Sunday, October 31, 2010

It's Halloween diabetes style!

This year my kids are not just trick or treating for candy but also for the ADA. I have a container all ready. I made a label for it with one of the online Step Out banners and above it says "Trick or Treat for Diabetes."   I'm so proud of them for taking this initiative.  Tomorrow is the last day to make donations that will count for this year's walk.  Our little team is less than $300 away from our team goal, though we've both made our individual goals.  (We were hoping for a couple more people to participate in helping us reach that team goal.  Maybe next year?) 

Can you help us reach our goal?  Trick or Treat!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Funny video

Disclaimer: This video has some foul language, most beeped out, but it very funny! Hey, if you have to have this, might as well make fun of it instead of feeling sorry for yourself, right? :)

Two more days! Two more days!

It's coming in only two more days!!! WOOT!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Praying

Please join me in prayer for a local friend of mine.  She is ill and in the hospital.  She has four little girls.  Mamas aren't supposed to be sick!  Please send "S" and her family all the prayers, positive thoughts, good vibes you can muster at this time.

Amen.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Do you like Halloween candy???

This Halloween, as you enjoy those sugary treats without a second though, please think of those who have to carefully monitor their carb intake just for one piece of candy.

Did you know that more people die from diabetes than AIDS and breast cancer combined?

Only four more days to donate to this year's walk.  You can help us find a cure!  Click here!!! ♥

Friday, October 22, 2010

Milestones: Theirs or mine?

My oldest daughter is a senior in high school.  I've enjoyed watching her grow and blossom over the years, reaching many milestones.  Sometimes I sit back and think, "Are these her milestones or mine?" 

This week contained two biggies: ordering her cap and gown plus senior pictures.  On Tuesday night, we sat on my bed, talking about invitations and accessories.  Thankfully she has inherited my frugal nature.  We ordered a small set of announcements, her cap and gown, a t-shirt, and "status cards" which we can custom design with her picture and contact information to pass out to her friends. 

Yesterday was picture day.  I have several friends who have photography businesses, so it was so hard picking just one.  In the end, I took my emotions out of it and picked the photographer with the personality that best matched that of my senior.  Purposely, the appointment was scheduled for a time when I couldn't be there.  I wanted these pictures to be about her.  She didn't need a "helicopter mom" hovering overhead.  I sent her younger high school sister with her while I took the younger ones to swim lessons and gymnastic class.  The only request I had was that one of her outfits consist of a dress shirt with some more formal portrait-like poses.  Other than that, everything was fair game.

She brought several props and outfits.  Her snare drum and sticks, a top hat, a trench coat, a t-shirt with comfy jeans.  Within the next two weeks (give or take), we will see the proofs.  The photographer took a ton of pictures but we all know that typically only a fraction are what you really want to keep.  I may post a picture or two on my blog, but please don't feel offended if I don't post a picture of her face.  I rarely post pictures of my children's faces for the whole world to see.  Typically I have them password protected or restricted to "friends" on social network sites.

The next step: college applications.  It's hard to imagine that this time next year she'll be half way through her first semester of college.  So many milestones for her - or are they mine?  In less than 20 years, I have gotten married to my high school sweetheart and we have raised five children together.  Aren't their milestones also ours?  The birth of a child, her first steps, first tooth, first word, first day of school... and now graduating high school.  Yes, their milestones are also our milestones as are they the milestones of our parents.  Together we grow and we learn. 

As I watch my little girl grow into an adult, one thought keeps going through my mind:  Hug your babies tight!  They grow up way too fast! 

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Who do you lean on?

We all need someone to lean on.  As a mom, I feel that I'm always being leaned on.  Rarely to I allow myself to lean on others.  Yes, that's one of my major flaws, trying to support others but not asking for help when I need it.  However, there are times when someone comes along and gives your a boost when you least expect it.

I've mentioned a few times my eight year old daughter (fourth of my five) who asked (practically begged) me to allow her to raise money for the ADA's walk this fall.  She knew we wouldn't be able to physically go to the walk, but she knew I was signed up as a virtual walker and she wanted to sign up, too.

