A little bit on our week-end

We've been busy since I last posted.  Here's a little of what has been going on here.

Testing - We've started testing for learning issues.  We spent 2 hours on Friday and will have part 2 this next week.  It will be several weeks before we have any answers or information.  She did tell me that he was very smart and very fidgety.  Neither of those things surprised me.  He seemed to enjoy the testing time which was nice - and will certainly make it easier to return.  There is definitely "something there" and while I have my suspicions, we'll hopefully have clear answers soon.

Joshua - He has been experiencing lows again.  Typically these come in the afternoons.  I've tried correcting for them, but have not been fully successful yet.  Sometimes he can feel them coming and other times we just catch it with frequent testing.  The fluctuating numbers are just odd to me sometimes.  Just tonight about an hour and a half after dinner he was feeling low (98).  I was out running an errand and he checked his own blood glucose (getting everything ready) and even wrote in the log book I keep.  I was surprised to see that when I returned.  He was very proud of himself - and I am too!  We have no news yet on the follow-up appointments.  I need to call in the morning to see when we can get them scheduled.

Visitors - We had company over the week-end.  My sweet friend Hollie and her family came to visit.  One of my children has been teasing me about the "family friends that nobody but you knows" that are coming to visit.  Well, it didn't take long for everyone to hit it off!!!

Within minutes of arriving, the children were all running around the house.  We soon found out that they were planning a play.  They made up a playbill with the list of actors and even the scenes.  They found props and had make-up done (beards and mustaches for the boys).  It was quite fun to see them involved in such a big project so quickly!



The kids had a blast and got along so well!  It was fun for us to see. 



Hollie and I had fun catching up, sharing resources, encouraging each other and exchanging things.  She brought me a box full of science activity bags among other things.  What a fun treat!  We have just started using these and Isaiah in particular is very excited to see these appear in his workboxes for the day. 



It was just so nice to spend some time together in person!  It just is so much nicer than over the phone or by email.  My children are already asking when we can go visit them.  :-)

A shot of some of the kids - we had a lot of testosterone in our house this week-end!



I kept trying to get a picture of our youngest two together.  It was hard to get them still and in one place.  This is the best of the photos.



Thank you dear friends for coming to see us!  We loved having you here and hope we can do it again sometime soon!

Love
Leslie

More Testing

I feel like I've typed that before - "more testing".  I know I've typed "small prayer request" - so I didn't even go that route this time.  Joshua had a nephrology appointment today as a follow up from his testing last month.  I wasn't worried as I thought this would just be news that all is fine.  (The problem being followed - Hematuria - has some familial history with no problems.)  I wasn't prepared.  Thankfully God was.  He knew our steps, the words we would hear and He was right there with us.

We saw a very nice doctor that spent time going over history, asking questions and finding the reports from the other testing.  She came back and told us that based on what she saw on the report, she thinks that there may be a problem with one of his kidneys.  She drew a picture to help explain how the kidneys are supposed to function and what she is suspecting may be going on with Joshua.  The next step will be another renal ultrasound, but this time with dyes in order to see exactly how the kidney is functioning.  If the problem is there, it will need to be surgically corrected. 

Hopefully we'll hear from them tomorrow in terms of scheduling an appointment.

The second piece of the puzzle today came after a physical exam.  She noted a problem (I'm going to be discreet here and not go into detail though I don't mind sharing this personally - just not over the internet).  She called in the supervising doctor who concurred with her opinion.  This finding is a problem and Joshua is being referred to a urologist.  We are expecting surgery to correct it.  I was stunned to hear this and tried hard to fight tears so as not to upset Joshua.  This is always a balance isn't it?  Finding the strength to be strong for your children and yet letting them know that you are scared and sad too.

This second problem is not a result of diabetes.  It has been uncovered because of it though.  I'm thankful that this has been uncovered.  I do wish it weren't happening though.  I feel like my sweet boy is really being put through the ringer this summer.

Joshua is prone to more problems with his kidneys because of having diabetes and thus he will continued to be followed and monitored in this area.

Earlier this week, as a journal writing activity, Joshua had to answer the question, "Do you think you are lucky?".  I wondered how the events of the summer might have affected his answer.  I was curious to see.  He answered a firm "yes" and then listed why he was lucky - family, friends, clothes, a house, etc.  He even said that he thinks he might sometimes take these for granted.  I love his heart and that he sees the blessings of his life clearly.  In spite of what happens, we are very blessed.

So, we wait to hear back about appointments and then will find out more details then.  We appreciate prayers for clear results and patience as we wait. 

One other piece of testing is for another son.  I have suspected for awhile that he might have some learning disabilitiies.  I would love to be wrong on this!!!  We are starting testing with him tomorrow.  Would you join us in praying for clear and accurate results and wisdom in knowing how to deal with any information we may get?

In the midst of difficulties, I still know that we are very blessed.  I'm thankful for a strong God that sustains me - even though I am weak; His wisdom that covers me even when I'm confused; His loves that pours over me even when I feel unlovely and undeserving. 

