Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...October 26

Outside my window...the roses are blooming.

I am thinking...Monday...UGH!

I am thankful for...all the kiddos being on the mend.

I am wearing...bermuda shorts and black Barbie t-shirt.

I am remembering...and forgetting a million things that need to get done the next couple of weeks.

I am creating...nothing.

I am going...to dance with my daughter in a few minutes.

I am reading...nothing.

I am hoping...this constant headache I've had will FINALLY go away.

On my mind...headache.

Noticing that...I feel less like myself everyday.

Pondering these words...But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18

From the kitchen...roasted vegetables with penne pasta.

Around the house...toys are scattered everywhere!

One of my favorite things...Dexter! tee hee

A few plans for the rest of the week: lazy week.

From my picture journal...Dylan's Preschool Picture! :)

Preggers

I don't know where to begin. I lie, yes I do. Chris Colfer Kurt dancing to Beyoncé's Single Ladies was beyond BRILLIANT. The football team breaking out in dance was hilarious. Could Ryan Murphy have given Kurt a manlier father? Burt and Kurt, terribly cute. I hope that Burt continues to be absolutely amazing as a father to Kurt, because quite frankly, their relationship could be television magic. I admit, I grabbed my tissues as Kurt told his Dad he was gay. Kudos glee!

And let me just say that somebody needs to sit Finn down and give him the sex talk. I realize he's suppose to be a dope, but seriously, shouldn't he have had sex ed already?

I despise Terri.

And that's how Tiffany sees it.

Fall Into Reading 2009

OhMyGosh! Anyone who knows me, knows how much I simply adore Fall. One thing I enjoy most about Fall is Katrina's Fall Into Reading.

Here are the books I am currently reading, slow process, because I picked up quite a few this month, and need to finish:

The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian
The Power of Prayer to Change Your Marriage by Stormie Omartian
Sacred Parenting by Gary L. Thomas

Here are books sitting on my TBR shelf:
Faithfully Fit by Claire Cloninger & Laura Barr
PrayerWalk by Janet Holm McHenry
The Dieter's Prayer Book by Heather Harpham Kopp

I told myself I'd read the Sookie Stackhouse series (by Charlaine Harris)this Fall. For those who don't know who Sookie Stackhouse is, these books were transformed into the True Blood series currently shown on HBO. Yes, yes, yes ... Vampires. tee hee. There are 9 books in this series:

Dead Until Dark
Living Dead in Dallas
Club Dead
Dead to the World
Dead as a Doornail
Definitely Dead
All Together Dead
From Dead to Worse
Dead and Gone

Happy Reading & Happy Fall Ya'll!

What's on Your Nightstand ~ September

I am so excited to be reading again. Just like last summer, I did not touch a book in July or August. September, however, I think I've made up for it. Here are the books currently sitting on my nightstand. I am reading EVERY single one of them.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...September 21st

Outside my window...the puppies are wrestling and playing with each other.

I am thinking...what happened to our cooler, crisp weather from last Monday?

I am thankful for...time spent with a dear friend last Friday.

I am wearing...bermuda shorts and a grey tank top.

I am remembering...how badly I felt this last weekend. UGH!

I am creating...sadly, nothing, but NEED to be working on Peyton's birthday invitations.

I am going...to eat breakfast as soon as I'm done posting this.

I am reading...Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas.

I am hoping...Grandma's surgery is a success today, with no complications.

On my mind...Cameron's blood sugar numbers.

Noticing that...we have heated up again these last few days.

Pondering these words...One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: 'Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.' Acts 18:9-10

From the kitchen...comfort food, chicken, mashed potatoes w/ gravy, stuffing, corn, and crescent rolls.

Around the house...no laundry to do...Woo-Hoo!

One of my favorite things...Heroes ... Season Premiere tonight!

A few plans for the rest of the week: water aerobics, walking, house cleaning, making Peyton's birthday invitations, and shopping on Saturday.

From my picture journal...



birthday card I made for my niece's 13th birthday!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...September 14th

Outside my window...leaves are falling and a crisp breeze is blowing.

I am thinking...Is Fall on it's way?

I am thankful for...God not giving up on me, even though I walked away from Him.

I am wearing...dark blue jean shorts and a bermuda blue tank top.

I am remembering...riding Pirates of the Carribean last week at Disneyland. ;)

I am creating...sadly, nothing, but NEED to be working on Peyton's birthday invitations.

