What have we been up too?

Well it is over a month since I last posted here. I wanted to get on tonight, and post one post in April.

Life has been busy with all our children but I am feeling pretty in control with looking after our three diabetic children and managing a large family.

Since my last update, Madeline has left school and started working full time at Hungry Jacks. She has been accepted into study at TAFE to do certificate 3 in fashion design. Her plan is to work full time, save some money and move to Adelaide in July as long as they have an intake. If there is no intake, she will start her studies in January next year.

We have just had two weeks of school holidays here. During the holidays, Madeline and Brigette went to Singapore. My sister lives there at the moment and is moving back in June. She flew the girls over and they had 8 days with her and her family.

Steve and I drove the girls to Adelaide to catch their plane and then we had a night on our own in Clare. We stayed at Clare Country Club. It was nice to spend some time alone.

The other holiday we had was camping in Bundaleer forest. Steve and I took our younger 4 children and we meet Daniel and our 3 nephews there. We hired a hut that we could throw mattresses on the floor and sleep. Outside we had a camp fire. It was fun to sit around the camp fire and drink endless cups of coffee, talk and play with the children.

Steve and I have been watching a few television programs together. Steve started watching The Walking Dead last year when Sam bought series one and two for him for his birthday. I wasn't interested at all in a zombie series and didn't watch it with him. He kept on telling me how good it was and how much he thought I would enjoy it. When series three finished he asked me if I wanted to watch series 1 and 2 with him. I agreed and said, when it is finished, we will watch Downton Abbey together. I sat through Walking Dead and we started Downton Abbey last week. I am really enjoying Downton Abbey and wish we had a bit more time to watch it. Since being back at school. we don't have as much time to watch series.

There has been lots more happening but I don't want to make this post too long.

Hoping to get into blogging a bit more this term and keep up with other blogs.

Therese.

A faithful Catholic women.

Last night, I came across a new Catholic women's blog. Thanks to Ebeth for linking to her.

The new blog has a great post and I wanted to spread the word also.

Read the post here. 

Here is the statement Caroline has asked us to post which I am in full agreement with:

I am a faithful practising Roman Catholic woman, who attends Mass at least once a week and who believes in and practices the Church’s teachings, specifically pertaining to matters on sexuality, contraception, abortion, marriage and the ordination of women. I believe that the Roman Catholic Church is sympathetic to and representative of the needs and concerns of women and their children, wherever they may be in the world. I would like to offer our new Pope Francis, my prayers and support and thank him for his continued protection and support of mothers and their unborn children. I fully endorse Church doctrine in relation to women’s issues.

Thankful Thursday. We have a new Pope. Giving thanks for the church.

Last night before I went to bed, I set my alarm for 4.30 because I knew that that was the time that smoke would be coming out of the Vatican chimney. I woke up pretty quickly and went to facebook because I knew that my peeps would be posting if we had a new Pope. I noticed after a couple of minutes that my conclave app had an update and it was saying White smoke coming out of the Vatican chimney so jumped out of bed and got Steve up too. We turned on EWTN and saw the Vatican chimney and the Vatican Bells ringing. We sat waiting for the announcement and then Pope Francis came out. It was quite a joyful moment for us all here. Because it was so early, I taped the program for the children to watch rather than waking them so early.

A couple of years ago, a non Catholic challenged me in my faith in God because I am Catholic. At the time, he said to  me that we could discuss anything I wanted and he would prove to me that the Catholic church was not from God and that in being a Catholic, I was not following God's plan for my life.

I challenged him with the fact that God started a church and that the Bible was a product of the church, not the church a product of the bible. We had quite a few notes back and forth about this and he showed me lots of Catholic sinners and lots of how his own interpretation of the bible contradicted some of the churches teachings. At the end of it though, he wasn't able to show me that Jesus didn't start a church because it is obvious from scripture that he did.

I am so grateful that God started the Catholic church and that the church guides us in to full truth. He promised us that the gates of hell would never prevail against her and that he would be with us always. For me, the new Pope is a sign that God is faithful in his words and that he is with us.

Therese.

Thankful Thursday.

Our new car

It is a Nissan Dualis + 2

The + 2 is for 2 small seats in the boot

The front seats. 

The boot seats. Sorry they are so dark. 

Middle Seats. 

Front passenger seat. This is the most comfortable seat I have ever sat in in a car. 

These are pictures of our new car which we picked up yesterday. We git it just in time to take Tom, Amelia and Christopher to Adelaide for an appointment with their endocrinologist.  Our other "big" car has been having some issues so we didn't want to take it to Adelaide. If we didn't get this car in time, I would have had to driven our "little" car down with the three children. Steve would have had to stay home with Joseph and it just would have been a really hard long day for all of us.
So today I give thanks that we got our car in time and that we have a nice car to drive our children in.

