Tooth & Nail

True confession time: I'm terrified of dentists. It goes way back into my childhood. My mom hated them and passed that onto me. Add to it a few issues, like the fact my mother took tetracycline while she was pregnant with me and it permanently stained my teeth. I  also deal with a genetic issue called amelogenesis imperfecta, which is a fancy name for soft enamel. Add to it the hereditary form of periodontal disease, you can understand why I'm less than giddy over going to the dentist. 

Knowing that I've got the deck stacked against me, I am fanatical about brushing and flossing. However, sometimes that's not enough. I recently switched dentists and I couldn't be happier. I love Dr. Mallory at Prairie Dental (https://www.prairiedentalcenter.com). She's the first dentist in a long time that didn't roll her eyes at my "issues" or try to shame me about not brushing or flossing better. 

I'm in my mid 40's (how did THAT happen??) now and I need to take some steps to prevent tooth loss as I get older.

Her first suggestion was to get a water flosser. It helps get between the teeth better, and at the gum line which is very important with periodontal disease.

The second suggestion was to use a plaque fighting rinse before brushing. With soft enamel, plaque likes to hang out more, and this is a guarantee I can get my teeth squeaky clean. 

Speaking of brushing, her suggestion was to use a battery or electric toothbrush. I remember when the Jefi was younger, and he found the tooth tunes toothbrushes enchanting because they talked to him. They need those for adults, especially first thing in the morning when you are in serious need of some motivation. 

After brushing, using a fluoride rinse will help, due to both soft enamel and periodontal issues. There are prescription ones that I've gotten from the dentist over the years, but in a pinch the ACT ones work great. I even got my son into the habit when he was little. 

I also swear by my little floss swords. My kiddo loves them too. They are especially great for back teeth where it's hard for regular floss to reach. 

Under my dental insurance, I have additional coverage for periodontal treatments at no charge. Instead of the traditional two, I get four along with fluoride treatments. It's cheaper to do this than deal with the consequences (like a root canal-ouch!). Plus, there are links between gum disease and increased risks for strokes and heart attack. Since there is already an increased risk for me due to family history, I want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to make healthy choices. 

Fat Bottom Girl

I was four years old when I first found out I was fat.

It was in preschool, and this one girl who was really popular told me I couldn't play with her because I was fat. I knew that I loved painting and playing house. I liked getting muddy. I even liked the smell of Play Do. I didn't know what fat was and why it meant I couldn't play with her.  I remember telling my grandmother when she picked me up from the Y that day, in tears and confused. Is fat bad? 

It was the beginning of a sick, twisted relationship with body image. 

I felt less than others, a belief that was reinforced throughout my childhood. Even into adulthood. Even today, even though I love who I am, I still deal with vicious insecurity. I know I am more than my body, but in reality, that is what people see. 

Forty years ago, I found out, thanks to a fellow child, that society judges based on looks. No matter how liberated we pretend to be, looks still seem to matter on some level. Not everyone feels this way, thankfully, but it's a message that is pervasive. Preschoolers don't usually form those kinds of opinions on their own, so it really does start at home.

As a mom, I've raised my son to be respectful of all people because we are all children of God.

I'm not the only parent out there that does this, but there are others who don't.

Forty years ago, I was given a message that I would be judged based on my size. I wish I could say that's wrong, but it's unfortunately true. There is a segment of society that seems surprised when they see me kicking butt at the gym, lifting heavy things.

Or when I run a 5k or chase them down in a mud run. 

I've heard the snickers and felt the stares when I've taught yoga or was in a class, because I don't seem to fit the yogi stereotype. I really dislike the good for you doing something about your weight sort of cheerleading some folks think is positive self talk. 

Can I tell you a secret? I'm okay with my weight/size right now.

Yes, I'd like to get healthier, but that has to do with managing my stress, lowering my blood pressure and cholesterol and raising my metabolism. I'm not chained to the scale. I'm not chained to a clothing size. I'm focusing on raising an amazing young man and being a good wife. I'm focusing on doing good for my community and my family. Being a good person is more important than a size 2.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. (Proverbs 31:30 NIV)

Brighter than the Sun

It has been a very cool summer on the northern plains. Temperatures are struggling to reach the 80's this week. Instead of applying liberal amounts of sunscreen and drinking piña coladas, I'm digging out sweaters, stockings and closed toe shoes. In July. This is profane! I need a summer pick me up.

Stat.

This is my go to, wishing I was on a tropical island outfit.

For a gal who loves wearing black, brown, gray & navy...this is huge. I'm wearing colors. I don't always feel comfortable wearing loud, bright colors. I don't mean to be quarrelsome, but some plus sized stores insist that us curvy girls love bright prints and loud colors. You know who you are. I'm not a fan of that styling. But for some reason, I fell in love with this shirt. And I had the skirt in my closet. 

