tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83224297102440542252024-03-13T01:28:11.665-07:002 Green Eyed GirlsOne lucky Mommy of 2 Green Eyed Girls, Ms.J & Little G2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-64618232634129841652010-11-22T14:25:00.000-08:002010-11-22T15:05:23.546-08:00Missing.....My girls are blessed with the best possible people on this earth that love and care for them. Grammy, Grandma, Aunties, Uncles, Guncles and 2 of the best cousins ever! But sometimes I feel as though they're missing out. <br /><br />Not on love, affection or good role models as we have plenty of those, but someone else for them to love. Both (Wayne & I's) dads have passed away - long before these sweet girls were even a twinkle as they say. Wayne lost his Dad (who we refer to as Papa Norman) when he was only 11, and there are so many ways that he misses his dad and things he didn't learn from him. My dad passed away suddenly when I was in college, 3.5 hours from home. It was 17 years this past March and I still remember it like it was yesterday. I was devastated and scared and numb for what seemed like forever after he died. Later that year, I met Wayne and finally someone understood me - and not only did he understand me, he understood my little brother as well - win, win. I struggle with my emotions on a regular basis, and sometimes the littlest things, like a freakin' Hallmark commercial will make me sob. Any movie about fathers and daughters makes me a crying mess - I used to love Father of the Bride with Steve Martin, but cannot even fathom watching it now.<br /> <br />Back to our daughters....they are loved by just about everyone that they spend time with. They are sweet and goofy and respectful (most of the time, ahem) and genuinely the best thing we've ever done. But I witnessed something a few days ago that made me feel guilty. Guilty for something I cannot change or every explain to them. We have family in town for Thanksgiving, my sweet aunt and uncle from IL. My girls have very fond memories of spending time with them over their short lives - they are fun and kind and full of hilarious (or not so much) stories of me as a little girl. They teach my girls something new every time they see them and it's so nice to see them develop this sweet relationship with another generation. <br /> <br />They arrived this past Sunday and from the minute they entered the house, Little G followed my uncle around. If he went to the restroom, she stood outside until he was done. She asked to sit next to him at the table. She brought all of her books to him to read to her. And then she put her sweet head on his chest and laid down while he rubbed her back. I had to excuse myself. I was shocked at how that image upset me. Something so "everyday" that had the power to turn me into an emotional boob. What was even more upsetting was that in my head I kept thinking "it shouldn't be my uncle doing that, it should be her Papa or her Grampy doing that". <br />I have wonderful memories of quiet moments like those with both of my grandfathers. I lost one of them when I was quite young, but still hear from him every now and then in my dreams. My other grandfather I had longer than I had my own father and I remember so much laughter and silliness and knowledge shared at his table. <br /> <br />Ms. J was named after my dad, which has become tradition in my family. I wish she could know how much he would have loved her and how he would have spoiled her and enjoyed her. And for my Little G, he would have loved the fact that she looks just as I did when I was little, crazy hair and all and how she laughs with abandon and is fearless like my brother. <br /><br />What do you tell your kids when it becomes obvious that someone is missing? For now we say that they are angels who watch over them. How do you share the sweetness of having a grandfather when they'll never know theirs? How can we talk to them about our fathers without scaring them about the idea of death? So many questions that I may be getting ahead of myself on, but I think I need to start figuring out some answers.2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-40453271068497449202010-10-31T07:43:00.000-07:002010-10-31T09:22:49.791-07:00Oh My Blog!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBztAgmxaB-3Q7W0BIFBQ5ZD6xzxRDhTaGh0qg5LR34E3L1VyLaQWtqmtvBrIedDc5_QaoY8hEImySY9JZy9MLxls3lsrIRre6epvfM5DYFVeVdhl218q2EQGIBtZLEjoa_eBEPHemJPQO/s1600/IMG_0140.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBztAgmxaB-3Q7W0BIFBQ5ZD6xzxRDhTaGh0qg5LR34E3L1VyLaQWtqmtvBrIedDc5_QaoY8hEImySY9JZy9MLxls3lsrIRre6epvfM5DYFVeVdhl218q2EQGIBtZLEjoa_eBEPHemJPQO/s320/IMG_0140.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534245737754499042" /></a><br />I've been bad. Very, very bad. I'm back and I really want to have a better relationship moving forward. May I explain?<br /><br />Since the end of June, my world has been crazy. My mom relocated to Texas from Northern California and arrived Father's Day weekend. The very next week I was presented with a great job opportunity that has provided me with a sense of worth again. Not to mention I love what I do and the pay ain't too bad either. <br /><br />In July we had Ms.J assessed to bypass kindergarten (her birthday is 9/3 so she missed the cutoff by 2 days). Unfortunately the testing was not what was explained to us and while she did phenomenally in most areas, one of the areas she was just 2 points off where she had to be and that was that. Although in the voicemail that was left giving me to news (yes, it was left on voicemail)they recommended we have her tested for Gifted & Talented in the spring. Huh? I'm still confused by that. So, she's the smartest and most mature kindergartener in the school. I was less than thrilled but I feel that I need to choose my battles and this was not one that would go my way, so I made my feelings known and dropped it. She has the most fabulous teacher and they are like little kindred spirits and it makes me sad to think she could have missed out on being in her class. <br /><br />Little G is back in preschool, with her favorite teacher and learning so much it's a really exciting to watch her grow. I wasn't sure how she would do being at school without her sister, but she has truly blossomed into a little leader and her own little soul. The Director from last year has returned to teaching at an elementary school nearby, so there was some apprehension of how things would go this year with testing, shots and carb counting. I'm happy to say that she's fantastic and while not at diligent about calling me throughout the day, she is someone that I trust completely. <br /><br />Speaking of trust. Have a mentioned how FANTASTIC Ms.J's school has been with her care? The school nurse, Mrs. R is nothing short of amazing and she trained every adult (including the principal & vice principal) that will be involved with Ms.J during any given day on how to test her sugar and what to do based on what her numbers are. So far, the principal has been given the task of checking her during a low and one of the PE teachers has carried her from the playground in to the nurses office during a low (it was a bit dramatic, but he panicked a little). It has been so much better than I even prayed for. Certainly makes me feel much better about working 25 miles away from home everyday.<br /><br />My mom being here has given us another element of support that we haven't had since we moved here. It's nice that Wayne & I can have date night and have a back up in the event of sickness or a late work night. We are truly blessed that she made this decision to move near us - I couldn't have asked for any more. <br /><br />Happy Halloween tonight and I hope you're all having fun with your littles or the scary little goblins that come to your door in search of sugar filled treats!2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-50346331465597991152010-07-05T09:02:00.000-07:002010-07-05T09:38:14.325-07:00Dear Diabetes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPwLZFEQCiQGLnd9jGCiyWmhkcJimFpgLQUkqMP2cvBxKKH1iyEmImikuwBCKgOtjEmOTi1o9kmm0XbQskC7ZN-gtJrro3yzKD1zlZ6MQarnl8ThHiGq5cjiAUs6hNgXpUGY5Xoa7BQMT/s1600/Jamie+-+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPwLZFEQCiQGLnd9jGCiyWmhkcJimFpgLQUkqMP2cvBxKKH1iyEmImikuwBCKgOtjEmOTi1o9kmm0XbQskC7ZN-gtJrro3yzKD1zlZ6MQarnl8ThHiGq5cjiAUs6hNgXpUGY5Xoa7BQMT/s320/Jamie+-+Feb+2010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490461103801800690" /></a><br />Dear Diabetes,<br /><br />I am writing this letter to you as a sort of state of affairs letter. Four years ago today you came to occupy yet another place in our lives. For the record, you were not wanted then and you are especially not wanted even more so now. You have stuck your ugly nose into all of our business, attempted to ruin plans and caused many sleepless nights. You are like that crazy relative that is asked to leave and never come back. You have overstayed your visit and we would like you gone ASAP. I know you will ignore this request, however I would like it documented that you have been told to leave.