The kids like to pretend it’s winter in the basement. Can’t explain the glasses.
June = Strawberries!
June 24, 2010 Filed Under Family
Last weekend, Luke, Grace, Caleb, and I were able to go pick strawberries at DK Orchards in Conklin, MI. (Thank you SO much, Wendy, for watching Ava and Jaden – it made things SO much easier!)
We picked 12 quarts at $1.25/quart. This made 12 jars of freezer jam, 2 4-cup baggies of sliced berries for shortcake, about a gallon freezer bag full of individually frozen berries, and a bowl full of fresh, sliced berries for our consumption. We love strawberries!
My Four Little Sweethearts
June 24, 2010 Filed Under Family
Here’s the picture I took of my four precious kiddos for Luke’s Father’s Day card. Thought I’d share now that the holiday has passed!
For Mothers of Young Diabetics…
June 17, 2010 Filed Under Family
I want you to know that I understand the ache in your heart.
We found out Grace was diabetic just a few months after her 4th birthday. I was the one who tested her at home and discovered that her blood sugar was 576. Having a diabetic husband, I knew that that number was not good.
I think I cried all the way to the doctor’s office that day – frightened, frustrated, angry. Thinking, God, how could you allow our sweet 4-year-old to face this?! At that point in time, there was so much uncertainty. But on thing was certain – life was changing.
When you found out your young child was a Type 1 diabetic, your life changed. Those protective instincts went into overdrive, yearning to keep your child safe and healthy.
And yet, it’s really not in our control as moms, is it?
We can do our best to learn about diabetes and carbs and insulin and pumps, and every other thing that will affect their health. But ultimately, they’re in much more capable hands than our own. In a way that I cannot grasp, our God loves each of our children so much more than we ever could. And He will do what is best, even if it’s not what we would have chosen.
So, moms, don’t be afraid to grieve. Grieve for the life that you expected your child would live.
And when you’re through the grief, rejoice. Rejoice because God loves your child. Rejoice because we live in an age where our children CAN live healthy lives with diabetes. Rejoice for insulin pumps and blood glucose monitors and health professionals who care.
I understand the ache in your heart. Sometimes I get ahead of myself and worry about Grace’s future. What will life be like when she’s a young wife who wants to have babies – and diabetes will make her pregnancy trickier than most? What if she isn’t always able to control her blood sugar well – what side effects will occur? Even sillier, how cumbersome will it be to have to carry an insulin pump around with her for the rest of her life? Where will she hide it during formal events? So many things to think about as a mom, and yet…
She’s in much more capable hands than my own. My God loves her so very much.
Happy Father’s Day!
May 17, 2010 Filed Under Family
I found an awesome deal on Craigslist last week, so we celebrated Father’s Day a little bit early.
Since we built a deck last October/November, we thought it would be nice to have a propane grill. All we had was a teeny charcoal one, which has served us faithfully so far. But, wouldn’t it be fun for Luke to be able to be the “grill-master” at our house?
So, I decided to search Craigslist and see what was in our area. Thankfully, the first time I searched, I found a great deal on a beautiful grill in great condition. (And you all know how I love a good deal!) It’s a Char-Broil Commercial Series 5-burner Quantum LP. That’s a mouthful! (Click here to see one that’s not quite as nice. I think this specific grill that we bought isn’t in production anymore.)
Here are the boys checking out the grills…
And Luke checking out his gift (with the kiddos)…
She’s prettier in the sunshine…
A special shout-out to my beautiful friend Jesse, who went with me to look at the grill, ruthlessly bartered, and drove the grill around GR in her truck. And thanks to her hubby, Jared, who re-attached the door after a little tipping-over fiasco when she was driving. SO SORRY about the trouble, guys!
We were able to enjoy our first grill-out of the season with Jared and Jesse (and our many children) on Friday night, and we look forward to many more such nights with our friends!
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY, Luke! You are the best man I know!
