Last Day

It's the last day of the year. I don't have anything profound to share. Maybe that has something to do with the misery I've been in the last couple days. I was afraid I was going to have to go to the doctor or hospital. But it's ok. Nothing to worry about.

Nothing a little cherry flavored Phillips Milk of Magnesia couldn't solve. Let me just tell you - that slight hint of cherry and NO hint of milk was the most disgusting thing I've ever voluntarily drunk. The label says it works in 1/2 hour to 6 hours. Hmmm. Try 10 hours. And they should just call it Draino.

I still am in pain, but not like I was.

DH - let me just say how much I love that man. He is so selfless. He worked Wednesday night at the mill, at the Union Hall Thursday, and last night when he should have been zonked out in bed, he ran to the store to buy the afore mentioned relief in a bottle. He also did some grocery shopping. I just hope I feel more like eating later b/c he bought a couple bags of frozen shrimp.

We have a candidate coming to church in a couple weeks. I have much more peace about this guy than the last yahoo.

I have a list of things in my head that I want to accomplish, but I haven't written them down yet. Maybe I'll find some time today, and I'll post them tomorrow.

I always feel like I've made it; I've survived when I get to this day of the year.

Surviving is good. And the possibility of something better next year is encouraging.

Hypochondriac

Today I go in for a mammogram. I've never had one before, and I'm a bit anxious. It's not just the actual lung squishing; going to a new place freaks me out. New procedures freak me out. And this procedure that requires some nudity is making me anxious. In fact, I took my anxiety meds last night, and I'm still feeling anxious. And sick. I took laundry downstairs and put in a load. When I came up, I felt like I was going to pass out or barf. I had to sit down and put my head down. I could feel the cold sweat breaking out and that weird feeling I get before I get sick.

So do I have a bug, or is my body trying to get out of my appointment? I guess there is another possibility: maybe laundry makes me sick! Yeah!

All I know is that I have to get one, and I might as well get it done today.

Now that I've got myself all worked up.

It would be a shame to waste an anxiety attack.

Christmas

I know it's a "magical" day for kids, and it should be thoroughly enjoyed. But I get in such a funk it's good if I can just survive.

We had a good Christmas. My husband bought me a beautiful Christmas floral arrangement that I have on our dining room table. I love to look at it. I asked for a new Bible; I even picked out the engraving on it. So I knew I was getting that. It's a pretty Bible - my first NKJV. And he wrote a sweet note inside. And then I opened another gift. It was a video of my favorite Christian comedian - Brad Stine. It made me laugh to see what it was. I also got some bags of goodies. And DH bought a video series for the family - The American Heritage set by Wallbuilders.

The kids liked what they got, but they were anxious to go next door and rip into the piles of presents they knew would be there. Little Boy got a Leapfrog Tag reading system; Baby is mesmerized with it. I might have to get one for her. @@

DH and I were up late last night, too. He found out Friday night that he was going to have to preach this morning. Nothing like short notice. Too bad I'll be teaching children's church and won't get to hear him. I know he'll do a good job, though.

I'm glad it's over. I'm glad I survived.

Christmas Eve Day

My house is about as clean as it's going to get. I might tackle some more laundry, but I think that's about it.

I have some more gifts to wrap, but I think that will be something to do after the kids are in bed.

I made some Spritz cookies today, but I might make another batch this afternoon.

We removed the last stickers on our advent calendars. We missed a few days here and there, but it was a great idea that I want to do again next year.

Tonight is the church's Christmas Eve candlelight service. Mike is "in charge" of it, and is working hard to make it nice. He and I are both singing tonight.

I think the kids are going to burst wide open from anticipation. Baby in particular. She walks around begging to open a gift. She says she just canNOT waaaaaiiiiiitttt.

I know she's excited, but I hope she's not depressed when it's all done.

I love that Christmas is on Saturday this year. It gives us a whole day to enjoy the holiday before heading back to church.

I am feeling better about the holiday, but not feeling that great physically. Blech. Sinuses, arthritis and PMS attacking all at once.

I have a list of things I didn't get done - like Christmas cards - but I am not going to beat myself up. I'll get to them next week.

Toothpicks

Last night, after the kids were in bed, and after DH and I got to spend some time talking. I made a list. And I left for Walmart close to 1 am. So when I got home at 3:30 I was kinda wide awake. I put away groceries and hid the little stocking stuffers I had bought. I wrapped a few presents, and climbed into bed at 5 am. UGH

So when my kids got up at 7:45, and I needed to pee (sorry), and my husband was still asleep, I got up with them.

So now I need some toothpicks. And something to calm my nerves. And some duct tape for two little noisy people. Maybe I need some coffee.

Now you KNOW I'm tired! ha

Blown Cover

We've always taught our kids that "Santa" is a fun story, but Christmas is really about Jesus' birth. Our 5 year old is a little caught up in the whole Santa thing. And it doesn't help that her grandmother tells her that SHE believes in Santa. It bothers me a little, but my kids also say that each of us parents and her grandparents are all Santa.

Tonight at supper, she informed us that she really knows who Santa is.

The UPS guy.

ROFL.

An Encouraging Word

and no antelope.


http://www.crosswalk.com/news/commentary/11642711/


Just what I needed to read.

Expectations

I set high expectations for myself in certain areas.

Today I didn't meet some of those, and honestly, I'm feeling a little loser-ish.

I am counting the days until December 26th.

$200 Giveaway

Chef Boyardee is giving a $200 gift card away. You can read all about it here.

We were MIA

One of my friends thought something terrible must have happened to someone since she couldn't reach me on the phone for a couple days in a row.

Nothing terrible.

Just ballet!

My beautiful children

Digging out

Last night I cleaned a large spot in our den. Then I sorted several large boxes of junk. We moved my sewing table and stuff to the clean spot in the den. The corner is empty - waiting for the arrival of the treadmill. I have to unbury the treadmill. It's covered with junk. Once I get that done, and the treadmill is moved to its new location we can start thinking about putting up the tree.

I found some important papers while I was sorting, so I'm happy about that. But I'm always left with a box or so of stuff I don't know what to do with. That is frustrating to me. But for now, I've slid the box under the sewing table. I can deal with that later.

DH worked on getting some stuff cleaned out of the garage. Hopefully we can get both vehicles back into the garage soon. And he was helping me last night, too. He found all the Wii games and put them in the correct cases, and he cleaned out the stuff under the couch and chair.