<br /><br />You have not accomplished what you set you to do, and for that I am particularly proud. Ms. J is a happy, healthy, 5 year old who is smart and funny and has become an ambassador for the fight against diabetes. Yes, there are those nights when she doesn't sleep because she's low and I'm checking her every 90 minutes, but there are also times when she eats all her favorite foods and we can still manage to keep her in range. YOU WILL NOT WIN! You will not rob her of her childhood. If anything, you've taught her a very good trait - empathy. I'm proud to say that she's the first person to reach out her hand to a new child at school or church, help someone up that has fallen, or talk to another child that has been diagnosed about how important it is to take your shots and do your testing. She has proudly taught her little sister how to test her blood sugar and how important it is to eat the sugar tabs when Mommy says to. Ms. J is stronger than you and she understands that with every finger poke and every shot she is controlling you, not the other way around. She wants a cure more than you know and she is truly looking forward to the day when you get your eviction notice which will be stamped EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. <br /><br />In closing, you should know that your time with us is running out and we are doing everything we can to find the cure to get rid of your nasty arse.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />The Evans Family2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-33883457967887722802010-06-30T11:07:00.000-07:002010-07-05T11:50:20.540-07:00June in Review<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-c1c45kE3ltFwBI1kvlpfiLRYSvOvJRxLDBQQaKia_gri3hS_7I0DbqOsAwDaT_tmVhO2LcHSSUCMMUYXt_3n_0DPRonK8Wnolr69LffNXmJMjM1lIIqajX4IUMzb78Bp87so-aUCY-m/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-c1c45kE3ltFwBI1kvlpfiLRYSvOvJRxLDBQQaKia_gri3hS_7I0DbqOsAwDaT_tmVhO2LcHSSUCMMUYXt_3n_0DPRonK8Wnolr69LffNXmJMjM1lIIqajX4IUMzb78Bp87so-aUCY-m/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490495761204488434" /></a><br />June flew by, it hardly seemed like we did anything but then I looked at our calendar and realized that we packed a bunch of stuff into those 4 weeks. We began summer with days in the backyard, looking for bugs and playing in our little pool on the patio. I got a bit of a tan, the girls even more so (with the heavy application of sunscreen even). We prepared for my mom to arrive from California - she and my brother drove out in a moving truck and then he flew back to Cali the next day. We celebrated Father's Day, unfortunately for Wayne it was a disappointment but I'm determined to make it up to him. I interviewed for a fantastic job and will be starting this Wednesday (SOOOOO excited about this). We are still having car problems and have decided to suck it up and just pay to have them fixed rather than replace them. We don't need a car payment right now, but how I loathe the cars we own. SERIOUSLY. Ms. J had her assessment to move into 1st grade (her birthday is 2 days past the cutoff) and it didn't go as well as we had hoped, but I'm working on getting some clarification for the testing that was done as I don't think it was what we were told it would be. Her math skills weren't what they wanted them to be, yet we were encouraged to get her tested for Gifted and Talented in the spring - say what? Her reading is off the charts, which we knew, but I find it odd that excelling in one area would make her a candidate for the gifted and talented program. We also have a new endocrinologist and we are officially leaving Children's Hospital of Dallas - thank goodness! It is not to the endo that I had hoped for, I was sad when we were turned down for an opportunity based on Little G's age, only to hear that someone else that we know was accepted with a child much younger than her. Not that I'm unhappy for the other family, just disappointed and a little jealous. <br /><br />Wayne did have surgery on his left arm, he has some nerve damage, not all associated with T1, but it cannot be ruled out. They took the ulnar nerve, which runs along the outside of your arm down to your fingers and relocated it to the other side of his arm. They also did carpal tunnel surgery while they were at it. He came through the surgery well and is healing like a champ. He's in a cast up past his elbow and will get it off in 2 weeks and his sugars have been great considering his down time. He's a bit restless and annoyed that simple things like buttoning his pants are more difficult, but he's anxious to get his other arm done sooner rather than later so he can get back to playing guitar and working at full capacity. The right arm will be a bugger because the poor man cannot so much as pick up a fork with his left hand. Should be interesting! <br /><br />My mom is here now and settled in - more settled in 2 weeks than we are after 10 weeks in our house. She is adapting well to life in Texas and is excited about learning about her new home state. She misses my brother and his family tremendously but knows they are but a plane ride away. <br /><br />We have been shown an outpouring of love and support over these past few months and we appreciate it more than words can express. If you have thought about us, prayed for us or even read this blog or sent me a note on FB, you are very special to us and we have felt your support. Thank you all! <br /><br />July is going to be a better month for us and the beginning of much better things for the Evans family. Here's to better days ahead!2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-1180346208829729022010-06-12T09:46:00.000-07:002010-06-13T11:25:37.143-07:00Ya Wanna Fat Lip?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfa_3Ap5U3jgRJDgzQGFI_iCdIrbp7F8OPAmv63FzSGETt0bWpg0eK33v4sVlJPG-wdwzM4QQwaYuxhjvqDymu_w-mkKhJQ-9BHRK2pv40AzBH5e3UAZRKAdBX7aDv7cs4M88Ahi43PvO/s1600/Busted+Lip+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfa_3Ap5U3jgRJDgzQGFI_iCdIrbp7F8OPAmv63FzSGETt0bWpg0eK33v4sVlJPG-wdwzM4QQwaYuxhjvqDymu_w-mkKhJQ-9BHRK2pv40AzBH5e3UAZRKAdBX7aDv7cs4M88Ahi43PvO/s320/Busted+Lip+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482324921538187746" /></a><br />Things are crazy around here. They seem to be a little crazy everywhere though. Lots of crappy diagnosises and medical procedures happening to people I care about and I'm wondering if it's something in the air. <br /><br />Yesterday was a pretty eventful day at our house. Car problems seem to be the bain of our existence right now....three cars, 2 of them don't run at all and the 3rd is just humping along. Wayne has been fortunate to catch a ride to work all week with a coworker, but the stress is not fun. Since I'm not working right now, money is tighter than usual and having to fix or find another running car that's reliable SUCKS. I'm so tired of thinking and worrying about cars - it makes me physically ill. <br /><br />Wayne's nice co-worker was also nice enough to take Wayne to his hand surgeon appointment. During this appointment Wayne was delivered some sad news that he's having quite a hard time accepting. He is suffering from neuropathy, not all is believed to be diabetes related and he will most likely not be able to continue playing guitar. His left hand is the worst, he has muscle loss on both the outside of his left hand and in that meaty part of his hand between his index finger and thumb. He is devastated. The right hand is not as severe, but there is still neuropathy present. They will be pulling the nerve that goes down the outside of his arm and re-routing it down the other side, he will be in a cast for 3 weeks. Left arm first, then the right. Light duty at work for the better part of 2 months or being home (not a great option for us right now given the previously mentioned financial status and short term disability is not too good). <br /><br />Wayne's stressed and not sleeping, I'm sleeping too hard (I know this because I'm not dreaming) and eating too much. I'm always stressed, like most D-Moms, so this is nothing new but the level of stress is exhausting - my brain only shuts off when I sleep. Sometimes enough is enough and I'm saying enough. <br /><br />The capper on the day was last night (I posted on FB about this already - thank you for the words of comfort, it meant so much). At 9:30, Little G said that she felt like she was low and ran into the bathroom to go potty - pottytraining is going pretty well for us - 10 seconds later I hear a scream and a horrible cry and run in to find her face down on the floor, blood everywhere and she's shaking. I ask Ms.J to get her meter and pick G up to see a HUGE busted lip. Get her tested and she's at 39 - WTH? Get some juice, wait 20 minutes and she's at 50. Wait another 10 minutes and she's at 56, again WTH? Call Wayne he advises a full on carb load with a PB&J - down it goes. Thirty minutes later she's at 145. Oh, and during all of this Ms.J crashes on me too....one juice, one PB&J and then she's around 180. I checked them at 1am and both were over 200. I was waiting for that rebound super high number and it never showed up. At breakfast this morning they were both hovering in the low 200's. I'm at a loss for what happened last night, but I think the dog was fed part of their dinner and I didn't realize it when I cleared the table. That's the only thing that I think can happen. I hate losing and I really hate it when D kicks my ass - but it did over and over last night. Diabetes sucks...and I cannot wait for the day that I can kick your awful ass to the curb. <br /><br />I'm off now to fix lunch, get out of my pjs and go car shopping. Kind prayers always appreciated.2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-28327944740719554882010-05-28T07:28:00.001-07:002010-05-28T08:31:44.767-07:00Did I really just say that?As the mom of 2 children with type 1, I often has people who ask questions, make observations and occasionally that one jackass steps up with a real humdinger of a comment. I always welcome questions and I am happy to educate anyone that takes the time to strike up a conversation. Most of the time I bite my tongue and give a very heavily medically termed explanation for the jackass - I still feel that part of my journey with T1 is that of educator - it might just help someone else or even one of my girls one day. <br /><br />My post today is dedicated to those jackasses out there that open their mouths and stay the most ridiculous things, either without regards to the person their saying them to or because they don't care. My disclaimer on the little story I'm about to share is that it had been a rough night blood sugar wise, I had a raging headache and PMS was rearing it's ugly head. SO, I might have been a tad intolerant. The only part about this that I feel bad about is that I was in the nursery at church when this conversation took place, so unfortunately I will be seeing this person again. Yeah buddy.