Guilt and Misunderstanding in the Juice Aisle (Diabetes Awareness Month, 2015)

When Aaron was diagnosed with diabetes over two years ago, I knew we'd have some new and unusual and scary issues to navigate.  But believe me, I never guessed how much drama there'd be over JUICE!!

We're not a juice family.  It's a health thing and it's a preference thing.  Juice is not the "health food" they market it as, and I just don't care for it that much (except for the occasional fresh squeezed orange juice that pancake houses serve in a shot glass for $4.99.  It's criminal... but oh, so delicious!) so I don't really serve it to my family.  

I think I can count on one hand the times our kids drink juice each year - they get orange juice at Easter brunch (cause the adults gets mimosas *glug, glug*!), apple cider at the Fall Soup Party and Thanksgiving, and maybe a sip or two on those Saturday mornings when my husband has one of his biannual I-must-have-juice-now!! episodes and runs out for a frozen orange juice concentrate leaving all the kids sitting at the breakfast table waiting like baby birds for him to come home with the delectable nectar.  

So, we don't really drink juice.   But we have a pantry stocked with juice.  And we never leave the house without juice.  And I have a bottle of juice in the glove compartment of both cars.  And the kids... all these kids I have... are frequently pestering me about can they drink the juice juice juice juice juice!?!

Aaron drinks juice.

And it is a constant source of conflict for me.

Because everyone knows that juice rots your teeth, and has little nutritional value compared to an actual piece of fruit, and juice spikes your blood sugar in a major way. 

Bingo.  Aaron drinks juice to spike his blood sugar in a major way.  

Since a diabetic's body does not naturally regulate blood sugar, if his glucose levels are  very low (hypoglycemia) they must be brought up immediately and artificially, to avoid severe complications such as comma, brain damage, and even death.  

Scary.  And that's why, despite all my instincts not to, I buy juice. 

For most diabetics the preferred methods of raising blood sugar quickly (because it must be done quickly) are juice, frosting, candy such as Skittles or Smarties, or glucose tablets.  It must be something with lots of sugar, little fat, and low to no nutritional value, because fat and nutritional goodness slow down the effectiveness of the sugar.  If a diabetic's blood sugar drops low enough that he is uncooperative, is too confused or incapacitated  to chew or swallow, or is unconscious, he will need an immediate emergency and life-saving injection of glucagon (a hormone that's kind of like the opposite of insulin.)  And believe me, ain't nobody want the glucagon...............

I mean, you might as well cue the Psycho music... right??  

So juice it is.  

And even though I know that juice is part of my son's life-saving first aid kit, I still feel guilty buying it.  

I hear little whispers  from the nutrition angel on my shoulder as I head for the juice aisle at the grocery store, "Juice is evil!!!  Don't purchase the evil!"  I hear the JAWS theme music play as I scan the shelves and reach for a six pack of apple juice.  I feel the piercing and disapproving stares of health-conscious shoppers as I put the juice in my cart and lower my eyes so that our gazes don't meet.  I act distracted and all "how'd that get there???" when I put the juice up on the checkout counter.

Ok, I know.  It's all in my head.  I mean, they don't really play the JAWS theme at the place where I shop.    

And I know I'm just imagining the piercing stares.  Seriously, no one else in the store cares what's in my cart.  No one is really judging me for buying juice.  

Except for the day that they did.

I was in the juice aisle, chatting to myself but making it appear less awkward by directing my mumbles in the general direction of the baby sitting in the shopping cart.  I crossed juice off my list and reached for a six pack.  

"Oh wait!  That's the low sugar kind," I said out loud to myself as I withdrew my hand, realizing my mistake.  

A nearby, well-meaning shopper overheard my private conversation with myself and said, "Oh sweetie, it tastes just as good as the other stuff and it's so much better for your kids." 

In retrospect, I should have been an on-the-spot type 1 diabetes educator, politely said, "Not for my child, it isn't," and given her my speech about the dangers of hypoglycemia and the life-saving properties of juice, frosting, and Skittles.  But I had that baby in the cart and four other kids in the grocery store kids play room, so I just laughed off her misunderstanding of the situation, found the juice I wanted (the kind with the extra double shot of sugary goodness), and bustled out of there. 

