(Nov Awareness Month) Trying to eat

See Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

My youngest child is 6 years old now.  I would think it would be easy to get everyone settled down to a meal and actually eat.  But being diagnosed with diabetes complicates everything!  First I have to settle the younger three kids down.  Second I have to help my oldest daughter (type 1 diabetic) to calculate carbs and dose insulin through her pump.  Third I have to take my blood sugar, calculate my carbs and dose my insulin pen (which all of the kids cringe at me getting a shot whether it hurts that time or not).  Then I have to keep everyone away from my food because I bolused for all of that!!  I need to apologize to God because sometimes I forget to pray or don't remember until I'm halfway done.  :)

(Nov Awareness Month) Tip for insulin pens

See Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Sorry I've missed a few days.

We figured this out but it was confirmed by a diabetes educator.  When inserting insulin pens, hold the pen in your skin for at least 10 seconds.  The plunger needs 10 seconds to release completely.  I usually try to add 10 seconds plus the amount of the shot if 10 units or less, so a total of 11-20 seconds.

(Nov Awareness Month) So many questions

See Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Questions I get tired of answering (my daughter has had type 1 diabetes for 5 years)

Q: Did your daughter get diabetes because she ate too much sugar?
A: NO.  She has an autoimmune disease and her pancreas doesn't work right (their eyes glaze over b/c they pretty much don't understand what I'm saying).

Q: Your daughter will grow out of it right?
A: NO.  Until there's a cure, her situation won't change.  Take insulin, take blood sugar, repeat.

Q: Can she eat that (donut, cake, ice cream, whatever)??
A: YES.  As long as she boluses insulin, we estimate the carbs, and (our personal choice) her blood sugar at this moment isn't over 400.

Q: Have you tried ___ or ___ or ___ (natural remedy), because that cured so and so's diabetes?
A: Um no, until her pediatric endocrinologist or someone completely reputable recommends ___ we're going to keep dosing insulin thank you very much.

I know I'm not alone in these questions or the answers.  :)

(Nov Awareness Month) Concerns of type 1 diabetics

See Days 1, 2, 3, 4

Every diabetic faces certain concerns: a1c measurements, daily blood sugar levels, low blood sugars, future complications, etc.  When my daughter was diagnosed we faced an immediate concern, slow healing.  You can read my original post here, she had surgery to remove the "boil" and so we had to take care of her wound at home.  Due to high blood sugar, her healing was even slower than normal.

When I was diagnosed last year, I cut my ankle shaving.  I intentionally didn't put any ointment on it and waited to see how long it would heal - one month.  One month for a shaving cut!  I really do worry about healing and illnesses.

(Nov Awareness Month) What do you leave at home?

See Day 1, Day 2, Day 3
As a type 1 diabetic I am to check my blood sugar when I get up in the morning (or right before breakfast), possibly 2 hours after, before I eat a snack, before lunch, possibly 2 hours after, before I eat a snack, before dinner, possibly 2 hours after, before I drive, before I eat a snack, if I feel "funny" or low, before exercising, after exercising, before bedtime.  Whew!  That's a lot!!  That could be at least 14 test strips in one day plus if you get an error there's more test strips!

I've been out at Wal-Mart, turn to check my blood sugar and realize I left my meter at home, uh oh!!  I've walked to my kids' swim lessons, been low and only brought one pack of gummy fruit snacks with me then wondered if it was enough to keep me up for the walk home.  We went on an overnight trip, were two hours from home and stopped for lunch when I realized I left my insulin pens at home, UH OH!  That was one time I'm thankful my oldest daughter is also diabetic and I could use her pens (shh!  don't tell the insurance company).

I try to be a good diabetic, always carry your supplies - meter, strips, pens, and snacks.  I'm thankful I can carry a purse.  I'm not sure what adult men do with all of their supplies, I would think college-age would be easy with a backpack.  What would you be in trouble without if you left it at home today?

(Nov Awareness Month) Tom Hanks

See Day 1, Day 2
Media and celebrities can help diabetes awareness and sometimes they can hurt it.  We're all confused by Halle Barry, does she have type 1 diabetes or type 2?  She says she has cured her diabetes but who really knows*?  Nick Jonas has probably done more for type 1 diabetes in the last 8 years than any celebrity in the 20 years before.

