Translation

So in high school I took French and I remember some of it. That helped me in college when I took more French. There was a patient not too long ago who came with her mother and her mother spoke NO english. Somehow I was the translator for a few minutes...go figure. Then in college I also took sign language. That was fun. I wish I had taken more of it, but I am also able to communicate VERY SLOWLY to someone if I need to. Now that I am an adult I have figured out I need to learn the most commplicated language of all....Toddler...AKA Taylorese. For those of you who have been around Taylor for about five minutes of his life lately, you know what I mean. The kid doesn't stop. For a kid who didn't talk till he was two and a half...he's making up for it. I think maybe he was just saving it up in his head and now he has no stop button or a filter. If he thinks it...he says it. Slowly I am starting to understand some of his new language and the way he uses it. As I figure out more I will let you know, but in the mean time here's a few helpful translations that might help you out.

(The Taylorese is the first of the statement in all caps...the English (AKA adult version) of the statement is the second part...from Taylor's perspective)

- SHINY = bright...either the light or the sunshine
- I NEED TO REST = procrastination...whatever it is you are wanting me to do, I'm gonna stop for a minute and see if you forget
- SHOW = any cartoon I want to watch
- PLEASE DON'T MOVE = I am going to go do something you wouldn't want me to do...if I get you to stay still, you can't see it!
- I'LL BE A BIG BOY AT THE DENTIST AND HELP HIM COUNT MY TEETH = Once we get in the office I am going to loose it and the only way the dentist will see my teeth is when I am screaming to get up and leave.
- NO CRYING AT THE BARBER SHOP = I am going to talk a big game to get us there and get some candy, but once I get in the chair, I'm only getting half a haircut before I bring on the tantrum.
- I'M NOT HUNGRY = I'm not hungry for what you want me to eat, but I'll take some fruit if you want to give it to me.
- WHAT ARE WE GOING TO TRY TONIGHT? = What three bites do I have to choke down at dinner to get fruit and oatmeal for supper?
- NO THANK YOU = Whatever you want me to do, eat or pick up...I'm not gonna.
- I'M SORRY = If I say this cute enough and give you a kiss, maybe I won't have to go to time out or get a spanking.
- I NEED TO GO POO POO = This always stops whatever I am having to do. I really don't have to poop, I might just pee. Maybe you'll forget what you were asking me to do while we are in the potty...
- I DON'T NEED TO POTTY = I'm busy right now, but in a few minutes I am going to be running for the bathroom to potty.
- I'M NOT TIRED. I HAVEN'T YAWNED YET. = If I haven't yawned, I don't have to go to bed.
- THE SANDMAN IS IN MY EYES...HERE LOOK = I'm tired. I really am.
- HI MOMMY...MY FRIEND IS ON THE PHONE...SSSHHHHH PLEASE = You might want to check and see if someone is REALLY on the phone. Chances are I have called 911 and the operator is looking for you.
- PLEASE LAY WITH ME FOR THREE SONGS = I really want you to lay with me for 20 songs. Once we get to the end of the second song I am going to ask you really sweetly if you would hug me and if you would please lay for one more song. Then I'll do this again when that song is over and see how far it gets me.
- ONE MORE TIME/LAST TIME AND THAT'S IT = Not even close to the last time. I've got a good three or four left in me.
- NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT = You better figure out what I just did...broke...spilled...
- UH OH MOMMY = This could be any number of things...start looking and figuring out now. Something is wrong...somewhere...
- YOU FORGOT SOMETHING = I need a hug, kiss and a nosey before you leave please

As you can see...not an easy language to translate, but lots of fun to figure out!

Humbled

LET'S GET READY TO BE HUUUUUMMMMBBBLLLEEEDDD!!!

For all of you Mt. Olive folks out there...I am still laughing with you. For all of you who don't know what I am talking out, yesterday was Youth Sunday at church. What a wonderful service. From start to finish it was filled with the love of God, the excitement of the youth and the hit on the head we all needed. I felt like I had traveled back in time and was at a Young Life meeting listening to Tim Teague or David Talley speak. The difference is that it was a high school senior and a college freshman who blew me away and knocked me off my feet.