Consistency.

It is nearly two weeks since I last posted here. Not a good time to talk about consistency. I thought since we are half way through the term this week, it would be a good time to review how my word for the year is going. 

Back at the beginning of the year, I chose consistency for my word. I said:

I want to be consistent with prayer, the different therapies my children need and my day. I want to do everything I need to with consistency and regularly.

In looking back I see the following good things:

Joseph and I start our day out everyday with prayer or mass. On Monday and Fridays, mass is in the evenings so we go and pray the rosary at church. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, mass is in the morning so we go to mass.

Most days after mass we go to the foreshore for Joseph to do his exercises. 

Most mornings, I write up a to do list for the day. I have been pretty successful at getting everything done on my list most days. 

Been pretty consistent at getting to bed around 10.30. I am also pretty consistent at getting up and checking any of the children that need bsl tests overnight. 

the things I need to improve on:

My own personal prayer time. I have prayer time scheduled for the mornings. I need to do this more. I tend to either sleep or get up and check facebook, words with friends and email. I also have scheduled to do an examination of conscious each night but rarely do it. I spend time on computer or playing games. 

Time management. Even though I am writing a daily plan and what I want to get done, I am also spending a lot of time sitting around and not being productive. That is one of the reasons I haven't posted on my blog for two weeks. 

Homework: I want to be a bit more consistent in helping the children with their homework and be more involved in their learning. 

Limiting screen time: For me and the children. They children are suppose to only have computer/television time between 4.00 and 5.00. 

Pump uploads and recording bsl. Recording bsl and uploading pumps has never been my strong point in looking after the children's diabetes. I need to be more consistent in keeping their records and emailing pump uploads for their endocrinologist to look at. 

An interview with an eight year old

Now that you are 8, what can you do that you couldn't do before.
I can juggle and write.

Christopher shares a room with Joseph. 
What do you like about sharing with Joseph.
He doesn't get scared and I don't get scared either.

What do you dislike about sharing a room with him?
Sometimes he gets in my bed.

Do you like computer games?
Yes.

What is your favourite one?
Plants vs zombies.

What s good about being 8?
I get more pocket money.

What is bad about being 8?
I have more jobs.

What is your favourite toy? 
My helicopter.

Happy Birthday Christopher.

Today is Christopher's 8th birthday. I was going to post some pictures but it has been a long day and I want this to be a quick post. Coming this week, an interview with a new 8 year old. Post any question suggestions in the comment box.

Therese.

Thankful Thursday

Today it is time to look at all the good things in our life and give thanks to God for all he provides.

Firstly I am giving thanks for Joseph and the blessing he is to our family. Last week, he wanted to come out with me and I couldn't take him. I closed our screen door and locked it but he managed to get it opened.  I was reversing our car out the driveway and Christopher yelled stop. I hit the brakes and saw Joseph. It could have been catastrophic but thankfully it wasn't.

Next I am giving thanks for our Pope Benedict. I am thankful for his leadership and service to Jesus. Hope he has a long and happy retirement.

In this time of lent, I become more mindful of all the blessings we have in our life and all the material possessions we have. I am thinking about doing the 40 bags in 40 days challenge.  I have thought about doing it before but never got around to it. I think this year would be a good time to do it.

Ash Wednesday.

Today is the start of lent and it is time to give things up that we are attached to and to give alms to those less fortunate than ourselves.

In our family we will be having two  nights a week that are computer and television free.

My own penance will be to have no sugar in my coffee and to go without soft drinks. I am also going to work on making my prayer times more consistent since consistency is my word for the year.

As a family, we will have a prayer basket on the table. In the basket we will put family and friends names. Each night before the family meal, we will draw out the names of friends and say a special prayer for them then. This is an idea I got from  Alison at Totus Tuus.

I guess since we had the announcement of the Pope's resignation the church will be going without a Pope for lent. Well at least for some of it. I was saddened and shocked when I first heard the news but I know that the Holy Father is following the leading of the Holy Spirit and that the Holy Spirit will guide the church to her new leader. I really hope we have a new Pope by Holy Week.

I hope you all have a blessed and holy lent.

Therese.

Joseph's birthday pictures

Joseph with his new basketball stand. He loves it very much especially when he gets a goal.

Thankful Thursday.

It is a week since I have posted on my blog and I thought I really should post on here and give thanks for all the good things in our life.

Today Joseph turns 3 and I am thankful for the blessing he is to our family.

We also found out today that he does not have type one diabetes anti bodies. I am thankful that we know this.

