Little nervous

So Wednesday is the big day for my toe. I'm not quite quire what to expect and how much pain I will actually be in. I've got to take slippers and my dressing gown and have light meal before I leave. I'm hoping my blood levels behave as I have been quite good with them lately but they are dropping low and I don't want to hypo and delay the op.

I will probably have to have the weekend off, in a silly thought I did say I would try but honestly 2 days after I'm sure I will still need to rest as much as I can with 2 kids :-).

Hopefully it will all be fine and it will turn out to be just a bruise.

In other news my xray didn't come back clear and I have some hillar shadows on lungs ??The dr did explain but I couldn't understand him properly and was kind of hoping that everything would come back clear and justs see him in 6 months for a check up. 

So I have more blood tests to rule things out and may need a ct but hopefully the results will be fine and maybe my body just likes to be unbalanced with tests and check ups.

Other than that I'm doing ok. Got last of Xmas presents today and just need to get a birthday present as caleb has a birthday party Monday. Caleb has a full day at nursery Wednesday , it's his school christmas party, he's got his jumper and will need to take his lunch box. 

I wish I could see his face after school finished but I will either be still at the hospital or resting my foot.

I hope everyone's ready for chrismas and getting excited.

Will update with the toe later .

Faye xx

Toenail removal

I went to the hospital today thinking I was going to have some of my toe nail removed but turns out it was another consultation .

There was a 45 min wait after my appointment time and finally got seen at 11am . I was taken into a room and asked to remove my sock and shoe for the bad toe. After about 5 mins a dr came in and introduced himself. He was a young dr and very pleasant. The dr asked me what had happened and brief history. Turns out I've got to have my the toenail off all the big toe. :-(, I was expecting just a bit where the mark is. Sounds like it could be painful. The dr wants it done in 2weeks, he said because I'm fair skinned I have to be careful it's not cancer ( obviously I'm hoping it isn't ). It should be on a Tuesday or Wednesday which is lucky as husband can have kids while I have it done. If there's no space in my usual hospital then I will have to go to Birmingham which is a 30min train journey then a bus, fingers crossed it's at my usual hospital . 

The dr wasn't 100% withy what it could be! with my diabetes he said it's even more of a risk as I have watch my feet. I'm not looking forward to the bandage afterwards as I'm sure I will need bigger or open toed shoes until the bandage is off. I don't want time off as I will feel bad if I do. The school will be fun if I need flip flops. Roll on 2 weeks .

Faye x

My christmas makes

I want to make christmas special this year. So I've been making a few things. 

Last week was my advent bunting, I wanted something this year. My friend was selling some fabric scraps and they were just what I needed. I made 7 pockets and added names to both and then attached it to ribbon. Can't wait to use it. Will add chocolate, candy canes and little toys. I also have some little pegs that I need to add numbers to so I can swap them about for caleb to find the correct day.

My next make was santas magic key. I crocheted santas key and made it up as I went along. I added a loop of ribbon so it can hang on the door and some ribbon to tie the key on. This took about a week as I did a bit then left it. 

My last make is a elf on a shelf :-).

I had seen a few of my friends add these to their Pinterest pages and thought I'd give it a go. I started off with a blank doll and just added bits to it. I plan on putting it into a box that is pretty with a letter to caleb. The idea is it will make them believe the elf has been sent to keep an eye on them and that santa is listening . Sounds a bit harsh but. Think caleb will like the fun of it and I will hide it each day and make it into a game. I will wrap it up and address it caleb so make it realistic that santa has sent him.

I have one more on going and this is a Christmas Eve box. In it will be a film, book, new mug with hot chocolate , santas key, chocolate coins , christmas socks and pjs . I will try and do this each year to make it special :-) . 

Hope you like .

Faye x

This weeks plan.

It's another busy week for me. ,my letter from the hospital came through in the week and I've got my toe appointment Wednesday and drs appointment on Thursday.

I'm not sure what Wednesday will bring as the letter says general surgery. I'm hoping it will be simple. I'm not looking forward to a bandage and walking funny. Thursday is just a check up on my blood tests and find out if my X-Ray was ok.

I want to try and get the last of my Xmas presents sorted this week as it's pay day on Thursday . 

I've being doing a few products this week including, a few baby bibs, santas key for caleb , advent bunting and a elf from elf on the shelf to see if it will help caleb with his tantrums and think santa has sent him.

Today we had the cinema and caleb was pretty good apart from the numerous toilet trips. :-) . Not sure what we are doing tomorrow might Mage some star biscuits with cal and do a bit of icing.

We are all full of cold and my diabetes is playing up terribly. 

Hope everyone is well. Will keep you updated with the toe .

