I haven't posted for awhile, the trip to Reno wore me out, LOL. The Van was great! comfortable riding, very little fighting amongst the group, stayed organized. Even the kids said they prefer it over our minivan or Suburban! Alas....we had to give it back. Maybe someday.....
Reno was pretty much a disappointment. Jenny got very little playing time, though our team lost every game. Unfortunately, we had 2 girls get hurt (both are ok now). The trip was very expensive for us - 2 hotel rooms, food, gas, etc. and to have her not get to play was frustrating. We won't travel that far again unless Coach agrees to play her.
All in all, we are back and I hope to begin regular posting now that things have settled down.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Our trip to the Doctor
Well...we went to see Dr. Mary yesterday. Here is a recap:
Natasha -> A1C is 8%, down from 8.2%. I would like to see it lower but she already has so many lows..especially at night. So, we'll work on getting the highs more under control. Dr. Mary was quick to say that many physicians would be very happy with an A1C of 8 in a 3 year old. We made a couple of pump adjustments, that's it. She goes back in 3 months and we'll continue to download her pump weekly and discuss over the phone.
Me-> A1C is 7.2%, down from 7.5%. Still uncontrolled. We had a lot of discussion about my stress eating, bottomless appetite. We made the decision to start me on Symlin. I have been doing some research on this drug and it's use in Diabetes. I will post more when I finish. Basically, Symlin is an injection I will take with meals "when the food is on my plate" that has 3 major effects:
1. Slows gastric emptying (how quickly food leaves the stomach). If food is absorbed slower, it gives my insulin dose time to get on top of the blood sugar spike.
2. Augments my insulin dose. So I take 1/3 to 1/2 my normal insulin dose at meals.
3. Creates a feeling of satiety (feeling full) so I will eat less, feel full sooner, etc.
Dr. Mary states she lost 25 pounds when she started using Symlin. That is a huge incentive.
Like every medication, Symlin also has it's side effects. These include profound hypoglycemia that is difficult to treat (due to the slowed gastric emptying) and pretty severe nausea/vomiting until acclimated to the dose.
I'm a small dose of 30 mcg but anticipate moving to 60 mcg early in the week when i call with my numbers.
Please keep in mind that this is just a quick overview. I've read enough to know there are more intracacies to this drug. More later..........
Natasha -> A1C is 8%, down from 8.2%. I would like to see it lower but she already has so many lows..especially at night. So, we'll work on getting the highs more under control. Dr. Mary was quick to say that many physicians would be very happy with an A1C of 8 in a 3 year old. We made a couple of pump adjustments, that's it. She goes back in 3 months and we'll continue to download her pump weekly and discuss over the phone.
Me-> A1C is 7.2%, down from 7.5%. Still uncontrolled. We had a lot of discussion about my stress eating, bottomless appetite. We made the decision to start me on Symlin. I have been doing some research on this drug and it's use in Diabetes. I will post more when I finish. Basically, Symlin is an injection I will take with meals "when the food is on my plate" that has 3 major effects:
1. Slows gastric emptying (how quickly food leaves the stomach). If food is absorbed slower, it gives my insulin dose time to get on top of the blood sugar spike.
2. Augments my insulin dose. So I take 1/3 to 1/2 my normal insulin dose at meals.
3. Creates a feeling of satiety (feeling full) so I will eat less, feel full sooner, etc.
Dr. Mary states she lost 25 pounds when she started using Symlin. That is a huge incentive.
Like every medication, Symlin also has it's side effects. These include profound hypoglycemia that is difficult to treat (due to the slowed gastric emptying) and pretty severe nausea/vomiting until acclimated to the dose.
I'm a small dose of 30 mcg but anticipate moving to 60 mcg early in the week when i call with my numbers.
Please keep in mind that this is just a quick overview. I've read enough to know there are more intracacies to this drug. More later..........
Thursday, May 14, 2009
The Van
When I was pregnant with our 5th daughter we purchased a minivan. Brand spankin new, entertainment package (translation -> DVD Player), etc. We thought for sure it was the perfect solution for our growing family. We also have a Suburban, so this would be our 2nd "family" vehicle. Oh the places we would go!! and go comfortably.....so we thought.
