Dam Water Problems | A Satirical Take on the Missouri River Flooding.

Dam Water Problems | A Satirical Take on the Missouri River Flooding.

Mighty Mo Taking Center Stage

I know I've been terrible about updating, but I kid you not... in my life, when it rains, it pours!

Inundation map pointing out Missouri Valley, IA.

My thoughts are scattered tonight as I attempt to reach out to my DOC for their thoughts and prayers. We are being forced out of our homes because of an impending flood headed our way early next week. Our home is estimated to be sitting in 6-8 feet of water by Wednesday. We have been packing up everything we own and have accumulated over the past 17 years for the last 3 days. Rounding up boxes, storage units and people with trucks, trailers and muscle. A home for our Sheltie. Doesn't sound too complicated, except the majority of our city is trying to do the same thing. Consider yourself one of the lucky ones if you were able to secure a U-Haul or storage facility. I've never seen this town so busy, but officials are calling this flood "historical".

Key to Inundation map

I don't anticipate we will be back. We're being told that once the flood waters are here, they won't be receding until late this year.

To distract Jaxson, I've told him we're going on an adventure after he inquired about all the packing and moving going on. He's asked me for 3 days straight now if we can leave for our adventure yet.

No Jaxson, but soon. We have to get all our stuff out of here first and put it somewhere safe.

I just remembered that Jaxson's 1 year Diaversary is on the 15th. His pump was approved by insurance and we were suppose to pick it up this week and start our training, but now just doesn't seem like a good time... I mean, with the Missouri River flooding and all, ya know?

My girls are sad to leave their childhood home. We've had a few moments where we've just cried together. We don't know where we're going to go yet, so that's a little scary too.

But I'm grateful.

Grateful for the angels who came to help and took over when I was just too overwhelmed to direct traffic and give instructions.

Grateful that we have time to prepare for impending doom and gather precious family photos and mementos that may otherwise be lost forever.

Grateful for the good in people that disaster brings out.

I know at some point I will have to unplug my computer, so I don't know when I'll be back to update. I do have a smartphone, so if I can find a way to update with that I will.

Until then, I'm grateful for your thoughts, well wishes and prayers.

Pumping Soon and Some Other Stuff

Events in my life seem to happen faster than I can get a chance to blog about them. Now.. where to start??

CAMP
We made it to camp last weekend. Jaxson had a blast. He rode a horse for the first time in his life (and I'm sad because I didn't get to witness it or get pictures), did some artsy/crafty kind of stuff and made some new friends. I, on the other hand, didn't have that much fun. The speakers were great, but for me it was information that I already knew and sitting for 2 1/2 hours at a time was agony. It's a beautiful camp, well-staffed and organized and Jaxson will surely be attending in the future when he is old enough. I'm thankful the for the opportunity to experience Camp Hertko Hollow.

PUMP CLASS
We had our first pump class on Wednesday night. I've been pretty excited about pumping and I was happy to see Jaxson so enthusiastic about putting in an inset. And as the other kids around the room shared how they hated needles, Jaxson proclaims how much he likes them! Umm.. okay?? Personally, I think he was just excited and loves to talk if anyone will hear him. He has however, always been compliant about needles and injections with little to no complaining, so... YAY! My son likes needles... I guess?

So first thing this morning I was on the phone with our insurance company to check on coverage and also called the Animas Rep to schedule a visit and get our paperwork started. He's coming tomorrow evening.

Is it weird that I'm so excited about this?

And yes, after much studying and comparison, we have decided to go with Animas. I've been trolling blogs in the DOC for weeks and I appreciate you all for taking the time to share your pump experience.

GRADUATION PREPARATION
So in the midst of all this, we still have a graduation party to plan for. We've rented a cabin at a lake and we're planning on having a wiener roast and all the stuff that goes along with it. Invitations must go out early next week as graduation is May 15th. I don't even think it's set in yet that I'm about to have another one finished with school and going to college in the Fall.

That's a wrap for now. Goodnight DOC and sweet dreams <3

Dusting off the Cobwebs

I've been MIA for quite some time. Amy pointed out that my blog was getting a bit dusty, so it sounded like a good idea to at least update.

Nothing extra-ordinary has really happened since my last post. I think we've just been finally settling into our D-life. It doesn't seem to be dominating our every day lives as it did in the beginning. I mean.. it's still there of course, every minute of every day, but we seem to be finally letting go a bit and actually getting back to the business of living... ya know?

We have our first pump class next Wednesday, which we are all very excited about. Still haven't quite decided between Animas or Medtronic.

Jaxson, his dad and myself are going to a family weekend at Camp Hertko Hollow. We were given a scholarship from a local Lions Club to go and feel very grateful and blessed. Jaxson is so excited and he's counting down the days! I'm excited for him too, but it's one of those times that I wish there were 2 of me. My girls are going to prom this weekend and I won't be here to see them or help them get all dolled up. I've asked my oldest, married daughter to play mom while I'm away. She's been instructed to tell them to take LOTS of pictures and the other 2 have been told to go directly home the next morning (I have neighbors watching).

Jaxson with his big sister Andi.

I'm also preparing for Shelby's High School graduation in May and finalizing her stuff for college.

Payton has turned into a peacock. I don't know what color her hair will be from one day to the next. I was actually diggin' the fuchsia hair though... until she made it purple 2 weeks later.

Shelby, Andi, Payton. My girlies.

On top of all that, I've also re-enrolled in school to finish my medical transcription course. I try to spend at least 5 hours a day on my work.

I am THE worlds worst multi-tasker, but I also work well under pressure. Unfortunately, the D-Tour here has been put on the back burner. I hope you all haven't forgotten me. I still follow the DOC and keep up-to-date as much as I possibly can. Please know you are all never far from my thoughts. I will try and be more diligent in posting. I'll be back to share about camp and prom early next week!

ATTN: DOC Opinions on Testing Test Strips

When Jaxson was first diagnosed we were instructed to test the first strip out of each new bottle of test strips. We currently do this, but I'm wondering how many PWD or CWD use this practice?

There have been a few times that we simply could not get a strip to test within range, however LifeScan did replace those bottles. Also, the shelf life of control solution is so short and I wasn't even sure where to purchase more.

I ask simply because it seems like such a waste.. an expensive waste. Currently all of our D-supplies are covered between our primary insurance and Medicaid, however come June we won't qualify for Medicaid any longer and I'm anticipating the expense of wasting strips. (I have a question about secondary insurance, but I'll save that for another post.)

So DOC... do you test test strips.. regularly or occasionally? Do you do back to back meter tests to check for accuracy? I would love to hear your opinions. :)