I am going...nowhere.

I am reading...Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian.

I am hoping...Grandma feels better this week.

On my mind...Cameron's attitude and sudden stomping of his feet when things don't go HIS way.

Noticing that...I seem to be overly tired lately.

Pondering these words...

From the kitchen...I have NO idea what I'm making for dinner tonight.

Around the house...the ENTIRE house needs cleaning.

One of my favorite things...Peyton helping me buckle her seat belt and then saying, as he pats her lap, "Pat, Pat, Pat" just like Little Einsteins!

A few plans for the rest of the week: visiting with Grandma tomorrow, having a dear friend (and family) from NY for dinner Friday night.

From my picture journal...


birthday card I made Cameron for his 10th birthday!

Phoenix Pastor Draws Protests After Telling Church He Prays for Obama's Death - Political News - FOXNews.com

I heard about this on Air1 this morning and HAD to share! Are you kidding me? This Pastor is EVIL! He most definitely does not serve my Lord, the Lord of LOVE. Instead of praying for Obama's death, how about praying for wisdom, or the Holy S...pirit to fill his heart? Pastor Steven Anderson is absolutely THE reason people look down their noses at Christians. I can't imagine if there was a guest attending this service and what they came out of that church thinking. Sad state of affairs!

Phoenix Pastor Draws Protests After Telling Church He Prays for Obama's Death - Political News - FOXNews.com

Posted using ShareThis

Wordless Wednesday: The Look

Check out more Wordless Wednesday over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

September

I can't believe it's already September! Big changes coming these next few months. LOADS of hard work physically. Grounding myself better in my relationship with Christ. Giving up fast food for the month of September. AND, working on my REALLY bad (and rather shameful) habit of cursing.

Other things I hope to accomplish in September:

Walk every day but Tuesday

Drink 8 glasses of water DAILY

Drink a Soda every OTHER day, except when OTHER day falls on Tuesday

Now ... what to accomplish in October???

Defeated

I admit defeat. I failed my big aspirations of 2009. I did not, and will not, read 100+ books in 2009. I am most disappointed in not reading the Bible in a year. Reading the Bible was something I REALLY, REALLY wanted to do.

New Pair of Shoes

Mama's got a new pair of shoes. I cannot wait to break them in!

Wordless Wednesday: Jake

Check out more Wordless Wednesday over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Wordless Wednesday: Bella & Jake

Check out more Wordless Wednesday over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Wordless Wednesday: I Pick You

Check out more Wordless Wednesday over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Doggone Adorable

I have had her website bookmarked for years...YEARS! It was never the "right" time and I was fed up waiting. I contacted Sheena, on the off chance she would have a liter coming up. As it turned out, she had a couple puppies from her last liter still available and sent a couple pictures.



We fell in love with the red pup, whose white stripe down his face. Hubby was leaning towards a female pup. Alas, the gorgeous red was a male. POO! Dylan had already picked her name, starting with Tinkerbell, then Bell, lastly Bella.

After the kids kept insisting we get both, and let's face it, I really wanted the red puppy, Hubby laid out the argument for adopting both. I, of course, was the last to sign on.

I contacted Sheena again, asking about the possibility of adopting both puppies. After getting all the information we needed, and making Pet Smart very happy with a triple digit purchase for these new additions, we adopted Bella and Jake today.

Wordless Wednesday: Nightgown

Peyton's first nightgown!

I love being the Mama of a daughter!

Check out more Wordless Wednesday over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

First Day of School

It's that time again. The first day of school. Today marked a day I have been looking forward to ALL summer long. Dylan starts Preschool. Sadly, today also marks a day I have been dreading ALL summer long. Cameron starts Fifth Grade, which is the last year of elementary here, meaning Junior High starts next year.

Cameron knows the drill of First Day of School pictures. Dylan looks as though he's in a line-up. LOL Don't let his expression fool you. ALL he talked about this summer was going to school. Why the pout? He's Dylan. ;)

What Happens at Camp ...

Stays at camp. I think that will be the motto from here on out. Along with the motto, we're implementing one week at Diabetic camp and one week Christian camp, non-negotiable. IF Cameron wants to attend Diabetic camp, he MUST attend Christian camp.