Faye x

Please no more laser

I have just come out from the hospital and really hoping that I don't need anymore.

My appointment as at 10 and didn't get seen until 11:30. The second time around it hurt and there seemed to be more laser. I could actually cry with the pan . It's hard to describe the feeling but every time the laser is pressed a sharp pain is in the head and it's horrible . I'm going to take some pain killers just to see if that helps . The initial eye us fine and I'm managing to walk home alone as my husband had to pick caleb.

I could do with a big cry to make me feel a little better .

I wish controlling diabetes was so much easier . I can't believe I'm 28 and already having eye problems . I have a few vessels in my right eye that need watching but I'm hoping  that will be for a few more years now. :-(

I must admit the dr was very good and explained what needed to be done to reassure me. 

Back in 3 months for review lets hope it's good news .

Faye x

Today is more laser surgery .

I've got my second lt of laser eye surgery today.  I have tried not to think about to be honest. I know I know what to expect but the feel on when it happens is quite a sharp pain. I'm hoping I'm only in for 10mins as I do t really like having it done. Luckily I've got my husband off this week so at least I will have someone to walk back with me.

I'm hoping the sun stays behind the clouds today as I will feel stupid with sun glasses on in the winter.

The thing I hate about eye appointments are that every time I go I have to read the silly wall chart and last time I had the surgery my eyes went fuzzy and I could hardly read it probably through nerves.

I have noticed a few changes but I think it's just through the spots I already have. 

I've got some sewing to do by hand on the night time so I'm hoping my eyes are ok to thread the needle .

Wish me luck. Will do a post later with my latest sewing bits .

Faye xx

None the wiser

Today was my appointment for my toe. I waited about 40 mins to see the dr and to be honest I'm still no closer to knowing . The dr checked my toe over and then I sat in the drs room he hardly said anything to me. He had asked if it had moved but to be honest I can't remember where it was in the first place and it's been 3months and hasn't changed. The dr did say it seemed more trauma than anything but he wants to double check it's not a melanoma so he is saiding a referal to the biopsy people. So I should hear in a few weeks and have a bit of whatever it is checked over that it isn't anything to worry about.

I am a little scared and wonder what they will do to my toe nail. If it's trauma it can take 6-8 months to go :-(.

I should find out my blood results soon for diabetes appointment soon and then it's my drs appointment to. 

These next few weeks are going to busy . 

Faye x

Not so little any more.

It just over 4 weeks my little boy will be 4. I don't know where the time has gone. 

I love him to pieces and would be lost without and it will be weird to think next September he will be full time. 

Because of his dad's influence he's a big superhero fan and also loves the teenage mutant ninja turtles. So me and steve are getting him the sewer set and have asked a few people to get him things he can play with for it.

I'm going to get him some little bits with it but that's his main birthday present as christmas is so close to it.

I'm also trying to think of a theme and like the idea of captain America . So I've made him a number badge tonigh and will also do a tutorial if anyone's internested. It was pretty simple but looks effective. 

I've made a folder on my Pinterest and have a cake diy pin that I want to use as well so he can have after nursery.  Caleb won't be having a party but I'm hoping to book the weekend off from work and take him to the cinema with his friends and grab a mcdonalds afterwards.

I can't wait to start sort things closer to the date. He will be one happy boy .

Faye x

New appointment

My referal came through today for my toe. My appointment was put through the fast track referal and it next Friday . I don't know I was expecting it so soon after my appointment but at least it's here. The letter says I could be there for 3hrs for other investigations if needed. I'm a little scare if I'm bieng honest. A big part of me is hoping the dr will just say its due to me banging my toe on something at work and it's just a bruise that it's taking a while to heal. 

I didn't want to take a picture but want to put one on here just incase it gets worse or if anyone else is worrying about something familiar . So apologises for my toe but here's a photo.

So fingers crossed it's something simple. I really don't want any more appointments or medicine .

Keep you update .

Faye x

Poorly boy

Today was a trip to the doctors for caleb . 

He had been ok over the weekend just a little tired Sunday. Then last night the usual wake up with him crying and moaning about his ear. So I have him a dose of callow hoping the night he would sleep. Luckily he did but I didn't want to risk leaving him for it to get worse. I managed to get an appointment and to my shock he's got tonsillitis , the dr said his one (the usual one that gets the infection ) was a little red but nothing to worry about but his glands on his throat were up and his throat was red. So here was me thinking ear infection but it wasn't even that. 

So the dr has given us a 7 day course of penicillin to clear it. I'm glad I wasn't  just bieng paranoid as it's horrible thinking the dr wthinks your a paranoid mom. With his ears I'm extra careful so was glad I have took. Luckily he's eating and drinking normally just got a temp and a little cough. 