I like Tom Hanks as an actor, we own several of his movies (even That Thing You Do!).  Personally, I think he helped the public know that type 1 diabetes is different and more serious than type 2.  Was it a little insulting when he said type 1 is SERIOUS and he doesn't have it**?  Yes, of course it was insulting.  But trying to explain to others that I have type 1 diabetes is hard.  He just helped my explanation by 50%.  He just announced to the world that type 1 is different and requires to be on insulin.  I wish Tom well with his diagnosis and treatment.

*The only cure I know of right now for type 1 diabetes is pancreas islet cell transplant but it is very serious and isn't practical for most type 1 diabetics.  Perhaps Halle Barry eats no carbs and so she doesn't need insulin?

**in case you didn't hear, Tom Hanks was on Late Night with David Letterman
"Hey, I don't have Type 1 diabetes! Type 1 diabetes is a really, really serious thing. I don't have that. I have high blood sugars and Type 2 diabetes is not going to kill me," explained Hanks. "But I just have to eat right, and exercise, and lose weight, and watch what I eat, and I will be fine for the rest of my life.
"Part of it's hereditary, without a doubt. I guess I just got it in me. But it's really about a lifestyle, man. ...I'm 57 years old and for the last 20 years I've been carrying around probably 15 or 20 extra pounds in my regular life. When I work, a lot of times I have to lose weight and I do that, but in my regular life I was not eating right, and I was not getting enough exercise. But by the nature of my diet and that lifestyle — boom!

"The end result was high blood sugars that reach the levels where it becomes Type 2 diabetes. I share that with a gajillion other people. The best thing you can do that for that and the thing that will completely negate its effects is eat right and lose weight. So that's all I'm doing."

http://omg.yahoo.com/blogs/celeb-news/tom-hanks-reveals-type-2-diabetes-153620579.html

Diabetes Awareness Day 2

see day 1

Yesterday, I wrote mostly about 5 years ago.  Today I want to tell you about where we are now.  Our oldest has had her Medtronic Minimed Paradigm pump for 4 years (the link isn't for her exact pump but the company, we didn't know about the new Low Suspend pump when we ordered the t:slim but I don't think it would have made a difference).  We decided it was time for a new pump (we've had just a few small issues w/ the Minimed).   Though I think she ultimately would like the OmniPod, she has some reservations about it and insurance doesn't cover it so she picked Tandem's t:slim (yes, the pump with the Touch Screen).  We are supposed to have training this week and are very excited about this "new" (to us) technology.  Now she's trying to decide if she wants to ditch her One Touch UltraLink meter (it really is AMAZING that we've kept up with this thing for 4 years!) or change to a different meter, partly the decision will depend upon insurance.

I am still using pens to control my type 1 diabetes.  I take Lantus in the morning and have been using Apidra for mealtimes/corrections (sample from my doctor, I've also used mostly Humalog).  At my last appointment, he agreed to bring my carbohydrate to insulin ratio down (up?) a lot from what it was to 1:10 for every meal, nice and simple that it's the same amount at every meal.  I still struggle with fatigue issues and will talk to my doctor about that since my hormone levels checked out okay.  I would eventually like to switch to a pump and wouldn't be surprised if 2014 is the year but (again!) it depends on insurance.  :)

Our 2nd oldest daughter is continuing with TrialNet and is showing antibodies but so far hasn't developed into diabetes.  When/IF she does, that will be half of our family with type 1.  That's scary!  Though I'm thankful for other blogs that have multiple children with type 1, I know it will be a big struggle with this child. 

When our oldest was diagnosed, my husband and I agreed that she was probably the best to handle it of our children.  She was already compliant and a little type A.  Our 2nd oldest is very sensitive and doesn't like being poked, prodded, or eating weird things.  I still am surprised she's making it through the oral glucose tests for TrialNet!  Our son was sneaking candy and didn't listen very well when our oldest was diagnosed, I think it would be really hard for him if he was diagnosed but I think he's at a better age now than he was then.  Our youngest daughter was only 1 when our oldest was diagnosed, I can't imagine having a child that young and what they would go through.  Now she is a mix of our 2nd oldest and our son so I don't think she would handle the needle pokes and diet issues very well either.

