paging dr. ashton

This pic is from Justin's white coat ceremony when he first started dental school. This year, after passing his board exam, Justin started working in the clinic and on actual human beings. I just wanted to share how proud I am of Justin and all the hard work he does. I think he'll be a great dentist, super smart, excellent technique and great with people. This month he's already given patients shots, pulled some teeth and even did a little oral surgery. I'm so proud of him and just wanted to give him a little shout out. Love you!
PS-He looks so professional in his white dental coat!

tagged

So I was tagged by my friend Lisa, and I have to share 6 random facts about me. So after much thinking (apparently I'm not all that interesting) here's what i came up with:
1. Since I've started reading I've drastically cut down my tv viewing habits. That's right, I'm going back to that line in the Princess Bride "In my day tv was called books..." And I kind of like it!
2. I've never participated in a snow activity. Ok, once Justin and I built a little snowman, but I've never been in a snow ball fight, sledding, skiing or snowboarding. Oh, and for clarification, I did live in Utah for four years.
3. I'm one of those people who always gets injured. Broken toe (same toe, multiple breaks), multiple bone bruises, three concussions, broken ankle and a broken rib. Just lucky I guess.
4. Everything body oriented (blood, guts, openly viewed surgeries) makes me sick, but if I had all the brains in the world I'd probably become a neurosurgeon. Studying the brain (anatomically and cognitively) totally rocks, and I can actually handle watching brain procedures. Would you trust me to work on your brain, um, don't answer that.
5. I am the furthest thing from an animal person. I detest about every type of animal, especially if it's a pet. I used to say I'd let our family have a dog one day, but I changed it to a turtle, then a fish, and now I'll just take my kids to check out library books on animals, and hopefully that will fulfill their interests. I also can't stand when people hold their pets in higher esteem than actual people!
6. I have no idea where we'll be two years from now. More school? With a private practice? With a dental group? Still in Cali? Another state? Couldn't tell ya. We figure we'll have our minds made up by the time graduation rolls around in April 2010.

Yea, you made it! So there you go, six random facts about me. So I tag Caroline, Heidi and paperback writer. Enjoy!

a little bit sticky

So I've NEVER been a big "here's a cute picture of my messy baby" type of mom, and I don't plan on becoming one since I detest when Brody gets super messy. Lately Brody's been throwing all sorts of food tantrums, and we've finally realized that he's ready to start feeding himself. This was one parenting job I was dreading, watching my child get all sorts of sticky and messy foods all over himself in an attempt to actually get some food in his mouth. I tried hard not to make disgusted faces or intervene, while I observed his new found excitement for yogurt. This picture is my proof that I can exercise will power, and not rush over to clean up every sticky food that gets on his hands (some of you know how I get about messy hands). And for the record, Brody nearly finished all his yogurt, without a tantrum!

should I be concerned?

I've never denied that Brody's an action orientated kid, and now he's becoming quite the thrill seeker. He never ceases to amaze me when he tries to keep up with kids three times his age at the park. His latest tricks include climbing up everything, trying to walk off high ledges, and oh yeah, moto x stunts on park equipment! We watch the X games thinking those guys are crazy, but I'm starting to wonder if their moms were just as amazed by their one year old's as I am by my own.

california adventure

To cap off the end of Justin's summer break we decided to go to Disneyland and have a day of fun. We always start off in California Adventure, which I absolutely love. The lines are shorter, the rides are fun, and I love walking around to music from the beach boys. Shauna and Alyssa joined us for the day, so we knew we'd have lots of fun! Here's some highlights from our day:

Justin is definitely a record catch!

Brody's first ride was from Bug's Life. The ride slowly goes around in circles, and made me so dizzy I had to put my head down. Hmmm, it must be a sign that I'm getting old.

Brody was also a big fan of the carousel, which I opted out from.

Brody thought these chairs were thee coolest part of the day. He couldn't get enough of them, so of course we all had to try them out.

Alyssa had a super brave day going on lots of "adventurous" rides that she's never tried before. We suckered her into the screamin' roller coaster (which was pretty fun) and I talked her into going on the maliboomer (I love drop rides!) We had a fun day together, but after dinner Shauna and I took Brody home while Justin and Alyssa rode some more daunting ride after dark! We can't wait to go again!