Hopefully we can dig out from under the piles of junk and get ready for Christmas.

Cripple

The last week has been busy. Appointments and 2 ballet performances. And now I'm walking a little hunched over. My hips and lower back are not good. I try to not sleep in one position all night, but I have been waking up on my back - not good.

My sneezing, coughing ballerina is asking for rice for breakfast. She's a nut.

Stubborn Bird

Last night we ate turkey. But the dumb thing was so stubborn! I put it into the oven around 5 pm. I was expecting it to be done by 7:30. That was still later than we usually eat, but I didn't want to leave it in the fridge much longer. The meat thermometer finally beeped. The bird was done about 8:45. Good grief. We ate the rest of our meal and sat around the table for about a half an hour while we waited on it.

Everyone thought it was worth it, though. I quartered a Granny Smith apple and put it in the turkey. It made the whole turkey so juicy! The kids gushed to the point of obnoxiousness; but it really was very yummy!

So. Last night Little Boy went very low. We treated it until his sugar was "normal." But last night he went high. And this morning he was over 300.

The moral of the story? Cook the turkey first thing in the morning.

That stupid little red button never did pop up.

Christmas song quiz

Last night the ladies at church met for our annual Christmas party. I printed this quiz and had people work in groups of 3. One group got 24 answers correct. How many can you figure out? They are not all carols; some are "secular" Christmas songs. There was a LOT of laughing and groaning when I read the answers. We had a good time.

Just a couple thoughts

Last night DH and I were sitting in the den at the computer - talking. Baby was coming from her room. I'm not sure where Little Boy was. She called, "Daddy? Brother? Anybody?" LOL

This morning I was talking to her about eating her breakfast. I told her I was not going to fuss at her, but if she didn't eat what was on her plate, she could not have any food until lunch. She wasn't very happy. I think she thought she could try to make me laugh and I might change my mind. She put her fingers at the corners of my mouth and pushed up. "Smile. Think happy thoughts." I told her I AM thinking happy thoughts - like one where my little girl cheerfully goes back to the table to finish her breakfast.

FROWN.

Tonight is our Ladies' Fellowship Christmas party. It isn't here. That's the best part. LOL I do have a couple things I want to get done, but I'm just not going to stress about it.

Last night we had to buy a bottle of test strips at the pharmacy. Little Boy opened the last package and we didn't know it. We've ordered more through our mail order place, but they may not get here until the end of the week. A bottle of 50 strips cost $60. Sigh. Oh well. We have to do what we have to do.

Our dinner last night wasn't so bad. We ended up sitting across from the couple we had hoped to avoid. They are from our old church. She can be very moody, and he likes the sound of his own voice. And he thinks he's witty. But I asked a couple questions, and he talked for quite a while. He filled the quiet. And my chicken marsala, wild rice, cooked carrots and French silk pie was very yummy. And we were child-free for the first time in months, I think.

I bought a couple of sticker Advent calendars through CBD. The kids alternate which calendar they remove the stickers. It's working very well. They are getting excited. I'm sure they'll be much more excited if/when I get things cleaned up and we can put up the tree and decorate.

Sigh. I'm really struggling to get in the mood and am just depressed in general. I really think much of it goes to not seeing MY family at the holidays.

Oh well.

Tired

I'm kind of dragging today. Thankfully that didn't keep us from making forward progress in school today.

Last night the kids went to G&Gs house, and DH and I went to church. Funny thing - no one asked where they were. Hmm. But we had a nice time by ourselves. When we got home, I grabbed a soda. It wasn't decaf. So about 2:30 am, I was wide awake. And I stayed awake until about 4:30 am. I don't do well w/o my rest.

Tonight we're supposed to go to a dinner at a fancy restaurant w/ the other couples on the board at the union. Not looking forward to it, really. And DH REALLY isn't. Oh well.

I think I'll take a nap this afternoon. I wouldn't want to get cranky tonight. @@

Christmas is

frustrating.

I don't know what to buy for my kids. And they're fairly easy to buy for. But we are cutting back on our spending once again, and I want to spend wisely.

I know I'm putting this stress on myself. And it's not that necessary.

Bah.

Drama

I'm hiding from drama right now. I deactivated again. My younger sister and youngest brother are the center of December drama-fest 2010. And my niece has jumped into the ring.

I'm so glad I scheduled my next therapy session for 2 weeks from today. I went back to therapy for the first time since July. A lot has happened, but mostly I wanted to talk about how down I've been. I've started back on Wellbutrin. I would love to crawl into bed and stay there until Dec. 26th. But I have two small birds who are rightfully excited about the big day. So for now I'm faking it. I don't really want them to know that I'd be fine skipping Christmas. There really isn't a specific reason why I feel this way. But there are many reasons I feel this way, I guess.

Looking forward to the new season of White Collar in January. I guess it's something.

Crazy Dreams

I woke up angry, again. Another crazy dream. But I know where this one came from. My kids frequently pretend they are getting married or that they are married. (They're 5 and 7.) I told them yesterday that it would be like Daddy and their Aunt C. getting married; that it would be gross. And a couple weeks ago, I watched that sick show "Sister Wives". So last night I dreamed that my husband was also marrying his sister. I tried to act like it didn't bother me. I think I was trying to use reverse psychology. But when they were getting into DH's vehicle, I ran outside and went nuts on them both. My MIL was following me, trying to tell me I was wrong - that everything was going to be ok. I completely lost it, and I woke up angry.

Thankfully for DH, this isn't one where I'm mad at him all day. Just a little nauseated. blech.

Little Boy's artwork for his sign

Baby is a princess. Little Boy is a soldier, of course.

Monday, Monday

So glad it's not Sunday.

Ha.
Sunday's are rough on us. DH is on last shift, and when I woke up yesterday and looked at the clock I about freaked. 8:10! Why didn't he wake me up! Then I realized he wasn't home yet. He had to work over and got home about 20 minutes later.

So I rushed us around getting ready, and walked out without my Bible. ugh.

We made it through the morning, and came home. We are trying to do something new. Instead of stopping to get McDs on the way home, we come home and make our own sub sandwiches. WalMart has some yummy wheat rolls that we use. Chips, applesauce, a couple little cookies, and I think it's healthier than McDs. And I think a little cheaper, but I'm not sure. I do splurge a little and get some different cold cuts and cheeses. It's a switch, anyway.

