DON'T STOP! MOVE FORWARD.

By Angeline M Duran Santiago

"A Day In the Life of Jacob, aka, Juggernaut"

Football practice and workout has begun in our home. Maybe for your family, it's dance class, karate, baseball, or anything your child loves being a part of from sports to the arts. Here, we wake up early on Saturdays, well, at least I do, and get ready to sit and watch my son along with his team mates and coaches work really hard with drills, running, and techniques to help them become successful players.

So, the football team is doing their thing, running laps and jumping up and down, and after a few minutes, they get the much longed for break. At their coaches signal, they run unanimously to the spot where they've left their water bottles and guzzle that water up like thirsty bears. And, that's when my son, Jacob, looks at me and I know, something is wrong.

I planned it all so carefully. At least I thought I did. He's not feeling well and we quickly check his sugar. Thing is, it's not high. Could it be the extreme heat beaming down upon him as he's working out? He takes some water, I give him a bolus correction (a little bit of insulin that he needed) and off he goes once more to leave it all on the field. 

As he's running, he turns and heads towards me. "I think my sugar is high." he tells me and once more, we check it. "No. It's 116. It has actually gone down." I reply. He's red, warm, overheated and needs rest. He gets it and then feels ready to head back. "Give me your pump again." I tell him. He begins to twist it to remove it and as luck may have it, he somehow twists it so powerfully, he ends up completely removing the site. "AUGH!" My insides say. But, I stay quiet. We have a long time here in the field and the morning has not started out well.

Thank God, I remembered to come prepared with insulin pen and feel confident all will be well. He goes through four hours of working out, learning, and practicing moves. He drinks all his water and I really thought everything was fine. I go get him some water and notice that the last hour of practice, he has begun to need to use the restroom. This immediately tells me, his sugar (although he's only been on water for four hours) has somehow begun to increase.

Practice in done and Jacob joins me on the side. I tell him to change into his sneakers, as we have a pretty long walk, and have some more water. He looks at me and says, "Mom, I can't any more." 

I check his sugar and it is almost 400. Remember, I told you earlier, his site came off, so although he was covered before playing, his levels continued to go up even though he was only with water. He sits for a few minutes, takes a few sips of water, then goes to the side of the field to vomit. Here I am, alone with him, parents have gone home, and even though I have given him insulin, he doesn't seem to be improving. 

What do we do when this happens? As a parent we want to give up sometimes and say, "No more sports." or "No more activities." We get tired of seeing our kids go through these changes in their bodies and it seems there is nothing we can do or say to help them feel better. You may be wondering why didn't I leave the park earlier, an hour earlier, and let him end up getting this sick? I'll tell you this. My son is not one to quit easily. He loves what he is doing and he loves the people in his life that surround him when they're all together. He is continuously encouraging and motivating his team mates, applauding, cheering them on as they run or tackle. 

He pushes them on with words of encouragement when they catch the football or it falls. He gives them a high five and celebrates their victories as if they were his own. He smiles when a coach says, "Good job, Jacob." and looks as if he was born to live on this field playing football.

So, ask me again and you'll hear my son, Jacob reminding you that we should never stop. "Don't stop! Keep moving forward." Keep going. We were born to win. We will always face some kind of adversity in life, physically or however they come. But, we press onward. We go one step at a time. We push through and don't look back. We hold on through the challenges, wipe our faces clean after we finish puking, and with our heads held high, once more, we get up, and face the world.

Are you facing a difficult challenge today? Do you feel tired, sick, or discouraged? Then, take some comfort in this. As I write, Jacob is feeling better. I got the courage to ask his coaches to help us and give us a ride home. They were all quick to help out and we did get a ride home. We were blessed. I just prayed that Jacob wouldn't throw up in the car. (Thank you, Lord!) I feel blessed. The coaches support and show my son great love and concern and this keeps him believing he's in the right place, he's motivated and will not quit. 


You can't give up, either. God has help coming your way. Press forward and don't give in, even when you feel sick. Pursue your dreams, your desire to participate in something you feel especially gifted in. And, when it gets hard, pray and trust the Lord to see you through. He's the greatest Coach ever. He is ready to carry you through the hard times. Don't stop! Keep moving forward.

