TRUE FACT

Who is the number one rated male vocalist among entomologists?

Why, it's Jon Cicada of course!

Silly Boy in the Tub -- sorry, they were filmed portrait instead of landscape, you'll have to turn your head!

A Visit to Metropolis!

There is a little town in Southern Illinois named Metropolis, yes, just like the city in which Superman, aka Clark Kent lives and works. Every year in June they host the Superman Celebration. It's a big deal with former actors and actresses involved with Superman movies and TV shows, costume contests, art contests, etc etc. Although we wanted to see the celebration in June, we thought we'd travel on down early to see if we could spy the Man of Steel himself, and check out the city so everyone can visit in June and join in on the fun. This is what we found!

Ryabetes and Other Stories

Part One: Ryabetes

I have gained about 10 lbs since my diagnosis (now at 143 lbs.), which most of you already knew since I've been there for a while. Even more significant is the fact that I bought a new pair of jeans yesterday and ended up getting a pair with a 30-inch waist. So in a month's time, I've gained no weight, but have returned to a more normal frame/stature. On top of that, I'm up to running 5 miles a day, so this is not "two inches of fat" but rather "two inches of health." I feel better every day, and if I keep up with my exercise diligently, I find it really easy to keep my blood sugar under control. So yippee.

Part Two: Other Stories

In other news, as per the following picture, I am still engaged to the world's most beautiful woman.

Finally, as amazing as it might be, I think I have uncovered a latent ability to draw. (Apparently autoimmune diabetes in adults isn't the only latent thing in my life.) Now, understand that prior to a few weeks ago, I couldn't draw at all. So as you see my work, cut me a little slack. It's not excellent, but it's not half bad for a guy whose handwriting is cartoonishly awful and who has always been ashamed of his inability to even keep his crayons inside the lines. See as follows.

Some Fun Pictures

Here are just a few pictures of our latest fun! Enjoy!



She's holding the Snowman's hand, by the way. (Sydney, Frosty the Snowman, and his pet dog Rainbow)

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town!

Sydney said she wanted to sit on Santa's lap this year and tell him what she wanted for Christmas, so we took her to the mall to see my personal favorite Santa. She was so excited, yet so nervous! It was so cute to see her anxiously wait in line. We made it to Santa and I said to him, "this is the first time she's come to sit on your lap." and Santa said, "Oh! But you waved to me last year, didn't you!" And I got all excited and said Yes! Yes she did! Wow, I can't believe he remembered her! We would wave at him from the upper level, or go down close to the fence and wave......wait a minute.....he probably says that to every little kid, because every little kid waves at Santa! Dang! I totally fell for it! I must be 4 years old too!

For as nervous as she was, she actually got right up to him and told him right what she wanted! I was totally impressed! She calmed right down after he told her to go over to the basket and get a candy and a book. And then we had a picture done. Peyton was thrown in there too. No screaming, but not the most pleasant of looks on the kid. Sydney had fun! We're counting down the days!

Thanksgiving

I know I missed the traditional day of saying "Thanks" about a week ago, but I think we should never be limited to just one day to tell the world and those in it how we feel. So in keeping with that, my family is beginning a new tradition. We will have strips of colored paper next to a jar. Throughout the year, whenever the mood might strike, we will take one (or more) of those strips and write what we are thankful for, what makes us happy, something good that happened to us, a good deed that we did or that was done to/for us, anything that will help us remember the things that are so great in life. As we put it in the jar, we will read it out loud and drop it into the jar. On the "traditional" day of thanks, we will pull out each strip and read it out loud again to each other and remember/laugh/cry over what each of us wrote. Then, we'll take all those strips and make a chain that will decorate our christmas tree, and we'll start all over with the strips for the new year!

I have several things I want to start as tradition with my family and am excited to get them going! But I do want to tell everyone how much I love them and how glad for all the love I have in my life! I am a very lucky girl and even though I may get frustrated with people or situations in my life, I know that what I have is irreplaceable!

Thank you to everyone for being a part of my life! I love you all very much!

It's an old picture, but it will have to do for the time being! :)