WFMW: Invisible Kool-Aid & Cool Splenda Packs

Works for me Wednesday is hosted by Shannon over at Rocks in my Dryer! Head on over for other valuable tips!

So, who hates those red or blue or green stains on your kitchen counter, tables, floors, carpet, clothing, and faces??? I know I do! AND... There is nothing more frustrating than trying to make a pitcher of Kool-Aid only to have powder residue floating all over the counter, cabinet, wall, or anything else close to the pitcher. It is really annoying.

The remedy??? New Kool-Aid Invisibles.

Okay, maybe they aren't all THAT new ... but they are to me! I accidentally got a couple packages thinking they were the ones that change color when you add water, and when I went to mix it, NOTHING HAPPENED. It remained clear. It sort of confused me, because I was expecting a color change... until I checked the packages and saw that the mixes I got were indeed... INVISIBLE!

The smart people at Kraft have removed the dye from some of the Kool-Aid mixes, and as a mom of messy-Marvin, let me just say... Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!! And not only does it make less mess, but I don't have to worry about the hyper-causing affects of red dye any more. Whew! Some of the flavors are: Watermelon-Kiwi, Grape, Cherry, Lime-Kiwi, Strawberry...



And for those of you that are shocked that I allow my son to drink Kool-Aid ... relax ... I don't use sugar in the drink mixes. I use Splenda, and the nice folks at Splenda have created a "Quick Pack" for "use with your favorite Kool-Aid flavor"! It is the same size as a Kool-Aid Pack, and can be found right next to them! Love it.

And while we're talking about Splenda... check out these adorable Splenda packet holders! They would make an adorable stocking stuffer, don't you think?

So let's recap: No faces to scrub. No shirts to soak. No drips to contend with. No hyper child. No sugar highs and crashes. No dye residue... no stains... no mess. this combination sure makes me happy, and TOTALLY works for me!

Juvenile Diabetes: A followup

Last week I posted a link for recipes for people with Diabetes. I mentioned my niece who has Juvenile Diabetes (Type 1) and many of you emailed me privately, and also left comments asking why my nice doesn't use a pump to manage her diabetes. So, I emailed my sister and asked her to address this question, because while I knew she had a good reason why, I didn't exactly "know it" (my sister and her husband are really on the "cusp" of research, so she wouldn't NOT do the pump without a good reason). She is very knowledgeable about this disease, and has gone to great extent to micro-manage my nieces sugar levels... but many people are not aware of what "good numbers" are -- so here's a brief explanation (my own layman understanding) followed by my sister's answer to the whole pump question.

A blood glucose test measures the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. There are several different types of glucose tests:

1. The 'fasting blood sugar' test checks glucose levels after an eight-hour fast and is often the first test performed when checking for diabetes. For this test, levels have to fall between 70 and 99 in order to be considered normal.
2. The 'two-hour postprandial blood sugar' test measures glucose levels two hours after eating a meal. Normal glucose levels for this test fall between 70 and 145.
3. Random and daily blood sugar testing checks glucose levels randomly throughout the day, regardless of meal times. Blood sugar levels should be between 70 and 125 in order to be considered normal for random testing.
4. The A1c test is used primarily to monitor the glucose control of diabetics over time. It is NOT a fasting test and can be ordered at any time of the day. The A1c test is frequently ordered on newly diagnosed diabetics to help determine how elevated their uncontrolled blood glucose levels have been, and can the test results can tell how your blood glucose levels have been for the past three months. It may be ordered several times while control is being achieved, and then several times a year to verify that good control is being maintained (you can "fake out" a fasting blood sugar test, or even the random and daily blood sugar tests, but you can't "fake out" this test). The closer a diabetic can keep their A1c to 6%, the better their diabetes is in control.

In my sister's response below, she mentioned that my nieces blood sugar was close to 700 -- this is very bad, very dangerous. In Type 1 diabetes, ketoacidosis can occur whenever insulin delivery becomes interrupted for several hours on a pump, or after a day or so of missed injections. It can also occurs under the duress of an infection, and is also frequently present when a person first comes down with the disease between the time when they stop producing their own insulin and begin to inject insulin from the outside.

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So -- now that you have probably more information than you care to digest... (which is helpful for anyone who suspects their child has juvenile diabetes, or for anyone who is just plain curious) here is an explanation from my sister in her own words as to why they do NOT use a pump (she writes very well!):

Adrianna (and many others in personal emails) said...