I am really hoping this isn't the start of more infections for caleb. The rest f the day was tantrum free and we had an evening of games . A few wake up cries but he should be ok .

Faye x 

Quinny moodd new pushchair

I've always wanted a new smart pushchair but have always settled for a cheaper version. 

So I decided I would treat myself and bought the new quinny moodd. 

It's fab . The price was £510 for the pushchair with baby nest, rain cover, umbrella clip and car seat adapters . The one I first saw had a white frame and beige cover but this would easily get dirty. So I settled for the grey crackle one and it's very unisex . If we ever have another at least I can use it again.

I got my husband to set it up and in about 15 mins it was ready to go.

If your after something small this quinny is fairly wide and bulky but it's still amazing and wouldn't change it. 

I live the middle bar where esmae can hold not but can see how it gets in the way as it's hard to buckle her in as it gets in the way.

I wanted the quinny as it's forward and parent facing. When I had been using the stroller I missed not being able to talk to esmae. The other plus side was the rain cover . Esmae really didn't like the rain cover on the stroller and she wand forever kicking or pulling it off and getting wet.

Here's the rain cover in action. It goes over the whole seat and foot rest and even has a peep whole so she can still see me.

.

The pushchair has 3 seat positions . Upright, reclined to lie back a little and fully flat.

. The good is pretty big and will come in handy for the summer as it comes quite far over .

The pushchair comes with a handy air pump which is concealed in a small pocket on the basket.

The wheels are great for bumps and steps which is good as we have about 12 steps to get to our floor in our block of flats . It's bulky but lifting it up the steps isn't a problem.

Overall the pushchair is amazing, here are positives and negatives to help you if your thinking of getting one .

Positives .

- the pod style seat looks modern .

- the wheels make it easy to push the pushchair , it glides and steers really well.

- the rain cover help keeps them covered and seems pretty durable which you need . 

- the frame is sturdy.

- straps are easy to alter and just snap change under the cover .

Negatives

- there is no way property of attaching a buggy board which with a toddler can be tricky . I managed to twist the adapters I have with mine but if I use it again I'm going to wrap the plastic so the frame doesn't get scratched .

- the size is deceiving at times and it's easy to forget the front is slimmer and where the front wheel is for going up curbs.

- the basket underneath seat is tiny and u try to not to use it as I'm scared it will break.

- the front bar can be a pain at times but it's easily detachable if you want it off.

Overall I love this pushchair and the faults are nothing major . The colours available are fantastic and I'm sure there will be plenty of accessories which I will probably have to buy to . I highly recommend it . The price seems high but I think it's worth it as it's not chrpuky made and I'm hoping to get my use out of it.

An questions please feel free to ask .

Faye x

A challenge??

Today was my trip to drs and yet again I'm having repeat bloods. The dr looked puzzled. I don't think I will ever have a quiet month now. The dr wasn't sure what the reason for my raised white blood cells. He checked my lymph glands and they were fine and also checked my chest which was clear. So the next step was a chest X-ray which I had at work. Have to wait a few weeks for the results and have got to have repeat blood tests is 2weeks . I've got an appointment on the 28th November but think I'm going to bring it forward as I will get bloods done in 2 weeks. 

The dr said I was a challenge ha ha, he went through a list of reasons why I could have it and said I would have to see a haematologist if still raised.

Also I showed him my toe and he's now referred my to a dermatologist to check it's not a mole so may need a biopsy on it. I suppose it's better safe to be sorry .

So November is,

Repeat bloods,

Diabetic review,

Eye surgery and

Drs review .

Let's hope there will be some answers soon, maybe I'm just one of a kind.

Faye xx

I love my ergo

Walking home from school still carrying caleb:-) 

I love my ergo, it's the best £80 I have spent . The walk home takes forever without the buggy board. 

Today was a quiet walk listening to music and it makes it so much more relaxed. In the corner of my eyes all I can see is kicking legs. Esmae does this when she is happy to so must be the same to why caleb is doing it.

I definitely recommend an ergo. I have a Mei tai but this wins all the boxes being ticked . He is starting to get heavier so I know I won't be able to do it much longer but the flexibility of it is great. The best thing is it can be re usable so I can use it with esmae.

I will update properly as I'm currently walking and typing :-) 

Faye x

Blood results and more appointments .

Whilstvu was at work today I managed to check my blood result  from Tuesday . Looks like my white cell count is raised and the lymphocytes to . I'm unsure now what the next step is when I see the dr Monday . To be honest I'm a little scared . I'm hoping it's just an infection or a cold or just the fly jab but I know the last few blood tests I've had my results have been high . Surely my body can't be constantly fighting a bug. Will just have to wait and see what the dr says . Two lovely brown letters came through the post . One was my next laser surgery and the other my diabetic review . All within 4 days within each other . Let's hope there won't be any more. 