So, that's where we're at: excited about new pump technology, awaiting the day I also become "bionic", playing the wait-and-see game with out 2nd oldest, praying that our other children don't get diabetes, and waiting for a CURE.  (To me cure is no outside medical intervention, just like cancer is cured when you have no effects and no more treatments.  So nothing hooked up to you (pump or artificial pancreas) and not having to check blood sugars at all.  I know that's big but to me that's a cure, other things are advances in treatment and I know insulin/pumps/CGMs/artificial pancreas are huge advancements.)

Diabetes Awareness Month

November is Diabetes Awareness Month.  If you try to think about diabetes overall it is very overwhelming and stressful.  I wanted to write a little about what diabetes means to me, in a little bit of sporadic flashbacks.

Crying - lots of crying.  At my daughter's diagnosis, my own tears at the thought of a lifelong disease and how seriously sick she was.  My daughter's tears.  Crying at every shot.  Crying at infusion set changes (pump).  Crying because she's tired of it all.  Crying because she's hungry and she's tired of the zero carb foods she can have or crying because she has to eat the food she bolused for and she's not hungry.

My nephew running from every blood sugar check and shot.

The smell of glucose tablets.  The smell of insulin (our 2nd oldest still absolutely hates the smell).

...more tomorrow?  and the rest of the month?

Living and Active Challenge

While reading Money Saving Mom today I was intrigued by her post on the Living and Active Challenge.  Usually, I "participate" in challenges by not actually signing up because I know eventually I'll drop out.  So, for the accountability and the real commitment to this challenge I'm adding the button to my sidebar and actually signing up!  :)

Review of Chasing Hope

I had never read anything by Kathryn Cushman and I'm not a runner but I was drawn in by the description of the book Chasing Hope.  Chasing Hope is a story of facing the bad unplanned circumstances in your life while still giving to others and finding where God wants you to be in this world.  It was a beautiful story, changing character viewpoints and linking family generations (grandmother and granddaughter) together.

**Spoiler alert: I loved the mentor-mentee relationship between Sabrina and Brandy.**

Thanks to Bethany House for giving me this book to review.  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review of Stranded, book three in the Alaskan Courage series

My reviews of book 1 Submerged and book 2 Shattered can be found here and here respectively.

As with book 2, I'd recommend reading the previous books in the series before starting Stranded.  Though there is a small introduction of the characters, I think you'll be pretty lost without reading the previous books.  I don't like series that are like that, but these books are so good that it's worth it! 

Stranded by Dani Pettrey reunites almost everyone aboard a cruise ship.  Darcy has been asked by her friend Abby to help research a big story that Abby has stumbled onto.  But as soon as Darcy comes aboard, Abby disappears.  The suspense begins and like me, you may spend all day reading this book!  Teaser - this book gives Jake's background so you won't have to wait any longer.  While this book wasn't my favorite of the Alaskan Courage series, it is still really good and I'm hoping for a fourth book.

Thanks to Bethany House for giving me this book to review.  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Normal life, thoughts from my head

I'm not sure where the package of paper plates came from.  But it was sitting on the chair in our kitchen and I'm thankful for it.  One more item to mark off the grocery list this week.  Bizarre how the paper plates might have gotten there but I'm not going to dwell on it (any more than it took to put in this post at least).  :)

We went on vacation last week, so wonderful to finally visit Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio.  I got to ride so many roller coasters, it was so fun!  Thank you to my husband for spending hours with our 4 children in the kids' section while I rode those roller coasters.  But I didn't want to tell you about our vacation or Cedar Point, what I really wanted to tell you was the epiphany I had while I was in the bathroom.

I was in our hotel room bathroom and I was thinking how wonderful it is to be on vacation.  But then I thought about diabetes and how complicated it can be and how even on vacation you have to change the toilet paper rolls.  And that's what diabetes is like.  Even when you're on vacation, you still have to go to the bathroom.  And even when you're on vacation, you have to treat your diabetes.  If I was in the hospital I might have a catheter so I wouldn't have to get up and go to the bathroom.  So if I was in the hospital, they might take care of my diabetes for me.  But right now I'm not in the hospital, so I have to go to the bathroom and I have to care for my own diabetes!  I have to change the toilet paper roll because I'm not sure anyone in my family is going to do it.

