No really it can.
It wasn't what I would call one of my better years.
My sister in law Jennifer has a funny little way of looking at the new year. Her theory is this "Whatever you do on the first day of the year represents how the rest of the year will be like." She spends all December long cleaning and organizing her house to make sure it is free from clutter on Jan. 1st. She is hoping that this will bring a clutter free home all year long. Her mother in law cooks and bakes yummy things for her family all day. Her hope is to have plenty for her family all year long. I thought this was an interesting way to look at things, but she swears by it, and says that it actually works.
Well, last year I thought I would give it a chance. I tried to clean my house, and I planned to do the things that I love the most on the 1st. The truth is though, as the hour approached to ring in the new year I was feeling so much anxiety. We had had a rough couple of years and I wanted so badly to be able to put it all behind us and move on. Problem was, I just didn't feel like it was over. I could tell that the worst was yet to come. I cried as the clock struck midnight.
I have spent the last 365 days on an emotional roller coaster.
2010 brought more stress than I thought I could handle. With still not making ends meet financially, battling insurance issues, quitting my job, 2 kids living with diabetes, selling/almost loosing our house, moving in with my parents, loosing my brother in law, finding out my sister in law will be raising her baby without his daddy, the kids rebelling/adjusting to our new living arrangements, giving our car back to the bank, the hubby back in school full time, and also trying to keep my emotional, unstable little self sane and out of the loony bin. Whew, just typing all that out made my blood pressure rise a bit. See why I can say 2010 can suck it?
So here I sit with 45 minutes to go until midnight. Ringing in 2011 isn't as ideal as I would like. My little portion of the basement is cluttered, I don't have any grand plans for tomorrow, my hubby is a little stressed out (the kids have been extra hyper tonight), and I haven't written a single resolution yet. Surprisingly I am feeling great. I do feel like the worst is behind us now. 2011 is the year of renewal. The year to break bad habits. The year to move on more improved than any other time in my life. The only way I want to spend January 1, 2011 is to be relaxed, loving, and happy. I don't think that's too much to ask for 2011 do you?
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
It might seem a little crazy that I wanted to switch back to this blog for all my postings. The fact is this, this blog is my home. This is where I started almost 6 years ago. I was MommyGoingCrazy long before I was a parent of two diabetics. Long before everything in life changed.
Over the past two years I felt like I had lost my purpose to blogging. Every post was more of a rant than anything else. Granted life was pretty difficult. I always go back and reread posts before life seemed to get intensely hard. I miss those times. In the past few year I haven't been able to open myself up completely. Posting every thing was hard, even though this blog is meant to journal our lives. My audience was listening, but I didn't feel I could get that personal. I eventually just stopped all together.
Even though life isn't the same as it used to be I still have a story to tell. I still want to journal our lives. The good and the bad. It is who we are, and what we are learning. There isn't anything wrong with that. People will always have their opinions, but I know more now who I am and why everything has happened the way it has.
Awhile ago someone thought they could get to me. They thought they could post a comment on my blog and destroy what I feeling. I let them get to me. It didn't change and facts about what I knew, but I took it personal. I suddenly realized that there were people out there that are bitter. It got under my skin and I fled. To a different blog where I thought it would be easier. It wasn't.
I am stronger now. I feel I can handle it. I missed what blogging was all about back then, so I decided to come back to my roots. To post like I used to. To open up more, and to share everything. So welcome back friends. I think I am here to stay.
Over the past two years I felt like I had lost my purpose to blogging. Every post was more of a rant than anything else. Granted life was pretty difficult. I always go back and reread posts before life seemed to get intensely hard. I miss those times. In the past few year I haven't been able to open myself up completely. Posting every thing was hard, even though this blog is meant to journal our lives. My audience was listening, but I didn't feel I could get that personal. I eventually just stopped all together.
Even though life isn't the same as it used to be I still have a story to tell. I still want to journal our lives. The good and the bad. It is who we are, and what we are learning. There isn't anything wrong with that. People will always have their opinions, but I know more now who I am and why everything has happened the way it has.
Awhile ago someone thought they could get to me. They thought they could post a comment on my blog and destroy what I feeling. I let them get to me. It didn't change and facts about what I knew, but I took it personal. I suddenly realized that there were people out there that are bitter. It got under my skin and I fled. To a different blog where I thought it would be easier. It wasn't.
I am stronger now. I feel I can handle it. I missed what blogging was all about back then, so I decided to come back to my roots. To post like I used to. To open up more, and to share everything. So welcome back friends. I think I am here to stay.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Life isn't easy. Life isn't awful either.
Actually life seems to be looking up. Finally right? Well we have had to endure some pretty difficult things to get to this point. Each day we take one step closer down the path to better things. I need this little reminder. (like really really bad....cuz I TOTALLY LOVE IT) Oh and it really is a good reminder that I can do hard things. (btw it is my cute friend Kim that makes these beauties)
I have done hard things and have lived through it.
I have done hard things and have become stronger because of it.
I will always have to do hard things.
Because I have faith that everything is for a reason...I am ok with doing hard things.
It's all going to be worth it someday. This I know for sure!
Actually life seems to be looking up. Finally right? Well we have had to endure some pretty difficult things to get to this point. Each day we take one step closer down the path to better things. I need this little reminder. (like really really bad....cuz I TOTALLY LOVE IT) Oh and it really is a good reminder that I can do hard things. (btw it is my cute friend Kim that makes these beauties)
I have done hard things and have lived through it.
I have done hard things and have become stronger because of it.
I will always have to do hard things.
Because I have faith that everything is for a reason...I am ok with doing hard things.
It's all going to be worth it someday. This I know for sure!
Thursday, October 07, 2010
It takes 5 seconds to think of every possibility.
Poke finger.
Insert blood into test strip.
I've done this a million times. Normally it isn't a big deal. Well, I hope it isn't a big deal anyway. The glucose meter starts to count down.
5
My stomach starts to hurt in worry. My mind races through a million possibilities.
What was the last time we tested? Have I waited too long? Anything could happen to my darling diabetics in even a few minutes.
4
My palms start to sweat. I knees get a little wobbly.
Things haven't been looking so good lately. The numbers keep getting lower and lower. What will it be this time? Should I have juice and glucagon handy just in case it's really bad again?
3
I need to sit down, I just might be the one to pass out from stress through these 5 seconds, the longest 5 seconds in history.
Last time she was low, the juice, soda, chocolate milk and crackers haven't brought her up very much. That's not a good sign.
2
I hug her tight. Who knows maybe this will be the last time I get to hug her before she starts to have a seizure. I pray "Please God, bless my child that nothing horrible will happen to her."
What else can I do? I have tried everything. I have been trained to take care of her. I don't have time for the why me's yet. There is only one more second until I have to react.
1
Another low. No surprise. 9 lows in one day, and this being the regular for her is not a good sign. I can't help but wonder "What about next time?" Will she be ok next time?
The count down continues. When will this scary cycle end?
Monday, August 30, 2010
The Bad "D" Day.
Since I can't seem to escape the fact that diabetes stinks, I think I better post it so everyone knows what I have it today more than normal.
Today is the Princess' 2nd day of first grade. I don't want to be THAT kind of mom that is constantly hovering over her child, and I thought we went over everything enough last week with the teacher and the school that I thought I didn't have to go to school today except for lunch.
My stomach got all in knots around 9:15 when I thought she would be getting tested. They were told to call me if her #'s were out of range, but if there were ok, then there was no need to call. By 9:30 I didn't get a call so I thought everything was ok. Well about 10:30ish I got a call that she was 40!!! I know!! I asked what she had to bring her back up. A few teddy grahams. I told her she needed a juice too and to call me again in 15 min after they tested.
I was headed to the school at about 11 so I could get her all set for lunch. I hadn't received a call yet by the time I got there and was panicking a little. I walked into the school and she was still in the office. This was more than 30 min since she had been first tested by the way. She had been down there for so long. They had just tested her again and she was at 118.
One of the ladies at the office told me that the Princess had refused to test at 9:15, then again at 9:30. Finally by 10 she agreed to test herself. What the heck? I am irritated that she would refuse to test. If she would have tested earlier maybe she wouldn't have dropped so low and wouldn't have missed so much school. I have no idea why she would do this, but the teacher thinks that maybe she was embarrassed in front of the other kids. (I am going in tomorrow to teach the class alittle about diabetes.) We decided that she is going to do all her testing at the office, and I will talk with her when she gets home to see what happened.
So back to giving her insulin for lunch. We decided we would let her try school lunch. Last night I printed up the menu and all the carb counts and let her decide what she was going to have. She decided that she wanted a chef's salad, applesauce, a roll and chocolate milk. Not too bad. When I got to the school today the nurse and I gave her the insulin and the nurse left. I hung around to see how this was going to go. When she got in there the school didn't have the same side dishes that they had on the menu. There wasn't applesauce at all. (remember I had already given the insulin, and THE only reason why I was still there is because this is her first week of school. There is no one there to watch her while she eats, I wanted to make sure she can do this on her own.) Since there wasn't applesauce she had to choose something else. They had strawberries, bananas and "trail mix". Let me interrupt to let you know that this "trail mix" was a a mixture of fruit loops, rice crispies and chocolate chips! What kid would choose strawberries or bananas over this? Either way let me do this. The applesauce was 20 carbs. The strawberries were 16. The bananas were 10 and the trail mix was 45!!!! Whatever she was going to choose since there wasn't applesauce, there was going to be a difference in carbs no matter what.
She choose the trail mix.
Do you know what hell we go through to get her blood sugar down after she eats cereal? It's awful.
Anyway, I was not trying to "hover" too much. I want so badly for her to not feel left out that I let her get what she wanted. However, I went home thinking there is no one there to watch these kinds of things happen. Watch her make choices like this because what the school said they were going to have as side dish choice they actually didn't have. Watch her eat her food to see what she actually eats. Watches to make sure she gets more insulin because what was available to her has a much higher carb count than what she got insulin for. Who is supposed to be the watcher? I think for now it is me.
