I suppose I’m not providing an update on everything, but just a lot of things that have been going on over the past year that I’m often asked about. I don’t want to throw something out there in a blog post and then never let you know how it’s going, so here you go…
Fitness/Health Journey
In the summer of 2012, I made some big changes in the way I ate and took care of myself. You can check out my full fitness plan HERE. Since then, I completed P90x, some of Insanity until my back informed me that I was asking too much of it. The result is that I have lost over 20 lbs. It’s been a very slow weight loss that stalled around October of 2013. I’ve gotten a little sidetracked. I’m still working out (running and doing p90x3) and I’m still sticking to my eating dos and don’ts, but I haven’t been counting calories and making a concerted effort to reach my goal weight. I’m sooooo close. Just another 10 lbs and I’ll be there! So, the warmer weather and increase in yummy fresh fruits and veggies (and the anticipation of cherries hitting the supermarkets soon) has me ready to make another push towards my fitness and health goals.
When I start to kick myself because my jeans are a little tighter than they were before Christmas or when I miss my workouts for a few days, I remind myself that this is a marathon, not a sprint. This is a journey that will last the rest of my life, not something that is done and stays done. I also remind myself that I can’t do everything well 100% of the time. I need to give myself a break.
I’ve already started watching my food quantities and replacing more snacks with veggies, but I’m going to start in earnest after Lucketts. I have loved P90x3, so I’m going to start that from the beginning again and see how I look after 3 months. I’ll keep you posted on that. It’s nice to write about it on my blog…it feels like I have a huge accountability group!
Fashion Journey
In November 2013, I realized that wearing ill-fitting, paint splattered clothes and no make-up day in and day out wasn’t doing a lot for my self-esteem. I took a scary step and had a stylist come to my home and pick apart my closet. It was a great experience and helped me see my clothing, hair and makeup in a fresh way. I learned, in a small way, that putting on makeup and doing my hair and putting on a complete outfit made me more productive and happier in general. It’s not that I was lazy, moody and depressed, but there’s something about mascara, a scarf and cute hair that makes me feel like I can tackle the world!
So, do I put a complete outfit on each day, now? No. I don’t. There is a pair of comfy sweatpants that I love and they are stained and splattered and are a little baggy and I still wear them…especially when I know it’s going to be a hard, physical work day. I often wear workout clothes all day, just because it’s comfortable and easy, but I wear makeup and do my hair everyday now.
I still feel a little like a makeup rookie and I still feel a little lost when I’m clothes shopping, but it feels good to be making the effort!
Diabetes
In January, my son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and I shared it with my readers. The response from you as a whole was overwhelming. I felt your prayers and your encouraging words made my eyes sting with tears and were like virtual hugs.
The first few weeks were overwhelming and I reached a point where I was exhausted. I wasn’t sleeping well, because I was afraid of his blood sugar dropping in the middle of the night. It was like having a newborn again. I found myself staying up past midnight and checking on him before I went to sleep. Then I would jolt up at 6:30 am to make sure he was okay.
I’ve gotten past that now and we’ve settled into a routine where it’s just habit to check blood sugar and give insulin and count carbs. He’s been such a trooper and, even at five, he is learning how to take care of himself. We’ve had to “role play” with him, so he can learn to advocate for himself if someone isn’t letting him finish his lunch or snack. He’s learning to read a nutrition label, something most 5 year olds are oblivious to. He talks a lot about “carves” even as he’s playing with Lego’s, which is so funny. He can also check his own blood sugar and get his insulin ready, which always amazes me. We don’t give kids enough credit, that’s for sure.
The thing I’m still working on is all of the medical care stuff – prescriptions, insurance. I’m learning how much I hate bureaucracies and the medical world as a whole is one big tangled mess. I’m sure I’ll become a pro at navigating customer service menus and paperwork, but simple things like getting the right syringes has been a challenge.
We’re looking forward to attending some JDRF walks and events to be actively involved in supporting the people who are working on a better treatment or cure for T1D. We also pray for a cure daily. We can’t do much better than that.
So, it’s still a thing in our lives, but it doesn’t seem as big or as scary. We’re doing well.
