This one's for you Dad

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do no be afraid."

John 14:27

We love you, we're living life and most importantly we're praying.....

My budding artist

I came upon Little Lady the other day in the garage where she was keeping her daddy company. We have an easel in the garage stocked with paper, crayons, markers, paints, AKA the "works". Lady loves to use the paints but until recently it was mainly to paint whatever was closest to her. I one time caught her painting her face so that she could make a face print, or how about the time she painted Little Mama a picture (mama was actually still in the womb).

                        

I think her creativity is  ingenious and encourage it in whatever form it comes in (what's a little mess anyway, right?)

What is truly special about yesterday is that when I came upon her this time at the easel she was actually drawing a traditional picture.  I could see her creation taking shape and when I asked her about it this is the conversation ensued:

Me:  That is so beautiful Lady, can you tell me about your drawing?

Lady:  This is Kirstin (a close friend) and here is her hair.  It is beautiful.

Me:  You're right it is very beautiful.  Tell me about this right here (I pointed to a circle she was         drawing on Kirstin's midsection).

Lady:  That is her BABY! 

Cleaning up all of her creative messes didn't seem like such a hassle in that moment.  "Kirstin" had arms, legs, hair, a face with eyes, and even a baby!  Just for the record Kirstin is not actually pregnant, but maybe Lady is somewhat of  a prophet???  Who knows, time will tell!

                        

This is just a phase

I have almost gotten through most of what has been thrown my way on those four little words, "This is Just a Phase". I remember the time Little Lady was just a newborn and she would have these fits of uncontrollable crying. A friend with an older baby told me that it was going to get better, that it was just a phase. I grabbed onto that statement and it became my moto. I would fall back on those words during every difficult stage we encountered as a new couple. Teething, eating, "NO!", potty training... you know the drill- and every time we would come out on the other side of said phase feeling relieved that we had successfully conquered one beast or another.

Fast forward to today, or more accurately last night. Little Mama has decided that sleep is not that important anymore. It's the anymore part that has left me frustrated with this phase. I have decided that it is just not that fun to think that your days of sleeping through the night are finally here and then to be awaken multiple times, repeatedly, over and over again, did I say multiple . Now, don't get me wrong, I know many other parents have had it worse. I am thankful that we did not have to deal with colic, reflux, or anything along those lines, just a few sleepless nights strung together in a seemingly endless phase.

So, if you happen to see me around, please remind me, "This is just a phase" you can even throw in a, "This too shall pass". I know there will come a time when we are dealing with boys, make-up, friend fights and all that comes with teenage girls and I will look back on these days with extreme nostalgia (probably with a tear in my eyes). I guess it doesn't seem that bad, what's a few sleepless nights anyway...

Aaahhh Friends....

They can be like a nice long drink of cool water on a hot day, or a warm cup of hot coco on a chilly night.  Today, for me, they were both.  I have come to the realization that friends can just about get you through anything.  One "pow wow" and just like that things can change.  

When I think back to the day of Little Lady's diagnosis, what sticks out in my mind is the phone call to my friend.  I cannot tell you what was said, but I can tell you that she cried with me and that is it.  Or, when we came home from the hospital to a clean home, our cabinets stocked with diabetic friendly food, and a freshly mowed lawn.  I will never forget looking out at their faces for encouragement when Little Mama was born and how they would stop by bringing a constant stream of meals.

When I look into my "Bowl of Cherries" I come out feeling truly lucky and blessed beyond belief with good, good friends.  Girls to laugh with, cry with, dance with and play with.   Without them who knows where this Mama would be.  Thanks girls!

Here goes nothin'...

I have toyed with the idea of blogging for quite some time.  To add one more thing to my "bowl of cherries" seemed to be too much and I have dismissed the idea many times.  The other night I was franticly searching the internet to find an answer to one of my many diabetes questions and I came across a blog from a guy who had gone through what we were knee deep in.  His words were so encouraging and helpful that I figured if he could do that for me, maybe I could pass on the favor to some other mom (or dad) who might need a little strength every now and then.  I'm still not quite sure if this blog will be about diabetes or more about our life as we navigate through diabetes.  Either way, it should be enjoyable if not eventful!

I have been happily married for six years to a wonderful man (who I will refer to as Babe). Who would have thought six years would fly by so fast!  He keeps me sane and grounded, especially when life gets hectic and I get a little to wrapped up in it all.  Love him so much...

 My oldest daughter (we'll call her Little Lady), who will be three at the end of next month, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes just before her second birthday.  I was three months pregnant with our second baby at the time and had no idea how we would ever manage all that we had just been given.  We have just celebrated the one year mark since our diagnosis and I am pleased to say that diabetes does not run our life like I had initially thought.  We are managing diabetes with an Animas 2020 pump and we love it!  I'm not sure how we'll do it but I'm hoping to upgrade to a pink one soon.  We definitely have our high and low moments (literally) but we are making it and having fun along the way!

My youngest (Little Mama), and last, daughter is six months of pure joy!  I can not believe that God made something so wonderful.  Actually I can when I look around at His creations, but the crazy part is that He gave it to me.  She is the perfect balance to our young family and I love the moments when I can just sit and stare.

Well, to wrap up what has become a lengthy introduction I would like to say, "Hi, blogging world!"  I am hoping that this blog will be a place for me process my thoughts and share my joys and frustrations.  In other words, hopefully this will become a heaping helping of Sugar-Free Cherries for us all!