Fast forward 2 years. There is a carseat in each 2nd row bucket seat (we could put them in the back, but how the heck would we actually strap them in??!!). The 3 older children....who aren't so small anymore (Jenny is 5'4", Casey is 5'7", and Sara is 5') are stuffed in the back seat. At this age, they don't like to look at one another let alone sit next to each other, and they especially don't want to SMELL each other. It's best if the tallest one sits in the middle so she has somewhere to put her spider legs. But then she's caught between the slinging verbal banter of the 2 other ones (who are a lot alike). Matt and I are up front trying to ignore them and praying there isn't any bloodshed that will stain the interior. So...the only people comfortable are the 2 little ones, snug in their carseats, watching Madagascar 2 or Finding Nemo.
I have begun dreaming of 15 passenger vans. The Quintessential vehicle of the large family. I dream of cargo space (you do not even want to know how we pack for a trip in the minivan!). I dream of each kid with their pillow and blanket in THEIR OWN SEAT. I dream of leg room and peaceful family road trips. One day, I shared this dream with the children. We were driving through a large parking lot and I pointed to a van and proclaimed with confidence "There is our next vehicle!" Well...let's just say they were not so enthusiastic. How could I do that to them? Apparently, while they dislike being stuck next to their smelly sisters after basketball practice in the minivan, it is better than being SEEN in a "bus"! (I wasn't going to buy a yellow one!).
The plot thickens.....Memorial Day weekend we will be driving to Reno, Nevada for a high school Basketball tournament for Jenny's travel team. There will be 1600 teams, over 80 courts in play. Supposedly, there will be 1000 college scouts. Great exposure for the kids and we are looking forward to it....except the commute. I was really dreading it and trying to figure out how we were going to pack everything, etc. I always take a cooler of food, etc. The coaches are very adamant that the girls do not eat fast food at the tournament - it's healthy food only. So, us parents, bring food for them to create lunch from as well as snacks. It is more healthful and much less expensive. Anyway...back to the story here....I had a revelation the other day. My in-laws have an extended version 15 passenger van. They live in Southern CA but are coming up frequently to work on a house they bought up here last year. I wonder if we could borrow it?? I discussed it with Matt, he thought it was a great idea, so he asked his Dad and Dad is willing to drive it up for us. Dad will then drive our minivan on his return trip to Southern CA. I'm so thankful!! Maybe he'll want to trade?! (I doubt it).
We haven't told the kids yet - they'll be thrilled, don't you think??? The first thing my husband said was "well, we could take more of the team with us". Ya...that's what we need....more teenagers in the vehicle. NOT!
Fast forward 2 years. There is a carseat in each 2nd row bucket seat (we could put them in the back, but how the heck would we actually strap them in??!!). The 3 older children....who aren't so small anymore (Jenny is 5'4", Casey is 5'7", and Sara is 5') are stuffed in the back seat. At this age, they don't like to look at one another let alone sit next to each other, and they especially don't want to SMELL each other. It's best if the tallest one sits in the middle so she has somewhere to put her spider legs. But then she's caught between the slinging verbal banter of the 2 other ones (who are a lot alike). Matt and I are up front trying to ignore them and praying there isn't any bloodshed that will stain the interior. So...the only people comfortable are the 2 little ones, snug in their carseats, watching Madagascar 2 or Finding Nemo.
I have begun dreaming of 15 passenger vans. The Quintessential vehicle of the large family. I dream of cargo space (you do not even want to know how we pack for a trip in the minivan!). I dream of each kid with their pillow and blanket in THEIR OWN SEAT. I dream of leg room and peaceful family road trips. One day, I shared this dream with the children. We were driving through a large parking lot and I pointed to a van and proclaimed with confidence "There is our next vehicle!" Well...let's just say they were not so enthusiastic. How could I do that to them? Apparently, while they dislike being stuck next to their smelly sisters after basketball practice in the minivan, it is better than being SEEN in a "bus"! (I wasn't going to buy a yellow one!).