I get to go to school every day for lunch with my 3 year old in tow.
Atleast until I figure this out.
But honestly, why do they think that a handfull of cereal is a side dish?
I am irritated on so many levels.
If my daughter wasn't diabetic I would be able to send her on the bus to 1st grade like every other parent. Let her have her space at school. Let her have whatever side dish she wants. Let her eat the snack before recess. She wouldn't get in trouble on the 2nd day of school because she is refusing to test her blood. I could let her get back on the bus and come home to a mommy that wasn't so tired and stressed.
Stupid diabetes.
Today is the Princess' 2nd day of first grade. I don't want to be THAT kind of mom that is constantly hovering over her child, and I thought we went over everything enough last week with the teacher and the school that I thought I didn't have to go to school today except for lunch.
My stomach got all in knots around 9:15 when I thought she would be getting tested. They were told to call me if her #'s were out of range, but if there were ok, then there was no need to call. By 9:30 I didn't get a call so I thought everything was ok. Well about 10:30ish I got a call that she was 40!!! I know!! I asked what she had to bring her back up. A few teddy grahams. I told her she needed a juice too and to call me again in 15 min after they tested.
I was headed to the school at about 11 so I could get her all set for lunch. I hadn't received a call yet by the time I got there and was panicking a little. I walked into the school and she was still in the office. This was more than 30 min since she had been first tested by the way. She had been down there for so long. They had just tested her again and she was at 118.
One of the ladies at the office told me that the Princess had refused to test at 9:15, then again at 9:30. Finally by 10 she agreed to test herself. What the heck? I am irritated that she would refuse to test. If she would have tested earlier maybe she wouldn't have dropped so low and wouldn't have missed so much school. I have no idea why she would do this, but the teacher thinks that maybe she was embarrassed in front of the other kids. (I am going in tomorrow to teach the class alittle about diabetes.) We decided that she is going to do all her testing at the office, and I will talk with her when she gets home to see what happened.
So back to giving her insulin for lunch. We decided we would let her try school lunch. Last night I printed up the menu and all the carb counts and let her decide what she was going to have. She decided that she wanted a chef's salad, applesauce, a roll and chocolate milk. Not too bad. When I got to the school today the nurse and I gave her the insulin and the nurse left. I hung around to see how this was going to go. When she got in there the school didn't have the same side dishes that they had on the menu. There wasn't applesauce at all. (remember I had already given the insulin, and THE only reason why I was still there is because this is her first week of school. There is no one there to watch her while she eats, I wanted to make sure she can do this on her own.) Since there wasn't applesauce she had to choose something else. They had strawberries, bananas and "trail mix". Let me interrupt to let you know that this "trail mix" was a a mixture of fruit loops, rice crispies and chocolate chips! What kid would choose strawberries or bananas over this? Either way let me do this. The applesauce was 20 carbs. The strawberries were 16. The bananas were 10 and the trail mix was 45!!!! Whatever she was going to choose since there wasn't applesauce, there was going to be a difference in carbs no matter what.
She choose the trail mix.
Do you know what hell we go through to get her blood sugar down after she eats cereal? It's awful.
Anyway, I was not trying to "hover" too much. I want so badly for her to not feel left out that I let her get what she wanted. However, I went home thinking there is no one there to watch these kinds of things happen. Watch her make choices like this because what the school said they were going to have as side dish choice they actually didn't have. Watch her eat her food to see what she actually eats. Watches to make sure she gets more insulin because what was available to her has a much higher carb count than what she got insulin for. Who is supposed to be the watcher? I think for now it is me.
I get to go to school every day for lunch with my 3 year old in tow.
Atleast until I figure this out.
But honestly, why do they think that a handfull of cereal is a side dish?
I am irritated on so many levels.
If my daughter wasn't diabetic I would be able to send her on the bus to 1st grade like every other parent. Let her have her space at school. Let her have whatever side dish she wants. Let her eat the snack before recess. She wouldn't get in trouble on the 2nd day of school because she is refusing to test her blood. I could let her get back on the bus and come home to a mommy that wasn't so tired and stressed.
Stupid diabetes.
Just some random pictures for fun.
Since I have been a bad blogger for many months now, why don't I post some pictures of things that I was going to blog about?
Little Man got a pump. We love it by the way!
Princess, Daddy and I got to go to a fancy dinner at La Caille for the JDRF.
Princess testing herself.
We got to meet Megann forever ago. I love her and her cute girls!
Typical scene that I find often with the Little Man. Always into something. This is chocolate syrup and powdered sugar.
The kids were being helpful while we were getting our house ready to sell.
Grandma and Grandpa came from Idaho for our walk. They had a BBQ and a swimming party the next day. We all had a blast!
Little Man got a pump. We love it by the way!
Princess, Daddy and I got to go to a fancy dinner at La Caille for the JDRF.
Princess testing herself.
We got to meet Megann forever ago. I love her and her cute girls!
Typical scene that I find often with the Little Man. Always into something. This is chocolate syrup and powdered sugar.
The kids were being helpful while we were getting our house ready to sell.
Grandma and Grandpa came from Idaho for our walk. They had a BBQ and a swimming party the next day. We all had a blast!Rock the Walk
I wanted to document the JDRF walk this year. I didn't get a ton a pictures because I just handed my hubby the camera and told him to take what he could. Since I was running all over the place he kinda had his hands full with the kids. I am grateful that he was such a good sport with everything and he did a great job making the day fun for the kids.
The theme was Rock the Walk. It was at Wheeler Farm on Aug. 21st. I was on the Entertainment Committee with Wendy Cooper and LOVE LOVE LOVE it! We had been going to meetings since around May to plan it. We were in charge of getting the bands, the sound equipment, the bounce houses, the slides, the velcro wall, the bungee run, the super soaker course, the rock wall, and other little stuff. It was a big job, but honestly I would do it again in a heart beat!
The kids and I were able to go around to different businesses and talk about our lives with diabetes. This was to help get them excited about the walk and helping with fundraising as well. We started by going to Merit Medical way back in the Spring. They were one of the biggest sponsors of the walk. Because of this the kids were going to help with the ribbon cutting ceremony. We all got to be up there, but the kids were afraid of cutting their fingers on the HUGE scissors.
(Just to add so I can document this we went to Merit Medical, Taco Bell, Discover Card and American Express and talked to all of them about life with diabetes. I also got to be on a 30 min spot on the radio station X96. We feel lucky to have such great opportunities.)
There were over 6000 people at the walk. I feel it was a huge success. (Other than the grass being swamped the night before) Our team raised just over $1000!! I am so happy that we have such great support from family and friends that donated and came to the walk! It was a big deal for us even if it was our 2nd walk.
The theme was Rock the Walk. It was at Wheeler Farm on Aug. 21st. I was on the Entertainment Committee with Wendy Cooper and LOVE LOVE LOVE it! We had been going to meetings since around May to plan it. We were in charge of getting the bands, the sound equipment, the bounce houses, the slides, the velcro wall, the bungee run, the super soaker course, the rock wall, and other little stuff. It was a big job, but honestly I would do it again in a heart beat!
The kids and I were able to go around to different businesses and talk about our lives with diabetes. This was to help get them excited about the walk and helping with fundraising as well. We started by going to Merit Medical way back in the Spring. They were one of the biggest sponsors of the walk. Because of this the kids were going to help with the ribbon cutting ceremony. We all got to be up there, but the kids were afraid of cutting their fingers on the HUGE scissors.
(Just to add so I can document this we went to Merit Medical, Taco Bell, Discover Card and American Express and talked to all of them about life with diabetes. I also got to be on a 30 min spot on the radio station X96. We feel lucky to have such great opportunities.)
There were over 6000 people at the walk. I feel it was a huge success. (Other than the grass being swamped the night before) Our team raised just over $1000!! I am so happy that we have such great support from family and friends that donated and came to the walk! It was a big deal for us even if it was our 2nd walk.
I can't wait for next year!
Preschool
The little man started preschool!! I know, I can't believe it either. Those that have been following my blog for awhile (there are a few of you I think) might remember when he was born! Crazy, I KNOW! Time flys way too fast!He was so excited to go to Amy's...err Mrs. Mitchell's class. He just LOVES her and her family! He started a few weeks ago before the other schools had started, so he even got to see Jessie (his 14 year old girlfriend)! I guess the first few days he would only let Jessie test him, not Amy. Silly kid would hide under the table if she would try. I always said he was a stinker.
He loves preschool and has already learned so much. Our favorite is his good manners and bad manners. We use that for everything. He thinks it is great to hold up his thumbs and tell us what he thinks about it.
He is a crazy kid, but I am so proud of him. He really can be sweet too, and I think that preschool will help balance this out. Amy has a big job, but I am sure he is better for her than for me. :)
Little Man, I love you. I love that you still fit in my arms just enough for me to snuggle at any point during the day. You have a very big mind full of lots of things, I hope that you will see how much fun learning is. You keep my life interesting and make me laugh every day. I love you lots kid! Be strong. Be good and be kind!
1st Grade
The Princess started the 1st grade on Aug. 27. Why start on a Friday, and a short day at that, I will never know. She was so excited though! I was scared to death. Diabetes played nice, but I was there every few hours testing her and making sure everyone knew what was going on.
Her teacher seems really nice. Her name is Mrs. Tapia. She has never had a diabetic in her class, but she seems so willing to learn and to help out. I really like her, so does the Princess. There are also 5 other kids from our neighborhood in that class to so she already feels like she has friends.
Dude started school the day before her so he was excited to show her around a bit. He was really excited to see us at lunch. He came over and gave us a big hug.