During the service there was wonderful music, humor in the video, fellowship with the huge crowd we had at church, but most importantly there was not one....but TWO sermons that hit me where it hurt. These young men are more mature in their walk well beyond their years and have the "swagger" (as Dustin said) to lead many many many youth in their direction...just by living the way they already are.

First Bryce spoke. As I hit my snooze this morning I couldn't help but think about this message. It was so hard to wake up this morning... Then I think about how it was just as hard for me to be awake for my walk with Jesus. Bryce made a wonderful point to say that we are not supposed to be comfortable where we are. We are supposed to be striving to BE more and to be DOING more in our walk. If we are set in our place and in our walk, then we are not doing what we are called to be doing. We need to be constantly looking ahead...we need to be constantly wanting more for ourselves...we need to be constantly living for MORE and to DO more for Him. Wow. We all live our lives to find comfort...we all live our lives to be content...we all are conforming to what we think we need to be doing. We are all selling ourselves short. There is so much more for us...there is a new generation of warriors ready to lead.

Then Jonathan spoke. Arms Wide Open...what a wonderful concept. We need to be more loving and accepting. We need to be WANTING people to see God in our face. We need to be WANTING to be the example. We need to be WANTING people to wonder how and why we are so happy in life. Jonathan gave a wonderful illustration through Extreme Home Make Over. When the building is all over and they have brought the people home to see the house they all yell "Busdriver...Move That Bus!" then the camera pans to the owners faces...not the house. We can see how extravagant the house is and how happy and grateful they are from their faces. We don't have to see the house to know. I don't want people to look at me and see a lame house. I want them to look at me and see the mansion God has provided me with.

I knew I would enjoy this service, but I never imagined how much I would receive from it. Not only has it lit a fire under me and helped me see the new path I need to take, it has given me hope for my son's future. God has placed the service for Him in these young men's hearts. Taylor will have people to look up to. Taylor will have good examples to follow. God has set a future for these young men and I am honored to be able to watch it.

Whoa....

Whoa...Where did the time go??

New year...new beginning...time to move on.

2010 is going to be great. I've already decided. The end of 2009 was stressful to say the least, so it's time to move on. Over the course of my life I have had many many broken bones but no surgeries to speak of. I had surgery when I was an infant, but since I don't remember, I don't think that counts :) Now I am less a gallbladder (and VERY happy about it) and been through a D and C (and not as happy about that). I've figured out that I am a VERY light weight regarding anesthesia and if you are upset when you go into surgery, they tend to keep giving you more....haha!

The child who didn't want to talk, now doesn't stop talking. If you ever want to know anything about anything, just ask Taylor. He now talks about everything... Counts everything (in English and in Spanish), tells you what color they are, asks if he is right about what it is, asks you what you think it is and then wants to know why you aren't talking to him or answering any of his questions. We are also potty trained!! Whoo Hoo!! We only sleep in a pull up and we now make it through the day with NO ACCIDENTS! Not as bad as I thought it would be (knock on wood).

While Taylor has moved forward on the talking, we are still battling eating. I know I know...look at the kid...he's growing fine. He has FINALLY learned that he has to at least try what we offer, and usually he does and then follows with "That wasn't so bad!" Then you ask "Do you want more??" and the most polite three year old I know says "No thank you Mommy." Gotta take what you can get :)

I have also started doing embroidery for a local shop in Maryville, Dandy Lions. I LOVE IT. I was blessed enough to have the opportunity to buy an industrial home machine and it is wonderful. I am still working on redoing the examples and the font book, but everyone should send ALL their embroidery and monogramming to Dandy Lions. I am still taking orders from home, but if you live in the Maryville area just drop it off at the store. I pick up Mondays and Thursdays. Still trying to sell my wonderful old machine. Know anyone who would want it, please let me know!

One of my resolutions is to blog more. If it is written down, I am more accountable. If you have already read it, then I have to follow it. So for the handful of folks out there who might still check this site...here we go!

Happiness

Dustin has been receiving devotions from a friend he grew up with in FL and I felt this one was too good not to share...Enjoy!