Although I am grateful that Cameron was able to experience camp, especially diabetic camp, I am so disappointed in EVERYTHING he has told me since coming home.

1.) I fell out of a tree.




2.) I passed out and nobody found me. When I woke up, I went to the infirmary where my blood sugar was in the 50's.

3.) They didn't wash my clothes between session 2 & 3.

4.) I drank a Diet Mt. Dew.

5.) My highest number was 599.

Oh ... the list continues. I trusted my son in the care of this camp. Falling out of a tree, he's a boy, boys climb trees, and stupid boys fall out of them. LOL What I can NOT forgive is his clothes not being washed in 12 days, when I only sent enough clothes for 6. I can NOT forgive him passing out, his blood sugar number going as high as 599, or the fact that in the snack shack they sold Diet Mt. Dew and didn't make him take a shot to cover it. My son has never, NEVER, drank a soda in his ENTIRE life. And Mt. Dew, there ain't NO days! His attitude is atrocious right now. He has been mopping around for DAYS, crying in intervals, because "they understand everything I'm going through."

The plus side of camp ... Cameron is willing to discuss an insulin pump! Woo-Hoo! I ordered some reading material for when he came home. I would estimate that 90% of the campers were pump users. He read the material, without me telling him it was there, and instead of shutting me down every time I brought up the subject, we have a dialog going.

Wordless Wednesday: Camp

Cameron packed and ready to board the bus to Diabetic Camp.

Check out more Wordless Wednesday over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Cameron's Going to Camp

We are so very blessed! The fundraising worked, because Cameron has been afforded the privledge of going to diabetic camp for TWO sessions. This means that our friends ROCK! I would have NEVER, in a million years, thought enough money would be raised for back to back sessions, costing $770. However, American Diabetes Association kicked in this year too. We can't thank you all enough!

Wordless Wednesday: Rarity

It's very rare that I can get all three of my children in a shot.

Here is one such occasion, July 4, 2009.

Check out more Wordless Wednesday over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Wordless Wednesday: Mama's Flip Flops

I am so excited that I FINALLY have a picture of my daughter in MY shoes. I can't count how many pictures of the boys I have in Daddy's shoes and Daddy's hat. FINALLY, FIN-A-LLY, I have a picture of my daughter in Mama's Flip Flops! Be patient with the terrible pictures,

my digital camera is in the shop. :(

Check out more Wordless Wednesday over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Menu Plan Monday

Please excuse my absence from Menu Planning for the month of July. I'll be starting a ... lifestyle change of my eating habits.

Wordless Wednesday: Cookie Monster

Note that Peyton did NOT eat either cookie (one of which was Dylan's and she snagged it from him), but licked one and giggled. Why won't this child eat food?

Check out more Wordless Wednesday over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

What's on Your Nightstand ~ June

I am excited about a book I've been reading in June, Stormie Omartian's The Power of a Praying Wife. I also, FINALLY, received my Interview with a Vampire, The Vampire Lestat, and The Queen of the Damned compilation book, and sunk my teeth instantly into it.

No picture this month, my camera broke at Disneyland last month. :(

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Tacos

Monday ~ TV Dinners

Tuesday ~ BFF & Family over for Pizza & Salad

Wednesday ~ Pasta Shells, Salad, & Garlic Rolls

Thursday ~ Out

Friday ~ Chicken, Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy, Stuffing, Corn, & Crescent Rolls

Saturday ~ Out

Wrapping Up Spring Reading Thing 2009

Disappointed, again, as I have failed yet another reading challenge. Spring Reading Thing 2009 has come to a conclusion. My original post can be found here. Katrina, over at Callapidder Days, asked us to answer a few questions ... be prepared to cringe.

Did you finish reading all the books on your spring reading list? If not, why not? I did not. I had high hopes, and there was no reason as to why I couldn't have gotten through at least half of them. However, two weeks prior to the challenge starting, I ordered a compilation book of Interview with a Vampire, The Vampire Lestat, and Queen of the Damned from ebay. NEVER arrived. I opened a case via paypal, and almost 3 weeks later, I won. GREAT, right? I have the money to purchase said book again. I purchased said book again, different seller, and he decided not to send it for 4 weeks. UGH! Fortunately, I had bought the Sleeping Beauty erotic series as well and thus, began reading the BOTTOM of my list first.

Did you stick to your original goals or did you change your list as you went along? My original goals went to the cutting room floor very quickly and I had to improvise.

