Friday, November 21, 2008

A funny story

On a recent Sunday, we were told a story that made us laugh -

Apparently, a husband and wife were talking and the conversation went something like this:

Wife - Hmm, I wonder what CKB and CAB will do with the children when it's time for them to go to the hospital to have the baby?

Husband - Well, I imagine they'll drop them at the McDonald's.

Wife - (look of confusion and incredulity as she exclaims...) What?! I think they'll be there at the hospital for awhile, DH. What are the children going to do at McDonald's?

Husband - (realizing the confusion his comment has caused explains) - No, THE McDonald's :)


Now, to fill you all in - my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's last name is McDonald!

Ha ha! I confess when he was telling us the story I immediately thought to myself "why on earth would we take the children to McDonald's?" because I never think of my brother-in-law and sister-in-law as "The McDonald's" but rather by their first names :) I guess he got me too!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Diabetes Self-Management Training

Oh, the joy of having to go sit through another diabetes self-management training class.

I have been penciled in for next Tuesday. For a 2 hour session. Lovely.

Yesterday, I hunted through quite a few boxes of papers looking for my old paperwork to no avail. I *knew* I'd seen it somewhere since we moved, but couldn't remember what box I'd seen it in. Sigh. I told CKB I'd never find it while I was actually *looking* for it. I wanted to go ahead and get started with checking my blood sugar and making sure I was keeping things balanced even if I couldn't get in for the class before Thanksgiving. (The scheduler had called a couple of times and had no openings at all this week or next and then had one open up yesterday afternoon - the one day of the week I'd told her I could *not* come b/c of Miss E's piano lesson - figures - so when I didn't hear anything else back yesterday afternoon I figured there still weren't any cancellations and I wasn't going to hold my breath that I'd be going before December at this rate.)

So...this morning I happened to notice a box near our dining room table (yes, we live w/boxes still just sitting about...will we ever get them all unpacked? Probably not.) and the top said "CAB's computer/papers/ink/etc." and I thought, maybe, just maybe, this had papers that I kept by my computer at the old house...maybe. I opened the box and just started to rifle through them when I felt I should stop and pray that God would show me the right box and where to find these papers I needed. I resumed my search and the papers were right there! Thank you Lord! Now, I can get on with things and not just rely completely on memories of what I did about 3 years ago. Now, to obtain the dreaded monitor. Apparently this isn't going to be as simple as in times past when the dr. ordered it and I picked it up. Maybe by the end of today I'll find out when/where I'm to get the monitor this time. I may just get one at Walgreens since they have one that's free after mail-in rebate. We'll see....

Update - I have my monitor, lancets (little jabbing devices), and test strips - whoo hoo - and managed to get it all home and read all the information to calibrate the new monitor in time to get my first reading at 1 hour after lunch. According to my paperwork from last time I was GD, my reading should be <140 1 hr. after lunch and <120 2 hrs. after. My reading at 1 hr. after was......102! Yay! Looks like I'm on the right track. Good to know!

Update 2 - After dinner reading was great and so was my fasting reading this morning (Friday). So tempted to cancel that class, especially since I don't have a babysitter so far....eek!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Quilt Decision

Well, I've decided on a layout and the winning layout is:

http://oldspillhouse.blogspot.com/2008/11/and-another-possible-quilt-layout.html

I've finished the blocks which will add a row to the left and bottom to finish out the pattern. Now to assemble the top....Stay tuned!

* Update 11/19 - All the rows are now constructed, now to put the rows together!

** Update 11/19 p.m. All rows are together! Now, to add border(s)...

Sugar Definitely High

Well, I got the official call and I am GD (gestational diabetic) this time around. I guess the 3 hour test wasn't in vain after all even if it was in MY vein 4 times that morning! The SAME vein OVER AND OVER - owww - the 3rd time really stung, but the 4th wasn't as bad as the 3rd. I asked the lady how long she had to go to school for her job - she said she didn't - uh....apparently she'd been jabbing people for 10 years and it must've been on the job training back when she started. In-ter-es-ting. 8-O

Anyway :)

Now, I wait....for the next call from the scheduler person who will tell me when I go to take a nutrition class and get my blood sugar monitor and so forth. I took a class 8/9 years ago when I was expecting Miss E - I guess they figured I might need a refresher course :)

Happy Holidays.....Happy Holidays...when I can't eat all the pecan pie I want....ah well...maybe I'll make one in February and eat the whole thing...or not....

