Fab Fisher Fam

Unity in the T1 Community

2012-02-09T19:43:00.000-08:00

I tell you this social media thing has a way of MAKING THINGS HAPPEN. Mission: Wikipedia commences NOW... My mission, yes, I chose to accept it, is to help out some T1 friends in getting her website listed on Wikipedia. We're not entirely sure it'll work but hey--come up with a nifty catchphrase like Unity in the T1 Community and I'm ALL IN... So if you're up for some informational information (ha) check out this wonderfully new and exciting website called Type 1 Diabetes Awareness at: http://type1diabetesawareness.org/

There's a cute little logo and everything!!

Did I mention what they are doing for us T1's? Should I? Oh, indeed!!!
Type1DiabetesAwareness.org is a website that was started in November 2011 that aims to raise awareness for type 1 diabetes. The tag line is Bringing Unity to the Type 1 Community. The website is managed by an individual with a connection to type 1 diabetes. The website is not affiliated with any medical organization nor does it give medical advice. Although only 5-10% of all diabetics have type 1, that still makes up millions of people all over the world that have this autoimmune disease.
The website prides itself on having accurate information. It offers a forums section where several type 1 related topics are listed which is beneficial to those that live with this disease on a daily basis. It provides those an outlet to discuss very important topics.
Managing type 1 diabetes can costs hundreds of dollars each month without health insurance. Unfortunately, many people can not afford it and need help. The website also offers a programs/info section that directs those in need on where to find assistance with insulin, blood glucose meters and test strips, blood ketone meters, lancing devices, assistance for those on an insulin pump, and information about type 1 diabetes. There is also a pump comparison chart listed to help those trying to find the right insulin pump.
The purpose of this website is to bring people with type 1 diabetes together as well as their families and friends. It is a place to learn and share real life experiences with others that understand. The website also promotes awareness of type 1 diabetes.

CHECK 'EM OUT!! I'LL LOVE YOU FOREVER...

Amazing Wonders Aviation, VBS 2012!

2012-02-09T08:56:00.000-08:00

I know it SEEMS early to be thinking VBS...but the VBS crew just returned from the Nashville kickoff for 2012!! I didn't get to attend but the excitement was infectious and I am already starting to figure out when rehearsals need to start, the Order of Worship for each night, puppet skits and GAMES!!! This is going to be --well--A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!

D-Mom is hosting a Giveaway!!

2012-02-06T07:58:00.000-08:00

Just to let you know that D-Mom Blog is giving away a Sugar Medical Supply bag and until 2/28/12 you can receive 15% off when you use her code of DMOM15.

I'm trying to win one for my brother, since he's got so much more to carry around than I do...

Doabetes

2012-01-31T09:45:00.000-08:00

Someone might think that I've made a typo. My phone seems to think this is how Diabetes is spelled. I have a "Swipe" keyboard function on my phone which means I can put my finger on the first letter of word and swipe to the next letters to spell them out rather than to touch every individual letter. Quite convenient--

--when it knows what I'm trying to say. Diabetes; not doabetes. Or is it?

I tend to think that phone knows what I'm doing. I'm Doing A'Betes! I'm doing this every day of my life. I'm living it. I'm managing it--whatever that means. But I AM doing it.

I think there are some major happenings on the bend for me and my fight in diabetes. I think that God has graced me with the gift of encouragement. I've seen so many hearts hardened by this disease--with good reason--but there are so many pluses that I believe are being swept by the wayside. When we push aside the blessings of our situation we fail to recognize God himself. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Cor. 2:9

I cannot pretend to know what God is doing in His work in me right now, but I do know this. He IS working and guiding and leading and I pray that I am following in the right way. In this, I know He will be honored.

Gimme Some Sugar!

2011-10-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

Tell me this is not just the most unique, hilarious idea ever?! Stuffed guts.

Now, my guts have been stuffed a time or two in my day; typically my stomach. But through my love of all-things-Bakerella, she posted about her kidney transplant and subsequent gift from a little website called iheartguts.

She received a kidney; fitting.

I was looking (skeptically, I might add) for a pancreas...when BOOM there it is!!!! I must have one of these. Too bad it's not functional, it'd be a steal at $20!

Image used from their website at iheartguts.

Type 1 Control & Treatment; an oxymoron?

2011-10-18T14:13:00.000-07:00

First-these are NOT my words. I ripped them from Scott's Web Log but I totally agree and find it important enough to share with the 2 subscribers and multiple "lurkers" I have. I will give Scott all the credit and if I can figure out how to link to his blog, I will. Should he ask me to remove my plagerizing post, I will do that as well. Thank you!

"Today is Type 1 Diabetes Awareness Day [originally posted on April 14, 2008], and while there are likely to be dozens of blog postings on this subject today, I am never one to follow convention with more of the same, so I've chosen to acknowledge this day without being redundant.