Think I'm having a bit of a downer . Work tomorrow and all I want to do is stay in bed and sleep . I might just grab an early night Monday but then again I can't I'm working 3-8 which I wish I could just relax with the kids and husband .

Let's just hope the blood result is something simple and the toe is ok .

Will update what dr says Monday .

Faye x

More laser surgery

I had my review appointment at the eye infirmary today and looks like I need more on my left eye. Something to do with one of my vessels needs fixing. Luckily my appointment was at 1:30 and I got out about 2:45. I had eye drops then photos , review with dr tand then more photos but this time colour ones. I don't think its sunk in yet, I don't mind having it but even though it isn't too painful I'm not a big fan of having it done.

The worst thing is if I'm having laser surgery now at age of 28 I dread to think what my eyes are going to be like when I'm older. I was the only youngish one at clinc. 

It's so hard to try and get a balance right wih my sugars. I always feel like the dr probably thinks I'm useless at controlling it and I don't care. I know I should feel like it but I feel that unless your diabetic yourself no one knows how hard it.

Also had my blood taken for my drs appointment . Really hoping it will be ok, not feeling positivite thought. Got a feeling this will come in 3'. 

1- eyes. 2- blood results not what dr wants . 3- the dr will want further tests on my toe as it hasn't disappeared . 

I want to think positive but can't. 

Laser surgery will be in 4 weeks.

Faye x

my favourites and to do list :-)

I wanted to do a post about my favourite sites that i want to either to do or things that help me.

The obvious one at the moment is Pinterest :-)

I found a lovely facebook page and it gives me ideas for xmas presents or simple gifts. I might take the hassle of making them and ordering from there. Pretty little teacups

As Im getting a bit better with crocheting  this site is one of my favourites and has easy tutorials. My friend posted me this link and I want to give it a go. Unicorn hat

Baby and bump is a favourite site as I have made a few friends and its great help.

Making bath bombs and scrubs are pretty simple and cheap to for that personal gift. Soap queen.

I stumbled on craft page and this is pretty good/

My to do list,

Advent calendar bunting, I have the ribbon but need some fabric for the pockets. I think this will be pretty simple to do and great for doing my own presents/ sweets for each day.

Bath bomb set with body scrub with a hand sewn bag.

Button pictures for friends Baby.

Hot chocolate jar with baileys. Im hoping to give this as a xmas present.

Photo frames for  great/grand parents. ( I haven't found a perfect site yet).

We arent going to mad for everyone this year so Im thinking of doing some hamper style gifts for my brother and other family.

I really want a new sewing/embroidery machine and this is the one I want. This would open so many doors with maybe selling my crafts. So I think Im going to start saving as I really do want it.

Once I have got my materials for some of these I will update with my progress :-)

Faye x

Getting a little scared

It's coming close to my blood test and review appointment. I'm starting to feel nervous, what happens if my results are high and what happens if the dr isn't happy with my toe mark? I hope that my blood result for lympocytes are ok the. Just the talking if strange mark . I'm not sure if my mind is playing tricks on me or if the mark is actually getting bigger. Roll on Tuesday and I can get my bloods done then I can relax until the 21st.

Google is not the answer .

Faye x

What's your charity shop bargain.

I love going for a browse post the charity shops. I tend to do them when cals at school, saves tantrums  and constant asking for toys . I have bought some tops and a few pairs of jeans as I really don't fancy buying clothes then hopefully when I loose weight I will be back into my old clothes.

Cal is mad on Disney cars and I noticed last month they had put a bag of the cars for £30 . I was shocked, I know they cost £5 each but I thought £30 was a lot . Anyway I went in today and they had reduced them to £15. Bargain, here's the pic,

I counted 14.

I know they aren't brand new but I'm going to either put them in a bucket and warp them up pretty or create a box for them all.

I also found another bargain. I wanted to get esmae into the bottom bed of cals bunk so was on the look out for a bed rail. I really didn't want to spend £20 for just a few months then for it to go in the cupboard. Last Monday I was browsing and found one. It wasn't white or pink but for a months what difference does blue make. And the best thing about it was I only paid £5.

Not sure what's next but might make a post once a week on what I've got.

Faye x

 

October is my busy appointment month .

I tend to have months where I have a odd appointment then another that is full.

October is a busy Month. Here's what I have-

Drs appointment last week, turns out I do need my iron tablets and maybe vit d to. I also mentioned I Have a funny mark on my toe nail. Being diabetic I should of told him sooner but I just thought it was a bruise. Dr said it may be a mole on and I might need a biopsy in it , so have to go back in a month . (21st October ). Also my lymphocytes are raised and he wants repeat bloods to see of they have lowered if not that's another further investigation.

