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!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...May 18th

Outside my window...the sky is dark and overcast.

I am thinking...thank God last week is over!

I am thankful for...a home my children are safe in.

From the kitchen...chicken tenders.

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

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

I am praying...Hubby nails his interview tomorrow (and subsequently the job) for the Assistant Principal position.

I am going...to start fundraising for Cameron's diabetic camp.

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

I am hoping...for cooler weather.

I am hearing...the a/c.

Around the house...Dylan and Peyton are watching Mickey Mouse Club House.

One of my favorite things...Dylan winking with one eye and Peyton winking with both.

A few plans for the rest of the week: walking, water aerobics, attending Cameron's play, working on cards for my swap, and fundraising so Cameron can attend diabetic camp.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...Dylan learning to play Duck Duck Goose last 4th of July!

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Easy Cheesy Enchiladas

Monday ~ Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Tenders, Baked Potatoes w/ Sour Cream and Chives, Veggies in Alfredo Sauce

Tuesday ~ Cameron's in a play, quick and easy Grilled Cheese & Soup

Wednesday ~ TV Dinners

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

Friday ~ Spaghettini w/ Checca Sauce, Salad, & Garlic Rolls

Saturday ~ Out

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...May 11th

Outside my window...the sky is blue and the sun is shining down.

I am thinking...I should finish my book this week.

I am thankful for...the time spent with Hubby and my children yesterday.

From the kitchen...Tacos.

I am wearing...bermuda jean shorts, a red tank top, and ladybug earrings in honor of Mandelyn.

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

I am praying...Cameron's blood sugar doesn't plummet tomorrow on their field trip.

I am going...to clean off the kitchen counter today.

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

I am hoping...we haven't skipped Spring altogether.

I am hearing...the sound of the fan.

Around the house...Cameron is eating breakfast and it's time to wake the other 2 up.

One of my favorite things...hearing Peyton say, "Hi-yo" when answering her play phone.

A few plans for the rest of the week: walking, water aerobics, playing with my Mother's Day presents, catch up on reading, and sleep.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...My Mother Load from yesterday! :)

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Happy Mother's Day

Monday ~ Tacos

Tuesday ~ Shell Pasta, Salad & Garlic Rolls

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

Thursday ~ Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Tenders, Baked Potatoes, Veggie, & Hawaiian Rolls

Friday ~ Chicken, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans in Garlic Sauce & Hawaiian Rolls

Saturday ~ Out

Nothing says Happy Mother's Day...

like your darling daughter headed to the emergency room because she has dislocated her arm for the 4th time in under a year.

American Idol

I had to rely on my handy dandy DVR to record American Idol on Tuesday. Hubby surprised me by renting The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I sat down yesterday afternoon to watch it AND was floored.

Gokey, Gokey, Gokey...what happened? Did he honestly think he'd pull off Aerosmith's Dream On? Uh, no! Michael Johns pulled it off last season, but Danny Gokey, gotta love him, was disappointing.

The show stopper, of course, kicked off the night dedicated to Rock. Naturally he was freaking AMAZING! Oh, and looking good! I also enjoyed Adam and Alison's duet. Their voices complemented each other very nicely.

Alison's version of Cry Baby was 100 times better the second time around. Not it's pressure time. I hope Adam has it in him next week. I wonder which judge gets to hand pick his song?

Wordless Wednesday: Mandelyn

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

Mandelyn's Gone NOT Forgotten

The first blog I ever wrote. Originally posted on August 4, 2006 on my myspace blog.