What are the origins of this day? Well, because "diabetes" is a generic term that describes the symptoms of a disease, rather than the etiology (origin), diabetes blogger Kerri Morrone suggested that we use this day to clarify the distinction and make it clear that not all "cures for diabetes" or "new diabetes drugs" benefit the type 1 community.

Can't Type 1 Diabetes Be Controlled?

That really depends on how you define "control". Type 1 is an autoimmune disease which cannot be prevented with diet or exercise -- in fact, medicine does not know of ANY way to prevent type 1 diabetes from occurring yet (they are working on it, but none of the trials so far have yielded success). While these elements help in managing the disease, it is important to note that "managing" diabetes does not necessarily mean the disease is controlled. The definition of "control" is to exercise restraining or directing influence over, to have power over. Thus, the term "control" of type 1 diabetes is kind of a misnomer, as people with type 1 diabetes can only "control" just 3 variables (food consumption, activity, and insulin dosage) while there are literally dozens of variables out there, including the presence of various hormones in the bloodstream which we cannot even measure, let alone exercise control over. I would argue that "control" is a very poor word choice, and that "manage" is a more appropriate term.

No dount, some people may debate the semantics of the term "control", but it is important to realize that what is frequently called "control" is perhaps better described as a constant act of juggling -- an act which one can never, ever take a vacation from -- ever. Fellow type 1 diabetes blogger Scott K. Johnson quotes another person with type 1 diabetes: Marlene Less from 1983 in saying "diabetes is like being expected to play the piano with one hand while juggling items with another hand, all while balancing with deftness and dexterity on a tightrope."

Another diabetes blogger, Will "Printcrafter" (or Lee) puts it another way: "Living with diabetes is like living with a tiger. If you feed it, groom it, never turn your back on it; you can live with a tiger. If you neglect it; it'll pounce on you and rip you to shreds."

Aren't There New Treatments for Diabetes?

Again, here's where public ignorance is the rule, rather than the exception. Since the discovery of insulin in 1921, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved just one new treatment for type 1 diabetes, which is Symlin (pramlintide acetate), which is an analog of the naturally-occurring beta cell hormone amylin -- which was approved on March 16, 2005. That brings the grand total of current treatments for type 1 diabetes to two (actually, Symlin can only be used as an adjunct to insulin -- it cannot be used alone, so does that even count as a whole treatment?). Its kind of like adding a fourth ball (to the 3 I mentioned before) we are now asked to juggle!

As I noted in my most recent post, no study, not even the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, has ever been able to show that diabetes management can prevent complications. For example, we now have solid evidence that two so-called complications of type 1 diabetes: neuropathy and cardiovascular disease are believed to have an autoimmune basis, so while managing diabetes may help slow the acceleration of these terrible outcomes, it cannot necessarily prevent them from occurring.

This is not to say that the outlook isn't good for type 1 diabetes. In fact, in January 2008, Reuters reported that that the percentage of U.S. adults with diabetes who have their blood sugar levels under "control" (their word, not mine!), as indicated by glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) levels of less than 7%, increased between 1999 and 2004. This means that for those of us who manage our condition aggressively, the outlook is better today than it has been at any point in the history of this disease. Furthermore, research suggests that the incidence of kidney disease in patients with Type 1 diabetes has improved significantly.

But there's still plenty work to be done. As a 2007 article published in Diabetes Care notes, medical students' knowledge of diabetes is not up-to-date, and that a majority of medical students frequently recommended the sole use of a sliding scale for insulin in the management of diabetes (a treatment that some prominent experts in the field believe should be abandoned), and that the students were less likely to recognize hyperglycemia in patients who were not known to have diabetes.

In recognition of Type 1 Diabetes Awareness Day, I would like to raise awareness of these very issues and call attention to medical students to brush up on the subject as well! And, as Bernard wrote, while you're at it, why not give a hug to anyone with type 1 diabetes today" End of Scott's Blog...

StepOut! Walk to FIGHT!

2011-10-04T06:54:00.000-07:00

One day before my birthday, I will walk to fight.

It will be my first StepOut walk. I've done the Susan G. Komen thing (for my friend). I've done the Leukemia thing (for my dad). I've supported causes and diseases by buying jewelry, candles, shirts, bracelets. I've sang in numerous fundraising events for cancer patients.

But on October 8th. IT WILL BE ALL ABOUT ME. I'm a Red Strider! I am a Type 1 Diabetic. I raised $1,006 to support my walk, my son is walking with me and my friend is walking with me. I'm going to try not to cry. I don't cry because of the enormity of my disease. I cry for the support I will feel from the 1,000+ people who will be there. I don't want it to be overwhelming but it's so easy to feel removed from the situation when it's not happening to you. But it's happening to me. I am in the midst of it all.

Yet, I am blessed. Boy, am I blessed. I have a philosophy that whenever you think you have problems--go on any day of the week and sit at Children's Hospital.

This morning I am praying for a very special diabetic family who have seen their share of troubles in the past 2 years, but particularly in the last 2 months. They probably don't read my blog and that's ok but you are heavy on my heart today and I lift you up to the Lord, our God who reigns today, tomorrow and forever--THE God who knows our plans better than we know ourselves.