Then it's naptime, and when we all woke up and ate supper (Baby is SOOOO slow!) ran out the door and got to church, I was exhausted. I took the kids next door for "class". We worked on some things for the Christmas "program". ahem. It's going to be so small, it's almost pitiful. But I think the kids need to get up in front.

We got home and Daddy was awake. The kids about tackled him. I love it that they are excited to see him. We watched AFV, and it was bedtime for babies. :0) Daddy left for work and I had 2 hours of me time.

That 2 am alarm clock is a killer, though. I was almost out of bed when I realized what it was. I checked Little Boy. 66. sigh. Gave him 2 glucose tablets and waited 15 minutes. Called DH and fell asleep on the phone. He woke me up. Checked son again, and gave him a pretzel. It's amazing how he can eat in his sleep. His number was 213 this morning. Like DH said, this all falls under the heading, "It never makes sense."

It was a little after 5 when Little Boy climbed into my bed. His bed was wet. He flopped for awhile; I really wanted to knock him out, but I was too tired to lift my hand. DH got home at 7:20 and LB got out and DH got in. And I got up. @@

I drank some coffee this morning. I don't usually drink coffee. But I think this morning it's essential to functioning.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Macy's parade, yummy turkey, cranberry sauce, carbohydrates out the ying yang, pumpkin pie, kids, husband, in-laws, Prevacid and Wellbutrin.

Yep.

It's going to be a great day.

It's in the oven

I fixed a crustless pumpkin "pie" for Little Boy's sake. I reduced the sugar and substituted brown sugar Splenda. I was about to pour it into the baking dish and realized I had forgotten the eggs. Yikes. I was told I didn't need to bring anything, but I need to make sure LB has dessert.

Libby's Crustless Pumpkin Pie
Preparation Time: 10 mins
Cooking Time: 55 mins
Cooling Time: 2 hrs cooling

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
3/4 cup granulated sugar (1/4 c. brown sugar Splenda & 1/4 c. granulated sugar)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 large eggs
1 can (15 oz.) LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 can (12 fl. oz.) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
Whipped cream, (optional)

Directions
PREHEAT oven as directed below. Glass baking dishes without crust require a cooler oven, and in most cases, a longer baking time.

SPRAY with nonstick cooking spray or lightly grease bottom of baking pan or glass baking dish.

PREPARE filling as directed on 15-oz. or 29-oz. can of LIBBY’S® 100% Pure Pumpkin. Pour into pan or dish.

BAKE as directed below or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.

COOL on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate.


LIBBY’S® 100% Pure Pumpkin 15-oz. can recipe (Makes 8 servings)

9-inch-round glass pie dish: 325° F; bake for 55 to 60 minutes
10-inch-round glass pie dish: 325° F; bake for 45 to 50 minutes

8-inch-round cake pan: 350º F; bake for 45 to 50 minutes
9-inch-round cake pan: 350° F; bake for 35 to 40 minutes

8-inch-square baking pan: 350º F; bake for 45 to 50 minutes
8-inch-square glass baking dish: 325º F; 55 to 60 minutes

9-inch-square baking pan: 350º F; bake for 35 to 40 minutes

11 x 7-inch glass baking dish: 325º F; bake for 45 to 50 minutes

13 x 9-inch baking pan: 350° F; bake for 35 to 40 minutes
13 x 9-inch glass baking dish: 325° F; bake for 40 to 45 minutes

Facebook

is deactivated for now.

October

Where has this month gone? I have no clue. And I don't know why I haven't been blogging. There have been plenty of things to write about, but I just haven't been in the mood.

So here it is the 31st, and I just feel blank. I taught a Teacher Training/Refresher class this past Thursday. I was so excited to share some new things, and it seemed like everyone was overwhelmed. I had two people (well, 3 if you count my husband) give me positive feedback. The rest all looked scared. So Friday I walked around the house crying all morning. I don't know if I was just so hyped up that emotionally the only direction to go was deep depression? Isn't there a happy medium somewhere? LOL I still feel whipped, but I keep telling myself that Satan is attacking me. He does not want our church to succeed.

Little Boy's #s have been a bit high so we increased his Lantus dose by one unit. It seems to be helping. We had been giving his Levemir shot at night, but when we switched to Lantus, the endo had us start giving his shot in the mornings. This means that when it starts to wear off, it's at night and morning. This prevents extreme lows at night. This prevents Mommy and Daddy from worrying about Dead-in-the-Bed Syndrome as much as we had before the switch. Of course, this doesn't guarantee anything. It kills me to hear of children who die in their sleep b/c their # drops too low. I cannot even imagine finding my child lifeless in his bed.

Just another burden to keep giving back to Jesus b/c I keep picking it up, I guess.

Busy

It's been so long since I posted here. I've just been so busy. Homeschooling two little people, trying to keep up and even get ahead (hahahahaha) at home, and church.

Church has been taking a lot of our time lately. And I need to get ready for church, so I'll have to post more later. :0)

Ick

The other day, I was sweeping about 50 of these off the porch:

I didn't notice this guy until he fell down, right in front of me.

Aaaaaaarrrrrggggggghhhh.

Heebie Jeebies!

First day of school

Achooo!
Our first day will be a short one; the teacher isn't feeling well.

Little Boy is happy about that; Baby is just happy to get started!

I'm happy that they're happy.

So far, so good.

Deliveries

Yesterday we received some great things in the mail & by delivery!

I got my new wallet! I recently bought a new brown purse, and I should be getting my new black purse delivered soon. I thought this was really cute, and it will "go" with both my purses.

Then we got something in the mail that I ordered as a gift, and I'm really pleased with it.

And then late yesterday afternoon a BIG, HEAVY box came. SCHOOL BOOKS! Yay! LOL Little Boy didn't think it was so great, but Baby was pretty excited. Last night, Little Boy sat down and looked at some of his books. He was asking questions. I think he was interested, but didn't want to admit it.

Last night DH and I were getting ready to go to bed. It was about midnight. We heard Baby get up to go to the bathroom. She started coughing a deep, hacking cough. I went in there. She was teary. Feverish, stuffy, blood-shot eyes, sneezing, coughing... great.

I looked through the bottles of OTC meds I have; of course I was out of the stuff that works the best. So I left her with Daddy and made a run to the store. There wasn't any of the name brand stuff I usually get, so I had to read the labels of all the store brand stuff to find the right stuff. I grabbed it, grabbed some Airborne for me, and rushed through the check out. Got home, gave Baby her meds and realized I hadn't bought any Kleenex. Figures.