Tuesday- I had my annual flu jab at work should of been at drs but that wasn't until November 21st :-(.

15th October - review on eyes, fingers crossed the laser surgery has worked.

16th October - repeat blood test.

21 st October - drs appointment I'm really hoping everything is ok as I don't want any more tests.

Life is never going to be simple as a diabetic but I'm going to talk to my diabetic nurse to see how I can go about self funding for a cgm for my pump. I have just switched my infusion set to my arms and I have noticed a big change in my bloods. I think during the week on school runs I need to lower my insulin . I'm having to set 50% basal rates and still felling weak. 

I've also been swapping chips for jackets and chocolate for fruit. I will get that hba1c perfect. It may take more than a few months but I'm feeling determined.

Faye x

I can't live without

This is a bit of a random post but wanted to write it down. 

I have had this come up in my thoughts a few times and when I think about it properly there is actually things I can't live without.

I want to narrow it down to just 3 but there is always something else that I need as I a diabetic , so I have narrowed it down to,

1-my insulin pump,

2- batteries 

3- insulin 

4- lucozade or some sort of sugar.

5- monitor kit

6- food/drink.

I know these are pretty standard things but as a diabetic these are really important . Without all of these being diabetic would just not work. I panicked the other night that we had no AAA batteries for my pump so I've got a pack of 10 so that should last just under a year minus a few borrows maybe . The next panic was last night, I had my prescription for insulin but never got round to getting it. Just before bed my pump started to vibrate low reservoir. I then remembered no insulin :-(. Luckily when I got up my sugar was only 13 , I know that's high but it could of been worse. Luckily by 9am I was all ready to go again. Every one thing on that list is important and I need to start making sure these are always there. A hypo without sugar is dangerous yet I still think I will be ok until one day it won't be a good situation. Obviously the key things are insulin , monitor and sugar as a basic. I started ok injections so I would survive without the pump but would hope that will never happen.

I need to get it sorted. I can be so good with it yet I just want to be normal and think this is why I let things slip.

The next challenge is training for my 10k which will be another post when I get my trainers and start. Let's hope a temporary reduced rate helps me Train without too many hypos.

Wish me luck.

Faye x

Christmas felted shape gifts

I haven't really done any sewing this week so thought I would start something that's simple and quick to do whilst watching telly. I'm going to do it as a step by step with photos then if you want to do them yourself you can .

As Christmas is slowly approaching I've decided to make some felt ornaments for the trees. I've got quite a few friends with babies or toddlers so I'm thinking these are quite cute. There is so many shapes you can use. I've decided in stars for the boys and hearts for the girls.

Here's what you will need.

Coloured felt

Shape templates ( I just printed basic one a then drew it on the felt)

Cotton

Button and ribbon for decoration 

Stuffing

Decide what colours you want for your shapes.

You can have these stuffed or as single shapes. 

For a single you can just add an initial with a ribbon attached by a button and then see around or you can use two heart then sew them together leaving enough room to add the stuffing . 

These are my current shapes that need sewing around the edges and stuffing.

I found sewing the initial on the front shape is easy as you can pull the thread through the one side without making it misshaped .

Choose a ribbon or string if you want to add to the top of shape so this is your attachment loop.

I measured 6" of ribbon just to create a medium loop. If this is to small you can make it longer especially if your making bigger shapes.

Once you have sewn around the shape you can add the stuffing gradually or kiss before you stitch it up. I found it easier to add as I went along. Just before you come back to where you started fold the ribbon over and put inside the shape. You can either just have a simple loop and sew up or add a button to the ribbon for decoration. You can go around the edge again if you like to double sew or just tie off the cotton.

Here's the final product. This is just a practice on as I didn't know how it would look so my next should look better😃 will update when the others are done.

These are a simple and pretty gift for friends.

Faye xx

edit , here are my gingerbread man and reindeer . I think they turned out pretty well. Will make a snowman to my collection. Thinking of doing a craft stall at xmas so think these would be fab :-)

New nursery

Caleb had his induction today at the school for his new nursery . This year he has got mornings which is better.

Nursery starts at 8:45 til 11:45 . The walk is only 25 mins and we even did it with walking there no buggy board.

My plan is to carry esmae in the ergo and walk caleb the when he's dropped off I can do a few laps of our field to up my fitness . The walk is a mile so I will be walking 4 miles a day plus anything else.

I found the picture I had of caleb when he started nursery by us in January ,

Here's today's photo ,

I'm just waiting on Caleb's uniform and he will look even more grown up.