Cause the truth is, I sort of get it.  It goes against every fiber of my being to have juice in the cart, in the fridge, in the pantry, in the car, and in my purse.  But it's a diabetic's necessary accessory and in an emergency situation, that sugary, tooth-rotting, non-nutritive, sugar-spiking juice, could spike the sugar of the exact person that needs it to save his life.  

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Know the signs of hypoglycemia:

shakiness
sweating, chills, clamminess
irritability, impatience
rapid heartbeat
lightheadedness, diziness
hunger, nausea
sleepiness
blurred vision
weakness, fatigue
lack of coordination
confusion
seizures
unconsciousness


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I encourage you to read some of the other things I've written about 

diabetes and our family life.  And as always, please feel free to 

ask questions here!

Looking Back on Aaron's Diagnosis

What is Type 1 Diabetes? and Other Things You Can Learn From 

Highly Scientific Internet Memes

Insulin is Not the Enemy

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You may also like...

5 Extras I Recommend for Your Child with Diabetes

Children with Type 1 Diabetes and Heroic Courage

by Amanda Perales

It's the Club Pack Life for Me (Adventures in Grocery Shopping)

5 "Extras" I Recommend for Your Child With Type 1 Diabetes

Earlier this month was the two year "anniversary" of Aaron's diabetes diagnosis.  Oh man, was I ever overwhelmed when we came home from the hospital two years ago and were thrust into the world of carrying for a diabetic child on our own.  (I invite you read about that story here, here, here, here, and here.)  It was hard.  So, so hard.  

In many ways it still is hard, but since those first days diabetes care has become a part of the daily routine.  Most of it happens without fanfare and out of habit.  We've also picked up a few great resources, gadgets, and "things" along the way that have made managing the disease a little easier on my son Aaron, my husband, and me.

If you have a child that's newly diagnosed with diabetes, you've got all kinds of newness happening in your life.  When all that calms down and you're ready to start considering the next steps toward better care and management, we've found from experience that these are some things worth checking out or investing in...

EatSmart Digital Nutrition Scale 

This scale is so convenient for using at the kitchen counter or right at the dinner table.  Its guide, of nearly 1,000 foods, takes the guesswork out of carb counting.  Simply weigh your food, punch in the corresponding food code, and it displays how many carbs are contained in that particular serving.  It's amazing how much it covers - from every type of produce, to meats, nuts, breads, even things like homemade banana bread and Irish soda bread!  It also has a feature to help you figure the carbs for foods not listed in the guide.  It really is so helpful.  It makes me feel confident that we're getting a lot of Aaron's carb numbers right. 

myfitnesspal.com account

myfitnesspal is a great website that allows you to input and store recipes from online recipe sites or blogs (or to manually enter your own) and then figures the carbohydrates per serving for that particular recipe.  I use this site for nearly all the casseroles and soups that I make, as well as homemade baked goods like cakes and cookies.  Because I just need carb info, I sometime even use shortcuts by entering abbreviated recipes - leaving out all the ingredients that have no carbohydrates.

MediPouch

from Ouch Pouch Shoppe at etsy.com

Soon after Aaron was diagnosed I had a mini tantrum out at a restaurant or store or someplace because all his on-the-go supplies were rattling around at the bottom of my purse and were a pain in the butt to find.  I briefly toyed with the idea of making pouches like this, but realized my purse would be a lot less cluttered a lot sooner if I just bought these medi pouches from Karen at Ouch Pouch.  So I did!  I bought the four pack (sizes pictured here) and they have been just perfect for keeping Aaron's supplies and gear organized when we're out of the house.  (I should, of course, mention that they only work perfectly when he bothers to put his stuff into them ;) )  You can clearly see what is stored in each pouch... the snaps closures stay closed... everything diabetes-related stays together.  Aaron tosses these little supply bags into his larger "diabetes-on-the-go" bag and we're out the door.  They can easily be transferred from his backpack to my purse.   Easy peasy and oh so convenient!