She's feeling a little better this morning; and she's starving. This is the child who could care less if she only has a couple bites left to "earn" dessert. If she's not hungry, or doesn't like the bites, she can walk away. This morning she ate a fried egg, some sausage, a waffle, and a bag of goldfish crackers. That's way more than she usually eats. And she's pestering me for food. She says she wants a rice bowl. I think I'll just fix it for her. It's not like it's something unhealthy. Just wish I could get her to cover her face when she coughs and sneezes.

Pain in the Neck

Last week I woke up one morning with a pain in my neck. I am thinking it's a pinched nerve. One night I was laying down and felt a big "crack", and I felt temporary relief. But the pain came back the very next day, the pain came back and it wouldn't go a-waaaayyy.... I'd laugh, but it hurts.


I didn't do anything that would have caused an injury (come on - it's me we're talkin' about). I've tried a heating pad a couple nights, but I can't lie in a comfortable position. My husband told me I might have to go to the doctor. ugh I don't know. The pain is constant; Motrin and Tylenol just dull the pain.


I wish I lived closer to my Indiana family. They have one of these. I think it would help. In the meantime, I'll just be happy my neck is making me forget my arthritis pain.

Jack

No one warns you how your heart will break when you have to make that final decision to put your pet to sleep. We're going to DC this weekend, and I didn't want to leave Jack here by himself. As the week progressed, it was clear he wasn't going to make it. He ate less and less, and finally Wednesday night he refused to eat at all. He quit drinking water. When he walked he would take a few steps and sometimes fall over. I had planned to take him to the vet Thursday regardless, but he was making my choice "easier". I made sure the kids each spent some time with him Wednesday night before they went to bed. And I slept on the couch and held him all night. At some time during the night, he repositioned himself closer to my face and rested his face on my chin.

We took the kids to Grandma and Granddad's house at the lake. I had each kid come kiss me good-bye, and I had them say good-bye to Jack. And they ran off to have fun.

We got to the vet hospital; I went to the desk and checked in. When the girl asked me what Jack needed I almost lost it. I had called the day before; he needed to be put to sleep. We sat there waiting, and I tried to not sob out loud. I decided I didn't care what people thought. We finally got called back, and I did sob for a couple seconds. The vet and her assistant came in, and explained what she was going to do. I asked her if I was doing the right thing. That question had been in my head earlier in the week; I didn't want to put him to sleep just because we were leaving town. His refusal to eat proved he was ready to quit, she said.

She gave him the first shot to sedate him. I petted him and talked to him while it set in. He was so calm for the first time in a long time. Then she and the assistant came back in. She shaved a small area on his front leg. I prayed she'd be able to insert the IV. Otherwise she'd have to give him a shot in the heart. She got the IV. And then she gave him the shot. I just kept petting him. She waited a minute and listened to his heart; he was gone. She left us for a couple minutes, and the assistant came back in and got him. She was so gentle when she lifted him. We had him cremated, and they disposed of his ashes. I didn't want his ashes; that wasn't him.

We got back to the lake, and had to tell the kids. Little Boy cried; Baby wanted to go play. I let her go. We stayed through lunch; I slept on the couch in the den a little. We came home. That sad, empty carrier was in the trunk. I tucked the kids in and then Baby asked when Jack was coming home. I put her in bed, and explained everything again. I'm sure the super-tired, drama queen and her grief combined made for the hour-long cry-fest we had together. She finally fell asleep.

It was strange last night to leave open the door to our den, and to not ask my husband if he had fed the cat. I found a nice picture of Jack and Shadow for Baby to hold onto. I need to get it scanned in.

Vacation

I'm taking my two kids on a road trip. I must be nuts. They drive me crazy just going to and from church.

We're going to northern Indiana for about 5 days, and then on to northern Wisconsin for 2 1/2 weeks. We'll get to see my brother and his wife and their sweet little guys. Can't wait to meet the "baby". Then back to Indiana, and then home. The return trip will actually be the worst. Ugh.

I'm fairly sure I won't have internet access very often. I may go through withdrawl. But it will be good, too.

I bought a book about writing your memoirs. I'd like to start working through it. And we'll swim, visit family members, have people come visit us at our cottage on the lake, and go to a big family reunion. That was the main reason for the trip.

The only thing about the reunion that I dread is being the fat cousin. sigh. I've had MONTHS to lose weight, and I think I've gained. Too late now.

My kids are so excited to go. We're leaving tomorrow night, and I plan to drive through the night. I hope to get most of my packing done tonight, and finish up tomorrow (I have a most excellent and thorough list!) The only other things on my to-do list tomorrow is to drop off my dresses at our pastor's wife's house for her yard sale, and to get a NAP!

So to my tiny list of readers, I will be on vacation until the middle of August. And my most "faithful" reader - I'll see you next week! Yay!

Just Another Day?

I love birthdays. Not my own, per se, but I love celebrating. I think a birth-week is even better.

But there are some people I know who when you give them attention on that day, tell us it's "just another day."

I just disagree.

I think the day you were born is special!

Pets

When you get your new pet, you don't see many years down the road having to make hard decisions. Spend hundreds of dollars on testing and treatment or let the pet die on its own.

I grew up on a farm. We had pets. Some of them just disappeared. We had a very nice cat - Ruth. She had cute kittens. She was a good mamma. And one day she just didn't come home. We had a rabbit. Bugsy. I don't know what happened to him, either. Could have been supper, I guess.

But when I was single, I got two kittens from my adopted family's new litter. Shadow and Jack. Shadow was dark gray with light gray stripes. Jack was precocious. So at 6 wks old, I put them in a box and drove home. All the way home, they tried to get out. They were so small. I could hold one in my hand - it's little fat belly filling the palm of my hand with little legs hanging down. My sweet, chubby, furry babies.

I blocked them in the kitchen for a short time using a long mirror. Soon they were able to scramble over that. And then I had to kitty-proof my house. No more plants. No rubber bands. Nothing breakable left on end tables. They really were sweet. We would play for hours with the rings from milk jugs, empty soda cartons with extra openings and foil balls. Both kitties soon learned to play fetch, although Shadow got bored sooner than Jack.

I had to lock them out of my bedroom at night. They wanted to play all night. I would lock them out of the bathroom when I was in there, too. They were quite pester-y.

