Birds of a feather....flock together!

So good to see Brad this week. He came down to Austin for a few days before he flies out 0f Austin to Nebraska to see his family. We got to spend a whole day with him just hanging out. Meet up with him, Amber and Colton mid afternoon to see the movie Cars 2! Not bad- it was pretty cute! (maybe just a bit over the kids heads...but still held their attention!)

Afterwards I talked Brad in to making his famous macaroni and cheese! So good! We hung out at Amber's house and watched Toy Story 3.

A few weeks ahead, Amber had purchased some hair feathers and tools on Etsy. So, as a team- the 4 of us (Amber, Kaci, Brad and me) worked on figuring out how to get them in our hair! I think they turned out pretty darn cute~ Don't you?

Help Me!!! - JDRF

Beat the heat with a Wendy's Frosty! Coupon books are $1 and good for 4 Frostys. Available at all Austin area Wendy's and all proceeds benefit JDRF! Help us beat last year where we raised $93,000!!! We went through the drive through today and picked up 25 booklets! The boy at the window almost passed clean out! Said they have a contest to see who sells the most and I just put him in the lead. I didn't think to ask what they win.....I'll do that next time I get a Frosty!

I have the flu.....

Camp Bluebonnet

Camp Bluebonnet 2011

So today we had Bluebonnet Camp (aka Diabetic Camp) Everyone had been telling me since Kaci was diagnosed how great it is. How wonderful it is to be at a camp where everyone is like Kaci- where diabetes is the norm. Siblings are also allowed (even the ones without diabetes)

Well, if you know me- you know I am not fond of leaving my kids anywhere alone without me. Even before Diabetes came knocking on our door. I don't like my kiddos to be far from me....

What if they fall and get hurt?

What if they are served a snack or drink that they don't like?

What if they don't have any fun?

What if they don't make friends?

What if they feel left out?

What if the person in charge is not all that nice, or smart, or careful or cautious?

And the list of "what ifs" goes on and on and on....

So- Kaci will have had diabetes for 2 years on July 28- So, the first year...we missed Camp Bluebonnet because it had already happened. Last year I didn't sign them up because I thought you had to take them and drop them off from 8:30-3:30. NO way!

I didn't know you were allowed to stay.

Well, this year I was determined to take them once I found out I was allowed to stay and walk around amongst the groups. So- I signed them both up. Marked it on our calendar and we have been counting down the days.

I was nervous about the drive to Killeen - if you know me, you know I have no sense of direction! Clint was not able to take off of work....so I talked Amber into going with me (at least the first day until I could get my bearings) We woke up at 6:15 and were ready to leave the house by 7- Amber surprised the kids with a chicken biscuit from Chick Fil A and me a Starbucks!! YUM! So we hit the road about 7. It was a really nice drive. No traffic and only 3 turns to the Peaceable Kingdom.

When we arrived we were greeted by a parking Nazi! An older man who almost threw his arm out of socket making some sort of motion at me and could not have had a grumpier look on his face unless he was Oscar The Grouch! At first I thought he was telling me to stop my car because he thought I was going to hit him.(He was standing next to a truck window that was pulled off to the side talking to the driver) Then I realized he was telling me I needed to turn in perpendicular to the road and park my car. I was so flustered by his irate face and hand motions- but Amber helped me figure out what he was trying to say. So I backed up and squeezed in between 2 cedar trees as I could hear the branches scratching the side of my car. Ah....we were here and first impression was ....well, Oscar the Grouch.

Headed up to the entrance to sign in. Stopped at station 1 to sign the kids in. They sent me to station 3 to get the kids t-shirts- I was told I was on the wrong side of the table by one lady- so moved to the other side of the table to get my shirt- then I was told my a man I needed to be on the other side. Then proceeded to listen to the man and women argue over which side the line needed to form on....fact was- there was no line at this point- it was just me and my kids! Just give me a damn shirt!!! Then I was chased down by ladies at table 2 who said I had not gotten my wristband. Got my wristband ....dropped the kids lunches in the correct grade level bins so they could be refrigerated and moved on to the next station. Here I was greeted by a few familiar faces ....NICE! We had to check Kaci's sugar for her morning log and anyone who is over 250 has to be tested for ketones. Well, considering we had jut had breakfast (insulin less than an hour before)- of course she was going to be high...this is peak time baby! She was 320- so, off to the bathroom we went to test for ketones.

As we rounded the corner we found the bathroom rather quickly. There was a line coming out of the building full of people holding their little test strip. Wait, wait, wait...only 2 stalls in the bathroom. Test and we are negative for ketones.....UGH! Headed back to table 5 to show them she was negative where we were told to get used to it. It was going to happen every morning. I am already a little uptight at this point....and the tone in which I was told to "get used to it" didn't really sit well with me.