Medical ID Bracelet

This obviously doesn't have to be a bracelet, but should be something (a necklace, dog tags, etc...) to indicate that your child has type 1 diabetes and who his emergency contacts are.  There are many places to purchase ID bracelets from, but I personally recommend American Medical ID.  We have had wonderful customer service from them, including two no-questions-asked replacement bracelets that were covered under the original warranty.  Shipping on the replacements was prompt as well.
I like this sturdy stainless steel chain bracelet, but Aaron's set on switching to the stretchy bands because he gets the metal links caught on stuff (like his sisters' hair and my handmade crochet blankets...) a lot. ;)

Gold Bond Diabetic Skin Relief Lotion

Aaron has always had drier skin, but these past two winters he's had very bad chapping on his hands and knuckles, and well as dry patches on his legs, knees, arms, and bottom.  At first I thought this lotion might be a money-grabbing gimmick, but it actually does sooth his skin better than regular lotion, and tends to give him relief for quite a while.  Even though we have a huge bottle at home, he always gets super excited when they have free mini tubes at the endocrinology clinic :)  

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If you're just starting out on a journey with a child with diabetes, there will probably be so many other things that you'll run into that will help make your life (and your child's life!) much easier.  These were the things that made a big difference for us right away.  Hope this list can be of help to you!  And, as always, let me know if you have questions for me or for Aaron on living with, and managing, diabetes day to day!  We're not perfect at it, but we're getting better :)  

What things have you found helpful in caring for your child with diabetes?  

So You've Invited a Type 1 Diabetic to a Birthday Party... What Now?? (Diabetes Awareness Month)

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month.  

Each week I'll be featuring a diabetes-related post. 

Anything specific you'd like to read about?  Let me know!

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A blogger friend, Ann-Marie, asked a great question regarding hosting a party or event that a child with type 1 diabetes would be attending.   Thanks, Ann-Marie!  It was so thoughtful of you to ask for suggestions on how to help a family with this specific need!  

cupcake image from publicdomainpictures.net

I have to be honest, if I was to give you a list of the things that are trickiest to navigate with a type 1 diabetic child, parties would be very close to the top.  Perhaps other t1d moms would answer differently, but for me, buffets and tables filled with snacks for the taking are kind of a nightmare.  Snacking and drinking go hand in hand with mixing and mingling, but the carbohydrates consumed while "grazing" as it were, are very tricky to keep track of, especially when a child is running around and enjoying all that a party has to offer!  

But I have children, and I know what it's  like to host and attend large-scale parties with lots of kiddos, so I know that buffets will never go away!  Busy hostesses know that snacks and buffets are the way to serve a crowd without going crazy, right?  On top of all that, children (and adults) with diabetes have to learn to live and be healthy in the real world (which includes parties and buffets!) so in my mind, there's really less that a hostess has to worry about and more that we have to do to educate and train our child.  Instead of expecting a party to be catered to our diabetic's needs or turning down invitations to parties that don't have a pre-planned menu for a sit-down meal, Russ and I have to work at guiding Aaron through how to attend a party that has a snack table and how to have fun and enjoy himself while also taking into account his health and well-being.

With all that being said, a thoughtful hostess can still help a diabetic (and his parents!) by taking a few things into account.  

* Let the parents know that they are welcome to attend the party and stay for the duration.  At this point in our diabetes journey, I cannot imagine dropping Aaron off at a party alone.  He is not fully capable of doing his own carb counting/insulin dosing/correcting for physical activity, etc... and I would never place those responsibilities on the hosts of a party.  I can't speak for everyone, but I think that for most families, if the parents aren't welcome at the party, the diabetic child would not be able to attend.  