Friday, November 14, 2008

Sugar High

No, the children haven't been eating too much candy. No worries there.

My blood sugar test was this past week and I just got the call that my numbers were high. Yay. I had gestational diabetes with our 1st and 4th children, so I half expected I might this time around and it seems I might. I'm scheduled for a 3 hour glucose tolerance test on Thursday. Maybe, just maybe, this time around I'll pass the 3 hour and not have to stab my fingers every day for the next few months.

And since we're already talking about sugar...we stopped off at the Russell Stover store this past Sunday after services for a bathroom break for the children and while there, CKB picked up two new tins - they're very seasonal and pretty and naturally full of chocolate - good thing being GD (gestational diabetic) doesn't mean you can't have ANY sugar, just that you have to balance everything you eat.

I'll post a picture of them sometime when I have the time.

Pepsi, Frito-Lay, Tropicana, Quaker Oats, Gatorade - use any of these?

If you do, read the information below from the AFA:

PepsiCo gives $500,000 to promote the gay agenda in workplace
Company ignores two requests from AFA to discuss Pepsi's support of gay groups.

Pepsi has given Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) a half-million dollars to help push the homosexual agenda in the workplace.

Pepsi has a long tradition of financial support for homosexual groups. According to Jacqueline Millan, director of PepsiCo Corporate Contributions, "We are delighted to continue our partnership with PFLAG...(in) promoting the necessary message of inclusion to untapped groups...and that is a crucial step toward building a healthy working environment."

Despite the fact that 30 states have passed constitutional amendments defining marriage as being between a man and a woman, Pepsi continues to support the efforts by same-sex groups pushing for homosexual marriage.

AFA wrote Pepsi on October 14 and again on October 29 asking the company to remain neutral in the culture war. Pepsi didn't care enough to respond to the AFA letters. Pepsi's lack of response indicates the company plans to continue support for the homosexual agenda.

Take Action

* E-mail Chrm. Indra K. Nooyi. Tell her that you expect Pepsi to stop supporting the gay agenda.
* After sending your e-mail, please call Pepsi (914-253-2000) and ask the company to remain neutral in the culture war.
* Forward this e-mail to your friends and family so they will know about Pepsi's support of the gay agenda.

Pepsi's products include Pepsi soft drinks, Frito-Lay chips (800-352-4477), Quaker Oats (800-367-6287), Tropicana (800-237-7799) and Gatorade (800-367-6287).

Click here to ---> Send Your Letter Now!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Prayer for new baby

Update: Avery and her mom were able to go home from the hospital and are doing well at last report! Thank you for your prayers on their behalf!

A friend from our homeschool enrichment classes group just had her 5th baby 3 weeks early - a baby girl - Avery Catherine (what a great name :) )

Avery's lungs weren't quite ready and she is still in the hospital. Would y'all please join me in prayer for this new little one? Also for her mom's recovery from her C-section.

Today, the children and I ran some errands and had fun perusing the baby girl aisles and picking out something for this new little gal. Shopping for baby clothes is always fun! I'm hoping the girls can help me in a week or two to make a meal for the family - for the first time in a long time, my littlest isn't so little and I hope to have time to do this for the family. It'll be a good opportunity for the children to learn to help others when we are able to do so.

Thank you all for your prayers for little Avery and her mom.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Veterans Day is today! Let's remember all those who have served our country!




November 11, Veterans Day, began as a celebration of the peace after World War I ended. This date was chosen because on November 11, 1918, an armistice (truce) was signed that ended World War 1.

Read more at http://enchantedlearning.com/crafts/veterans


For Veterans Day crafts and projects for preschool, kindergarten and elementary school children, visit Enchanted Learning.