I only got one phone call from her asking if she could have the snack that the class was having. She hadn't tested or anything and the school didn't really know what to do. We got it worked out, but I am praying that if parents are going to bring snacks it is something healthy. I really hate it when she feels left out!
Over all the first day went great! She was excited to go back. Hopefully today goes ok. I want to try to give the school a little space in figuring everything out. I will be there at lunch though! I still can't let that one go. Maybe after a few days of seeing how things go I can step back a little.Princess you are a bright little girl. You have a smile that shines. I have no doubt that this year will be great, but please don't forget that when you start to feel alone in this big world, that your mom and dad are always right by your side. I love you little lady! Good luck this year!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
2nd Grade
My handsome Dude started 2nd grade on Aug. 26th. Man this summer went by fast! He was a little nervous to start school. He had so many friends in our old neighborhood and loved his old school he wasn't too happy about switching. It is so hard to see your kids go through feelings like that, but he is a good kid and a fun person to be around so I am sure he will make more friends in no time.
He lost his two from teeth in the last few weeks. He looks like I did when I was his age, but I was missing my 4 front teeth for several years. I just loved this picture of him.
He gets to ride the school bus every day, which is new to him. I actually think that this was the highlight of his day.
He is now going to the same school that I went to elementary school at. He teacher is Mrs. Diamond. Now she is an older teacher, but I don't think that she was there when I was. It is crazy taking my kids there now and remembering all the things I do from school. It actually makes me feel really old.
I really hope this year turns out good for him. With all the changes that have been happening lately he has been the one that has struggled the most. All I want is for him to be happy, healthy, and to be smart. He has the potential for all those things, I just get to teach him to take it one step at a time, and to find happiness in everything.
Good Luck Little Dude. You are growing up way too fast. Just remember as you walk out the door each day that no matter what your mommy loves you!
Mom always says not to run in the house!
Last Sunday the kids were a little wound up from a fun day swimming and hanging out with Grandma, Grandpa and some of their aunts and cousins. I told them to settle down many times, but as usual they didn't listen. Dude was chasing Princess down the hall then she tripped and fell right into the corner of the wall. I heard it all the way from upstairs, but had to wait a minute to calm down before I went to check out the damage. When I got there Princess was holding her forehead and screaming. Once she took her hand off I could tell she was going to need stitches. Luckily the Instacare was open for another hour, so Grandma and I headed over there to have it taken care of. 3 stitches and a free ice cream cone later she was all better.
(She was super scared to get the stitches. We had to call daddy to help her calm down. She needed Dot, her bear, to hold too.)
(The Doctor didn't think it was too bad, but was happy we brought her in.)
(After it was numb, but before it was stitched. Poor girl wouldn't stop crying. The red punch mustache was from when we visited Aunt Steph's house. Steph always gives them a huge glass of Crystal Light when we visit, we just hadn't cleaned her up yet.)
(All better! She had to have them in for a week. I took her after church today to get them out. They put the stitches in a blue cup for her to take home. This was the highlight of her day.)Thursday, August 26, 2010
D Mom's to the rescue!
Alright so tomorrow I have to send diabetes to school for the entire day. Who knew first grade could be so stressful?
We have an understanding of how the school likes to have things done, and what we want done too. But I have one major problem I just can't seem to figure out. I need advice from my trusty D mom's to help me get through it.
Here's my problem...
Lunch time.
I know, I know there are lots of ways that everyone does this. But hear me out first before I get swamped with emails.
First she is only 6. She has the basic understanding of how to count carbs, and for the most part she is pretty good at eating everything on her plate. Should I teach her how to handle this herself? Is she old enough to fully understand AND do it on her own? Or does she need to be supervised still? (I am thinking the later)
Second, we have the school nurse coming BEFORE lunch to give her insulin, BUT she can't stay to watch her get her food, or watch her eat it for that matter. WHO is responsible for making sure she eats what she was given insulin for and if not make any adjustments? Is this me? Do I need to go to school every day? Do I trust that it will be ok?
Third, Is it better for me to just send lunch every day? I found all the carb counts for school lunch. They have a pretty good selection, and Dude LOVES school lunch, but would it be easier to just send it every day?
HELP! I am meeting with the teacher and school nurse in a few hours and I am not sure how to handle it yet. SCHOOL STARTS TOMORROW!
Did I mention diabetes is going to give me grey hair?
We have an understanding of how the school likes to have things done, and what we want done too. But I have one major problem I just can't seem to figure out. I need advice from my trusty D mom's to help me get through it.
Here's my problem...
Lunch time.
I know, I know there are lots of ways that everyone does this. But hear me out first before I get swamped with emails.
First she is only 6. She has the basic understanding of how to count carbs, and for the most part she is pretty good at eating everything on her plate. Should I teach her how to handle this herself? Is she old enough to fully understand AND do it on her own? Or does she need to be supervised still? (I am thinking the later)
Second, we have the school nurse coming BEFORE lunch to give her insulin, BUT she can't stay to watch her get her food, or watch her eat it for that matter. WHO is responsible for making sure she eats what she was given insulin for and if not make any adjustments? Is this me? Do I need to go to school every day? Do I trust that it will be ok?
Third, Is it better for me to just send lunch every day? I found all the carb counts for school lunch. They have a pretty good selection, and Dude LOVES school lunch, but would it be easier to just send it every day?
HELP! I am meeting with the teacher and school nurse in a few hours and I am not sure how to handle it yet. SCHOOL STARTS TOMORROW!
Did I mention diabetes is going to give me grey hair?
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
It's been awhile since I have posted and a lot has happened this summer. I am annoyed by myself that I haven't documented the last couple of months. We have been busy, but I also have admitted to have a tiny bit of a computer/blogging addiction in the past. My poor family only saw me with the screen in my face. I had take a break and focus on my family and get us through some changes in the past few months. I am going to try to ease myself back into blogging so I don't miss out on posting some important things...this is my journal after all.
To bring you up to date...
Our house sold! It was a long and stressful process but it sold! We are relieved to have that chapter of our lives closed. We are now living in my mom and dad's basement. We really feel comfortable here. My mom and dad really are amazing and are being patient with us while we adjust. We have quite a bit of space, the kids love having grandma and grandpa close by, we are starting to make new friends, and most of all mom and dad feel like we can breath again. I asked the kids the other day what was their favorite part about living here and all of them said that they can ride their bikes around the shed through the gate by the trailer and through the gate again. They can, and have done this for hours.
My hubby got accepted to the police academy! He starts on Sept. 7th. When he made this decision we knew from the start that this was what he was supposed to do. It has been amazing to see him go through the process and really see things happen. It truly does show that the path has been laid out for him, he just had to find it and follow it. When he first applied for the academy it was full. The lady there told him that he could get all his info in to her though and they will hold it if a spot opened up. So he got it all in within a week. She was so impressed by his desire to get in and willingness to get everything into her that she kicked out a guy that hadn't done anything yet and put my hubby in instead. He was #50 accepted to the academy out of 50! He has all his gear and is ready to go. Even though he will be gone every night, I will miss him, but I am so excited for him too!
Our Walk to Cure Diabetes this year was a hit! Our team reached our goal in a very short amount of time, and we had lots of friends and family come and join us. Wendy and I had meetings all summer long to plan the entertainment. We were in charge of getting the activities, rock bands, sound equipment, and face painters. It was tough job, but working with Wendy and all the other committee members made it so much fun! It turned out great! (I will be posting a whole other blog post to this so stay tuned)
Little Man started preschool a few weeks ago. He LOVES Mrs. Mitchell!! He loves to see Jessie (his 14 year old girlfriend), Mallory and Tyler. Amy is the best teacher and just makes everything so fun! I loved when he came home the other day and put his tiny little thumbs up and said "good manners" then put his little thumbs down and said "bad manners". Just the way he said it was so cute! It has helped us to teach him quickly more about his manners just by a thumbs up or a thumbs down. He has been trying to count too. For some reason he just can't remember the #7. He is still a stinker. He still gets into everything, but I love him to death and I am really proud of him. He is handling his diabetes as well as a 3 year old can. Each day gets better, but his #'s are getting worse as he comes out of the honeymoon. Time to make some changes.
Little Princess is going pretty good. She had to get stitches the other day. (I have pictures I will post when I get them on the computer) Her brother was chasing her and she tripped and fell into the wall. 3 stitches right on her forehead. She lost her first tooth a few weeks ago too! She was so scared to have it pulled out. Finally grandpa was able to get it out. She is excited to start school on Friday! I am scared to death to send her to 1st grade! I know that it will work out though, it always does, it's just the adjustment period when we get into a routine that scares me. She has met a few kids here in the neighborhood and 5 of them are in her class at school! This will be really good for her. One little girl, Lillie, was asking all sorts of questions about her diabetes. Her mom is being so great to teach her what she can and to learn more about it herself. This has meant to world to me and will be helpful at school.
Little Dude is having the hardest time adjusting to the move. He is still so sad about leaving his best friend Nathan. We have tried to get them together to play still but he misses him so badly. He has met a friend, Hyrum, and plays with him when he can, but it isn't the same. Starting school tomorrow will be good for him. To have the structure and to meet new friends. He has lost his two top front teeth in the last 2 weeks too. He looks silly, just like I did when I was his age. He is growing up so fast.
As for me, I have just been busy. Now that the walk is over I hope to find more time to work out, and get a little more organized. I am happy with where we are at in our lives so I am striving to seek guidance every day.
This is where we are. Now maybe I can post every day and keep up with this crazy blog again.
To bring you up to date...
Our house sold! It was a long and stressful process but it sold! We are relieved to have that chapter of our lives closed. We are now living in my mom and dad's basement. We really feel comfortable here. My mom and dad really are amazing and are being patient with us while we adjust. We have quite a bit of space, the kids love having grandma and grandpa close by, we are starting to make new friends, and most of all mom and dad feel like we can breath again. I asked the kids the other day what was their favorite part about living here and all of them said that they can ride their bikes around the shed through the gate by the trailer and through the gate again. They can, and have done this for hours.