Can you tell I'm dreaming of lying on a tropical beach? 

Piña coladas

1/2 c coconut water with pineapple

1 banana

1/2 c pineapple (if canned, drain)

1 c almond milk

1 c ice

Throw in a blender. Turn into a smoothie. Pretend you're on an island beach.

Same Love

As I have grown older and hopefully more mature, I have changed my positions on many topics, ranging from child care to GMO’s to other, more pressing socio-political issues. I am almost ashamed to admit I had a different perspective on some topics in years past, because of how my previous views might be perceived.

 

While I had supported the notion of civil unions, I didn’t think much about their impact on how the world turned. It was an easy going, laissez faire attitude. Then it smacked me in the face. I won’t get into details, but several gay couples I was acquainted with had to face life or death issues, and it changed my view on gay marriage:

 

Despite being estranged from family for decades, the legal next of kin was a sibling who disapproved of their lifestyle. That is who was notified by the hospital that their partner was dying.

 

A couple, together for over three decades, had to spend thousands to make sure their partner was taken care of after their death, because they were unmarried.

 

A family, fighting to stay together, because the parent on record had died, and the remaining partner had no legal right to the child they raised together. There was the very real possibility of that little one being placed in the foster care system, since parents were unmarried.

 

Families are not a political issue.

Love is not a political issue.

 

I was taught as a Christian to love my neighbor as myself. It doesn’t offer a caveat if they dressed a certain way, drove a particular car, were handsome/pretty or whatever. Over and over, the Bible preaches that love rules. Yet, there is so much hatred, vitriol and division.

 

Last year, the Episcopal Church held their General Convention in Indianapolis. During it, a same sex marriage rite was approved. After the news filtered out, the church quickly divided into two camps-those opposed and those against. The ugliness and hateful words that occurred after Bishop Gene Robinson was elected came back, in spades. I, for one, was disgusted by the lack of response from both the presiding bishop as well as church hierarchy. I wanted someone-anyone-in the church to say something that would help heal the rift.

 

The silence was deafening.

 

The two denominations I have consistently worshipped in over the course of my teenage and adult life have both been “gay friendly” (the Unitarian Universalist and the Episcopal Churches, for those keeping score). The fact that a caveat has to be used upsets me. I don’t feel churches have to identify that they are women friendly or straight friendly or autism friendly to put seats in the pews. It’s purely the Holy Spirit that I would find myself aligned with denominations that put respect for all humans, no exceptions, as part of their mission. When we respect others and look beyond the barriers between us, we are living Jesus’ mission.

 

Let love rule.

Fables of Faubus

 

Today is Juneteenth, which is a holiday that should be more widely recognized. It is a celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation, ending slavery. It is also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. On this day in 1865, word reached one of the final bastions of the south that slavery was abolished. The Union army landed in Galveston, TX and met with flaccid resistance by the Confederacy.  

Traditionally, celebrations included public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, parades, rodeos and street fairs. It was also a chance to exorcise the phantoms of slavery, with families reuniting. While slavery was practiced, families were broken up and sold, and following the end of it, many sought to reunite. Juneteenth was an opportunity for many reunions. During the mid part of the twentieth century, the celebration of Juneteenth fell out of favor, with a resurgence in the last 25 years. In 1994, two pastors in New Orleans started the modern Juneteenth movement. Today, 41 states recognize it as a holiday. In addition, June has been declared Black Music Month, and there are a series of concerts and festivals featuring jazz musicians throughout the country to educate and entertain. The Utah Juneteenth celebration in Ogden, Utah features gospel choirs, jazz and blues musicians as well as hip hop and rap, in addition to agile double dutchers and drill teams.

Fashion also was a focal point of the celebrations. Prior to the Emancipation Proclamation, there were laws limiting how the slaves were allowed to dress, so freedom also meant freedom in clothing choices. Today, many celebrations nationwide feature fashion shows and pageants.

Foods also play a big part in the celebrations, with strawberry soda and BBQ being two traditional foods.

Strawberry Soda

2 c strawberries, chopped

2 c sugar

2 c water

1 bottle sparkling water

Ice

 

Make a simple syrup with sugar and water, add strawberries. Stir over low heat for 10 minutes until well combined. Mix with the sparkling water in a pitcher, pour over ice.

 

BBQ Pork sandwiches

1 pork roast

1 c root beer

1 bottle BBQ sauce

1 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp red pepper flakes

 

Place ingredients in a crock pot. Cook on low for 10 hours. Shred pork and serve on buns.

 

 

Ain't No Mountain High Enough

I love to hike, as does my son and dog. 

I grew up hiking in the canyons surrounding Salt Lake City and its turned into a lifelong obsession. 

I never pass up a chance to hit the trail, no matter how damaging it could be to my ego. Visiting Utah, I decided it would be fun to take my boys up into the canyons surrounding the city.