What was your favorite book that you read this fall? Least favorite? Why? My favorite book turned out to be the second of the series, Beauty's Punishment. I enjoyed the storyline in this book better than book 1. My least favorite was the last book, Beauty's Release. The book seemed rushed, not as in depth as the previous two books, storyline was all over the place, and it just plain fizzled.

Did you discover a new author or genre this fall? Did you love them? Not love them? I enjoyed the erotic books very much so and I think I will research other authors with similar writings.

Did you learn something new because of Spring Reading Thing 2009 — something about reading, or yourself, or a topic you read about? I learned that with every good intention I have, my children and life are stronger willed and bring me down! LOL

What was your favorite thing about the challenge? I enjoy checking out what everyone else is reading and reading their reviews.

Sookie Stackhouse

Another reading challenge? YES! I had great intentions this year, but, as always, life throws a wrench in it. There is a saying, Man plans, God laughs and seriously, I get hit with it often. Having said all of that, and seeing as my 100+ Reading Challenge, or Operation Actually Read the Bible, won't happen in 2009, I opted to join Beth Fish in her Sookie Stackhouse Reading Challenge.

Sookie Stackhouse, for those who don't know, is the main character in Charlaine Harris's Southern Vampire series, as well as the HBO hit series, True Blood. I find it interesting that this challenge came upon me today, as Hubby and I spent the last 2 weeks catching up on season 1 of True Blood On Demand, for the season 2 premiere last Sunday. I couldn't help seeing the similarities between True Blood and Twilight (and ya'll know what a Twilight geek I am), so I had decided I would read this series to see what was stolen from whom.

The Books:

Dead Until Dark
Living Dead in Dallas
Club Dead
Dead to the World
Dead as a Doornail
Definitely Dead
All Together Dead
From Dead to Worse
Dead and Gone

This challenge doesn't start until July 1, 2009 and ends June 30, 2010. An entire year for 9 books...if I don't finish this challenge, I am a lost cause.

Simple Woman's Daybook

Does anybody know what happened to The Simple Woman's Daybook??? No new daybook entries since June 1st and when I click to the site a box comes up saying, "Operation Aborted".

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Quesadillas, Spanish Rice (missed this last week)

Monday ~ TV Dinners

Tuesday ~ Shells Pasta, Salad, & Garlic Rolls

Wednesday ~ Chicken, Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy, Stuffing, Corn, & Crescent Rolls

Thursday ~ Grilled Cheese & Soup

Friday ~ Pizza

Saturday ~ Out

MySpace Blogs

I was playing around on blogger a few days ago and realized I could add backdated posts. This excited me so. I began blogging in August 2006, after my niece Mandelyn was killed in car accident. I blogged on myspace then and when I left myspace, I copied and pasted each and every blog. Now I'm in the process of adding them to this blog. I realize this will screw up my number of blogs, making my 100th blog earlier than it should have been, but I don't care. I always hated not having those first words I poured out into the world on here. I have given the label myspace to these posts, as well as who, or what, they were about. This should make it easier on those of you who actually read my blog. Does anyone actually read my blog? :)

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...June 8th

Outside my window...June Gloom, but I LOVE it!

I am thinking...Cameron made Honor Roll! Woo-Hoo!

I am thankful for...God's Grace.

From the kitchen...TV Dinners.

I am wearing...bermuda jean shortss & a Twilight tee.

I am creating...cards for Cameron's teacher and School Nurses who took care of him the last 5 months.

I am praying...for healing.

I am going...to Cameron's awards ceremony in an hour.

I am reading...Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice.

I am hoping...Peyton feels better today, she's got a Summer cold.

I am hearing...Special Agent Oso.

Around the house...everything needs a good cleaning. UGH!

One of my favorite things...Peyton saying, "I love you!"

A few plans for the rest of the week: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, enroll Dylan in Preschool, start working out at the gym, walking, water aerobics, praying for Hubby, and more fundraising so Cameron can attend diabetic camp.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Chicken Quesadilla, Spanish Rice, Guacamole and Chips

Monday ~ TV Dinners

Tuesday ~ Penne Pasta

Wednesday ~ Macaroni and Cheese, Veggies, and Fish Sticks

Thursday ~ Chicken, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Green Beans, & Hawaiian Rolls

Friday ~ Chicken, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Stuffing, Corn, & Crescent Rolls

Saturday ~ Out

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...June 1st

Outside my window...the sky is pitch black and a cool breeze flows through the windows.