Tonight Madeline, Tom, Amelia and Christopher started musical theatre.I am thankful that  they have the opportunity to learn dance and mix with children outside of school.

Thankful Thursday.

The week is just slipping through my fingers here and I cannot believe it is Friday tomorrow. It is time to give thanks for all the good things we have.

This week I am thankful for the schools our children are attending. I am thankful that they help us in educating our children and that our children are so happy there.

I am thankful that Steve has just about finished our new laundry.

I am thankful that I have more time with Joseph. We went to the pool today and out to the park on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tomorrow will be another visit to the park for his exercises.

Our new car is not here yet. They had to get it from overseas because we want a white one. I am still thankful that we have it coming though.

Thanks for dropping by. I am also thankful for friends that come and visit.

Therese.

Wordless Wednesday. Joseph doing his exercises

First day of school

Today was the first day of school for SA and it was a pretty good day.

Last night, I spent a lot of time making sure I had everything everyone needed to look after their diabetes. I only forgot one thing and that was to get Amelia Muesli bars to eat before she goes out for sports. I went and spoke with her teacher this morning and they didn't have sports today so it wasn't a worry.

Joseph had a pretty good day with me at home. We were in and out a bit so he didn't really have a chance to miss Christopher too much. Tomorrow may be quite different. We will see how he goes.

Christopher was pretty excited about going to school. He seemed to enjoy his day and cope really well with it.

Tom had his first day at high school and it went well too. He seems very enthusiastic about Visual Arts and has spent a lot of the afternoon working on his cover picture. Maybe we have a budding artist in the family.

Amelia enjoyed her first day of year 6 but wasn't too impressed with bringing more school work to do at home even though I told her she would have it.

The older girls seemed to have a good day too.

I hope it continues for the rest of the term.

Therese.

Christopher's new wallet

This is my third design attempt. I found a tutorial and thought the wallet looked just like I wanted.
http://www.noodle-head.com/2012/06/open-wide-zippered-pouch-diy-tutorial.html
This is the link for the tutorial. Really easy to follow.

Tom's new backpack.

I made this tonight. It only took me just over a hour and I am really pleased with it. Tom will take his diabetes things everywhere in this bag.

Seven Quick Takes.

-1-

This week has been a bit quieter for Steve and I. Madeline has been in Sydney at Campion College and Brigette in Adelaide with my girlfriend. Tomorrow they come back. It has been nice to have just the younger 4 and Sam home. I have more petrol in my car and haven't been taxi driving nearly as much. 

-2-

On Sunday Steve and I are going away for a weekend alone. The following weekend is our 22nd wedding anniversary and we wanted to have a getaway for it. 

In October, we went to Endilloe Lodge for one night. It was a great getaway and we thought it would have been even better to get away for two so this time we are going back there for 2. It is close enough that if there are any emergencies at home, we can get back quickly. 

-3-

I have started making little bags for Tom, Amelia and Christopher I started with the glucose monitor bag yesterday. This is my first attempt:

It is okay but it only fits glucose meter, strips and finger pricker. 

I really wanted them to fit the ketone meter in as well. The ketone meter can check blood sugar levels as well but the meter here, communicates with the boys pumps so we have two meters. I have a few ideas in my head to make them bigger and also a bit more attractive so will draw up patterns this weekend while Steve and I are away. 

-4-

Steve and I have been car hunting for a while now because we are not driving around as much as a whole family. We thought it would be good to get a bit of a smaller car so have been looking around at a few different SUV's. 

We looked at Holden Captiva, Nissan Dualis and Ford Territory. At the start of the month, we approached a couple of car dealers and told them what our price range was and what we are interested in. 

On Wednesday we put in an offer for a Nissan Duallis and it was accepted. It has to be ordered in and delivered but hopefully in a couple of weeks, we will have a new car. I am pretty excited about getting it. 

-5-

Having three diabetic children does have some advantages. This week we were helping pack up the crib at church and Christopher dropped his ketone meter out of it's box. We didn't realise till later that afternoon that we didn't have it when his bsl was on the higher side. Fortunately, I had two other ketone meters to choose from until we could get back and pick it up. 

-6-

One other thing I need to do is get some kind of wallet organiser for the children's cards and prescriptions. They all have 3 prescriptions each, a ndss card, health care card, medic alert card and wch appointment card with their url number. We also have a family member's card for Diabetes SA. It can be hard to keep track of who needs what and where I have each child's card so I thought I would get something that keeps them all together. 

I was looking around for an organiser like a passport one. I found a couple online but was a bit hesitant to buy online and find it wasn't suitable. 