We went into Big Cottonwood Canyon, which is one of my top 10 places to go. 

There are a variety of hiking opportunities from beginning to expert level challenges.

 My son is a Cub Scout, and he is quite motivated to get both his hiking belt loop and pin. 

We spent time in the canyon, exploring nature and learning new skills like compass and map reading. 

We saw some pretty amazing things

A fresh mountain streams

Clean air

Great trails

Pride at finishing the hike! 

Check out that view!

Beautiful wild flowers

I think even the Big Man had a legitimately good time!

It wouldn't be a hike without snacks, either. You need to stay well hydrated, which is most important. Also a high power snack helps! I love making my own trail mix to snack on while I'm hiking and it's super easy to whip up.

1 c granola 

1 c raisins

1 c mixed nuts

1 c dried fruit

1/2 c banana chips

Mix everything together and store in an airtight container. Hit the trail and munch!

(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman

There are days when I feel like I have a secret identity. Unlike Superman or Batman or any of the other super heroes, I am just a wife and mom. I'm not overly clever.
I don’t have x ray vision (then I can check on my son to see if he’s really sleeping at bedtime) or magic cleaning ability (that would be sweet). I just have the amazing ability to multitask, which if done too much can lead to major burnout.
I digress.
I do feel like I have a secret identity. There are ways that people see me-certain facets of my personality exposed-that make folks think that I am a certain way. When I let them in on my secret, it shocks a lot of people and in some cases, I’ve lost “friends” over some pretty superficial stuff.
It isn’t a secret that my family comes first, no matter what. For the last few years, I’ve been “busy” making a living, and forgetting to make a life. My son went from 1st to 4th grade in a blink of an eye. If I could just stop the world for a few minutes to hug him as a little boy more, I would. I have missed out on a lot of little minutes, and those are just as important (if not more) than the major milestones. I need that family time, to me its sacred. I struggle listening to other women bashing their families, especially their husbands. I equally dislike talking smack about your children. To me, you should be their biggest cheerleaders.
I shouldn’t apologize, but I am as in love with my husband today as I was when we first met 20 years ago. He rocks my world. He can make me laugh like no one else. After all these years, we can just look at the other and know what they are thinking. Apparently, women aren’t supposed to love their husbands-just complain about them. Its pretty easy to get into the habit at looking at all the wrong stuff and not focusing on what’s right. I’m one of the lucky ones-I married a pretty good guy. Not many men would put up with some of the curve balls life has thrown at us without a complaint.
Part of my secret identity is a desire for simplicity. I like life in the slow lane. I like sitting out on the deck, watching the sunset. I prefer my home cooking to a restaurant. I watch Fox News and am a conservative chick. I believe in God, guns and America. I am a passionate Christian. I don’t watch Jon Stewart (even though he graduated from the same high school as the princess) or MSNBC. I do listen to NPR, but I also listen to Glenn Beck. I follow NASCAR and listen to country music. I can line dance and do a pretty mean two step. While I do eat vegan, I am not a very good one. I like steak and chicken too much. My husband drives a pick up truck. He hunts and we both like to fish. I like both silky dresses and jeans. I am the middle ground .
I guess this means my secret identity is part redneck, but that’s ok.
I still struggle with my weight, and working out. I run 5k’s but don’t like to train. I try to eat healthy, but I am currently obsessed with candied fruit slices (don’t ask). I love yoga, but am limited in asana practice due to my still recovering broken leg. I have lots of craft projects that I start but never seem to finish.

Do it With a Rock Star

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to attend a fundraiser for the Brennan Rock & Roll Academy (read about it here: http://mommydomchronicles.blogspot.com/2013/04/rock-star.html). I needed a killer outfit that had a bit of an edge. Something rock and roll. Something (gasp) edgy.

It was time to raise the bar.

I'm not an edgy fashionista, by a long shot. I wear the same colors, the same basic style day in and day out. I'm more Shabby Apple (http://www.shabbyapple.com) than Hot Topic (http://www.hottopic.com/hottopic/Apparel.jsp). I'm a wife and mom, and I think practical fashion. I won't grieve for my lost teenage taste.
However, I'm not one to bask in the glory of mom jeans.
Hey, they're comfy...

I do get dressed up for work every day, but I'm in a conservative field, so my clothing choices reflect that.

I did find an awesome black and white dress with kimono style sleeves that can be for a fun, rocking night out AND would be great for work too. It's a refashionista item that I swear jumped off the rack at me.

I haven't been able to wear heels (boo hiss) since I broke my leg last summer, so I'm in flats, and when you're at a standing room only event it's a good thing.

I found red jeggings on clearance at Target for $1.50. Seriously, I had to have them! They took the place of tights and added a great pop of color.

Add some curly teased hair and I was ready to be a rocking out momma.