* If you know what you're going to serve, offer to send the menu to your guest ahead of time.  This is probably the best case scenario.  A diligent parent will have an idea of what her child will most likely eat off of that menu and can begin to prepare even before the party starts.  They might alter what a child eats for breakfast, for instance.  Or some parents, knowing that there will be a snack table with party-perfect carbohydrate delights (like chips, pretzels, and fruit), may prefer to give their child a partial bolus of insulin so that the child will have some "on board" as he makes his first trip to the buffet.  (A bolus dose of insulin is insulin given to specifically cover carbohydrates consumed as opposed to the daily injections which provide a baseline.)  

* If you serve something from a package or make something from a box mix, save the packaging or the nutrition label, so that the carbohydrate info is available to the parents.  I have gotten pretty good a guessing on basic party foods like pizza, cake, and ice cream, but if you make something out of the ordinary or you set out a bowl of Chex Mix, it would be a really nice gesture to have the serving size, carb info, and measuring cup on hand.  

* Have diet drinks available.  Even though diet drinks are one of those things that make health-conscious people cringe, they can set a parent's mind a little more at ease at a party.  At a party, people tend to grab drinks and enjoy them over the length of the gathering.  Having diet pop or diet lemonade lets a diabetic hydrate with something a little more "fun" and "party-like" than water, but not have to consume it all at once and take insulin injections for each glassful.   If you're uncomfortable serving diet drinks, the next best thing you could do is suggest that the guest bring his or her own.  It really makes that big of a difference!

* Ask your guest to bring a treat to share at the party.  Many parents may offer anyway, but even if they don't offer outright I think most would be happy to bring a treat to share that would be appropriate for their diabetic child.  Giving them the OK to bring something low carb or carb free might make the party more "do-able."  Treats like no sugar added popsicles or sugar free jello can easily be enjoyed by all the kids in attendance.  

* After you've made some, all, or even none of the suggested accommodations for your diabetic guest, you're done.  The child is not your responsibility.  His parents should (and will!) monitor him and care for him.  You don't have to drastically change your party, but the parents and the diabetic child do have to be attentive and diligent.  Attending events with food and managing blood sugars while there is all part of learning to cope with the lifelong illness.

* Finally - and I'm pretty sure this goes without saying - please don't make a fuss over the child with diabetes.  Unless a child is visibly unwell, there is no need to comment on his condition, and especially not about what he's eaten or what's on his plate.   He may want a private place to check his blood and receive insulin so as not to draw attention to himself, but in my experience, those things become second nature so quickly that a child and his parents won't think anything of just doing it to the side and having it done with before anyone else notices.  There really is no need to draw attention to anything diabetes related, and if a concern or question does come up speak to the parents in private.  Kids even with this chronic disease are still kids, and it's healthier for them emotionally and psychologically to be "just another kid" at the party.   The parents will thank you for treating him as such and will be so grateful that you invited him in the first place!  Thanks for not holding back the invitation because of his condition!!

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Ann-Marie, I hope that helps.  I truly appreciate the question and I'm touched by your thoughtfulness and desire to support parents and kids with this particular situation!  Bless you!

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Other posts in this series:

Insulin is Not the Enemy

Children With Type 1 Diabetes and Heroic Courage

Children With Type 1 Diabetes and Heroic Courage (Diabetes Awareness Month)

As a special treat for Diabetes Awareness Month, I am hosting my first guest blogger, Amanda from Erring on the Side of Love! I have been following Amanda's lovely blog for a while and was so delighted to receive an email from her a couple months ago. She was kind enough to give me some background on a camp for kids with diabetes where she had been employed and wondered if I had ever considered such a program for Aaron. I hadn't really, but was very interested in learning more. You can imagine how thrilled I was when Amanda agreed to write about some of her experiences for my readers and me! Thank you, Amanda, for contributing to Ordinary Lovely for the sake of diabetic children and for promoting diabetes awareness!

Children With Type 1 Diabetes and Heroic Courage

by Amanda at Erring on the Side of Love

Years ago I went to a camp to staff, partially because I love working with kids and also because it was encouraged by a child development class I was taking for my degree. I was in college. Knew little about what all my role would entail, but knew that I would love it. The camp had an awesome reputation and I was excited to get to work with the kids.