#JacobDuran #diabetes #diabetic #footballanddiabetes #typeonediabeticboy #jacobdiabetes #t1n #faith #hope #sports #encouragement #determination #givingup #believe #holdon #Jacobwins

GETTING READY FOR FOOTBALL

By Angeline M Duran Santiago

In our home, as in many homes around the world, we look forward to seeing our children growing, developing their skills, and being part of something that will leave a positive mark in their memories for years to come. 

In our home, football is big. Blame my brothers, especially Alex. But, once you're in, you're in for life. My two sons automatically fell in with the craziness and what can I say? My job? Cheerleader, Encourager, Supporter, Silent arms that hold my son up when he might not be feeling great.

Tonight is one of those nights. Seems we've had a lot of those around here. I changed his site, again. Just did it about ten minutes ago. It just came off. Sugar levels have soared again after everything being fine. I guess it will be a long night.

Jacob's First Game, Queens Falcons, Football Season 2013

My worries are so different to my son's. He's wondering how he'll do during football workouts. I'm praying God will prepare his warrior heart to do his best. Type 1 Diabetes is like that. Some days I think I've learned so much I can tackle it head on without a helmet. Other days, I feel it tackles me and I can't get up. Yet, I do! For my son and for his heart and passion for a sport that sort of defines him in so many ways.


He is a fighter and football is about knowing how to push through to the other side no matter how hard the opposition pushes against you. He is resilient and football takes mental assurance to believe in yourself and focus on standing strong. My son, Jacob, is powerful! In my eyes he is powerful. His faith is like wind to his feet that lets him soar while he practices and plays. But, oh, that wind pushes me upward as well as I watch and cheer him on.

We're getting ready for football. While some parent have already probably bought all their child will need for one more season, my greatest job is to pray and help my son be physically prepared by keeping his blood sugars where they need to be. I don't know why, but they just run upward on their own. Maybe I will have to redo the whole line again and make sure there aren't any bubbles in the line and that all is pushing through perfectly. 

Jacob's Third Game, Football Season 2013

I don't know if you love football, or any sport but I have one request of you if you are one of those who faithfully visit my blog site. Become a person who will encourage others and believe with them no matter the challenges they face. Become a person, like Jacob, that will look obstacles in the eye and say, "Get out of my way!" Become a believer that all things are possible for those who believe and cheer those around you that are feeling sick, or maybe just really down and out, but cheer them on. 

 Tonight, a complete change is needed in not only how he's feeling, (kinda crappy) but I ask the Lord that those blood sugars will normalize so that we can all sleep under the rest of God's protection. He inspires me and says, "Don't worry, Mom, I'm going to be okay." In Jesus name, I say, "Yes, amen."

Are you a parent of a child who is sick, or struggles with a physical condition or disability? Do not be discouraged. Hold on. Have faith and don't give up. I know I won't. Find those gifts in your child that need to be encouraged and surround your child with people and an atmosphere to develop those gifts. Watch your child blossom.

We're getting ready for football!

Hooray!
I'm excited to see my son declaring victory in so many ways. Thank you, Lord. Thank you for the people you've placed in my son's path, for my family who is there with him, for the coaches that will guide him, and for your presence that will surround him tonight and always.

Share if you've been blessed in some way.

SWORD IN HAND

By Angeline M Duran Santiago

You and I are not your average, typical, every day moms. Nope. No Siree!
You and I are not your everyday, get up and go parent, like other parents.
We are sort of the same like other parents in that we care for our families, our children, and will do what we can and should do to help our children succeed and live happy lives.
What is so different with you and I?

We carry a sword!
A sword?
Yes! A sword! A powerful, very heavy at times, really sharp sword.

You're kidding me. (You respond)
I'm not. I assure you.

http://www.shalombewithyou.com/prayer/prayer-of-declaration-against-spiritual-oppression/

You and I are praying parents. We are parents filled with conviction and faith. We are parents that take God's word literally and recognize we are in a battle when it comes to everything that is unleashed against our children's health, their minds, their growth, their relationship and success in life. You and I walk around with that sword night and day, like vigilant warriors, like lions defending their territory, sword in hand, pushing back the powers of darkness.