Shadow died a couple years ago from liver problems. Jack is still with us, but he's not in the best health. I took him to the vet yesterday. He isn't eating normally. They did blood work. He isn't diabetic, thank God. I don't think I could handle giving Little Boy and Jack shots. His kidneys are fine. His liver is fine. His thyroid is fine. But. Sigh. That word from the vet about killed me.

His white blood cell count is up. The vet said it could be an infection since the count isn't super high. I'm taking Jack back to the vet tomorrow for another steroid shot to get him to eat better and an antibiotic shot. If it's not an infection, it's cancer. The vet said we'll figure out the best way to keep Jack comfortable if that's the case.

This is the part "they" don't tell you about. When Shadow died, the vet told me I could hold her when they gave her the shot. I should have told him no. I don't think I could do that again.

Oh, my aching head

I'm not "up" for theological or historical debates. I can't follow along with the whole conversation anymore. I think much of it is because I don't want to fully engage my brain into someone's (who I don't know) argument. And much of it is that I just am too distracted or not interested to dispel energy into it.

A friend mentioned this news story:


PASTOR YANKED FROM CAPITOL OVER “JESUS” PRAYER
by Todd Starnes
A North Carolina pastor was relieved of his duties as an honorary chaplain of the state house of representatives after he closed a prayer by invoking the name of Jesus.

“I got fired,” said Ron Baity, pastor of Berean Baptist Church in Winston-Salem. He had been invited to lead prayer for an entire week but his tenure was cut short when he refused to remove the name Jesus from his invocation.

Baity’s troubles began during the week of May 31. He said a House clerk asked to see his prayer. The invocation including prayers for our military, state lawmakers and a petition to God asking him to bless North Carolina.”

“When I handed it to the lady, I watched her eyes and they immediately went right to the bottom of the page and the word Jesus,” he told FOX News Radio. “She said ‘We would prefer that you not use the name Jesus. We have some people here that can be offended.’”

When Baity protested, she brought the matter to the attention of House Speaker Joe Hackney.

“I told her I was highly offended when she asked me not to pray in the name of Jesus because that does constitute my faith,” Baity said. “My faith requires that I pray in His name. The Bible is very clear.”

When the clerk returned, Baity said he was told that he would be allowed to deliver the day’s prayer – but after that – his services would no longer be needed.

Hackney, a Democrat, and House Republican Leader Paul Stam released a joint statement to FOX News Radio:

“It has been our practice in the North Carolina House of Representatives for many years to request, but not require, that our guest chaplains deliver a nonsectarian prayer. This is intended as a show of respect for all the religions practiced by the members of the House and the people we represent.”

“In this instance, we allowed Pastor Baity to deliver his prayer, without interference, even though it was sectarian in nature. Nonetheless, we will review our procedures and guidelines concerning guest chaplains, and we will make sure we abide by applicable constitutional procedures. The House will adjourn within the next few days, but the results of this review will be publicly available whenever it is complete.”

Baity said he’s not happy with the way he was treated.

“When the state tells you how to pray, that you cannot use the name of Jesus – that’s mandating a state religion,” he said. “They talk about not offending other people but at the same time, if they are telling me how to pray – that’s the very thing our forefathers left England for.”

The Christian Law Association helped Baity draft a letter asking for an apology and an opportunity to return to the state capitol and finish his tenure.

“The First Amendment promises all Americans the free exercise of their religion, which includes the right to pray as their faith requires, even when they are invited to open state legislative sessions with prayer,” attorney David Gibbs told WXII-TV. “We trust that the North Carolina House of Representatives will realize its mistake and will offer Pastor Baity another opportunity to pray without requiring him to use a prayer that is mandated by government.”

Baity said he is still stunned by what happened.

“You would expect this somewhere else – Cuba, Saudi Arabia,” he told FOX News Radio. “You would never anticipate this happening in the United States of America.”

In a word – the pastor said – the decision is “anti-Christian.”

Read more: http://radio.foxnews.com/2010/07/09/pastor-banished-from-capitol-over-jesus-prayer/#ixzz0tIBtxnPE

I wrote that this was absolutely wrong. My friend's friend: As honorary chaplain, he agreed to serve by certain rules. If he did not like those rules, then perhaps he should not have agreed to serve in the position. Doesn't anyone find it ironic that a man retained to be a chaplain (a religious position, even an honorary one) for a specific purpose then claims that he is not bound by the offices of that position--a position created by a secular government?

I think that's a crock. Our founding fathers DIED to be free FROM the religious restraints of government (among other things). I quoted a prayer by Geo. Washington. He writes that that prayer is a fraud. I don't know. I need to research it more on my own. But I did list several prayers of other founding fathers who invoked the name of Jesus Christ.

I'm just walking away. This guy wants a debate, and my child-pecked, sleep-deprived, shriveling brain can't handle it.

2 Sweet Birds

I'm starting an etsy store. 2SweetBirds is my store name. There's nothing there, so please don't go searching yet. But I want to list some of the little dresses I'm sewing and see if I can sell something.

With the charges from etsy, Paypal and shipping, I'd be making a little more than if the dresses would sell at the little shop in town.

I'm getting excited!

I'm getting excited about our upcoming trip. It's sixteen days away. It seems so far away, but then I feel a little panicky feeling when I think of all the things on my list. Will they all fit in the car? Yikes. And I have to fit the kids in there, too!

I've started making a list and starting a stash of toys and activities for my two angels (HA) for in the car. My sister-in-law has been sending me links when she finds them. (Thank you!) I've been putting some things away as I buy them, and I ordered some cute things from Oriental Trading to do in the car, and as some indoor activities if/as we need them.


I bought each kid a small, magnetic dry-erase board. I'm not sure I'll let them have the markers. I did find some cute magnets to hold their papers. I got them each a new color wonder book. I found a cute memory game in a tin awhile back, and I'm going to put a small, self-adhesive magnet on the front and back of each piece. One idea that I read - and LOVE - is to make little stickers of family members' faces for the kids to put on pictures from magazines. I have to think about this and figure out a way to modify it. I want to figure out a way for them to check off our progress. Another idea is to make a checklist of items for them to look for. I am going to make a picture list since Little Boy doesn't like to read, and Baby can't read, yet. I like the idea of giving them a new activity/toy every half hour or so, but that would be a LOT of toys/activities!