We headed around the corner to meet our group leader and sat on the hill listening to music while a few of the Peaceable Kingdom Counselors tried to get the kiddos to dance. OK - I thought....we are killing time while the rest of the campers test for ketones! Things were looking up.

The kiddos soon broke off into their groups and headed for their first activity. I decided to follow Kaci's group and told Bailey I would meet up with him later. Followed Kaci's group up the hill.Never once did her camp counselor have the children share their names or interests or anything about themselves. There first stop was snack. A little cart came around and they had milk and cheese crackers. I thought- now this is a perfect time for the group leader to have the sit and enjoy their snack while sharing a little about themselves. Instead- They sat and ate crackers....a few of the kids seemed to know each other and talked, the rest of the kids sat by themselves and ate their snack(Kaci didn't have one - I don't think she wanted a shot) and the Group Leader sat off to the side not paying them any attention or even talking to them.

Their second stop was arts and crafts. Bailey's group was leaving arts and crafts and was headed to the pool- I left Kaci and met up with Bailey. Swimming was fun. I think he had a good time. I bought the kids new goggles for camp in case they got lost. I didn't want them to lose their good ones. Turns out - the ones I bought sucked and leaked water. I promised he could bring his good ones from home the rest of the week. I told him I was sorry and he said," That's ok mom. Let's just bring my good ones tomorrow. I am pretty responsible!" So cute! He had a good time.

Before long I saw Kaci's group walk by. They were headed to the water slide. I decided to follow. When we arrived we were greeted by a camp volunteer who said they were not working. The electricity was not working and they could not get them inflated. Kaci's group stood on the path for about 20 minutes and basically did nothing. I talked to one of the ladies on the med staff and asked if they check their blood sugar before they swim. She assured me they always did- as so many kids can bottom out their blood sugars while swimming.

Finally Kaci's group leader decided they would head to the pool. The med staff helped the kids who wore pumps bag them up in ziplocs before they entered the pool and Kaci's group leader sat in a chair with her head back and eyes closed. (granted there were lifeguards...it just took me by surprise) Not one child had their blood sugar checked before they entered the pool. I asked them to check Kaci's. Her goggles leaked too.....UGH! Amber and I sat on the side and watched the kids play. About 15 minutes in to pool time I asked Kaci if she was having fun. She said, "No...not really" It was only 11:20.

At this point I was a little frustrated. I felt like I was a member of a club I didn't really want to be a part of. Everyone always says how great it is to be around other parents or T1D and kids with T1- great to feel the same as everyone around you. Something about being here just made me feel worse. I know it sounds stupid and strange and I can't explain it...but I didn't like it.

Bailey was having lunch at 11:30- so I left the pool to meet up with him. Before long- it was time for Kaci's group to have lunch. Kissed Bailey goodbye- he was headed to Camp Cup (whatever that was) I sat and had lunch with Kaci. As lunch was nearing the end....Kaci's Group Leader told the kids to take their carb count to the med ladies on the couch. -Had I not been looking at her when she said it- I would have never heard her. I don't think any of the kids did. ( I have to assume that she was assuming they all knew what to do already- we didn't, this was out first time) We took Kaci's numbers to the medic who figured her insulin and wrote it on our log sheet. I had been told that all shots had to be given in the infirmary. I asked her if they all went to the infirmary together for their shot and she said - "Oh no- we don't have to do that anymore. You just need to go and find the medic in charge of shots." Oh- ok....who is that? She then proceeded to say a name I can not pronounce and told me just go and look for her. For real? Thankfully we found her. I hope that had I not been with Kaci the medic staff would have taken her to the "shot lady" and not had her try to find her own her own. Grrrrr......

After lunch - Kaci's group played a fun relay game where you had to put a very wet t-shirt on then run down to the baseball bat and spin around it twice. This was the first time I saw a really big smile on her face.

Next I went with Kaci to listen to the speaker of the day...Robin Cox, Sea World Trainer. VERY INTERESTING and VERY REWARDING. (Bailey's group was heading out just as we arrived.)It is always nice to hear about people who overcome some type of difficulty in life to make their dream a reality. Even nicer when that "something" is also the same "something" that you or someone you love has to deal with in their life. It was cool in the theatre and great fun listening to her story and watching the prepared video.

Afterward the kids had "free" snack! YUMMY- Baggies of cheese, baggies of ham and baggies of pickles! Yummy - Kaci was in heaven!~

Next Kaci went to Ed. School and I went to Putt-Putt golf with Bailey's group! This was Bailey's favorite part of the day. Lots of fun for everyone.