Today, I'd like to thank my Dad (served in Vietnam) and my grandfather (WWII) as well as my father-in-law (Korea) and brother-in-law who have all served our country in war and peace times. Also, all others I could never know nor remember the names of, I thank you all for your service.

Are you aware of FOCA? Get informed and act!



Sign the Fight FOCA Petition

Barack Obama is now the incoming President.

And he made a promise to Planned Parenthood last year they expect him to keep.

"The first thing I’d do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That’s the first thing I’d do."

SEE THE VIDEO IN THE RIGHT SIDEBAR AT THE SITE

The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) would eliminate every restriction on abortion nationwide .

Barack Obama believes this legislation will "end the abortion wars." To him, "ending the abortion wars" means eradicating every state and federal law on abortion — laws that the majority of Americans support.

Americans United for Life (AUL) , a pro-life law and policy organization, has prepared an analysis of the "Freedom of Choice Act." Please click here to read AUL Vice President & Legal Director Denise Burke’s analysis of this horrendous legislation.

The time to Fight FOCA is now. With Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid in charge of Congress, we can expect a fight over FOCA to begin as soon as the next Congress begins.

Please add your name to the Fight FOCA petition and let your friends know about President-Elect Barack Obama’s promise to expand abortion throughout the country.


FOCA Would Wipe Away Every Restriction on Abortion Nationwide
This would eradicate state and federal laws that the majority of Americans support, such as:

* Bans on Partial Birth Abortion
* Requirements that women be given information about the risks of getting an abortion
* Only licensed physicians can perform abortions
* Parents must be informed and give consent to their minor daughter's abortion

FOCA would erase these laws and prevent states from enacting similar protective measures in the future.

Monday, November 10, 2008

And another possible quilt layout

Decisions, decisions....I laid the quilt blocks out in a different formation Friday and am trying to decide. Either way, I still need to make two more rows of blocks to complete the top. I plan to knock those out this afternoon during nap/quiet time if all goes well.

Here's the 2nd possible layout. Amazing what you can do w/the exact same blocks and achieve a completely different look, isn't it?

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Another quilty update

Well, I got a little work done on the quilt today - I laid out the blocks that are complete so far and have been thinking about what more I'd like to do with it before I start putting it all together.

In the picture, you'll see the completed 4 patch blocks lined up in the placement I believe I'll be going with - anything can happen though :) I do plan to make 8 more of each the pink/floral and maroon/floral to add two more rows at the bottom. Then, it will measure 36" x 36" (unsewn).



Now, I made a few blocks that are maroon/pink 4 patches and was thinking about using them as a border, but I'm not sure yet.

In this picture, you can see where I laid them alongside one corner to see how it would look. I'm not 100% convinced to do this yet and haven't made any more of those blocks at this point.



A few other options would be to add a border all the way around the quilt - maybe with the floral, then use the pink/maroon 4 patches, then another "solid" border around that and the binding - the possibilities are endless....or maybe not use the pink/maroon blocks at all....argh! What to do, what to do?!

Any input is welcome :)

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

A new day

Well, today was supposed to be up around 81 or so and I was dreading another hot day as we are still waiting for the a/c people to show back up or at least call with a possible day they'll return - instead I awoke to an overcast day that promises to stay cooler - hooray! (just checked the forecast and it's expected to be 83! At least it's not sunny, then it'd probably get even hotter!).

Last night we decided to carry out a 'tradition' - at least we've done it once before - and headed out to dinner instead of sitting around watching election returns come in. It was nice and peaceful until the waiter at a nearby table comes up to that table and loudly proclaims "In case y'all were interested, Obama......" - at that point I blocked out his obnoxiously loud voice and got back into conversation with CKB and the children and we managed to enjoy the rest of our meal. That was exactly what we'd been wanting to avoid for the evening - and why we decided we would not go to the closest restaurant (they have 2 giant tvs and I knew they'd have election coverage on). Figures.

So, we returned home and went to bed early. Blissfully ignorant of what was unfolding across the nation. We had voted. We had been praying. We know who is in charge and are comforted greatly in that knowledge.

