We're improving...

I think. Michelle's knee looks a lot better and she can now walk on it fine. It's still a bit red and tender. I'm hoping there's nothing left there to cause a flair-up once her antibiotics are done. Olivia still looks really worn out to me. She has dark circles under her eyes. Eileen is still complaining she doesn't feel good on and off but that's par for the course for her. I'm still keeping my eye on her. Luke is home again today. His stomach has been bothering him again and he's had some groin pain for over a day. I called the dr this AM and got him a late afternoon appt. Tom needs to come home early since I have to have a few girls at the dentist this afternoon. I know this winter has been really mild here until now. I'd still love for it to be SUMMER and have all the germs GONE!! (then again...we've had summers full of strep and mono too...oh well)

With all these kids home so often I feel like I'm going to have the school officials knocking my door down and dragging me in. On one of the email lists I'm on they were talking about a family needing to go to court and facing fines over too many tardies and absences of a child. (child's grades were EXCELLENT and they had never been in trouble before) I guess I'm thankful we don't have that policy in place. I'd be up to my eyeballs in fines! We have a more stringent attendance policy this year but luckily court and fines aren't mentioned.

Sunday was interesting. We had a brother visiting from Norway who needed to be translated when speaking. We also had Ukrainian families from Western NY visiting who spoke little English. So the Norwegian brother had to be translated into English and then translated into Ukrainian. Hope it was successful....I assume it was since no one seemed to get offended at anything that was said. :o) We all had a good time eating together. I like that we're starting it back up again. It allows us to sit and visit more. For once I was prepared ahead of time. I even have something planned for NEXT Sunday! I'm so proud of myself. LOL Liz went to a wedding at the fellowship in Delaware this weekend. Sounds like it was a beautiful ceremony and everyone had a good time.

With everyone feeling a bit better and my schedule not jampacked, I've found some time to visit a few blogs. I use to have my blog tour that I did everyday. Cutting back on my online time I got out of habit doing it. It's been nice visiting old friends. I even made a few new ones! I'm hoping to spiff up and update my blog and links this week. I'm considering moving to a place since kmomof10 doesn't fit anymore. I've wondered about going to a place that allows password protected posts since I tend to hold back on mentioning somethings I'd like to.

I managed to go grocery shopping Friday and Saturday. It's amazing how comforted I feel when I have a house full of groceries. Same goes when my van has a full tank of gas. It's silly and I'm not sure they're great things to let control my emotions...but I can't help it. It just feels good! Tom asked what was for dinner on Saturday and my answer....I don't know! He was puzzled for a second since he knew there was tons of food. I explained...that's the problem...I'm not sure what to pick now! LOL

Danielle has another new trick. She's learned to give kisses. She takes your face in both her hands and then attacks it with mouth WIIIIIIIIDE open! Nice and slobbery. She usually aims for your mouth. I'm not sure why she does this since anyone rarely gives her a kiss on the lips.

Carrie and I started the learning section of the TODAY study. The first lesson was on what diabetes is, differences in type 1 and type 2, ways to improve how your body uses insulin, how to test your blood sugar and keep a log (which we've been doing but everyone has to be taught the exact same things). We were given a new Ultra Smart Touch meter. I've been wanting one of those since it allows you to imput info and shows you graphs of your numbers. We also went over some foods and drinks...how to make healthy choices.

Next week's lesson is with the nutritionists and we'll be making up a new food plan for Carrie. I'm hoping this time is a little more informative. Last time we met with one we skimmed over things (since I was already doing a lot of it) and left it vague as to carbs allowed and such. I'm the type of person that doesn't mind hearing info I already know over again. I've found that I tend to not remember things exactly as I was taught. LOL Also things change as time goes on. I know it won't have changed much since the last time I saw a nutritionist last year. But when I think of the thoughts on food when MIL was first diagnosed with it and now....WOW! I don't know how many times I've had to enlighten people...yes Carrie can have a small piece of cake. We fit it into her carb counts one way or the other.

One interesting thing about this study. They now provide all of Carrie's meds and supplies. Since Carrie may eventually be taking glucophage and a placebo (in place of Avandia...depending on which group she's entered in), they have her taking 2 generic looking capsules AM and PM. I've noticed that her numbers are starting to creep up. I'm not sure if it's hormone/cycle related or med related. I'll have to talk to the dr about it on Friday when we go in.

We started a new family tradition last year...Island Day. Tom's now turned it into Island WEEK! LOL During midwinter break (third week of February) we have a luau type of party with lots of food and fun decorations. Tom's really excited about this and has been planning it since the end of last year. I've started gathering supplies and food for it. So far we're having chicken skewers, veggie kebabs, hawaiian pizza, rye bread bowl/dip, artichoke and parm dip, various fruits, candies and snacks, along with fruit punch to drink (pineapple, banana and guava so far)...adult "flavoring" optional. ;o) Michelle and I were planning on making a pinata (pineapple shaped maybe), I'll be "sewing" up some grass skirts out of a roll of plastic green colored table covering. I'm hoping the $1 store still has leis. I'll post pics when it's over.

Well I guess that's enough rambling for now. Need to get something done around here before I pick up the girls from school.