I've ordered a couple pieces of no-seeum netting. I'm going to put some 3M hooks on the wall above our beds at the cottage, and use little clips to make mosquito tents. It's been a long time since I've had to try to sleep with bugs buzzing around the room. I figured this could help us sleep unattacked.

I bought a new swimsuit. Woman Within (Lane Bryant) has some cute ones on clearance, and I had a pair of capris in the basket from last week while I was looking. Before I checked out, I surfed for a coupon code. Voila! I found one for 1/2 off the most expensive item AND free shipping! My suit ended up being $14.99!

Yesterday I bought the kids a small pool. It's been unbearable here, and the sprinkler only occupies them for so long. I started looking online for larger, inflatable pools. I'm surprised at how reasonable they are. So next summer we'll invest in one.

DH and kids got haircuts yesterday. DH skipped a haircut last time; he was looking quite bushy. So I let him take my appointment. We drove separately since Baby wiped out in the driveway minutes before it was time to go. I stayed here and played medic. After Baby got her hair cut, I went to the little shop where my dresses are on consignment. I brought some home to put in our pastor's wife's yard sale. When I called her, she told me she's waiting a week. ROLLING EYES But she was thrilled when I told her we'd like to give them our old TV. It's at least 20 years old, but it's a 40 inch, and it still works fine.

Baby woke up early this morning. Actually, she woke up several times last night to go to the bathroom. She went into brother's room and woke him up. She put on a church dress, her new sparkly red shoes and went outside! She decided to sit on the couch and look out the window. And DH and I tried to catch another 40 winks. Until she started pestering from the hallway. So I got up with her. Sigh. DH goes out on last shift tonight, so he needs a little more rest. But it's hard to start off the day irritated at the kids.

It's time for breakfast!

I feel a pitty party coming on

So. I was just reading some blog posts and some Facebook posts. sigh

"I'm enjoying a cup of coffee on the porch of our room before the day begins."

What is so saddening?

I wish the first thought in the morning was to make a cup of coffee Diet Coke and sit out on a porch.

Instead, my first thought is about Little Boy's blood sugar. And how I should get out of bed and fix his breakfast.

And I read a blog post this morning of someone's menu for the month. sigh Where do I start? I am now completely envious of people who can just fix a meal, and put it on the table. Not to mention that I am envious that people can put cuisines from different cultures on their table. My family balks at food that isn't American. (rolling eyes)

I have to try to make sure the nutrients are balanced, try to incorporate some type of dessert, measure ingredients, measure serving amounts, figure out carb content, cook the meal, figure insulin dosage, and then I can sit down at the table.

Until someone says, "Can I have ketchup?"

Fireworks

Last night I took the kids to our pastor's house. We sat on their sidewalk and watched the little fireworks display. The kids had a great time; Little Boy was overly excited when people were setting off small fireworks on the sidewalk. Someone who isn't a parent, and wasn't really thinking, handed my son a lighter and a firecracker. Thankfully I was paying attention and stopped it. "He's 7!" We were all laughing at what a little firebug my son is. But when he grows up, he wants to be a medic.

"Yeah. He'll blow people up, and then put them back together!"

Know what's worse?

Know what's worse than going to bed feeling sick?

Waking up to hear Baby barfing before 6 am.

Poor thing. She threw up for almost 3 hours.

It all started yesterday. I fixed some scrambled eggs for the kids for breakfast. I added crumbled bacon and shredded cheese. It was yummy. But Baby decided she didn't like scrambled eggs. She's so finicky. One day she loves something and can't eat enough, and the next day, she won't touch it.

So I put saran wrap on her bowl and put it in the fridge. I pulled it out at lunch and reheated it. I added more cheese, too. She had to eat it before she could have a turkey burger and mac and cheese. (She loves this lunch.) She threw a fit. A fit that lasted an hour and a half. I had to put her back on her bed at least a couple dozen times. She tore all the bedding off. She pushed her bed away from the wall. She spit. She said she wanted all her hair cut off. Right now. (?) But she finally fell asleep. And she slept for 4 hours.

At supper, I reheated the eggs and added more cheese. So at this point, it was a bowl of cheese with some eggs and bacon. But she refused to eat it. And I'm sure she went to bed hungry.

I planned to throw out the eggs, and rescramble a new one in the morning. She nixed that plan, now didn't she.

Kidorable

Kidorable is a site that sell super cute outerwear for kids. Raincoats, umbrellas, rain boots, hats, scarves, etc. that are just for kids.

Frugal Mom Knows Best is having a give-away for winner's choice of umbrella. If I win, Little Boy is getting a fire fighter umbrella!

Kidorable also has a birthday club for kids that I'm going to check out.

Cute idea

for moms with only 2 hands. LOL

My kids are 7 and almost 5, and I'm tempted to make one.

Proactive

Just some pics of Little Boy at soccer camp. There were a couple that were funny, but I don't want him to think I'm making fun of him. Even though I did laugh. Out loud.

His first attempts at juggling the ball and heading the ball were quite humorous. I'm sure all kids go through it, but it's funny.

I don't know what I'll do tomorrow. Baby has a little ballet show at the end of her class. Little Boy has competition tomorrow and awards at the end of his class. They are at the exact same time.

I called Grandma to see if she and Granddad could come see Little Boy tomorrow. I figured if either kid could draw them, it would be him. She doesn't think they can make it. They are in the middle of building a garage. I understand. Mostly. I never said anything to Little Boy, so he won't be disappointed.

Today I decided to be a little proactive regarding his blood sugar. I had him eat a breakfast bar part way through. He was good when we got home. Thanking the Lord!

He's really excited about tomorrow. He's pretty unimpressed that I took pictures of him today. He's getting excited about his birthday, too. I asked him what he wants. He mentioned the little John Deere set again. I wanted to tell him I already HAVE that - what else? But I couldn't. I'm going to take Baby shopping with me tonight so she can pick something out for him.

I get panicky when I think that I have less than 2 days to get everything done, but seriously, I'm not doing a lot for this party. It is so hard to believe that 7 years ago, I looked and felt like a blimp. LOL

Different isn't always special

We're days away from his birthday. He's pretty excited. I am, too. He doesn't know we're planning a surprise party for Saturday. I have a huge list of stuff to do. I showed it to Baby; she said she'd take care of getting forks and cups. LOL. Yeah, right.

So we were reminded today that Little Boy is different.

