Category Archives: Faith

7 Quick Takes: Live PD Edition

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

Live PD. I have an addiction to cop shows and some friends turned me on to Live PD. My parents roll their eyes at it, but it keeps me entertained.

— 2 —

Answering G-tube questions. Reader mbmom11 left me the following feedback:

I’d be interested. I can’t imagine how it works to get a non-cooperative kiddo to sit still for a feed. And if the kiddo feels better after having been on feeds for a few days. Thank you for sharing your experience!

This is an easy answer: Daniel doesn’t mind feeds and he doesn’t have to sit still for more than one minute while I get him hooked up. The feeding pump and bolus fit in a small backpack so as long as he’s careful about the tube staying connected, he can do quite a bit while the feed is going on. Usually, we are on my bed and he is playing with his tablet.

I’ll get an entry showing the step-by-step process done one of these days.

— 3 —

Check-up. We had a bunch of check-ups and a feeding therapy appointment in Seattle on Tuesday and Wednesday. The good news is that Daniel gained more than they were hoping for, so they’ve cut the number of feedings per day from 3 to 2. This makes my life SOOOOOO much easier.

— 4 —

Minion update. My little black monster is getting bigger and being my snuggle buddy at night as well as when he’s not in berserker mode. I keep some empty reusable shopping bags in my room for him to attack and sleep in. Occasionally, he’ll be asleep in one with just his long black tail sticking out.

My mom keeps commenting that his tail is 3 inches too long and his ears are too big. I keep reminding her that he uses his tail for balance when he jumps from the table to the counter.

— 5 —

Health System Portals. My local health system has an Internet portal that can be used to email doctors, send in prescription refill requests, etc. It’s a wonderful thing because I can actually have conversations with my health providers over it and it means that there is a record of communication.

When we were at Seattle Children’s this past week, they mentioned that they had one and I just about jumped for joy. It is going to be so helpful to not have to play message tag with providers there, and I think this will be useful for autism and g-tube stuff this fall.

— 6 —

Language-learning websites. I just want to highly recommend Duolingo again if you want to learn a language. I’m loving the site for my Spanish studies this summer, I’m using to review my French, and I’m even dusting off my Hebrew! (Pretty sure this is going to work better than my Hebrew class in seminary did!) I can’t wait for their Arabic course to hatch!

— 7 —

Tetelestai. A prayer for these days…

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant, John McCain. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.

For more Quick Takes, visit Kelly at This Ain’t The Lyceum.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: August 19, 2018

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For Today… August 19, 2018

Simple Woman's Daybook

Looking out my window… smoky. We’ve got smoke coming in from all directions and it’s cloudy with a yellowish tint. My throat has been really aggravated by the air, but I guess it’s the new reality thanks to climate change creating drier summers.

I am thinking… about the metaphorical spinning plates I have on sticks that I’m balancing en pointe on one foot. In other words, I have a number of things demanding my attention that I am trying to balance, and I’m feeling the stress of it all.

I am thankful… Daniel’s incision does not seem to be infected per the ER doctor last night and the surgeon I spoke to on the phone this morning. I’m still keeping a close eye on it until we have our post-op appointment with general surgery on Tuesday.

One of my favorite things… cold drinks on a warm day. I currently have some Pure Leaf Raspberry Tea next to me.

I am wearing… navy blue fitted shirt and jeans capris. Church clothes were my turquoise/black/white bokeh dress with a black camisole and black leggings underneath.

I am creating… a g-tube blog (still putting it together).

I am listening to… my mom yelling “Kitten! NO!” from her bedroom. I’m pretty sure a certain black beast is going to be deposited in my room for reflection time. Silly Minion!

I am hoping… to get decent sleep tonight.

I am learning… what is normal and not normal with g-tube discharge.

In my kitchen… my dad made pasta from scratch and meatballs for dinner.

In the school room… my school district is still bargaining with their teachers over a contract.

Post Script… this is a cute story.

Shared Quote… “While Christians tend to turn to Scripture to end a conversation, Jews turn to Scripture to start a conversation.” – Rachel Held Evans, Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again

A moment from my day… our choral prelude this morning:

Hosted by The Simple Woman.

7 Quick Takes: Feeding Tube Edition

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

Fun with science. This morning, I was hurriedly prepping Daniel’s morning feed and forgot to take the plastic tip off the tubing while I was priming it. The pressure from the feeding pump shot it across the kitchen at my dad. Thankfully, he was amused.

— 2 —

My “helper”. Minion likes to supervise the prep process… sitting next to the parts while I’m prepping them. Did I mention that I do the prep on the kitchen table and that we have a “no kittens on the table” policy? Yep… totally enforced. A step in my prep that gets repeated frequently is “remove the kitten from the work area” and the kitten is thankfully small enough that I can lift him with one hand. (Currently, the little monster is at my feet.)