Here is Bailey's group of kiddos!

With only about 45 minutes left - both Kaci and Bailey's group headed back to the theatre building and stayed cool with air hockey, Foosball and other indoor games. It was a little crowded, but they made the best of it. I sighned the kids out- they got a popsicle and we headed to the car.

This is when the real fun would begin.....Wait for it...

Wait for it...

Wait for it....

I backed into a Mercedes~ Yup! You heard me right! Ah...what luck!

Left a note with my insurance information, called the insurance company when I got home and let it go.

For those of you who know me...you know it is very hard for me to let things like this go.....

But- it was an accident...and an accident is just that...something you didn't mean to happen. Something you didn't want to happen and usually something you could change if you could. Well, I certainly couldn't change it....so....let it go...

Fortunately, there was NO damage to my car and very little to the other.

So, overall, it was a good day. Not a great day or a fabulous day. It was just good. Maybe my expectations were too high. Maybe I was so uptight about diabetes that I didn't get to enjoy it. Maybe it was because---I didn't know it until the next day- but I had the beginning signs of the FLU! UGH!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to the best Dad I know!

The one who is always there when you need him.

If your lawn needs mowing....he's there!

If your kids need watching....he's there!

If your having a bad day...he's there!

If you get the eyelet of a needle in between the "webby" part of your finger...he's there! LOL!

Really- my Dad is the BEST!

Thank you for all you do for me and for my family.
I hope to grow up to be half as wonderful as you!
I love you and Happy Father's Day!

PROJECT PAINT

Time to stain the fence!
Not all of the keeping the "I'm Bored Away" projects are fun! lol!

Peter Pan Golf!!

We swung by Daddy's work about 6 and picked him up for some dinner and putt putt. Baby A's was the perfect place for dinner!

Bailey didn't get to putt putt at the beach like he wanted to...but I promised we would go when we got home! So- I stayed true to my word. Here he is after a hole in one!!

We had a great night...a little warm- but not too bad!

This is turning out to be a really great summer!

Kid Kaster in our future??

Just got done nominating Bailey to be a "Zack Kid Kaster" on Fox 7 news! How cool would that be? I think he has the perfect personality for it. Below is the brief email I sent in about him as well as the picture I attached. I thought it showed his great personality!

http://media.myfoxaustin.com/weather/kidcaster.html

I am writing this email to nominate my son, Bailey Borchgardt as a "Kid Kaster"! He is 7 years old and will be entering the 2nd grade next year. He is extremely outgoing and is known by his peers for his over the top facial expressions and excited eyes!! He enjoys baseball, football and video games. He is also a boyscout and loves it. He is currently on a summer bowling league. He would love the opportunity to help Zack out with the weather.

Thank you for considering him!
Andrea & Bailey Borchgardt

Type 1diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes 15,000 children and 15,000 adults every year. There is currently no cure.

Thanks to an extremely generous donation of $1,000.00 Kaci's car is now in 4th place. She has to stay in 5th place or less to be a contender to win.

Last month JDRF children from across the country were asked to enter their car design in this unique contest - the winning design will be featured on the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion scheduled to run at the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway on August 21, 2011. Designs were first submitted locally to JDRF Chapters, and each participating Chapter selected two winning designs to be entered into the national contest.

Kaci's car was one of the lucky 2 for the Austin Chapter. Next, the public (THAT MEANS YOU),has been invited to vote for YOUR favorite car design by making a monetary donation to JDRF.

The top five donation-earning designs will then be narrowed down to one. The winning design will be selected by a committee including representatives from Wood Brothers Racing and FCSD.

Please donate...even a few dollars could make the difference!!! Contest ends June 30th!

Kaci has been saving her allowance this last month - and her Dad promised to match whatever she saved. She saved $39 all by herself. It was matched tonight and we put an additional $78 on her car tonight!!

It would be AMAZING to see her car race NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway on August 21, 2011. Please click on the link below or in my sidebar to donate!

http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.campaignEntry&campaignEntryID=1071

Sea Shore Delite- Beach Trip 2011

WOW~ A four day trip to the beach! We had such a great time and did so many things!

We went gift shopping!

We rested on nice benches and felt the cool breeze!


We took early morning swims!

We enjoyed a meal at Gaidos!

We enjoyed a few drinks at the Resort Bar and Grill.

We took late night dips in the pool.

We got ready for the beach and wore goofy hats and grins.

We went boogey boarding.

We pretended to be Divas!

Some of us looked better than others.

Some of us just did it because we were forced to!

We played in the waves.

We got buried in the sand.

