It's here! Diabetes Day is here!

We're celebrating by counting carbs and dosing insulin.  So pretty much like every day around here.  :)  Something new was changing the cartridge on my daughter's insulin pen.  This is our newest insulin-taker, my 2nd oldest (note to self - need nicknames on here) was prescribed a refillable half unit dosing insulin pen (forgive me for not knowing the exact name, there are 2 brands that I'm aware of).  It's a little intimidating, but also very nice to be able to turn the dial forwards and backwards and dose in half units! 

I would love a cure.  I am in awe of the early researchers of insulin, they gave all diabetics the chance at wellness and continued life.  My oldest daughter's diagnosis was scary, and I can't imagine taking her to the hospital where there was no insulin, no treatment, only wasting away and death. 

I am thankful for necessary-don't-judge-me-for-taking-insulin-I'm-diabetic.  I am thankful for improving treatments.  I am thankful we're all here today.  I am thankful, but I am waiting - waiting for that cure.

Thanks to Kerri for the above ear worm.  :)

Diabetes Awareness month - Daily Life

Well, here we go again, another November has rolled around and it's Diabetes Awareness Month!  I'm not going to make any big promises to blog every day because I'm already two days behind.  Ha ha.

With all of the shots, insulin cartridges, needles, lancets, etc that are used on a daily basis we need somewhere to dispose of these items properly.  For my state, we can use laundry detergent bottles.  So, if I come asking you for any clean and empty laundry detergent bottles, you'll understand.  These empty insulin pens have to go somewhere!  :)

No one in my house likes the smell of insulin, so these pens had to be emptied when no one else was home which is almost never!

"Why is she crying?"

My oldest says about my 2nd oldest, "Why is she crying?"

"Because it hurt, and she's bleeding," I say.  We've crossed over, our 2nd oldest daughter started insulin last week.  We all want to cry, or make funny faces to distract my daughter at shot times.  It's a family affair around here, always has been.

But I really want to post some pictures of the odd places I've been finding my oldest daughter's test strips.  Please do not skip ahead, take these pictures one at a time!  :)

In the popcorn bowl:

and here's a close-up

How about my youngest daughter's belongings?  I found this in her swim bag.

The next one is reconstructed, but it is honestly how I found it!!

Would you like a test strip with your marshmallow treats??

*Note: do not start at the bottom of this post but please start at the top and read down!!!!

Book Review Visible Threat

Visible Threat by Janice Cantore was good and suspenseful.  I think Janice Cantore does a good job of balancing writing from a cop's perspective (since she is a retired cop) and not bogging the reader down in police details, like the perp is in violation of code blah blah blah.  Human trafficking is a horrible horrendous thing and the author did a good job of describing it and its seedy underworld.  This is the second book to feature Brinna Caruso, so I would recommend reading Critical Pursuit first. 

Book Review Every Waking Moment

Every Waking Moment by Chris Fabry was different than any book I've read before.  I was amazed at how quickly I cared about Treha and what happened to her.  Not only did she have an unusual name but she also has an amazing gift and a mysterious medical condition.  I think the author Chris Fabry did a better job this time, compared to one of his past books, writing female characters.  Check out Every Waking Moment and be immersed in the mystery of Treha and her world!

Oh the blood!

Oh the blood!
(Think Scarlett O'Hara with her hand across her brow)

It showed up on my toothpaste lid
from a blood sugar check I did
it's everywhere, it's everywhere!
even on the waistband of my underwear.

When I Fall in Love book review

I must say that I fell in love a long time ago to my husband!  When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren is the third book in the Christiansen Family series.  Who wouldn't want to go to Hawaii?  Well, apparently Grace Christiansen is thrown for a loop when her family gets her a special trip to participate in a cooking program in Hawaii.  She's never really been out of Deep Haven, except camp, and please don't bring camp up with her!  But Grace needs a break and finds Hawaii might be the best place to hang out as long as she doesn't really have to see her brother's teammate Maxwell Sharpe.

I love the descriptions of Max as he turns into different personas depending on the situation.  Also the storyline of Raina is heartbreaking.  I was hoping the next book would be coming out sooner, but it sounds like I'll have to wait until February 2015 for Always on My Mind.  But there will be a Christmas novella, Evergreen in September 2014.

Firewall book review

I've read some other books by DiAnn Mills, but I think I liked Firewall the best.  There's a very tight storyline in Firewall, due to a deadline that is quickly approaching.  I think the author did a great job in sticking to and following the dates and times in the book, sort of like a season of 24 but instead of one day it lasted less than a week.  I feel so sorry for Taryn, the story starts as she's about to go on her honeymoon but there's an airport bombing and her brand new husband is gone!  She barely survives and now has to deal with who and what her husband might be.

Moment of nitpickiness: the cover picture doesn't match Taryn's description - she has red hair and green eyes.  :)

It had to be you book review

It Had To Be You by Susan May Warren, the second Christiansen Family novel after Take A Chance on Me (my review here).  The book was great, I'm really enjoying the Christiansen series.  I stayed up late reading, wondering what was going to happen.  I love how Eden does her job but also cares so much about others and spends time with them to get their story.  The real gem in this book (no offense to Eden's story), is the novella included at the end about Eden's mom and dad.  The story of how they got together and how it seemed impossible at first. 