There are so many lives that I am aware of who need special prayer today. It's almost overwhelming. But I know my God and I know that there is nothing that is overwhelming for him. I'll just give it all to Him today...

O.C. Diabetic

2011-09-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

I read something online recently that, according to my co-workers, accurately defines me: O.D. Diabetic. Obsessive-Compulsive Diabetic. Ok, I can roll with that.

When I went to the doctor the first time in May, my A1C was 11.3%; when I went at the beginning of the month of June it was 11% (dietary changes alone). Insurance won't cover an A1C test but every 3 months so at my most recent follow up appointment I couldn't have it measured. But by my own record keeping and averaging my A1C should be around 5.5%. Which is completely normal!!! :) YEAH ME!!!

I went back and read the last posting and those size 14 pants I was talking about? I'm wearing them RIGHT NOW! I've lost a total of 13 lbs since the first part of May. Just when you're feeling really good about a weight loss-just go try on some clothes and reality will slap you right back in the face! It's those "in between" stages where you don't know what size to pick off the shelf. Ugh! But I have done well with my diagnosis and most of the time if I limit my carbs to 1 or 2 per meal I can go without a shot.

I'm walking 6 miles a week...not a whole lot-but I am walking. I hit a plateau for about 4 or 5 weeks and never could lose any more weight. Someone told me, you need to eat a hamburger or some junk. HA! I thought that was nuts...but I did eat "not so healthy" about 2 days and low and behold I lost like 4 lbs? Of course I've returned to a more healthy menu but isn't that funny?

I am walking on October 8th in the StepOut for Diabetes walk at Samford. I have a goal to raise $1,001.00! So far, so good but if you're reading this and would like to make a tax deductible contribution please do so at: FISHER'S FIGHTERS I am sincerely grateful for any and all donations received--I will promise to walk with honor for those who have donated and for those family members who fight diabetes every day--including myself!

Adult-Onset Type 1 Diabetes

2011-06-20T12:58:00.000-07:00

So about three months ago, my brother -at the age of 31- was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. I had Gestational Diabetes (or so I thought) at the age of 22. Afterwords, my Blood Sugar levels returned to normal. Fast forward several years, since I've always been a big-girl when my blood sugars were high again it was automatically assumed I was Type 2. My son will be 11 years old in November so for 11 years and several doctors later I find out that I, too, am a Type 1--Insulin Dependent diabetic. Four shots a day (at least), checking blood sugar levels six times a day.

Joy.

Good thing is, I've lost weight...and it was not the indicator that something was wrong. It is because I've made a concentrated effort to lose weight. So far, 7lbs...but more than the weight, I've lost size!!! I just bought a pair of size 14 pants and though I wouldn't yet wear them in public, I WAS able to button and zip them!!! Three years ago I was in a size 22!!! Two months ago I was in a size 18. I'm in a size 16 now and headed towards a 14. I'd like to be a size 12, solidly-- shall I say confidently.

Confident. I can't wait!

Courageous, The Movie

2011-02-25T12:26:00.000-08:00

FLYFisher

2010-05-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, it's been forever since I updated. I have several things to update one, but as of today I will not elaborate on them. First, we have a new family member, Trooper. He's a MINI-WEENIE :) and he's trouble with a capital "T." I've had several people in the last couple of days mention my blog and when I come on here I see how neglected the thing is. So here's a little fat to chew on with the promise of another update soon--more details, some pictures, etc.

Mainly--I've institued the FLYlady program for my house. I have CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) and it needs to stop! So, as my shiny sink sings to me "I love you" I am fighting down Mt. WashMORE, the angry hotbed of HOTSPOTS and all those pesky little naggings in my brain saying I can't do it.

Phil. 4:13 says I can do ALL things through Christ who strenghtens me... and FLYlady says I can do ANYTHING in 15 minutes.

Whew...I have have 15 minutes and Christ in me so I am INVINCIBLE! :)

Goodbye, loyal companion(s)

2010-02-06T21:06:00.000-08:00

This week has been a tough week. First of all, rewind to last Thursday. My mother tells me Peanut (our mini-daschund of almost 14 years) has reached the point where she needed to make "the decision" to put her down. So I make plans to be off on Friday from work to take her and do it without my mom knowing (this was her request). I received, late Thursday, a call from the "Administration" at my work that I had a mandatory meeting on Friday. I was unable to leave the office in time to get to my mom's house and take the dog for "the procedure." So I'm heartbroken in many different ways. Fast forward to Monday...the dog's leg has swollen ten-fold and it self ruptures. The dog is in major pain, my mother is literally hysterical and cannot get in touch with me (phone fell off table became unplugged and I'm unreachable). I get a series of voicemails at work on Tuesday, Feb. 2nd., "today's the day, you've got to come and get her, something has to be done, she's suffering."

