at 3:10. So sad. (Wa ha ha, evil laugh).

Focus on the Family

Thanksgiving was awesome! All of my brothers, sister, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, and grandma were up to visit at my parent's home. I can't even think of the last time that all five of us kids were together. And the best part--no family drama, well at least not when I was visiting up at my parent's home. I really enjoyed being able to visit with everyone. A few highlights:

• Taking Charlotte to eat at McDonald's. She enjoyed every french fry and chicken nugget that we gave her. We then went back to my parent's house and Carson played with Charlotte (did I mention she is 20 months old) for another 2 hours!
• The Thanksgiving FEAST! My mom and dad really outdid themselves. The food was fabulous and eating at 3 long tables was great--somehow David and I managed to position ourselves at the far end of the table away from all the small children. Not to worry, Katelyn was strategically placed and was able to help all of the little cousins cut their food.
• The traditional movie on Friday night. We was Bolt. It was very funny.
• Visiting with everyone. I wish my brothers and sister didn't live so far away. I get such a kick out of my nieces and nephews, as does my husband (see below).
• David. There is just something about him. When he is around, the decibal level of all children seems to increase about 100 fold. One of the things that I love most about him--his ability to entertain and interact with kids.

I spent all weekend just reflectingand focusing on how grateful I am for my family and all of my blessings. This weekend was a wonderful way to start off the Christmas season.

DO NOT OPEN 'TIL CHRISTMAS

Dear Lands End: I enjoy your products and love the convenience of ordering on-line. However, I would like to make a suggestion regarding your mailing labels. When someone, let's say in Utah, is mailing a package to someone, let's say in Washington, and that said package is a CHRISTMAS present, PLEASE, P.L.E.A.S.E put in BIG writing DO NOT OPEN 'TIL CHRISTMAS. Because the person in Washington is probably busy doing Christmas shopping on-line and when the packages start arriving, well, it is very difficult to know exactly which one the person in Washington should or should not open unless there is written in LARGE PRINT...DO NOT OPEN 'TIL CHRISTMAS. Thanks, A disappointed customer

Where's Alice?

Wanted: Mother's Helper Job Description: Grocery shopping, laundry AND ironing for a family of four. That's it. Everything else is handled by either mom or dad, just need someone to keep food in the house and clean clothes for our bodies. Pay: Negotiable Start date: Immediately

Just plain tired

Whew! I am so ready to put an end to this busy week--and we even had a day off on Tuesday! This was one of those weeks when I found it particularly draining to be a working mom. Wednesday was especially bad--not returning home until 9:00 p.m. after starting the day at 4:30 a.m. So the 4:30 a.m. start is completely my choice, but if I don't get my workout done in the morning, it doesn't get done at all. I would give you a run down of the week, but everything but a few poignant moments are a blur. Moment #1: meeting on Wednesday when, in the presence of my supervisor, director, and director's director, I totally called out a colleague--this is not a great way to relieve tension in an already tense meeting, by the way. Moment #2: Sleeping in until 5:30 a.m. on Thursday morning. Wednesday was a really looonnngg day and I just couldn't drag myself out of bed on Thursday morning. And you know what? It was wonderful to sleep in one morning! And I hardly felt any guilt about missing my morning workout. Moment #3 and #4 wrestle-mania. Yes, Carson has started the junior high wrestling season and had two matches this week. One was on Wednesday and the other on Thursday. He won both, but I can't remember if both were won by pins. Thursday's definitely was and he pinned the guy 21 seconds into the 1st round. Video of these awesome matches soon to come (i have to find my cords for the camcorder cuz that is just the kind of week that it has been). Thank heaven for a wonderful, supportive husband who gently wakes me up from the family room floor and ushers me off to bed--can you imagine how stiff and cranky I would be if he left me there every night because every night this week I have been asleep there in front of the fireplace by 9:00 p.m. Here's to maybe a quieter week, next week.

My name is NOT Chef Graham

What do you get when you take peanut butter, rice krispies, and old marshmallows? Something completely inedible because it is hard as a rock. Didn't know you could screw up Rice Krispies, but I totally did and now the whole world (well at least the 5 people who read this blog) know that I am a failure at impromptu treats. I should never venture far from a recipe book--I was trying to improvise the peanut butter rice krispie treats David's great-grandma used to make, which he absolutely loves. She uses corn syrup instead of marshmallows, maybe that's the trick. Or maybe it's really important to not use marshmallows that have been in the pantry for awhile and are only marginally soft to begin with.

