Field trip!

Yesterday I went with the Advanced Biology kids down to the Bodies Revealed exhibit. They were taking 110 students, and needed a few extra chaperone's.Since I am good friends with the biology teacher, she asked me to help. A day off school, a chance to see this cool exhibit, a chance to eat a real lunch with friends? How could I turn that down?

For those of you who don't know what the exhibit is, here's what the website says:

Through a unique process called polymer preservation, along with sensitive presentation, actual human bodies are displayed accurately for your observation, without any change or deterioration of the internal systems. Examine everything that lies beneath your skin, from the bones to the muscles to the intricate nervous system. Learn more about the many complexities that make your own body into a flawless, life-giving machine

It was fascinating...looking at the muscles, the tendons, the arteries, all the organs, everything. They had individual rooms focusing on the different systems of the body. It probably took us about an hour to walk through. My favorite was the pregnant woman--I know that she has stirred up controversy over the ethical nature of her being included in the exhibit, but it was amazing to see. She was about 4 months along, and you could see the fetus inside her, all curled up like a ball. At 4 months she wouldn't really be showing yet, but the baby inside her was just like a tiny miniature doll. Amazing. Absolutely amazing.

I also liked the healthy lungs vs. the lungs with lung cancer. Anyone who smokes should see that!! The brain damaged by a stroke was interesting, as the heart that had a heart attack. The arteries, especially the aorta valve, looked so thin! Almost like paper. Amazing that a huge amount of blood goes through that small valve, and without it, we would all die. God certainly made our bodies absolutely perfect, with everything working together in absolute harmony. Makes you wonder why people don't believe in God.

The students were fabulous--no problems. Of course, they all had to giggle at the anatomical correctness of the male bodies, but after that, they were ok.

Click here to learn more about the exhibit.

Say what?

Ever the drama queen, Macy was complaining tonight that her head hurt. She said, "It feels like the side of my head has been attacked by the vacuum cleaner!"

Good report!

This morning I took Kaylin to see her orthopedic surgeon for another round of x-rays on her hip. He was pleased with the x-rays; the bad hip is almost caught up with the good one!! It looks pretty close to the same on x-rays. He was a little concerned about a few areas on the hip socket, but he said there was nothing we could do but watch to see how it played out as she gets older. He said he wasn't sure the hip is strong enough to get her 70, that she might end up with a hip replacement in her 30's or 40's, but again we'd have to see how it played out. My first inclination is to not let her play sports that would put pressure on that hip, but I don't know if that would even help or hinder. We don't go back for another year, and we'll see what has happened in this years time.

Kaylin of course wanted McDonalds for lunch, and I didn't. I wanted Chipotle, and my oh so picky daughter would not like it. So we went to Chipotle, I ate some tacos, then off to McDonalds. Kaylin thought it was funny that we ate at two different places.

Now we're just hanging out at home, trying to stay warm and wait for Macy to go home from school.

1-1

Election day yesterday brought a split in the races I was most interested in. The district I teach in was trying to pass a bond for a second high school, another (the 10th) elementary school, and technology needs. The most pressing was the second high school. We are truly busting at the seams. Our building has a capacity of 1600, and we are currently at 2100. Thankfully, the bond passed and the new high school will open in the fall of 2010. I hope to teach there, but have to go through an interview process.

A few weeks ago, the bond was a done deal. But our district is dealing with some scandals, and suddenly things weren't looking so good. Regardless, the bond passed overwhelming.

Macy's school district was also trying to pass a bond. This would be for a new elementary school up in the north part of the district, major upgrades to Macy's school (much needed ones) and various other technology and security things.

The bond failed. Well, technically it passed. It received 54% yes votes, but needed a 57% yes vote to pass. Her district is seriously falling farther and farther behind in terms of technology, teacher salaries, and just basic cosmetic work. The scools are operating bare bones as it is. With the bond failing, she will know have to go to another school. Her friends from the neigborhood will move too, but she's made many friends at the other elementary who will continue to go there. I won't even begin to explain how irriated I am with community members who think they can vote no just because they don't have a kid in school anymore.

Hey, Uncle Rod! We're in the Club!!!

The girls (mine plus Hannah) all finished their Gatorade in record time today after an exciting soccer game, and wanted to take a picture to show Uncle Rod how they were in the "club". Thanks Aunt Julie and Uncle Rod for getting the girls addicted to Gatorade!!! Macy scored a goal for the first time this season also.

Hannah spent the day with us and after the soccer game, they played outside for a long time, soaking up the sun. We're working with Macy on learning to ride a bike without training wheels. She's getting there--she can go in a straight line for a little bit. Maybe we'll work on turning tomorrow...

Funny story happened at dinner tonight--we were at Cici's Pizza, and Kaylin runs over to some guy standing in line and just grabs his hand and stands next to him. I am laughing so hard I can't even say anything to her, and the guy is laughing as well. She stands there for about 15-20 seconds, and then looks up and realizes he is not her dad. You should have seen the look on her face!! A little blond haired girl with blue eyes was holding his other hand, so it looked completly natural. We had a good laugh throughout dinner.

Quiet night at our house. Bobby is working, Macy spent the night with her friend Gillian (remember the turkey Indian who is fashionable?) and Kaylin fell asleep quickly after a busy day.

Books and Fire...our favorite things

I just finished the latest Jodi Picoult book, Change of Heart She is by far my favorite author, but I was a little disappointed in this one. The premise was good--man on death row wants to donate his heart to the daughter whose father and sister he killed. I enjoyed that side of the story. But the rest was too much like one of her others, Keeping Faith, and I felt it was too much. I will say I was happy I figured out the always-present Picoult surprise twist at the end. Or maybe she is getting worse with foreshadowing.

Bobby battled his first real fire Wednesday night. He wasn't supposed to be working, but was called in for overtime. A carpet/flooring business caught on fire and all those rolls of carpet caught fire and were very hard to put out. They were there from 11:30 pm-6 am doing what they could to knock the flames down. He was exhausted yesterday from the intense effort and adrenline wearing off. He was also excited to have his first real fire under his belt. The girls were excited to talk about it,and watch the fire on the news.

April is Organ Donation Month!

The United States recognizes April as Organ Donation Month. This is a cause I believe very strongly in, and have for years. I've made sure all my family knows how I feel about this in case something was to happen to me.

I've mentioned before how addicted I've become to Confessions of a CF Husband
in the last couple months, and pray often for Tricia, who is waiting for a new set of lungs. You can read more about organ donation on his website; he blogs frequently about the truly selfless and wonderful gift of organ donation.

You can also go to this site to learn how to become an organ donor in your particular state. In Missouri, I filled out a form that puts me on a list that medical personnel will have access to. That's not required, but a good way to make your wishes known and make it easier for people to identify your intentions.