That sword in our hands in God's Word, alive, powerful and able to destroy the works of the enemy when they begin to appear. That sword in our hands is our time spent in prayer, creating a fiery wall of divine protection around our children, not only when they're awake, but as they sleep. That sword in our hand gives us authority to cut down words spoken against our children, it gives us authority to cast down strongholds, imaginations and every plan against our children, in Jesus Name. We speak God's word and cancel every plan devised against our children. We move our sword and strike the enemy through our praises and our worship as we create a home where we are not afraid to invite God's presence into our homes.

http://www.ccupland.com/warriors

What are you struggling with? What is inflicting pain and sorrow in your child?
Is it sickness? Is it bullies at school? Is it emotional problems? Is it something you don't understand like depression, silence, anger? Whatever your child is facing right now, you have the Sword of the Spirit in your hands if you run to God's Word and make it your confession. That sword works even as we remain on our knees. You are a prayer warrior. You are not like other parents that just raise their kids to believe what they want, no faith, just live. You see the challenges, the struggles, the hardships and you don't take it lightly. 

Okay, I know there's no real sword if we look at it realistically in our physical world. But, if you look at yourself in the mirror of faith, you will see you are a parent decked out in battle gear. You are dressed to defeat enemies of all proportions, size and magnitude. Your faith will get you through each battle. God's anointing upon your life will walk you through the fire. He is your victory! He is Your Shield of Faith!
Let God's Sword in your hand be the courage to face the enemy, the defeated enemy, who forgets God has already rendered him powerless and God has shown us great victory!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/prayerwarriors365

You and I are different. 
We are more than conquerors.
We are part of a royal priesthood and we are preparing our children to be kingdom minded.
We are people of faith.
We are of those who love God and are not afraid to show it.
Carry your sword in hand and go forth, defending what God has given you.

#prayingparent #warriorparent #christianparent #praying #diabetes #sword #praying #pray #victoriousinjesus #battle #pray #christianparenting #prayingforyourchild

WAITING

By Angeline M Duran Santiago

As a parent, waiting for physical improvements to take place in our child's body seems like the snail's walk from a pencil's point to the eraser, a very, very long time. We grow impatient, mainly when our child shares their discomfort. We get angry, usually after attempting everyone's remedy and advice to no prevail. 

Waiting. We wait to be born. We wait to pass a test. We wait to find the right person to marry. We wait. And we wait some more. It's waiting for a cure that is a pain in the rear. It's waiting for research that has shown they have an answer to make it our way. There are so many advances and yet, the more I read, the more I see it's all the same, as if one person is just bouncing off what they read in someone's else's research or site. It seems there's a lot of repeated information but no one really has anything new to say.

I'm here waiting, but my wait is with an expectation. I await for a healing to come upon my son's body. It is my faith and I believe that He was created perfectly and wonderfully in my womb. Somewhere along the way, Type 1 Diabetes showed up to make my son's life a challenge. But, I believe in the Word of God, who created my son, and is able to keep His promises of healing and renewal.

It is a hard thing to proclaim. I know. Especially when most will say, "You're foolish!" I look at my son and decide to hope. Hope can keep us alive when nothing else can. Hope makes our faith remain strong. I chose to hope and have faith that although my son is on an insulin pump and has to check his blood glucose regularly, and watch what he eats, I choose to believe in the scriptures that tell me, "He bore our sickness and by His wounds (stripes) we were healed." Isaiah 53 promises healing for my son's insides.

I still see my perfectly born child when I look at my son. When my other two children get sick, I see God's hands upon them and through the struggles of getting better, I chose to see God at work in them for His glory. 

Waiting. It's a hard thing to do as a parent but I'm learning that as I wait, God is doing what only He does best. He is opening the heavens wide and pouring out answers to all our prayers. He is blessing us even when we don't feel it. He is with us, walking around us and strengthening us. He is able. Don't give up your hope of your faith. Trust God.