Oops, Soap Box Post

I will not be watching the election coverage tonight. No, it is not because David has forbidden me to do so; although, he might have if I didn't have another commitment to attend to tonight. Tonight I will be doing Parent Preview night for Human Growth and Development. Generally this is not a big deal. You go, show the video, ask if there any questions, and quickly wrap things up. This year may be different. Washington State passed a law last year stating that if a district teaches abstinence curriculum they must also include information that is medically and scientifically accurate. Now I want to know, what is medically inaccurate about abstinence being the only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy and transmission of STD's? I'm frustrated because on this issue, we are given the edict that no personal values may come into play. Now, maybe I should be grateful for this because, let me tell you, there are some of my colleagues that I would not want teaching my children because of their personal belief system. HOWEVER, I strongly believe that children need to hear that it is not "normal"(yes, the feelings are natural, but following through on those feelings before marriage should not be part of every day routine), nor OK, for sexual activity to be a part of their lives. They are not ready for the commitment and consequences of such an act. Almost everywhere children turn these days, they are bombarded with scenes of sexuality and behavior. It is so prevalent, that it is easy to assimilate these beliefs into their lives--remember how many swear words you heard as a child, teen-ager, and young adult and how conscientious you needed to be to make sure that those words did not slip into your own vocabulary. I find it ironic that we (being educators, teachers, school personnel) spend a lot of time, effort, and money on "character building and education programs". Programs that focus on responsibility, respect, integrity, honesty, kindness, friendship, etc. And then on this issue (sex ed), they want to keep it about "biology and science" only. Why?! This gives the children a perfect chance to use all of those "character" skills that we have worked so hard to build. But no, we cop out and take the easy road because, after all, we don't want to impose our values on anyone else.

Smile

I was going to blog about how I was a tortured soul yesterday during Fast and Testimony meeting and how it had nothing to do with the actual testimonies that were being born. No, I was tortured by the toddler sitting next to me c.r.u.n.c.h.i.n.g every so LOUDLY on his goldfish crackers. Those yummy, baked cheesy goodness that I will never be able to eat again. Oh how I wanted to rip that bag right out of his chubby little hand and eat everyone of those crackers. But I didn't. I just sat there, trying to focus on the feeling the Spirit, all the while ignoring my stomach and my head, which was almost mocking me with "Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, you can't have those". That was what I was going to blog about, but then I thought how would that make me sound? So instead I want to share with you another simple joy. Tonight in yoga the instructor asked us to think about what the best part of our day was. At first I thought it was the beautiful stars that were shining in the sky when I was running this morning (I've mentioned this before), but then another thought came into my mind. The best part of the day was when J (student at one of my schools) smiled at me. J has autism. He is non-verbal and most of the time you aren't sure if he completely understands what is going on. Today I greeted him as I always do, but this time he paused, turned to me and smiled. It was awesome. I loved that part of the day. Another simple joy to add to the memory bank to draw upon on those days when things are a little rough.

When I Grow Up

Today at the middle school was "Career Day". A day for students and staff to dress in attire representing their desired careers. I did not dress up for the day, but I did spend some time thinking about my life and different careers.

For as long as I can remember I had always wanted to be a doctor--with the exception of my freshman year in college when I thought I wanted to be a lawyer. But I quickly found my way back to the light. Anyway, a doctor. That's what I wanted to be when I grew up. I even interviewed for medical school. Once. That was all. Not again because by that time I was a mother to a wonderful little girl and all of my priorities had shifted.

Now my children are growing up so fast and I wonder if I'll stay in school nursing. It has been a good choice that allows me to work, but also to be the kind of mom that I always wanted to be. But my children will not always need me at the level they need me now and so again my mind begins to wander towards a different career path...one entirely different from the healthcare field.

Maybe because it's an election year. Or maybe it's because I am find myself thinking about my Grandpa Whiting a lot and his service to his community. But for whatever reason, what I really am finding myself drawn to is running for political office someday. I mentioned this to David the other night and he said "you should. you'd be really good at that." So now the question is, when? When would be the right time to jump in to the political arena? Do I wait until K & C are all grown up and out of the house? Where do I start? City council or throw all caution to the wind and go for state rep or senator? i don't know. Maybe these are just pipe dreams conjured up by someone absorbed in this current election season. Someone who really wants to make sure that our Constitution and our Country are protected. Someone who really does believe in the political process, but also someone who believes that government's role should be about leading by example in the areas of personal responsibility, honesty, and a strong work ethic.