So there was my grand epiphany, taking care of diabetes is kind of like taking care
 of bathroom business.  It's constant, sometimes it's pretty easy.  But it has to be done.  :)

You Don't Know Me - book review

You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren, a book title but could also be a description of my blog!  I don't open up much on here (except for my last post, see all about my endo appointment).  But the issue in You Don't Know Me - a deep haven novel- is that one of the town residents is not who you think she is.  Unfortunately, she didn't expect this day would be coming yet (if ever) and now she's not sure how to handle the secrets, the lies, or the truth.  The prologue of the book is confusing but eventually it will make sense.

My only warning - Annalise has been married for twenty years and that relationship could be uncomfortable for single women who don't want to read about it (find a different deep haven novel* if you're more comfortable with reading about fresh new relationships developing into love!).

I thought the book was a great read, enough suspense that you wanted to keep reading but not so strong that you felt like you had to stay up all night reading.  A little lighter than Dee Henderson or Lynette Eason.

*I've only read one other Deep Haven novel, Take a Chance on Me.

Endo appointment

Does anyone else get nervous before seeing the doctor?  I try to have questions/concerns ready to go.  I also try to have solution possibilities ready.  "Such as I'm really tired, do you think it could be sleep apnea, allergies, hormones, low iron (anemia), or just my crazy life??  (I know I have sleep apnea but sometimes feel all of the above could be a part of my "fatigue".)  Would you like to test for sleep apnea, how does that go?"

That might be how my conversation with the doctor would go.  I've done some research so I'm not thrown for a loop when the doctor suggests "solutions".  But I'm also not willing to take an extra medication (try whatever PM to help you sleep) if I think further testing might be warranted.  But usually I'm not pushy either and especially with my endocrinologist, I kind of act like I have no problems.  Today I mentioned that again I'm still really tired.  So, I was surprised that with my lab work order (A1C*, etc) he added a thyroid hormone panel (yeah!).  I'm not sure it's the complete whatever everyone suggests doctors run but I hope it is.  I'll find out when the results come in, because I'm really nosy I go down to medical records and get a copy of my results.  It's very handy!!  Last time it took forever for my doctor's office to get my results and I had them very quickly.  :)

My daughter sees her endo tomorrow so we'll see how that visit goes.  She gets her A1C checked right there (and whatever else they run with that tiny draw of blood they take (and urine)).  It feels like a parent grade card and I hate it but I love it at the same time because her doctor is responding to lab work that was just run.

*This is just my definition of A1C (pronounced A -one- C): is the go to test for diabetes on how your blood sugar is being handled.  Though taking your blood sugar gives you a good "snapshot" of that moment.  An A1C is supposed to be an average of 2-3 months of your blood sugar.  Maybe you're doing well throughout the day but overnight your blood sugar is going crazy - high or low.  An A1C can help pinpoint that your blood sugar log is telling most of the story or not.  Most billboards about diabetes (though it's usually about Type 2 diabetes) will suggest diabetics have an A1C of 7.0 or below.  My daughter and I both have Type 1 diabetes, and our doctors still suggest an A1C below 7 but it can be hard for children/young adults to maintain that level.  It's also hard for adults to maintain but some are even lower in the 5s.  Her A1C is usually around 7 or just below and mine was 6.4 the last two times it was tested (weird to be the exact same #).  I don't post our numbers to compare (please don't compare!) but to let anyone reading know an example of what a number would be.  When I was first diagnosed, mine was 7.9 and my daughter's was over 12 when she was diagnosed!

Review of Rules of Murder

Rules of Murder (a Drew Farthering mystery) by Julianna Deering is set in the 1930s in England.  The author attributes many mystery authors of "old" with inspiring and influencing her.  Rules of Murder is a good story that will have you trying to pick up all of the clues and guessing throughout.  There's also a touch of romance that I can see being carried over into a sequel. 

I enjoy mystery books and really liked this one.  There was some religious content so I could see some readers being offended if they hadn't expected it, but it wasn't a big part of the book.  I sometimes wondered if the characters were saying something an "American" way or an "English" way, but I'm not an expert.

Thanks to Bethany House for giving me this book to review.  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review of Secrets Over Sweet Tea

I laughed and cried reading Secrets Over Sweet Tea by Denise Hildreth Jones.  At first, the characters can be difficult to keep track of (see my list below).  I enjoyed the book and loved Scarlett Jo's ability to say and do almost anything and that she cared so much.  Her exercise class comments are hilarious!!  The book should've included some recipes, the desserts sound so good it would be good to bake them while you're reading.

