(and I really don't like that word!)
If I knew how to add it like a normal person, I would.
For now you will have to follow the link.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
My Seventh Sense
Yes...that's right, my Seventh Sense.
I posted not too long ago about my Sixth Sense...the one where I wake up out of a totally sound sleep and decide to test Cale's BG only to find that he has gone low. I kinda like that one and wish it worked all of the time. How much would that rock?! I could sleep and sleep and only wake up when absolutely necessary. Dare to dream!
So back to my Seventh Sense...yesterday was a beautiful day here in Northern Illinois. Sunny and 67. Gorgeous!! Storms were going to be rolling in midafternoon. No big whoop...right?! Not so fast....
I spent most of my day at the school doing my "Miracle Mom" work (I go in once a week and do any and all projects that the teachers might need done) and finally got out of there around 1:00. I had to pay some bills and go to the bank, so off I went. Now, the boys get out of school at 2:45 everyday. On Monday's and Tuesday's, Cale stays after for a Reading Group that lasts until 3:30 when I pick him up. On my drive back home, around 2:00, I decided to pick up the phone and call the school to have them tell Cale to skip Reading Group and come straight home. I knew if a decent storm came through while he was in there, that deep down, he would be FREAKING OUT!! He does this every time there is a dark cloud in the sky ever since January, 2008.
It's 3:15, everyone is home (including Pat - which is a miracle because every time this happens, he is not home). The boys are getting ready to do homework when the phone rings. It's my mom telling me a tornado has touched down at an intersection VERY near our house. That's when I heard the sirens. The boys go running to grab their "blankets" and I grab my cell phone and Cale's Diabetes backpack and we head to the basement. Pat, heads to the front porch to watch the entire thing (I have still not forgiven him for that. The boys were freaking out, wanting him down with them and he is getting to see everything that is happening. SO NOT FAIR!!!!!). Finally, the all clear is given and we go check out the sky to see the aftermath and to see if anymore is coming.
Luckily for us, the tornado hit about 2 miles away from us. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured - anywhere. A school bus was "lucky" enough to be right where the tornado touched down, it flipped a few times and landed in a corn field. There were five children and the driver on the bus. Minor injuries and I am sure there will be some hesitation for getting back on a school bus, but everyone is ok. Our school secretary's house and barn did get hit. They were able to stay in the house last night, but there is still some damage to look into. Other's weren't so lucky. One of our teacher's owns the house and barn right next door. They haven't moved in yet as they are totally remodeling the house first. House survived, can't say as much for most of her beautiful barn.
So, as you can see, my Seventh Sense told me to make sure Cale was at home when the tornado touched down. Granted, it didn't go anywhere near the school, but how would I have known that while sitting in my basement?? I had him within arms reach the entire time. I knew where my kids were. The children of several people I know, were still on the bus on the way home from school. All of our drivers kicked butt taking care of them and got them into basements as soon as they could. Scary, a school bus load of kids all in one basement. Can you imagine??? Some of those kids are really little. They wouldn't have a clue what was going on and probably just wanted their parents.
Here are some pictures of the actual tornado and some of what was left in it's aftermath...
These are just a few. There was A LOT more damage than this, but you get the idea. Several houses were leveled. A village hall is no longer. Silos are laying out in corn fields. Pools look like a giant stepped on them. Trees and power lines down everywhere. Debris all over the place. Cars are totalled. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt. Thanksgiving is not going to be as festive this year for some people, but they will surely have something to be thankful for...to be alive. According to our school secretary, everything that was lost, can be replaced.
We have some crazy weather out here. A tornado in January of 2008 took out a lot of Edward's Apple Orchard and several other houses. Now on November 22, 2010, another tornado takes out even more homes, businesses and farms.
AND....School was cancelled today because 4 of the 6 schools in our district were still without power. I found this out 10 minutes after they woke up for the day! That made for a VERY LONG DAY!!! This means the boys have a 6 day weekend!!! I am gonna need some wine....STAT!!!!!
I posted not too long ago about my Sixth Sense...the one where I wake up out of a totally sound sleep and decide to test Cale's BG only to find that he has gone low. I kinda like that one and wish it worked all of the time. How much would that rock?! I could sleep and sleep and only wake up when absolutely necessary. Dare to dream!
So back to my Seventh Sense...yesterday was a beautiful day here in Northern Illinois. Sunny and 67. Gorgeous!! Storms were going to be rolling in midafternoon. No big whoop...right?! Not so fast....
I spent most of my day at the school doing my "Miracle Mom" work (I go in once a week and do any and all projects that the teachers might need done) and finally got out of there around 1:00. I had to pay some bills and go to the bank, so off I went. Now, the boys get out of school at 2:45 everyday. On Monday's and Tuesday's, Cale stays after for a Reading Group that lasts until 3:30 when I pick him up. On my drive back home, around 2:00, I decided to pick up the phone and call the school to have them tell Cale to skip Reading Group and come straight home. I knew if a decent storm came through while he was in there, that deep down, he would be FREAKING OUT!! He does this every time there is a dark cloud in the sky ever since January, 2008.
