Just one good one...

I asked my boys for just 

ONE decent picture.

These are the results.

They make me so tired. 

Really, really tired.

Diabetes-versary & happy times

 When your husband asks when you're going 

to update your blog---

you know you're LONG overdue for an update. 

Apparently he really wants to know 

what's going on in our family!

So here you go, babes! 

(pics out of order - too much work to fix)

Rydge celebrated his 2 month diabetes-versary 

on April 14th.  He is a rockstar.

'Nuff bout that.

Will post later with the details.

Cousins, cousins, cousins!

We had so much fun with my sis Kati 

and her family that drove a million 

miles from Pocatello, ID to come to the

Houston Rodeo (and to see us, too).

Here are of few of them snoozing.

How long do you think it took before

Maddie was in that water, too?

Yeah, not long.

We had pics taken while the whole

fam-damily was here. 

I'm chubbers - but everyone else 

is GORGEOUS!

When did my kids get so stinkin' big??

I'm secretly hoping this diabetes 

thing stunts Rydge's growth and he's my 

little Rydgit  fOrEvEr!

I heart this pic so so very very much. 

I love those grandparents with

their grandbabes. 

Beautiful.

Rodeo with the crew.

 Tyler had the great fortune to be a part of 

PAWS (partnering animals w/success)

this year at Klein.  

AMAZING experience.  

View here and here for more info.

Also, we are really reverent at church.

...see?

My little man won 2nd in area with his mad hops.

He's competing in regionals this weekend in Waco.

Triple-jumpin' fool.

My little piece of coconut in the chocolate pie.

The kids had a most amazing weekend at 

Book of Mormon Youth Conference.

This is Kyle looking BOM'ish.

My hero, Leah, convinced all the kids to dye 

Easter eggs.  This was Tyler's.

In case you can't see it says,

"I'm mad @ Leah".

This kid cooperated a little better.

CUTENESS. sort of.

Hayley is always cute.

And my LULU got braces!!

So of course SHE's cute. 

Kyle got his haircut. 

I told him he looked hot.

He said that was inappropriate.

whatev.

 Rydge writing down his carbs.

This boy is an inspiration.

He is OWNING this diabetes stuff.

I'm so proud of him.

The crew.  

I love these peeps with all my heart.

Update complete.

One week ago tonight...

Well, I failed pretty miserably at keeping up with my grateful posts in November, but I would be remiss if I didn't share my gratitude as I sit at this computer tonight.

Exactly one week ago tonight, Valentine's Day evening, Spencer and I were driving the Rydget to the Texas Children's Hospital Emergency room.  He had just been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.  My head was spinning.  Tears were close to the surface with every thought, every text to family, every time I looked at my baby.  I feared for him.  I prayed for him.  He was so sick and weak he could barely answer "yes" or "no" to medical personnel asking him questions.

Leading up to this Rydge had not been himself for a couple of weeks.  Nothing "outstanding", just complaints of stomach aches and being tired.  He was SUPER cranky, too. I mean c-r-a-n-k-y! He stayed home last Monday from school, which he never does, because he felt nauseous and he slept ALL DAY. 

Tuesday morning he was getting ready for school and as he came out of the shower I was shocked at how thin he looked. 
Skin and bones. I told him to hop on the scale --- he had lost almost 10 pounds in 3 weeks.  My 62 pound son now weighed 53.   How had this happened right before my eyes?  Then I started putting together the pieces:  fatigue, thirst, frequent urination, muscle aches, weight loss, nausea.  My heart skipped a beat.  Several beats actually.  I called the doc.  They scheduled blood work for Thursday morning.  We got the call Friday that he had high blood sugar and that he was most likely diabetic.   None of the hospitals that the endocrinologist was affiliated with would take Rydge- their PICU was full, he was too  young, whatever.   That was frustrating---but really was a sweet miracle from a loving Heavenly Father that we ended up at TX Children's.

Sweet skinny boy. Saddest face ever.

We learned a new word (or words) that Friday night.  Diabetic ketoacidosis.   Because his little body wasn't producing insulin to carry glucose to his cells for energy, his body adapted by breaking down fat for energy---thus, the weight loss.  His pH was severely jeopardized.   The first 12 hours after we were admitted were spent in the PICU getting him stabilized.  It was a scary night.  But I was comforted by the amazing doctor's and nurses that God put in our path.