Oh, and a little update from yesterday, I found a pair of jeans that fit great! I live in a small town that is known more for Civil War cannons and apple orchards than great shopping, but we have a Levi’s outlet at our outlet mall, so I tried them after I struck out at the GAP (actually, I found a pair I liked at GAP, but they didn’t have the right length.) Levi’s has a wide variety of options in cuts and fits…you can tell they really thought through the common complaints when finding the right jeans. In the fitting room they actually have a picture showing muffin top and offered the solution. Thank you for that. (Can I just say that the term “muffin top” always makes me laugh? It does.) Anyway, I found a pair of jeans that made me smile when I put them on. I turned in the mirror and smiled again. We found a winner.
I also bought a military-style jacket from GAP, a navy “boyfriend” blazer, some layering tanks and a few other things to mix into my wardrobe. I don’t shop very often, so I try to find several pieces when I do go. And, while I don’t have panic attacks about what I’m going to wear to events, an upcoming blog conference is always a good excuse to shop.
There you go. I guess I felt chatty tonight and, in many ways, you, my blog readers, are my friends. (I’m sure I abused a few commas in that last sentence!)
So, consider yourself updated!
Hi there.
You sound encouraged.. Yay for you! AND for nice fitting jeans..It feels good to be down the road a ways on new journeys. Life can just be overWHELMING sometimes even when we’re doing what we love. I remember when you shared about your son. My heart went out to your family and my prayers went up. My daughter was diagnosed at age 11. She’s 17 now and has had a pump for nearly 5 years. It made SUCH a difference for her! Thank you for sharing your life and talents with us. You continue to be an inspiration!
Blessings,
Tamara
Oh mms I have been wondering about your son, I am a nurse and I understand what a mess medicine is now. The bureaucrats are unbelievable it makes you wonder what they would do if it was their family,geez!,,, you will get better at navigating the maze keep files on everything, also at our hospital the social workers are amazing they can show you how to cut thru the red tape good luck and hugs
Your looking good!!!
Thank you for the update about your son. Often as I read your blog my thoughts will drift to him, so I send up a quick prayer and trust he is in good hands. Now I know. I wish you the best of luck as you continue his journey and your own.
The commas were perfect in the last sentence. I’m an English teacher. Glad things are going well with your son’s diagnosis. Life can just be overwhelming at times, can’t it?
Whew!
You are a strong woman & God is good to help us grow into His desire. I’m wondering, are you enjoying the faux sea grass or sisel style rug you put in the family room ( I think I got the location correct)? Would you recommend it? I want to lighten up a room and need something my children can play on. Thank you for your inspiration and sharing your talents.
I was just checking in on your blog when I read this post. I actually came to sign up for the class, woo hoo! I am excited about that. I saw that your little man was diagnosed with Type 1 in January, mine was also diagnosed in January, except he is 23. It was so very scary in the beginning. I will keep your family in my prayers. I love your blog, it makes my day brighter.
…and the jeans are……???
Life is full isn’t it?
You handle yours with creativity and grace
Have a wonderful day
I am a new follower so I am just finding out about your son’s diagnosis. I am so sorry you, your son and your family have to go through this, but it sounds like you are settling in to your new reality nicely. My daughter was diagnosed at 3 and she is about to turn 12 . We have always been very diligent about her diabetes care so she has been well controlled, but it is exhausting at times.
A year ago we started following the Dr Bernstein diabetic regimen. It is a very low carb diet that has been remarkable in keeping her blood sugars stable and predictable. If a newly diagnosed type one diabetic switches to this diet you can prolong the honeymoon phase indefinitely, meaning much less insulin and way fewer blood sugar swings. I am angry that no one told us about this option when my daughter was diagnosed as we could have saved some of her pancreatic function.
Although this way of life is a big commitment, I urge you to at least look into it for your son while you have a chance to maintain some of his beta cell function.
You can read the book “Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution – A complete Guide to Achieve Normal Blood Sugars” and check out his website and forums http://www.diabetes-book.com/ . At the very least you will learn a ton about this disease. The diet is very similar to the popular Paleo and Low-Carb-High-Fat diets.
Sorry if I come across like a crazy woman! I am on a bit of a mission to make sure other newly diagnosed type ones are informed about this option to slow down this dreadful disease.
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions.