<br /><br />We go to the later service at church, it starts at 10:30, ends at 11:45 - I step out at 11:30 to go check Little G's sugar. I head to the nursery where she's playing with her friends to do this. Last Sunday I walk in, say hello to the gals that are watching all the littles and say "G, come here please, we need to check sugars" to which this other mom, who had been sitting on the floor whips around and says "for what?". I tell her that Little G has diabetes and we have to check her sugars regularly to which she replies "I would just DIE if one of my kids was diabetic, it's just SO sad". There must have been a delay in my censor turning on because before I even thought about it I said "no, unfortunately it would be your child who would die, because this isn't optional and you have to put your big girl panties on and deal with it." Enter that really uncomfortable silence and 2 awkward stares from the teenagers that work in the nursery. I finished checking Little G's sugars, signed her out and said goodbye to everyone. To say I was furious is an understatement and then I ran into the gal who oversees the nursery (who is also a teacher at the school there, so I know her pretty well). I told her what had just gone down and prepared her for a complaint about my harshness and she laughed, said that this particular mom finally ran into someone that would give as good as she got. She didn't expect any fallout from it, and she was right. I'm looking forward to church this weekend....I promise to take my Midol before I go. Maybe with a chaser of Prozac. <br /><br />My wish is that every person out there that thinks it's okay to not use that censor reconsider how their comments will be taken by the other person...especially if that other person happens to be a mother. Apparently stupidity knows no bounds and I hit max capacity on it last Sunday.2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-19658390653320800762010-05-14T17:25:00.000-07:002010-05-14T18:59:27.646-07:00Diabetes Blog Week - We like to move it, move it!Exercise is necessary for everyone, whether we like it or not. Wayne and I are finally getting back to working out, we know that we are the example that the girls turn to the most. <br /><br />The girls are very active and spend as much time as possible outside. I think they could easily live in a tree house so long as it had a microwave and flavored water. They love to go for walks, ride their bikes, pull weeds and chase bugs. They spent 2 hours outside this morning learning to use their kiddo-sized racquets to play badminton. They have recess every day at school for 40 minutes, sometimes they're outside, sometimes they're in the gym. The teachers run with them and make sure that everyone is active. We will be starting swim lessons in a few weeks and Little G has just announced she wants to start taking dance lessons. Ms.J has talked off and on about playing soccer, maybe we'll sign up in the fall. <br /><br />We always check before, during (about 30 minutes in), and after. The girls react differently to exercise, one is high right afterwards, then crashes 2 hours later while the other one will be lower but rebounds 1 hour later with considerable highs. We always make sure they have lots of water and ALWAYS plenty of sunscreen.2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-37082339311089138292010-05-13T20:02:00.000-07:002010-05-13T20:14:14.456-07:00Diabetes Blog Week - We're Watching our CarbsSince neither of our girls are pumpers, we watch our carbs. My hubby does too. Both girls have a carb target per meal, per snack and for quick sugar. We are fairly consistent with our meal times, but we are also flexible enough to know that sometimes it just doesn't work out that way. We always have snacks with us and their meters are never more than an arm's length away. <br /><br />There are times when we have birthday parties at school, but most of the mom's that bring goodies to school are kind enough to make sugar free frosting and also make smaller cupcakes for all the kids. LOVE OUR SCHOOL. We don't think that it's wrong to let the girls celebrate with their friends. Does it mean a bigger shot for them? Yes. Does it mean that they can sit next to their friends and lick the cool whip off the top of a cupcake and make a silly face just like everyone else? Hell yes. This doesn't happen very often, so we're okay when it does. We don't do dessert at our house very often (maybe once a month) so their little goodies are appreciated and enjoyed which is the way it should be.<br /><br />We have our go-to snacks and fast sugars that we always have on hand and we're always on the look out for new ideas. <br /><br />Thank you to everyone that has been sharing this week. I haven't been able to read everyone's yet, and I'm way behind on my comments too. But I am eating all of this up with a big spoon and fat McDonald's straw. Thank you, thank you!2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-41719479254086910812010-05-12T19:09:00.000-07:002010-05-13T20:01:59.773-07:00Diabetes Blog Week - Our Biggest SupporterThis one will be pretty short, sweet and to the point. Our family has been blessed with a list of fantastic people that have truly stepped up to the plate. Our list has just a many names, but just 3 categories. <br /><br />1. Our family. Starting with my mom. When Ms.J was dx'd, she spent those 2 days at the hospital with us, sat through the education sessions and the time spent with the nutritionist & dietician and most of the appointments before we moved to Texas. When we moved she was most upset at the idea of anyone besides her taking care of the girls, but especially Ms.J in the event that something should happen. Once Little G was dx'd, she became even more fierce (some might wonder where I get my passion, it's all from my Mama). Our girls are the main reason she is moving to Texas, she feels like they need her and who are we to argue? We all need her. <br /><br />Now, my SIL's Eileen & Annette, here in TX are fantastic as well. When Little G was dx'd they went to the 101 class with us and are really great when it comes to keeping the girls on the very rare occasion that we ask. They don't volunteer to keep them, but have never said no when asked. Keep in mind that neither of them have children of their own, so it's not like they come equipped for the day to day stuff. But they are wonderful and I'm so grateful that they have not shyed away from any of it. Plus they both walked on our team last year for the Walk to Cure - so we got doubly lucky!<br /><br />2. Our school. The director at the girls' school, Leslie is nothing short of phenomenal and fearless and ALWAYS acts with the girls' well being in mind. If she has questions, she calls. If she second guesses her knowledge or ours, she always asks. She is fantastic and is the first person outside of our immediate family that I have ever let take care of the girls. I will love her forever for the sense of security she has provided Wayne & I. All of the teachers know the signs and symptoms and have really taken a genuine interest in learning about T1 - unfortunately one of them had a child dx'd with T1 less than a month ago, so she has a good support system already in place. Plus, they let us have a School Walk - actually it was Bounce for 'Betes in the bounce houses - but we raised a boatload of cash for our tiny school of 32 kids. They're all awesome.<br /><br />3. The D-Mom Community. All the rants and raves and frustrations that I've aired in my blog haven't prevented most of my "regular followers" (all 9 of you)from commenting and offering that note of comfort that we're not in it alone and that yes, T1 does suck ass and that it's okay to not be the happy face of dealing with it that I sometimes try to keep on. Wow, sorry for the run-on sentence. But I do love our little community and the knowledge and the experiences that are shared teach me something every time I read one of your blogs or a comment on FB. More than once you have provided a little warm place where I can go and let down the guard for a bit and just let it fly and I cannot thank you all enough for being here. I wish there wasn't a reason for any of us to be connected this way, but I'm damn glad you're all here. MUAH!2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-89047472769682350462010-05-11T20:34:00.000-07:002010-05-11T20:59:37.027-07:00Diabetes Blog Week - Making the Low Go<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkcH7USZFZXeWD8voLvPzyuNze2eq6M6BF5LXTeBmCWoh1NCXeRxensvcCldGjx8xPJYNJLEdJlH-8KEfWTAlIpC4jm2evM2XwUQzQ03DKsFIxUj0xIdbGZOYBHf3GQho7FKdoHXcUTiQ/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkcH7USZFZXeWD8voLvPzyuNze2eq6M6BF5LXTeBmCWoh1NCXeRxensvcCldGjx8xPJYNJLEdJlH-8KEfWTAlIpC4jm2evM2XwUQzQ03DKsFIxUj0xIdbGZOYBHf3GQho7FKdoHXcUTiQ/s320/IMG_0045.