He was 2/3 way through soccer camp, and I made him check his blood sugar. 58. sigh

We treated the low (juice box & half a breakfast bar), and he wanted to run right back out there. But that isn't the way it works. And he started crying. And the girl coaching their group was standing out there waiting on him. I told him he had to go tell her he was low, and that he couldn't run around. He didn't want to tell her that.

So I walked out there with him. (And got yelled at for it by another coach - God bless his little heart.) I explained to her what was up. I told her if he was playing back toward the goal where he would be standing more than running, he could come back into the game. She asked if he wanted to just go home.

Of course, he didn't. sigh

It was close to closing time, and she took so much time trying to move kids around that they didn't get to play much. So many of them were tired, they all wanted to play back. (I noticed all day she was struggling with organization.) The kids were all called across the field to the bleachers. I sent Little Boy over with his water bottle, but I told him to walk.

We got into the car. He was far from excited like he was yesterday. He was still feeling cruddy. He was sad. He was discouraged. And besides encouraging him, there wasn't anything I could do to change things. We got to the ballet studio to pick up Baby, and I had him check again.

He was ok. And by the time we got home, he was in a better mood.

Different isn't always better. And it kills me when he has to deal with this.

Camp report

Little Boy started soccer camp today. The coaches said they were expecting about 30 kids. Over 70 kids showed up!

Little Boy is super excited about the whole thing. He was nervous when we first got there; told me he thought he might barf. But I encouraged him to introduce himself to a little boy sitting on a soccer ball in the middle of the field. They kicked the ball back and forth before things got started. There were about 14 or so kids in his group. He ran his little buns off. I had him check his sugar half-way through. He was fine. I made sure he had a really good breakfast. His face was so red; he drank two bottles of water.

Baby and I watched for about an hour, and I took her to ballet camp. I dropped her off, and went back to the soccer field. It rained, and I got wet. :-( His sugar was fine until we were leaving Baby's ballet studio. He said he was feeling low; his sugar was 58. He drank a juice box, and when we got home he was in the low 80s.

After lunch and a shower, I think he is ready for a nap. Baby will get one, too. Even if she doesn't think she needs one.

Busy

I have been busy lately. I'm working on sewing dresses to sell. I sat last Saturday in a shop during the town's "Heritage Days". I sold one. To the lady next to me. I've sold one other to my son's therapist for her niece.

I know they are super cute, and I just need to find the right place to set up.

Baby was not happy to be interrupted to model her dress and shirt, thus the sour face. LOL

Sunday Ballet & Since

Sunday's ballet was good. Baby did a great job. Daddy had a guy fill in for him until he could get there. I'm so grateful!

No grandparents or aunt/uncle showed up. How difficult is it to take one Sunday out of your year to show up? Makes me mad.

Anyway.

Sunday's show was Snow White and Rose Red.

Here's Snow White dancing with Prince Charming.

And where was Baby?

In the wings of the stage.

We were sitting far right, so we could see her, but she really wasn't visible to the other people.

Waiting for her turn.

Baby introducing to Snow White

Baby - half a step behind, but she was beautiful!

Cute Rabbit!

Those ears were tricky.

Exiting the stage

Acknowledged at the end of the show

First year award

Saying good-bye to Daddy

Baby and Little Boy - she loved her flowers!

Night at the Ballet

Little Boy before the show


Pixies guarding Baby Aurora


Malificent and the Good Fairies


Pixies exiting


Aurora & Prince Phillip

Dancing at the Wedding

Little Mermaid

Seahorses

Seahorses in the Finale

My Little Seahorse

Little Boy and Baby

Seahorses after the show

Glad to be Home!

My daughter is a monster

Remember that beautiful picture I posted a couple days ago? Everyone says, "Ohhhh, she's so bee-yooooou-ti-ful!"

YEAH, RIGHT.

Tonight, despite warnings that my tiny sewing scissors are sharp enough to cut her little fingers off (slight exaggeration?) I found her in bed with them. She had cut up a tiny American flag. And the top sheet on her bed. From my very expensive sheet set that was a wedding gift. And when I told her she was very naughty, she smiled.

Argh!

I've started

I've started sewing pillowcase dresses! I think it's going to be fun, except for the math. Ugh. I am capable, but for whatever reason, I dislike measurements. Inches really aren't that bad. When it comes to measurement conversion in the kitchen, my brain goes blank. Four years of teaching measurements to elementary age kids, chanting the charts on a daily basis, and I really can't remember any of it under pressure.

On a completely different note, I had another dream about my dad last night. He and my mom were arguing. I walked in and yelled at both of them for yelling in front of the kids. I don't know what kids, and if it was my siblings, I don't know why they were little and I was my current age. But then my dad asked me to give him a ride somewhere. In the car, he asked me when I got so smart. I didn't know, but I told him that at some point along the way, I've realized that my opinion is valid; that I have valid observations.

I didn't want to wake up. It was so good to see his face, and hear his voice. And the fact that neither parent killed me for speaking up was a good thing, too.

We got haircuts today. Baby's bangs aren't great, but I'll wait until we wash her hair to have a final opinion. Little Boy and I decided he should go a tiny bit shorter than usual. His head gets so hot and sweaty in the summer. Especially when he runs around outside wearing an army helmet!

My husband went back to work today after an eleven day break. I'm sorry to see him go back. But it's been a really nice break.

Fish Killers

They were so excited to go to the lake. They wanted to take their fishing poles. Baby said, "I want to kill some fish!" LOL

Sunday pics

Exceptional Talent

I love my husband. I love to just watch him from across the room. He occasionally sees me and asks, "What?" He does things all day that say, "I love you". Like getting up to fix the kids' breakfast while I sleep a little longer. He oftten cleans up the kitchen. And he does so much more.

He has this exceptional talent that amuses me for the most part.

He's a tea drinker. I think it's cute. (I'd drink it if I added about 3 heaping tablespoons of sugar.) He fills his little tea pot, and turns on the burner. And no matter how high or low he turns the heat, it whistles when he's not in the room.

I don't mind fixing his tea. It's just that I don't always know he's not in the kitchen, and the tea pot whistle is shrill. So it whistles, and I wait a minute or two to hear if he's going to get it. And I get up, and just as I get there, he rushes into the room.

Inside out, upside down and backwards

That's how my sleep routine is right now.

Yesterday I took a nap. Everyone was sleeping, and I was falling asleep with DHs laptop on my lap. So I crawled into bed. And I slept hard, and long. Until DH started pestering me.