Thanks so much! I will look into it.
okay now marian, you can’t leave us hanging with the jeans situation…you need to tell what you got and maybe post a pick of your “perfect pair” of jeans!
my husband and i also embarked on a food and fitness routine in mid-february…he is doing some things a little differently from me and he’s lost around 45 pounds and i went back on WW and lost 12-15 pounds (depending on time of day) but the difference in how we feel and how clothes fit is phenomenal! it really is a life style change and something we have to stick with long term….i’ve given up my beloved cokes and sweet tea which was really difficult at first but now i don’t miss them. fortunately, my daughter and her husband own the largest bottled water company around here so we drink lots of water.
I am so glad your son is doing well. You need to come visit me in Chicago so we can go shopping. 🙂
Marion, You Are Refreshing.
SO many of your thought processes
remind me of myself while in the
midst of young
motherhood, work, and keeping my
passion alive for creativity, which gave me energy.
Prayer has covered you and yours,
and will continue to.
Thank you for being real in a world that is
so less than ; most of the time.
When my 7 year old daughter was diagnosed at 5 with a life altering disease I went through a horrible depression. I felt as though I’d failed her and somehow caused this illness. I was struggling with my child’s disease and the guilt I felt for my own feelings – it didn’t help that a few insensitive souls made comments like “well at least it’s not cancer”. Then a very wise mother told me that it was okay to mourn the perfectly healthy child that no longer existed. It took time and patience to reframe my images of the future that hadn’t previously included daily medication and knowing doctors and hospital staff on such a routine basis.
There are still days that I find myself going back to that horribly sad place and asking God why us? Why my child? but when I allow myself some grace those days are fewer and farther between. It sounds like you are doing really well but I always feel as though it’s important for us as mothers of children with a serious illness to remind each other we’re not alone.
God Bless!
Marion,
Thank you for being so vulnerable and sharing your life with us. We are all inspired by your creativity, and it is comforting to know that you struggle and have insecurities, too. It is so easy to overlook that when we are browsing your beautiful blog and projects. Thank you for sharing!
Blessings,
Christina
A friend’s son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a young age. When he was about 8, they sent him to a summer camp just for kids with diabetes. He learned a lot about diabetes and managing his own care and enjoyed kids who share his experience. The camp was near here in north Texas. Just something to keep in the back of your mind for later. This young man is 30 and has been through many ups and downs with his diabetes, mainly because of not taking care of himself properly. He recently had an insulin pump implanted and it has made a world of difference in his life. Best of luck and think about that camp idea!
I bet the camp is Camp Sweeney which is outside of Dallas. My daughter went there and had a blast. I highly recommend it.
I have been thinking about you and your son. Glad you are doing well! Someone told me dealing with T1D will become your new normal. It does. Holler at me if I can help. My son says hi. 🙂
Once you find the perfect jeans you can tackle just about anything life brings you!! Thanks for the updates, I’m glad to hear that life is normal 🙂 Also, for some reason I stopped getting your blog updates in my email. I resubscribed but that didn’t work so now I just go into your website “manually”. Not sure if anyone else has had this issue, Anyways, thank you for the updates! 🙂
Good to hear it! 🙂
You have the most gorgeous blue eyes. I’ll bet you hear that a lot.
Your true beauty is in your intelligence, drive and personality. With those three pluses you can figure out what you need and don’t need in your life, accomplish the goal, make friends and accept the love given. Your physical appearance looks fine, neatly attired with called for, pretty skin, hair and eyes. Most women think we need to loose a little weight and we are right. You have beautiful blue eyes but, in my opinion ( and I’ a senior citizen) the nose ring brings more attention than your eyes. Senior citizen speaking…. ” if God wanted you to have a nose ring He would have given you one. Good for you for trying to make a better you and all you do accomplish.
Thanks so much for the update, I was hoping the lil guy was doing good. It’s amazing how resilient are kids can be, and it surprises us! But it must be tough watching him have to go through it, I can’t imagine! Best of luck going forward, and have a great Lucketts!!
Awesome! That is my one word for you, your family, your patience, your son, your health journey and the beauty you create in your work!!!! Hugs!
Which jeans did you get?!?!
Thanks for the update. I, for one, look forward to them! A fan from day one!