As of right now, she has raised almost $200!  Not bad for an eight year old (who will be nine next week, she reminds me often).  Yesterday our t-shirts and my Red Strider hat came from the walk.  She was so excited that she begged me to wash it last night so she could wear it today.  Of course I washed mine too, so this afternoon we'll match. 

It is impressive that an eight year old would feel strongly enough about a cause to get involved.  It's even more impressive when they don't do it for themselves, but for another.  She is one that I can lean on.  I love you, sweetie!!!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

The diabetes family

Over the last two weekends, I was involved in an outdoor craft event.  Since I was unable to attend the walk because of this event (my largest one of the whole year), I decided that I would take donations.  My eight year old and I are signed up as virtual walkers and we've been having fun collecting donations from friends and family.  Now was my chance to reach out to the general public.

At first I was a little shy about asking complete strangers to donate to a cause that has touched way too close to home.  I almost came across as apologetic.  Luckily I came to my senses after talking to a few people who either have diabetes or have it in their family.  Both Type 1s and Type 2s came to my table.  Family members.  Friends.  Those that just knew how terrible it could be.  They helped to light a spark in me.  A spark that fueled my mission.  My mission to help find a cure.

During our short time together we made a connection, a common bond.  We were part of this community, this family, that no one really wanted to join.  But here we are, all effected by this disease in one way or another.  I met a man diagnosed with Type 1 at 42 years old.  I met a young girl who had family members with Type 2.  Most of them didn't ask the question "Why me?"  Yes, there was one woman who, understandably, wondered if it was really fair that she became diabetic.  She was probably in her late 40's, slender build, but yet had Type 2 that required insulin injections.  She wondered how it was fair.  I wasn't sure what to tell her, so I just listened.  No, it's not fair, but here we are in this family of diabetics. 

Previously I've explored the question of "Why me?"  Why do I have diabetes?  I know for a fact that it is know one's fault.  It's not my fault, it's not my parents' fault, my grandparents', etc.  However, I do believe that in every situation, God has a plan.  I know that He has given me a path that will help me meet some terrific people as we work to raise awareness and find a cure.  Not one of those Type 1s thought anything less of me because I am a diet/exercise controlled Type 2.  We are diabetics and that's that.  Some have a protesting pancreas, others have stubborn cells that don't want to play nice with the insulin.  No one wants to be a member of this family, this diabetes family.  But if I have to be here, I'm glad I've got some awesome relatives!

Friday, October 8, 2010

Not according to plan

I've been trying to do some sewing this morning, but my playful cat (about 7 mos old) keeps attacking my fabric.  It's funny and frustrating at the same time.  She's little and is so adorable as she plays, however I'm afraid that she'll snag up the material.  Considering I'm sewing for my home-based craft business, I really need the fabric to be snag-free.  I know in a little while she'll be ready for a morning nap and I'll be able to sew, but it messes with the momentum I have going right now.

How many other areas of our lives meet with little things that change our plans, even in the slightest?  I know I'll be able to sew in a little while, but these little things can be frustrating as things don't go according to plan.  The same thing happens with my diabetes.  I went to my youngest daughter's first Girl Scout meeting on Wednesday.  The leader made some yummy looking cupcakes and I really wanted one.  "Test" my mind told me, though my taste buds we're signaling my salivary glands to get ready.  167  *pout*  I knew in another hour or two I could have that cupcake, but I couldn't have it right then and there.

Being a Type 2 who is diet and exercise controlled has it's own challenges.  If my glucose is high, I have two choices: exercise or limit carbs for the next meal/snack.  Sometimes that means taking a walk instead of watching TV or a protein instead of a yummy carb. Life in general rarely goes according to plan.  The options you have are to get upset and fight it or step back and adjust.  The second one is a lot less stressful.

The cat is now snuggled up on the dog's bed and looks like she's ready for that morning nap which will allow me to start sewing again.  Have a great weekend, everyone!

Friday, October 1, 2010