Or maybe I'll go work as a Park Ranger at Yellowstone because then I could see things like these all of the time...

The simple things

Holding hands with my husband at church on Sunday, I was struck with how such simple acts can bring such peace and happiness into my life. Everything was just so right as I sat there with my husband,holding hands, listening to the Primary children sing their songs and present their parts for the Primary Program. I spent the rest of Sunday thinking of simple pleasures. These are my simple pleasures:

• My husband's daily phone call at lunch just to see how my day is going. And then his daily phone call as he leaves work to let me know he's on his way home to see "his woman".
• Katelyn's hugs because she finishes her hugs with the same little "mm" sound she has done since she was a toddler.
• Carson's mischievious grin that gives him away long before we actually discover what he has done--this is so like his dad.
• The colors of the trees in Spokane right now.
• The beautiful stars that are shining in the sky when I'm out running in the morning.

Finding joy in the simple things...I try to reflect on these at the end of every day and thank my Heavenly Father for blessing me so.

The depths of despair

Carson would like you to listen to Angel by Sarah McLachlan while reading the introduction to his Christmas list... In this remarkable list they’re the gifts NEEDED by a poor soul named Carson Graham. Carson has lived in agony of being beaten and neglected, having to mow the yard with no pay, being forced to spent his Saturdays, a child’s time to rest and have fun, working eight hours at the farmers market. If Carson earns money he can’t even spend it the way he wants to spend it. He has no agency living with tyrants. If you don’t act now it may be to late for Carson Graham. If you send Carson presents he needs we will send you an autographed picture of Carson Graham. Please help a child who is screaming for help This enpassioned plea was written the day after he had the following conversation with some of his wrestling buddies: Dude 1: Man those shoes are sweet. Carson: Yeh, my sponsor got them for me. Dude 1: What?! Really!? Dudes, come check out these shoes. Carson is being sponsored by Adidias! Carson: No, I'm not sponsored by Adidias. Dude1: Well how much did they cost? Carson: About $140.00. Dude 1: Man, my cost 20 bucks. Enough said. Oh if anyone can give me a simple explanation on how to include music on my posts it would be greatly appreciated as this post really needed Angel to be playing to have the full effect of Carson's desparate plea for help.

A New Leaf

Today was collaboration day, which means from 8:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. the school nurses in our district get together and meet. Sometimes we discuss very pertinent practice issues and other times...well, we meet together anyway. Often times I find myself thinking of about a million other things I could be doing during the 2 hours I am meeting with my colleagues. I even tend to be a little vocal about my frustration with the "apparent" waste of time that collaboration can be. Not this time. Today could have turned very negative. The school nurse supervisor is trying to develop a survey for us to complete on how we manage our time and interact with staff and she was seeking our input on the development of the questions. The questions on the survey were starting out with such a negative spin...what are your biggest frustrations. Actually we only got to the first question before I piped up with: "I can't do negative. I have set a goal this year to love school nursing and I cannot start the year off with a questionnaire that is only going to focus on the negative. I just.can't.do.it" You should have seen the jaws drop--Nurse Graham not negative? Nurse Graham loving school nursing? They were delighted with this new outlook of mine and the tone of the meeting as well as the survey questions immediately took on a new direction. I truly am content with my life.

Does it get any better?