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470228160767352386" /></a><br />I have 4 things on my "grab here first" shelf in the cabinet that houses all of our supplies for the girls. I have 3 things on the list for my hubby as it seems to take about double the amount to get him back on track without another crash an hour later. <br /><br />Whenever we are going to be in the car for more than a local ride, we take our "car kit" with us. This stays packed with everything we need for all 3 of my T1s and a few snackies for me too. We use a large cooler lunch box/bag and we have enough juices, nuts, dried cranberries, fruit leathers, sugar tabs, cake gels and bottled water to get us by for at least 1/2 day. Plus I always have extra supplies in my purse, just in case. We also have an extra tester and pokers, syringes and alcohol wipes, plus hand sanitizer to use in a pinch. <br /><br />For the girls, we have sugar tabs, Juicy Juice 4oz. juice boxes, unsweetened applesauce, and cake gel. Cake gel has been a necessity more than once with each of the girls and when they are super low it is the fastest way to get their sugars up short of glucagon. <br /><br />Our rule is simple - whenever we go to Walmart we grab a bottle of sugar tabs, both girls will eat them and they are very quick to find while digging in your purse while in traffic and you can leave them in the car without them melting during the summer too. Cake gel I seem to find at Hobby Lobby more easily than I can find it in a grocery store or even a store like Target or Walmart, weird but true. I always buy the smallest ones I can find and I keep them in a bowl on the "Grab Here first" shelf.<br /><br />For Wayne it is a little more difficult. Lows will wake him up out of a dead sleep (thank God for that)but he is usually very uncommunicative. He is usually half asleep and depending on how low he is, he can struggle with putting words together. I have learned to recognize the look and the little beads of sweat on his head. I usually start with a glass of juice (15g) and while he's working on that I make him a PBnJ. I cut it in half and he usually eats the first half and then puts the other half on the nightstand in case he wakes up later. We have gotten in the habit of stocking his nightstand with stuff for him - juice, peanut butter crackers, applesauce and sugar tabs(this is a last resort for him, he hates them). I feel better knowing that he has stuff close by so that he can help himself if I'm not home. <br /><br />Milk has worked with all my T1s, but it usually upsets their stomach after the fact so it is our very last resort. I know people that this works really well for, so for anyone reading this blog that might be gathering information it is certainly noteworthy. Regular soda is also something that people use, we have made the choice not to give our girls soda so this isn't something we have done - but I know with Wayne it works really well once he gets back the taste of the full sugar soda (he loves his Diet Dr.Pepper).2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-38336877362413759102010-05-10T19:50:00.000-07:002010-05-10T20:15:29.441-07:00Diabetes Blog Week - A Day In The Life<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAL3QQUfyL69B9UMtS44g10C665_3Z5F97zU5KC9tXIR2zAhM_B73agMBmloxWBLvWfICTTBiRG3FUMJTRKmaXX71FyY3taaUer-zFujZf-s5z9gZ4FwKQSVGJaYzlGEj8jfqOZCDeRzt/s1600/2+Testers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAL3QQUfyL69B9UMtS44g10C665_3Z5F97zU5KC9tXIR2zAhM_B73agMBmloxWBLvWfICTTBiRG3FUMJTRKmaXX71FyY3taaUer-zFujZf-s5z9gZ4FwKQSVGJaYzlGEj8jfqOZCDeRzt/s320/2+Testers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469845573757602658" /></a><br />Our days are pretty consistent in terms of whether the girls are at school or not. For the purposes of this post, I'm going to put the differences in parentheses () to indicate what would happen if they were in school. They both are in school Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, so we have them most of the time. Here goes, hope this doesn't come out like the swirling jacuzzi tub that is my brain right now.<br /><br />12:30am - Sugar check, head up the stairs with meters, sugar tabs, juice, shots & ketone strips. Since we've moved to the new house the girls are sharing a room by choice, so I can literally sit on the floor between their beds and do their checks. Lows - juice first if they're too sleepy, sugar tabs if they wake up by me talking to them. Corrective doses if they're over 300.<br /><br />3:30am - sugar check, same routine as before except I've usually left all their gear upstairs on the dresser. If 2nd check is over 250 still then I wake them up and it's pee on the strip time. <br /><br />6:30am - my alarm goes off, usually try to get up ASAP to get a shower before Ms. J hears me.<br /><br />7:00am - wake the girls up, sugar check, shots - Humalog & 1/2 dose of Lantus, breakfast (get ready for school)<br /><br />8:15am -(leave for school), play outside or watch a movie depends on the weather.<br /><br />9:30am - sugar check, correction if needed, snack and read a book<br /><br />10am-11:30am - errands, computer time for me - I AM still looking for a job ya know...LOL<br /><br />11:30am-1pm - sugar check, shots, lunch, more playtime<br /><br />1pm-2pm - quiet time, Ms. J practices her reading, I work on colors, numbers and writing with Little G<br /><br />2pm - sugar check, corrective dose if needed and snack<br /><br />2:30pm - (pick girls up from school)<br /><br />3pm-5:30pm - God willing a nap for everyone or a movie, Phineaus & Ferb, arts and crafts too.<br /><br />6pm -7pm - sugar check, shots - 2nd 1/2 of Lantus as well, dinner<br /><br />7pm -9pm - baths/showers, homework, a little tv, bedtime stories, lights out for the girls<br /><br />9pm - Wayne leaves for work<br /><br />9pm-when it gets done - laundry, dishes, reloading supplies, blogging, reading, catching up on DVR shows, scrapbooking, uploading photos, falling asleep on the sofa still fully clothed with my cell phone in my hand so I don't miss my wakeup calls.2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-65733657125735121512010-05-09T21:15:00.000-07:002010-05-10T21:08:13.823-07:00The Best Gift - EVER<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkZS3fYR8CBeAKaGZKHuEqhGUd_6aXZGzbiiYV4xvK25OibfaTBqAbHaGZb2jsgIEo8PbVnuazcPz0USS65JczqmEhGbQY3UDb57ZQv8IbViCtcaT-RU49_GM0fbB7YniU1dcaut2tCgM/s1600/IMG_0285.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkZS3fYR8CBeAKaGZKHuEqhGUd_6aXZGzbiiYV4xvK25OibfaTBqAbHaGZb2jsgIEo8PbVnuazcPz0USS65JczqmEhGbQY3UDb57ZQv8IbViCtcaT-RU49_GM0fbB7YniU1dcaut2tCgM/s320/IMG_0285.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469858762668959730" /></a><br />My sweet, sweet husband thought of the perfect gift for Mother's Day this year. To his credit he is a damn good gift giver to start with, but I think this present truly topped everything he's ever given me. I will treasure his gift far longer than I would flowers, chocolate or even jewelry. He has given me the one thing I didn't think it was possible to offer to another human. That is TIME.<br /><br />Wayne works nights, I think I've mentioned this a few times. He leaves for work at 9pm and gets home somewhere around 7am. He is not here for the night checks and he is asleep during the day when the rest of the world is in full swing. Reading that sentence, you might think that he's a slacker, but he's not. When I was working at JDRF, he picked the girls up from school 3 days a week at 2:30pm and hung out with them until I got home around 6ish. If I was working on Mondays & Fridays he would go to the whole day without sleep so we didn't have to pay someone else out the wazoo to watch the girls. He cooks, he cleans, he runs errands, he mows the yard and he's a phenomenal father at the same time. He is my foundation and my rock and I could not imagine anyone better suited for this crazy life of ours. He is hilarious and quirky and ridiculously smart too. But most of all, he loves me. Whether I've missed taking a shower, not brushed my hair, burned dinner or called him in the middle of the night after something awful like one of the girls having a seizure, he loves me and he NEVER forgets to tell me so. I count my blessings for him every single night.<br /><br />Back to the point of this post - Wayne's Mother's Day gift to me was TIME. He took the week off from work to give me a vacation. Starting today, he is doing all the cooking, cleaning, shopping, errands, taking/dropping the girls at school, night checks, early morning wake up calls from hungry kids. I get to REST. I get to SLEEP IN. I can go piddle my time away in the mall or a scrapbook store or taking pictures. I get ME time. With the understanding of course that I can and will call whenever I feel the need to check in and see how everything is going. Not that he can't handle it, because he absolutely can, I'm just not used to turning the reins over completely. We're also going to take some time on Thursday while the girls are at school and go on a DATE. We don't go on dates very often....it's been months since our last one, it may have even been last year. <br /><br />This is the most thoughtful gift anyone has ever given me. I'm SO screwed when Father's Day comes...I got nothin'2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-79346026040263710872010-05-03T06:50:00.001-07:002010-05-03T08:25:44.635-07:00Sickness, Moving and More Sickness - Oh Crap!