do NOT try this at home

Several months ago I decided to be proactive about my tooth and gum health by purchasing Crest Pro Health mouthwash. Both Dave and I have been using it regularly to help ward away gingivitis and bad breath. Unfortunately, I was doing more harm than good. I went to the dentist last week and was told I had bad staining on the backs of my teeth. They asked what kind of mouthwash I used, and when I reported Crest Pro Health, they told me to promptly throw it away and never use it again. The hygienest then proceded to scrape my teeth for 25 minutes in order to get all the staining (and enamel while she was at it) off. So if you have this product at home, get rid of it NOW! so much for my hollywood smile....

Love Birds

CONGRATULATIONS to Megan and Bodie! They tied the knot last Saturday and it looks like they're dreaming of true love. The sun was shining, the cake was delicious, and we were happy to celebrate with the cute couple.

whirlwind tour

I was able to attend the American Burn Association's annual convention this year in Chicago and wow, what an awesome opportunity. Although I learned alot about caring for burns, I picked up a few other tips along the way. My favorite things I learned in Chicago:

1. Always choose a roommate that is extremely lucky (lucky enough to win 2 front-row tickets to Wicked) and kind enough to share the wealth.

2. If you include the satellite towers on top, the Sears Tower is still the world's tallest building!

3. Traveling with co-workers can be fun, especially when crusing the city in a Hummer limo.

4. And finally, Chicago is called "The Windy City" for a reason- jackets and umbrellas are always needed.

Happy Happy Birthday Birthday

I'd like to give a belated shout out to two of my favorite women, both of whom have celebrated a birthday in the past week or two.

Sarah is always a pleasure to be around. She is so kind, talented, creative, honest, trustworthy, and unselfish. Having her in our family is an amazing blessing- I can talk to her about anything and she always provides insight, advice, and humor. Sarah is very hard working and will do anything to make others happy. I am grateful to Tyler for bringing me another sister, and I hope she has a wonderful year ahead!

I don't care if I'm biased, my mom is the BEST mom in the entire world. I can't think of one thing to add to her talents and virtues. She is one of my very best friends and she is there for me at all times. We've shared tears, laughs, hopes, dreams, fears, earrings, lunch, and lotion. I can count on my mom to keep secrets, give me advice, and tell me honestly when I just need a nap. My mom can bring me back to reality as well as make me feel like I can do anything all in the same conversation. She is a fabulous example of how to be an amazing mother, wife, sister, friend, and daugther of God. Anything I know about love, kindness, generosity, cooking, baking, cleaning, gardening, shopping, eating, traveling, and gratitude I attribute to my mother. I love you mom!

New Rule

There's a new rule at my parents' house: if the bathrooms have been cleaned in the last 3 days, you cannot use them. To help everyone abide by the rules, they've installed a port-o-potty. It looks real classy hidden behind the gate like that.

Ouch!

One of these is from a horse, the other is from an unknown costa-rican bug. but does it make a difference? i really should get these looked at by someone who deals with wounds.

Swim, Bike, Run

Dave raced in the 4th Street Clinic triathalon on April 26 and was amazing! I had been teasing him all week about it because he didn't train for even ONE day, but he really rose to the occasion. He even managed to talk me into running the 5K with him and finishing the race together. This is my first year in over 5 years that I haven't been able to run in the Race for the Cure, so I thought this race could take it's place. I'm so proud of Dave and his ability to achieve goals and endure to the end, always wearing a smile on his face.

Mix-Master

Throughout all my years of baking, I've never owned anything but a hand-held mixer. I love these things and I'm very loyal to them, but sometimes I can't but help dream of a KitchenAid mixer. I've just never forked over the "dough" to get one. Lucky for me, Peg, out of the goodness of her heart, gave me hers. Thanks to Peg (and my new red friend) I can now bake cookies faster, easier, and have a free hand to crack eggs, answer the phone, or grab a fresh cookie hot out of the oven.

Finishing Touches

Last week while I was away, Dave was working on a "project." Little did I know that I would be coming home to a new front porch!! I'm so impressed with Dave's hard work, effort, and attention to detail that he put in. The porch helps our house to look more like a home, and it adds alot of sentimental value when I know my husband built it with his own two hands. Thanks Dave! You're the BEST!

my new favorite treat

Lately I've been eating a LOT of taffy. For some reason, I can't resist the colorful, pretty, perfectly packaged bite-sized treats. When I see a big bin in the grocery store, I can't walk past without filling up a bag to take home. Usually when I have a stash of treats, I take them with me on night shifts to share with my co-night owls. But the past two nights, there has been NO sharing going on. I keep the sweet sticky stuff hid in my bag, rationing them throughout the night. I haven't decided which color is my favorite, so I guess I will continue my taste testing.