So, I leave work in tears, dreading putting this dog down. This dog was one that my father and I went to purchase against my mother's wishes 14 years ago. My dad died of complications related to Leukemia that SAME year we got Peanut. God works in mysterious ways.

I dug a hole in my mothers back yard (I've never done it before) and buried her companion. Today I got to see the little headstone she purchased and I burst into tears.

My son had a birthday party to go to tonight from 6p-9p and so we rolled up to our house about 8:45 or so... Hubby's on the telephone. I hear him say, "ok, thanks so much, bye." He looks at me, "I have to talk to you, without Jaecob."

Things are serious.

He'd just hung up with our neighbor. Our dog, Tank, was hit by a car earlier in the day and he's been killed.

Um. God works in mysterious ways. I'll be pondering this one for a long time.

On 1/22/2008 I lost my miniature Schnauzer, Cadie, to an illness, she was 9 years old. On 2/28/2008 we lost our chocolate Lab, Mollie to an infection; she was 8 years old. So here we are right at 2 years later mourning the loss of Peanut (13 years old) on 2/2/2010 and Tank (almost 2 years old) on 2/6/2010.

God is in control and He will be my fountain of peace. I may not be able to get off my knees to get to the fountain, so I'll crawl.

Adoption: The NEW Pregnant

2010-01-14T10:24:00.000-08:00

Don't you love it?! I certainly do!

WHAT A RELIEF!! Seriously, imagine for a moment with me. Being a woman of child bearing age, longing for a bundle of joy to swoon over yet those arms remain empty. You purchase your subscription to FertiltyFriend (at Christmas, on SALE), you dust off the BBT Thermometer, you realize it needs batteries. You buy a new BBT-T and realize you hate it but you've already started charting and you CANNOT get a new one at this point. You count down days, you psych yourself up for when your OV Watch says 'FERTILE DAY 1" and when it does you hang a hang a sign on the door and change the outgoing answer machine message "Leave us alone for 36 hours." Only to SUFFER through the TWW (two week wait for you who are not TTC--trying to conceive). Then on CD30/15DPO (again, Cycle Day 30, 15 Days Past Ovulation) there's that witch: AF (Aunt Flo).

Ugh.

But... what if?! What if you can avoid all of the headache, hassle, pain, disappointment, hatred of all things "pregnant?" What if?

What if you had a certainty that another child will be a part of your life. One that didn't grow under your heart--but has been growing in it for years before being placed in your home? What joy, what relief, what a blessing?

These are the conversations that took place in my house last night. Praise God in all the Heavens and on Earth. The healing process begins. I can no longer mourn the child that I have not been able to conceive. I pray for the one I know God is developing, maybe even now, I pray for the mother who will find herself in a seemingly impossible situation, I pray for the hurdles we will have to overcome--hurdles which are different from TTC. I pray for the preparation of our lives, our finances, our son and our family. We stand alongside of one another surrounded by our Father in Heaven and walk when he says walk. Our arms are wide open and we anxiously await the directions from our Lord and Savior; whom I know holds me in the palm of His hand.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified; do not be DISCOURAGED, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

ROLL TIDE!

2010-01-08T13:20:00.000-08:00

There are no sweeter words: National Championship...

Unless, of course, you can say it THIRTEEN TIMES!

1925-1926-1930-1934-1941-1961-1964-1965-1973-1978-1979-1992-2009

THIRTEEN, what a lucky number!

Roll Tide, ROLL. 'nuff said.

Domestic Adoption

2010-01-06T07:49:00.000-08:00

Hmm... quite different than yesterday's post. It's weighing HEAVY on me: Domestic Adoption. As I posted on FF, not one single pregnancy in more than six years of trying. Granted, for the last year to 18 months I seriously struggled with endometriosis--but still, minus that and you have at LEAST 4 years of trying.

So at what point do you consider adoption, seriously consider adoption? I would love to have an infant, however, a child between the ages of 2 to 4 would be peachy! Paul and I have discussed this about a year ago and we decided that we definitely want Jaecob to remain the oldest. We'd love to have a little girl, but I KNOW that whomever God will send our way will be loved just the same. We could invest money into my body and hope that we would conceive. However, statistically the cards are stacked against us. If we invest money into me and it "doesn't work" then the money is gone---I know it's a chance we take. BUT, if we invest money into an adoption, there will be a wait, but there are thousands upon thousands of kids that are looking for a forever home. Chances are much better... right?

So for those of you who do read this and do pray, please pray for us as we consider our options. There are a lot more stringent "rules" and "red tape" that must be fought through for adoption... but any Joe Blow can become a parent. We'll have to entertain Social Workers and homestudies and right now I have no clue on how we would afford the actual adoption itself, but the Lord will provide and glean knowledge on us. Pray that 2010 is a year of resolution for finances and savings and guidance AND MIRACLES (in any fashion). Heartfelt thanks.

A new year

2010-01-05T09:59:00.000-08:00

A new year, a fresh start.