I am thinking...I am so not ready for tomorrow!

I am thankful for...for the time spent with PatPam and Uncle Mike at Disneyland yesterday.

From the kitchen...a little of this and that.

I am wearing...pajamas.

I am creating...cards for my Stampin' Club swap.

I am praying...the Carpenter side makes it through this week.

I am going...to leave negative feedback for a seller on ebay.

I am reading...The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian.

I am hoping...we get funds for Cameron's 2nd week of diabetic camp.

I am hearing...the shower running.

Around the house...the kids are tucked away in bed, Hubby is in the shower, and I'm reading.

One of my favorite things...Uncle Mike and Cameron together ... the D-Boys had D-Fun at D-Land!

A few plans for the rest of the week: walking, water aerobics, Stampin' Club, paying bills, praying for Hubby, submerging myself in the wonderful memories I have of Mandelyn, and more fundraising so Cameron can attend diabetic camp.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...Peyton fascinated with Daddy and the ladder!

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Disneyland

Monday ~ A little of this, A little of that

Tuesday ~ Breakfast for dinner

Wednesday ~ Chicken, Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy, Stuffing, Corn, and Crescent Rolls

Thursday ~ Corn Dogs & Veggies

Friday ~ Spaghetti, Salad, & Garlic Buns

Saturday ~ Out

Have You Seen It?

The first trailer was released yesterday for New Moon! It looks ... DELICIOUS! And, uh, Jacob ... I mean Taylor Lautner, GOOD GRIEF that boy is F-I-N-E, FINE! Does that make me a pedofile? How old is he? 14? I'm kidding, of course, but I'm so VERY happy that they kept him, it just wouldn't have been right, and I think he proved his point. ;)

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

S.H.M.I.L.Y. 30 Days Power of Prayer

I am so excited to be joining in on a 30 Days Power of Prayer for my Hubby. I joined S.H.M.I.L.Y. Time on facebook, where we'll be reading The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian for the month of June.

My faith has taken a tumble and starting this 30 Days of Prayer gave me an idea. Each month, for the rest of the year, I am going to choose a book that will open the Word to me, strengthen my faith, encourage prayer, or hone my converstaion skills with the Lord.

S.H.M.I.L.Y. (See How Much I Love You) Time blog can be found here.

The Honeymoon is Over

The doctor declares that "The Honeymoon Period" is over. Our second endocrinologist appointment was not as warm and fuzzy as our first. I am happy to announce that Cameron has gained his weight back, and now weighs in at a 79.8 pounds. You can't see this, but I'm doing the Chandler dance! He's also 4'7.

In other news, Cameron's A1C was 9.8. OUCH! The doctor says, "His diabetes is out of control." I look at Cameron with a stern look. My son, independent, intelligent, insanely handsome, rebellious son ... quit keeping a log book of numbers six weeks ago. I had no information to call the doctor with when his numbers started to climb.

Now for my fault...I got lenient. He would call from school and they were having a treat, and I would say okay. NO MORE OF THAT! I don't care how badly I feel about him not being able to participate. I pray his 5th grade teacher is a little more receptive and understanding and takes into consideration the diabetic child in her classroom, because Lord knows, the crack pot he's had this year ... IF I HEAR ONE MORE DAMN TIME THAT HER F@&*ING DOG HAS DIABETES!

We move forward from this. Cameron's Lantus has been adjusted to 8 units. His carb ratio for breakfast is now 1:20 with lunch and dinner at 1:18. We go back at the end of August, beginning of September. Right around the time he turns 10. Yes, I said 10!

What's on Your Nightstand ~ May

I suppose I'm grateful I got anything read in May. I finished Beauty's Punishment and in the middle of Beauty's Release by Anne Rice. I sure hope to pick up the pace in June.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...May 25th

Outside my window...a glorious breeze.

I am thinking...DISNEYLAND Sunday!

I am thankful for...the fallen men and woman who died serving our country.

From the kitchen...Spaghetti.

I am wearing...bermuda jean shorts & red tank top.

I am STILL creating...cards for my Stampin' Club swap.

I am praying...Hubby is the new Assistant Principal of AVHS.