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIaI9SFyDtrE6e9-wjzXvMHGe5q-Xx9TiHEVNYE3Ph8EEv2r3Zm4pm0tLgevd5HRsKHxU8c-fsm7SA4zosi9DMvaNbpQjSazIIwMh0iorxvxlWKtRCVeSVdPcVDrmaGtKPaAIFdX9rBcV/s1600/crazy+lady+pic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 128px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIaI9SFyDtrE6e9-wjzXvMHGe5q-Xx9TiHEVNYE3Ph8EEv2r3Zm4pm0tLgevd5HRsKHxU8c-fsm7SA4zosi9DMvaNbpQjSazIIwMh0iorxvxlWKtRCVeSVdPcVDrmaGtKPaAIFdX9rBcV/s320/crazy+lady+pic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467064535648673218" /></a><br />I was sick the week before Wayne left town for work, seriously sick - knocked me on my arse for 2 days sick. As an adult I don't ever remember being that sick. I was exhausted, had this horrible cough and my ears felt like I was underwater. No, I didn't go to the dr., I was prepared to shake it off - and I have, it just took longer than I thought it would. Then of course while Wayne was gone Little G got sick and we spent a good 2 days of cuddle time and doctors visits before she was back on her game. <br /><br />On Thursday, the 22nd, our new landlord called to say that we could get into the house that day (fantastic news so I could clean and get the bathrooms & kitchen set up first thing). I drove by the house 3 times and each time they were still moving stuff out, so we went back to the old house and packed and got some stuff together. Got the call that they were out, with the disclaimer that they had not done any deep cleaning, just basic stuff - they had only lived in the house for 4 months, how dirty could it be? WRONG!!!! When I hit the front door I was hit in the face with the stench of cigarette smoke and this weird funk...I'm not sure if it's teenage funk or what, but it's God awful, lemme tell ya. The former tenants hadn't cleaned ANYTHING, not the toothpaste off the faucet, not the food left in the kitchen sink - NADA. These people had 4 kids, 3 teenagers and a baby (whose crib was in the master when we looked at the house)- but seriously, this was worse than any frat guy apartment I witnessed in college. There was at least a 1/4 inch of black filth on the fan in the master bedroom - I gagged when I really got a good look at it. You have a baby sleeping in your room, what the HELL is wrong with you? So, the cleaning took a lot more time than expected - and the smell of smoke and funk still isn't out of the house completely. One of our new neighbors (who is an ICU RN & fantastic) made several suggestions on how to get rid of the smells....we pretty much live with all the windows open right now. Our landlord has been very apologetic and is willing to do whatever we need to get it all taken care of, but in the mean time GROSS!<br /><br />Then came Friday the 23rd, after spending the day cleaning and moving some of the smaller stuff over, Wayne came home from NC. The girls and I were at the airport to meet him and all was right in our world for a few brief moments. We had thunderstorms that night which Little G slept right through, but Ms. J came flying down the hall after one little roll of thunder - I slept through it all. My backup was home and I was finally able to shut down completely. Saturday, I woke up feeling like a million bucks. We asked one of the Aunties to take the girls for the weekend so we could really focus on getting the move done. Auntie A was kind enough to say yes when we asked her, so I put together very explicit directions with ratios, snacks, and instructions for Little G's antibiotics. I packed the cooler bag with appropriate snacks, everything for lows an extra tester and the rest of their supplies and of course our second bible, the Calorie King book. Auntie A went to the 101 class with us here at Children's, so we're pretty comfortable with her taking the girls and they so love their Auntie A. Plus, we both carried our cells in our pocket just in case. <br /><br />The move was rough, we have way more stuff than either of us remembered having before and it was just the 2 of us on Saturday. We didn't stop until about midnight and were up at 7:30 on Sunday to get ready to move furniture - Wayne's other sister E came over to help with that thank goodness! We knocked most of the rest of it out, knowing we had one more load to do on Monday and then we could clean the old house. Auntie A was kind enough to bring the girls home (she lives in North Dallas)and they showed up exhausted, happy and shoe-less. Ms. J apparently left her new favorite sandals at Auntie's house and had just jumped in the truck ready to rock n roll. Little G had taken hers off in the backseat while she settled in for a nap. They spent tons of time outside, took long walks, went to McD's (YUCK) and even got a shopping trip to Target with Auntie. She spoils them rotten - really, really rotten ($100 dollars on Easter baskets for them = ROTTEN). But she loves them and is so great to them - they would love her if she took them around the block in a wagon, but she has this desire to spoil the crap out of them, and she has fantastic taste, and won't be denied so why fight it? <br /><br />So, now we're at last Monday and Wayne is at the old house getting stuff together and in walks the owner of the house new tenant in tow. We hadn't turned in keys yet, so technically we still had possession of said house - but he was pretty cool and gave us until the end of the day - at the same time reminding him that the power and water had already been turned off...WTH? So, we finished the move, wiped everything down, mopped the floors thanks to the melted ice in the kitchen sink...and now only have one stinky house to worry about. Our new landlord made the drive from LA to see the carnage and she was visibly upset - she actually lived in this house, so it's personal. I felt horrible - we asked her about doing the touch up painting, etc. and she told us where everything was and that she would take $200 off next month's rent if we would do that. YAHOO! <br /><br />During all of this rigmarole, I was asked to coordinate Teacher Appreciation Week at the girls' school. Holy Crap! I sent out my letter, made my plea for support and money and then sat back and prayed these great ladies would be given the support they so deserve. The response has been a little slow, but fantastic none the less. So, we're gearing up for a great week at our little school, with these wonderful ladies I love them all and they are nothing short of angels. We have a fantastic little community and I feel blessed to be part of it all. <br /><br />I relapsed last week too, right around Wednesday. I felt like someone had had their way with me with a Mack Truck, I had no energy, I had snot and a headache and no desire to do a damn thing. I barely got off the sofa and made Wayne take the girls to and fro school and told him he was in charge of dinner, dishes, etc. He was seriously annoyed that I was sick again, apparently it takes some kind of nerve to get that sick so close to the last time I was sick. It was at that point that I reminded him that it wasn't about him and that he needed to shut his piehole. He profusely apologized and has been flying right since. Nothing like pissing off a sick woman and getting the what for, huh? <br /><br />We actually did have a little fun while Waynerd was in NC - I even have pics of it somewhere..I get those posted next. But we are moved and getting healthier and we are all together again which means that all is right in my world. I hope the same is true for all of you!2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-53836220950151311572010-04-21T09:57:00.000-07:002010-04-21T10:30:32.854-07:00I feel like an ass<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWPGumvvNVxyQlZtHFgdpMcIbBXCVmeeinVhq_BBT2d64G1PQdjU0yZNMnu8XMEu2uVWOmE0MiuimgLUeDSLqhyPVt3lKJFlNBas946ev-KGGdpMZ6tVjHmnpAgf2baWThkTlTjnwt_B6/s1600/IMG_0042.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWPGumvvNVxyQlZtHFgdpMcIbBXCVmeeinVhq_BBT2d64G1PQdjU0yZNMnu8XMEu2uVWOmE0MiuimgLUeDSLqhyPVt3lKJFlNBas946ev-KGGdpMZ6tVjHmnpAgf2baWThkTlTjnwt_B6/s320/IMG_0042.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462641348033948242" /></a><br />Just got back from the pediatrician with Little G...she has an ear infection. This is the first time ever in her 3 years that she will be taking antibiotics. I KNEW I shouldn't have said anything about the fact that neither of my girls has taken antibiotics since their DX, but no....had to open my big fat mouth and WOMP get it smacked shut. She'll be on amoxicillin and numbing drops (WTH?) twice a day. So I was gearing myself up for another round of "fax her logs" from Children's to get advice (read that NO advice)from a CDE when our pediatrician (who I LOVE) called. She is really up to date on the latest and greatest with T1 and did her internship with the endo unit at Children's, so I can talk to her without really having to go back to the beginning. Anywho - she tells me that Little G's dose will be once in the morning and once in the evening but that Amoxicillin is pretty much straight sugar so it's going to throw her numbers all out of whack. She suggested that I test her 1 hour after her dose and then again at 2 hours after her dose and adjust accordingly. She really understands my frustrations with Children's so this was a gift and I really appreciated the fact that she really simplified it for me and gave me pointers as to how to manage the spike. It's a good jumping off point at least. <br /><br />I did have an OMH (Oh My Hell) moment while talking to her, I glanced into the mirror across from the exam table and seriously gasped. I look like hell, not a little, not a tad bit - full on, stressed out, not sleeping, packing, moving, single mom this week HELL. I swear I brushed my hair before I left the house...but I looked like I had just crawled out of my crypt. I have dark circles under my eyes that could define a new shade of hell. I wanted to cry, but alas, there is no time for that. I have 5 scrips to pick up today (running out of Humalog, Strips & Lantus, plus the 2 new ones)- I really think my family should qualify for the frequent buyers club on scrips. I have 3 more rooms to pack and Little G is following me like my dog when he's hungry. Hopefully I can tuck her into the sofa and let her nap until it's time to pick Ms.J up from school.