I liked how Grace and Tyler handled each of their situations, turning to God and waiting on Him.  But I'm not sure Grace should have gone as far as she did.  I'm not sure about the "reclaiming" your heart part.  On the surface it makes sense but I could see it being pushed to an unbiblical perspective.  I would need to look into the non-fiction book she's written to fully recommend this concept.

Scarlett Jo - married to Jackson (a pastor) and has 5 boys.
Grace - married to Tyler (a professional hockey player) and has no children though she'd like them.
Miss Daisy - Grace's dog
Rachel - best friend to Grace.
Zach - married to Caroline and has 2 daughters (twins) but is having an affair.
Adele - Caroline's mother.

review of Sparkly Green Earrings

You'll have to read to almost the end of the book to find out why Melanie Shankle titled her book Sparkly Green Earrings, I didn't want you thinking you missed it.

Melanie is relatable but a bit more privileged. I used to read Melanie's blog*, I had to cut back on all my blog reading but don't remember it being a hard decision to give this one up. I think Melanie is part writer and part comedian (comedienne?). Like a lot of comedians, she makes you laugh but challenges what you think and sometimes you feel insulted. Reading other reviews on Amazon, included in the list might be Girl Scouts, those who like Justice clothes (that includes me though I usually pick these up at garage sales or goodwill), and birthday parties. I think readers need to remember this is more memoir than mom-advice book.

Probably my favorite parts of the book were the laugh out loud funny parts or when she waxes poetically about being a parent. "That's why I believe motherhood gives us the first true glimpse of how God loves us. The kind of love that's irrevocable, unrelenting, unconditional. I think it's the closest humans get to living out 1 Corinthians 13. (page 208)"

Most blog writers don't do well in a book format but I think Melanie writes really well. However, it is hard to understand what age Caroline is at because the book doesn't follow a chronological timeline but jumps around a bit.

I happened to download Sparkly Green Earrings: Catching the Light at Every Turn by Melanie Shankle when it was offered free for the Kindle (I rarely actually read Kindle books so hooray for me!). It was a bonus that this is part of the Tyndale summer reading program.

In case you didn't know the blog address - http://thebigmamablog.com/

Review of Faking Grace

Have you ever spent time "faking it until you make it (or become it)"?  I feel like that a lot as a mom, I want to be a "good mom".  But sometimes I just fake it as much as I can until my husband comes home and he can take over.  :)  Grace (well really Maizy Grace) needs a second job to pay her bills so she decides to fake being a "true" Christian (though she thinks she is one) to get a job at a Christian publishing company.  She eventually comes to a cross point between her two jobs, testing the strength of the Christians around her to show her grace.

As usual, author Tamara Leigh has created a great cast of characters, made me laugh, and made me question some of the things we do as Christians.  My husband laughs at all of the "gear" available at the local Christian bookstore and I wonder why people think they need everything to have a Christian message on it.  Do we need to carry "Testamints" for our breath?  But I wonder if a fish symbol would encourage me to be a better driver?

I did check on Amazon for Dumb Blonde's Guide to Christianity, it sounds like a helpful book with those wondering about the Christian faith.  Alas, it must be only a creation of the author.  (For those who are interested, the only books to come up in my search were this book, Faking Grace, and Soul Surfer Devotions by blonde Bethany Hamilton (the surfer who lost her arm to a shark).)

I loved the whole section on forgiveness.  (Paperback pages 254-255.)  I think asking for forgiveness is one of the hardest things for me to do. 

This quote from page 119 is so true, "Sad that Christianity isn't an impenetrable shield? that even after we've accepted Jesus as our Savior, we keep messing up? doing things we know we shouldn't? things He has to wash away again and again?"  Being a Christian doesn't make you perfect, we sin and have to deal with consequences of our sin.  It would be wonderful if that wasn't the case but it is.

One of my favorite characters was Maizy Grace's grandmother.  Quotes form page 162-163, starting with the grandmother.  ". . . but I can fantasize."  [Maizy Grace]  "Fantasize?"  That word does not belong in the vocabulary of a senior citizen!  [. . . then the grandmother again] She rolls her eyes.  "This is silver hair, not a halo."

I just love how the grandmother admits that she's not perfect and owns up to her issues with her son and daughter-in-law.