Years ago I had no idea how these kids would impact me. How they would impress and inspire me. I had no idea how they would challenge me and make me want to be better. I was young, naive, had good intentions, and am so glad I took the steps to be a part of the two week stint I was there.

Years ago I spent two weeks at a Diabetic camp. I was on medical staff. I didn't expect to be, but, in the end, it made sense. I knew very little about Type 1 diabetes prior to arriving for my training, but you can believe that I left this camp knowing Type 1 Diabetes like the back of my hand. I had to! For the sake and care of the outstanding 9 and 10 year old girls that would share a glimpse of true heroism that I was not expecting.

During training, so many emotions flushed through me. Anxiety being the number one. I was afraid to have these kids under my care for the next few weeks. I was afraid that I wouldn't remember all the things I needed to to keep these kids healthy and able to fully enjoy, engage, and participate in something bigger than them that they wouldn't get to do otherwise.

When I met my campers, I was still so anxious. I knew that I knew my stuff. I knew that the medical staff, doctors, nurses, and dietitians were all present and available at the drop of the hat. But these kids...I worried, I cared, and wanted so much to do well by them so they could fully enjoy all. the. things!

After meeting them, talking to them, getting to know them, I have never felt more privileged and overwhelmed with so many other emotions for how incredibly amazing they were. Type 1 diabetes is so very involved! You have to check your blood sugar anywhere from 3+ times a day, know how much of which type of insulin you need to take based on that reading as well as the readings you take prior to your meals + calculating the foods you were about to eat during said meal and more! They were on all. the. time.

The girls in my group were from all walks. Maybe they would have never been friends if they met outside of camp. They had different interests and didn't mesh immediately. That is until we talked about the one thing they did have in common - diabetes. The walls were down and they met community. These little souls sounding like old souls because of a condition that rules their day. They embraced each other, were there for each other, encouraging and loving each other in such a beautiful way.

They shared the heartaches of other kids at school teasing them for having to poke themselves so many times. How hard it is to never get invited to a birthday party because other kids' parents don't want the risk, much less a sleepover. How hard it is to make friends. To always have to go to the nurses office. To always have to watch what you eat. How you snack. Day in and day out. All the ins and outs they have had to navigate in their short 9 years of life and all of them doing it beautifully. I assisted these girls a handful of times each/daily. I administered shots for only a couple of my girls because the others were so good and used to doing it themselves. They didn't need my assistance. The independence these young girls demonstrated was phenomenal.

I say all this to share three things on the courage  that still amazes me today. First, I appreciated what the camp gave to me but so much more appreciate how these kids were all able to get together and courageously share their experiences. So much vulnerability that lead to friendships, confidence, and a peace of knowing they are not alone.

Secondly, the way they boldly took care of their own needs that are so challenging and daunting exhibited way more courage than I think I have ever exhibited in my whole life! It was amazing. So very amazing! They were just 9 and 10 and able to do things that I know so many adults with Type 1 diabetes struggle with! These young kids courageously took responsibility for a condition they had and were living.

Lastly, one of the most beautiful things that I brought home with me is how much we all desire to be known; to be seen. Often these girls' trials were centered around not being seen past their diabetes. That's the girl with diabetes. That's the girl who pricks herself. That's the girl who can't go to birthday parties or ever eat cake or she'll die! While at camp, these girls weren't those girls anymore. They were girls conquering their hardship and so much more. The so much more was seen by others who were all too familiar with not being seen. In turn, allowing these girls to truly see each other and know each other. It takes courage to truly see someone. To see the person beyond the struggle, illness, weakness, condition, bad day, or what have you. It takes so much courage! A courage I pray I exhibit every time I meet a new soul and a courage I especially pray that I meet my family with.

Years ago I staffed a camp. I met these amazing campers that inspired me and opened my eyes to a strength I never knew such young souls could have. We talk of the saints and their bold goodness. Their fights. Their strengths. Their weaknesses. These kids, what they do, day in and day out to care for their bodies is nothing short of heroic.