<br /><br />P.S. - Joanne, thank you for posting about what's been going on with Elise - it helped me wrap my head around what's going to be happening with Little G during her stint with Amoxicillin. You are awesome!2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-42789844066324357302010-04-19T14:27:00.000-07:002010-04-19T15:15:10.903-07:00We're all Rockstars in our own minds....<embed wmode="opaque" src="http://static.ning.com/socialnetworkmain/widgets/index/swf/badge.swf?v=201004131104" FlashVars="backgroundColor=0xCCCCCC&textColor=0x990066&config=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabeticrockstar.com%2Fmain%2Fbadge%2FshowPlayerConfig%3Fxg_source%3Dbadge%26size%3Dlarge%26username%3D0p6sepsnz9tl3" width="206" height="242" bgColor="#CCCCCC" scale="noscale" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"> </embed><br /><small><a href="http://www.diabeticrockstar.com">Visit <em>Diabetic Rockstar </em></a></small><br /><br /><br />Yes, I should be packing right now - but I've got Little G all over me for cuddle time today. SO, while I was reclining with her, I jumped on Facebook to check in. I have several groups that I support on FB and I'm always looking for new resources for T1 and similar to the blogworld, I've met some really kind people.<br /><br />So, while I'm on FB today - one of my T1 friends posts that she's now a fan of <a href="http://www.diabeticrockstar.com/">Diabetic Rockstar</a>. What's that you say? I'm a rockstar, my whole family are rockstars so I clickety click my way over to the DR fan page to read up on this group that had to have been started for my family. Great links, great outlook and I LOVE what they do - it's all about support and fighting this disease. I felt like they had been inside my brain when they wrote their mission statement. One day I would love to have a non-profit to pay it forward and this one has truly inspired me. This foundation was started by a 27 year old, newly diagnosed T1 that knew he had to do something. The short summary of his story is quite sweet. <br /><br />I poked around a bit, I registered as a member and I love the question they ask....are you a Diabetic Rockstar? Parent of a DR? Non-diabetic aka Abnormal? Honestly I feel like I'm all of the above, however I signed up as a parent......but we all know I'm the abnormal one in my house. Pop on over if you so desire, it's a nice site and they have groups that are organized by specialty - T1, T2, Parents, etc. Always good to have another resource in that ginormous freaking back of accessories we all carry. <br /><br />Okay, back to packing.....uhaul out!2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-90436860681504313492010-04-18T09:59:00.000-07:002010-04-18T10:58:30.182-07:00Looks can be deceiving<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR08mBer71Y5qM3Sotu_GY1xPIPUH3XlguVDXw5PlKkFziUBwD4Xxuv3wGWL7gTdu98TX2-1KQuJ2lhFxO-5HVoOMSPDM4zaZm9Jg7QRGWHC0Tc0Z-Hfdcu7CfKbuJ_bvVlANOxLHGCmdH/s1600/IMG_0258.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461525411984616898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR08mBer71Y5qM3Sotu_GY1xPIPUH3XlguVDXw5PlKkFziUBwD4Xxuv3wGWL7gTdu98TX2-1KQuJ2lhFxO-5HVoOMSPDM4zaZm9Jg7QRGWHC0Tc0Z-Hfdcu7CfKbuJ_bvVlANOxLHGCmdH/s320/IMG_0258.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm so ready for the happy girls above to return to our house. This weekend has been no fun for them and they haven't been shy about letting me know. I can't believe that sorting, packing and laundry are not fun for them - are they crazy? There have been tantrums, whining, crying and then I had to send them to their rooms. BUT, the bright spot - because you know there always has to be at least one.....is their sugars have been spectacular. Potty training for Little G has taken a really good turn and I did get to sleep in this morning (should have been up and getting ready for church, but that just wasn't happening today). Hopefully the weather will be better and we can get out and play a bit tomorrow. Sorry for the run-ons and whining....I just needed to vent. <br /><div> </div>2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-89642728622701718082010-04-13T11:53:00.000-07:002010-04-13T12:26:12.347-07:00The To Do List from Hell<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JEvIlsOE7jUHm9hpdrTD8fbTMkodNUx3PIxqsBC2czbPTYlPBZNrJihXxVfM9mE-MIOqsySd3YlUy4YBuM0wp_8e3mkZQCrFYzdMNK9jK091CKaUyURt8xLL6gGWH1El0MrOVJXC7EnZ/s1600/to-do-list-pad.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459705390010650210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JEvIlsOE7jUHm9hpdrTD8fbTMkodNUx3PIxqsBC2czbPTYlPBZNrJihXxVfM9mE-MIOqsySd3YlUy4YBuM0wp_8e3mkZQCrFYzdMNK9jK091CKaUyURt8xLL6gGWH1El0MrOVJXC7EnZ/s320/to-do-list-pad.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I am a list maker. I have a master "to do list" that I put everything on, usually this list has about 100 items on it, give or take a few. I have everyday things, such as pick up prescriptions, pay water bill, make dentist appointments on it and projects I want "to do". Whenever I get to cross things off my list, it makes me happy. However, I'm finding that lately I've been adding more to my list than I'm crossing off. We have a few "sitches" (abbreviation for situations) going on at our house and I'm muddling through the best I can. Due to these sitches, my list has grown to a stressful 127 items - with 40 of them being time sensitive. Time sensitive in that they need to get done before April 23rd. So why am I blogging instead of accomplishing my task list you ask? I am stressed and I need the mental break - the next week I most likely won't be around much, which makes me sad. If I am around, I'm hoping that someone will tell me to get back to work. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We are moving. Not far, same zip code, same school zone and closer to a great friend of mine. We are renters for the time being (damn that CA housing market) and the owners of our current resident are moving back to town = bummer. We have volunteers ready to help us move, it's just a matter of getting us ready to move. So in 12 days we are moving from one house to another and taking all our stuff with us. Good thing I'm not working now, because somebody has to purge and pack....I really loathe packing. I love the purging part of it - that feels good, but the part where I have to load up boxes and go through everything in my house is really annoying and stressful. I'm grateful that the girls are in school 3 days a week, I can purge their clothing and toys without their watchful gaze and I can get an entire room packed without a single request for a drink or a snack or a blood sugar check. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Have I mentioned that my sweet, loving husband is leaving to go out of town tomorrow -for TEN days - yes, the entire time I will be getting us ready to move. We've known about his trip for 3 months, but last month his boss changed the dates.....how convenient, right? He's lucky it's for training or I would have cancelled his flight myself. So while he's off learning about new machines and how to build them and maintain them, I'm going to be here, living amongst the chaos that is moving. But I'm not bitter......really I'm not.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I'll be stocking up on energy drinks, caffeine in any form and pizza coupons for this move. Please wish us luck..we gonna need it. </div>2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-88878511268942852202010-04-05T20:19:00.000-07:002010-04-09T00:17:04.111-07:00Flashback - Celebrity ApprenticeWayne and I have been watching Celebrity Apprentice with Donald Trump this season. We don't watch the normal Apprentice, but we do love to see what charities the celebs are supporting each season. I really got hooked on this show when Trace Adkins was there to support his foundation that supports children with food allergies, one of his daughters has severe food allergies. It breaks my heart to see grown men cry...but when it's over one of their children, I most likely will keep a special place in my heart for them. Seeing Trace Adkins cry when he saw his daughter at the end of the season was a sweet vision of fatherhood that I loved watching & I cried right along with him.