"All the days of the afflicted are evil, But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast."Proverbs 15:15

First things first, "Happiness" is a choice. It is a choice that we make everyday, to be happy or to be angry, sad or depressed. As Christians, believers in God and His word, we should never fear or revere anything that this world brings against us. There have been times in my life where I have lost site of this and chose to be sad, chose to be "the victim" or whatever. But there has been times when I have stood tall and secure in what God has planned for me, His blessings and the comfort that only He can give. And what a difference it made in my life! How different we feel when we take on circumstances with a smile, trust God and be a light to those who sit in the dark.We are supposed to be different, right? Has anyone every come up to you said, "Wow, how did you do that?" or "How did you handle that? Why didn't you get upset? You had all the right to yell and scream and be angry or upset!" Set yourself apart, God is your provider!1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to be thankful for everything, because what we encounter is all part of God's will. It goes beyond being happy or content in what you are doing or where you are at, but being thankful! My challenge to you is to make the decision to be thankful in everything. Your job, your relationships, your financial situation, every aspect of your life, just thank God today for it all. If you are grateful for what you have you cannot concentrate on the lacking that Satan tries to plant in our emotions.

Perspective

We all have sadness in our lives. We all have tragedy in our lives, but when something awful and tragic happens to someone close to you it puts it in perspective.


Yesterday I saw a casket that was way too small. They shouldn't make them that small...they shouldn't have to. I saw two loving parents that were distraught and broken to the core. I saw hundreds of people trying to take some of their pain away and share in their sorrow.

Makes you think...makes you see a new perspective on things. Most fights aren't that important. Most grudges aren't worth holding. Most gossip isn't worth sharing. Is it really that important that someone said something not really nice about you? Is it really that important to be mad at someone when you find out the truth about them? Is it really that important to hold a grudge that you don't even remember what started it? Is it really that important to be right? Is it really that important that your child is a picky eater is doesn't talk as well as others his own age? Is it really that important that bedtime has become a battle?

Not really.

Please continue to pray for our friends, Mark and Leanne Denny. They have a struggle ahead of them that I don't know I would be strong enough to face.

Prayer Request

This softball season Dustin and some friends have started a prison ministry team. Two guys from his old team are running this out reach opportunity and doing a wonderful job. I am so proud of these guys for using their talent and spiritual walk to share the word with others.

One of the leaders of the team, Mark Denny and his wife, Leanne need to be lifted up in prayer right now. They are expecting their first little girl and Leanne is having some complications. Leanne is 20 weeks along. Last weekend she was in a car accident and came away from it unharmed. The next day she started bleeding and was passing dime sized clots. Her husband brought her to the hospital where they did surgery to remove a polyp from her cervix. At this time the found out she was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. The doctors were hopeful that removing the polyp would stop the bleeding and she would be able to carry the baby normally. Today Leanne went back to the hospital because she started bleeding again and was transferred to UT for more observation. Now they have concluded that the placenta is detached.

Please lift these three up in prayer with me...

Advice?

So I am at my frustration breaking point...

Taylor REALLY needs a haircut. He's had haircuts before, but the second time he seemed a little better and then the third haircut he got, the guy snipped the top of both of Taylor's ears. He didn't mean to...it's hard to cut a moving target. I took him today to get his haircut. We talked about it on the way, he said he would sit still if I gave him a sucker. He walked in fine. He was a little shy at first, but when he saw I had brought suckers he sat in the chair with no problem. We had a DVD player with Diego playing, so he seemed to be content. The nice lady was SUPER patient with him and talked to him a lot. I let out a sigh of relief till she tried to put a cape on him. He wasn't having that. Then we talked about the fish ON the cap...he liked that. She tried again...not having it. Screaming now...off off off off off off. Then I climb in the chair with him...calmed down a little. I started to mess with his hair so he wouldn't know she was. It seemed to work, till she came at him with scissors. More screaming.

She wouldn't just keep cutting because he wouldn't hold still at all.

Help? Anyone?

If you see my child in the near future, know that it is not by choice his hair looks the way it does...

Rewind Button

Lately I have been wanting a rewind button in my life. Taylor is officially 2 1/2 and I am noticing things that could have been done different with him and probably should have been done different. It is very hard not to baby your first born... I have realized that we have done that WAY too much for Taylor. Because of this we are trying to break some habits we have fallen into and have run into a wall of frustration. I know this is all just a phase and it will pass, but right now I am thinking of many things that could have helped us NOT get to this point. I should have let him get his hands dirty more, I should have introduced solids earlier and in more variety, I should have let him feed himself more... All in all I am thankful and blessed for my healthy toddler and thankful God helps us by not letting them remember most of this time :)

Tips of the Day

1. Remember that you can't "unsay" anything. If you say something about someone, make sure you mean it and know that just owning up to it and saying sorry can make a world of difference.