My hubby got accepted to the police academy! He starts on Sept. 7th. When he made this decision we knew from the start that this was what he was supposed to do. It has been amazing to see him go through the process and really see things happen. It truly does show that the path has been laid out for him, he just had to find it and follow it. When he first applied for the academy it was full. The lady there told him that he could get all his info in to her though and they will hold it if a spot opened up. So he got it all in within a week. She was so impressed by his desire to get in and willingness to get everything into her that she kicked out a guy that hadn't done anything yet and put my hubby in instead. He was #50 accepted to the academy out of 50! He has all his gear and is ready to go. Even though he will be gone every night, I will miss him, but I am so excited for him too!
Our Walk to Cure Diabetes this year was a hit! Our team reached our goal in a very short amount of time, and we had lots of friends and family come and join us. Wendy and I had meetings all summer long to plan the entertainment. We were in charge of getting the activities, rock bands, sound equipment, and face painters. It was tough job, but working with Wendy and all the other committee members made it so much fun! It turned out great! (I will be posting a whole other blog post to this so stay tuned)
Little Man started preschool a few weeks ago. He LOVES Mrs. Mitchell!! He loves to see Jessie (his 14 year old girlfriend), Mallory and Tyler. Amy is the best teacher and just makes everything so fun! I loved when he came home the other day and put his tiny little thumbs up and said "good manners" then put his little thumbs down and said "bad manners". Just the way he said it was so cute! It has helped us to teach him quickly more about his manners just by a thumbs up or a thumbs down. He has been trying to count too. For some reason he just can't remember the #7. He is still a stinker. He still gets into everything, but I love him to death and I am really proud of him. He is handling his diabetes as well as a 3 year old can. Each day gets better, but his #'s are getting worse as he comes out of the honeymoon. Time to make some changes.
Little Princess is going pretty good. She had to get stitches the other day. (I have pictures I will post when I get them on the computer) Her brother was chasing her and she tripped and fell into the wall. 3 stitches right on her forehead. She lost her first tooth a few weeks ago too! She was so scared to have it pulled out. Finally grandpa was able to get it out. She is excited to start school on Friday! I am scared to death to send her to 1st grade! I know that it will work out though, it always does, it's just the adjustment period when we get into a routine that scares me. She has met a few kids here in the neighborhood and 5 of them are in her class at school! This will be really good for her. One little girl, Lillie, was asking all sorts of questions about her diabetes. Her mom is being so great to teach her what she can and to learn more about it herself. This has meant to world to me and will be helpful at school.
Little Dude is having the hardest time adjusting to the move. He is still so sad about leaving his best friend Nathan. We have tried to get them together to play still but he misses him so badly. He has met a friend, Hyrum, and plays with him when he can, but it isn't the same. Starting school tomorrow will be good for him. To have the structure and to meet new friends. He has lost his two top front teeth in the last 2 weeks too. He looks silly, just like I did when I was his age. He is growing up so fast.
As for me, I have just been busy. Now that the walk is over I hope to find more time to work out, and get a little more organized. I am happy with where we are at in our lives so I am striving to seek guidance every day.
This is where we are. Now maybe I can post every day and keep up with this crazy blog again.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
An eventful day
I almost wish there was a way to know when you wake up each morning how the day is going to go. Sorta like the weather...if it is going to be pouring rain most of us would rather stay in bed. Well if I would have known my kids were going to get themselves into the situations that they got themselves into today, I would have just stayed in bed and skipped the day altogether.
You see we were asked to go to American Express today and speak with the JDRF. We have been doing this quite a bit lately so I didn't really think much of it. But today something was a little off because almost everything that could have gone wrong did. I was late so I couldn't drop Dude off at the sitter like I had planned, and both kids were high when we got there. Let me rephrase that for those non diabetic families, blood sugar high, not the other kind of high. Anyway, while I was speaking the kids couldn't sit still. Walking all over circling my feet you name it. I think the speech went ok, but they were distracting. I even got asked if they have ADHD.
When it was over a man asked the kids if they wanted to go out and see the fish in the pond behind the building. This was part of why they couldn't sit still. They could see the pond from where they were sitting and just couldn't leave the window alone, they were dying to go outside. Almost as soon as he asked if they wanted to see it the boys ran for the door opened it up and set the dang fire alarm off. I was so embarrassed. It was worse than the time the Little Dude set off the fire alarm at McDonald's. This building was 10 times bigger with way more people. The kids got to see the fish, but I had to restrain myself from nudging the oldest while standing a little too close to the edge of the pond. That would teach him a lesson. (Just kidding by the way...well sorta)
Our escorts took us to the front doors to say thanks and goodbye. I gave my badge back to the security officer and he kindly unlocked the door for us to all go through. He very clearly said "don't go through the revolving doors, I opened the other door" I told my kids just in case they didn't hear to NOT GO THROUGH THE REVOLVING DOOR GO THROUGH THE OTHER ONE. They apparently had their own agenda and all three of them headed straight to the automatic revolving door. Dude made it through then sister came after. She made it through too. Little Man was about 2 steps behind her. He stuck his head in to get through in the same section as his sister and wouldn't you know the door slammed on his head. He was S.T.U.C.K! It was trying to still "revolve" and was totally crushing his head. I dropped everything and tried to get the door open a little. There was so much force it wasn't moving. Little Man at this time was crying and screaming a scream like I have never heard. I was trying so hard to get it open but I couldn't. Another man came over and tried to open it. He couldn't open it either. With both of us forcing it open we finally got it open just enough to get his head out. The stupid door just kept revolving while I held him in my arms. I was shaking he was screaming. It was awful. There was so much force that in just the few seconds that he was stuck it gave him a big goose egg on the side of his head. You could see where the skin was about to crack and bleed. I am so grateful we got him out, but it makes my stomach sick to envision it again. It really was horrifying to see him stuck like that with the door crushing his little head. We had to go to the on site nurse to make sure he didn't have a concussion. Thankfully he is ok. Me not so much.
It has been an awful day. All three kids have been at each other's throats all day. As I type I have Dude and Princess writing the sentence "Showing respect shows love." over and over again. Mean mom? Maybe, but after today I am a little grumpy. I am planning on drowning my grumpiness in all the peanut butter and chocolate as I can later tonight.
Also, I am pretty sure that American Express won't want us to come back any time soon.
You see we were asked to go to American Express today and speak with the JDRF. We have been doing this quite a bit lately so I didn't really think much of it. But today something was a little off because almost everything that could have gone wrong did. I was late so I couldn't drop Dude off at the sitter like I had planned, and both kids were high when we got there. Let me rephrase that for those non diabetic families, blood sugar high, not the other kind of high. Anyway, while I was speaking the kids couldn't sit still. Walking all over circling my feet you name it. I think the speech went ok, but they were distracting. I even got asked if they have ADHD.
When it was over a man asked the kids if they wanted to go out and see the fish in the pond behind the building. This was part of why they couldn't sit still. They could see the pond from where they were sitting and just couldn't leave the window alone, they were dying to go outside. Almost as soon as he asked if they wanted to see it the boys ran for the door opened it up and set the dang fire alarm off. I was so embarrassed. It was worse than the time the Little Dude set off the fire alarm at McDonald's. This building was 10 times bigger with way more people. The kids got to see the fish, but I had to restrain myself from nudging the oldest while standing a little too close to the edge of the pond. That would teach him a lesson. (Just kidding by the way...well sorta)
Our escorts took us to the front doors to say thanks and goodbye. I gave my badge back to the security officer and he kindly unlocked the door for us to all go through. He very clearly said "don't go through the revolving doors, I opened the other door" I told my kids just in case they didn't hear to NOT GO THROUGH THE REVOLVING DOOR GO THROUGH THE OTHER ONE. They apparently had their own agenda and all three of them headed straight to the automatic revolving door. Dude made it through then sister came after. She made it through too. Little Man was about 2 steps behind her. He stuck his head in to get through in the same section as his sister and wouldn't you know the door slammed on his head. He was S.T.U.C.K! It was trying to still "revolve" and was totally crushing his head. I dropped everything and tried to get the door open a little. There was so much force it wasn't moving. Little Man at this time was crying and screaming a scream like I have never heard. I was trying so hard to get it open but I couldn't. Another man came over and tried to open it. He couldn't open it either. With both of us forcing it open we finally got it open just enough to get his head out. The stupid door just kept revolving while I held him in my arms. I was shaking he was screaming. It was awful. There was so much force that in just the few seconds that he was stuck it gave him a big goose egg on the side of his head. You could see where the skin was about to crack and bleed. I am so grateful we got him out, but it makes my stomach sick to envision it again. It really was horrifying to see him stuck like that with the door crushing his little head. We had to go to the on site nurse to make sure he didn't have a concussion. Thankfully he is ok. Me not so much.
It has been an awful day. All three kids have been at each other's throats all day. As I type I have Dude and Princess writing the sentence "Showing respect shows love." over and over again. Mean mom? Maybe, but after today I am a little grumpy. I am planning on drowning my grumpiness in all the peanut butter and chocolate as I can later tonight.
Also, I am pretty sure that American Express won't want us to come back any time soon.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
I'm still here!
In case you were wondering, yes I am still here.
I haven't done much blogging at all, I don't feel like I have time for it right now. Our lives are super busy and spare time is spent with a much needed nap or a good movie most of the time.
What are we up to you are asking? Well first of all we are still in the process of moving. The closing date is in a month. It has been the most stressful thing that I have ever gone through. I can't wait for it to be over with. My faith has grown, but has also been tested. I am so grateful for the temple. After an awesome time there the other day I am now convinced that miracles do happen. It will all be over with soon, and a new chapter can now be opened. I can't wait!