I am going...to Disneyland on Sunday!

I am reading...Beauty's Release by Anne Rice.

I am hoping...Sara is having a glorious birthday.

I am hearing...the sounds of the a/c and dishwasher.

Around the house...Mama is blogging while everyone is napping.

One of my favorite things...Dylan only wearing a diaper at night, big boy doesn't even need them for nap time now.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Cameron's 2nd endocrinologist appointment on Wednesday, still fundraising for Cameron's diabetic camp, training to walk the 5K for JDRF, water aerobics, working on cards for my swap, and continuing to pray that Hubby landed the AP job!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...Al Bundy Dylan asleep during nap time!

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Chicken, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Stuffing, Corn, & Crescent Rolls

Monday ~ Spaghetti, Salad, & Garlic Buns

Tuesday ~ Grilled Cheese & Soup

Wednesday ~ TV Dinners

Thursday ~ Chicken, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Green Beans, & Hawaiian Rolls

Friday ~ Pasta Shells, Salad, & Garlic Bread

Saturday ~ Out

What the ...

hell happened? Do you see the expression on Kris' face. Yep, that is pretty much how I felt last night. You have GOT to be kidding me? I'm not dissing Kris' talent. He freaking ROCKED Heartless! And he grew on me as the weeks unfolded. Is he American Idol material? Nope! I had anticipated a Gokey/Lambert finale and if Gokey had won, I would be fine with it. But Kris ... come on America ... WTH???

The good news is a) Adam FREAKING ROCKED the house with KISS & QUEEN, b) Adam will undoubtedly seal a record deal, c) Adam's record will be MORE of what HE wants than stipulated by the AI recording contract, and d) Adam won't have to release that dreaded finale song co-written by judge Kara. And let's face it, just like Clay with Ruben, Adam will FAR out sell Kris in anything. Rockers are die hard fans!

Not only is Kara a terrible judge (don't see why we need 4 of them anyway), but that song Kris and Adam sang was DREADFUL! I even LOVED how Simon commented on it. :)

Fundraising

Almost immediately the hospital staff talked to us about diabetic camp. I, of course, am a Mama and was like, "I'm not sending my newly diagnosed 9 year old diabetic son to camp, BY HIMSELF!" I was more interested in learning how to keep him alive, keep him out of the hospital, than going to camp. HONESTLY!

I have since changed my tune. Camp is for Type I Diabetics only. The adults, and volunteers, who run the camp are all Type I Diabetic children who have grown up. And each week brings in a refreshed hospital staff that specializes in ... you guessed it, Type I Diabetes, complete with endocrinologist! Woo-Hoo! Camp will include tons of fun and games AND diabetes education. What more could this Mama ask for?

Help with funds to send Cameron to camp. Cost is $410 and Lord knows we can't afford the entire cost, over and above his monthly supplies. So today we're working on a letter to send out for sponsorship for camp. Any amount is going to help keep costs down for us. The best part, tax deductible!

In the last 6 weeks Cameron has began rebelling against his diabetes. His blood sugar is proof of it and his A1C test, which he takes next Wednesday at his 2nd quarterly appointment, will show the doctor exactly what he's NOT been doing. It's all part of the grief stages, sure, but he can not continue or the complications are endless.

I pray he gets sponsored and will keep you all informed if he does!

glee

Did you watch it? Hubby, of course, rolled his eyes at me when I turned it on. Come on, he knows me, and my love for music. How could I not check glee out? I am so grateful I did. Yes, Rachel is going to drive me nuts too, but seriously, their cover of Journey's classic Don't Stop Believin' was FAN-FREAKIN'-TASTIC! I mean, seriously, the harmonies, red shirts, jeans, and black Chucks...YES! Ryan Murphy you just may have a hit on your hands. I only hope you didn't blow it by showcasing the pilot at the END of the season, but know that I'll be back in the Fall to tune in. BRAVO!

Walk to Cure Diabetes

I can't believe it's been 6 months since the diagnosis.

Friday, November 14: I didn't know he was sick. He didn't look right to me that morning, and he told me his stomach hurt, but he wanted to go to school. He came home from school that afternoon and took a nap. When we were sitting on the couch that evening, he just didn't look right. He had lost weight. Why hadn't I noticed that before? His face was sunken. He vomited, clear liquid, in the evening, and knowing his iron stomach, thought, COOL, we're over it now.