2. Turn off your car when you are pumping gas. An obvious tip I know... but just this morning I saw it happening. The car next to me was running, had people inside and the gas handle going.

Gray Answers...

We grow up taught that honesty is the best policy. While I don't believe any of us should purposely lie, I have grown to realize that many answers in life are not black and white, much is in the gray.

The other day at work my "go to" nurse was off, so I knew I had to start all the IV's on my own. When I get a hard stick or if someone comes in and the first thing out of their mouth is "you get one try" I go and get my wonderful co-worker who amazes me with her IV ability. Sometimes I really think she makes veins in people sometimes. Many of the people who come in our department are already somewhat ill, out of shape and not young...all of which add up to not easy IV's.

The last patient we needed to set up was a tiny little lady who was close to 80. She hadn't had anything to eat or drink since the night before (this was about 10:30 am) and we had worked her in because she was supposed to have surgery that day, but was unable because she didn't get cardiac clearance...so she was in a great mood already. I go through my whole speech on the test she was having, and just how much fun it was going to be and she let me know she was not that excited to be with me today...yeah...fun stuff. Then the fun part...the IV and injection... I roll up her sleeve to see what kind of veins we were working with...I see nothing...absolutely nothing. She then told me that sometimes when she goes to the doctor they have to try 6 or 7 times to get blood...wonderful. Finally I find ONE possibility. At this point I would have NEVER tried to stick her, but today I had no choice. She then asked me the question I hate to hear...

"Are you any good at this?"

In reality...I would say I am pretty okay, working towards good... at starting IV's. I get most, but some people just have nothing to work with, and some people just scare me. I've only been doing this for almost a year, and I was taught how to start IV's on the job....sticking volunteers. Half the battle is having the confidence and having a thick skin to what the patients have to say. Some people are NEVER happy and no one wants you coming at them with a needle, and not a small one at that. So I could have told her the truth and said I'm not really sure...or I could have lied and said oh yeah I'm wonderful but I took the Gray road and said

"I certainly hope so."

I then proceeded to say a small prayer and try to start her IV while she stared at me. First try...no flashback of blood..dang it! Don't panic...pull back a little and try again...thank goodness, GOT IT...please thread please thread please thread...whew...it worked.

I am teaching Taylor that honestly is always the best policy, but as an adult sometimes I live in the gray area...

Life's Little Bumps

Reasons my life is stressing me out lately:

1. The holidays are over...I hate taking my tree down and admitting to myself that the holidays are over. I now have to wait a whole year for Christmas and my birthday to come around again...

2. I wasn't able to get the WONDERFUL embroidery machine that I was wanting. Over the past month or so, I have been in talks with a nice lady about buying her machine. She had told the boss she works for that she was wanting to stop doing her embroidery and in a random series of events, she asked me if I was interested. After much thought and deliberation, I decided I would like to do it, and I'd like to buy her machine. For Christmas I told everyone I wanted money to go towards the machine, so I had a nice chunk of change to throw down towards it. It was MUCH more than my first machine, but everything I could ever want and it was a great deal... Sadly, she backed out. She decided at the last minute she wanted and needed to keep the machine to make some extra money. Can't be mad at her for that, but I can still be disappointed. So I am back at square one with finding an embroidery machine. We can't afford a new machine like hers, so I am going to have to get a lesser machine and realize it wasn't meant to be.

3. We took Taylor for a speech evaluation. Found out he is ahead of his chronological age in comprehension, but behind in articulation. Insurance doesn't pay for speech unless it is for drastic reasons, and he isn't in need of drastic intervention. I understand he is a boy and boys develop speech slower than girls. I understand he is perfectly fine and will get it eventually, but I am way too type A to not try and help. I also know that it is not my fault, but as his mother I still question...

I really believe that everything happens for a reason and has a lesson attached to it, so I am trying to learn. One of my resolutions for the year is to try to calm down and not over analyze everything...maybe I'll start that resolution later :)

We all have to grow up sometime...

