Beauty Shop

Sammy got another wonderful gift in the mail, this time from Grandma Puppy. It's all about the American Girl Doll lately and Grandma sent Sammy a beautiful new dress and a styling center filled with all sorts of curlers, clips, brushes and fun stuff to do her dolls hair with! And she hasn't stopped for two days! Thanks Grandma!Love the tongue poking out on this one!

Finals

I got through this week. I had seven tests to take this week, along with clinical check offs. Today was the big test. There was 120 questions, and to be honest, I was feeling quite confident that I would do fairly well. I knew the material except for the odd, random question that they always have. So when I got my test back and discovered that I had a C+, I wasn't too happy with myself. I challenged one of the questions and that took me to a very low B-. As we reviewed the test as a class, something wasn't right. She had marked down that I had missed 18. 18!!! But as I flipped through the many pages, I knew that couldn't be right. I did miss nine, but you know what? That's an A!!! So I went from a C to an A in no time and feel much better;)
We lost most of our class today. They are on their way to the real world and start their externships on Monday. I will really miss them! I have come to enjoy their company. Next week we get five new people in our class, so this next sequence we will have a much smaller class, that will be nice.

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

Oh, for about three weeks now, Sammy has been attacking the mailbox after school. Looking for packages and envelopes has become her favorite pastime. It isn't her birthday until Saturday, but she has been optimistic. Today her dreams came true. (Nate said he was grateful for my sake) Grandma Kitty sent her some serious cash. Of course she had to head straight for Claires. The store that makes me weak in the knees, dizzy and nauseous. My kids can spend hours in there. But it is her birthday money, so I obliged. We picked up Claire from across the street, (coincidence?) and headed out to the mall. And Sammy got these.

So...thanks? Grandma. She is very excited and lovely. I did tell her she shouldn't suck her thumb, she may aspirate one and choke. And if this works and breaks her habit, I will happily supply her with all the fake fingernails she wants. Cheaper than orthodontics!

~IRRITATED~

I have had an excessive amount of irritation today. Is it me? Am I being overly sensitive? Am I somehow projecting myself in a way that people want to antagonize me?
My school is trying to raise money for the Asthma Foundation. Every couple of days, a class is in charge of selling something to raise money. Food, raffle tickets, etc. For the last two days, one class has been selling Starbucks coffee for a dollar a cup. The woman in charge is very forceful. My classroom is right by the commons area, where we hang out on our breaks. This is where she is selling coffee. Every Single Time I walk out there, (it is also right by the restroom) she asks me in a loud voice if I would like to buy a coffee. "No thanks" I politely reply and tell her I don't drink coffee, hopefully alleviating her need to keep asking me. As I sit out there on my breaks, she asks EVERYONE walking by if they want coffee. In a really loud voice. And if you don't want coffee, "there is a caffeine free alternative, buy a raffle ticket for a new lab coat!" It kind of grates on a persons nerves. Finally, as I was walking out the door after school she hit me up again! "I don't drink coffee!" I sing song to her. How 'bout a raffle ticket to win a lab coat? I turned to her and announced in a snippy voice that I was already WEARING a lab coat and don't need another. I try not to talk to others like that, but I think she hit me up about 15 times in the last two days. Which is only 8 hours of school. *Sigh*
Moving on. It is not really a secret that I am a Mormon. I'm not ashamed, I don't hide it, ask me any questions you want. But I've never pushed it on anyone. A person in my class calls me "that mormon girl". Okay, whatever. We're friends, doesn't bother me. She then informed me that yesterday her boyfriend wouldn't eat lunch in Mesa because it is crawling with mormons. Why would you tell me this? WHY?
Okay. I have a "baby momma" in my class. She grates on me a little because every other word is the F-word. And she calls her baby her "ni***r baby". I'm not kidding. No, she isn't black. She is only 19, so I chalk it all up to immaturity. Today she confessed that she had her baby to get a tax break. But it didn't work out very well, because the baby costs a lot more than she gets to write off. HUH??? After I picked my jaw up off the ground, I had to leave. I was so upset my eyes were welling up with tears.
One more. My kids have been really great this week and I left them on their own this morning. Nate is out of town, and I had school, so they were responsible for getting ready and getting on the bus on their own. I wanted to reward them for a good week, so I took them to Sonic for Sonic Blasts after school. It took 17 minutes. Why does it take so long for ice cream???
I'm done. Thank you for your patience. Today we had an oral surgery assistant come talk to us. I was very intrigued and I'm leaning in that direction for after I graduate. Blood and guts don't bother me, I kind of like 'em. Also, as I was waiting in line to get my kids from school, I could see them up by the front doors. They were surrounded by a swarm of boys! Oh man!