The only part of the book I disagreed with was that The Message is a translation of the Bible.  It isn't a direct translation, though it can be a useful tool.

Faking Grace by Tamara Leigh is a great contemporary fiction book and should be part of your library!

Thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah for giving me this wonderful book to review.  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review of Borders of the Heart

I picked up Borders of the Heart by Chris Fabry because it is on the Tyndale summer reading list and I thought it sounded interesting.  Much like another book I've read that deals with the U.S. immigration policy, Borders of the Heart is a challenging story.  Current immigration policy and relations between the U.S. and Mexico are heavy topics.  I'm not sure what the right approach is but definitely know what is in place now isn't working.  I can't imagine living closer or knowing any Border Control agents, they are in constant danger and should be in our prayers!  Borders of the Heart is a good book but also it is good to see how God can take one hard-hearted (but sympathetic) man and make him a new creation in Christ.

Review of Take a Chance on Me

I've looked at Susan May Warren's books before, I think about checking them out of the library.  I add her name to my lists of authors to look into.  But I never did until Tyndale's Summer Reading list.  I really enjoyed Take a Chance on Me.  I think it could've been called, Glimpses of Grace.  I've never thought much about firefighters but recent events in Arizona (death of 19 "hotshot" firefighters) made the book more harrowing.  There are 4 main characters: Derek, Ivy, Jensen, and Claire.  Derek and Jensen used to be hotshot firefighters.  God takes all 4 of them on a scary adventure, with lots of grace and difficult past events to wade through.

I thought the book could've been a little shorter.  I seem to have a personal opinion that characters shouldn't kiss or be really close unless there's a real relationship between them or they are truly ready for it.  I was a little disappointed that the characters seemed to kiss and snuggle more than I thought appropriate.

My moral viewpoint expressed, I really thought Take a Chance on Me was a good book with lots of romance, suspense, and God's redeeming love.  I'm definitely moving Susan May Warren up on my authors to check out list!

Jennifer: an O'Malley Love Story

Dee Henderson has finally published Jennifer: an O'Malley Love Story.  I read the pdf Dee had on her web site, but was excited to see Jennifer's story in a hardback book.  The 154 page book is much shorter than the other O'Malley books but really begins the story.  It is a very nice introduction into the O'Malley clan.  Jennifer is a pediatric doctor specializing in kids with chronic or terminal diseases.  Unlike the other O'Malley books, this one mentions one sister coming for a visit but doesn't detail that visit.  So the focus is really on Jennifer and her local relationships.  The book has a very nice cover and almost looks like a "gift" book.  Buy one for all of your friends who have the rest of the O'Malley series and buy one to introduce your friends to the O'Malley series!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Do you look perfect? Book review of "Perfecting Kate"

I was given the chance to read and review Perfecting Kate by Tamara Leigh.  As I've enjoyed another of her books, Splitting Harriet, I thought I knew what to expect.  However, I was surprised by Perfecting Kate.

The prologue gives you a glimpse into what's going to happen in the book and who the love interests are - Michael and Clive (make that Dr. Clive Alexander, who doesn't want to be romantically involved with a doctor?).  But the roller coaster ride Kate is taken on is classic (as I know her) Tamara Leigh.  Kate tries to be happy as a single woman, then she tries to listen to God's guidance on who she should date or not.  But sometimes it is hard to stop and think about what God wants, and time is something Kate is short on because of her job commitments, friends, and possible dates.

The heaviest topic discussed is how much should women change themselves?  Is a basic makeover enough?  Changing hair (color, cut), makeup, clothes and working out usually are enough for most women.  But when a makeover consultant hands you business cards from EVERYONE (dentist to fix that gap, surgical - mole, facial abrasian, spider veins, implants, etc), when is it enough?

So have some tissues ready because Kate is going to make you cry and question if you need to pursue an Operation: Perfect Faith!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book review Shattered

Shattered by Dani Pettrey, second in the Alaskan Courage series

I really enjoyed Submerged, the first book in the series and my review can be found here.  So I had high expectations for Shattered and I wasn't dissapointed, I really enjoyed it.  Shattered seemed to pick up close to the ending of the first book, maybe a few months later.  Shattered starts very quickly and I think the characters would be very confusing if you haven't read the first book, Submerged. And the books are so good that you should buy both. :)

Though Submerged stayed mostly in Alaska, Shattered gave the characters a chance to travel several places around California and Canada.  I enjoyed learning more about different ski areas and competition circuits.  Shattered didn't seem as God-focused though elements were there.

