Can I have a time out?

It's so easy to get out of the habit.  Of recording memories, of describing days.  It's just a season. : )

My friend, Heidi, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and I've been sad for her.  She's on my mind daily.  Prayers are going up.  She started her third round of chemo today.  My mom was diagnosed with CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia), and she was very worried, but she's being brave now.  She needs a bone marrow aspiration, but she's putting it off.  My friend, Hawley, has breast cancer, and is starting her second round of chemo tomorrow.  There's a lot going on, and we're in prayer.  Prayer for healing and prayers for understanding.  God is a big God, and we know He's can see through to the other side.  We're all just walking in faith for now.

My sweet little baby is no longer a baby.  He's almost three.  Hard to believe.  He potty trained, and every now and then makes it through a nap dry.  He still doesn't want a big boy bed.  I already have a bed, bedding, and some new decor for his room (he likes stars right now and asks for the Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star song often), so I got him all stars.  I know he'll change, but it'll remind me of these days. ; )
 

They both entered a building contest at Legoland when we were there on Ethan's birthday.

Ethan is a big eight.  Tonight I got so angry at him.  He ran a huge tub of water (he's overflowed the tub before, often runs the hot water tank out of hot water-tough when there are other kids needing baths), and then let the water out..and sat and watched tv upstairs the entire time.  He never even got undressed, much less got in the tub.  I have to say I was mean.  I made him get a bath, clean up his room, brush his teeth, and go to bed.  I even sat in his desk chair while he read.  I just couldn't read to/with him.  (I sat and prayed the entire time for my anger to go away.  Boohoo.)  I did kiss him goodnight though.

I bet God gets mad at us like that sometimes too.  When I go through the motions and don't really hear people.  ..I really despise night time.  I hate making lunches and lunch notes, checking blood sugars, making basal changes, doing site changes, and staying on everyone to brush their teeth, take medicine, read, no ipads, do homework, it goes on and on.  I am so tired at the end of the day.  And I still have mommy stuff to do.  My job is never-ending, just like everyone else's.

I've had a good month of being super thankful for the normal, everyday routine.  Just thankful for the health to do it all.  In the midst of all the sickness, we've been healthy.  I can NOT take that for granted.  This is just a reminder for me to keep at it.  Keep plugging away.

She did her own bun and wanted a picture so she could see how it actually looked from behind.  Growing up.

Mary Claire has been taking a semi-private cheer class with three of her friends.  She's decided to try out for cheer at school this year.  She's been in and out of gymnastics and dance since she was eighteen months.  When she decided to quit, I let her.  Now she is so upset that I let her. (ha!)  She regrets the time she missed and how behind she got.  I hope even if she doesn't make the team that she'll stick with it.  It's been awesome for her blood sugars!  Her basals are down, and her numbers are still good/low.  Just that extra hour or so a day has allowed her a little more freedom in eating, and reduced level of insulin.  So healthy.

Clay actually won his age division building contest with his rattlesnake head that opened.  They sent him this huge Lego kit from the Lego Movie and four tickets to Legoland as his prize. : )  He was very excited since he said he'd never won anything in his life.

Clay is better.  He had some bad grades, and he's back up to all A's.  I've had to sit with him daily to make sure things are done, and his grades are posted online.  He admitted he just didn't want to do the homework.  He missed a couple days for high blood sugars and didn't get his make up work.  The teachers in junior high do NOT chase you down to give you homework..it's the student's job.  That's been hard for him. 

His face is better.  He was really plagued with pimples, and was picking his skin.  His pediatrician was rather alarmed at what damage he'd done.  He wanted his nails cut to the quick and filed every three days.  He sees a dermatologist and a psychologist, and we've all been on top of it..but it was a new wake-up call.  It was getting infected.  He's on a twice daily antibiotic now..and it's helped tremendously.

My goal has been to give Ches three tagged gifts a day..even little things like socks (You knock my socks off!) or an army man (I can't fight this feeling anymore!)..in our two weeks of Valentine's.  The kids are helping me..especially with the army men. ; )

I think just trying to keep so many things balanced for everyone else can be really difficult.  Of course I get overwhelmed and stressed.  I learned this great technique..when you are feeling sorry for yourself and your hard life, it helps to go find someone to serve.  A friend, child, neighbor, husband, whoever needs help.  It really takes my eyes off myself, and helps me refocus.  It's saved me a few times. : )  Maybe that's why I'm not so diabetes focused..

..and I just found out we missed Ethan's school conference today.  Another tally mark against the Mom-of-the-Year award.  We covered JDRF Mom's Lunch, play date, band sectionals, boy scouts, cheer and open gym..but missed a conference.  I just can't keep up.  I'm totally calling for a time out.  Can I do that?

In the multitude of anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul. Psalm 94:19

Hugs, y'all!  Thinking of you and lifting up prayers daily.  We are in this together! : )