"Have we considered a pump?"

We have a pump!!!! But Lexi hates it. :( For some odd reason she takes issue to ANYTHING coming near her abdominal area. The infusion for the pump must be connected in this most sensitive (to her anyway) area. She was quite insulted when the nurse educator told her that this area is actually the least sensitive area. For three months we gave this pump a try but the only "rewards" we got was a miserable child who would literally cry for 2-3 hours each time we had to change the infusion. Worse, some mornings she would wake up and the infusion would have some type of "kink" leaving her with elevated blood sugars (happened too often) so we would have to quickly change the site before school (not a pleasant task).

We tried so, so hard to adjust to the pump. We all really wanted it to work! But her blood sugar averages had actually gone UP! Her average A1C (see above for an explanation) is 5.9 - 6.1 and she went up to 6.8 (low for most type 1's but high for her). However the final straw was when she woke up one morning and we found the infusion had at some point during her sleep, come out. Her blood sugar was close to 700 (again, see explanation of the dangers of this above). It took a period of 30 hours and HUGE amounts of insulin to finally bring it back under control. I had visions of DKA (she was close to death) and her diagnosis day (five years ago) floating through my mind..... "No Lord, not again!"

She was, of course, fine, but we thought maybe she/we aren't ready for the pump. So there it sits on the shelf... collecting dust ... the most expensive adornment in our home. How's that for a well spent $8,000. She actually doesn't mind the "pain" of the shots; just that the shots are a "pain in the neck."

We have such wonderful control of her diabetes because we dilute insulin so we can lower her blood sugar by as little as 10 points and she eats, for the most part a relatively low carb, or rather "right" carb, diet. She never eats more than 15 carbs at breakfast, 36 at lunch, and 24 at dinner. Of course, there are snacks and fun days and we find small treats to incorporate DAILY so there's no deprivation.

It's not fun, but it's manageable and y'all are so right when you say that diabetes care is so much better these days. My husband reminds me to be thankful that this is what she has, because it could be so much worse.

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In closing, I just want to thank my sister for her response to this question. As an adult, 40 years old... I can personally say that there just isn't enough education on this horrible and currently in-curable disease. It is a life-changing condition that can NOT be ignored, whether it is juvenile diabetes or adult onset diabetes.

I read on a blog somewhere that saying you it's okay if you have just a little bit of diabetes is like saying it's okay if you have just a little bit of cancer. It's that serious, and awareness is the first step in keeping yourself and your children healthy.

As Americans, our diets deem to be so full of hidden sugars, refined sugars, flours, and so forth. We are, for the most part, a nation with un-healthy diets and eating habits. I don't know about you, but when it comes to my own diet, it pretty much sucks... I'm far more lax on what passes through my lips, and I'm quite cognizant of that. But when it comes to my child's diet -- I'm far more obsessed about making sure he eats healthy, because I don't want him to learn my own bad habits.

So, in closing... I want to throw out a few questions for all of you to think about. You can leave a thought or even a discussion with your answer(s) to these questions in my comment section, because honestly, I'd love to hear your thoughts!!

1. How do you feel about our nation's diet as a whole?
2. How do you feel about the nutrition in our schools?
3. What do you do to control your child's diet?
4. Do you find you are more strict on your child's food choices
than on your own?
5. How would you feel if you or your child were diagnosed with diabetes?
6. What types of healthy snacks do you give your family to enjoy?

Please leave a comment!

WFMW: Links for Low Carb Recipes for Type-1 Diabetes

Works for me Wednesday is hosted by Shannon over at Rocks in my Dryer! Head on over for other valuable tips!

At the bottom of this post are a couple links I would like to share with you ... it is for all the moms, grandmas, sisters, aunts, or friends that have children with Type-1 Diabetes (Juvenile Diabetes) and are suddenly faced with having to change the way they cook. (link at bottom)

But first... It is very difficult to post something about Juvenile Diabetes and NOT make it a long post. There is so much to say on the subject. The most important point I'd like to make is ... be aware of your child and their everyday behaviors. Be aware of this silent but deadly disease. Know the symptoms. Sadly, one misconception is that children outgrow diabetes. They DO NOT. They are dependent on insulin the rest of their lives, and the only way out is by finding a cure! And friends, that totally stinks.