My son was diagnosed at 20 months and is now 29. He has Celiac’s (can’t eat gluten) which many with type 1 have. Any child who has type 1 needs to be checked for Celiac’s disease. My son stopped growing at 15 because he was suffering malnutrition from having this . We asked all the right question through our Childrens hospital and other specialist they ALL missed it. Now all kids coming through the different childrens hospitals in Los Angeles and OC are being checked. My son has a heart transplant as well at 19 . We just now are having him try the pump with the alarm. Not full proof but it is ok. I had worked with office of Civil Rights for violations with type 1 in schools. All the info is in the book for attorneys about ADA laws which feature Irvine Ca. I did with my attorney. You need an IEP for your child to protect his rights in school. They are to have other people at school to give Glucagon and Insulin if needed not just a school nurse. We had 6 people on staff daily at school trained. We have earthquakes so have it set up in case of disaster. We made sure that for after school programs it was set up to that is where office of Civil rights got involved school tried to keep them out of programs. Some schools are better than others with accommodation. You also can get county dept. of mental health services under other health impaired if the family needs through the school district so you don’t pay with having a chronically ill child. Even private school if the regular one can not accommodate the child’s disability (school won’t inform you of that usually) My daughter had Burkitt’s non Hodgkins Lymphoma at 7 she is now 24 so IEP’s for both of my kids were very important. Well enough of my rant our Irvine schools were a disaster working with now they have to do things for the children and this won’t happen again to anyone else. (you send me a little chalk board my sweet daughter wrote to you about how much I enjoy your blog) I look at it everyday and it makes me smile!
I am glad your son is doing well and that family life is getting back to normal after the big scare, Marian. We continue to keep you all in our prayers.
Hi Marian, It’s wonderful to read your update! I am 65 and I read your blog most days and have been for about 5 or 6 years. You are an inspiration in so many ways and are so free at sharing. I feel like I know you and am grateful for your ‘friendship’. My recently reupholstered chair (in adorable rooster print) and my homemade slipcovers made per your excellent tutorials are a testament to your skill and mine. You are sort of a part of my family and I am grateful. Thanks for your lovely blog and for your testament to your hard work, your love of family and for the Lord. God bless you as you continue your great work! Linda S.
Just wanted you to know that it works both ways…that friend thing. When I go to check my email each day, I honestly look forward to seeing that I got one from Miss Mustard Seed! I am so inspired by you Marian that it’s like we have known each other for a long time and were like next door neighbors! I mean it! It was you that inspired me to do something about being overweight…so far I have lost 8.8 lbs and will continue until I get to my goal. It’s you that inspired me to start clearing clutter in my basement and in other areas of the house and getting rid of the things that are no longer in my “style” of decorating. The rummage sale is set for this June! This summer I will start my quest for using milk paint on some nightstands I just picked up at a garage sale! So, I just wanted you to know…you truly do reap what you sow…and some of us believe we are your friends as well! Your little man is in my prayers!
Aw, thanks, Carol! Way to go on clearing clutter and losing 8.8 pounds. Every little bit helps, so don’t leave that .8 out! 🙂
Thanks for catching us up! Traveling the road to New Normal can often be rough and plagued with pot holes… Happy to hear your journey has made it to the paved road!
Was actually just thinking of you (and your family) I made spring rolls for the first time last night and thought they would be perfect for you guys. Low carb/ low sugar fun to eat. My little guy (age 2) has food allergies so we know what it’s like to be exhausted with worry of a little one. And it is amazing how much they understand and it is just the norm for them.
Anyways spring roll – lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, avocado, cucumber and the best part sweet chili sauce for dipping. Who doesn’t love dipping. If you can’t get sweet chili sauce bottled it’s a combo of pineapple juice, OJ, white vinegar, ginger, garlic and a touch of heat (jalapeno/franks red hot)- simmer until to reduce or use corn starch to thicken a bit. Spring roll wraps are rice paper -low carb. Don’t stack or they stick together. To give you an idea the bottled sauce says 11g carbs and 11g sugar per 2 Tbls (which would be a large serving). You could put anything you want in a rice wrap, might be fun for his lunches.
As for the Cherries… you are more than welcome to come visit Upstate NY in July and pick your own. As kids we picked ice cream buckets full of them. Pop the pit out and freeze in the portion just right for pie, about a butter tub size. We use sneak frozen sour cherries all winter long when no one was looking. Or frozen black cherries with Yonanas (banana) ice cream is amazing.