I suppose you could read this question a couple of different ways. Perhaps you read it as an impassioned plea from a mother of teen-agers seeking reassurance and hope that "this too shall pass". Or maybe you read it as a rhetorical question from a mother of teen-agers who is quite content, yea, joyful about her life as it is. Well, if you read it as the latter, you are in the same state that I am in. Don't get me wrong, the whole teen-age thing can be a challenge. But fortunately the "teen-age" moments are few from the true teen-ager and I am hoping that the "teen-age" moments from the 12 year old just mean that he is getting them out of his system and not just ramping up. For those of you experienced with teen-agers, please don't burst my optimism bubble by replying "he is just ramping up". Let me live in this bliss for right now because honestly, that is what I cling to on some days. But really, I am just grateful to be here to do all of the every-day things--go to the grocery store, do laundry, argue with my 12 year old that reading is not dumb and that you just have to do it, etc. On the days that I start to feel frustrated, overwhelmed, overloaded, and every other feeling that goes along with motherhood, I pop over to http://blog.cjanerun.com/ and read how things are going. Jane is caring for her young nieces and nephew while her sister and brother-in-law recover from a horrific plane accident. Her sister is still in a medically-induced coma and the brother-in-law has started rehab. What I love most about Jane's posts are that she is always joyful, even in the direst of times. I don't think I have ever read a "whoa is me" pity-party post. The other day i was visiting the dentist and the person in the chair next to me (well we were kind-of separated by a little wall) was being told that they were going to have to have extensive work done. That started me praying right there, thanking my Heavenly Father for good teeth and flouridated water when I was young. From there my mind wandered to all of the other things that I should be grateful for and it all boiled down to being grateful for everything. Gee, didn't I learn that in Sunbeams? i guess sometimes we are slow learners. So, I am a contented mom who is trying hard every day to have a more optimistic outlook on things--even teen-age drama. For grins and giggles, I remember the note that a little first grader wrote me last year "Dear Nurse Graham: Thank you for teaching me not to pick my nose". Does it get any better?

In case you were wondering...

Katelyn is having a fabulous time in high school. She enjoys early-morning seminary, is loving her drama class, and is quite busy with JV softball. I have some great pictures of her in all her softball-action glory, but she has said no more pictures on the blog--I'm not sure why because all the pictures of her are super cute, but I will honor her request. Consequently, her business directly translates into my business because I have been trying to make it to all of her home games and still pick up Carson from cross-country practice by 5 p.m. What usually results is a lot of circle-driving and catching just a few innings of the game. Fortunately, we have had perfect ball game watching weather for all but 2 games. I am hoping that this will hold true for the last week of the season (which is next week). Katelyn celebrates her 15th birthday this Saturday. She is having a boy/girl party on Friday night. My first boy/girl party that I hosted was an 8th grade graduation party. I hope hers is nothing like mine--boys and girls kissing in the bushes and some really smart kid brought beer and hid it in the bushes. My parents were thrilled and this may have been the last boy/girl party that was hosted in their house, but I can't be sure of that. Wish us, Katelyn's parents, luck for our first boy/girl party--I do take comfort in the fact that all of the kids who she has invited are in her early-morning seminary class and I know all of their parents AND we limited her to 11 kids AND it is being held from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with most of that time being spent watching a movie in our family room.

Carson's BIG Weekend

I think one of the best parts of being a parent is watching your child accomplish a "first"...first word, first step, first day of school. You get the picture. Well this weekend Carson had a couple of "firsts" which are important in our family.

First, The HUNT. This weekend was Carson's first bird hunt carrying a gun. He went with Dave, Grandpa Graham, Josie, Cheloque, and Zoe. Look at the mighty hunter

Check out the spoils of his efforts

But he couldn't have done it without a little help from his friends:

By report, this bird was squaking and kicking trying to get out of Josie's clutches.

Also, it was reported that all of the guys had wonderful time and the old ones were impressed with the up-and-coming young, mighty hunter.

Second, today was Carson's first opportunity to pass the sacrament. He did it beautifully and mom made through without crying--matter-of-fact she wasn't even close to tears because he just looked like he should be up there doing what he was doing.

Look at how handsome he is in a white shirt and tie

But the picture Carson really wanted to include on this blog is this one:

Carson felt it was important to portray a realistic picture of him on the blog, since he thinks that in blogworld people only portray the best.

The Twilight Zone

Weird conversation #1 The following conversation took place this morning as I was driving my friend to the hospital. She had a 6 a.m. check-in time for her knee surgery. Friend: Sorry I was running a little late. I had to shower and shave this morning. Me: Shave? They told you not to shave. Friend: Don't worry, I didn't shave my knee. I just had to tidy and trim up some other areas. First, TMI! Second, do you think the doctors and nurses really care about tidied and trimmed areas. I doubt there are conversations about "Oh look, what a perfect little triangle" and "My aren't her legs nice and smooth." Weird conversation #2 I try to avoid any sort-of political discussion while at work--mostly because conservative/Republican viewpoints are not very popular in the public education setting. However, there are times when politics do come up. Co-worker: I bet you weren't very happy with McCain's pick as running mate. Me: Why would you say that? Co-worker: I just thought you wouldn't be happy. Me: Why? Because she's a woman? Co-worker: Exactly. Me: I think it is wonderful that she was picked. She is a lady who holds many of the same values that I hold. So why exactly did you think I wouldn't be happy? Co-worker: Well because your church doesn't like woman in leadership roles. Me: What?! They have nothing against women in leadership roles. Co-worker: Well they don't let women become bishops. Me: That has nothing to do with their feelings about women in leadership (you frickin' idiot). C0-worker: Well I bet no one in your congregation will vote for Barack. Me: I don't know that you can say that. I would venture to say that there are more than a handful who would. Co-worker: Oh that's good to know. That just proves my point that Washington Mormons are way cooler than Utah or Idaho Mormons. (conversation ends on that note because I left the room). Some people really sound stupid when they open their mouths.

Monday Memories

What a great day today was. I had a lovely 3-mile run this morning before work. David managed to get himself and Katelyn up before I got home from my run. When I got to work, I had a message on my work phone from a mother who had been absolutely rude and horrible to me last week. She called and apologized--I swear that almost made my whole day right then and there. Carson was cheerful when I picked him up from cross country practice--apparently 8th grade girls deciding you are so-o-o cute and wanting you to be their buddy makes practice a lot more bearable. Katelyn figured out the activity bus so that was one less stop on the "mom's taxi service" route. And to end the day, we had an incredibly fun dinner out with my folks (the Family Fun jar was finally full of loose change and dollar bills). When the week starts like this, you know everything is going your way.

Yep, they're getting big

Today was the first day of school. I don't think that Carson thought it was a big deal because he is at the same school as last year. Katelyn put on a brave face as she headed off to start her freshman year of high school. OK, really it was mom who put on the brave face as I wondered how I could be old enough to have a freshman?! But she is and there is no going back even if we could.

So here's to the obligatory "first day of school" picture. Thank you Carson for digging a smile out for the picture.

I almost never win

Are you one of those people who just doesn't seem to have luck roll your way? You know the kind...you enter drawings for awesome door prizes and your name NEVER gets called even though there are 4 door prizes and only 5 people entered the drawing, or you always seem to miss the raffle prize by just one number, or a whole lot of other examples where luck just isn't on your side? Yeah, well if you know that person than you know me. BUT, I think my luck is changing! I have been trying to win these earings to benefit the NieNie Recovery Fund (you can read more about this on her sister's website). I checked on Katie's website today and I think I was the last bidder! Yeh me! I hope I haven't jinxed myself, but I really think I might have won.

Children need early bedtimes

There are several valid scientific reasons why children need early bedtimes and lots of sleep--brain development, conversion of short-term memory to long-term memory, growth, promotes strong immune system to name just a few.

However, the main reason children need early bedtimes is...

some daddies just can't make it to their children's bedtimes if the kids don't go to bed by 9 p.m.

Out of the blue--almost

My little Honda Civic is my mom/work/run-around do errands car. It is a trooper. Unfortunately, because of its job description it looks more like it should belong to Oscar Madison than to Felix Unger. Sad, but true. Yesterday I had to take it to the emissions testing place--making my tabs $58 to renew (43 for the tabs and 15 for the test), but I digress. Anyway as I was waiting for my results, the nice young man who did the test casually asks, "So, what ward are you in?" How did he know I was Mormon? Could it have been my below-the-knee length shorts or maybe I just had that extra "twinkle" in my eye that set me apart? Then I realized that it probably had more to do with the 3 sets of scriptures and the Aaronic Priesthood booklet in the back seat. Well at least he had pretty good deduction skills and didn't ask the question entirely out of the blue.

Summer's Last Hurrah

We spent last week in the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. It was a grand time!

We saw some beautiful scenery:

We saw some of these: and some of these:

lots of these:

3 of these:

(that's a grizzly bear)

We got to enjoy spending time with Nathan and his family--just wish you guys could have stayed longer!

Dave and the kids found a great fishing stream (never mind that it was a 4 mile hike down this canyon)

But the looks on their faces when they caught fish was priceless...

What a wonderful way to send off summer!