This morning I reluctantly turned on the computer and tv and figured I might as well find out the results. I was saddened, but not surprised. I don't understand how so many could vote for such a man. How so many could turn from God and support a man who supports so many ungodly things.

God is in control. I will rest in that knowledge and continue in prayer.

As the hymn states, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness..."


Today we have finished our schoolwork early and have the rest of the day before us. Miss E has piano this afternoon, but otherwise the day is ours to do with what we will. I hope to work some on the baby quilt at some point. I also have plans to try and go through some things that have been lying around for ages needing to be dealt with. Then, naturally, there's always laundry and dishes and other miscellaneous cleaning that needs to be done.

What's on tap for you today?

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Monday, November 3, 2008

Someone from Guam visited the blog!

Now why is that worthy of note? And, where is Guam anyway?

Well, it's worth of note because that's where I was born! Dad was in the Coast Guard at the time. If it didn't require a long flight or boat ride, I'd definitely be trying to figure a way to see this place where I was born, but alas, it's not like driving to another state. Oh well. Somehow I doubt I'll ever see Guam.

Where is Guam, you ask?

Well, first off, shame on you for not knowing!
Secondly, look here to find out.

And, if you're the visitor from Guam reading this, say hello next time, won'tcha? :)

Ah yes, and how did I know someone from Guam visited when they didn't leave a comment...Feedjit - pretty neat little gizmo (look toward bottom right of blog to see where folks are visiting from any time you're on the blog, it's interesting!)

A/C update

Well, the A/C guys showed up this morning, unannounced. Nothing like hearing car doors (or in this case, van doors) slamming outside your house and realizing it just might be because someone is at YOUR house and you haven't gotten a shower or gotten dressed for the day and your hair resembles a bird's nest, but alas, the a/c is more important than my vanity, right? And, I wasn't wearing anything indecent, just felt grungy knowing I hadn't spiffed up for the day. Sigh. So, yes, moments later as I zipped over to look through the peephole, bemoaned my situation and became quickly resigned to it, I was opening the door with a bright smile and greeting the a/c guy. He explained that they hadn't been given a phone number to call ahead - thanks property manager guy - and that they were here to look at the a/c unit. Oh joy. So, he comes in and fiddles around w/the unit and then says he'll be outside. A little while later he comes back to the door and wants to come in again to look at the unit, this time his fellow technician comes with him. Oh joy. They look in the a/c closet for awhile and then proclaim they're going to have to order a part and the homeowner will have to approve it, but hopefully they'll be back out later this week. Later this week? Argh. Don't they know it got up to 90 in the house this weekend? Couldn't they SEE I'm pregnant and it's too hot in here for me and the children during the day? I know, it's not their fault, I just wish it could've been an easy "freon adding" type of quick fix. So, we wait. The house is a rental, by the way, so that is why we wait...for other folks to make the decisions about the repairs.

And naturally the temps are expected to creep up all week until about Thursday when they're supposed to start coming back down. That's probably when they'll show back up.

Happy hot Texas fall y'all :)

Tinkerbell movie, dishonoring to God

Well, the girls have been seeing a lot of "Tinkerbell" movie advertisements and naturally there are plenty of toys and other merchandise in the stores what with the release of the movie. As a result, Miss A asked if they could see it. We decided to give it a shot and picked up a copy. Saturday night we sat down to watch it with the children.

The first couple of minutes were very disappointing and we decided that this wasn't the movie for us. The movie begins with a voice proclaiming:


"Have you ever wondered how nature gets its glow?
Who gives it light and color as the seasons come and go?
Who helps all creatures great and small to walk, to swim, to fly?
Who crafts such tiny details?
You might see them if you try,
for its all the work of fairies..."

What?!?

We stopped the movie at this point and asked the children what they thought about that. Who was it that DID all those things? They answered, God!
Should we watch a movie that is dishonoring to God and takes away glory from Him?
No!

It all goes back to being responsible for what you know. Ya know?

Sorry Tinkerbell, you won't be a movie staple in our house.