I got the kids registered for their new school the other day. They will no longer be in year around school which means that they will actually have a summer vacation! I am mostly excited because I found out that the school nurses will all be the same for that school as well! In fact they have it set up already for another little boy to have the school nurse come every day at lunch to bolus him for his food! This was good news! Sending Brooklyn to first grade was about to kill me. The stress has been lifted by quite a bit. I am so happy we decided to have them switch schools!
So crazy things had been going on with my health. I still don't feel like I have many answers, but after a few test we found out that my liver isn't working like it should. I have to avoid alcohol (hahahaha) and Tylenol for awhile and see if that helps. Then I think they will do another test to see if it changed anything. Who knows what is going on, but to be honest I am not worried about it. I have far too many other things to worry about right now.
My hubby is doing great. He has decided to do a 180 and leave/stop trying to get a job in the financial world. He was all lined up for a pretty good job with New York Life Insurance, but felt it wasn't the right way to go. It was still a commission based job and he realized that he will never be happy there. He is going to start back up with school in the Fall and will graduate in a few semesters with a degree in Criminal Justice. Yes, this means he has decided to be a police officer and will be going through the Police Academy as well. This is what he has always secretly wanted to do, and I am so proud and happy that he is taking the opportunity to follow his heart and do something that he wants to do. This might come as a shock to some of you, but to me this was no surprise. I feel that this is what he needs to do and I couldn't be more excited and proud.
I am also on the planning committee for our JDRF walk this year. Wendy Cooper and I are the Entertainment Co-Chairman. This means that the two of us are in charge of planning all the entertainment for our walk that about 6000 people attend. This is a big job but I am loving it! Working with Wendy is great! This girl has quickly become one of my best friends. We think and act so much alike that it is making this job more easy that I thought. I know I know ask me in a few weeks when I am a little more stressed about it.
So that is about it for now. Our lives seem to be getting crazier and crazier by the day.
I haven't done much blogging at all, I don't feel like I have time for it right now. Our lives are super busy and spare time is spent with a much needed nap or a good movie most of the time.
What are we up to you are asking? Well first of all we are still in the process of moving. The closing date is in a month. It has been the most stressful thing that I have ever gone through. I can't wait for it to be over with. My faith has grown, but has also been tested. I am so grateful for the temple. After an awesome time there the other day I am now convinced that miracles do happen. It will all be over with soon, and a new chapter can now be opened. I can't wait!
I got the kids registered for their new school the other day. They will no longer be in year around school which means that they will actually have a summer vacation! I am mostly excited because I found out that the school nurses will all be the same for that school as well! In fact they have it set up already for another little boy to have the school nurse come every day at lunch to bolus him for his food! This was good news! Sending Brooklyn to first grade was about to kill me. The stress has been lifted by quite a bit. I am so happy we decided to have them switch schools!
So crazy things had been going on with my health. I still don't feel like I have many answers, but after a few test we found out that my liver isn't working like it should. I have to avoid alcohol (hahahaha) and Tylenol for awhile and see if that helps. Then I think they will do another test to see if it changed anything. Who knows what is going on, but to be honest I am not worried about it. I have far too many other things to worry about right now.
My hubby is doing great. He has decided to do a 180 and leave/stop trying to get a job in the financial world. He was all lined up for a pretty good job with New York Life Insurance, but felt it wasn't the right way to go. It was still a commission based job and he realized that he will never be happy there. He is going to start back up with school in the Fall and will graduate in a few semesters with a degree in Criminal Justice. Yes, this means he has decided to be a police officer and will be going through the Police Academy as well. This is what he has always secretly wanted to do, and I am so proud and happy that he is taking the opportunity to follow his heart and do something that he wants to do. This might come as a shock to some of you, but to me this was no surprise. I feel that this is what he needs to do and I couldn't be more excited and proud.
I am also on the planning committee for our JDRF walk this year. Wendy Cooper and I are the Entertainment Co-Chairman. This means that the two of us are in charge of planning all the entertainment for our walk that about 6000 people attend. This is a big job but I am loving it! Working with Wendy is great! This girl has quickly become one of my best friends. We think and act so much alike that it is making this job more easy that I thought. I know I know ask me in a few weeks when I am a little more stressed about it.
So that is about it for now. Our lives seem to be getting crazier and crazier by the day.
Friday, May 07, 2010
There are well over 1000 posts on my google reader that I have been ignoring, and I have a confession.... it hasn't bothered me one bit.
Don't get me wrong, I miss what everyone is up to, but I don't miss spending way too much time on the computer ignoring my family and responsibilities. It was getting out of hand, causing problems if you will, but I can't not post on my blog forever. It is my journal after all. And I really do miss hearing from my "imaginary friends".
Lots and lots has been going on. Almost too much to blog about. But to summarize our house has been on the market for about 3 weeks. We have 2 offers already, but we are waiting for the bank to make a decision. This could take a bit, but I am not worried about it. Things are going the way they should and I know that it will work out.
My hubby did his 2nd triathlon the other day! He did awesome! He is planning on doing another one this month too. I think that he really enjoys the challenge. I enjoy seeing him succeed at something that he has worked so hard at. I am so incredibly proud of him.
All the kids have had their birthday's. They were all spoiled, and loved every minute of it.
Brooklyn was student of the month for May. It was so much fun to go to the school and watch her get her prize and hear why the teacher choose her. Kindness is a quality that comes easy to her, it's no wonder why she was chosen.
Mother's day was amazing yesterday! It was the first one in a long time that I didn't beat myself up over the things that I need to do different as a mother and end up in tears. It was a wonderful day! Other than Tyson being sick. I am one lucky person to have amazing kids and the best husband ever, and let's not forget the best mother! My mother in laws are pretty awesome too.
Hayden is wanting so badly to train for a triathlon. They have ones where kids can compete and are shorter than the adult races. I hope we can find a way for him to do this. He would love it and do so well. He and some of his friends have started running teams at school where they spend their recess racing all the other kids in the grade. This is his favorite thing to talk about, and from what I hear, he's pretty dang good.
As for me, I am just happy. I am happy with everything that is going on in my life. I am happy for the choices that we have made. I couldn't be more excited for the future. Cheesy I know, but it has been too long since I have felt this peace.
So don't be worried if it is awhile since you hear from me again. I am busy trying to be the best mom and wife I can be. Life is wonderful!
Don't get me wrong, I miss what everyone is up to, but I don't miss spending way too much time on the computer ignoring my family and responsibilities. It was getting out of hand, causing problems if you will, but I can't not post on my blog forever. It is my journal after all. And I really do miss hearing from my "imaginary friends".
Lots and lots has been going on. Almost too much to blog about. But to summarize our house has been on the market for about 3 weeks. We have 2 offers already, but we are waiting for the bank to make a decision. This could take a bit, but I am not worried about it. Things are going the way they should and I know that it will work out.
My hubby did his 2nd triathlon the other day! He did awesome! He is planning on doing another one this month too. I think that he really enjoys the challenge. I enjoy seeing him succeed at something that he has worked so hard at. I am so incredibly proud of him.
All the kids have had their birthday's. They were all spoiled, and loved every minute of it.
Brooklyn was student of the month for May. It was so much fun to go to the school and watch her get her prize and hear why the teacher choose her. Kindness is a quality that comes easy to her, it's no wonder why she was chosen.
Mother's day was amazing yesterday! It was the first one in a long time that I didn't beat myself up over the things that I need to do different as a mother and end up in tears. It was a wonderful day! Other than Tyson being sick. I am one lucky person to have amazing kids and the best husband ever, and let's not forget the best mother! My mother in laws are pretty awesome too.
Hayden is wanting so badly to train for a triathlon. They have ones where kids can compete and are shorter than the adult races. I hope we can find a way for him to do this. He would love it and do so well. He and some of his friends have started running teams at school where they spend their recess racing all the other kids in the grade. This is his favorite thing to talk about, and from what I hear, he's pretty dang good.
As for me, I am just happy. I am happy with everything that is going on in my life. I am happy for the choices that we have made. I couldn't be more excited for the future. Cheesy I know, but it has been too long since I have felt this peace.
So don't be worried if it is awhile since you hear from me again. I am busy trying to be the best mom and wife I can be. Life is wonderful!
Thursday, May 06, 2010
The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking
This is a long video clip but if you start watching it somewhere around the 2:30 mark you will get to why I am posting it.
Brooklyn watched this movie the other day for the first time. To say that she loved it was an understatement. Her favorite part was (as you will see in the clip) when she buys ice cream and candy for all the orphan kids. Little did I know how this movie would impact her life. Even if it wasn't intentional. Let me explain.
We just celebrated Brook's 6th birthday. She has the best grand parents and great grand parents that sent her cards with a little birthday money inside. She was so excited about the money since there are several things that she wants to save her money for, like a Nintendo DS. She only has one weakness though...the ice cream man. As a diabetic this is really difficult for her to pass up but I almost always tell her no she can't buy anything from the ice cream man.
Well the other day she had been outside playing. She must have heard the music from the truck when it was several streets over. I am quite sure she thought that she had her own money so there was no need to ask for permission. Next thing I know I hear the ice cream truck right outside and she was walking through the front door holding a big ice cream that she had just bought. I asked her where she got the money for it, she replied it was her birthday money. I was trying not to be mad, trying to understand that it is her money and it wouldn't hurt anything if she wanted to do this just once. So I asked her where the rest of her birthday money was. " I gave it to the [other kids in the circle] so they could buy some" she replied. I started adding up how much money she got for her birthday and just realized she had handed out $40 to a handful of kids in the circle to buy ice cream! I went running outside just as the ice cream truck was pulling away, I am sure smirking at me knowing what had just happened. I saw all the kids running into their homes with HANDFULS of ice cream and cotton candy. I flipped! I told Brook what she had done and from the look on her eyes she was pretty mortified! (May I just add that she doesn't understand yet the difference between a one dollar bill and anything else. To her it is all the same.) So I asked/yelled at the kids to give me back all the change that they had from her birthday money. I asked one kid how much she gave him " She gave me a $20 bill." he says. " I need the change, she shouldn't have given that to you! Most importantly since you are in the 3rd grade I would have figured you would have known better than to take a $20 bill from a kindergartner to buy ice cream!" He emptied his pocket and gave me the change. $1.50!!!! I was so mad!! The other kids all handed me the change they had too. Total the neighborhood kids spent over $17 of Brooklyn's birthday money to buy ice cream.