Dee Henderson, unsolicited review and personal tirade

I loved Dee Henderson's books.  I started with The Negotiator, the first in the O'Malley series, and loved it.  I tried to wait patiently for the books coming out but it was really hard.  Then I went back and read the pre-quel Danger in the Shadows.  And eventually I read her early book, The Marriage Wish.  I read her Uncommon Heroes series and liked it but not as much as the O'Malley series.  Then she published some stand alone books: Kidnapped (also known as True Courage), Before I Wake, and The Witness; I really liked those.

Then Dee was in a terrible accident and didn't publish anything for a while.  I was very excited when her new book came out and now two more.  So now we're to Full Disclosure, Unspoken, and Undetected.  I've been disappointed each time.

First, the books are longer than the O'Malley series books so each book seems to go on and on.  Second, I keep waiting for the suspense.  Because her new books were labeled "romantic suspense", I expected some suspense to be in these books. There are moments of problems and issues, and I know something is going to happen but I never really feel the peril or surprise at who the "bad guy" is.

It's not that these books are bad, they're nice stories.  But really not what I expected when I opened a Dee Henderson book.  She used to be my favorite author and I think I'm starting to look for a new one.

Test, Test, Re-Test

When I was originally diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, I was asked to take my blood sugar twice a day.  One - fasting in the morning, and two - two hours after my biggest meal.  But then the dr also added when I didn't feel well or "off" or whatever (which was quite frankly all of the time because I had diabetes and was freaking out a little).  I knew that type 1 diabetics were supposed to test before driving so I threw that one in sometimes too.

I think one of the major differences between type 1 diabetics and type 2 diabetics is how often they test their blood sugar.  I've asked type 2 diabetics how often they take their blood sugar and it follows the routine I listed - at most twice a week.  I hope those who are dosing insulin take their blood sugar more often, but I wouldn't bet my life on it.  Type 1 diabetics are supposed to take their blood sugar fasting, before each meal or snack, before driving, before bed, when sick, when they feel "off", etc.  And when you have a blood sugar number that needs adjustment, like you were low and ate something, then you have to re-test so you end up taking your blood sugar again!  Sometimes the number seems off so you have to wash your hands and take your blood sugar yet again!  Did you get an error?  That's a wasted test strip and then you have to take your blood sugar again.  Argh, keeping up with blood sugar numbers is a big fat pain (but life saving).  :)

I was fine, sure just fine

A few weeks ago . . .

My friend called and we agreed to meet at the park with all of our kids.  Then I got the first phone call about my daughter's blood sugar.  Then I had to meet my friend at the park, one look at my face and she knew something was wrong.  I held the crying at bay for a minute until the kids were playing then the tears came (again).  Part of my being upset was waiting for the right time to tell our daughter.  There's never a right time!!  But we had to decide if she would be re-tested.  I wanted her to make that choice.

Our daughter agreed to be re-tested and so the waiting began.  My friend kept asking me if I was okay.  I felt okay at the moment but wasn't sure about the next moment.

Then the call came, her blood sugar was elevated for the re-test and she's diagnosed.  My husband was home for lunch right then so we talked for a minute.  Again, the question this time from him, are you okay?  I said yes, then it only took two seconds past the door being shut that the tears were back again.

Have we been down this road before?  Yes, that makes it a lot easier but it doesn't make it any less devastating or life-changing or cry-inducing.

Life changes

In October 2012, I posted about my type 1 diabetes diagnosis and starting insulin.  In January 2013, I started quick acting insulin at each meal and March 2013 (or Feb, I can't remember) I started Lantus insulin.  Now I'm waiting on approval for an insulin pump.  I'm also looking at being a part of TrialNet's LIFT study (Long-Term Investigative Follow-Up in TrialNet), looking for c-peptide levels.  So, I'm not done with TrialNet yet I guess.

Our second-oldest daughter has been doing an OGTT every 6 months for a TrialNet follow-up (history study).  In April, we got the call that her blood sugar was above the threshold (211, instead of less than 200 at two hours).  We went back and repeated the test and she was higher (232).  So she's officially diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic too.  That's half our children (2 out of 4) and half of our family (3 out of 6) having type 1 diabetes.  I know we're not alone, there are several blogs with parents talking about multiple t1 children but it's still really hard!  Because of such an early diagnosis through TrialNet, our daughter will probably just start by taking her blood sugar and eventually move to insulin.  Our oldest daughter was diagnosed at the hospital and she was in DKA, not an ease-into-this slowly diagnosis!

I still support TrialNet and am looking forward to research developments that come because of their research.  We're still getting our other two children tested once a year and I'm encouraging my siblings to be tested.  It's much nicer to get that "it's okay" letter in the mail than a "your child tested positive for autoantibodies" call from TrialNet.  :)

Another Great Book - Silenced

Book #4 in the Alaskan Courage series, Silenced by Dani Pettrey is now available.  I was very excited to read Kayden and Jake's story.  The book was very good, providing suspense and romance and exciting details of rock climbing.  I would highly recommend you read the whole series in order.  It's hard to keep the characters and their details straight without it.  The author, Dani Pettrey, does try to slowly introduce everyone with some background information but you'll probably be lost without reading the other books. I'm wondering if there is going to be a fifth book telling Reef's story?