#prayer #hope #faith #t1d #diabetes #diabetic #healing #typeone #typeonediabetes #restoration #godheals #prayforhealing #trustGod #prayingparent #believe #trustgod

HEALING IN THE SCRIPTURES

By Angeline M Duran Santiago

Type 1 Diabetes has it's good days and it's bad days. Some days it seems as if it doesn't even exist. The blood sugar levels are great! Nothing makes the numbers go high. No matter what, at least once in a while, the insulin pump behaves and for a moment in time, a blink of the eyes, T1D seems very, very far away.

Sometimes, though, or should I say, most of the time, it's so real that everything around you lets you know it is present. Everything seems to go wrong. No matter what you believe you're doing correctly to help your child, he doesn't seem to feel better, and the sugar goes up to the sky for no reason at all. Now, I know doctors say things like, "Well, you know, he's a kid, he's going to sneak in a snack and not tell you." or, "Well, we all know our kids lie so maybe he eats and doesn't really cover himself." 

So, if that's true, then what about the moments, which is almost "always" that we are personally there with him, monitoring consistently and even placing the numbers into his insulin pump ourselves. What reason or excuse do doctors have then? I didn't think so. 
Thus, my search in scripture is changing how I view my time in prayer. I seek passages where healing took place and I am personalizing them and making them Jacob's personal bag of hope. There are only two things that can happen here. Healing or no healing. Either way, God is in control.

I think that's the hardest part. Believing he's in control when chaos seems to be leading the way in my son's body. So, today I want to see beyond the condition, and focus on what God's Word shares about healing.

Jesus heals a man with leprosy

Jesus heals a man waiting by the poolside

Jesus heals a woman with an issue of non-stop bleeding

Jesus heals by just speaking the word, not being present


If God has done it in the past, then I can believe He will do it again. As I care for my child, I will continue to read and search the scriptures as I ask the Lord to do the work in me, in my heart, that will change how I pray, how I believe, and how I wait on the Lord. God, you've shown your power and glory so many times before. What's one more time to you?

Lord, we wait on you....



#HEALING #Jesusheals #diabetes #diabetic #t1n #juvenilediabetes #insulinpump #hope #faith #prayer #healing #prayeroffaith #prayforhealing #God #promisesofGod

HEALER ~ ROPHE

By Angeline M Duran Santiago

I can honestly say that I've purposely ignored this area of writing in my life. There is nothing more I want to share than words of encouragement and hope and it seems in the area of my son's health, or the health of many in my family, it has been such a challenge.

My faith has been placed on mountain top and it hangs by a thin thread every now and then. With all that is within me, I strive to hold on to what I know to be true. It's in watching my child struggle with high blood sugars out of no where that my faith shakes within me and I am forced and obligated to remind myself I walk by faith and not by sight or emotions.

Friends, it is not easy to pray over your child and put him to sleep knowing tomorrow he will still awake with the same condition. It is not a lack of faith on my part, for although I recognize my faith is not where it needs to be, I do believe. I do believe with certainty God is able. But, why? Why does He hold His mighty hand away from my child? Why does it seem others are healed and my son's body carries the fatigue of endless ups and downs with this diabetes?

Tonight I ask you Lord to renew my faith. Renew and restore my assurance in Your Word. I know you are able to heal but I don't see you moving in my midst. So, for this I ask you to open my eyes to see your glory at work in my son's body. Open my ears to hear your presence around him. Transform my heart and remove every hindrance, every fear, every insecurity that restrains my faith, keeps it down, and won't allow my prayer to soar.

I refuse to fall asleep without confessing that I am waiting on You. I refuse to lay down to rest without turning my son to you and saying, "My son is in your hands. If it is your will, just say the word, and he shall be healed."

My child needs you. My family needs you. You are Jehovah Rophe, God who is the healer for my children. You are Jehovah Shalom who floods my mind and heart with peace concerning their health. You are Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who will provide for every need in my children and my family. Lord, I not only speak it but I write a declaration of what I know you can do. Come visit our home tonight and pour healing into my son in Jesus Name. Amen.

Maybe you too, are praying for your child who is sick. Maybe it's Type One Diabetes like my son, or maybe it's something else that is just sucking the life out of your child and challenging your faith in a very strong faith. To you I say tonight, Continue to hold on until the end. Seek God in all you do. Do not give up. Do not stop believing. God has been there and healed before, He can do it once more. 