We made sure anyone that wanted a turn had their chance....

We had fun in the lazy river and went around and around and around!

We cooled off in the fountains.

We sat on the slippery waterfall wall for the perfect picture.

We had the BEST "Cajum Dump" EVER!

Thank you Grandma Dee and PaPa for the best week EVER!

Some beach somewhere, there’s a big umbrella casting shade over an empty chair. Palm trees are growing, warm breezes blowing. I picture myself there.

Some beach, somewhere....

We leave in the morning for a few days at Galveston Beach.I can hardly wait. We have rented a place at the Pointe West Resort Condo.Here is what their website has to say:

Pointe West is a luxurious private resort at the west end of Galveston Island, unlike anything on the upper Texas coast. Private Beach Club has an infinity pool, jacuzzi, kids pool, poolside restaurant, outside bar, Wifi, fitness center, gift shop, gameroom and outside gas grills for barbecuing. Other Pointe West Amenities: Well maintained beach, dune walkovers, walking/biking paths throughout the resort.. This condo a is beautifully decorated, spacious, comfortable, 3 bedroom 2 bath and sleeps up to 9 people. Enjoy two private balconies with views of the beach, gulf and bay.

It is conveniently located by the beach club - the heart of the resort. Cook meals with family and friends in a fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances. But if you would rather let someone else do the cooking you can walk a few steps to the poolside restaurant at the beach club. At Pointe West you can take a swim in the cool, crystal water in the infinity pool.

Have a drink and enjoy the gulf views from the outside, rooftop bar. Look for sea shells while walking on the white, sandy beach. Take a sunset stroll or ride your bike along the paths provided throughout the resort.

Galveston Island offers many attractions including Schlitterbahn Water Park, Lone Star Flight Museum and the many shops and restaurants on the historical Strand downtown. Moody Gardens is a large entertainment complex with 3 Pyramids housing an Aquarium, Rainforest and Discovery Center, MG 3D Theater, Ridefilm and Colonel Paddlewheel Boat.

Pointe West is the ideal place for family and friends to relax, have fun and make memories!

Oh, my! I can hardly wait!

Now just to make it through the long ride. I am worse than the kids!

Sleepovers and Shrinky Dinks!

Grayson and Kaci had a great sleepover last night!

Anyone out there remember Shrinky Dinks? Well, out art cabinet is overflowing with fun little projects and the girls decided it was time to make the shrinky dinks!

The summer ones turned out cute and will make a neat necklace that Kaci can't wait to wear to the beach.

Bailey's is a pirate playset- but he let the girls make them for him. Here is the before!

And here is the after.....

Love Shrinky Dinks!!!

Bowling Borchgardts!

Today was the first day of Kaci and Bailey's summer bowling league! We love bowling so much!

Especially in the summer- it is the perfect place (other than the swimming pool) to stay cool and get some excercise! Bailey is in on the "Bumper Buddy" league for one more year.

Kaci has moved up in age group and she is on the "Youth Bowling League" She plays with no bumpers and she plays well! Here is to many more Wednesdays of cool A/C and bowling fun!!

Thank you!!!

Thank you so much, to the following people, for donating towards Kaci's JDRF Car Design Contest. It means so much to us!

Papa Felchak, The Lebo family, Dot Borchgardt, Dominic Ramirez, The Walker family, Cindy Bracken, Linda Schultz, Margaret Cromwell, Patricia Johnson, Amanda Peterson, Leah Leerssen, The Nguyen family, Denise Simons, Elizabeth Doyle, Chris Hall, Sherry Smith and Dot Borchgardt.

It has been fun to see Kaci's donation amount rise- The top 5 fundraising cars will move on to the finals. Kaci currently has $410 in donations - and even though she is not in the Top 5 yet- we are not losing hope! The contest continues to run through June 30th.

If there is someone you know that you feel would like to make a donation - please forward this information on to them.

Even if Kaci's car is not chosen to run at Michigan International Speedway for NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifying on Friday, August 19, 2011 - we will still be winners - as ALL the MONEY raised is going towards diabetic research!

Thanks again for your vote and donation!!

The Borchgardt Family
Clint, Andrea, Kaci and Bailey


http://www.jdrf.org/campaignEntry.cfm?id=1071

To vote and donate- click on the above link and make a donation of $1 or more and cast your vote for Kaci's car design (attached) It is the blood drop she sees each day when she checks her blood sugar. Notice he has pricked his finger for testing too!All the money you donate will go towards our, "Say Boo To Diabetes" walk team in October~ You can vote as many times as you want....and feel free to spread the word!

Never Lose Hope!


Thank you for helping us find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes