Graduation and Beach Days

This weekend we were blessed to experience our eldest Goddaughter graduate from high school! Jason and her father have known each other as young boys and he was even there when little Taylor was born! I entered into the picture much later in life but the closeness of our families makes it seem as I’ve known her from the very beginning as well. It’s amazing how time flies by and you see the kiddos grow up. I feel as though I’m frozen in time but its times like these that make me realize that as they are getting older…. I must be as well! Good grief!
We also seized the opportunity to steal away to the beach! Layla’s not been to the beach yet so this was perfect time to try out her cute little swimsuit! Well… That’s about all she wanted to try! Little Miss is not a fan of the sand or ocean or any of it! She wouldn’t do anything. So we sat. Landon and J romped and played in the water and Layla and I chilled in the sun. A few pictures were taken and we called it a day. I didn’t want Layla to get burned by just sitting there in the sun… But guess who got that pleasure? Yep! Yours truly!

Dr. Clean

*written on Monday Oct 8, 2012*

That was my name today -Dr Clean! Rose called me that after our first day in the clinic. Everyone who passed through the door wanted cleanings! If you know me and know how much I love doing what I do, you must know that my least favorite thing is cleaning teeth! It is. I said it. For some people that’s hard to understand because I’m a dentist. But I like to create, build, restore, fix and renew teeth or smiles. I like to help people get out of pain. Cleaning teeth is such an important job. It is. That’s why there are hygienists who do just that! I love my hygienists at my office! They are great at what they do and I’m appreciative of them. Even more so today! Most people here need periodontist or a specialist for gums and bone. Today they had me! They had me and dull cleaning instruments. It was a hard day. I have to say that at one point I was highly discouraged because I felt like I wasn’t productive . But I had to remember that God’s plans are not my plans and I am here to serve the need. If it’s cleanings that is the need… Call me Dr Clean!

Rain Rain Go Away

It’s 12am if the first night in the mission house. Rewind to about 8 pm when I showered and started getting ready for bed. I was checking out the facilities, just amazed at the structure and building that is here and looked up and saw that we have a tin or metal roof. “Ahhhh ” I say to myself , “bet that’s pretty loud when it rains”. Well… it’s 12am and I am awakened by the sound of a trillion rain drops per second on this lovely metal roof that is keeping us nice and dry. It sounds like I’m in the depths if the ocean or lying immediately under railroad tracks. It’s loud! And then there is the thunder! I’ve heard some loud claps of thunder before, but here when it thunders you feel it rattle in your chest! But thank you God for protection from the storm. Thank you for providing shelter in the time of storm! Meanwhile I will probably be up until this storm passes.
I got a little apprehensive because of the intensity of the noise but God reminded me if something special He showed me on the plane ride. Just as we were flying over the island, we flew past a large storm cloud and you could tell that it was dumping some intense rain over the region. The cloud looked angry and slow moving over this particular area, but if you looked THROUGH the storm a slight little rainbow was visible! God is here! He is at work! And even through the dark angry storms in our life, God is in control! So I will just pray through this storm right now and get some rest on the other side of it I think.

Mighty Rock in a weary land
Cooling shade on the burning sand
Faithful Guide for the Pilgrims band
A shelter in the time of storm.

By the way, the next morning…. We saw this! A double rainbow!

Touch down Ayiti (Haiti)

Not sure if I’ve told you but I have always wanted to be on a mission trip to Haiti, it’s never happened for one reason or the other. I’ve planned to go on many a mission to Haiti and always, always, always something happened and I’ve never gotten to go. That is until RIGHT NOW! I’m in Guitton, Haiti at an SMI Haiti mission house. (Link) I’m on a mission trip with Bellevue Baptist Church and I am hoping to be able I do some dental work while I’m here. (The details of setting up my “clinic”or a clinic, or working at the local clinic have yet to be worked out. ) Anyhow, we landed this afternoon and I must say, Haiti is B-e-a-utiful! It’s absolutely gorgeous! I’ve had friends tell me or years that if I ever get to go I’d love it because its beautiful and of course the wonderful people. I must say its lives up to all the hype! Mountains, mountains and more mountains! I didn’t realize how much of the landscape was made up of mountains! Simply amazing.
Driving from the airport to the city where we were staying was a bit of a drive but I was in love! Listening to l the kreyol being spoken, trying to recall my vocabulary and phrases, watching the kids on the side of the road notice when you’ve waved at them and then just flash those awesome smiles up at you, and finally seeing the infamous “taptaps ” of the Hatian roads- I felt like I was visiting a long lost friend! Haiti you and I finally are getting some time together!!
Apparently since the earthquake and new president, a lot has been accomplished. The major or large “tent cities” have been evacuated that existed right outside of the airport in Port Au Prince. The land is cleaned up and grass and things are growing. There was an area a but north of Port Au Prince where they had a mass grave for all the “unknown” dead that were lined up for miles and miles. It’s all grown over and you’d not know where it was anymore if it weren’t for a lonely marker at the top of a hill in the shape if a cross. Some areas are still populated with tents or temporary housing that has turned permanent for many. This is all disheartening. But when you hear of what it was like before and see how things have changed, I’m encouraged that things are looking much better for the Haitian people.
As we pulled into the compound where the mission house was I got so excited! This is one fabulous mission home! Running water, (I said running water-not warm water!this means nice COLD showers,- praise God though), real beds to sleep on, many rooms, full kitchen, and electricity! Wow! I did a little exploration after finding where I was going to sleep and then I found a balcony…. The scenery was breathtaking. Haiti…. I think I’m in love!

A Surprise of Epic Veggie Tale Porportions

My son is five years old.  Enough said right?  He’s five and all boy.  That’s wonderful.  Really it is.  HOWEVER, when the teacher sends notes home about how he did this or that, all that wonderful “he’s just being a boy, he’s only five, he’s so cute” stuff doesn’t cut it! My  pride and joy son, has a bit of a problem at school sometimes.  He has classroom rules that he breaks. Often. He’s a work in progress.  Pray for him.  Anyways, last week my darling son out did himself.  He did not get in trouble ONE day that week at school! He followed directions and was helpful to his teacher and friends. I was so proud.  So for his reward for behaving wonderfully, I took him to play at Chuck-E-Cheese.  He had so much fun.  This week I was looking for the same type of behavior.  We now knew this was achievable! So his week started out great! So proud.  Then I heard on the radio (K-LOVE) that Veggie Tales Live show would be here in Cordova and I knew that my little guy would LOVE to see Veggie Tales!  We are avid Bob and Larry watchers over here.  So I pumped Landon’s head with all great “you will get a surprise Thursday evening if you behave yourself at school” messages. And he was doing it.  Behaving himself at school. So proud.  And finally tonight, we delivered on that promise and we saw Bob the Tomato and Larry  the Cucumber on stage singing and dancing.  Kids had a great time.  Layla even enjoyed herself. It’s always a joy when you can enjoy watching your children experience something that is a rare treat.  I’m thankful we were able to take him on this fun and rare outing.  It was worth it even if I was told that it wasn’t that great of a surprise because it wasn’t Chuck-E-Cheese. **Blank stare** Yep! You are welcome, Landon, You are welcome!

Larry, Junior and Bob on stage

Landon enjoying the show

Layla watching her big brother act silly dancing to the songs

Proud Momma

I used to frequent Wal-Mart quite regularly.  Recently I’ve found myself not making the dreaded trip there as much. This suits me just fine, I’m just setting up the back story a bit! On this rare weekday, I couldn’t find the particular rice that I love to prepare at our local Kroger store so I needed to purchase it from Wal-Mart. Another  rare occasion since my girl has entered this world is that it was just my boy and me doing some shoppin’ that day! We don’t get much mommy-son alone time so it was good bonding time.
‘Dini had asked to ride in the shopping cart and I agreed – this just allows me to get through the store much more quickly. We were up and down the aisles, looking for items we couldn’t retrieve elsewhere and trying to find my parboiled rice. I love parboiled rice. There’s just something about it. Not sure of the whole parboiling process. But the rice apparently gets partially boiled and then dried all the while remaining in the husk. That’s about all I can tell ya. Anywho, we were heading down the aisle so we could make our turn onto the rice aisle when Landon saw a handicapped man in a motorized shopping cart.  The poor elderly man had very limited use of his hands and couldn’t walk. He was in a very crouched position. It was sad. Landon was just about to fix his mouth to say “Mommy look at that man” when I quickly interrupted him and asked him to be quiet. If you have children, you know what my fear was! Little people can sure say WHATEVER comes to their little minds. I was afraid he might say something insensitive loudly so I was wanting him to be quiet. He persisted and finally said, “Can I help him Mommy?” Landon had seen the man drop a box of snacks he was reaching for on he floor and wanted to help him pick it up! I asked him if he thought he could climb out of the cart and he said yes. He claimed out of the basket, walked over to the man, and just quietly started to hand the man his box. It turns out that man didn’t actually need that particular box but had accidentally knocked it off trying to get something else.  So Landon placed it back in the shelf.  The man just stared at Landon and he said that he was a nice boy!  I told Landon to stay and find out what the man was trying to get. When he motioned what it was, he put the requested item in the basket. Then he climbed up back into my cart .  The man drove right up to us and told me that my son was sooo nice and I was too and then use thanked us again. He looked almost dumbfounded that my little guy had gone out-of-the-way to help him. He again told me what a sweet young man I had and thanked us profusely.  Landon felt so proud o himself. And I was moved to tears! My boy had seen a need and completely went out of his way to help someone.  He’s done so much in his short little life that I’m thankful for and proud of, but that single moment, on this rare occasion, I don’t think I’ve been more proud of my little man. He’s growing up and he may turn out alright after all!

Thank you WordPress Hierarchy/ Rant

For some reason I have not been able to post photos with pending blogs. Granted I don’t post every day, or even every few days for that matter.  That’s neither here nor there. Don’t judge me. Anyways, it’s almost never the occasion that I don’t have a photo to publish with a post.  I think that makes the subject more interesting. Gives the post some girth. Well for the past few weeks, when I’ve attempted to post about my Granny, I’ve been unable to post photos with it.  And today, today of all days, it has allowed me to post the photos with my blog.  Thank you.  To Whom It May Concern, thank you. I refused to post anything about my Granny’s 90th birthday without her beautiful photograph.  I am, after-all, her favorite grandchild! (Yes all my cousins! I said it! You read it! Deal with it!  Favorite Grandchild = ME!)

I am amazed that today would be the day that posting a photo would be successful.  I have had one of those days.  You know one of those days that you wished you belonged in that commercial and the results actually occurred.  The commercial where nothing is going the way the lead actress or actor wants it to go and all of the sudden, they see it. The bright red plastic circle with the inscription “EASY” on it.  They push the big button and all is right in the world.  I needed that button today.  Today is Thursday and it felt like the worst Monday you could have.  It felt like how Friday the 13th is feared.  It was RIDICULOUS.  On top of all the shenanigans that occurred, MY character, practice, and professionalism was questioned by someone who falsely identifies them self  by a professional nickname!  The nerve of some people.  I truly pride myself in what I do and genuinely caring for my family, friends, and my patients.  For this person to question my motives and my professionalism really hurt me.  After the crazy insane day I was having it was like this person just twisted the dagger that was already stabbing me.  And then my lovely mother reminded me that “.. we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world.. Eph. 6:12″.  And that’s all I have to say about that. Thanks Mommy.

90 and still counting

Towards the end of August my family, immediate and extended paternal side, celebrated my grandmother’s 90th birthday!  90 years is amazing!  She is as sweet, funny, and crazy as ever so I know and pray that she has several more birthdays in front of her.  We had three, count them, three fun-filled days to celebrate Granny’s birthday! Isn’t three days of festivities a bit much for a 90-year-old woman you might ask.  Absolutely not! Apparently her nine children, my father included, thought it would be just fine to wear my poor Granny out for her birthday. But she took it all in stride.  We really did have a great time.  All of my dad’s siblings were there and my countless cousins.  It was a blast.  My favorite part of the weekend was how my lovely grandmother just smiled hard every day of the celebration.

I already knew that Granny was a remarkable woman.  However I was reminded of some of her accomplishments that helped mold her into the wonderful woman she still is.  Granny taught in the school system-grade school, junior and senior high school for 45 years. That’s incredible.  She was a teacher in times of segregation and integration.  Times where she had to earn respect from her students just because of who she was and over came those challenges.  She was a wife, married for over 60 years, and a mother of nine, yes NINE children, twenty-three grandchildren, and twenty-four and still counting great-grandchildren!  The impact she’s had on so many young people’s lives is more than any words on any page or blog can hold. I’m just blessed to be able to say she’s my phenomenal Granny.

The goings on

Apparently the lord’s of WordPress are making it very hard for me to post pictures with my posts and I’ve spent the better part of two days (well, the free time that I do have to sit infront of the computer to blog) trying to attach pictures to a post on my Grandmother. I REFUSE to post it without her beautiful picture on here so you all must wait until I get whatever “issues” worked out.  I’m not sure of the problem. Nothing occurs when I click the button to insert a photo. Hopefully the link will behave soon and allow me to attach photographs and you all can be happy! Sorry for the inconvenience!

In other news, I am preparing to go on a mission trip! YAAAY!! I must say that I am both very excited and very reserved at the same time.  I do love mission work. It is the SOLE reason why I decided to go into the field of dentistry.  Throughout my ever-growing desire to do mission work, I have constantly tried to go on various mission trips to Haiti.  Without fail, something always happens to the trips I plan to be apart of in regards to Haiti.  Sometimes dates for the trip weren’t working out, cholera breakouts, too many volunteers and I didn’t make the cut, the list goes on and on.  This opportunity recently presented itself and I was almost left out of this trip as well.  So I am soliciting prayers as I get ready to serve in Haiti. I’ve been thrown a couple of curve balls already.  There were initially two dentists going on this trip and apparently now there may only be me! So lots of planning ahead in just a few weeks.  I leave on Oct. 6th and with two little ones to care for I’ve got a lot to do and little time to do it. 

Chow for now! Hopefully my next posts will include pics!

Superwoman

**Que the Alicia Keys “Superwoman” soundtrack**

I have met her. She does exist. Funny thing is, I really can’t recall her real name. I wouldn’t refer to her by it anyways because she is SUPERWOMAN in my book.  The other night I was able to steal away and have some hard-to-come by “girly” time with some friends.  I was invited to partake in a “surprise” party of sorts.  The surprise wasn’t exactly for someone else, but for the guests!  This is neither here nor there.  At the party I met Superwoman! This amazingly talented woman came to the party having just played in a soccer game.  She comes in, all fit and trim – kudos #1 to her in my book because I have yet to find my workout groove.  #2 She is responsible for the beautifully decorated home-made double-layered carrot cake, chocolate cup cakes AND professionally personalized individual cookies!  RIDICULOUS! Absolutely amazing. THEN #3 we find out she and her husband have just recently adopted three, children! Two of the children are a pair of twins!  YES! Where she found the time in the day to create such fabulous desserts for this party is beyond me.  The fact that she and her husband have seen a need with three siblings and are providing them a loving, stable home is absolutely awesome.  And where she finds time to run, play soccer and stay active is just insane.  Absolutely awesome. My hat goes of to her. Our brief encounter with each other the other night was enough to show what a genuine and lovely lady she is.  This was further confirmed when she spoke about her newly formed family.  She’s just trying to figure it all out herself, she says.  It’s just been her husband and her for several years and now they’ve got three children!  When I grow up, I want to be like her!