We are Back .....

... and we had SO much fun!!! Although there were lots of people at Disneyland - we did not think we had to wait in line that much. In all it was a great time to be in Disney - the Christmas decorations and celebrations were awesome!!! Here are just a few pictures of all our fun!!! Some of our favourite rides included -

Space Mountain (Jennifer was not as fond of this as Ken, Rachel, Kenny and I - Jason did not ride it)
Soaring Over California - this was totally awesome.
Buzz Lightyear - this was one of Jackson's favourites
Pirates of the Carribean - this was AWESOME - Kaden thought the animals were all real - so cute!
California Screaming - Kenny, Ken and I loved this roller coaster.


We stood in line for a LOOOONG time to meet Mickey - totally worth it!!!!!!!

Jackson loves Pluto so he was most excited to see him!!

The Incredibles holds a special place in our worlds - especially for Jennifer so this was so fun!

Watching the parade - everything was all done up for Christmas - so much fun!!!

Attempts to get family pictures for Christmas cards were not as easy as we had hoped!!!

A huge highlight for the kids!!! Lightning McQueen! How fun!

Jason and I took Rachel to the Princess Lunch and she thought it was fabulous. She loved all the Princesses - but chose a Belle t-shirt!

We're Off to See the Mouse & All His Friends

The suitcases are packed, the tickets are booked and we are good to GO! We will all meet at our Hotel tomorrow night - wahoo!! Then wednesday - friday we are playing with the mouse at Disneyland. This is a celebration for Jackson getting his pump - and now an extra one since he will also be getting continuous glucose monitoring!!! A very special Thanksgiving in our families for sure.

It has been over a year since we have all been together (although Jennifer and I saw each other in June). I just can't wait to be in California and just be hanging out like old times. This is going to be SO much fun - in a taking 4 kids to Disney kind of way!!!!!!!

See y'all after the holiday with pictures. Until then have a happy and safe Thanksgiving with all your loved ones.

Answered Prayers

God is just so good! I can't say it enough. Yesterday was a day for joy and thanksgiving in our house because our insurance company decided to cover the Continuous Glucose Monitoring Sensors for Jackson. What does that mean? It means we will have real time glucose readings, safety alarms, and glucose trend data around the clock. We will know what Jackson's blood sugars are without having to poke his little finger and better yet we will have these readings EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY DAY!!!!! This stands to revolutionize the way we take care of our little guy. Here is a picture of what it will look like on his body, although he wears his pump on his bottom where there is some fat.

The story about how this happened is rather long, but the gist of it is, we chose Jackson's pump a year ago with the hope that someday he would be able to get these sensors. We had no idea how soon that would be. Most insurance companies won't cover them, especially for children under age 7 and we happen to have one of the few that consider paying on a case by case basis. Ken spoke with a nurse from the insurance a couple of days ago and after his conversation we were mobilizing for a denial of benefits. They just don't get what it is like to live with this disease! Instead, she called Ken back yesterday morning and told him as a result of their conversation (and Ken's powers of negotiation) that they are going to make an exception for our little guy. I think it is because Ken loves him so much that he will do whatever it takes to make Jackson's life better and stronger and longer. I seriously love this man!

OK, so back to the subject, they are paying and we are so happy! I can't wait to be able to put dinner on the table and let Jackson just eat with only a look at his pump. And when he is going low, the pump will tell us. No more middle of the night checks. Ahhh. It is going to be a fun and crazy ride and I can't wait to get on!

On another Diabetes note, we received a message from JDRF today that our team raised almost 1/6th of the total amount for the Walk to Cure Diabetes this past June. Jack's Pack officially raised over $7,000! I am so thankful for the research and dedication of this great organization.

Tuesday Project Prompt

So we are coming upon the season of needing gift tags. I made these little tags - 2.5x2.5 inches using scraps. They are not especially Christmas-y but you get the idea. They were totally quick and easy to make.

Happy Birthday to Ken

Well now all 4 parents in the Allred/vanderKooi world are officially in their 30's. Hopefully Ken will have a great relaxing day watching football!!

ETA: He got to celebrate in style at the final game of the World Series a few weeks ago. The trip of a lifetime and one he had been dreaming of since he was a little boy. Happy Birthday Honey! Glad you are in this life with me! Love, Jennifer

What I am working on ...

Amy here ... been busy crafting away ... here are 4 cards that I made for Rachel's teacher. Her favourite colour is purple and I love these new papers from Sassafrass Lass!

My hair - Day 2

OK so I did not do as good a job as Donia ... but I did not do too badly!