Enter: Year 7 of secondary infertility. I am classified as secondary (and unexplained, btw) infertility. In the hierarchy of infertility I see myself as one of the lowly. I have a child. Period. There are so many who will never experience the joys of pregnancy. I did. I didn't plan it, but God was/IS in control and He planned it. He foresaw that in 2000 I would be given a child and that in 2002-2003 I would try again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again and AGAIN for another, to be denied. It's just the way His plan works. He doesn't consult me, doesn't take my cares, needs or wants into consideration--He works out His masterful plan in harmonious accord and only asks that I trust HIM to know what's best for me. How do you argue with God's logic? you don't.

So Jaecob received a Wii Fit Plus for Christmas, so I'm going to get some lbs off this frame and continue to try, naturally, by God's hand--because insurance doesn't cover infertility treatments or Assisted Reproductive Therapy. Viagra? Probably... another battle (and not for me).

As I enter 2010 I have my mustard seed around my wrist and I have faith that, if it be GOD's plan for my life, it will be. I do have faith and can trust that it will not happen until the time is proper. It's the patience I have a problem with.

You probably cannot tell from these posts, but my life is not all consumed with conceiving. I've had a lot of down time between football season and baseball season with Jaecob. I saw that registration will be starting in two weeks for baseball...whew... I NEVER thought I'd say I was looking forward to the distraction of baseball! But I am.

A Heritage of the Lord

2009-12-18T09:19:00.000-08:00

So we're sitting around the house last night about to build a fire and Paul has a large flat piece of wood that he's chopping up for kindling. Jaecob grabs it and a pencil and is engrossed for at least an hour. Finally he turns the board around to unveil his masterpiece. Being a mom AND knowing that I'm biased... the critic in me is floored! I couldn't believe that he drew with such attention to detail and perspective. WOW! I was amazed, then, at WHAT he drew; it was a battle scene complete with a castle in the background and an armored man in the forefront battling a fire-breathing dragon. The man had a sword and shield and on his breastplate was the letter "J." I assumed it was for "Jaecob."

It most certainly was not.

It was for Jesus. Across the top of the picture was written, "The Armour of the Lord."

As a mother, my heart swells with pride, amazement and humbleness as a child of 9 is able to bring me back to the blessings that are in my life right now! Nine years ago I gave birth to a child who is a vessel for the Lord. Just like that song "the child you delivered one soon deliver you," although Jaecob is not my deliverer, the Lord uses the small, the weak, to do mighty things!

As we prepare for Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Christ, this year has been filled with some heartaches and tough times, but it doesn't matter.

What matters is what I am doing for the Kingdom and how I am raising the gift, the HERITAGE that I have been entrusted with on this earth. I'm not perfect (will never claim that title) but my prayer is that I will one day hear the words "well done, child."

Sleep in heavenly peace

2009-12-16T12:11:00.000-08:00

CD1 (although last cycle was a BEAUTIFUL dip on 8DPO)

So it's back to the drawing board on TTC. Fertility Friend has 21 documented cycles for me, my serious stint in 2006-2007 and nothing and then 2009's try.

How do you not be mad? I know my Lord and Savior has a plan for my life, what in the world makes me think that I know any better than He? Why can I not find solice in His arms and with his plan? Why am I so discontent? Scriptures abound of the promises made for ME. Specifically me and how He has a plan for me (and for you too, do you know Him? Do you know His plan for you?) and my life, how he'll never foresake me.... You know all those reprimands (spankings too) that you received from your parents when you went against their wishes. They punished because they wanted to guide you in the right direction. Not that I believe God is punishing me by any stretch of imagination! I do know that HE knows my plan and it just might be that it does not include another child. It just might. I don't want to wallow in pity because that's POINTLESS and I do know THAT is not His plan for me. Rather, I request your prayers as I come to a peaceful state of mind if His answer to me is definitively "no."

At least this Christmas season I will find myself at a family Christmas party where no one is pregnant...at least not that I know of. Hmm...didn't think about anyone making an announcement. There's only one that I can think of who would even come close but I don't anticipate it. Oh well. No matter... peace, right?

Ledjana

2009-12-11T13:28:00.000-08:00

Several months ago my favorite radio program, Rick & Bubba (www.rickandbubba.com) did a radio-thon for WorldVision. WorldVision sets up shop in different areas of the world and relies heavily on donor support for children in those areas. They bring the Word of God to them and help develop medical clinics, water wells and other basic life necessities to the communities. I'd been led to "adopt" one of these kids last year and I neglected to act. This year I couldn't avoid that burden placed on my heart--and you know when the Lord says go, you go. So this beautiful young lady became a part of our lives. Her name is Ledjana and she is from Albania. She has an older sister, Lorjana and a younger brother Florjan. Florjan is a very sick little boy and their family worries for him daily. Their mother is a home-maker and their father is out of work. Things are very hard on this family but I've already received my first letter from her and they are all very excited to have someone in the states that cares for them. I have to be really careful in what I sent to her because some countries do not have the freedom of religion like I am so blessed to have. I know that her country is free, however, they are predominately of Muslim makeup. It is not something I've asked.