I love my legs

My legs are awesome! This week I have required a lot from my legs and they have been there the whole way without complaint. Monday there was a 23 mile bike ride with a gruesome 1.5 mile hill--nary a complaint from my legs. The bike ride was immediately followed by a 1+ mile swim and while my arms were griping, my legs just kept on kicking. Tuesday was a 5+ mile run and my legs carried me over the run with a nice even pace. Again we went for a 1+ mile swim and while my arms were still a little grumpy, my legs never gave any indication that they couldn't handle whatever I asked of them. Wednesday was supposed to be a recovery day for my wonderful legs, but plans changed once we started running. We hit the hills and wound up going 6 hilly miles. My legs stuck with me and even though my lungs were saying "enough", my little legs just kept on truckin. Today I asked my legs to take me on another 23 mile bike ride and they did great. Up the hill without a problem and back. Then my legs took me on a little walk after the bike ride. I wish I could say that my legs are going to get a break, but we are heading to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone tomorrow. I envision a lot of hiking--a lot of it done at "DisneyWorld pace" (someday I'll have to post just what DisneyWorld pace is). Well legs, I promise that in a couple of weeks we'll go back and see Drashell for a really good massage. Until then you'll just have to enjoy the ice baths and stretching after the workouts.

I couldn't be prouder

This is what my family did Saturday morning:

Swim (David is the hottie in the swim trunks)

Bike

Run

That's right. They competed as a team in the Medical Lake Kiwanis Mini-triathlon. I was so proud of them. They all had a great race! Some highlights:

• David didn't drown--he was very afraid that he might, especially after getting kicked in the abdomen. He also noted that he was the only one wearing regular swim trunks.
• Katelyn ROCKED on the bike. She rode the 10 mile course in 45 minutes. This was great considering that on her 10 mile training rides she hadn't ridden any in less than an hour.
• Carson had the run of his life. His time was roughly 25 minutes (maybe a little more) for the 3.5 mile course. This was impressive because he refused to run farther than 2 miles during his training.
• David has caught the triathlon bug and is wanting to do more. Katelyn hasn't completely ruled out being on a team again next year. Carson secretly enjoyed the race, but don't ask him because he'll say running is stupid.

My family ROCKS!

I finally caved

If you don't know me, I'll let you in on a little secret (not so much a secret if you do know me)...I can be quite stubborn, maybe even a little rigid. When I say no, I mean no and I very rarely change my mind. Matter of fact, the more I am pushed, the harder I dig my heels in. Until now. You see today is Carson's birthday and he is a boy who really doesn't ask for much. This year for his birthday he wanted a journal and a cat. The journal was easy. The cat, well that just doesn't work for us because his sister is very allergic to cats (although she did say she would go through allergy shots if we were seriously considering getting a cat for Carson's birthday). I just couldn't bring myself to put Katelyn through allergy shots just so we could get a cat. So here we are at today and as of this morning, we had nothing for Carson's birthday, other than a journal. We (David and I) were racking our brains trying to think of other things for the boy--Dave had great ideas, but they were all >$500.00 so were quickly ruled out. Then I had a thought, yes the thought came from me and I couldn't believe I was even suggesting it. How about a PSP2 or a Nintendo DS for the boy? Did I make that suggestion outloud? Indeed I did and David jumped all over it. For years the kids (and truth be told, David, too) had been begging and pleading for a hand-held gaming system of some sort. I was adamant that we were not going to get one, EVER. Adamant, no way, no how! I argued that they were really a waste of time and money and the kids spent enough time in idleness. They did not need another reason to be sitting around. I held firm. I was a rock. No WAY! What happened? How could I suggest that we get Carson a Nintendo DS for his birthday? Where were my convictions? I don't know. And now I fear that since the door has opened a crack, they are going to push even harder! What's next? A Wii? A cell phone? What? And how what are we going to have to get Katelyn for her birthday if this is what we get Carson when all he wanted was a journal. Oh please pray for me when Christmas comes that I might just leave well enough alone. Carson would have been happy with a journal for his birthday. Why did I have to suggest more?

Oh what do you do in the summertime?

You convince your dad and grandpa to take you and 3 of your closest buddies to the St. Joe River for an overnight camping trip to celebrate your 12th birthday.

You then find a big "jump off" rock and go one by one

And you realize that maybe Josh is the smart one in the bunch because dang that water is cold! Josh said he didn't have a problem with the jumping, it was the falling that was the problem.