I decided to look around for a tutorial for a card holder/wallet. I came across this one: 

Bi-fold Wallet. 

I will need to make it a bit bigger to fit their scripts in but I think it is just what we need. 

-7-

Tomorrow is 2 weeks with 3 diabetic children. I am getting into routine and maintaining most things. I hope it will continue once school goes back. 

For more 7 quick takes visit Jen at Conversion Diary. 

Happy Birthday Tom

I am a day late for this. Yesterday, Tom turned 13. We have another teenager in the house. That makes 4 teenagers total. One already through the teenage years and 3 more to come.

For his birthday Tom got a remote control helicopter and mobile phone. Since he is going to high school, I want him to be able to text bsl to me at lunch and recess time so that I know he is looking after himself. High school is so different from primary school with them moving from teacher to teacher and not really having one teacher in control of it all.

Happy Birthday Tom. Dad and I love you very much and hope you have a great year being 13.

The new normal.

Yesterday it was a week since we found out Amelia had diabetes too. It has been quite a week but we are all getting use to the new normal. 

I have made a few changes to things to keep up with everything I need too. 

I have labeled all their bsl meters, ketone meters and finger prickers. I am also going to label a penmate for each of them and get different coloured medic alert bracelets. 

We can now get sports bands with different themes. It will be easy to tell which one belongs to each child this way. 

I have been intending to make the boys some bags to carry all their supplies in but hadn't got around to it before Amelia's diagnosis. I bought the pattern for this little purse

I am going to make one for each of them to carry their bsl meter, bsl strips, finger prickers, ketone meters and ketone strips. I am also going to make them a draw string bag to keep their pump supplies in and hopefully a back pack for the boys each to keep both their purse and drawstring bag in along with hypo treatment.  Amelia was given a backpack from JDRF so she won't need one. 

We have two weeks of holidays left so hopefully I will get a purse each and drawstring bag each done before school goes back. I also want to make a few other things. 

Last week I finished this top:

I have some white fabric with pink flowers that I also want to make the same top with. I also got my bebe dress pattern and want to get it done before school goes back. 

If I have time once these are all finished, the boys could do with some new shorts too but at this stage, I think I will just buy them a few pairs each from Big W. We will see how much time I have and how we go with all the things I have on. 

What are our days like?

6.00 I get up and do the first bsl for the day. Our target range for the children is to have them between 4.0 and 10.0. This morning Amelia was 11.2, Tom was 5.3 and Christopher was 9.2. Christopher can have an adjustment and be given insulin because the pump can give small doses. Amelia needs to wait till she is eating to have more insulin because 1 unit would bring her down too much without food.

At about 7.30 the boys get up. Every three days I need to change their pumps. I check the pumps and see who needs changing. Once pump changes are done, we get breakfast. For breakfast, Amelia needs to eat 45 grams of carbs. Since the boys are on a pump, they can eat more or less carbs. Because they don't have a background insulin, they don't have a minimum or maximum of carbs. The pump has a bolus wizard and works out how much insulin is needed when we put it their bsl and how many carbs they are eating.

To work out the carbs, we weigh or measure everything that is carby. For breakfast they usually eat a bowl of cereal with a glass of milk. This is around 30 carbs. Amelia can then have one piece of toast as well. If she still wants some more to eat after the toast and cereal, we usually would go with some free foods. Just before Amelia eats breakfast I give her lantus and novorapid. lantus is the background insulin and novorapid is the fast acting one. Amelia needs to have novorapid with every main meal.

At 10.30 it is snack time. Amelia needs 15 grams of carbs which could be a piece of fruit, fruit bun, savory biscuits or ice block now that it is warm weather. The boys don't have to eat carbs if they don't want to but usually do want something. We do bsl and put them in the boys pumps and the amount of carbs they are eating again. Amelia won't need any insulin. Snack time is just to make sure her sugar level doesn't drop too  much by lunch.

1.00 is time for lunch. We do another bsl and work out carbs again by weighing food. Amelia will have some more novorapid and the boys will put their bsl and carbs into their pumps. We will do the same around 3.30 for afternoon tea and and again at tea time (usually between 5.30 and 6.00). At tea time, Amelia will have another dose of novorapid.  The children all go to bed around 8.00 just before this and straight after family prayer, we will do a bsl and have supper. Again Amelia needs 15 grams of carbs to get her through the night without a hypo.

At 10.00 I do the final bsl check for the day. If anyone is lower than 6.0 or higher than 13, I set an alarm to get up and check them at midnight and again at 3.00am. Last night everyone was inbetween 6.0 and 13 so I did get a full nights sleep. With three of them, I think these nights will be few and far between though.