Merry Christmas, everyone!

Hope your Christmas was as sweet as a 5 pound bar of chocolate.

And as much fun as a cardboard box.

Surrounded by those you love.

Halloween

I'm easing back into blogging...and what a better way than with Halloween photos.



We made it a point to stop at this house in Bismarck's historic district. They take halloween decorating to a whole new level. Unfortunately, this was their last year since they are in the process of selling their home.



It was cool!



Here is Chase as Ironman. He really got into character.



Here is my little monster dressed as a furry little red monster.

Honesty

I'm going to be honest - an addiction to Facebook has taken me away from the blog. Also, a life that has left me with very little spare time (other than Facebooking) has had something to do with my lag in blogs. Now that we are happily (and finally) settled into our new home, I hope to blog more.

The blog was created to chart our journey of living with diabetes. I haven't blogged much about diabetes lately. After almost 4 years it has become our life. We try to manage it as best we can. We try not to think about how hard it really is.

While in Washington, DC a few weeks ago, a JDRF staff member told us to be honest about the disease when talking to our congressmen. Tell it like it is and don't be brave. I think we all have a tendency to put on a brave face when telling people about what it is like to live with diabetes. Lately, the reality of it all has been on my mind way too much.

Leah will be turning 2 next week. Chase was diagnosed 3 days after his 2nd birthday. Nothing, and I mean nothing, prepares you for your child to be diagnosed with an incurable disease. A disease, that left unmanaged, will set him up for a life time of complications, and yes, always the threat of death.

There is no break from this disease. It is the elephant in the room. It is always there physically and emotionally. When I look at my nearly 2 year old, it is there. When I look at a photo "pre-diabetes", it is there. When I hear a certain song on the radio, it is there.



The dream I'm dreaming is a cure for diabetes. Until then, all we can do is keep moving, keep climbing, and keep the faith. Oh, and be a little more honest.

Can you hear me now?

Here's Leah having a real conversation with Grandpa. She's been talking to Boppa on Chase's shoes and whatever else could double as a phone. I recall Chase pretending a piece of garlic toast was a phone when he was this age as well. Who needs a real phone when you have shoes and bread?

The difference between boys and girls

All day Sunday attire for the boy - Spiderman jammies

All day Sunday attire for the girl - Formal Christmas dress

And the Oscar goes to...

Leah, for "Pretend Your Feet Stink"!

North Dakota's Delegate

Chase's bio is on the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's website: http://cc.jdrf.org/delegates/ND/

I've been having a strange week dealing with diabetes. On Sunday, we attended our semi annual support group meeting. Both Gary and I would have skipped it if we had a choice, but we needed to meet with some members from JDRF that were giving a presentation. Since we are 3 1/2 years into this, it feels like we've been there, done that, but we knew that we need to be there for the other families that are just starting their journey. Hearing them talk and seeing the pain in their eyes on Sunday seemed to pull on that emotional scab that I've been desperately trying to heal.

It's amazing how easily I can be transported back to that November day in 2005 when I hear newly diagnosed families tell their story. What I most remember from that time was grieving for the childhood I thought my son was going to miss. Luckily, I do not think that Chase's diabetes has affected his quality of life in anyway.

After the meeting I told Gary that I didn't want to go to the support groups any more mainly for the reason above - it dredges up painful memories. Ironically, a family friend contacted me a couple days later to ask me if I'd offer support to a friend of hers who daughter was recently diagnosed. Okay, time to put my selfishness aside, because another emotion I remember from that time was the complete and total isolation that we felt. We had to figure it all out on our own without the support that we are now able to offer.

Just when you think you have it all figured out and have a plan things change. That's life. That's diabetes.

Silly Smile

Chase had his intensity face. Leah has her silly smile...

Tiny Dancer

This one is for you, Michele! Leah LOVES her dress. She started dancing immediately once I put it on her. Let me know when I can sign her up for Just for Kix.

Mr. Stockert Goes to Washington, DC

Chase was chosen to represent North Dakota at the 2009 Children's Congress! When I found out, I said, "Chase, we get to go to Washington, DC. Isn't that exciting?". To which I got a "No." I then told him we get to go on an airplane and those blue eyes popped!

It will be an awesome experience. It's going to be exciting to meet other families. We will also meet with our congressmen. I don't need to badger them too much, because they are great supporters of JDRF.

Exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From the mouth of babes - 2008

Last year, I chose my favorite "From the mouth of Chase" story. This year's Chasism came in just last month.

I woke one morning to find that Gary had Chase in the shower. He'd been battling high blood sugars the day before and it was inevitable that he would wet the bed (it's the body's natural response to rid the body of excess sugar by urinating). I went into the bathroom and asked Chase if he wet his bed. He said yes. Me, being me, (and knowing that he'd have a quick witted response) asked, "Why'd you do that?" Chase's response: "Just be glad I didn't poop."

"Good point," was all I could muster.

Boy I love that kid.