All I could think of, after I cooled down of course, was Pippi Longstocking. My silly Brooklyn was just trying to be nice.
And may I make a public apology to all the parents and kids on my circle. Yes, I was pretty mad that she handed out her money, but I was even more mad that kids that are way older than her accepted $30 without question. Buying ice cream from the creepy ice cream man is now off limits! And for the record, I didn't make any of them pay her back. Lesson learned I guess!
And really we are all laughing about it now!
Monday, March 29, 2010
The last few weeks
There has been so much going on at our house lately. It has caused a bunch of questions so I thought I would just take time to write on my blog.
First of all, I wrote that we are selling our house. This has been such a huge relief for us. I have posted this in the past so to summarize, 2 years ago my hubby lost his job. The income that he was making at that time has never been replaced. It is a tough market for his line of work (banking/financial) and it seems that financially everything has been a struggle ever since. Not to mention that 5 months after he got laid off the Princess was diagnosed with diabetes then almost exactly a year after that Little Man was diagnosed. To say that it has been a rough few years is a HUGE understatement. We have done everything we felt was right. We have prayed, we have fasted, we have tried everything, but there was still no light at the end of the tunnel. That was until we realized that the only way to get out of this mess is to start over. This means selling the house and moving in with my mom and dad to be able to get back on our feet again. As pathetic as it sounds to be in your 30's and moving your family in with mom and dad, I am actually really excited. This is the first time in a long time that I feel like there is an end in sight and that we are taking the right steps in moving forward. My mom and dad are saints to be willing to do this for us! They are amazing people and my goal is to be like them some day. Guess that just means that I need to live with them for awhile to see the example up close and personal. :)
Our house will be on the market soon. It is a tough housing market here in Utah, so we will see what happens. I really hope that after knowing without a doubt this is what we need to do that it won't take long, but I am prepared for the worst. We have been cleaning and organizing for a few weeks and that in itself is refreshing!
In other big news I quit my job. This was a tough decision for us. It is a little complicated why I quit, but again, I know it was what I needed to do. So to be honest, and hopefully brief, I quit because my kids need health insurance. We have been battling insurance issues for several months now. We had a hard time getting approved for medicaid because of our income, but because my husband is self employed they approved the younger two. After children turn 6 they are put into a different tax bracket and you have to make less money in order for them to have medicaid. We were border line before so they don't qualify after they are six. Little Dude hasn't had it in over a year, and after the end of next month Little Princess won't have it either. There is the option of C.H.I.P insurance but only if you don't have any other insurance. Right before the Princess was diagnosed I signed up for the part time insurance with jetBlue because I felt that I needed something. Turns out that is the very thing that is holding us back from getting insurance for my older kids. I contacted the benefits department at work and they wouldn't let me cancel the insurance until open enrollment, then be in effect in January. I tried to fight my case, but there was nothing they could do. So the way we looked at it, we can't take the chance of the kids not having insurance from April until January, and the only way to get rid of it at this point was to quit. So I did. It stinks, but I am also relieved.
So you see we have been busy here at our house making life changing decisions. It hasn't been easy to make so many big decisions all at once. Thankfully we are being guided and our prayers are being answered. I haven't been this happy for several months.
In between all this decision making Little Man has struggled with croup, strep, and a dislocated elbow. Poor kid has been to the doctor 5 times in 3 weeks. But he did have a birthday yesterday and I think that he has officially forgotten all about all that other stuff.
So there you have it. Life is busy as always. Hopefully I will have time to blog more in the upcoming weeks. I have so many things to get caught up on. I could write twice a day for a month and still have things to write about. Thank goodness you are all so patient with me.
First of all, I wrote that we are selling our house. This has been such a huge relief for us. I have posted this in the past so to summarize, 2 years ago my hubby lost his job. The income that he was making at that time has never been replaced. It is a tough market for his line of work (banking/financial) and it seems that financially everything has been a struggle ever since. Not to mention that 5 months after he got laid off the Princess was diagnosed with diabetes then almost exactly a year after that Little Man was diagnosed. To say that it has been a rough few years is a HUGE understatement. We have done everything we felt was right. We have prayed, we have fasted, we have tried everything, but there was still no light at the end of the tunnel. That was until we realized that the only way to get out of this mess is to start over. This means selling the house and moving in with my mom and dad to be able to get back on our feet again. As pathetic as it sounds to be in your 30's and moving your family in with mom and dad, I am actually really excited. This is the first time in a long time that I feel like there is an end in sight and that we are taking the right steps in moving forward. My mom and dad are saints to be willing to do this for us! They are amazing people and my goal is to be like them some day. Guess that just means that I need to live with them for awhile to see the example up close and personal. :)
Our house will be on the market soon. It is a tough housing market here in Utah, so we will see what happens. I really hope that after knowing without a doubt this is what we need to do that it won't take long, but I am prepared for the worst. We have been cleaning and organizing for a few weeks and that in itself is refreshing!
In other big news I quit my job. This was a tough decision for us. It is a little complicated why I quit, but again, I know it was what I needed to do. So to be honest, and hopefully brief, I quit because my kids need health insurance. We have been battling insurance issues for several months now. We had a hard time getting approved for medicaid because of our income, but because my husband is self employed they approved the younger two. After children turn 6 they are put into a different tax bracket and you have to make less money in order for them to have medicaid. We were border line before so they don't qualify after they are six. Little Dude hasn't had it in over a year, and after the end of next month Little Princess won't have it either. There is the option of C.H.I.P insurance but only if you don't have any other insurance. Right before the Princess was diagnosed I signed up for the part time insurance with jetBlue because I felt that I needed something. Turns out that is the very thing that is holding us back from getting insurance for my older kids. I contacted the benefits department at work and they wouldn't let me cancel the insurance until open enrollment, then be in effect in January. I tried to fight my case, but there was nothing they could do. So the way we looked at it, we can't take the chance of the kids not having insurance from April until January, and the only way to get rid of it at this point was to quit. So I did. It stinks, but I am also relieved.
So you see we have been busy here at our house making life changing decisions. It hasn't been easy to make so many big decisions all at once. Thankfully we are being guided and our prayers are being answered. I haven't been this happy for several months.
In between all this decision making Little Man has struggled with croup, strep, and a dislocated elbow. Poor kid has been to the doctor 5 times in 3 weeks. But he did have a birthday yesterday and I think that he has officially forgotten all about all that other stuff.
So there you have it. Life is busy as always. Hopefully I will have time to blog more in the upcoming weeks. I have so many things to get caught up on. I could write twice a day for a month and still have things to write about. Thank goodness you are all so patient with me.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
" No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we do it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender, charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God...and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire."
~ Orson F. Whitney
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The change of the seasons
Change is in the air and boy am I just thrilled.
It has been a long long winter. The sunshine and warmer weather has never been more welcome. I cleaned my house today with all the windows open. It is lame to say it was amazing? Maybe it was the cleaning part that was amazing....now that IS lame to say! But you know those days where you're in "the zone" and you get lots of things done and it is so refreshing? Today was one of those days!
Spring is knocking on my door, but that isn't the only change that is happening around here. The biggest one of all.....we are selling our house.
If I would have uttered those words a year ago it would have been through tears. But today I am ready. It is needed, and honestly this is the first time in 2 years that I feel like I can take a deep breath. The fight is almost done. The terms are good, and I am excited to see what the future holds. Don't get me wrong it is still hard. When we told the kids they cried and complained. They really, really don't want to leave their friends. Heck, I don't want them to leave their friends. I don't want to leave my friends here either! This choice was not an easy one and we didn't take anything lightly. But the choice was made prayerfully and with an open mind about the future. We know that this is the best option for us right now. Regardless what people say or think, we tried our hardest.
Who knows how long it will take the house to sell. It could be months. In the mean time I am working my hinny off trying to junk almost everything. Really....I took over 10 bags of garbage bags full to the DI yesterday. (Remind me to tell the story of the bank getting robbed while we where there....that was a fun experience!) Garbage day isn't for another 2 days and my garbage cans are already full. It feels great to be getting rid of excess baggage that we have been holding onto. Physically and emotionally.
Today my heart is full of gratitude for the love and support that we received along this crazy journey over the last few years. This time in our lives could be so much worse if it weren't for our amazing family and friends. I don't know how to thank everyone. My mom and dad have always told me that sometimes the only "thank you" you can give is to pay it forward and help someone in the same situation some day. This is my goal.
It has been a long long winter. The sunshine and warmer weather has never been more welcome. I cleaned my house today with all the windows open. It is lame to say it was amazing? Maybe it was the cleaning part that was amazing....now that IS lame to say! But you know those days where you're in "the zone" and you get lots of things done and it is so refreshing? Today was one of those days!
Spring is knocking on my door, but that isn't the only change that is happening around here. The biggest one of all.....we are selling our house.
If I would have uttered those words a year ago it would have been through tears. But today I am ready. It is needed, and honestly this is the first time in 2 years that I feel like I can take a deep breath. The fight is almost done. The terms are good, and I am excited to see what the future holds. Don't get me wrong it is still hard. When we told the kids they cried and complained. They really, really don't want to leave their friends. Heck, I don't want them to leave their friends. I don't want to leave my friends here either! This choice was not an easy one and we didn't take anything lightly. But the choice was made prayerfully and with an open mind about the future. We know that this is the best option for us right now. Regardless what people say or think, we tried our hardest.