Hi Marian!
Thanks so much for the update! So glad your son is doing good and you are all adjusting to the new lifestyle. Kids are really strong!!
I am overwhelm by the thought of loosing 30 lbs, I read how you lost weight and start a healthier lifestyle. I wrote down your four steps. I am motivated to change, Thank you so much!! You are so inspiring, not only in decorating but in everyday life too!!!
God bless you my friend!!
Thank you for those updates! Your son has been on my mind. My grandson, also diagnosed at five, is now eight and on the pump. Children can adapt to the change so well at that age. It is a scary thing, to be sure, though. The burden will ease with time, and when he is eligible for the pump, life with Type 1 gets so much better.
Great update! I am so stinkin’ impressed by your little guy! What a gem! xo
Thanks for the update – I think about your son and your family whenever I hear about juvenile diabetes. We all have to be our own defenders of our health these days – so until they have a better way, we have to deal with the bureaucracy of the health care system.
Glad to hear you found jeans you love. The only ones that I have found that fit me well are “Not Your Daughter’s Jeans,” which are a bit too pricey ($100 a pop) but if something fits and looks great – you have to just bite the bullet.
Congrats on your weight loss. So jealous. But – I am starting now on an exercise program…more as a way to help my recent back problems. A touch or arthritis mixed with too much stress on my back bending over for long periods of time doing a design on a large wood floor. That set off the pain. I am going to see a chiropractor for the first time this week.
Best to you and your family,
Lind
Marian,
In regards to your weight loss plan, have you heard of Trim Healthy Mama? It is not a diet but a food plan. There is a website and FB page. I highly recommend that you check it out. I have been following it for about 3 weeks and have lost 8 pounds without feeling deprived or needing to count everything that goes in my mouth. My husband is T1D and this food plan is great for him too because it is low glycemic index.
So glad that your son is doing well. Living with diabetes is not easy but with God’s help we take it one day at a time.
Your update was cheery, and I’m thrilled all your hard work and sharp JD learning curve are paying off. Keeping you in prayer.
Thanks for the updates. I enjoy reading about them. I especially loved it when you had the stylist come to your house. Very enlightening.
As for the your son and the syringes, I hear you. My son it totally mentally and physically disabled (requires help with everything, only thing he can do physically is to move his feet to spin the Lazy Boy around) and I feed him a blenderized diet made from organic (mostly) food made from scratch. I use these 60 cc syringes to feed him via a feeding tube and I had to fight with the insurance company to get approval for them since they consider them “surgical supplies”. I finally broke down and cried on the phone-I told them if we didn’t get them in three days, he couldn’t eat anything at all. A supervisor got them delivered. All of this started because one person in customer service left the company and they refused to deliver them. I’ve been dealing with medical issues for 22 years now and I am tired of it.
Overall I have a system and spreadsheet set up for all of this which helps. The fewer vendors I use, the better. Just less hassle. I hope you get all of your issues resolved. Dealing with a new medical issue IS overwhelming and takes a while to get under control. I am glad you were able to get things resolved. Your little guy is a trooper for sure!
LOL! ‘Muffin Top’ makes me giggle too! I don’t know who came up with that?! Anyway, great update. I think I speak for everyone here in saying-we total feel like your friends. You let us in on your life everyday and that’s really cool of you. You never miss a day either. I enjoy your posts very nearly every single day. Be it Ironstone hoarding, sewing tutorials, milk paint gone horribly chippy wrong, to milk paint perfection, or antique petticoat turned sink cover, Opera glasses, antique this or that, to a heartfelt journey with a diabetes diagnosis. It’s all good and we love hearing from you. All the best to you Marion. Thanks for sharing.
You never seize to amaze me! First you let us in on your world which by the way makes me tired thinking about it! You get more done in a day then most would in a year. You just are a normal amazing family with the usual ups and downs but you get through it so gracefully. You make us all believe we can “move mountains” in what ever it may be, decorating, taking care of ourselves mentally and physically. and wearing several “hats each day”. You really are an inspiration.