The plot thickens.....Memorial Day weekend we will be driving to Reno, Nevada for a high school Basketball tournament for Jenny's travel team. There will be 1600 teams, over 80 courts in play. Supposedly, there will be 1000 college scouts. Great exposure for the kids and we are looking forward to it....except the commute. I was really dreading it and trying to figure out how we were going to pack everything, etc. I always take a cooler of food, etc. The coaches are very adamant that the girls do not eat fast food at the tournament - it's healthy food only. So, us parents, bring food for them to create lunch from as well as snacks. It is more healthful and much less expensive. Anyway...back to the story here....I had a revelation the other day. My in-laws have an extended version 15 passenger van. They live in Southern CA but are coming up frequently to work on a house they bought up here last year. I wonder if we could borrow it?? I discussed it with Matt, he thought it was a great idea, so he asked his Dad and Dad is willing to drive it up for us. Dad will then drive our minivan on his return trip to Southern CA. I'm so thankful!! Maybe he'll want to trade?! (I doubt it).
We haven't told the kids yet - they'll be thrilled, don't you think??? The first thing my husband said was "well, we could take more of the team with us". Ya...that's what we need....more teenagers in the vehicle. NOT!
Off to the Doctor we go!
Natasha and I have an appointment with our Diabetes doctor tomorrow. We see Dr. Mary Simon in Fresno, CA. Dr. Mary as everyone affectionately calls her, is straight up wonderful. She is also a Type 1 Diabetic, wears an insulin pump. She was diagnosed at age 27. Her husband is an RN and also works in her office. She is so devoted to her patients. She forwards the office phone lines to her personal cell after hours and we are free to call at anytime. She takes insulin calls from 6-9pm every night. Each Monday we upload Natasha's pump to the Medtronic site, then call Dr. Mary. She emails us the report, we study it, decide what we think we should do then call her the following evening to discuss. Natasha has been pumping for a year now and we still adjust her pump settings at least weekly. Once in the office, she has a playroom set up for the kids with legos, books, a huge dollhouse, play food, stuffed animals, etc. They test her A1C there in the office.
Now about me.....i am a lousy diabetic. When I was pregnant I was a good diabetic. I just wrote down my numbers for the last 2 weeks. It ain't so pretty - though it isn't terrible either. My dear hubby is looking at them right now. Bless his heart, he's so positive.
I'm hopeful I can get a pump as it would make life sooo much easier. I'm thinking we are gonna discuss getting a sensor for Natasha.
Wish us luck! i'll post our A1C results and some education about all these terms tomorrow.
Now about me.....i am a lousy diabetic. When I was pregnant I was a good diabetic. I just wrote down my numbers for the last 2 weeks. It ain't so pretty - though it isn't terrible either. My dear hubby is looking at them right now. Bless his heart, he's so positive.
I'm hopeful I can get a pump as it would make life sooo much easier. I'm thinking we are gonna discuss getting a sensor for Natasha.
Wish us luck! i'll post our A1C results and some education about all these terms tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The Falling Dude
I frequently read a blog entitled "Life In a Shoe" @ www.inashoe.com. Kim (blog author) and her husband have 9 children (yes, I said 9). Her blog is often very entertaining as she is a humorful and talented writer. She also offers her human side on a frequent basis. She has a great perspective on life with a large family! Anyway, I was reading tonight and she has this little dude guy in a post here. She presents the similarities between this guy falling here and the current economy. Funny, but i'm afraid true.
Print your $1.50 off coupon for Kashi waffles here. Once on their site, select the "coupon" tab at the top. These are great! They have 8 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber per waffle, though they are pretty high in carbs. However, they are whole grain. I really like them!
In my area, SuperTarget carries them. Last time I purchased them, Target had them for about 1.90 a box. I had $1.50 coupons from Vocalpoint, so I got 6 boxes for about $0.40 each! A good deal.
In my area, SuperTarget carries them. Last time I purchased them, Target had them for about 1.90 a box. I had $1.50 coupons from Vocalpoint, so I got 6 boxes for about $0.40 each! A good deal.
Freebies!! Freebies!!
I just LOVE getting free stuff in the mail. Mommysnacks has a great post with lots of free stuff.
Check it out here!!