I enjoy that the story is told from different characters' viewpoints, but I think the suspense could've been maintained longer if the "bad guy" hadn't been introduced so quickly.

I thought it was cool that the band Kutlass was mentioned.  I laughed again at the character names, Meredith Blake is also the name used for the "Cruella DeVille" going to be stepmother in the remake Parent Trap movie.  And it's also fitting here as Gage's ex-wife.  I really liked Darcy and am glad she'll be featured in the next book in the series, Stranded coming October 2013.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review of I Exalt You, O God by Jerry Bridges

I Exalt You, O God by Jerry Bridges is a one month devotional book.  It was wonderful!  Whether you are new to Christianity and learning about worship or have been a Christian for many years, you will learn more about how/why to worship God not only in a group setting (like church) but also when you are by yourself (and why you should be doing both).  There were a mix of thoughts, Bible verses, and paraphrases of Bible verses.  One caveat is that a few days were longer than others so don't expect each day to be exactly the same length.

You can learn more about the book here.  And see all of the author's info here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a Kindle copy free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

To tattoo or not tattoo?

I've looked at other people's tattoos and I shake my head wondering what are they thinking??  My brother has several and my brother-in-law has several.  Again, I shake my head and wonder what are they thinking??  I wasn't very clear in my LADA awareness post, but my new endo said I am slowly developing type 1 diabetes.  I had another endo appointment in January, and he stopped the metformin I was taking and so I've increased my short-acting insulin pen shots to every meal (and snacks that qualify with my carb-to-insulin ratio).  Having type 1 diabetes makes me wonder if it's time to "get some ink" on my wrist.  Why?  Because I don't wear jewelry.  I'm an unusual woman, I've always been more of a tomboy than a girly-girl.  I wear my wedding ring and watch when I leave the house (well, 97% of the time, sometimes I forget).  I don't wear earrings (though my ears are pierced), or a necklace or bracelets.  So I can't imagine having a bracelet on 24/7.  But I don't want to forget and be in an accident without proper identification of this new-to-me medical condition.

My husband doesn't know how much I've been pondering this option.  I hate needles (adjusting to a diagnosis and even my daughter's diagnosis was not easy) and I hate pain so this is a REALLY big deal to me.  I know the idea of a tattoo isn't new and has already been discussed among the diabetes' community but I thought I would lay out my conflicting emotions, and since my husband is my only dedicated reader, at least my hubby will know that I'm really considering this!

Here's a picture of the tattoo that a high schooler girl has, she spoke at a kids' day camp we went to last summer.

Review of Desperate

I have been given the privilege of reading and reviewing Desperate: Hope for the Mom who needs to Breathe.  I haven't finished the book but I'm loving and enjoying it (while needing it) so much that I don't want to rush through the book to do an "on-time" review.  I think the authors would understand!  :)  I may not be the true target audience of the book, my oldest child is 11 and my youngest is 5, but I still NEED this book and am learning from it.  I think the book is targeted for mothers worn out from young children (I don't have any kids in diapers!).  But I think the book applies to all moms, even single christian women would benefit from this book.

The authors take an interesting approach to child discipline, especially Sally Clarkson.  But I do agree with her view that sometimes we need to pull back from so much physical discipline and instead spend extra time with our children and loving on them.

From what I've read so far, one area I'd like to see a little more emphasis is turning to God first. I've struggled since we moved three years ago to make friends. But it is making me turn to God first and lean on Him more. Instead of venting to a friend or automatically calling a friend, I turn it over to God and talk to Him about it first.

I've struggled for awhile between wanting and needing time to myself so I can support my family but not wanting to be worldly/selfish of "me-time".  I think SarahMae is in the same boat, but Sally reached out to her and saw that every mom needs some re-charging time and a break in order to serve their family.  I'm loving that the authors are the same as me that housekeeping is not their thing but they are working on it and want to do better.

More info coming later!  :)

Please check out the Desperate Mom website, SarahMae's blog, Sally's blog.  Great giveaways for at least the next week!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a pdf copy free from SarahMae. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”