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.”

You can read my previous reviews for Submerged, Shattered, and Stranded.

Death by the Book, a sequel to Rules of Murder

I liked Rules of Murder, here's my review.  Death by the Book (A Drew Farthering Mystery) by Julianna Deering takes off suddenly, without much back story so I would recommend reading Rules of Murder first.  My favorite character was Madeline's Aunt Ruth.  Aunt Ruth has come to visit and she is making her case against Drew quite obvious.  She definitely livens up the book!  But you'll have to read the book to find out if Drew can win her over.

Like Rules of Murder, Death by the Book is set in 1930s England.  Though it wasn't crucial to reading the book, I easily became lost in the Shakespeare references.  But this shows my lack of knowledge because the Shakespeare element actually makes the book more interesting.

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.”

Time change

I hate time changes, whether traveling or celebrating Daylight Savings Time.  I forgot to change my meter last Saturday.  I realized it yesterday or the day before but didn't change it until today.  Why?  One reason is because I have a dr's appointment Tuesday and for once I'd like to look like I get up at a decent hour!  :)

A Stillness of Chimes

A Stillness of Chimes by Meg Moseley has an interesting cover.  I kept coming back to the picture.  I think I was drawn in by the perfect berries sitting on a clean palm with berry-stained fingers.  Then the intriguing story gets a hold of you and this book is really hard to put down.  Is Laura's father still alive or not?

I loved how the author used creative phrases and made me laugh.  I hadn't read anything by Meg Moseley before but her writing was wonderful!  She wrote the book using different characters' viewpoints but it wasn't jolting.  I could talk about the warning that you can take from the book but it would be a spoiler so I won't.  :)

You can read chapter one here (pdf file to download)

I had trouble keeping some of the characters straight b/c sometimes they say Daddy and sometimes they use first names so here is a character list
Laura Gantt - main character, starts when she's young and then continues when she comes "home" to clean our her mom's house (May)
Jessamyn Gantt - Laura's mother, also called Jess, she has died (April)
Elliott Gantt - Laura's daddy
Sean Halloran - Laura's high school sweetheart who still hasn't gotten over her
Keith Halloran - Sean's older brother, married with kids
Dale Halloran - Sean and Keith's dad
Cassie (Bright) ? - best friend of Laura's, home visiting, married to Drew
Tigger (Bright) ? - Cassie's little sister, married to Tom, son Trevor
Gary Bright - Cassie and Tigger's dad, married to Ardelle

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.” 

Is your life in danger?

Unfortunately, former supermodels Juliette Taylor and Raven are about to be reunited and both of their lives are in danger.  The book Beauty to Die For: a Spa Mystery by Kim Alexis & Mindy Starns Clark started a little slow but I was soon caught up in the story.

Beauty to Die For was a mystery like other Mindy Starns Clark's books that I've enjoyed.  I felt Kim Alexis definitely added some of her story and experiences to the spa/supermodel part of the book.  The book makes the reader want to reserve a weekend retreat at a spa and enjoy some time in comfy robes and pampering time.  I liked how the book emphasized we all need to rest in the Lord and take care of ourselves.

If you liked Camy Tang's Love Inspired Suspense spa series or want to learn about why a supermodel would retire, you'll need to get this book!

Thanks to B&H Publishing Group for giving me this Advanced Reader copy to review.  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from B&H 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.”

I was LOL!

I loved Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel but the book seemed to end abruptly and too soon so I was excited to get a chance to read and review book 2 in the A Dear Daphne novel series: Dating, Dining, and Desperation by Melody Carlson.

Dating, Dining, and Desperation (DDD) picks up pretty soon after the first one so you should definitely read Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel before reading DDD.  But since Daphne is waiting on God she isn't running into any relationships until a new neighbor talks her into it!  The new neighbor cracks me up.  But a different neighbor will steal your heart like she stole mine. 

Melody gives an update at the end of the book that there should be two more books available in this series but they will be ebooks so get your e-reader ready!

Thanks to B&H Publishing Group for giving me this wonderful book to review.  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from B&H 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.”

Take Flight! book review

Take Flight!: A Sisterchicks' Devotional by Robin Jones Gunn & Cindy Hannan was a great book.  I've read most of the Sisterchicks books and have enjoyed each one.  Take Flight is a devotional taking some of the best quotes and ideas from Sisterchicks and then adding and expanding to make more of a deep daily devotional to help you in your Christian walk.

I have never read anything by Cindy Hannan but enjoyed this co-project.  I wanted to underline and highlight LOTS because a lot of the ideas really hit home with me.  Some devotionals are light and fluffy but this was deep and fun at the same time.  I think this would make a great gift for any woman!

Here is more information about the book including a link to read the first chapter of Take Flight!

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.”