November 15 & 16: He was more like his old self on Saturday. He ate more, including pizza for dinner, and was more active, but then decreased on Sunday again.

November 17: Cameron vomited in the middle of the night Sunday into Monday morning, so I knew I wasn't going to send him to school. I opted for a treatment of the BRAT (Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) diet to help relieve his stomach bug. When he woke up I was scared. His lips were white and so very dry (his lips do this same thing when his blood sugar has gotten too low). His breathing was labored. He looked terrible. How did this happen? It was so fast. The doctor diagnosed him with tonsillitis and did a culture of his throat. Tonsillitis, okay, well, labored breathing because his tonsils are fighting off infection, right? Cameron had been seen in August for his year check up and she noticed an 11 pound weight loss. ELEVEN? In three months (15 total before his diagnosis)! She ordered blood work to be done right then and wrote him out of school for 3 days until the antibiotic for the tonsillitis began working.

November 18: He still had that labored breathing. He was white as ghost. He went to take a shower and I caught a glimpse of him from behind, naked, and looking like something out of a concentration camp. THE healthiest kid I know ... what was wrong with him?

November 19: He was a shell of himself. He laid there, despite Dylan and Peyton's attempts to play with him. When he did get up to play, he tired very rapidly. I tried to keep my mind from the "cancer" word, but it was so hard. I NEVER said it out loud to Mike or anyone. I was watching my son waste away in front of my very eyes. Despite his constant belly ache, he ate lunch, still on the BRAT diet. And five minutes before 1 pm, the doctor called.

I began hyperventilating the second she asked if I was home alone. I left the living room with the kids and went into my bedroom. She was so very kind and patient and allowed me to scream, crying into the phone. After I stopped, she informed me I needed to get him to the hospital ASAP. From there, you know the story, and if you don't ... click on the label diabetes.

Mike said diabetes had come to his mind. When you hear diabetes you think frequent urination and drinking lots of water. This was the norm for Cameron. He's always been a heavy drinker of water. His urination was no different, but then again, the child is 9 and it wasn't like I was changing his diaper or counting how many times he went into the bathroom. When the ER doctor gave us symptoms, a flashing neon sign was pointing at him. He ate EVERYTHING. Literally, we would be done with dinner and he would ask, "You going to eat that?" Did you know that was a symptom? Mike and I chalked it up to growth spurt. And stomach ache. ALSO a symptom. Why aren't these symptoms posted? And leave it to our kid to have the not so common ones.

The doctor's kept asking his history. WHAT history? THE healthiest child I have EVER seen. And you're telling me he has a disease he can't give back? He's insulin dependent? How does this happen? "We don't know." How do you know he has Type I? "He's in ketoacidosis, which only occurs in Type I Diabetes." Does it come out of nowhere like this. "Yes." These questions I asked EVERY person who got in my face during those 3 days. And they all said the EXACT same thing. We don't know what caused Cameron's Type I Diabetes, and it is definitely NOT Type II. Yes it blindsides you, knocking the wind out of you until you are gasping for air, breathing like your child who is in ketoacidosis. And he will require insulin to keep him alive, until a cure is found.

SIX months, yet it feels like just yesterday. I still have crying outbursts, though NEVER in front of him. Grandma still cringes when he gives himself his shot. I look at him supplies and just ... become so overwhelmed. My perfect, intelligent, handsome son is sick. Insulin is keeping my son alive. When we get ready to leave the house, we have a backpack we pack with his diabetic supplies. Thankfully Mike packs it most of the time, because what I have hidden, until now, from everybody, is the pain it causes me to gather up and pack his life saving supplies into that bag.

What I am doing about it? I'm glad you asked. JDRF, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, has a Walk to Cure Diabetes every year. This year it is on October 3rd in Ontario. October 3rd? It's May Tiffany. Well, guess what? Cameron has diabetes EVERY day. It is NEVER too early to get started. I start training this week. Could I walk it now? Sure, but I'd be hurting the next 3-5 days. It's all part of a different plan, which I will unveil shortly. TODAY I ask all of you to walk or sponsor someone walking. I don't care if it's Team Cameron (still unnamed and looking for suggestions) or someone YOU know personally. Walk the 5K (3.2 miles) or sponsor someone walking. If you can't do that, donate to JDRF, whose mission is to find a cure for diabetes!