I pray for God to strengthen you and to increase your faith. I pray that the Lord will visit your home and pour out abundantly according to all you need. I pray that God's glory will be powerfully present in your home and in the lives of each person connected to you.

Let faith take over and praise God through the uncertainties and the pain. Give every doubt and every sorrow to the Lord. We have no other place to turn to, so trust in Him. He will not let us down. God is the same yesterday, today and forever more. 

#faith #hope #healing #type1diabetes #diabetes #juvenilediabetes #t1n #typeonenation #childrenwithdiabetes #prayingparent #believe #Jesusheals

COMFORTING YOUR SICK CHILD

Written by Angeline M Duran Santiago

How can we comfort our children when they are sick? How do we respond when the medical advice is, "There's nothing we can do."? What should our next steps be when we've done all we thought we had to do, tried it all and still see our child in the same condition. 

I've seen my son pushing on through his times of feeling really horrible. I encourage him to get up and go to school even when he years for rest. Sometimes it's just been a bad night. Blood sugars will rise without a reason. The insulin pump decides to work solo and do it's own thing. We end up awake as the moon watches us from outside and this makes for a not so wonderful morning. What are we to do?

I said the other day, perhaps ignorantly, "Lord, I wish you would have made mothers with the ability to place our hands inside our children and remove the sickness, the pain, the disease, the affliction, the infection and the problem." After venting to the walls, a scripture came ever so clearly. 

Yet He himself bore our sicknesses, and carried our pain. (Isaiah 53;4-5) By His wounds we are healed.

And so this is all I can do. I will continue to pray and trust in God's promises. Diabetes, I remind you that Jesus bore you, carried you on himself and provided healing for my son. Not only for my son, but for every child and person afflicted by this condition. Lord, I don't know when or how long my son will have this in his body, but this I declare. I will live each day believing you have taken it. And because you bore it, my son will live a long life, enjoy life, and grown in strength. 

We can comfort our children with our prayers, our songs besides their beds, our reading to them and our declarations of faith in the midst of their discomfort. We can comfort our children with our hugs, kisses and our love. Comfort will also come as they understand that God is working in their bodies and healing will come. Remind them they are loved and that God loves them. His will is for them to proper. Don't stop praying. Continue to hold on to hope. Comfort will come for you, the parent as well. You're in God's hands.

If you enjoyed this blog, share and pass it on to someone who might be blessed today. God bless you greatly!

Kirk Franklin, "My Life is in Your Hands" You Tube video

PLANNING BUDGET FRIENDLY MEALS

Angie’s Kitchen

By Angeline M Duran Santiago

We want to prepare healthy meals to set before our families, but in today's economy, many, if not most households are on a tight budget. The truth is, meals will get sacrificed because our finances get stretched to the point of no return but we do our best. I know you chefs out there are creative in tough times.  No shame here, folks. Most of us know what I'm talking about. Reality, not sadness or embarrassment, because our needs are provided by our Heavenly Father and He has promised to always provide for our needs. And, well, sometimes we have to be creative with the manna that falls from heaven, right?

What do you do when you can't fill the portions on the plate according to how the doctor recommends or the nutrition plate teaches us to do? We improvise! Mom and dads of the world, we don't go crazy saying, "Oh, what will I do with this little bit I have?" No. First, if you're a person of faith, you pray over your ingredients for them to be a blessing for your family and for the Lord to multiply so that there is abundance.


What are some of the meals you plan for those days when, well honestly, you struggle a little? Key word here is "plan". So, let's think of what are the main parts of your dinner and how you should try to buy in bulk or large amounts so that it can last longer. Some people don't like store name brand. It's like pride gets in the way and they think supermarket crackers are for poor, homeless people and we should only buy name brand crackers. Well, it's all crackers to me. I look at the ounces and pounds and compare weights with price. Are you really getting the best deal with the specials or are they just trying to get rid of all the extra stuff that was delivered. I also look at the labels for idea on carbohydrates (total sugar) and sodium (salt).

Make a list of things that will not waste quickly but you can use daily. Don't be embarrassed to use store coupons. They help. Find them in the Sunday paper, flyers, with your receipt after a purchase, or online.

rice -beans -potatoes -oatmeal-crackers-peanut butter 
-cornmeal -dry pasta -tomato sauce -bread -cheese
-applesauce -dry nuts etc.