After jumping of the rock, you head back to camp for dinner and bed in the brand-new tent. You play sumo wrestling in your sleeping bags while grandpa and dad are snoozing away in the motor home.

In the morning, you find a suspension bridge and jump again. You then head out for a hike, almost lose Josh down a cliff, and everyone catches fish on the fly poles.

Finally, you head home exhausted, but thrilled.

This is what you do in the summertime.

What was that?!

2:10 a.m. Everyone is snuggled down in their beds, slumbering away. 2:11 a.m. A loud, bone-jarring beep. I waken with a jolt and immediately strain to hear anything else. 2:11 and 30 seconds Another loud, bone-jarring beep. This time I jump out of bed with David right behind me. I run to the door, feel the handle and door to check for heat and smell for smoke. Nothing. Out in the hallway we find Carson with a puzzled look on his face and squinting his eyes from the sudden bright light from turning on the hall light. So far nothing seems amiss. We all wander through the house (all except Katelyn who apparently did not stir at all). When everything checks out in the house, Dave and I take a walk around the perimeter of the outside of the house. Again, all is well. 2:25 a.m. Back to bed. 3:20 a.m. I finally drift back to sleep--sudden bursts of adrenaline really mess up my sleep schedule. 4:30 a.m. The alarm goes off to start another day. 4:50 a.m. I finally roll out of bed (after hitting the snooze button twice), dress for my run and head out the door. Why do smoke detectors always seem to die in the middle of the night? And why couldn't this one just go quietly into that good night with the pleasant little "chirp" that we usually get when the batteries are almost dead? I'm learning how to be a glass-half full person and so for this moment I have found this positive...David actually responded without me having to kick him in the shin to get out of bed to find out what was going on. This is a B-I-G moment.

Mom's taxi service

Having children is a huge blessing. Running them to all of their different activities...well, I should love it. Yesterday looked like this...Drop Carson off at weight training camp, drop Katelyn at tennis camp, pick up Carson from weight training, drop Carson off at Grandpa and Grandma Graham's, pick up Katelyn from tennis, drop Katelyn at a friend's pool party. Guess how many miles I drove yesterday. Go ahead, take a guess. No clue? 75 miles! 75 miles driving in circles. I should love that right? I mean I am holding the kids captive in a small enclosed space. It should lend itself to good conversation right? Not when they are teen-agers or pre-teen--talking is the last thing they want to do. Even with all of my open-ended questions and active listening skills (learned from years of working as a nurse and being mom) did nothing to elicit good conversation. On the brighter side of being mom's taxi service...I only had to drive 60 miles today.

My kids think I'm smart

The other night we were watching "Duel", a TV game show. I was on a roll answering the questions without missing a beat. Carson (my son) was ribbing his dad about his (Dave's) wrong answers. He then says "Mom is way smart. She gets all of them right." Who wouldn't love hearing that come from your child? He then asks me, "So how did you get to be so smart?" Quick-thinking me answered, "I was a voracious reader when I was young--I read anything from books to magazines, even the occassional encyclopedia. I also had a mom and dad who exposed us to much trivia and almost every road-side information sign there was." I am trying to convince my children that reading really is a profitable hobby. We continue to watch Duel and 2 questions later is this gem "Which company has as its slogan, The passionate pursuit of excellence?" (or something really close to that). I had no idea. Carson, on the other hand, got it before the choices were even displayed. He turns to me and says "Ha, that learning is from watching TV." The answer to the question...Lexus.

About me

Well I have been lurking in the blogging world for about a year and have decided to give blogging a try. Extemporaneous writing is not really a strength, but I am willing to stretch. All I ask is that you are patient with me. This blog is about motherhood, the art of school nursing, and other interesting things that occur in my life. I'm going to try and figure out how to do my profile, but for now, here a few facts about me...

• married for 18 years to a fabulous man.
• mother of 2 children, ages 12 and 14 (15 in October)
• I have been working as a school nurse for the last 6 years. It is a challenge, where some days I hate it and other days I totally feel like school nursing is my calling.
• I'm fairly active, with training for triathlons being one of my favorite pasttimes.
• our family lives in Eastern Washington, which gives us ample opportunities for outdoor activities.

Have questions about what a school nurse does? Feel free to ask. As school starts, more school nursing will be discussed.

Thanks for visiting.