It's 3:15, everyone is home (including Pat - which is a miracle because every time this happens, he is not home). The boys are getting ready to do homework when the phone rings. It's my mom telling me a tornado has touched down at an intersection VERY near our house. That's when I heard the sirens. The boys go running to grab their "blankets" and I grab my cell phone and Cale's Diabetes backpack and we head to the basement. Pat, heads to the front porch to watch the entire thing (I have still not forgiven him for that. The boys were freaking out, wanting him down with them and he is getting to see everything that is happening. SO NOT FAIR!!!!!). Finally, the all clear is given and we go check out the sky to see the aftermath and to see if anymore is coming.
Luckily for us, the tornado hit about 2 miles away from us. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured - anywhere. A school bus was "lucky" enough to be right where the tornado touched down, it flipped a few times and landed in a corn field. There were five children and the driver on the bus. Minor injuries and I am sure there will be some hesitation for getting back on a school bus, but everyone is ok. Our school secretary's house and barn did get hit. They were able to stay in the house last night, but there is still some damage to look into. Other's weren't so lucky. One of our teacher's owns the house and barn right next door. They haven't moved in yet as they are totally remodeling the house first. House survived, can't say as much for most of her beautiful barn.
So, as you can see, my Seventh Sense told me to make sure Cale was at home when the tornado touched down. Granted, it didn't go anywhere near the school, but how would I have known that while sitting in my basement?? I had him within arms reach the entire time. I knew where my kids were. The children of several people I know, were still on the bus on the way home from school. All of our drivers kicked butt taking care of them and got them into basements as soon as they could. Scary, a school bus load of kids all in one basement. Can you imagine??? Some of those kids are really little. They wouldn't have a clue what was going on and probably just wanted their parents.
Here are some pictures of the actual tornado and some of what was left in it's aftermath...
These are just a few. There was A LOT more damage than this, but you get the idea. Several houses were leveled. A village hall is no longer. Silos are laying out in corn fields. Pools look like a giant stepped on them. Trees and power lines down everywhere. Debris all over the place. Cars are totalled. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt. Thanksgiving is not going to be as festive this year for some people, but they will surely have something to be thankful for...to be alive. According to our school secretary, everything that was lost, can be replaced.
We have some crazy weather out here. A tornado in January of 2008 took out a lot of Edward's Apple Orchard and several other houses. Now on November 22, 2010, another tornado takes out even more homes, businesses and farms.
AND....School was cancelled today because 4 of the 6 schools in our district were still without power. I found this out 10 minutes after they woke up for the day! That made for a VERY LONG DAY!!! This means the boys have a 6 day weekend!!! I am gonna need some wine....STAT!!!!!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Halloween
So I am a little behind getting some pics up from Halloween. Whatcha gonna do? You don't scare me!!!!
Here are my military guys. I really can't say Army guys because I think Ryan was some sort of paratrooper and Cale was....let's put it this way, they talk about soooooo many different military things that I don't have a clue about, so I tend to just smile and nod. You kinda have to, it's all they ever talk about!!!
Here are my military guys. I really can't say Army guys because I think Ryan was some sort of paratrooper and Cale was....let's put it this way, they talk about soooooo many different military things that I don't have a clue about, so I tend to just smile and nod. You kinda have to, it's all they ever talk about!!!
Private Ryan - no saving needed
I would hate to meet up with this face!
Or this face!!!!
Ryan took every opportunity to play combat while trick or treating.
I actually really like this picture! Thinking of getting it framed.
Cale and his friend Ryan. This was his first year that he
didn't have to go trick or treating with Mommy. He did, however,
get to go with Ryan (and his parents)! I think he enjoyed
that a lot more than going with me!
Private Cale...contemplating his next move.
He's so serious!!
The boys are constantly playing military, WWII, Vietnam, etc..... The only thing I had to get for Halloween this year was candy and face paint. You have got to love that!!!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
My thoughts
Lately, I have had several tiny "meltdowns" when it comes to Diabetes. Halloween doesn't help it either!! Imagine how I felt when I walked into Cale's Halloween party, after it has been in full swing for half an hour, to find out that treats have already been passed out and pretty much all inhaled. You would not believe the amount of, please excuse my language, CRAP that they were given to eat!!! I wouldn't even have eaten all of it myself...not at one sitting, at least!! Brownies with frosting and sprinkles, huge sugar cookies topped with frosting, powdered doughnuts (really?), small cupcakes with sugar cream frosting, trail mix, candy and huge, where's the keg, plastic cups full of fruit punch! Thankfully, I packed Cale a water bottle with sugar free lemonade mix to drink. That didn't stop him from eating everything! I had already told him when I would be at the party and to test if they were to eat before I arrived. He did, he told me what his BG was and then told me what he ate. I stopped counting at 90 grams of carbs and gave him his shot, with every intention of rechecking in 2 hours and correcting as needed - thankfully it didn't turn out to be too much of a correction. Needless to say, he was WOUND UP for the rest of the day and then he crashed way earlier than normal. He also complained of a stomachache. Hmmmmm.....wonder what that would be from?!