Aw, you are so sweet, love your site, which I just found not too long ago. I’m thinking that you live in Gettysburg or nearby from all you have said. I too have civil war cannons in my town of Fredericksburg VA, and just love it being originally from NJ. I have been to Lucketts many years ago but hankering again to go from your blog.. would love to meet you. I am a fellow decorator and one in ministry as well.. Hopefully, I can. oh and yes ditto on the jeans name…- sounds like the Lancaster outlets, I have family there so I am there sometimes as well – love gap but I don’t normally shop levis but could check it out … congrats on the weight loss also,, I am working on it too but it gets much harder as you age… not to discourage you.. 🙂 Keep up the great work!
Wow- you look terrific! And don’t you just love boyfriend jackets? I found 2-1 in denim, 1 in soft cotton-and I snapped them right up.
I too am struggling with weight loss. I have done 24 pounds off in 1 year. One of my friends made me feel like a failure! “Shouldn’t you have lost more in one whole year??” Well, golly, thanks for the encouragement! Personally, every pound I lose is a victory!
I’m so happy that you and your son have handled his diabetes so well. It is a disease that requires constant vigilance and that is hard. Good for the 2 of you for taking a positive approach. Good luck!
You are such an inspiration! I too am struggling with the “marathon” of weight loss and your words ring true. Thank you.
I know how it is to be worried sick over a child and barely sleeping. My 13 year old has a life threatening allergy (a rare one) and there are some days I am just sick with fear. But we must move on a be strong.
I’m glad your son is handling his diabetes and learning to be his own advocate. Keep up the good work, Mom!
Have a great weekend!
Roselle
Hi Marion,
Always enjoy your blog, and happy to hear that your son is adjusting so well. I have a quick question… how are you liking your heathered chenille jute rug? I’m shopping for one and it’s on my short list. It helps to know, firsthand, how it’s working in a family setting.
fondly,
Ann
I read the sentence about us collectively not giving children enough credit and I wholeheartedly agree. I do have to share this. There was a pretty significant car accident outside my son and daughter-in-law’s house a few nights ago. Both cars had children in them. There were no life-threatening injuries, but the driver of each car did go the local ER. Apparently, the first thing my 3-1/2-year-old granddaughter did was run into her room, gathering up her stuffed animals for the children in the cars so they wouldn’t be so afraid. My son took her outside and waited for the okay from the EMTs and the police to be able to give the stuffed animals to “the littles” as comfort. There was no thought of her keeping her precious stuffed animals, they were given with empathy, whole heart and caring. Children do deserve much more credit. They are amazing creatures.
For some reason I have not been getting your emails the last few days/weeks so I checked in on the blog, hope you see this comment even though it is later. Was very encouraged to read the updates. I had foot surgery this winter that required i stay completly off of it for 10 weeks. Between inactivity and the good meals my church gals brought over I gained 8 pounds . Am finally going to get back on that horse…this post helps. Thanks. Our son developed Type 1 first year of college and there are layers to this disease which includes the insurance/prescription layer, UGH. I handle this area and the most helpful thing i did was get a three ring binder w/dividers and pockets and put all the related stuff in it…contacts, drs, RX, labs, tests and insurance. I have had to grab it on the way to the ER more than once. Due to a broken arm 2 wks ago his Blood sugars hit the 500s a few miserable days last week. These kids are super champions the things they deal with daily. Keeping your little guy in prayer today.
That was fun reading the overview… Love those blue eyes with the mascara… and glad to hear that things are settling into a more comfortable routine with your adorable son. Good for him for learning how to do all those things! And… yeah, calling insurance companies, and navigating insurance stuff is a nightmare! You look great in your new jeans! They are definitely the just right perfect fit!
Cindy
Been thinking about your son as the new diagnosis is so overwhelming. Our son is 5 years into diabetes and while it gets easier…in so many ways it’s just a pain. We got his pump after one year and it was life changing. If I had known that, I’d have gotten it after 6 months. So, I’d encourage you to investigate that…even though you’re overwhelmed. It’s really worth the effort. Best of luck.
Thanks for updating us! We all feel so close to you. That’s one of your (many!) gifts. I can’t wait for our shopping session to work on the feeling lost feeling, but I’m so happy to read about your new jeans!! Nothing as good as a fresh pair of jeans!
Thank you for sharing your faith, talent, and time.
For some reason I also stopped receiving emails from you and several other of my favorite sites. My tech support (husband) is unsure of the cause. Any input you may have would be appreciated. Thanks again for such an inspirational site.