Some days I feel like there is so much drama going on over here and that surely at some point, things will settle down.  I'm not sure what God's plans are in all of this.  I do know that He loves each one of us and does have a plan for our lives.  I know that He is good even when are circumstances are not.  I know that He is faithful and His promises true even when my life feels so out of control. 

I'm comforted by remembering the words to a child's song ... "Jesus loves me this I know".  Know that He loves you too.  Thank you for praying for our family.

WIth love
Leslie

Birthday Blessings

I had a sweet birthday at home with my family (earlier this month).  They treat me like a queen - special seat at the table, flowers, hand-made cards and no cooking for the whole day!

Breakfast:



Lunch - even served on the red plate. 




We skipped dinner and a birthday cake since we were seeing some VERY high numbers in Joshua.  I just didn't want to have to deal with something that would be hard for all of us.  We had a nice dinner the following night (which I didn't get a picture of), but it was delicious! 

 Here are some of my birthday gifts.  Chocolate from Daniel and Isaiah and they each picked out something that they knew that I loved.  Joshua gave me an armband to carry an Ipod.  Rebecca gave me a gift card to Kohls.  We went shopping the following day and I was able to buy several new things with it!  Christopher and  Roger gave me an ipod - pink!  I've been wanting one and it was a nice surprise.  Christopher has spent hours loading songs and stories and speakers CDs (that I bought at the homeschool conference) on it for me! 

Each of these gifts was so very thoughtful and reflected something of the person that gave it to me.  I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful family!



 Joshua made a new screen saver for me too.



I also received cards and gifts from friends and family.  Thank you!  I had a sweet birthday hanging out with my wonderful family.  I'm blessed!

Love
Leslie 

He did it!

I'm  proud of one of my little men today.  He wanted to try something new.  Face a fear and tackle it.  He asked if he could do it.  I agreed.  With trembling hands, he prepared.  He hesitated, wondering if he could go through with it.  He tried and nothing happened.  He looked at me quizzically and I told him to try again with more pressure this time.  And then, he did it.

Joshua tested himself for the first time today (and then again several more times today).  He was so proud of himself.  It was sweet to see that look of pride in his glowing eyes when he was able to do it.  I'm proud of him too.  I remember how scared I was the first time I had to poke him - and it wasn't even my finger. 



The only downside to his first testing.  He was low.  He hadn't felt it and it surprised us both.  Thankfully, he came up pretty well after a juice box and then a snack after another recheck. 

In other Joshua news, he was stung by a bee yesterday in the late afteroon.  We were going on a treasure hunt out in the yard when it happened.  He screamed from the pain as he was stung on the tip of his nose.  We went inside and I followed the steps in my home remedies book to treat him.  Thankfully, he had none of the bad symptoms.  He did however have pain and swelling

I was surprised when I saw him this morning to note that his nose was still swollen and red.  It looked more swollen, but I wasn't sure.  He still had no other danger signs, but still I wondered. 

I called the nurse at our ped's office to talk with her about it.  Is it different since he has diabetes?  The answer I didn't want to hear was "yes".  Since he has diabetes, he is more prone to infection.  So, while he did not have an allergic reaction to the sting, he does have to be watched to help prevent infection. 

Thankfully, he does not seem to be in pain.  His nose is still swollen and the sting site has a slight discharge at times.  I'm hoping that by morning it will look much better.  Praying for a quick healing with no complications.  I wish it had gotten me instead of him!

Otherwise, we are all healthy and staying busy.  More tomorrow.

Blessings
Leslie

Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day

Have you heard about this book?  Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day.  One of Eliana's therapists told me about this book and gave me a copy of an article about this bread.  It really helped when a friend of mine, Jessica, showed me how she made it.  I bought the supplies - a large container to keep the dough in (it goes in the frig and can stay there for up to two weeks) and a thermometer and a pizza peel (for sliding the bread dough into the heated oven).

I had these things sitting around ... for months.  A good idea, but just not enough time to get to it.  Well, one day I decided to just give it a try.  I didn't read the directions carefully though and messed up the first batch of dough.  (Didn't let it sit out at room temp for a couple of hours before baking.)  I decided to give it a try anyway - and it worked. 

This bread is delicious!!!  Looks just like something you would buy from a store - firm crust, moist inside.  Did I mention that it is yummy!!!



Here is the author's website if you want more ideas on breads and like to look at pictures.  Don't go hungry.  ;-)   I love the photos and am hoping to buy the book with some birthday money.  We all enjoy bread at our house and it's been fun to experiment with this new (to us) bread.

Enjoy!

Blessings

Leslie

Playing catch-up with photos

I'm going to try to upload photos and post them over the course of the week and hopefully be "caught up".  Well, as best as I can be at this point.

Eliana has started music therapy.  We have had a lot of juggling to do to get this going.  She was supposed to start the week Joshua ended up in the hospital.  Then with the sickness getting passed around we missed some weeks in July too.  Hopefully now we'll be more regular in our time.