All hooked up and ready to be de-acid-ized.
Insulin and saline.

He was moved to a regular room on the endocrine floor on Saturday afternoon.  He was talking, eating, and smiling ( a little).  His fingertips were getting tough as his blood glucose was checked every 20-40 min.   Such a brave boy.  He had moments of sadness and fear of all the pokes and pricks - who wouldn't?  But he has taken it all in.

I couldn't have survived without the love and support of my family both near and far.  You sustained me and my boy and I'm overflowing with gratitude for your support and love.  I'm grateful for good friends and neighbors that watched out for my big kiddos at home, that sent texts of support.  I'm grateful for the docs, nurses, and volunteers that blessed our lives and patiently introduced us to our "new normal".  

Rydge obviously feeling better - Grapes in his lips. Dork.

AWESOME family.

Anxiously waiting to be discharged!

There is so much I want to say---so many things I want to record.  And I'll get to it.  Hopefully, better than I did my grateful posts in November. yikes.

As of today, Rydge has been back in school two days...more details later, but let me just say...

RYDGE ROCKS!!

Grateful #13

I am grateful for this. 

It is my happy place.

'Nuff said.

Grateful #12

I finally figured out what I want to be 

when I grow up! 

 

 

I'm SOOOO SOOOO SOOOO grateful for a job 

that I look forward to everyday.

For a profession that is my perfect fit!

I hEaRt OT!

 I was truly led, step by tiny step, 

to discover this hidden passion---

and I'm grateful to my Heavenly Father.

Every. Single. Day.

Grateful #11

My family is a military family. 

My Mutti & Dado served.  

Dado was a WWII and Vietnam veteran. 

My Bubs served.

My Uncle Craig (Bud) and my Uncle J. Scott served.

My Uncle J lost his life in the service our great nation.

Today, and whenever I think of the sacrifice of those who serve our country and their sweet families, 

I am humbled and filled with the deepest gratitude.  

Thank you to all who keep us safe. 

Thank you to all who fought and fight for this great nation.

My beautiful Mutti.

My uncle Bud.

My cutest Bubs.

My Uncle J.

My handsome Dado.

Thank you.

Grateful #10

For the last few really long times our ice-maker has been busted.

We got it fixed today and I am 

BEYOND grateful for an icy glass of water.

I'm salivating just thinking of it.

Grateful #9

I am grateful for my Granny.

Just thinking of her makes me giggle.

She went to party on the other side almost six years ago, 

but I think of her all the time and am so grateful

that my kids remember her, 

& for the deep impression she left on my heart.

Love you, Granny!

Me and my Granny on my graduation day 1989

Granny getting smooches from the neighbor boys

 

Grateful #8

I am grateful for this dude.

He has grown up into such an amazing young man. 

I can see him as a missionary, as a business exec,

 as a husband and father. 

His potential is limitless.

He is a leader, he's smart, he has a million friends, 

kids LOVE him,

he is crazy about pretty girls, he is a tech wiz, 

he loves his family.

Sorry I didn't get any football pics this year, Kyle! 

Boo me.

Disney dress up day at school.  

How awesome is this fool??!!??

 Kyle told me that he wished he could wear his green tights everyday

 - under his jeans - 

they are just so comfy. 

Grateful #7

My Gigi.

I am beyond the moon thankful for this beautiful woman. 

I'm grateful for her testimony, her support, 

her acceptance, her loyalty, her sacrifice, her elegance, 

her example, her love. 

She is everything I want to be when I grow up! 

Grateful #6

How can I not be grateful for this joker?

I love love love this boy that made me a mama!

He is goofy, talented, responsible, a little bit fragile, smart, witty, and the most thoughtful gift giver.

Varsity receiver 

Messing with my iPad while in the hospital 

with his latest football injury.

A hole in his esophagus.  

Who does that???

While in the ER with the above injury, 

I went into the hall for a moment 

and I came back into the room to find this.

Idiot.

See "a little bit fragile" notation above.

This boy is NOT a fan of needles.

 Proud, proud mom.  

Seems impossible this kid will be leaving the nest soon.

I'm soaking up every minute.

Gratitude #5

Naps.  Oh, happy day.  Nothin' better.