So I was really annoyed at the amount of junk they were given to eat. I felt horrible that I had to be so concerned. I didn't take it out on him, after all, he was just being a 9 year old boy. I did tell him that it was way too much for anyone and for the next party, he is to eat one thing and bring the rest home.
I hate having to tell him that. I hate these feelings of why can't he just be like everyone else. I hate hearing that some kids have teased him about having Diabetes - oh how I hate that - that has been the cause of many tears lately. I hate that I worry all of the time. I hate that I have to read about the 13 year old girl that died in her sleep last week because of Diabetes, with no real explanation as to what really happened. I hate that his sleep has to be interrupted every night to test his BG - although, he seems to sleep through it, but still stirs a lot when I fish his hand out from under the blankets. Then, if he's low, he does have to somewhat wake up to drink/eat. But it needs to be done so that he will wake up in the morning. I hate that he can't join the military because of Diabetes (ok...that I really don't hate, but for his sake, I pretend). There are so many things I hate about this disease, but I realize that I need to have these feelings. And, I need to keep these feelings away from him. I can't let him feel like he's a burden in any way, shape or form, because he is NOT!
Deep down, however, I can't help but really like the comments that I receive about how I am caring for Cale. I thank those that give me these compliments. Their words give me so much encouragement. It helps me realize that I am doing everything that I can for him. And I know that if this was their child, they would do the exact same thing that I am doing for my child. That is our job. There is no question as to what needs to be done. We just do it. Sure, we have our moments. But, we would have moments with completely healthy children (you have met Ryan, right?).
I was reading another blog from a mother of a child with Diabetes and she posted the following poem, that made me cry, in a good way....
CHOSEN
Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures and a couple by habit.
Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.
"Armstrong, Beth; son. Patron saint...give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."
"Forrest, Marjorie; daughter. Patron saint, Cecelia."
"Rutledge, Carrie; twins. Patron saint, Matthew."
Finally He passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a child with Diabetes."
The angel is curious. "Why this one God? She's so happy."
"Exactly," smiles God, "Could I give a child with Diabetes to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."
"But has she patience?" asks the angel.
"I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it."
"I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own world. She has to make him live in her world and that's not going to be easy."
"But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you." God smiles, "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect -she has just enough selfishness." The angel gasps - "selfishness? is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect."
"She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty, prejudice....and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life, because she is doing My work as surely as if she is here by My side".
"And what about her Patron saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in mid-air.
God smiles, "A mirror will suffice."
By ~ Erma Bombeck
Now, those of you that really know me, know that I am not an overly religious person. I do believe in God and we try to instill this in our boys. I can tell you right now, I am going to make sure that we do that even more.
I may have my moments and I do wallow in them (and I thank all of you that allow me to breakdown to them and help me through those moments), but they don't last too long.
I watch Cale play, I hear him laugh, I see him enjoy so much and I realize, this is how it is supposed to be. I do what I do, and deal with what I deal with, all so that he can have his childhood and grow to be the person he is destined to be...no matter what life throws his way.
So I was really annoyed at the amount of junk they were given to eat. I felt horrible that I had to be so concerned. I didn't take it out on him, after all, he was just being a 9 year old boy. I did tell him that it was way too much for anyone and for the next party, he is to eat one thing and bring the rest home.
I hate having to tell him that. I hate these feelings of why can't he just be like everyone else. I hate hearing that some kids have teased him about having Diabetes - oh how I hate that - that has been the cause of many tears lately. I hate that I worry all of the time. I hate that I have to read about the 13 year old girl that died in her sleep last week because of Diabetes, with no real explanation as to what really happened. I hate that his sleep has to be interrupted every night to test his BG - although, he seems to sleep through it, but still stirs a lot when I fish his hand out from under the blankets. Then, if he's low, he does have to somewhat wake up to drink/eat. But it needs to be done so that he will wake up in the morning. I hate that he can't join the military because of Diabetes (ok...that I really don't hate, but for his sake, I pretend). There are so many things I hate about this disease, but I realize that I need to have these feelings. And, I need to keep these feelings away from him. I can't let him feel like he's a burden in any way, shape or form, because he is NOT!