What can you buy in large quantities? I like the store brand family size meat pack. The meat comes with enough to get two meals from it, depending on your family. Buy veggies and fruit as needed because many times they spoil if you don't eat them right away. Rice comes in large bags as well.

The important thing is to put together something your family will enjoy. My kids ask for IHOP breakfast every one in a while. It just means to make breakfast for lunch or dinner. They love it! Sometimes you don't need the rice and beans together. Just rice, corn on cob, or potatoes with meat and vegetables if you can is enough.

There are so many sites and blog with healthy, budget friendly cooking that I decided to let you do your own search and find what you need based on your taste preference. I hope you don't get frustrated when your finances get tight and you don't know what to buy or cook. Enjoy your time preparing meals for your loved one and they will be blessed.

photo from http://pihtoday.blogspot.com/2013/11/friday-november-8-2013-who-cares-for.html

If you enjoyed this blog, go ahead and share it! God bless you.

NO BORING MEALS IN THIS HOUSE

   Angie’s Kitchen

By Angeline M Duran Santiago

It's been a while since I shared what's going on in our home. Jacob's pump was adjusted and his sugars went from lots of lows back to highs. So, I'm adjusting the pump tonight myself. Yup, gotta be nurse and doctor here, too. (lol)

A pilon for grinding garlic.

One of the things we keep struggling with, (besides my weight) is keeping dinnertime fun and interesting, without sacrificing Jacob's health. It's like everything is high in carbs, and high in sodium. This over due blog is in response to some friends who want an idea how I cook. I'm not a chef. I'm just an old school, Brooklyn girl who can be a little ghetto in the kitchen like most of you out there who know what a Puerto Rican kitchen is like. We can create a whole meal with a lot as well as with barely anything, (Yeah, you know I'm referring to white rice with eggs or salchichas) We've learned to make things happen in times of plenty and in times of need. I don't just cook how my Boricua mom taught me, but I mix my roots, my Italian and Irish friends, and all the blessed people in my life who have shared a family recipe with love for my son Jacob over the years. 

I had asked for some dinner ideas to try at home and got a few. Unfortunately, they were meals I already make at home. So, it's back to being creative, going online for recipe ideas, and learning from the older people in my life (Best teachers ever). If you have family background with High Blood Pressure, or Diabetes, you should also change how much salt, (if any) you add to your meals. I assure you that if you start off without the salt, your kids won't even notice it's gone. I use pepper to season eggs, no salt. Sometimes I cheat and add a little adobo, but I try not to. I try to add green beans or cucumbers to the meal when I can.

So, what's mealtime like here? I think it's good. My kids complimented my "Grandma's Spaghetti" tonight. I buy the pasta I find with the less carbs. Usually the store brand has the least. I look at the sauces and use the one with least carbs and sodium. I wish I knew how to make homemade sauce, but I don't. I don't use ground beef. I only use ground turkey because it is healthier, you don't get all the oil and salt, and it settles much nicer in your stomach. Buying garlic bread is tricky as it will also have lots of everything that's a big no in our home. So, if you purchase the lowest carb whole wheat bread, you can make your own garlic bread. I think it's so much more delicious when you make your own.

My rice is made with no salt. Just water, rice and a small amount of oil. I use a lot of vegetables for my beans just the way mom taught me. Except, no salt, and a small amount of adobo. I make my own recaito or some call it sofrito. I only use Sazon with achiote if I ran out of Tumeric.
For my beans, I use onions, parsely, oregano, green and red peppers, garlic, cilantro and sometimes potatoes. Beans have a lot of carbs and adding potatoes increases the carbs. So, I try to add natural flavors and it taste great. Sometimes I add a dash of pepper.