Who knows how long it will take the house to sell. It could be months. In the mean time I am working my hinny off trying to junk almost everything. Really....I took over 10 bags of garbage bags full to the DI yesterday. (Remind me to tell the story of the bank getting robbed while we where there....that was a fun experience!) Garbage day isn't for another 2 days and my garbage cans are already full. It feels great to be getting rid of excess baggage that we have been holding onto. Physically and emotionally.
Today my heart is full of gratitude for the love and support that we received along this crazy journey over the last few years. This time in our lives could be so much worse if it weren't for our amazing family and friends. I don't know how to thank everyone. My mom and dad have always told me that sometimes the only "thank you" you can give is to pay it forward and help someone in the same situation some day. This is my goal.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Croup
From the wheezing and coughing in my ear, and the "I really need a drink of water" every 10 minutes throughout the night, I kind of figured that the Little Man had the croup.
I took him to the doctor this morning and sure enough, I was right.
Because he was having such a hard time breathing they gave him a dose of dexamethasone. Wikipedia definition: Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic member of the glucocorticoid class of steroid hormones. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant.
Anyone else see something familiar in that definition? You see that word glucocorticoid? The name glucocorticoid is made from 3 words (glucose + cortex + steroid). Yes GLUCOSE.
I don't need Wikipedia to tell me what the steroid is going to do to his blood sugar. Actually back in October Little Princess has the same dose and it was complete havoc on her blood sugar where it wasn't below 400 for 2 days. I fully expected them giving this to him when I took him in, but when the Pediatrician called his Endocrinologist and came back and said "The Endocrinologist wants to see him in the office on Thursday. He feels that this steroid alone could kick him right out of his honeymoon." it kind of surprised me a little. You see we caught his diagnosis so soon that we thought his honeymoon would be a really really long time. Right now the only insulin that he gets is at meal time or when he is high. Which isn't all that often. The doctor wants to see him in a few days because he feels he will have to start getting some sort of basal insulin.
Guess what this means? That he can start using a pump a little sooner than we thought. The approval has already been done for it, I just have to fill out some more paperwork. I never thought I would feel this way, but I can't wait to use the pump for him too!
So we will see after Thursday for sure, but maybe in a few weeks I might have 2 pumping kids. One with a pink one and the other with a green one. How exciting! I will keep you posted.
I took him to the doctor this morning and sure enough, I was right.
Because he was having such a hard time breathing they gave him a dose of dexamethasone. Wikipedia definition: Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic member of the glucocorticoid class of steroid hormones. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant.
Anyone else see something familiar in that definition? You see that word glucocorticoid? The name glucocorticoid is made from 3 words (glucose + cortex + steroid). Yes GLUCOSE.
I don't need Wikipedia to tell me what the steroid is going to do to his blood sugar. Actually back in October Little Princess has the same dose and it was complete havoc on her blood sugar where it wasn't below 400 for 2 days. I fully expected them giving this to him when I took him in, but when the Pediatrician called his Endocrinologist and came back and said "The Endocrinologist wants to see him in the office on Thursday. He feels that this steroid alone could kick him right out of his honeymoon." it kind of surprised me a little. You see we caught his diagnosis so soon that we thought his honeymoon would be a really really long time. Right now the only insulin that he gets is at meal time or when he is high. Which isn't all that often. The doctor wants to see him in a few days because he feels he will have to start getting some sort of basal insulin.
Guess what this means? That he can start using a pump a little sooner than we thought. The approval has already been done for it, I just have to fill out some more paperwork. I never thought I would feel this way, but I can't wait to use the pump for him too!
So we will see after Thursday for sure, but maybe in a few weeks I might have 2 pumping kids. One with a pink one and the other with a green one. How exciting! I will keep you posted.
Monday, March 01, 2010
I am feeling super emotional today.
I am wondering again what the future brings.
I am grateful for friends showing up at my house when they knew I needed them more than I did. Turns out they were right.
I am hugging my kids more tomorrow than I did today. They need to know their mommy loves them.
I am going to try to get some sleep and eat more healthy because my body deserves it.
I am blessed that I have my hubby close by to hold me tight and assure me it is going to be ok.
I am going to look back on this time in my life and know without a doubt that it is my faith that gets me through the day.
I am thinking I need to start looking at the good in all things instead feeling like everything is a struggle.
I am meant for something great.
I am determined to find out what that is.
I will find it.
I am wondering again what the future brings.
I am grateful for friends showing up at my house when they knew I needed them more than I did. Turns out they were right.
I am hugging my kids more tomorrow than I did today. They need to know their mommy loves them.
I am going to try to get some sleep and eat more healthy because my body deserves it.
I am blessed that I have my hubby close by to hold me tight and assure me it is going to be ok.
I am going to look back on this time in my life and know without a doubt that it is my faith that gets me through the day.
I am thinking I need to start looking at the good in all things instead feeling like everything is a struggle.
I am meant for something great.
I am determined to find out what that is.
I will find it.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
The Little Man
No I didn't have another girl that no one knew about. This is just what happens to the Little Man when his sister gets her way.This week has been on crazy for the Little Man. You see he is always a little mischievous but this week he seems to be a little more so. It all started on Wednesday when I came upstairs for a break from work, I saw him walking around the corner with his pants half way pulled up. I asked him if he went potty and he proudly said "YES!" I asked him if he had flushed the toilet. "No, I didn't go in the toilet" he said. I asked him where he went then? "[Princess'] backpack" he replied. I turned the corner then there in the middle of the hallway was the backpacked, soaked. So was the floor all around it. My guess is he was pretending it was on fire and he was the fireman.
The next day my hubby walked into the kitchen and the Little Man was crouched behind the counter with chocolate frosting covering his face. He had gotten into the fridge and took out the container of left over frosting from Little Dude's birthday cake. We have no idea how much frosting was in there, but he had polished off the entire container. 20 carbs for 2 tablespoons, a wild guess of how much insulin to give and a few hours later things were under control. This is time that I am thankful he is in his honeymoon still!
Then Friday morning he woke up really early. One of the other kids woke up not too long after he did (I didn't even know he was awake to be honest) then came running into my room to tell me that he was painting his hand with fingernail polish. I walked into the family room and there he was a glove made out of fingernail polish. His hand was completely covered. It took me almost 30 minutes to get it off.
Then on Saturday he took off his clothes to run through the house completely naked a grand total of 5 times! If he wasn't running around naked he was sneaking out the front door to run two houses down to see if Max, the 15 year old neighbor, would come over and play with him.
Then today I came home from church to a very frustrated daddy because Little Man, for some unknown reason, decided to pee in the HUGE container of lego's. Daddy was washing every single one of them in the bath tub. It took him almost 2 hours to make sure all of them where clean.
He is quite the character I tell ya! Here is another short list of things this kid has done this week.
-Went to a high school basketball game and told a girl that he was 16 years old and that indeed he would love to go to prom with her.
-Refused to give his "girlfriend" Jessie back her blanket after she came over to help her mom do my hair for the wedding. He came up with a plan that she could have his as long as she left her blanket. He carried that thing around for 2 days until I made him give it back to her.
-While this post is all about Little Man I better tell you about Jessie. She is my friend's 14 year old daughter. Over the summer we went to lunch together and Little Man fell in love with Jessie. He constantly asks me "where's Jessie?" "can Jessie come over?" he even goes to find her at church every Sunday. He will follow her around, holding her hand and hugging her. He loves to play with her! He told all Jessie's friends that "Jessie is my boy friend" at the basketball game last night. She came to see him in the hospital when he was diagnosed and gave him a teddy bear. His Jessie bear has to sit at the end of his bed every night! He made a Valentines for her and will wrap up his cars to he can give them to her. While this has nothing to do with Little Man, Jessie was tested a few weeks ago for Celiac Disease. Her blood levels came back pretty elevated so she had a scope done last week. They are waiting for the results. Oh and it is her birthday today....sort of. She was a leap year baby born on Feb. 29th. Next year Little Man will technically be older than her! LOL!
-Convinced someone at the wedding to give him a piece of wedding cake. He had eaten almost the entire thing before I knew about it.
-Watched my wedding video over and over and over again because he wanted to watch mommy in her pretty dress. He asked me ALL day long "You getting married mommy?"
See it really has been a busy week with him. I do think he is adorable, but he keeps me on my toes! Like I have always said "whoever coined the phrase 'terrible two's' never had a three year old!
******Update*******
Just thought I would add that he was caught writing on the hard wood floors today with blue permanent marker. Honestly, this isn't even funny anymore....maybe tomorrow I will laugh.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Proof that my "Imaginary Friends" are not actually imaginary!
I can't tell you how happy I was to be able to go to lunch with Wendy and Shamae yesterday. With my sister in law's wedding yesterday too I didn't think that I was going to have time to go. At the last minute a few plans changed and I made time to meet up these gals (and Loren) for lunch at Chili's.
Shamae was here in town meeting with Dr. Swinyard (aka THE BEST ENDO EVER!) so it was the perfect chance to meet up with her again, and well Wendy what is our excuse that we hadn't met sooner? Oh well there are no excuses now!
While we were waiting for a table all the kids, minus Morgan (thankfully!) got out their testers and tested their blood sugar. Little Man was so excited. I really think this is the first time that he saw someone else other than his sister test. He thought is was great! The girls were right in range and the boys were a little high in case you wanted to know! :)
When you blog stalk someone or chat on facebook for a little bit but never meet you wonder what they are going to be like in real life. I am so happy to say that they both are as amazing, funny, and easy to get a long with as they are in the cyber world. It really was like long time friends getting together again.