When you have a child in your family that is struck with Juvenile Diabetes (JD), your whole world is suddenly turned upside down, and the way you think about food changes -- immediately. And when you're the MOM (or Dad) of a child with JD, you suddenly become ferociously protective, and want to take harm (carbs) out of your child's life... really, all moms (and dads) feel like that, but when your child can't yet make wise decisions for themselves because of their young age, I think the Mom (or Dad) in you tends to take over more aggressively.

In my case, my sister's second oldest (out of 4) was diagnosed with JD almost 5 years ago. She was only 5 years old. It was a frightening moment. Time stood completely still for my dear sister as she stood beside her daughter battling for her life while she lay in the hospital in a diabetic coma. She was told to prepare for her daughters death. Words NO parent should have to hear coming out of a doctor's mouth.

My nice had Ketoacidosis, a condition directly related to Type-1 Diabetics (they are insulin dependent) who are not getting enough insulin. The Ketones (acids in your blood) build, and in essence, poison your body. This condition can be triggered any time the Ketones in your body are thrown off balance -- with a minor cold, the flu, an infection...

Here is a brief explanation about Type-1 Diabetes in my nieces words:

"When you have diabetes, your immune system attacks the pancreas and you are no longer able to make insulin. Insulin is the hormone that allows your body to convert the food you eat into energy. Without insulin, your blood sugar gets very high. These high blood sugars are what cause damage to your body. My blood sugar was so high that my blood had become so acidic [with Ketones] that it was as a toxin to my body. I was falling into a diabetic coma and the doctor told my parents to prepare for my death."

You can read a letter Lexi wrote about her condition and her personal struggle with Juvenile Diabetes HERE. It is very informative.

In any case, parents who have a child that has JD are more careful about restricting carbs and sugars (face it: a carb is a carb is a carb, whether it is sugar or pasta or rice or bread) in the child's life. In my niece's case, as well as all other children that have it becomes difficult to "fit in normally" because she tests her blood (finger pricks) up to 12 times a day, and takes insulin 10 times a day. Even in the middle of the night.

Life changes dramatically. You are no longer a normal child living a normal life. When the children in a class party are enjoying a cup cake or a monster cookie, you can't. When the kids are sharing a can of sprite, you can't. When the kids are having a pizza party, you can't. Actually, you can, you just have to calculate the amount of insulin you will need before enjoying yourself. The other kids don't. Your child is suddenly thrown into an unfair world of "pick and choose" against their own will -- they literally have to weigh out the consequences of eating everyday foods we take for granted, and calculate insulin levels regularly.

I had to do this for a very brief 5 months while I was pregnant with gestational diabetes, and I can tell you, it was awful. Imagine having to do it day in and day out ... for the rest of your life!

And now that I know it runs in the family (we're not sure which side -- my sister's or her husband's), that's good enough for me to change the way my own son eats -- we're not taking any chances.

Yes, I do feed my child foods made with Splenda, NutraSweet, and other artificial sweeteners. Yes, he is allowed to drink diet drinks. Yes, I try to give my son healthy snacks. Yes, I do substitute Splenda for sugar when baking. No. I don't want to start a debate about how healthy it is or isn't for me to give my son those items with artificial sweeteners. I simply want to cut out carbs that are with in my control, and sugar is one of them.

Here is a website that I found very helpful in finding recipes that are lower in Carbs, if not Carb free. They offer ways to substitute or eliminate carbs from many recipes that we eat regularly, and the end product really does taste good! Also, they have a store that sells substitutes.

If you have a child with JD, or know of a family that is affected by this disease, I hope this link will serve as a good resource for you!

Low Carb Recipes (click on the pictures towards the middle/bottom to take you into a list of recipes)

Low Carb Products (Unusual substitutes you may not find in a regular grocery store can be found here)

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation offers support and valuable information.

I keep begging my sister to start a blog to help other parents and offer support and tips... but with 4 kids that range from 5 to 11... free time is hard to find! Maybe my niece will start one?!?

Remember: Children do NOT outgrow diabetes.
The only way out is a cure!

Walk for the Cure ...

Friends... I know I've mentioned before that one of my nieces was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes. My sister had given me permission to share some information with you for two reasons: 1) so that you can better understand the severity of Juvenile Diabetes and how it dramatically changes the life of a child and their family, and 2) to bring awareness to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's walk for a cure fund raiser.