She shares Jaecob's birthday which is really cool for him, but she's 11 years old--I guess 12 now. Anyway, as you pray, please remember her family in your prayers... 1) for healing for her brother, 2) sustainment for their mother in her care for him, 3) that her father would find a job that would have a positive family impact and 4) that the love of our Lord and Savior be surrounding this family and that they would be accepting of His most precious gift: Salvation.

Thanks!

Charting Right Along...

2009-12-11T12:41:00.000-08:00

So I've re-upped my subscription to Fertility Friend and I'm charting BBT. It is SO fascinating to see the temperature changes throughout cycles. I'm a data freak though, I understand that's a little weird for some folks. But I've earned my "charting certificate" now and have proudly posted it on my blog.

Got an email from my most dearest of friends the other day after I posted the last quips. You know, I try not to complain when I think of her story. Eleven (YES, ELEVEN) YEARS of infertility, broken hearts, numerous tears, uplifted prayers, failed fertility treatments, etc. And once she laid down her burden it was just like Hannah's petition to the Lord to open her womb, my dear friend conceived. No meds, no treatments, it was the full work of God. He showed his miraculous blessings and demonstrated his power to make things happen when we least expect it. This person knows the true meaning of defeat and gracious miracles.

That being said, I know that the Lord is at work here! I pray that my endurance withholds as I wait for Him, or become at peace with His answer. Until then I lift up my prayers to Him, hoping that He doesn't get tired of hearing me...

How about a positive pregnancy test for a Christmas gift (and of course the subsequent blessing of a happy, healthy full term baby --Girl or Boy, who cares?!).

A Child is Born..... or not.

2009-12-02T08:54:00.000-08:00

We just celebrated Jaecob's 9th birthday. He's on his way to double digits!! Which also means that we are entering into year 6 of infertility. I don't know that there is anyone in my family who knows that we've been trying to have another child for six years... but there are some family who happen upon this blog from rare time to time. It's not that it's a secret...you just really hate to tell your family that you are trying for another and then something like this happen; where we've been trying for six years. It's been active on our part but we just recently sought out medical assistance. It's just easier when your family members don't know so they won't ask you "how's that working out?" or "what's the latest?"

But--this whole online diary thing... might be a good outlet. Not sure, but I'm thinking my hubby is really getting tired of the obsession. And since I have no faithful followers I doubt very seriously that many folks will read this. :)

A little history. Jaecob was born in 2000. Not planned, but defintely part of God's plan. I used Mirena (IUD) as soon as I could post-Jaecob. In 2003 we decided to have it removed to try for #2. We figured since Jaecob came along without any issues then #2 wouldn't be difficult at all either. I wouldn't say we were obsessed it was a very laid back approach to making this all happen. When we moved into our own home, the reality of home-ownership dropped like a ton of bricks. We then did nothing to prevent pregnancy but did nothing to encourage it either.

Then I just got fed up with it all. I wanted to know what was going on! I had some medical issues I needed to see a physician about so while I was there I told him our story. He told me that was abnormal and that there might be issues going on but the only way to certify the problem was with a surgical procedure. I was more than happy to find out the truth and source of my issues so in July 2009 I had a laparoscopy. I am now 5 months post-lap and feeling well. That puts me at 4 mos TTC post-lap with no success. I had some secondary endometriosis and those issues were resolved, I have a partially blocked fallopian tube on my right side but other than that: unexplained infertility. I'm supposed to return to the physician on Dec. 11, however, I'd like to try 3 more months on my own before getting into any further fertility treatments. I'm only 32, so I don't feel like I'm very pressed for time at this junction. However, I'm not waiting too much longer to exercise my options.

I would love to hear from anyone reading this, just leave me a comment. I thank you in advance and pray that God blesses you as we enter this Christmas season. Yes, indeed: A CHILD IS BORN!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Until then, "I will wait upon the Lord, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in Him." Isaiah 8:17.

Snakebit...

2009-10-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

So I have no pictures of this unfortunate event--thank goodness, I'd hate to have stored for all of prosperity a perfect example of cluelessness for future generations.

Tank must have been bitten by a snake. Although the vet could not definitively say that was the cause. His WHOLE HEAD was swollen then his neck! He looked like a buck in rut! Paul said, "Hey, he's filling out quite nicely, isn't he?" That was on Friday. Saturday he looked like we blew him up with the air compressor. Sunday was worse. Monday the swelling was down significantly but he had a hard knot in his neck. Infection! Swelling continued to go down--but as I would find out later not to the degree of "gone." Thursday it ruptured, time to head to the vet (well, past time, I know...). So Tank had surgery on Thursday to clear out the infection and the vet "installed" a drainage tube. It has to come out today--that should be fun! But he's back to his normal, perky, hyperactive self and yes--the swelling is gone.

I didn't remember his head being so small! HA! Poor baby...