I finally decided to get onto myspace and all I want to do is talk about my niece. It seems like everytime I get on this computer, all I ever want to write about is my Princess Mandelyn. I get grumpy, not so much because of me, although I miss the heck out of her everyday, but mainly because of my boys. Cameron and she were like "peas and carrots" as Forrest Gump said. No two cousins could have loved each other more. Cameron has his good days and his bad. How do you explain to your 6 year old that his 3 year old cousin isn't coming home, but be happy that we got to know her? I try. Some days it comes easier to me, but then there are days like today, where nothing I say comes out right. And Dylan, bless his heart, will never remember just how much she was in love with him. He does, however, remember her. I can say to him, "Where's Mandelyn?" And he'll go straight to her picture on the wall, and the collage I made, stare at her and talk to her. It's the sweetest, but also bittersweet, you know? It's just so frustrating at times. I wake up from a dream about her and the realization she isn't here hits me like a ton of bricks sometimes. I realize that we aren't meant to be on this planet forever, and that there is a better place for us in the end, but her end came too soon. Today, I feel as though I'm in a dream and would like it if someone would pinch me back to June 1st. Mandelyn may be gone, for now, but she will never be forgotten.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...May 4th

Outside my window...the sky is black and the moon is bright and almost full.

I am thinking...I am out of shape.

I am thankful for...time spent in the pool tonight.

From the kitchen...water and lots of it.

I am wearing...my pj's, a grey pair of sweats and a black Twilight T-shirt w/ Edward Cullen that reads, "I dreamed of Edward Cullen".

I am creating...Mother's Day cards.

I am praying...Sara and the rest of our family has come out of this day with love.

I am going...to hit the bed in 15 minutes.

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

I am hoping...our week is uneventful.

I am hearing...Noggin.

Around the house...Peyton is dancing, Daddy & Dylan are coloring, and Cameron is getting ready for bed.

One of my favorite things...watching Peyton love her brother's to near death.

A few plans for the rest of the week: walking, swimming, stamping, and reading.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...proof that my darling daughter's eyelashes reach her eyebrows!

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Shell Pasta, Salad, & Garlic Bread

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

Tuesday ~ Breakfast for Dinner

Wednesday ~ TV Dinners

Thursday ~ Shrimp Po Boys and Coleslaw

Friday ~ Spaghetti, Salad, & Garlic Buns

Saturday ~ Out

Today ...

Mandelyn has been gone 35 months, exactly the age she was when she died. I have been dreading this day for a few months now. I haven't heard her giggle for 35 months. I haven't seen her dance in 35 months. I haven't seen her smile with excitement to be at my house for 35 months. And, mostly importantly, I haven't hugged her in 35 months.

I remember the night before the accident vividly. And that hug, oh gosh, that hug has to last me a lifetime and it has sustained me this long. That night was a God send and though my heart is breaking today, I still remember the love and laughter and TONS of fun we had together. I suppose it's enough until I see her again. I love you bug!

18 Months

My darling daughter is 18 months old today. I can't believe how the time has flown. I signed up for being a Mama, absolutely. I did not sign up for their growing up so fast. Cameron will finish 4th grade next month and Dylan will start Preschool in August. Who said these little people could grow up? Granted, in August Peyton and I will have some much needed time alone, but she is going to miss her big brother. She loves him to DEATH, literally. A couple weeks ago, while Dylan was eating breakfast, she launched him off his chair so she could get up there and sit like a big girl. She wrestles him and could give even the biggest of guys on WWE a run for their money.


She is ALL about the telephone. Her phone etiquette is pretty great, and Daddy still says she's not getting her own phone line. Ha Ha We'll see.

She LOVES to wear sunglasses and hats.

She's drinking from a sippy cup..

She's our little mimicker.

She heads straight to her bedroom when we say, "New Butt" and gets her diaper changed.

She LOVES to take a bath. And throws a fit when you take her out. She runs before we can get the towel on her and streaks the ENTIRE house before she's caught.

She started getting up on the couch by herself a few months ago and now it's the kitchen chairs. She climbs on EVERYTHING!

She is still quite the dancer. I believe there may be a pole in her future. ;) Just kidding, of course.

She twirls in circles and I'm sure she will receive her next ouchie by doing so.

She swoops in and steals your spot the second you get off the couch.

She has popped teeth way faster than her brother's did.

She's the biggest fit thrower and has the worst temper of all our kids. Missy Diva.

Her vocabulary is growing daily. "Ma" is the equivalent to "No!"

Her favorite song is, "It's a New Day" by will.i.am.