Back to Vigilante-ism

What I mean is, back to being more vigilant about Jared's diabetes! I took him for one of his regular check-ups today, and his A1C, which is a measure of his diabetes control over the last 2-3 months, was not good. The last A1C he had was at 7.5 three months ago. 7.5% is a good number. Today's was 8.6%, which is NOT good. He went up a whole percentage point!! I was, quite frankly, shocked by this. I knew it would go up A LITTLE, but a whole percentage point?!

Another shocker....we found out that a boy in Jared's class was diagnosed with diabetes just before Christmas. On one hand, Jared feels sad for him, because he definitely wouldn't wish it on anyone. On the other hand, Jared feels happy to have someone else around who will understand exactly what life with Type 1 diabetes is like. So he has strict instructions from his doctor, who also happens to be the doctor for the boy in Jared's class: BE A GOOD ROLE MODEL. And two, NO EATING ANYTHING WITHOUT INSULIN.....OR ELSE. :)

Doc told Jared that he'll leave it for him to figure out what the "or else" will be. When Jared laughed at this, he said to me, "He looks scared, doesn't he?!" We all laughed over that. We LOVE Jared's doctor...he is AWESOME.

And More Christmas at Our House

More Christmas at Our House

Christmas at Our House!

It's the Annual Under-the-Tree Slumber Party!

Every December 23rd (or as the kids say, "the night before the night before Christmas!") the kids sleep under the tree. This came about when they were littler (ever since Jacob was about 4) and Nicole and Jake wanted to sleep under the tree on Christmas Eve. We told them that they can't sleep under the tree on Christmas Eve, or else Santa can't come! So we decided on sleeping under the tree on the 23rd. We've done it ever since; it's one of our lasting traditions. I think this is one that will get handed down to the next generation.

Neighbor Gifts

I finally came up with something for the neighbors! I visited the craft store today, and found all the Christmas stuff 50% off. I bought these glass balls, confetti, and gold ribbon. The whole thing cost me only $16 to do 24 gifts. Worked out pretty well....hope they all like it!

It's the week before Christmas

And here at Our House,
Walking pneumonia's been spreading. (Hopefully, it killed the mouse!)
I've been wearing jammies and staying in bed,
While coughing and swallowing lots of lots of meds.
We have hung the stockings by the chimney with care,
In hopes that by Christmas, we'll all be well.
But no baking has been done!
No cooking of any kind! And as Christmas draws near,
I am falling behind!
As I contemplated the question,
"What can we do for our neighbors and friends?"
An idea came to me so I grabbed paper and pen.
As I wrote, I remembered quite well
That Christmas isn't about the treats, the wrappings,
Or the stuff the stores sell.
Christmas is about love, our Savior's to be exact,
And if we want to show him ours, we just need to act.
So this story comes to you full of love, joy, and more
And the message it brings is one we adore.

Time for the cards

Okay, I admit it. I'm a procrastinator (about some things). I've had these cards for about 10 days, and I've finally decided that now (10 days til Christmas!) would be a good time to get these things done and out of my hair. *If you haven't tried ordering photo cards from Costco, I highly recommend it! This is the 2nd year I've done it. They turn out awesome, and you can't beat the price!*

Watch out!

Last night's full moon was fully circled by a halo! It looked so neat we took a picture...we just couldn't get the whole halo in the frame. Watch out, because this means a storm a coming. We are forecast for a biggie tomorrow! (Now go to the right of the page and play "White Christmas!)

A House fit for Santa!

The kids worked together and made this cute gingerbread house. I think it turned out awesome!

Christmas is such fun for little girls!

This table in our living room has 3 different little nativity scenes set up on it...but they don't stay set up for long! I told Libby she could play with them as long as she's careful and she puts them back when she's done. Today she has chosen one of the nutcrackers to be the king of the smaller nativity scene people.

On a side note, today she is asserting to everyone that she wants to be called "Elisabeth Rose," which IS her real name. It just surprised me because since she could talk she has asserted that her name is "LIBBY!" if anyone tried to call her Elisabeth. So this is an interesting little about face. I wonder how long it will last? :)

Nutcrackers

We have been collecting nutcrackers since our first Christmas together. We're up to 28 now! Here are some pictures of them, with some of my personal favorites. The puppeteer was painted for us by Jeff's mom. She painted the birdhouse maker for us too (top picture, 4 over from the right) and they are both more special since we no longer have her here with us. The magician I found on ebay a couple of years ago and thought it was unique. The Scottsman with bagpipes holds significance to me because my Grandpa who passed away a few years ago loved bagpipes, and bagpipes were played at his graveside service. This nutcracker reminds me of him.

SENIOR PROJECT

Nicole has been working hard on her Senior project--which involves researching a career path. She has researched Elementary Education, and has even been doing an internship at a nearby elementary school. Today and tomorrow she is presenting her project to other students, and then to a panel of parent judges. I get to be a judge, but I will not get to judge Nicole's. ;)

All systems are go

Now she thinks she needs a new dress! :)

Nicole's date got her good. (Well, he tried). He gave her this gift bag with 3 ornaments inside. I was expecting there to be a Y in one, E in one, and S in the last. Well...one had nothing, one said "Look" and the third said "In the bottom." Hidden in the bottom of the bag under red tissue paper was the "yes." The only catch was, that Nicole found the yes in the bag BEFORE she smashed the ornaments. She only smashed them because she was curious about what was inside. :) Smarty pants!

O, Christmas Tree

It's officially Christmas at our house! Behold the tree. :)