Deep down, however, I can't help but really like the comments that I receive about how I am caring for Cale. I thank those that give me these compliments. Their words give me so much encouragement. It helps me realize that I am doing everything that I can for him. And I know that if this was their child, they would do the exact same thing that I am doing for my child. That is our job. There is no question as to what needs to be done. We just do it. Sure, we have our moments. But, we would have moments with completely healthy children (you have met Ryan, right?).
I was reading another blog from a mother of a child with Diabetes and she posted the following poem, that made me cry, in a good way....
CHOSEN
Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures and a couple by habit.
Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.
"Armstrong, Beth; son. Patron saint...give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."
"Forrest, Marjorie; daughter. Patron saint, Cecelia."
"Rutledge, Carrie; twins. Patron saint, Matthew."
Finally He passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a child with Diabetes."
The angel is curious. "Why this one God? She's so happy."
"Exactly," smiles God, "Could I give a child with Diabetes to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."
"But has she patience?" asks the angel.
"I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it."
"I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own world. She has to make him live in her world and that's not going to be easy."
"But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you." God smiles, "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect -she has just enough selfishness." The angel gasps - "selfishness? is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect."
"She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty, prejudice....and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life, because she is doing My work as surely as if she is here by My side".
"And what about her Patron saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in mid-air.
God smiles, "A mirror will suffice."
By ~ Erma Bombeck
Now, those of you that really know me, know that I am not an overly religious person. I do believe in God and we try to instill this in our boys. I can tell you right now, I am going to make sure that we do that even more.
I may have my moments and I do wallow in them (and I thank all of you that allow me to breakdown to them and help me through those moments), but they don't last too long.
I watch Cale play, I hear him laugh, I see him enjoy so much and I realize, this is how it is supposed to be. I do what I do, and deal with what I deal with, all so that he can have his childhood and grow to be the person he is destined to be...no matter what life throws his way.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Step Out Walk - 2010
On Saturday, October 16th, Team Cale once again "Stepped Out" to Fight Diabetes. It was a beautiful day! The walk was in St. Charles, Illinois. It started out along the Fox River and wound through some wooded areas and then back along the River. It was such a nice walk! I love the Fall and with the water and the changing leaves, things couldn't have been nicer!! The walk was 5 miles long and we all made it!
Team Cale was announced during the opening ceremonies as not only a new team to this walk (the previous walk we did was in Rockford) but we were also one of the top 5 fundraising teams!! That felt really good considering how many people were there!! As of today, Team Cale has raised $3,280!! And we can still send in any late donations until November 5th!!!
Team Cale consisted of Me (of course), Pat, Cale and Ryan, my Mom and Dad, Lauren and Kevin, my cousin Jenny, Cale's best friend Ryan and my mother-in-law and father-in-law (they were there in spirit...they helped fundraise, but were unable to do the 5 mile walk due to a brand new knee!!!). What I found funny is, during the walk, the ones that were "tired" and "hurting" were the two 9 year olds and the 6 year old! Where was the energy that they have ALL OF THE TIME?! Granted, Ryan's little legs had to take almost twice as many steps as the adults, but he is always on the go at home and doesn't have to rest! Ahhhhh!!!!
My very talented sister-in-law, Chris, graciously designed our t-shirts again this year!! Everyone had the Army star logo with "Team Cale" on the front and the little boys had their names military style on their backs (which made my "big" boy want his, too!). We love the t-shirts!!!
Here are some pictures of our day...
Team Cale was announced during the opening ceremonies as not only a new team to this walk (the previous walk we did was in Rockford) but we were also one of the top 5 fundraising teams!! That felt really good considering how many people were there!! As of today, Team Cale has raised $3,280!! And we can still send in any late donations until November 5th!!!
Team Cale consisted of Me (of course), Pat, Cale and Ryan, my Mom and Dad, Lauren and Kevin, my cousin Jenny, Cale's best friend Ryan and my mother-in-law and father-in-law (they were there in spirit...they helped fundraise, but were unable to do the 5 mile walk due to a brand new knee!!!). What I found funny is, during the walk, the ones that were "tired" and "hurting" were the two 9 year olds and the 6 year old! Where was the energy that they have ALL OF THE TIME?! Granted, Ryan's little legs had to take almost twice as many steps as the adults, but he is always on the go at home and doesn't have to rest! Ahhhhh!!!!
My very talented sister-in-law, Chris, graciously designed our t-shirts again this year!! Everyone had the Army star logo with "Team Cale" on the front and the little boys had their names military style on their backs (which made my "big" boy want his, too!). We love the t-shirts!!!
Here are some pictures of our day...
Team Cale
My family
The boys watching the waterfall...check out their names on their backs!
The three monkeys
The path winding through the "woods"
Best Buddies
Best "Goofy" Buddies
Daddy & Ryan...Ryan was tired!
Cale with Auntie Lauren and Uncle Kevin
Cale with Grandma and Grandpa
Leave it to Lauren to find a cat!!!
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