Some may say that I'm exaggerating but I challenge you to experience a day in the life of a young child who has Type 1 Diabetes. There are so many responsibilities! These kids know their medicines, they know to check their blood sugar levels, and how many sugar cubes or sips of juice to help them when their low. They know what to eat for meals and how to balance it out with the correct amount of insulin to help keep their body well. They know and understand food in ways I'm still trying to learn as an adult!

Children with Type 1 Diabetes will forever have a special place in my heart because of the amazing grace they engage their days with, standing up to their suffering, and always moving along. They don't stop. These kids inspired me then and will forever have my respect and admiration. Their daily embrace of a weakness that builds them in ways they may not fully understand now takes courage. A heroic courage that is not weakness but strength filled with amazing grace.

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Amanda writes at her blog Erring on the Side of Love where she shares lovely thoughts on faith and family, musings on parenthood, delicious recipes, and photos of her precious boys.

Her writing reflects her love of the saints, and her thoughts on almost any topic from hosting parties, to keeping house, to raising kiddos, are dotted with the wisdom of holy men and women of God. Especially endearing is her post on finding beauty in the simple ritual of toddler snack time!

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Insulin Is Not the Enemy (Diabetes Awareness Month)

Insulin is not the enemy.  When Aaron was first diagnosed, this was a concept that was slow to sink in.  I'd plan low-carb this and low-carb that in an attempt to keep the units of insulin we injected to a minimum.  "Let's not overdo it on the insulin," I'd think.  But I knew something about my planning was askew when we'd be faced with denying Aaron something like an apple because it would bump up the insulin dose.  Apples are healthy snacks; insulin allows diabetics to eat healthy snacks.  You don't skip the apple to avoid taking insulin.  

Despite what some might think, it actually isn't the goal of type 1 diabetics to strive for the lowest possible doses of insulin each day.  All bodies need insulin to facilitate the absorption of glucose for energy.  Insulin is not the enemy.   I learned that quickly, and now it's a concept that I've found we are called to communicate to those unfamiliar with managing diabetes.

I recall a day this past summer when we decided to surprise the kids with ice cream sundaes in the evening.  A guest who had joined us for dinner was alarmed and said worriedly of Aaron's dessert, "I bet that sundae is the last thing he needs..."  I asked what our guest meant.  "Well, you'll  have to give him an awful lot of medicine after he eats it, right?"  Well, no.  We'll give him insulin and yes, that's right, the dose will be a bit higher than usual because of the sundae.   But I'm giving the same sundae to my other children and they're getting insulin for it too!  Theirs just comes from within - their properly functioning pancreases took care of the sugars that were in that sundae.  Aaron eats the same dessert and also gets insulin.  I give it to him.

Insulin is not a medication to cure or even manage an illness.   It's not a quick fix for a dietary mishap; receiving insulin doesn't signify that a kid just "messed up" on what he ate and now it needs to be fixed.  It's a misconception to think that a diabetic is being healthier if he limits the amount of insulin he needs to take. It's a hormone that facilitates the body's use of glucose; my body needs it as does yours and Aaron's (it's just a lot more obvious and invasive when Aaron "gets" it.)  Don't panic that a diabetic's insulin dose is high.  Without insulin it the body starves.  Without it, life ceases.  

So I say it again: insulin is not the enemy. 

This idea becomes a little easier to embrace when the food in question isn't an ice cream sundae.  What if we were talking about bananas, milk, and oatmeal.  I'm certain that no one would argue that these aren't full of nutrition and goodness.  Nearly every morning Aaron has a banana, two cups of plain oatmeal (not flavored), and two cups of milk.  Bananas and oatmeal are carbohydrate-heavy foods.  Would you limit these healthy foods just because they were going to require more insulin than the ice cream sundae?  (Did you know that a banana has about the same carbohydrates as 1/2 cup of ice cream?  And that a diabetic would take the same amount of insulin for each?  To diabetics, it doesn't matter where a carb comes from - ice cream or fruit - it must be covered by insulin in the same way.)  When Aaron eats that breakfast chock full of vitamins, minerals, potassium, fiber, and all that other nutrition and goodness, he gets 8 units of insulin.  That's a lot.  But it's not a problem. We don't typical limit healthy foods to force his carb count under a certain level.  