Friday night was a big first for us...a babysitter...that was NOT related to us. Thankfully I am involved in helping to teach a high school aged bible study, so I have a number of trustworthy girls to choose from. Admittingly, it was harder for me than it was for Taylor. Ally (the wonderful babysitter) was warned ahead of time that he would probably cry, so I got a new special book for Ally to give to Taylor when she arrived and he loved it. She took him into his playroom when we left, and he didn't even know we left. I texted her a few times and she reassured me that everything was and would be fine. Dustin and I had a great time at the Christmas party we went to, and on the way home we were debating what we would find when we walked in. I expected Diego to be on and Taylor happily (hopefully) watching TV, ready for us to come home. When we walked in there were no cartoons on and there was a giggling boy running and playing so happy!! He greated me with a happy "Hi Momma!" and Daddy got one to, but then he moved on. He wanted to hug on Ally next...that made me SO happy! Taylor did wonderful, and I did too. Now we have a wonderful babysitter to rely on.

We all have to grow up sometime...I am trying to catch up to Taylor...

Fun Fact #2

Just so you know...Not all "child proof caps" are Taylor proof.

Taylor has been fighting the teething battle for awhile now, so a bottle of Tylenol can usually be found on his changing table/dresser. I was in the extra bedroom sewing one day and Taylor brought me the bottle....empty.

Somehow the little devil got the lid off and then decided he wanted to sling it around the room and then pour the rest in the middle of his carpet.

If you come visit our house, please look over the tie dye carpet in Taylor's room. I cleaned it the best I could :)

Fun Fact

A Diego potty seat will fit PERFECTLY over a two-year-old's head. He does have a rather large head, so keep that in mind. While it was rather easy for the toddler to get on, it is next to impossible for a Mommy to get it off. Somehow they are able to get that perfect agle to slide it on. Sadly, it does scare the child when he can't get it off and the screams and tears prove it. In an attempt to get pictures to prove this, the toddler may have other ideas. They may not want you to move till you get the potty seat off their head, so pictures may not happen. When taking the potty seat off, know that their poor ears may turn red from the pressure, but keep pulling...it will come off. Thankfully this Mommy didn't have to resort to butter on the sides, but she was seconds away.

Just in case you were wondering...

Hard Life of a Two Year Old

Lately Taylor has been perfecting his ability to throw a full blown tantrum. I think he's got it pretty much down pat. Perfect screaming...perfect drop to the ground...and the all important perfect timing. I know he's two... I know most kids go through this...but it is still very embarrassing. Because I over-analyze everything, I've been thinking about why Taylor does this and this is what I came up with.

From Taylor's point of view...the past weekend...

I am sleeping so soundly, having great dreams of slides, tractors and cars...only to be woke up by Daddy. Time to go to Grandma's. I get there and that girl (cousin Raya) is STILL THERE. Sure she's fun to chase around, and she does pick up all my toys that I throw...but she also takes away from the hugs. For some reason, they like her too. I struggle through the day and make it till Mommy finally comes to get me. She's excited about something, so we hurry home. I didn't get to "talk" to Grandpa. Why not? I ask this in a screaming fashion... We get home and she puts this ridiculous outfit on me and constantly asks me to jump like a frog. I showed you once already Mommy...it hasn't changed in the last 5 minutes. Then she wants to take pictures. More pictures....more pictures...and more pictures. I keep telling her I don't like this hat and take it off, but she keeps putting it back on. Then the people start showing up. I did have fun giving them candy, but why can't it eat more than a few pieces??? There is plenty there. They have tons in their bags...I don't get it. Mommy and Daddy keep telling me to put the candy back. Fine. I'll do it, but I won't like it. Finally they take the costume off!! Woo Hoo!

