Healthy Teeth, Happy Mom

So here's the update: Cody did GREAT at the dentist on Tuesday. He was brave, courageous, and happily content under the influence of laughing gas. Jerry stayed with him the entire time and said the only side effect he had was that he became very chatty. He watched an episode of "Dora the Explorer" while the work was being done, and the doctor was very pleased. Jerry was impressed with Dr. Vargas' bedside manner and said she was wonderful with him. We're so thankful to have one appointment down. The work isn't all done yet, but at least Cody conquered his fear and the next time should go easier. We also praise the Lord for his faithfulness in answering our prayers and helping Cody overcome his fears.

Our prayers go out to the family of the little girl in the news who passed away yesterday...what a sad story and terrible heartbreak for them all.

Did you see the news?

It's been a little while since my last post, so first things first: The Huskers beat Troy 56-0 this past Saturday. Excellent!

Okay, on to more important things.

Did you see the news this past weekend about the little girl who went to the dentist to have some routine things taken care of and ended up in the hospital? She apparently was given nitrous oxide and a sedative and when her mom went to take her home she was barely breathing. As far as I know, she's still in the hospital in a coma-like state and the last thing I heard was that they weren't sure if she'd come out of it. The reason I don't know the most recent update is because I had to stop watching.

You may have heard that Cody is needing some dental work. He visited the dentist for the first time last month and it was discovered that he has four (YES, FOUR) cavities. Two on the top, two on the bottom. The bottom ones are the worst, and we'll know more today after the x-rays are done. Unfortunately, Cody takes after his mom and appears to be quite phobic about the dentist. Poor thing!!! Anyway, after two unsuccessful appointments, I called in the big guns and sent Jerry today. Meanwhile, I've been praying and praying that Cody will finally let them do what needs to be done today so we don't have to keep dragging this thing out. He's been promised a great reward if he cooperates.

This is the main reason I post today...When I saw the news, I immediately began to worry. I know it's a rare thing for a child to have this kind of reaction because of routine dental procedures being performed. And yet, as I sent him out the door today, I felt this nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach and I started to worry (like mother, like son). And then God, as He so often does, prompted my spirit with this verse: "And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:27) "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)

Oh how I needed that gentle reminder. So as Cody sits at this moment in the dental chair, hopefully letting the good dentist do what needs to be done, I am praying that he is being overwhelmed with a sense of calm, peace, and God's presence, trusting what we've been telling him all along. "God is always with you. He will never leave or forsake you."

Trampled by USC

Okay, so it's football Saturday, and I made a pot of chili, proudly displayed my Huskers flag, invited over a friend and together we all gathered around the TV to watch the game. We knew we'd have a tough time against USC, but still...I wanted them to really show us what they're made of tonight. It feels like we've been in a "building year" for several years, and I keep waiting for us to look like national champions again. Either way, I am no fair weather fan, and I love the guys even when they don't win. And let's face it, in the grand scheme of life....it's only a game. But man, I hate when we lose!!! GO BIG RED!

The Passage of Time

It never ceases to amaze me. I've been a mom for almost five years now, and time suddenly passes so quickly now that I've become a parent. I remember when Cody (now 4 1\2) was a baby. I couldn't wait until he could talk, walk, feed himself, and potty train. Now that he's a pre-schooler, doing all the things I couldn't wait for him to do, I watch him growing up so fast and wonder...have I missed it? Have I been to busy to slow down, live in the moment, cherish the time? Before my baby Caden arrived (now six months old), I promised myself that I wouldn't rush his babyhood, and that I would take the time to enjoy him. But six months later, I realize that I've been doing the very thing I had tried not to do...RUSH.
He cried so much and wanted to be held so often...I wanted to put him down.
He wanted to be nursed so frequently...and sometimes I just pacified him.
He slept better when in bed with us...but I wanted him to be in his crib.
He wanted my attention...but I needed to clean, do laundry, check my email!
All of this really hit me hard tonight, and I send this out into cyberspace, asking the question, "Have I missed it once again?"

Here's a true confession: I've realized it takes discipline to stop and enjoy my children. It takes discipline on my part to put aside my so-called important tasks of the day and instead sit on the floor and put together a puzzle. I must make a concerted effort to say no to the laundry when my little one says, "Mommy, please come and read a story to me." "Mommy, can you rub my back and scratch my back just a little while longer?"

What if they grow up thinking I was too busy for them? That I busied myself with such trivial things and didn't STOP to give them my time and attention? This is my greatest fear. That my kids will say about me, "she was too busy."

I wonder if any of you reading can relate. Maybe it's just been yet another long, full day and I need a good night's rest. But I'll leave you fellow moms and dads with this thought: We never get this time back again. These precious little ones are only ours to hold for a moment. I, for one, am going to make more of an effort to pick them up and rock them "just a little while longer."

Jerry

He was reading the blog this morning and said there was something missing from the site...him! It was unintentional, of course, but nonetheless, I felt I would be remiss if I didn't put in a "plug" for the man of the house. It must be said that I happen to have one of the greatest husbands on earth. He also happens to be an amazing father to our boys. So honey, if you're reading this, I love you!

Remembering Poppop

Many people ask me, "so what's with the Cornhuskers?" I'm so glad you asked. My family and I lived in Omaha, Nebraska for eleven years. It will always be my home because it's where I grew up. If you've ever lived in Nebraska, been to Nebraska, or know someone in Nebraska, there is one universal thing that binds us all together...it's our love for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

For as long as I can remember, the Cornhuskers have always been part of who we are as a family. When I was little, Saturdays were always the days when my parents and grandparents, Nanny and Poppop, would tailgate to Lincoln, have lunch and do the "tailgate party" thing, go to the game, come home, and go out to be with other fans later that evening. Saturdays were truly football days, and we always wore our colors.

When we moved away from Nebraska, we found ourselves in hostile territory at times. Not everyone loves the Huskers like we do. But occasionally, you'd stumble upon a fellow fan wearing his/her colors and immediately you were fast friends. My grandfather, "Poppop" has always been the thread that kept us connected to our favorite team, filling us in on the latest news, telling us who to watch for, and what people were saying about this year's recruits.

This past May, my dear Poppop passed away and went home to be with the Lord. Last Saturday, my Huskers played an awesome game to open this Husker season. I know Poppop was smiling and rooting for his favorite team with all of us, shouting, "GO BIG RED!" We miss you, Poppop.