Cake Disaster

2009-10-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

So, biggest commissioned cake to date. I thought it was beautiful just pink with fondant balls. However, the job called for monkeys. It was quite a cute little cake and tragedy struck. So I'm trucking along for an early a.m. delivery and I get about 15 miles from my house and I am hearing the familiar sound of press-n-seal wrap crinkle. I mute the radio and listen and yes...I do hear it. I hear "thud" in the back of the car (Rogue 'hatchback'). No---NO---NOOOOOO!!!! THIS CANNOT BE HAPPENING TO ME, NO NO NO!

oooh, but it is. No tools, no icing, nothing to fix this cake-NOTHING! The top two tiers slid right off the bottom! I am hysterically crying! I pick up the phone, out of dern minutes. I have to ADD minutes to the cell phone...hubby has left the house, my mother is not answering the phone (everyone is headed to a different b'day party about an hour away), I'm stuck! (Matter of fact, this one really concerned person stopped to ask me if I was ok while I was stopped in the parking lot--I desperately wanted to show her my mess in the back of the car but I was paralized. She eventually moved on, Lord, bless her) I call the customer and agree to meet her and do whatever I can to fix this mess. I drive to her house and I'm armed with a butter knife. I was able to repair it to a manageable condition and her party guests were none-the-wiser.

It was like a Monet--(ha)--pretty lovely from a distance but once you get up close you can see that it's really just a mess.

Side note, the cake--no matter how solidly stacked would have NEVER survived the hills and driveway of this home. *IF* I'm commissioned for the 2nd b'day party then assembly will come On-Site!!! Alls-Well that ends well!!!!

2009-10-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

Last post made in June. Ugh! What a loser I am at posting! I guess it's just not my passion. It's fun to do and I do it in spurts...but who knows. Ah, I've got it. Other than YOUTH FOOTBALL, there's not much else going on in my life. I've had to turn down multiple cake orders only to have games rained out. Oak Grove 7/8 team hasn't won a game yet, but we DID score a touchdown in the final 2 minutes of a game making the final score 8 to 6, Curry. I know, it's a loss--but to have a defense that holds the other team to 8, not too shabby, eh? I hope football pictures will be in soon and I hope that they turn out as fabulous as when Jaecob was "John Parker Wilson" for Halloween in 2007... ha ha--he's SO serious!

CAKE!!!!

2009-06-22T14:32:00.001-07:00

Here are some of my creations, nothing professional, but it'll do...

Papaw's 90th
B'day Cake. He's "fine as frog hair" hence the frog. Everything is edible (except the wagon).

Clarissa's Baby cakes... 1 Sam. 1:27 "For this child, I have prayed." Little Garrett, you were indeed prayed for! We already love you!

Katie & Ashton's split birthday cake.

Easter (Bunny) cake... Coconut.

Kelley's baby shower cake. Baby Ella.

Tiered baseball cake from 2008; sheet baseball cake from 2007. I didn't have my camera for 2009; still waiting on pictures from other team members....it was a Red Sox cake (logo).

Abby's 1st b'day party.

C.A.'s 80th Birthday cake. He was a minister of music for many years at my grandfather's church.

Kuala Lampur?! WOW!

2009-06-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

Well that FeedJit thing told me there was someone who found me from Kuala Lampur... WOW! I'm impressed. Of course--no comments. Oh well.

I guess I shouldn't feel offended in any way. I'm not sure I could even find KL on a map! I know, Geography...never one of my strong suits. Just ask my 6th grade teacher, Mr. Mitchell. I think I got 13 countries right on a identification quiz in front of the whole class.

So Tucker's funeral is tomorrow. It's hard to attend funerals for children, obviously. However, I totally regretted not going to Bronner Burgess' Life Celebration/Going Home. Thankfully, Rick made it available for all of the world to see. What a wonderful message for our Lord and Savior. How He works is always awesome! Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Even in death, God is at work. As we lose our loved ones here on earth we find comfort in the Lord and in the knowledge that death has no sting for those who are destined to the Kingdom. You too, have an eternity...where will you spend it?

Heavenly Father, I lift up the Beam family to you today. Especially in their time of grief and sorrow we know that You too wept. You are our comforter and our peace in times of anquish. Although we do not understand your ways, for they, like the mountains are above ours we do know that you are in control. Today, tomorrow, always--forever. We see a child ravaged with cancer, you see a vessel meant to carry your Holy name. In his perfect body, he takes on the treasures built up in his short time on Earth. For all that are involved with the preparations and funeral services, comfort their hurt, make them strong, lift them up. For any that do know know you today--let THIS be the day that they change their eternal destiny and make you the Lord of their life! In your precious name, Amen.

Well done, Tucker, well done!