Saturday...yeah for Saturday. I get to sleep in! Mommy comes in when I call for her and gets me out of bed. I get to eat breakfast...waffles, yummy...but Mommy keeps trying to put other nasty things on my plate. I'm not going to eat it. I won't. I don't care if you tell me I'll like it. Nope. After a bit of playing, Mommy says we are going bye-bye. Yeah!! I love to go bye-bye. I run to the car and climb in the front seat. Time to drive! Mommy won't let me. Why not?? WHY NOT?? Then I find out we are going grocery shopping. Not too bad...just hurry every chance you get Momma. You know you only have a small time frame here before I am over it. I'll time you...GO! Finally the fun part of the store, the frozen food! My FAVORITE part! I love to open and close the doors...and open and close and open and close and open and close... No one ever tells us to stop, so why does Mommy make me?? If I scream loud enough maybe she'll give in. No luck. Back at home. Time for a nap. Not excited about it, but I am kind of tired. Fine...I'll give in. Wake up from a great nap to find Daddy. Yeah!! Going bye-bye again! We end up at Grandpa and Grandma's house. Now there are more people there. Aunt Kary and Uncle Ray and Jacob have come to pick up Raya. Why do they want me to hug them so bad? Why does Aunt Kary want a kiss so bad? I didn't give you one the first time, I'm not going to give you one the 20th time you ask me. Get over it. Time to go home...boy am I tired.

Sunday...get to sleep in AGAIN! Mommy comes to wake me and it's off to church we go. She's always so worried about my hair and sprays me with that dumb water bottle. I wish she'd stop. Now we're at church. We pass the slides and swings, but we can't stop. Get to the classroom and she leaves me!! Where did she go? Is she coming back? These people are nice enough but WHERE IS MY MOMMY?? After what seems like forever...she comes back, whew. Time for a nap...I guess... Wake up and play and then Mommy puts that dumb costume on me AGAIN. I'll show you ONE TIME how a frog jumps. Pay attention Mommy, you're only getting this once. Get to Grandpa and Grandma's house. More pictures. I don't want to hold Raya's hand...I don't want to sit down with her. Not going to do it. Why doesn't she have to wear a hat?? I go into the playroom/office and see the greatest toy ever. A SLIDE!!! Let me push it out into the living room so I can play with it. Mommy comes to put it up. She says it's time to go to church. I don't want to go...I want to slide. Maybe if I scream loud enough she'll give in. Didn't work. We get to church and there are way too many people telling me how cute I am, and wanting to touch me. Don't like it, not one bit. I don't want to play the games. I don't want to ride the train. I want to take this costume off!!! Whoa...wait a second. I see a car. I see a car with a big steering wheel. Maybe if I reach for this nice man, he'll put me in his car and let me drive. It worked! He was handing out candy out of the trunk and let me play in his car. This is great!!! Then Mommy ruined my fun and took me out. Time to cry. Let's try louder...didn't work. Finally go back home and take the costume. I hope that is the end of that.

So as you can see...it's rough being a two year old. I have every reason in the world to throw a tantrum :) I don't know why people don't understand this...

Too Quick!

If you have children...don't blink, you might miss something.

Taylor is growing up too quick! Everyday he gets more animated and is developing quite the sneaky personality. Yesterday I laid him down for a nap when I got him home and he fought and fought and fought. He DID NOT want to lay down and he DID NOT want to take a nap. Usually if I leave him in there (he's still in the crib) he'll stop fighting it and give in and lay down. I was in the guest bedroom sewing and I could hear him talking and yelling for me. All of a sudden, it stopped. I figured he had finally given in and laid down. Then I hear a big BOOM! I run into the room to find Taylor standing at the door "Hi Momma! Hi Momma!" AND he has taken his clothes off.

Wow...he's two...he's REALLY REALLY two.

Lately I have heard that three is the new two...if that is true, don't tell me yet :)

They are still out there...

Yesterday morning I did my normal routine. Got up REALLY early...got ready...went to get my purse together...made sure I had everything...went to the diaper bag to get my wallet (we had went shopping the day before, so I put it in there), and IT WAS NOT THERE. So I go back to my purse and make sure I hadn't gotten ahead of myself and put it in there, and it wasn't there either. Now I go to the truck and search it to see if I dropped it when we went shopping the night before, not there either. Now I feel sick. I then search the the house to see if Taylor happened to get it out and play with it...can't find it... By this point I was freaking out. Dustin got up and helped me look, and he couldn't find it. I called Wal-Mart to see if someone had turned it in...nope.

I now calm myself as best I can and call to cancel all my cards. Great. Now I am thinking through everything I had in my wallet... Again, I feel sick.