Every five minutes or so, he kept telling me what time it was.

"It's five to five."

"It's five."

"It's five after."

"It's eleven after five!"

I finally asked what he was talking about. "Doesn't Baby have ballet?"

"What day is it?!"

We were late.

And last night, after 2 glasses of Diet Coke at Denny's for late supper with Baby after her long practice, and a piece of chocolate, peanut butter silk pie for dessert (my splurge of the century week) I was WIDE awake until after 3:30 am. I started considering getting back up. But eventually I fell asleep.

But that has no bearing on what ungodly time in the morning the kids get up. And start playing fighting pestering their day.

So I'm up. And awake. And the morning is half gone.

My son, the military fanatic, is outside running around in camo and an army helmet with his machine guns. Baby is playing quietly inside. And I am dreaming of a nice, long nap.

But that's how this horrible cycle gets started. So I might have to push through and go to bed early tonight.

Sure.

Kids

Little Boy and Baby were getting a little wild. We asked them to settle down before she got hurt. We listed several incidents where she has ended up hurt. He said, "But that was an accident," or "That was not on purpose." Then we mentioned one incident that definitely wasn't an accident.

As he walked out the door, he said, "You got me on that one!"

At supper, Little Boy was done eating, and Daddy and I were sitting at the table talking. Baby was still finishing up. I asked her, "How'd you get so pretty?" She smiled a sweet, slightly smug smile. Then I asked her, "How'd you get so rotten?"

She pointed at me.

Daddy about fell off his chair laughing.

I told her she was pointing in the wrong direction.

Saturday

We woke up in a typical fashion lately. Daddy and Mommy semi-comatose, Baby up first and wandering around, Little Boy still sleeping until Baby opens his door and then the laughing, fighting and banging around starts. And I get up and stumble to his room and tell them to be quiet, and make it back to bed for a couple more minutes.

Baby and I had to leave the house by 9:30 to go get her pictures taken for ballet. Daddy fixed breakfast for the kids; I grabbed a breakfast bar. Last minute I started looking for hair clips. Why do I do that to myself? But it's a good thing I did; we ended up using them.

We got to the studio to find all-out pandemonium. Little girls (and big girls) running around in costumes, moms, grandmas and even babies. We figured out Baby's first costume and got her ready. And then I had to try to figure out their crazy picture packages. We left there about an hour and a half later.

We came home and I fixed lunch for the kids. I had a Reliv shake, and decided to take a nap. I guess Daddy got the kids down for their nap. I took a long nap, only interrupted a couple times by Baby before she went down.

I woke up dreaming about oven-roasted potatoes. So I got up and got them started. I fixed pork chops with rib rub, a green salad, and left over dinner rolls. We had corn, cottage cheese and green olives, too. Everything was very yummy!

I logged onto our local news site. The headlines were that a local businessman killed his wife and then killed himself. I started reading the article - it was someone I knew. My SIL worked for them for several years. I had interviewed for a job there, too, and turned down the job they offered me. DH and I had been in their home to hook up a computer. My SIL told me tonight that they had lost just about everything they owned, his car dealership was being shut down by GMAC and he had started using drugs again. The worst thing was that their 11 year old son was probably home at the time. I haven't heard, but it's possible their younger daughter was home, too. I don't understand people like that.

SIL asked if we were going to need cat food anytime soon. She works next door to the vet hospital I go to. I told her I was up there Friday. Jack got a steroid shot for irritable bowel, and I got the food then.

G & G moved to the lake house yesterday. Baby was telling them good-bye. Grandma told her she was going to miss her so much. "I'll send you a postcard every day, Grandma." So sweet - a little melodramatic - and without telling Mommy, quite impossible. :0)

Kids are getting ready for bed, I'm watching the NASCAR All-Star race, and DH is somewhere. In the den, I think. I need to look over my Sunday school lesson and figure out what to sing tomorrow for special music.

I feel better right now physically than I have in a while. It's amazing what a good nap can do for you!

My New Best Friend

I am looking forward to waking up one of these mornings without a pounding headache. Hopefully soon.

Last night I fixed spaghetti. Well, first I fixed the sauce. Little Boy came into the kitchen asking what the horrible smell was. I guess he's never been in the kitchen when I saute the onion and garlic. I had frozen sauce that I thawed and added some more tomato sauce and paste. We were browning the garlic bread; DH hit the simmer button on the stove and something POPPED quite loudly. And the stove turned off. He turned the knobs off and went downstairs. He flipped the breaker. We won't be using the simmer button anymore.

I fixed salads - I must say, I like my salads. :0) I was almost done with everything when I realized I hadn't fixed any pasta. DH said he was wondering when I was going to get it started.

We were done eating, and Little Boy had gone next door to see G & G. Baby needed some help finishing up. When I had washed her face, I asked her if she liked the spaghetti. She said, "Thank you for making that yummy spaghetti, Mommy," and she hugged me.

It's so nice to be thanked. And nothing beats her little hugs!

Life After a Cure

Day 7 in Diabetes Blog Week hosted by Bitter Sweet.

I mentioned in an earlier post that when a cure is found, I will fall on my face in complete gratitude to God. And then I'll dance a happy dance! And of course, there will be tears because I'm such a crybaby.

I can only imagine the look of utter amazement on my son's face. And disbelief. And amazement.

I'd be calling everyone I know to share the great news.

We'd have a celebration - a huge party, and he could eat as much as he wanted of whatever he wanted.

His little fingers would heal.

We wouldn't have any fussing before meals when it was time to check his bg.

I wouldn't have anxiety attacks in the grocery store.

My fears for his health would gradually subside.

No more 2 am checks.

No more middle of the night shots for highs or carbs for lows.

We would go back to how we were before his diagnosis, but we would be so aware of the blessings of "normality". And we would look back on the time of insulin shots, highs and lows, and counting carbs as a sad, scary memory. But I would hope I would feel gratitude for the treatment that bridged the gap.

Diabetes Snapshot

Day 6 in Diabetes Blog week.

I don't have pictures of Little Boy testing his blood sugar, or of him when he's been super low.

This is the day after being diagnosed. He was so scared and confused. Baby wanted to love on him, but he didn't want her near his IV ports.

And it got worse. While he was at the hospital he picked up Influenza A in the playroom.

This is Easter Sunday morning. I thank God every day for the treatment of this disease. I wouldn't miss out on this smile for the world!