My niece's name is Lexi, and below is a letter she has sent out to her family and friends asking for monetary donations to help raise funds for research for a cure. It is the only way her battle, as well as other children struggling with this monster, will ever end. A cure. And we are all so confident that it.will.be.in.her.lifetime. Glory to God.

This letter brought tears to my eyes and put a lump right smack dab in my throat as I remembered the horrific day that she, my sister, brother-in-law, and Lexi's brother and sisters had when she was rushed to the hospital. She is a true and walking miracle and their faith in God is amazing. I challenge you to walk away from her letter with a dry eye! (I would have failed the challenge miserably).

If after you read this letter, you feel compelled to help in any way, please email me at kissesof.sunshine@yahoo.com and I'll give you all the details. Thanks for your patience, and please, read on ...

Dear Friends and Family,

I am writing to you to ask for your support to help find a cure for juvenile diabetes. My name is Lexi. I am 9 years old and am a 4th grader in a Christian School in North Carolina. When I was 5 years old, I was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. You don’t outgrow diabetes; the only way out is a cure!

When I was diagnosed with diabetes, my family had gone to the beach for spring break. I wasn't feeling well but we thought it was just a virus. I began vomiting and soon after, it was clear that things were getting bad. My parents took me to the doctor, which was 45 minutes away. By the time I got there, I could no longer walk. I was blue and could hardly breathe anymore. I had to be airlifted to the hospital and was placed in the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit). I was told that I was in DKA (Diabetic Keto Acidosis). When you have diabetes, your immune system attacks the pancreas and you are no longer able to make insulin. Insulin is the hormone that allows your body to convert the food you eat into energy. Without insulin, your blood sugar gets very high. These high blood sugars are what cause damage to your body. My blood sugar was so high that my blood had become so acidic that it was as a toxin to my body. I was falling into a diabetic coma and the doctor told my parents to prepare for my death.

I am here today because of a miracle. God heard the prayers of all the people on a prayer chain for me that began at 5:00 in the morning. By 7:00am I was sitting up and asking for breakfast. God had reached down and saved my life! The doctors were amazed and said that it was impossible, but we know that with God, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!

Over 20 million Americans have diabetes and many more have it but don’t know it yet. 3 million children live with juvenile diabetes and more than 13,000 children are newly diagnosed each year. Diabetes is the 6th leading cause of death in America. It has a 2-10 year asymptomatic progression but the long-term complications can be devastating. It can cause blindness, kidney failure, vascular disease and can reduce life expectancy by 15 years.

My life has changed since my diagnosis, but I know that within my lifetime there will be a cure. You can help find a cure for me and the 3 million other children like me who have diabetes. You can do something and actually make a difference. You can join me in my fight to find a cure. When I am cured, I will remember YOU, because you made a difference. My life will change again. It will be a change that I welcome! Here are just a few of the moments in my life that I will think of you:

• When I can eat without getting an injection first.

• When I don’t have to check my blood sugars 10-12 times a day.

• When I can play/swim/run without worrying that I might go too low.

• When I don’t have to get three shots at 11:00pm every night while I sleep.

• When I don’t have to have my sleep disturbed every several hours to have my blood sugars checked.

• When I don’t have to have 10 shots and 12 finger pricks every day.

• When I can dance ballet on stage without leaving to raise my blood sugar because I feel like passing out.

• When I can go to camp.

• When I can spend the night at a friend’s house.

• When I can leave the house without a bag full of supplies.

• When I can have peace of mind.

JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) is sponsoring their annual Walk to Cure Diabetes in my town on October 27, and on various other days throughout the year. Every year, JDRF hosts 200 walks spanning the globe with over 750,000 walkers. Since 1970, JDRF has provided more than $1B to diabetes research worldwide with 85 % of every dollar going towards research. Last year, my chapter alone raised $1.2M. The Walk is more than just saving lives; it is tangible hope!

Here is how you can help change my life and the life of other children with Juvenile Diabetes:

1.) You can register for a Walk in your town at http://walk.jdrf.org/.
2.) You can make a donation on my behalf with my full name (my aunt GiBee can tell you off line my contact information) on the internet by visiting www.jdrf.org.
3.) You can send a tax-deductible contribution, made payable to JDRF or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, to my Mom by October 25 (my aunt GiBee will provide you with my address off line).

Thank you for all your love and support and thank you for making a difference in MY life.

See you at the Walk,
Lexi