— 3 —

Lenten meal idea. This looks pretty amazing.

— 4 —

Black Cat Appreciation Day. Black Cat Appreciation Day is today. Minion is, unfortunately, feeling unappreciated because he’s in my room for “reflection time” because he was beating up Jethro. Sorry Little Panther, we don’t want another vet bill for an abscess on Jethro. Not to mention, he’d have to wear an Elizabethan collar and we would laugh at him.

— 5 —

To my Catholic readers. I know some of you are really struggling, especially since some of you know the priests that have been named. I’m keeping you in my prayers.

— 6 —

Done. I just submitted my last assignment for my summer class. Given that I currently have 100% in the class, I’m happy as long as I get a 50% or higher on the assignment so that I end up with a flat A. (The college doesn’t do A-plusses.) I mean, having a solid 100% in the class would be an ego booster, but I’m happy as long as I keep my 3.99 GPA.

— 7 —

Another blog. I’m putting a blog together for G-tube things. Would anyone like to see what a feeding entails? Let me know.

For more Quick Takes, visit Kelly at This Ain’t The Lyceum.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: August 14, 2018

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For Today… August 14, 2018

Simple Woman's Daybook

Looking out my window… dark. It’s late and I’m fighting insomnia.

I am thinking… about Daniel’s g-tube, the situation going on with my church, and the fact that I’m hungry.

I am thankful… for so many things:

  • Daniel’s g-tube surgery going well
  • The amount of support I got at Seattle Children’s as a parent
  • That my kiddo wasn’t the sickest one in the unit
  • Being home in my own bed with clean sheets and clean jammies
  • Daniel’s tube feedings going well today/yesterday
  • My silly black monster who is berserking around my room and bouncing off the walls

One of my favorite things… the softness of Minion’s fur.

I am wearing… jammies.

I am creating… a blog to talk about g-tube adventures

I am listening to… parts of Fauré’s Requiem that I sang 15 years ago with St. Paul’s choir.

I am hoping… all of the kiddo’s feeds go well tomorrow.

I am learning… how to ensure the kiddo gets his full feed every time.

In my kitchen… I did a baked potato tonight that was lovely.

In the school room… Daniel goes back to school the Wednesday after Labor Day.

Post Script… something on depression, worship, and liturgy from a former colleague of Jon’s.

Shared Quote… “I’m no longer a slave to fear. I am a child of God.” — No Longer Slaves from Bethel Music.

A moment from my day… this offering from the late Rich Mullins.

Hosted by The Simple Woman.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: August 6, 2018

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For Today… August 6, 2018

Simple Woman's Daybook

Looking out my window… sunny. It’s in the 80’s and I’m in my dark room with the shades drawn to cool things down.

I am thinking… about Daniel’s G-tube surgery on Wednesday morning.

I am thankful… for my favorite vet happening to be at the clinic today for a staff meeting and crashing Minion’s appointment with my other favorite vet. It was wonderful watching Dr. Fischer feeding Greenies to my little demon one by one out of her hand while Dr. Matt examined him and did the shots. (I cannot say enough positive things about Chuckanut Valley Veterinary Clinic. They caught Jethro’s thyroid tumors in time to treat them, gave Homer another week of life, and love my little black monster so much that he has groupies when he comes in for vet visits.)

One of my favorite things… my black beast. I’ll miss him while I’m down at Seattle Children’s with Daniel.

I am wearing… jammies. Clothes today were a charcoal shirt from Old Navy (I have three) and jeans capris from Kohl’s. I have such a short inseam that my capris are more like clam diggers on me. #shortpeopleproblems

I am creating… a packing list for the hospital.

I am reading… Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again by Rachel Held Evans

I am hoping… all goes well with Daniel’s surgery on Wednesday.

I am learning… all about G-tubes.

In my kitchen… I had a turkey florentine meatball from Haggen for dinner tonight.

In the school room… one month until school starts. Daniel can’t wait.

Post Script… the page for a US agent for International Pen Friends is here. I’ve been a member for close to 30 years and I cannot recommend them highly enough for anyone who wants to find their kids a pen pal or who wants to find one for themselves.

Shared Quote… “The Psalms are, in a sense, God’s way of holding space for us. They invite us to rejoice, wrestle, cry, complain, offer thanks, and shout obscenities before our Maker without self-consciousness and without fear.” ? Rachel Held Evans, Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again

A moment from my day… One of my favorite choirs doing one of my favorite Bach pieces.

Hosted by The Simple Woman.