Before I head to work, I figure it wouldn't hurt to drive out to Wal-Mart to see if someone else had found it. Sadly, no....

Now I head into work...driving very carefully, because it wouldn't be a lot of fun to get pulled over without a license... Over the next few hours I continue to check on the activity on my cards and there hasn't been any yet. Then Dustin calls. He tells me to write down the number he was giving me. He had just gotten a call from First TN about my wallet. Turns out someone found it in the parking lot and picked it up and was trying to get ahold of me. I called her and she had my wallet at her house!!!!!

I went to her house to get it and could not believe everything was still there. She wanted me to go through my wallet in front of her, so I knew she didn't steal anything.

It's nice to know there are nice people out there still...

Embroidery Machine For Sale

I am selling my Embroidery Machine! I am wanting to upgrade and need to sell mine first.

It's a Deco 330 by Bernina. It's a wonderful machine and super easy to use.

Please let me know if you are interested and and I can get you more info!!

It has begun...

Through Taylor's life, he's been a great baby. He was always in a good mood, rarely cried, ate and slept well...then he became a toddler :) Now he still is such a blessing to us, but he is VERY two years old. The past few days, I've gotten a taste of the fun that is to come.

For one, we had his two year well visit yesterday. When we got there, he was in a great mood. He was talking to everyone, waving and everyone, and acting like he was so big. Then it went downhill from there. The first thing they did, was prick his finger. Why would they do that FIRST? I understand it takes time to process, but could they not have done that after he saw the doctor and then give him the results?? Anyway, he wasn't happy about having his finger stuck and after that he was glued to me and didn't want anyone else to touch him. He did get distracted by the band-aid on his finger, and that helped for a few minutes, but Taylor loves stickers right now and to him the band-aid was a fun sticker to put on him. Not a big deal, except his finger was pouring blood, so he got blood all over me, the floor and himself. Finally that stopped bleeding and the doctor came in. He immediately began to tell the doctor "bye bye" repeatedly I guess in hopes that he would get the hint and leave :) When the doctor started to talk to him and examine him, he began to cry and scream. That didn't stop for a good 20 minutes. Keep in mind Taylor has always loved our pediatrician and never minded going to the doctor...so this was new to us all. We finally got through the exam and then he got a flu shot...more fun. The doctor said Taylor was doing great. He recommended us to get him evaluated by speech therapy, so that will be our next stop. He said it may be helpful, or they may say he's just a boy...they tend to develop speech slower. He is 35 inches tall (65th percentile), 31 lbs and 2 oz (80th percentile), and his head was 51 cm (94th percentile).

Secondly, I had my first encounter with 911. Not because we had an emergency, not because something was wrong, but because Taylor called. He loves to babble endlessly to anyone or no one on the other line of the phone, so when he was playing with the phone while I was sewing I didn't think anything of it. Then he started to act like he was actually talking to someone. He would say a few things, then wait, they say a few things, then wait, so I went over to him and I heard someone on the phone saying "Sweetie...is your mommy or daddy home? I really need to talk to your mommy or daddy." I took the phone from him and he had called 911 and I got a lecture about being more careful and if he calls again, we will be fined. Wonderful.

The fun of toddlerhood has began :)

Sick?

Working in the medical field has opened my eyes to all kinds of people. Now that I am actually doing clinical work and asking all the "before test" questions, I get to hear all that the patients have to say. We have a wide variety of patients, from young 20 somethingers who have positive family history to 80 year olds who are in for their yearly stress test, but sadly across the board there are so many people who WANT to be sick. Granted, no one ever admits they are faking, or embellishing but it is easy to tell, even with my limited medical knowledge. I can't imagine wanting to be sick, or being dissapointed when a test comes back negative. Many, many times when we are done stressing patients and the cardiologist speaks with them and tells them their strips look great, they question them. Are you sure? Did he/she see something when I was having pain? How long has he/she been a doctor? Does he/she know what they are doing? How many of these tests have they done?

Also, the medication lists... I understand medicine is almost inevitable, but some of these people have to have platinum cards to the drug stores (preferably Walgreens).

I like being healthy...I like not taking medicine...I like it when I go to the doctor and they tell me everything looks good. So now I ask myself...Is that weird??