<br /><br />This season on Celebrity Apprentice, one of my least favorite contestants is supporting the American Diabetes Association - so of course I have to ignore the shivers that threaten to run down my spine whenever he opens his mouth and put my faith in him doing well. The "celebrity" that I'm referring to is Bret <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Michaels</span>....<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ala</span> Poison, Rock of Love 1-40 and self proclaimed rock god to dozens. He was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">dx</span> with T1 when he was 6 years old and over the past few years he has become an ambassador of sorts for the ADA. The first show of the season, his team won the contest and as project manager he was able to make a $100K donation to the ADA. He was emotional and confident and so proud to turn that money over - it made me so happy that this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">cheeseball</span> is on "our" team.<br /><br />Last night as the show wrapped up the previews for next week's show are running and it shows Bret <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Michaels</span> taking a call from one of his daughters, then him talking about her being tested for diabetes and she apparently asked him if she was going to have to take shots like him. He looked like he had just been sucker punched in the gonads. I looked over at Wayne and he got these tears, for a brief moment, and then looked away from me. I remembered the way he looked in the hospital the night that Ms. J was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">dx'd</span>, she was hooked up to the iv and he was sitting in the recliner/bed holding her and crying. Nothing has ever broken my heart more than that moment. There was nothing I could do or say at that moment that would make it better or that would lift the burden that he felt and still does over our daughters <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">dx</span>.<br /><br />Last night as I said my prayers, I included Bret <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Michaels</span> and his precious daughter - I hope that she does not have T1 and that this was what we all hoped for in the beginning - a big fat mistake, a false alarm, just a warning.<br /><br />As for Bret <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Michaels</span>, I hope he continues to stand out as a front runner and kicking ass for the ADA. Rock on!2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-38116406769852441462010-03-31T13:47:00.000-07:002010-03-31T14:17:48.193-07:00How did I get here?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVd5IKZ4-irYYxSPq0ldi-jL8zvDRqHkIb8Mts3X6jpxQSciY8MvKqCw-2WQhpM8O6xG2EehyphenhyphenaULXcH47zB2m-ebYH2nHyLBWbF3-nlftzcOrBvABP2qjnOSQr-sGLLcQF35CXYh0d8xy/s1600/OA9X9653.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454909340356135746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 186px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVd5IKZ4-irYYxSPq0ldi-jL8zvDRqHkIb8Mts3X6jpxQSciY8MvKqCw-2WQhpM8O6xG2EehyphenhyphenaULXcH47zB2m-ebYH2nHyLBWbF3-nlftzcOrBvABP2qjnOSQr-sGLLcQF35CXYh0d8xy/s320/OA9X9653.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I took a drive this morning. I dropped my sweet girls off at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">PreK</span> / K school they attend. I then came home, dug up a social security card, birth certificate, vaccination records, reference letters, my driver's license and the 22 page booklet I had to fill out. I walked up the street and handed all of these things over to the office administrator at the elementary school. Ms. J got registered for 1st grade this morning. I am so excited for her, yet I can't figure out how she got to this point - wasn't it just yesterday that she was that sweet little babe that we so carefully drove home with from the hospital? She is funny and smart and reading on a 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nd</span> grade level (I think the 7 kids in her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">kindygarten</span> class has been a HUGE benefit). She loves school, "being crafty" and anything to do with dolphins. She would wear a sundress every day if I'd let her and she may have quite a future as a diplomat. </div><br /><div>I have already requested to meet with the school nurse in July to review our 504 plan. I am going to be a regular fixture at that school for the foreseeable future, they might as well get to know me now. We've already done this, now it's just on a bigger scale.....we'll make it, right? This has me more nervous that the first day I went back to work after having her. I pity the fool that messes with my baby...teachers, school nurse, principals and office staff consider yourselves warned. </div>2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-30648182315270225072010-03-28T17:31:00.000-07:002010-03-28T18:06:51.187-07:00Do you ever want to just hide?I say this in jest - well kind of. We all have our trials and tribulations regardless of what our lives are like. Ours is a challenge on any given day - as is pretty much everyone in a T1 household. I am the minority in my house, to my kids I'm the weird one because I'm not poking my fingers, taking shots and checking for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ketones</span> when I pee. For them, I am SO grateful they will have each other for their reality check on what it's like to live with T1 - I am NOT grateful that they both have T1, but if one thing could make their lives easier, I think living in a house where they're not the only one might actually benefit them. Ms. J has become quite the T1 Yoda Jedi Master - she is not afraid to talk to newly diagnosed kids and tell them how important it is that they listen to their parents and eat what they are given and to learn to listen to their bodies. She can tell by looking at Little G if she's high or low and she wakes up at night if she hears Little G making any kind of noise - she can fly down their hallway faster than a speeding bullet to get to us if she thinks anything is wrong. She will then run right back down the hall to sit with her sister while we grab the tester and fast acting sugar. <br />I was having a bout with insomnia last night....Wayne was snoring and I was on the sofa, watching <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">SNL</span>, Cold Case, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">CSI</span> Miami -all the shows that will normally cause me to fall asleep sitting up. I played solitaire, surfed the net for 504 plan information and then turned to my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">DMom</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Bloggers</span>, because I wanted to "check in" and make sure that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">everyone's</span> broods were okay. But EVERYONE in my little D-Mom <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">blogworld</span> got a slap in the face yesterday....or have it coming when they check in the next time. There is a family out there that lost their 14 year old son to T1. Mom went in to wake him up and he had passed during the night. I cried as I read <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">everyone's</span> reactions, I cried for his Mom and Dad and his siblings. I cried for the parent or the spouse of someone with T1 - because I'm pretty certain they are/were scared reading this. I know that when I got done crying and praying for them and for us (collectively "us" as the parents of T1 kids or the spouse of a T1). I went down the hall, testers and juice in hand....and checked my girls blood sugars and gave Ms. J some juice and held Little G until she went back to sleep - or maybe until I was ready to let go of her, I'm just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">sayin</span>'. I crawled into bed, next to that snoring bear, and wrapped my arms around him a little tighter and felt a few more tears roll down my cheek because all I wanted to do was hide from this reality. But then I fell asleep and when I woke up this morning to the giggly voices coming up the hall to see us, I knew that there is no place I would rather be. <br />We need the cure, we DESERVE the cure. No Mom or Dad or Husband or Wife should have to worry that T1 is going to take their loved one in the middle of the night. To my fellow soldiers in this war, I wish you great numbers, hugs and the strength we need to carry on.2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-62220580759039223202010-03-10T14:18:00.000-08:002010-03-10T14:34:35.176-08:00Not ImpressedOkay, so I have a PILE of posts that I need to get up but today I have to vent.....I am so very frustrated with the lows we've been seeing with Ms. J over the last 48 hours. On top of that, I broke down and called Children's (which I don't do unless we're at a complete loss because it ALWAYS adds to my frustration). Today didn't disappoint in that realm, I called at 2pm, left a message for an advice nurse, with the details, my call back number and waited. And waited. And waited. TWO hours later, I get a call and upon introducing herself, asks who she's speaking with and how she can help me.....really? So why didn't I just leave a message with my phone number and ask you to call me back. I bit my tongue, answered her and then went on to explain the lows, that we haven't changed anything about our routine, other than for the past 2 weeks we've been giving her shots before she eats instead of afterwards. I'm waiting to hear the pearls of wisdom about what might be causing