I was able to drop him off without any tears and he came out smiling . Another settling in Thursday then it's Monday to Friday from then . Not sure what we will do in the mornings but plan on doing baby club with esmae :-)

Faye x

add your blog

Heres my post so others can add their own posts or blogs .

Im hoping this works. Once I get the hang of it I will make a weekly post so you can add posts.

16 yrs as a diabetic

I'm sure it was 16 yrs today I was diagnosed 😞 . I still don't like it and haven't got the hang if it .i just want to eat without worrying or think about what insulin I need to take . My main one is weight loss. I try so hard then I get a hypo so it messes my day up then I can't get motivated to carry on.

I have a good week then it goes wrong . I want days where I don't have to eat or worry what I do . I also worry about the lack if control now and what problems it will have in the long run .

I would love another baby then I worry what a dr will say due to my sugars . It's not easy that's for sure .

Happy d day for me ha ha :-(

Faye xx

Crayon fun

After dinner I decided we would do our crayon fun.

I find three canvas squares and decided what we were going to do . 

This one is for esmae . It didn't turn out as well as I had hoped but here's the result .

Calebs picture is the one on the right. I just told him to place the crayons anywhere and I melted them and moved the painting around.

The last one I'm hoping to use as a name plaque for their door.

It does say caleb and esmaes room . This is my favourite .

I don't have a glue gun so had to melt the crayons first so they would stay on the page. I'm going to try and do a few more when calebs at nursery .

Faye xx

Mini mei tai

As you know I love my sewing and haven't really done anything recently so last week a made a friend a min mei tai and I'm quite impressed with it.
I had a search though google and  I found this link pretty simple to use. Its clear and easy to work out.
Here are some pictures to show you how I got on and what fabric I used.

I had some left over quilt fabric which was long enough for the straps to.

This is the mei tai finished.

I used caleb as a model and I think its worked out quite well.

This one is for a friends little girl as its her birthday soon. Her mom loves baby wearing and I thought this would make a perfect present so she can be included in walks and carry her dolls. 

so watch this space for more designs. :-)

Relaxing wednesday

The school holidays are nearly finished and I can't remember many days that have been empty . So I'm actually looking forward to a day in tomorrow .

I've been a busy bee tonight and feel quite proud of myself.

* The flat has been tidied and cleaned. 

 * I have done a load of washing which is now dry and has been out away.

* I have made a batch of weight watchers soup.

* done some jellies for me and the kids.

* now planning what we can do tomorrow .

I have a few canvas squares and I want to make some pictures with caleb . I've looked on Pinterest and I quite like the look of the crayon ones so I'm thinking of giving that a go. Not sure what style or picture but we will just go with the flow. I'm just going to have a day in with the kids . Will tidy in between . Hopefully we will have not to many tantrums or tears. Not sure what we will do to involve esmae but I'm going to get the blocks out and find some colours so she can play to.

Will need to pop out for a few things but can't wait for a day in. Once the husband is in bed I'm hoping to shut the living room door and have a good day. Hopefully the tv won't be needed either. 

Can't wait to spend the day with the kids :-) 

Faye xx

Zero point jelly for weight watchers or a kids snack

I'm trying to use as much free or low point weight watchers food as I can in my day so if I under point my tea I have eaten enough in the day to cover any extra points or even a cheeky chocolate bar.

Fruits are free which I love so I have been having a bowl in the morning with some fat free yoghurt and blending to make a low point breakfast.

I've just made some sugar free jelly with added strawberries to add a bit more flavour.

Being diabetic I have sugar free jelly so this is good so I'm having a no point snack or dessert to without worrying about counting it onto my daily allowance.

I have also made some extra pots so esmae and caleb can have some to try. I know caleb likes jelly so should be a hit there.

The best thing is the look of it . It doesn't look boring .

Can't wait to have them tomorrow and see what the kids think .

You can add majority of fruits to the jelly and if you wanted to you could layer different flavours of jellies to have a variety of flavours. All you would have to do is let one flavour set then add the next one carefully :-)

Faye xx

2 point sweet potato weight watchers soup

I have been a bit off the track for my dieting and I will get there but I'm not making myself unhappy or rushing it.

I decided to do a soup that I can have for lunch or a snack that is low point. Bare with me as I'm not the best ha ha.

I have pointed all the ingredients and for about 1.5ltrs I got the points to 10. I normally tend to have a big bowl to fill me up so I worked out this is the size of a can of soup just under 300ml.

1.5lts divided by 300 equaled to 2 points per serving approximately.

Here goes.

You will need ,

I onion (zero points)

2 stock cubes which makes 1000ml with water.

3 sweet potatoes 

1 potato

Coriander.