Excellent (and interesting) Lunch

My very good friend Alicia is visiting from Salt Lake. Funny, she went to high school in Chandler and then moved to Utah our senior year. Now she is up there, and here I am, living in her old stomping ground. I met up with her today with two of her friends from Chandler High. Alicia hasn't changed a bit since high school and we had a lot of fun. We headed to TGIF's for lunch. A good family fun spot, right? Alicia's two friends had some kids with them. Three kids total, and I can honestly say that I have never been with such well behaved kids. I almost forgot they were with us, they were so quiet! Imagine our horror when the lady behind us started ripping into us for one little girls behavior. Granted, she wasn't in her high chair, but she was quietly playing peek-a-boo with her mom behind her chair. This woman tells us that we are bothering all the patrons and that we need to watch our kids and discipline them. After our stunned silence and quietly talking amongst ourselves, she rips into us again! And told us we shouldn't be in a restaurant like that and we should stick to Chuck-E-Cheese. Say Whaaaat?!?!? Liz was so kind and patient, but you could tell her head was about to explode off of her body. And, once again, out in the parking lot, it started up again. But just to make it clear, our waiter and hostess went out of their way to let us know that she was a you-know-what and they thought the kids were great.
I was telling Nate about it tonight and man was he disappointed he hadn't been there. He said he would have quit his job to be there and confront the woman. Wish he had been!
But, anyway, it was wonderful to see Alicia again. I'm so glad she came down!

Coronal Polish

I needed a good title for today's post. I won't even tell you what Nate said it should be ;)

Today I did something that is a big no-no. They warn us not to let it happen, but it did. I was totally crushing on my dental patient. Couldn't help myself!

Nate was kind enough to come in and be my guinea pig and was the very first person that I performed a coronal polish on. Brave, right? I don't know who was more nervous.

I ended up with a great score, (I only missed one point) and he has shiny, squeaky clean teeth! I have also assisted on two other people this week. I did much better today than I did yesterday and didn't suck up any one's cheek. It is starting to feel semi-natural to hold the instruments and dig around in other people's mouths. I'm anxiously awaiting the day when this is like second nature to me. And getting a paycheck will be nice too!