her lows, ANY questions at all....instead, she tells me that I need to fax in her logs and write LOWS on the top so they will make them a priority. NO helpful hints, so suggestions, NADA. Exactly why do they call them educators, advice nurses or professionals? I can wing this with the best of them without the nursing degree and the high paying job. I cannot say it any nicer, I am SO unhappy with the lack of care and concern that is presented whenever I do actually call for help with a high or a low. They really should call it a "helpless" center. <br /><br />I continue to compare our situation here to the care we received when we lived in Sacramento. Our endocrinologists (the 3 in the practice) were fantastic and always greeted us warmly. Whenever we called with a question or a concern we didn't have to wait 2 HOURS for a call back, the longest ever was 20 minutes. Our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">endo</span> called us twice the first night we took Ms. J home from the hospital, even though he'd just seen her at her first appointment that afternoon. We had 2 calls the first week from the educator and one of the nutritionists emailed us a shopping list. I realize that Dallas is bigger than Sacramento, but the way this system here is set up is a joke and a complete disservice to the patients. <br /><br />Children's does not account for anything out of the ordinary they will fit you -the square peg -into their round hole....my girls deserve better than this. As their mom & dad we deserve better than this. <br /><br />I'm wiping my tears of frustration off my hot angry cheeks now and going home.2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-85702907100045144402010-02-23T16:18:00.000-08:002010-02-23T18:23:55.045-08:00School Fundraiser for JDRFSo our little Kindergarten/Preschool that takes such AMAZING care of both girls has been doing a fundraiser this month for JDRF. This Thursday, the 25th, we're Bouncing for 'Betes at school. We have less than 40 kids and already we've raised well over $1000, I'm so unbelievably proud of these kiddos - they have really put their little hearts into all of this. We have a total of 3 girls out of the 35 or so kids that have Type 1, my Ms. J & Little G, plus their friend Susana is with them as well. The staff, kids and families have shown amazing support for this event. We even had a Room Mom make Gluten Free cupcakes for a birthday last week, which I was really touched by (Susana also has Celiac disease). If you're one of my 3 readers and are so inspired, would you consider giving even a few dollars to help our little school really kick butt in their fundraising? The title of this post is the link to the website for online donations. You can search under Jamie or Gabrielle and make a donation in their honor - I personally think they look pretty darn cute in their little JDRF Ambassador visors on their little pages. If you can't donate at this time, which I certainly understand, maybe you could link to my post so we can get a little more exposure? Pretty please? I'd be ever so grateful!2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-12304153022671527752010-01-21T08:19:00.000-08:002010-01-21T10:01:05.879-08:00Job HuntingMy heart is heavy as I type this post. I am looking for another job. I would LOVE to work for free here at JDRF, but sadly, I have to work to help support my family. We have prescription co-pays that cost more than most people's car payments every month and there is that really bad habit that we all have of eating food. My hours have been cut, I had hoped for a raise, but alas that didn't happen either so I am on the search for another position. As things stand right now, about 75% of what I make goes to pay for daycare & school for the girls and gas money. I hate dealing with money and it is a major source of stress for me and always has been - but my reality lies in the fact that what is happening now will not help my family. We will never get ahead with my current situation and that is not something I'm comfortable with. <br /><br />For those of you in the Dallas area, I am asking for you to keep this information confidential and not mention this to the folks here in the office because I am doing this quietly. I simply cannot help my family by working and quite honestly I am devastated. When I do find another job I will give proper notice and continue to do whatever I can to help this chapter succeed. There is quite a bit more to this, but I am choosing to handle it professionally. <br /><br />I have updated my resume and started my search officially last night. If anyone out there knows of anyone hiring HR people with a lot of database management background and a need for someone with recruiting experience, please let me know.<br /><br />On the plus side, I talked to my mom yesterday and she is seriously considering moving here to Dallas - I almost pulled the car over and did a happy dance on the side of the road. The people of Red Oak can thank me later for holding back. ;)2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-13812621450883645322010-01-13T08:38:00.000-08:002010-01-13T08:48:33.095-08:00JDRF School Walk ProgramSo I think most of my 3 readers probably know by now that I work at the Dallas Chapter of JDRF - I am the School Walk Coordinator. I love, love, love my job - but due to financial issues with everyone this year, we are WAY down on our number of walks and raising money from our schools. I wholeheartedly understand schools not fundraising right now, it can be a lot to continually ask parents to support cause after cause. BUT, I participated in a training session yesterday that has me twitterpated...our National office has incorporated a piece of JDRF's Annual Walks, Walk Central into a very specific Kids Walk program for our schools. Basically what this will allow the schools and their students to do is do ONLINE fundraising as well as selling the paper sneakers. Considering we are California transplants, this is great for when my girls are fundraising and we can send emails to aunts, uncles and the Grandmas asking for support. The one feature that I think is great about this is the parental control that is required for a child to participate and the release that is posted that talks about the fact that nothing about the site is searchable from say a Google or Bing or whatever - so the child is protected from online weirdos. I spend my days recruiting schools and moms for this project and I really want to make it a success - so pray for great parents and schools that want to support JDRF and the research.2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322429710244054225.post-42693237865250078432010-01-06T14:15:00.000-08:002010-01-06T14:30:48.841-08:002010 - A Better Year, because I said so....Okay, the title of this post sounds a bit surly - but that's the way I feel right now. I've picked my word for the year, Christmas is all put away, I'm starting my purge and organize plan, BUT (there's always one of those, isn't there?)we're struggling with Little G's blood sugars AGAIN. Both girls had their endo appointments on Monday - their A1C's were a bit higher than last time, but the dr. was happy with them and said "no changes" - fast forward to today. I received 3 calls from school with Little G's blood sugar readings, they were having a helluva time keeping her over 70 ALL DAY. Granted, she's more active and using her little noodle more than she probably has been at home these past 2 weeks, but DAMN! At one point she was at 51, they gave her 3 sugar tabs, checked her at 15 minutes and she was only at 71....NOT good. I asked them to give her a tube of cake gel (please don't judge, this is what works normally for both of our girls). Another 15 minute check and she's at 87. I was sure she'd be right around 130ish, if not higher. I could hear her crying and the pastor of the church was holding her and rocking her (I may just kiss this man the next time I see him - I LOVE their school). I just want to bang my head on the wall...not that it will do me any good at all - but my question of the day is WHY? I know that other D-Parents out there might read this (all 3 of you) and say, yeah we ask that all the time....but can't someone make some sense of this on days like today? I heard a very inappropriate song this morning on a "mix tape" cd...and really, really would like to dedicate it to Diabetes...if anyone out there has hear the song "F*** You" by Lilly Allen, it's a happy little tune, with a great message that made me giggle....still VERY inappropriate and no my girls were not in the car with me when I heard it. I smiled and sang along as I pulled into the JDRF parking lot....dedicating it to this miserable disease. <br /><br />Well, that was quite a tangent no? I am determined to make this a better year than last year. I have plans, a vacation to organize, school walks to get on the calendar and gala tables to fill. Also, I would love to find the winning lottery numbers at some point - just so I could make a big fat donation that might expedite the research that will make my purse a good 2 pounds lighter whenever we go somewhere. Too much to ask? I think not. <br /><br />Looking forward to snuggling up with my littles tonight, lighting a big ol' fire and taking in the little moments. Cheers to you and yours - Walk Awards Tomorrow Night here in the big D - if you're coming, please stop by and say hello!2 Green Eyed Girlshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13459800211600765017noreply@blogger.com0