My meats are seasoned with adobo, oregano, parsley, and tumeric. I don't fry anything, unless it's an absolute emergency. I make everything in the oven or I broil the meal. Watch it so that the water doesn't evaporate and then it ends up fried or burned. You can usually make most meat in the oven. 

www.nutritiouslife.com/simple-grilled-chicken-salad/

Tomorrow my bigger kids are having friends over and movie night. Movie night means pizza, popcorn and all the goodies for a Friday get together. When buying popcorn, I always choose low sodium and butter. My contribution to the gathering is something Jacob loves and they do too. I will be making a grilled chicken salad.  I love preparing salads with lettuce, spinach, mixed greens, tomatoes, avocado, radish, cucumbers, sometimes bits of cheese, and grilled chicken. I put it on the table and my family love it with nachos. I will also have a small fruit salad on the table. This way Jacob can make healthy choices and still enjoy the party. Oh, I'm sure he'll go for a piece of pizza, but he knows if he wants to feel well once he goes to sleep and not have crazy high sugars, he will need to make smart choices. Don't worry, I don't allow going crazy with the food that is a bad choice for my son, but Movie night is cheat night in our home.

Another way I prepare salad is by making Mexican night style salad. I place tacos, sauce, cheese, and a big bowl with a chicken salad, or ground turkey meat on one bowl and the salad on another. They make their own tacos and love it. I make soup when I can. I add veggies, celery, carrots, etc. I make noodles or rice on the side, just a little, then place it in a small bowl for those who want to add it to their soup. It's filling and healing.

We try to buy almond milk when we can. Our cereals are usually the ones with the fiber, the oats and barely any sugar. But, like I said, when they get used to it, it's what they eat without a problem. Why am I so picky? I have to keep my son healthy. His food portions are measured. We use 
a measuring cup set to measure his meals and then that lets us do the math for how much insulin he'll need to get. It's not a perfect science, but I am still learning and don't think I'll ever have it all together. 

Don't get me wrong.We cheat every now and then. He's still a kid and I have ice cream sometimes, movie night on Fridays with pop corn or pizza(high in carbs). So he has to limit the amount he'll eat. Once in a blue moon I let him have something else. But I always have something tasty and healthy as first choice before the option for pizza or any high carb meal. I hope this answers your question (dear friend who asked) on how I cook. It's not all but I can't fit it all in one blog. Hope this at least helps for now. I'll share more later with more details. God bless you.

If you like this blog, go ahead and share it. Let the blessings keep moving forward.

PARENTS, THIS ONE'S FOR YOU!

By Angeline M Duran Santiago

You said, "What?" "Talking to me?"

I say, "Yes, this is for you. Listen to me."

To the parent, provider, mommy and dad,

Grandmother, Grandpa, and Caretaker, too.

And, the beat begins....Hit it! 

(Imagine it with me, smile)

You're amazing!

You're wonderful!

Where would we be without you!

You are an example of strength!

You are courageous!

You're an overcomer!

Wow! Are you smart!

You break night by your child's side 

and still wake up to make breakfast. How do you do it?

You're loving.

I see your sacrifice.

You are special!

There's no one like you.

You've taught me to have faith.

You showed me to love everyone.

Your an example of actions speak louder than words.

You help me see my potential.

You show me it's easy to trust God.

You show me how to forgive.

Great! You're simply great!

How do always have the right words to say?

Where would I be without your hugs?

I didn't know you could jump rope?

Jumping jacks is my new fun game after playing with you.

Thank you for listening. 

Walking with you is fun.

You're the best summer camp ever!

No one sings me to sleep the way you do.

You have the best kisses in the world.

Your kisses always heal my boo boos.

You always have time for me and I love you for that.

You're super!

No, you're a super hero!

You're perfect

No, you're perfection!

You're better than birthday cake.

You're happiness in my life.

You keep me going.

You help me believe.

You inspire me.

Your love gets me going again.

Your hugs are great.

Thanks for being there when I was young.

During a heartbreak, it's healing to know you'll just sit with me, listen and hold me.

You're incredible like the Incredibles!

You're precious.
God loves you.
He made you especially for me.
God bless you, always.

It's hard to explain how cute you are.

You're cool, cooler than the Fonz. "Heyyy!"

You're sweeter than ice cream.

You're such fun!

I love you!

You are mega amazing.

You're supercalifragilisticespialidocious!

You're my rock!

My life would never be the same without you.

Just wanted to encourage some parents out there and remind them they're doing a great job!