Tucker Beam

2009-06-01T12:05:00.001-07:00

Not that I think ANYONE reads this thing but sometimes it helps to have an outlet. I'm sure anyone who knows me has at least heard me mention the name Tucker Beam. A beautiful gift from the Lord. He now walks with Christ in a new cancer-free body! Praise Jesus! www.caringbridge.org/visit/tuckerbeam for the entire story. This awesome child battled more demons in his 9 years of life than ANY of us will ever fight...yet, he also served the Lord in a way that we too may never have the chance to. What are you doing for your Lord today? How are you serving him? Too many times I have heard, even out of the mouths of "friends", how can I get more out of church. Dear friends, I tell you, EVEN JESUS CAME **TO** SERVE, not to be served. He charges us with being disciples, going out into the lands and winning lost souls to the Kingdom.

How do you plan to serve Him today? Don't waste one more second --Lord, give me the strength to start RIGHT NOW, TODAY to give YOU and only YOU the praise, glory and honor today. In His precious and holy name, Amen.

FeedJit

2009-04-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I got one of those little ticker things to tell me where you folks are from. It's WEIRD. I see lots of folks from FAR away... no one leaving comments. Hmm...

Well if you guys are looking, I'd LOVE for you to say hello! Nothing more needed! What a wonderful way to make friends!

As we enter into this most Holy of weeks, to be a Christian is the most humbling titles I can ever assume. Above all this earth we will be lifted and reside in our eternal home with our most gracious and loving father. I miss my biological dad more than anything I can possibly imagine, but to know the One that breathed life in me, cleansed me of my sin, gave me hope, charged me with leading YOU to Christ and is preparing my own slice of heaven---what more could I need? I hope you know His love today. If you do not, please contact me and I can help you find the way. We are all sinners, yet he cleansed us. He works in mighty ways to glorify even the lowliest. I certainly was one of those! He has offered a gift to you, the gift of eternal life. Won't you accept Him today? I am praying for you, if you have a specific request...PLEASE leave me a message and a way to get back in touch with you. I will pray for your request. God hears, and answers prayer in mighty ways. Praise HIM.

If you don't regularly attend church, just stop by one this week at attend services. You never know, what do you have to lose? You certainly have everything to gain!

In Christ, Heather

Growth--HAPPY BIRTHDAY TANK!

2009-03-20T08:55:00.000-07:00

So, our "Puppy"--who is still technically considered a puppy weighs between 60 and 70lbs, and that's a rough guess! He was born on Easter 2008 (3/23) and here Easter is around the corner again!! Here are some comparison pictures...The third picture is one of him the week after we got him and we put him in the Evangelistic Dog Show at our Church (http://www.nhbccares.org/). The shirt he wore at 5.5lbs (6 weeks) barely fit on his HEAD a few months ago. And although he's not an inside dog, he thinks he's a lap baby. He chews up everything, loves chasing a tennis ball and his favorite sport is KEEP AWAY. He wants to keep everything away from us--you should see him and the neighbor-dog "Tuff" play with a stick. Tank keeps it away from Tuff and slows down only enough so that Tuff thinks he might have a chance to get it away from Tank.

After losing Cadie 1/22/08 and Mollie 2/28/08 , Tank has been a therapeutic addition to our family. He finds creeks in the woods that we didn't know were there, he comes home soaking wet. He drags up the most interesting things (a princess mirror, a mixing bowl, an innumerable variety of tennis shoes, dress pants, furry blankets, deer carcasses--yes! And even a deer shed that was 7 points on one side--his, er, Paul's prized find). HA! Dogs, don't you just love them?!

2009-03-06T12:16:00.000-08:00

Doesn't snow just make everything more beautiful? Isn't it lovely to wake up and hear--nothing? The hush of the snow falling to the earth screams silence. I love it!

This is a pic of our house on the way to church Sunday a.m., Tank is on the porch...he didn't know WHAT to think about the snow. Jaecob was elated and drove us nuts trying to get home after church / lunch in order to play in it. Fortunately there was plenty left for him at 1pm. We didn't make a snowman. The Payne's made one that was huge--as a matter of fact there was still about a 10" ball still in the field this morning (Friday). I have my suspicions it'll be gone today though! We progressively increased in temps from Sunday by about 10 degrees per day. I think it was in the 20's and low 30's on Sunday, 40's by Monday, 50's by Wednesday and I think the high is supposed to be 75 today and tomorrow! Wow. No wonder so many people are sick, including Jaecob.

Dreaded baseball tryouts are tomorrow...

Welcome!

2008-11-19T10:07:00.000-08:00

Not that this family has so much going on that requires a blog--I just thought that it might be fun. Maybe. I'm not really good at keep up daily posts--they might come weekly. If you're lucky. Or unlucky...whatever... Today I'm just going to post pics of Halloween and my stinky little boy. Jaecob will be 8 in just more than a week. And, I'm posting cake pictures--always fun. Updates to come when I'm not at work!

Here is Jaecob at Halloween--wanted to be a U. S. Marine (just like dad)! Thanks to dad, we have the ammo and everything...ugh! Mom objected, was overrulled by vote of 2 (men) to 1 (me). Oh well. Dad sure was proud though!

Well I'll try to figure out this blog thing later on.