Butter for pan.

So I'm a head of myself I cut and peal all the veg so when I'm cooking something and its done i can go in to the next step.

Heat up enough butter to cover the bottom of the pan. Add chopped onions and cook until soft . Add potato after 5mins.

I boil my water in the kettle then I can mix the stock cubes without any stubborn lumps to get rid of.

Pour 1000ml of water into a jug and add 2 stock cubes. Mix until stock is dissolved.

Before I added the stock into the pan I added the sweet potato to the onions and potato.

The pan is pretty full.

The. Add your stock to the pan.

I don't have fresh coriander but you can use it if you have it. 

I use coriander from the supermarket that it out of a tube that you can pop back into the fridge and will last a month roughly once opened and its works just the same. I just give it a squeeze into the pan. Add what you feel is enough.

Even though I have used boiling water I bring the contents of the pain to the boil then I simmer for 20-30 mins when everything is soft.

Once this is done take off the heat, use a blender and blend the ingredients to make a thick soup . 

You can then put in a container and leave to chill and place in the refrigerator . I try to use mine within 3 days.

It doesn't look the best of colours but its just as good as the supermarket ones and costs a fraction of the price.

You can have this as a snack or even a low point dinner with bread.

Hope you enjoy :-)

Xx faye x

 

Esmae 0-15 months

Carried on from my last post i wanted to upload a video of esmaes photos from birth to now.
I can't believe how much she has grown and changed. And even though they play up together, you can see the bond of esmae and caleb. i love the photos when they are together.
I hope you enjoy.

Faye xx

iMovie

The husband has a iMac computer so I wanted to try and put all the weddings photos onto DVDs. It's very confusing. In total I spent about 2hrs trying to get it all together. I couldn't work out how to clip music and clip the time of the video. I just kept adding the photos and didn't realise the time creeping up. I got to 30 mins at one point.

I really am not good with computers. I finally figured I could put the clips to one set time . It's so simple once you figure it out. I then managed to add the audio after deciding what songs I wanted.

I finally chose ,

Train- marry me, thousands years ( from twilight) on if my favourite films and this never happens before by Paul McCartney also for a favourite film lake house . So all the songs had meaning.

This was all done and I thought I would finalise the movie. To my shock it's taking an hour :-o . So I have out the telly on for half hour and hoping it will whizz through so I can out it on a cd for my parents house tomorrow. 

So now that I know roughly how to use my next project is esmaes best photos as she's grown from now and maybe update it on here so you can all see.

This is defiantly going to be used a lot . I think if I had of had a book how to I would of got even more lost. At least now I know how to use it and hope I can do a section of movie clips of photos.

Wish me luck. Maybe I can update it when it's done .

Faye xx

Diabetes back on track

I've noticed over the last few weeks I haven't been as strict with myself as I should. So I need to get back on track . I don't think I need to adjust insulin much as before this my sugars were pretty normal . My average on my monitor it 11 at the moment and about 3 weeks ago it was 7/8 so I need to get it sorted . I know I should be constantly getting the right sugars but at times it's so hard juggling everything it passes me.

So my main goals are,

Eat better

Check sugars better .

Not let it get the better of me. 

Fingers crossed to not many hypos :-)

Faye x

All hooked up.

I've never really said a lot about my insulin pump or the setup so I though as I need a set change plus more insulin I decided to take a few photos and explain my site changes.

Here's a pic of everything to get me setup. Pump, infusion set, insulin and cartridge for insulin.

Roughly ever 3 days I change my infusion set which is called silhouette . This set is one where I have insert the set manually instead of using something to help me. When I first started I had the quickset kit but because I have stretch marks on my belly the tube wasn't going into skin so I wasn't getting any insulin. 

The top left bit is the needle and tube. The needle is roughly an inch. Once it's gone into the skin you barely feel it being inserted into the skin. 

After this is done the needle is pulled away and the tube connector is attached. This is one pies now and then put into the pump. 

This is the pump connected . I do have a skin that goes over the set just incase I pull it or catch it on something just for a bit of security . I will have to change this in about 3 days and will start again.

I would be lost without my pump. I have more control over my diabetes. I just need to have it controlled. I can do it and will do it.

Faye x

Thanks.

I Just wanted to say thanks to who ever is reading my blog. I know half of my posts  probably doesn't make sense or is boring but I must be doing something right.
I just want a place to put my ideas , creations and thoughts. Also a place to look back on the things I have done with myself,family and friends.


faye xx

Thanks

Christmas Ideas.