Round and Round

Well, where was I? Oh, yes. Megan came home! She was due home at about 10 o'clock on Sunday night. At about 8:30 I started getting phone calls from her and all I could hear was whimpering. She was miserable. Tired beyond tired, sick of being on the bus and homesick. We talked and talked and got her mind off of things. It was a great homecoming and she had a great weekend. And I have to say...and she would kill me...but she kicked her shoes off when she got home and the paint peeled off our walls. Picture wearing cheap sneakers all weekend, at the beach, walking and walking and being on a bus with all of those 11 year olds. Oh. my. gosh.
I was woken up Sunday night in the middle of the night with a horrible toothache. The kind where you want to rip your face off. I missed quite a bit of sleep. The girls didn't have school on Monday, so they were on their own while I was at school and Nate was at work. Well, Sammy wasn't feeling good, either was I, so I left an hour early. Got home at 11:00 and Megan was still sleeping. When she woke up she announced that her ears were hurting. I'm just happy they didn't flair up while she was on her trip. I'm a modern medicine kind of girl, but this time I did something different. I took her to a chiropractor. Kyle took a look and sure enough, they were red. He gave her an adjustment and her ears started feeling better! They both went to school today and were fine.
My tooth was still bugging me today. I really didn't want to go in to the dentist since I have been spending so much time there. And I knew what he would say. But I made the appointment anyway and was told that I need a root canal on that tooth. Great. Just what I wanted to hear. But he rigged it up so it doesn't hurt anymore until I can get in to an endodontist.
Today I worked on a patient for the first time! We are learning how to polish teeth and we had a lady walk in so I got to be the assistant on her. I only sucked up her cheek twice. Yeesh. Tomorrow Nate is coming in and I will polish his teeth. Brave, brave man. Oh yeah, I'm also getting my hair cut tomorrow. It's been four months and my bangs can't take any more of me trimming them up with the kitchen scissors. (Sorry Piper)
My best friend from high school is in town, so I will be getting together with Alicia this week! I'm very excited to see her. I'm wondering why she brought rain with her? So lets see...I've lived in AZ for 3 1/2 years. Nate's ENTIRE family has visited, including a cousin, my parents have come. My brother and his family. My friends. But my sister and brother haven't come. I'm just sayin'...The guest room is waiting for you.

One Card Short of a Full Deck

Megan left Friday afternoon to start her journey to San Diego and Los Angeles. I wasn't nervous about her leaving, I know the teacher going and know that there was one chaperone for every two kids. It was the thought her of not being here with us. The dynamic here in our home has definitely been different this weekend. When someone isn't here, you can fully appreciate all that they bring to us. The four of us seem to balance each other out just right. It is has been pretty sweet to see how much Sammy misses her sister. Maybe they won't fight this week! Hahahaha.
Last night we had the missionaries over for dinner. Sidenote-if you are in our ward and get the chance to have them over, they are fantastic! Anyway, I seemed to be having a hard time getting the table set. I kept telling Sam that we needed six chairs. I got out six plates and glasses. Nate gently corrected me and I thought DUH! Of course we don't need six! But it didn't stop me from getting out six dessert plates;) Just the little things that have made me miss her sunny personality and great smile. She is having the time of her life on this trip. I'm so glad that she was able to go. She keeps calling and telling me what she just saw. It is so cute! I'm glad she will be home tonight and I can't wait to give her a big hug!

Ready

Tomorrow is a big day at my house. I am having my supernumerary (extra tooth) taken out in the morning. I will be sleeping soundly the whole time. Good thing. I am not nervous about going under, or the procedure. However, I am worried about the pain. It will take 8-10 weeks to fully heal from this tricky little tooth. It is under my tongue and wrapped up in nerves. Ugh!
Since I won't be going to school tomorrow, I had to get ahead on my tests. We have a final scheduled, so I went in early and took it today. Along with the other two tests that were scheduled for today. My brain was tired by the time I left. I got an A on my final, a 100% on my Periodontal test, and as for my burs.....well, I managed to pass. Barely. By one point. Pass is pass! But this was the worst I've ever done on anything in school. Luckily it was only 14 points.
Megan is leaving us tomorrow for her big trip. I hope I don't cry as the bus pulls away. That would be embarrassing. For her. She is all packed up and very excited to go! I have to keep reminding myself that I went on a school trip when I was her age.
The girls have all their Valentines all ready to pass out. Sammy made a cute box. I snuck Megan's gift in her suitcase to find on Saturday morning. I think we are ready for the weekend! No big plans here for the holiday, to be honest, I'm not a fan of Valentines. I would prefer to stay home and be with the family instead of fighting for a table at a restaurant or paying triple for gifts. However, we have really enjoyed the gifts from the grandmas that we got in the mail! Thank you so much!

Don't cry for me...