Check it out here!!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Uggg...I have Diabetes.....Ugggg
Many days I try to forget that I am a diabetic. I just simply don't like it. I don't like that my daughter has it. I don't like that she probably got it from me. Forgive the negativity, but it is my current reality.
I don't like that every 2 days I have to put a new needle in her tummy or her booty (a site change for her pump). We use EMLA cream (numbs the skin) and it helps, but sometimes it doesn't. Usually Matt and I put her site in together (he holds, I stick) but last night he was busy draining our pool (THAT is another story) so I decided to attempt it on my own. She looked at me with her big blue eyes and said "No, mama. You hurt me." What could I say? It's true, it does hurt her. I hate that she associates me with the hurt. BUT it has to be done. She makes very little insulin on her own, if any. She cannot go more than 2 hrs without insulin or her blood sugar spikes (then the puking, crying, etc begins).
So....I had to make a decision - I decided to go lay in bed with her, chit chat for a minute, and put her pump site in after she fell asleep. Luckily, her blood sugar was only in the high 200's afterwards, so I didn't wait too long. I think I made a good decision.
Here is a picture of her pump and pump site:
I don't like that every 2 days I have to put a new needle in her tummy or her booty (a site change for her pump). We use EMLA cream (numbs the skin) and it helps, but sometimes it doesn't. Usually Matt and I put her site in together (he holds, I stick) but last night he was busy draining our pool (THAT is another story) so I decided to attempt it on my own. She looked at me with her big blue eyes and said "No, mama. You hurt me." What could I say? It's true, it does hurt her. I hate that she associates me with the hurt. BUT it has to be done. She makes very little insulin on her own, if any. She cannot go more than 2 hrs without insulin or her blood sugar spikes (then the puking, crying, etc begins).
So....I had to make a decision - I decided to go lay in bed with her, chit chat for a minute, and put her pump site in after she fell asleep. Luckily, her blood sugar was only in the high 200's afterwards, so I didn't wait too long. I think I made a good decision.
Here is a picture of her pump and pump site:
Monday, May 11, 2009
Bath and Body Works coupons via text!
I love Bath & Body Works and I have unlimited texting so I went here to sign up to receive coupons via text . I read about this deal on moneysavingmom - thanks Crystal!
Mother's Day 2009
I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day!
Here is a recap of mine:
Breakfast served at the computer (where i spend my morning coffee time) - eggs, bacon, and toast.
Hugs and wishes from Dad
Kitchen cleaning by Dad
Hair and makeup done by Jenny (15) and Casey (almost 13)
Present from Sara (9) - picture frame and cute homemade card
Rose wrapped in pretty ribbon from my friend Mariah (her dtr stayed the night with Sara)
Hugs and wishes from Henry (family friend, Sara's softball coach) when he picked up his daughter (stayed the night with Jenny and Casey)
An early dinner at Chile's - quite expensive, but really good!
Shopping trip to Target - new dishes and flatware (we have too many kids to buy really expensive stuff), a beanbag and toy organizer for the little one's room (trying to redo it)
Presents from Jenny and Casey: Jenny - a Superwoman notebook, another divided notebook, highlights, colored gel pens, other good pens, and a pretty folder, reese's peanut butter cup (I am always writing stuff down)
Casey - the movie Twilight (love this movie!)
More kitchen cleaning from Dad, house pick up from 3 older girls(i think i appreciate this the most!)
Casey and I watched Twilight together, then all went to bed!
Here is a recap of mine:
Breakfast served at the computer (where i spend my morning coffee time) - eggs, bacon, and toast.
Hugs and wishes from Dad
Kitchen cleaning by Dad
Hair and makeup done by Jenny (15) and Casey (almost 13)
Present from Sara (9) - picture frame and cute homemade card
Rose wrapped in pretty ribbon from my friend Mariah (her dtr stayed the night with Sara)
Hugs and wishes from Henry (family friend, Sara's softball coach) when he picked up his daughter (stayed the night with Jenny and Casey)
An early dinner at Chile's - quite expensive, but really good!