I want to make the kids an advent calendar this year but not quite sure how it should look. I need to buy a pad so I can draw all my ideas onto instead of a scrap piece of paper.
My ideas so far are,

• ask my dad to do a box shape for me but without a fron and lid. Then i was thinking of doing it as a room with fire place. I would then make 2 little stockings with names on for a daily toy/sweet. The was thing of having 2 blocks that will count down the down the days to christmas.
• A big piece of fabric with 25 pockets which will have the sweets in for each pocket. will have some christmasy fabric.
• maybe a stocking each then will put something in each day. Will have a countdown pocket on the front. Maybe use magnetic numbers to put on front or velcro them on to change daily.

So many ideas. Will get my book later and do some sketches. Then will update here with my pictures. Maybe you can help me decide??

Fayexx

Friends

This post is a bit random but need somewhere to write my thoughts down.

I don't have that many friends well close ones but I am so grateful of them. I've got a couple of really close friends and I don't think I would want many more. 

With kids you tend have just a couple that you can trust and know that no matter what you tell them they understand and don't judge what's going on or how naughty you kid is. 

I just don't understand how silly people can get though. It's right what the say some people just aren't happy matter no what you do.

I know as you get older and your kids go to different schools or meet new friends things change , but surely you should never loose touch with them or feel like your the one in the wrong yet they are the one twisting things.

I try my hardest for caleb to see his usual friends but sometimes it's hard telling we can't see  friends all because you are apparently in the wrong .

Is it necessary to want to be the centre of attention all the time. I just can't handle the drama of it all.

I know it will probably well hopefully blow over but it's just the fact that I'm not in the wrong yet I'm made to feel I am. I'm not sure if I want to try so a certain degree.

From now on its the friends I've got I'm sticking to. My number one priority is family but friends are needed to.

So the friends you have that mean a lot keep them close and don't try to hard as it really isn't worth the stress feeling crap over. 

This photo of a poem sums it up for me .

Faye xx

V festival continued.

The day finally arrived :-)
My freind picked me up about 10 and we drove to my parents as they live opposite weston park so all we needed to do was drive up the lane and park up then walk back down.
The roads were perfect and we got to there before 11 so had lunch at left just before 12. We eve followed the V fest bus on they way.

We planned on walking down but my dad drove us down so all we need to do was enter the park and find out where we needed to go.
We had 2 camping tickets so could of camped I'm sure that would of been fun. The tickets needed to be exchanged for wristbands. we finally got wristbands by about 12:40. The whole place was a maze.
I had managed to screen shot the times of when everyone was on.

As we were walking in we heard the fratellis on the main stage. We just didn't know where to start. The channel 4 music stage was the place we stopped at and listened to Conor Maynard.

We took a wonder for a bit and took it all in. The grounds were huge. My wellies were starting to rub so was glad when sat down for a bit and took them off.
Our first sit down was labrinth and he was really good.

Looking at photos from v festival and the crowds watching labyrinth , I cant believe how many people were watching and how close we were. Our next stop was Jessie J. As she was on the main stage, she looked so tiny. 

Toilets weren't too bad and we came prepared with loo roll and bin liners for the seats just incase. I cant believe though there was actually women just squatting by fences with no care in the world. The men had what looked like compost bins with holes which was funny.

After Jessie J we grabbed tea. The time was going so quick it was 7 by this time. Prices were high and I paid £6 for a burger. Bottles of pop weren't to bad at £2.20.

There was stalls and vans everywhere.

Examples of prices.

• to charge your phone -£15
• face painting from £5-£20
• milkshakes -£5
• various clothing.

Once we had eaten we went to see the script and we saw majority of the set . They were interactive with crowd which always makes its better.

Labyrinth even made an appearance and it was amazing. the crowd was getting involved.

The script finished by 8:30 I think and we decided to stay where we were. As 9pm started to approach the pushing to get to the front started and we were slow getting to the stage but the screens were slowly disappearing with heads and bodies in the way.

I wish we had stayed at the back now .

Beyonce was late and crowds were getting restless and booing.

I think finally at 9:50 ish Beyonce finally arrived. The crowd went mad but I was honestly disappointed . It was a fairly big opening but I was expecting fireworks. The crowd were happy but so many people were still trying to get through to the front.

I didn't get many photos of Beyonce as my phone decided with the screens and light it would take pictures very well. 

The show was good,but too many breaks and costume changes. We started to walk out by 10:30 I think. We made our way out and managed to find out way out. I wouldn't of liked to have camped.

My dad was waiting for us to drive us back up to car. We left about 11:10 and got home about 12am. Roads weren't to bad and moving quite freely.

By the time I got home I quickly showered and went to bed ready for work at 8.

All in all the day was amazing and as much as I love the kids, it was just nice to worry about myself and sit down every so often.

Definitely something I would do again.

Faye xx