Eating the healthy breakfast and receiving a large bolus of insulin to cover the carbohydrates contained therein illustrates the idea that more insulin doesn't indicate there was a problem with what was consumed.  In fact, it indicates that that food will be properly converted into the energy a healthy kid needs to continue doing healthy kid things - like playing basketball, climbing trees, and racing his bike down the block at breakneck speed.  

Kids don't need medicine to do those things.  They need insulin.  Because it's not the enemy, it's the savior.  

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Have any questions you'd like answered here during Diabetes Awareness Month?  Shoot me an email or mention it in the comments here and I'll get on it :)

If you are interested in reading more about Aaron's story, check out the Caring for Our Child With Type 1 Diabetes page.  

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tiny disclaimer:  I'm not a doctor, nor do I pretend to be one on this blog.

Also, in this post, when I say things like, "don't panic if a diabetic's insulin dose is high," it's obviously referring to an otherwise healthy kid whose condition in under careful management by his parents and doctors.  Obviously :)

Hello November!

Why hello, November!  You sure sneaked up on me.  Which is not to say I'm disappointed.  No, no, I'm delighted!  Just a little surprised is all.  Fall is waning...  But I'm glad you're here.

It makes me sad, sad, sad, when the months leading up to October 31st are pumpkins and apples and rakes and leaves and costumes and candy.  And BAM!  November 1st hits and it's evergreens and reindeer and candy canes and jingle bells and mistletoe.   It's like no one even cares about November.  

I care.

Last I checked the 432-year-old Gregorian calendar, November was still a thing.

And I love it.  I love November!  So I'm making the most of November in life and on ye olde blog.

One great thing about November is - it's still fall!!!!  And I love fall!  And although it's the second half of fall and the leaves are less glorious and the skies less cerulean (ooh... good word), it's also the part of fall that requires mittens and scarves and toasty warm sweaters.  Mittens!!!  It's getting cooler and pretty soon we'll have our first fire in the fireplace and our first come-in-out-of-the-cold hot chocolate... and we'll be wearing mittens!

Keeping it obvious - how about Thanksgiving?  Doesn't that count for anything anymore?  I love that before things start to get all frantic and... well frantic, as Christmas approaches, we take a whole day (or more!) to make gratitude a priority.  I love Thanksgiving.  It's unfortunate that I need a national holiday to smack me upside the head and remind me how blessed I am, but I'm awfully glad we do!  

If you're hip to the Liturgical year of the Church, November's got some major feast days - All Souls Day (Nov 2) and Christ the King (one of my favorites, we'll probably get to sing "Crown Him with Many Crowns!", Nov 23) and of course, All Saint's Day (today!)  Here's what the kiddos wore this year (LOTS of repeat costumes b/c some distracted mother planned the soup party just after All Saint's Day this year and didn't start thinking about costumes until All Saint's eve...  must plan better for next year.)

May I present St. Vincent de Paul, Our Lady of Guadalupe, St, Clare, and St, Michael the Archangel :)

But, wait!  There's more!

How about some of the fabulous November stuff happening here at Ordinary Lovely?  

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month so I'll be featuring some new posts on Aaron and our family's life with type 1 diabetes.   I have a couple posts already written, but if there's anything you'd like me to write about specifically, please let me know!  I'd love to hear from you on idea or questions you have :)  

And if that wasn't enough excitement for one month... starting this week I will be sharing a new little series called Kid-Made Gifts.  Once a week I'll share an idea for simple gifts that kids can make to give as gifts at Christmas.   I really love handmade gifts and love helping my kiddos prepare their gifts each year.  So do other moms apparently - I'm very excited to have some other wonderful women joining me for this series!  Keep your eyes out for my first guest bloggers!   Yay!

All this... brought to you by November!