Shopping trip to Target - new dishes and flatware (we have too many kids to buy really expensive stuff), a beanbag and toy organizer for the little one's room (trying to redo it)
Presents from Jenny and Casey: Jenny - a Superwoman notebook, another divided notebook, highlights, colored gel pens, other good pens, and a pretty folder, reese's peanut butter cup (I am always writing stuff down)
Casey - the movie Twilight (love this movie!)
More kitchen cleaning from Dad, house pick up from 3 older girls(i think i appreciate this the most!)
Casey and I watched Twilight together, then all went to bed!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Shopping at Super Target 5/9/2009
Wow - I'm glad I went yesterday! Lots of deals and the ads for this week just don't look so good.
Here's the rundown of what we got - poor hubby Matthew was ever-so-patient and 3 year old Natasha was very easy to bring along.
Cleaning Supplies:
Grocery:
Here's the rundown of what we got - poor hubby Matthew was ever-so-patient and 3 year old Natasha was very easy to bring along.
Cleaning Supplies:
- Target brand sponges, single package. 3@$1.39 = 4.17 - 2.25 target Q's = 1.92 = 0.64 each
- Lysol antibacterial kitchen cleaner. $1.69ea - 0.55 mfg Q ea = 1.14 ea = 2.28
- Lysol all-purpose spray cleaner. $1.69 ea - 0.55 mfg Q = 1.14
Grocery:
- 6 Hershey's Bliss candy bars @ 0.99 ea = 5.98 - 6.00 target Q's = overage of 0.02! (FREE)
- Sunchips, on sale for $3 - $1 mfq Q = $2
- Frito-lay Smartfood popcorn, on sale for $3 - $1 target Q - $1 mfq Q = $1
- 3 Planters sunflower seeds (by the registers) $0.50 ea - $3 target Q's = overage of $1.50 (FREE)
- 8 Pringles snack size cans (by the registers) $0.69 ea - $4.00 target Q's = $1.52 total
- 4 Nabisco 100 calorie packs, on sale for $1.93 - $4.00 target Q's - $4.00 mfq Q's = overage of $0.28! (FREE)
- 4 Chex Mix (snack size, by the register) $1 each - $4.oo target Q's = FREE
- 6 Quaker bites (snack size, by the register) $1 each - $6 target Q's = FREE
- 2 Quaker True Delight bars (with the granola/snack bars), $2.89 each = $5.78 - $2 mfq Q's - $2 target Q's = $1.78 -> $0.89 each!
- 6 Oscar Mayer lunchables, $1.50 each = $9.00 - $3 target Q's = $6 -> $1 each
- 2 Hillshire Farms cheddarwurst sausages, on sale for $2.50 each = $5 (easy dinner for one busy night!)
- Kraft poppyseed dressing (hubby's request) $1.59 ea - $1.59 mfq Q = FREE
- 4 Kraft Easy-Mac, $0.92 each = $3.68 - $1.84 (B1G1 Q) - $2 Target Q = overage of $0.16 (FREE)
- Lipton soup mix, $1.32 (GASP, no coupon)
- 1 pound Mahatma white rice, $1.19 - 0.50 mfq Q = $0.69 each (not bad...almost matches Winco's bulk price per pound)
- 3 pounds Gala apples (in bags of 3 - close to 1 pound each) @ $0.99 pound = $5.91 - $3 Target Q's = 2.91 (would have been better if I would have put 2 per bag, like Erin @ Jane4girls......)
- 4 SOBE life waters, on sale for $1 each = $4 - $2 (2 B1G1 Q's) = $2 (0.50 each)
- 2 avocados, on sale for $0.99 each = $1.98 (I LOVE avocado!)
- Raspberries, on sale for $2.49
- 3 Betty Crocker frostings, on sale for $1.25 each = $3.75 - 1.65 mfq Q's = $2.10/3 = $0.70 each
- Did 2 of the Fiber One gift card deals, combined with coupons - total = 17.44 -> got $10 gift cards back
- Sun Maid snack pack raisins $1.34 -> also helps qualify for DVD rebate: $4 on Pinocchio
Welcome!
It seems appropriate to do a welcome message even though i have "zero" readers at this point. I'm hoping some will come over from my original blog (which I totally messed up....). I have posted a message there.
Happy Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day!
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