While eating Little Man stole the hearts of all the adults. He was playing footsies with Wendy and just talking to everyone. When it came time for him to get his shot he wanted Wendy to hold his hand. I admit he is a cutie!
I loved Avery, he is so stinking adorable! And so tall! I felt bad when all the girls moved away from him so they could sit together. Poor Avery! He is such a sweetie! He sure did love dipping his corn on the cob in his ketchup! I love adventurous kids!
And third, not having the rest of my D mom friends there. I can not wait to meet the rest of you!
Shamae was here in town meeting with Dr. Swinyard (aka THE BEST ENDO EVER!) so it was the perfect chance to meet up with her again, and well Wendy what is our excuse that we hadn't met sooner? Oh well there are no excuses now!
While we were waiting for a table all the kids, minus Morgan (thankfully!) got out their testers and tested their blood sugar. Little Man was so excited. I really think this is the first time that he saw someone else other than his sister test. He thought is was great! The girls were right in range and the boys were a little high in case you wanted to know! :)
When you blog stalk someone or chat on facebook for a little bit but never meet you wonder what they are going to be like in real life. I am so happy to say that they both are as amazing, funny, and easy to get a long with as they are in the cyber world. It really was like long time friends getting together again.
While eating Little Man stole the hearts of all the adults. He was playing footsies with Wendy and just talking to everyone. When it came time for him to get his shot he wanted Wendy to hold his hand. I admit he is a cutie!
I loved Avery, he is so stinking adorable! And so tall! I felt bad when all the girls moved away from him so they could sit together. Poor Avery! He is such a sweetie! He sure did love dipping his corn on the cob in his ketchup! I love adventurous kids!
The girls sure did have a great time Little Princess and Sydney are pretty close to the same age. She had a ball with the girls and has asked when she gets to play with them again. I so hope they can play more often!
I only have 3 regrets. First that I have is not being able to stay longer and chat. Second not having the rest of my family there. Trevor and Loren would have gotten along great, I just know it!
And third, not having the rest of my D mom friends there. I can not wait to meet the rest of you!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Happy Anniversary!
Dear Trevor,
10 years ago I was madly in love with you and eager to start our lives together.
10 years ago you took my hand in Eternal Marriage and we promised to stick together through the good and the bad.
10 years ago we had dreams of a happy, successful, and beautiful future together.
10 years ago we could sit and laugh at some really dumb things together.
10 years ago we would lay in bed every night and watch movies (Ok Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke mostly) before we went to bed.
10 years ago you inspired me to always be my best.
10 years ago your quick whit would always make me smile.
10 years ago my heart would melt when we would see each other.
10 years ago you made me feel like a princess.
TODAY
None of that has changed.
Except that we have 3 amazing kids that share in all this with us!
And that I love you more today than I did 10 years ago!
Happy 10 year anniversary Trev! I couldn't be more happy to be your wife!
__________________________
Last year I posted this video on our anniversary. I would love to share it again, but I am too lazy to copy and past it here. Please go check it out and read all about our wedding day!
10 years ago I was madly in love with you and eager to start our lives together.
10 years ago you took my hand in Eternal Marriage and we promised to stick together through the good and the bad.
10 years ago we had dreams of a happy, successful, and beautiful future together.
10 years ago we could sit and laugh at some really dumb things together.
10 years ago we would lay in bed every night and watch movies (Ok Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke mostly) before we went to bed.
10 years ago you inspired me to always be my best.
10 years ago your quick whit would always make me smile.
10 years ago my heart would melt when we would see each other.
10 years ago you made me feel like a princess.
TODAY
None of that has changed.
Except that we have 3 amazing kids that share in all this with us!
And that I love you more today than I did 10 years ago!
Happy 10 year anniversary Trev! I couldn't be more happy to be your wife!
__________________________
Last year I posted this video on our anniversary. I would love to share it again, but I am too lazy to copy and past it here. Please go check it out and read all about our wedding day!
What I REALLY wanted to say but couldn't because I would get fired.
"Yes, just as you said, I have F*#^ lost my mind! This is why they have padded all the walls in my office and are only letting me use sporks for now on."
"Let me just go ahead and pull this airplane out of my back pocket, put it in your route, and write your name on a seat. Will that fix your problem?"
"Didn't you know that it was my job to make you miserable?"
"No! I don't think you know how I feel!"
"Since when was everything free?"
"Sure lets hold together for another 45 minutes for my supervisor to tell you exactly what I just told you!"
"Miracles happen all the time, just not in New York's airspace!"
"I would be happy to pick up the phone and call Mother Nature and ask her when it is going to stop snowing. Do you have the number?"
"Is is really a good idea to try to check your boat engine as luggage? Is it REALLY that important?"
"I have said it a hundred times, they will not let you just go to the ticket counter with an expired passport and let you "talk your way" onto an international flight!"
"I can't give you something that isn't there. Sorry!"
"We don't have rules and regulations just so I will have something to do and you will have something to complain about. They are actually there for a reason."
"If you don't know how Daylight Savings works by now then maybe you should question where you have been for the last 70 years."
"I would be happy to tell you what time to set your alarm clock for, but it probably wouldn't help you get to the airport on time."
"I think you have more problems than not being able to assign a seat."
Can you tell that this last month of working has been SO MUCH FUN? I can not wait for February to be over with! Please let's pray that I don't have to keep working mandatory overtime into March too!
"Let me just go ahead and pull this airplane out of my back pocket, put it in your route, and write your name on a seat. Will that fix your problem?"
"Didn't you know that it was my job to make you miserable?"
"No! I don't think you know how I feel!"
"Since when was everything free?"
"Sure lets hold together for another 45 minutes for my supervisor to tell you exactly what I just told you!"
"Miracles happen all the time, just not in New York's airspace!"
"I would be happy to pick up the phone and call Mother Nature and ask her when it is going to stop snowing. Do you have the number?"
"Is is really a good idea to try to check your boat engine as luggage? Is it REALLY that important?"
"I have said it a hundred times, they will not let you just go to the ticket counter with an expired passport and let you "talk your way" onto an international flight!"
"I can't give you something that isn't there. Sorry!"
"We don't have rules and regulations just so I will have something to do and you will have something to complain about. They are actually there for a reason."
"If you don't know how Daylight Savings works by now then maybe you should question where you have been for the last 70 years."
"I would be happy to tell you what time to set your alarm clock for, but it probably wouldn't help you get to the airport on time."
"I think you have more problems than not being able to assign a seat."
Can you tell that this last month of working has been SO MUCH FUN? I can not wait for February to be over with! Please let's pray that I don't have to keep working mandatory overtime into March too!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Congressman Chaffetz
When asked what our life is like with having to deal with diabetes my first thought is always crazy! Then I start to think about it all and most of the time I cry. I try to not let my emotions get the best of me, but lets be real, it was only a little more than 3 months ago that Little Man was diagnosed. Three months of dealing with two diabetics. One was hard enough. I don't feel like we had time in between the two diagnosis to find our new normal so it has been a big adjustment. Each day I still feel like my life is consumed with counting carbs, testing blood, keeping the Little Man out of food, figuring out why the Princess is high....you get the idea. Throw in the fact that our insurance was cancelled for February without notice, and the school board possibly cutting the school nurse program and my poor brain almost can't focus on anything else but diabetes.
Last week when the JDRF asked us to go meet with Congressman Chaffetz I couldn't pass up the opportunity, but I was scared. I laid awake all night thinking about what I was going to share. I didn't want to sound pathetic. My hubby kept telling me to just be me and share whatever comes up. I wasn't sure that "flying by the seat of my pants" was a route to go, but I trust him and his judgement. Plus I didn't have any other choice, my brain was too tired from working so much I couldn't put more than two thoughts together.
The entire family drove to Provo the next morning. The kids didn't totally understand what we were doing. We explained that a Congressman works with the President of the United States to help make laws and stuff. He was going to go to Washington DC to talk about a bill that helps fund money to research for diabetes. (the Promise to Remember Me campaign)They seemed to get that. The Princess wanted to take her own camera to document her time there. (It was a super proud mommy moment! She was thinking like me!) We were meeting up the another mother and her son who is also diabetic and the representative from the JDRF that invited us there.
I didn't know what to expect. My tummy was in knots. I was pleasantly surprised though when he invited us into his office to sit on his couch while he sat on the desk to just chat for a minute. He asked the kids a few questions about diabetes. "Is it hard?" "Do you feel different than other kids?" "How many shots do you have to have every day?" Each of the kids answered all his questions with ease. He asked us parents "how did you know they were diabetic?" The other mother stated symptoms that she saw in her son before he was diagnosed. She knew the signs. Her husband is diabetic. Congressman Chaffitz turns to us and asked the same question. Before I could answer Little Dude piped up and said "She kept peeing the bed all the time!" Oh I was worried for Princess, I was so sure that she would be so embarrassed. She didn't seem to be too effected by it thankfully and the conversation just carried on.
We talked for a few minutes. Talked about our struggles with insurance, with the school board (all of which he was very interested in) We talked about how as a mother we worry each and every day if our children are going to make it to the next without any major complications. my statement to him (that I truly hope he remembers) "I wish every day that we could just ignore diabetes. I wish that I didn't have to do all these extra things to keep our kids alive. I wish that we didn't have to get up 1 or 2 times in the middle of the night to make sure my kids are still breathing. But I can't. Diabetes can't be ignored! The hope for a cure can't be ignored either. Every improvement they make not only gets us closer to a cure, but they continually help us find ways to improve their diabetes management."
That was it. 10 minutes sitting on his black leather couch. A few minutes of pictures, and hopefully a memory to last a lifetime.
I came home feeling empowered. I could totally do that again! In fact I WANT to do that again! My voice can be heard....hopefully....if not through that way, maybe another! I can't thank the JDRF enough for that opportunity!
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