Today was a nice day. School, then a visit to the oral surgeon. (I'm having surgery on my mouth on Friday) and then pick up the kids. Megan had her last meeting for Oceanography before her big trip and then I had to take Sammy and Claire to Activity Days. Busy busy! While Sam and Claire were at their activity, Megan and I went to Target to get supplies for her trip. Namely, Dramamine. She has a tender tummy and I hope she survives being on a boat in the open water! After Target, we picked up Sam and Claire and headed home. To my absolute horror, right as I was turning off Val Vista into my neighborhood, I saw Claire's new cat dead on the street. It must have just been hit by a car before we got there. I gasped really loud, I couldn't help it. Then Megan saw it, then Sammy. They were both freaking out and poor Claire didn't know what was going on. We had to tell her and I had three freaking out and hysterical girls in the backseat. I had to go tell poor Diana. As if she hasn't been through enough this month. I offered to go get the cat, I got a box and some gloves and went back, praying I wouldn't puke or pass out. Gilbert is quite efficient though, and someone had picked her up already. So, I hope that Tina is very happy up there in Heaven and pray the girls won't be forever traumatized.

Boogie Woogie

Tonight I had the pleasure of going on a date with my daughter. The school was hosting a Valentines Day dance, and Sammy was dying to go. Par for the course, I never have plans on Friday. This particular Friday was the dance, bunko, and dinner with my brother. I was also invited to a jewelery party. Sammy won out:)

We got ourselves gussied up, her in her new pink clothes, me in the clothes she picked out for me. As it turns out, I could have worn jeans and a t-shirt. I think she was a little worried I would embarrass her. ME?!?! Right when we got there, she spotted her friends and dumped me. I can't believe I didn't take my camera. She was in the hula hoop contest. Every time the kids gathered in a circle, there she was jumping in to the center and dancing. So cute! They actually played the song, "I kissed a girl". I couldn't believe it! Could they play a more inappropriate song?!?! After the dance we headed over to Pei Wei for a yummy dinner. I loved having this time with her. I feel like we are so busy lately, I've been neglecting my kids.

Nate and Megan went to the dinner with Jeff and Kim. Sushi night. I know they were really looking forward to it. I'm glad Nate has someone to eat sushi with him.

I was babysitting this afternoon. I thought Allie was in using the bathroom. I was wrong. She was in the bathroom painting it with toothpaste. This was an hour after I had bathed her because she had gotten into the lotion. I SWEAR that I was watching her. She is magical or something, it just takes her a minute! We'll have to see if they'll let me watch her again....

Open Wide!

Yesterday I went to the dentist. I've had a problem tooth for a couple of years, but it wasn't bothering me, so I let it go. It was time to get it fixed. So I needed to go in and have a crown put on it. Lo and behold, the morning of my appointment, as I was brushing and flossing, I noticed that my supernumerary was poking through my gums. Thirty two years old and teething! (A supernumerary is an extra tooth. I have this one under my tongue and I also had a fifth wisdom tooth.) So, I asked the dentist if he would just take it out for me.
I do NOT have an easy time at the dentist. I don't get numb very easily, I have extra nerves. I have this weird tooth where it shouldn't be. Usually supernumeraries are small nubbins. Not this one. Full grown. Well, he tried to get it out, but it is all wrapped up in nerves. So I'm cut up on one side and beat up on the other. Fun times! I get to go see an oral surgeon next week to see about getting it out.

I picked up the girls from school the other day. I noticed that they have been doing some growing and had that homeless look about them. We headed out to get some new clothes and I asked Sam if she could use some new sneakers. She has always had tiny feet. We bought her sneakers right before school and they were a size 13. Well, we got her some new shoes and they were a 2 1/2! The poor thing! Any longer and she would have looked like those poor Chinese girls that get their feet wrapped.

There is a dance at the school tonight. Sammy and I are going together. She is very excited and has some new pink clothes to wear. Nate and Megan are going for sushi with Jeff and his family. Plus a super bonus, no school for me today! Yipee! All the teachers have meetings. I was going to get so much done, but I am sitting here blogging and catching up on my Days of our Lives off the DVR. At least I finally got Sadie to the groomer. And I'm happy to report she got a gold star and smells like sugar cookies. A big improvement from the sweaty poopy smell she was sporting before.