Eliana loves music!  She likes to dance, listen and to play instruments.  I'm so glad that she has this time and that our case manager suggested it for us! 



She is learning different concepts and skills and I'm finding ways to incorporate this into our daily lives.  I'm learning new things that I need to be teaching her because she is ready to learn.  I think it is going to be a great help for us!  The cabasa (below) is one of her favorite instruments!



Joshua and Christopher are playing football and practicing twice per week now.  It is going well and they are both enjoying their time.  They are in a great league with which we have had great experiences in the past.





Isaiah lost that other tooth.  I love the look of no front teeth on little kids and think it is really cute!



My sweet friend Catherine came for a visit so we could have some "girl's time".  We had fun and even got in some scrapbooking.  I'm thankful we can visit, but sure wish they still lived right next door!



 This is brief, but just a peek into a few more things going on in our days.  I hope your day is filled with God's blessings!

With love
Leslie

Some facts on Type 1 Diabetes

for those who are wanting to know a little more.  I found the comments by the children at the end to be sad, but true. 

Facts on Type 1

I am thankful that in the midst of dealing with this disease that we do have a hope.  We know Who made us and for what purpose.  I am thankful that God can use this for good in our lives and I trust that He will.  I am thankful that our circumstances do not change the hope we have in HIm!

Hope you are having a great week -end!

Love
Leslie

A really sweet story

This touched my heart and I bet it will yours too!

Dog Saves Boy's Life

Life is ... busy!

I'm feeling swamped and trying to stay on top of things.  Actually, things are going pretty well, but my free time for blogging has suffered as I've tried to organize and get on top of other things.  (I actually loaded a lot of photos tonight so hopefully I'll get to that later this week.)  I'm working through my emails (slowly) and trying to tackle other projects.  (If you have asked for the form I made for Eliana, I haven't forgotten and will get to that soon.) 

Headed to sleep soon, but wanted to share a little something cute. 

Christopher is working out and often doing push-ups.  Eliana loves it when he does as she thinks it means it is time for a ride! 



Hope this brings a smile to your face.  It always makes me chuckle.

Praying God's blessings on your day!

Leslie

Health Update

Thank you for your prayers.  Things are much better here today!  Health is such a sweet blessing and one we have learned not to take for granted over the last several years. 

Eliana was finally able to eat something last night about 7pm.  She spent a lot of the rest of the night with painful diarrhea though.  She had a long night's sleep - about 12 hours.  She woke up feeling much better.  She was ready to eat this morning.  I gave her some Kix cereal to hold her until I could get some oatmeal ready.

An unexpected sweet moment came during this time.  When Eliana finished what was in her bowl, she began to protest.  I looked at her and then she said and signed "more".  I asked her to say please which she did.  I was happy to comply with her request.  We did this multiple times with her learning to say "more" first instead of just fussing.  She began to add please a little more quickly too.

Having her initiate speech is a wonderful thing!  It's something most children do and we can just take it for granted.  Each little mileston with Eliana though seems something to be celebrated.  If we can get her to move to two word sentences, that too would be a great milestone.  Something small, and yet big too.  It is just so sweet to hear her little voice telling me what she wants.  It is so nice to have her communicating! 

She has had a good day.  Playing, eating, no sickness.  What could be better?!

We tried to do a school day and had a pretty productive one.  At the moment, my oldest children are cooking dinner as part of their geography course.  We are having a meal from Maine.  It looks yummy. 

Earlier today I did something I should have done in a more planned fashion long ago.  A few days ago I began making a list of specific games, toys and activities that could be used to help Eliana with certain skill groups.  I tried to think of things in a variety of areas - speech, oral motor, gross motor, fine motor.  I also just tried to think of toys that we have and how they can be used in a productive manner.  I made a grid (2 pages) of these skills and printed it out.  I'm planning on having a teaching time with everyone in the family so that when they are playing with Eliana it can be done in a way that really benefits her.  We all play with her so there is no reason we can't learn to adapt our play a little bit so that she is learning while playing.  I'm hoping this will help me to stay on top of her learning too.  I can post more about this if anyone is interested.

The rest of the family is feeling fine.  Joshua had no relapse after being sick on Monday.  I emailed his numbers to his doctor last night and she said that everything looks great.  He typically has a spike at lunch time because we are giving snacks without a dose of insulin.  She said this was all still fine.  If/when he moves to a pump, he will correct it then.  For now, we are both (dr and I) comfortable with his regimen and not wanting to add another 3 shots a day for snacks.  That just seems like too much!

More later.  Still have things I want to do in a catch-up post like our trip to the beach.  We spent a wonderful week at the beach with my family just prior to Joshua's diagnosis.  I have some great photos to share.  It may be the week-end as most of my spare time now is in planning and schooling. 

We are thankful for our healthy bodies.  Thankful for good food to put in them.  Thankful for friends and family who are praying with us.  Thankful for a wonderful and good God.

Blessings

Leslie