7 Quick Takes: G-Tube Prep Edition

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

G-tube take #1. We saw Daniel’s nutritionist on Monday. He had lost about 1 lb in the last two weeks, but that could also be as a result of clearing out some constipation. (Pleasant topic of conversation, I know.) It was a smaller drop than the last time so no immediate hospitalization, but it created more of an impetus to get moving on the G-tube. R will be doing his inpatient nutrition care, so at least I know part of my team already.

— 2 —

G-tube take #2. We met the anesthesiologist (love her!) and surgeon (really love her!) on Tuesday. We like both of them. The only problem: the surgeon wants him to be inpatient for a week prior to up his nutrition to give his incision a better chance of healing. That throws a wrench in my life, but not a huge one. I’m not taking any in-person classes this summer and I’ve lived on hospital units with this little monster before, so it’s doable. The only downside is missing Minion a whole lot because I obviously can’t take him with me.

— 3 —

G-tube take #3. Daniel’s gastroenterologist (Dr. No) called yesterday and wanted to admit him THAT AFTERNOON. My response: “No.” When I was questioned as to why I would question her ruling, I explained that I had a doctor’s appointment today (Thursday) that I had been waiting for 6 months and that would impact my ability to function if I didn’t keep it. Dr. No also explained that they would be starting out with him doing nutrition by N-G tube, which is just about the stupidest idea on the planet… which has been pointed out by me, the physician assistant working with Dr. No, Daniel’s nutritionist R, Daniel’s surgeon, Daniel’s regular pediatrician, and just about anybody who has spent more than 15 minutes with him on a meh day.

I may or may not have excavated a new rear sphincter opening for her during our final conversation yesterday (yes, there were several — I don’t think she likes me right now and I couldn’t care less), at which point I **FINALLY** found out that he’ll be admitted on Saturday afternoon and where I get to go for this. (Seattle Children’s is YUGE… bigly even!) She also told me that they *sigh* will have a back-up plan (a PICC line) and enumerated the risks of said plan. (While she was pontificating, I was rolling my eyes so hard at the phone that they fell into the floor of my car because I am familiar with PICC lines… especially since my kid HAD ONE FOR TWO MONTHS in the NICU and my former father-in-law had one for several years.)

I should point out that Dr. No is not incompetent — she’s quite brilliant — but she doesn’t quite get autism well and doesn’t understand that my child is more of a cranky 3-4 year old than a 9 year old, so he isn’t going to be cooperative and leave his N-G tube alone.

— 4 —

MY appointment. I finally got my neurology consult today and it was… intense. My neurologist is lovely (though very high energy and intense) and gave me credit for having a mind (yay!). She’s doubling my migraine preventative, sending me to sleep medicine (I very likely have sleep apnea), putting me on magnesium, and a few other things. My only criticism is that she told me that my stress level would improve if I meditated… which makes me stabby because my stress level would improve if I wasn’t largely managing my medically interesting kiddo with special needs on my own while also trying to finish my degree and be a functional adult.

— 5 —

Duuuuuuude… I just got the news that my dear friend Richard has been elected as Moderator of the United Church of Canada. Having known him for 16 years through blogging, I can honestly say that there is no better person for the job. Congrats, my friend. I am so incredibly proud of you.

— 6 —

Huh. Does anyone else remember all the McDonaldLand commercials? There were toys too apparently.

— 7 —

My earworm. I’m feeling like Armenian choral music today.

For more Quick Takes, visit Kelly at This Ain’t The Lyceum.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: July 22, 2018

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For Today… July 22, 2018

Simple Woman's Daybook

Looking out my window… sunny and nice.

I am thinking… about various things going on in my parish.

I am thankful… that my Kohl’s order has arrived. I was getting low on pants that actually fit me that are cool enough for the summer.

One of my favorite things… quiet.

I am wearing… an olive green shirt and navy capris, which are actually pants-length on me. #shortpeopleproblems

I am creating… cover letters.

I am listening to… Daniel playing tablet.

I am hoping… Minion calms down a bit. He’s currently attacking Jethro playfully and I think he might get brought to my room for time-out.

I am learning… how to write a good cover letter.

In my kitchen… family dinner tonight so I’m about to go out with Daniel to get some pie from my favorite farm store.

In the school room… Daniel is enjoying ESY.

Post Script… a friend asked for safe websites to find pen pals. I’ve been a member of IPF for years and I also found this listing.

Shared Quote… “Dignified or not, believable or not, ours is a God perpetually on bended knee, doing everything it takes to convince stubborn and petulant children that they are seen and loved. It is no more beneath God to speak to us using poetry, proverb, letters, and legend than it is for a mother to read storybooks to her daughter at bedtime. This is who God is. This is what God does.” — Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again by Rachel Held Evans

Hosted by The Simple Woman.