Hillside Nursery

and below is the official polaroid ...

The Half a Sausage in the Advent Mystery

There was further development last night in the mystery of who placed the half eaten cocktail sausage in day 3 of the advent Calendar, when a person who shall remain nameless, confessed to the heinous crime.

On Monday 3rd December Luke woke early in the morning and was reluctantly subjected to another insulin injection. Feelings of frustration and rage were somewhat calmed when he was reminded that he could open Day 3 of the Advent calendar and find the gift of a lovely sugarfree jelly. On opening the little door, to his surprise was not the sugar-free jelly, but a half eaten cocktail sausage. The poor wee blighter was totally confused and was beginning again to get frustrated (probably not helped as his dad thought it was hilarious). Realising Luke didn't find it as funny, Luke was given the Day 4 jelly which soon calmed things and the day could then continue as normal.

Playgroup Cake Sale

Home made cookies for sale - one day only !!

Local Girl Lights Up Carrick

Also in the papers, Luke take's part in his band march (not political) ... and takes this opportunity to remind his sponsors that they still owe him money.

This Weeks Headlines!!

Cherith's latest gig is turning on Christmas lights in Carrick.

You never have a shotgun handy when you need one ...

This pheasant mistook our garden for a wildlife place. I have now bought a lawnmower since, just haven't had the weather to try it out.

Another Birthday!

Mark celebrated his 31st birthday on Wednesday. - To be honest it doesn't feel that long since his last birthday but maybe that's what happens when you get older - life speeds up.

So he had the conventional birthday cake and unconventional apple tree present followed by a trip to the church business meeting then whiteabbey hospital followed by the Royal children's as Luke had a wee infection and needed antibotics - meanwhile I was talking to the big white telephone all night - twas a truly memorable birthday!!!

D Day + 9

Home from hospital a week now, although we had diabetes clinic on Monday and Wednesday and the community nurse has came out to see us as well (... which is great, the more support the better). Luke has the finger prick tests sussed - doesn't worry about them at all ... and he has to load the test strip in the device and occasionally prick other peoples finger. He's gets the finger prick test at least before breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper.

The insulin jabs were the scarry bit. He gets this before breakfast and before dinner. The dose has changed a couple of times, but at the minute he's on 1 Novorapid (quick release insulin) and 5 Insulatard (slow release insulin) in the morning. And then in the evening he's on 1 Novorapid and 2 Insulatard. Have to say a huge thanks for folk that have been praying for him - over the last two days he has got a lot better at these jabs. It was taking one of us to hold him down, while the other stabs him in the leg. He still doesn't like it (who would?) but he's has been great and is taking it really well.

We're getting to grips with his diet. He has to get 150g og carbs a day, and has to eat every three hours. To be honest his routine hasn't changed that much, but we just have to watch what we give him (and don't give him) and ensure he gets enough carbs.

Cherith & Shane

Luke's more famous cousin ... Cherith Ward

more excuses ...

... a sick son is a good excuse to bring out the Scalextric for dad

Excuses

Mum needs a new handbag to carry around sugary drinks in case of a 'hypo'!

D Day +1 (Diabetes day +1)

Blood results came back yesterday morning with high amount of sugar in Luke's blood confirming diabetes. Have to spend next few days in hospital to regularize his blood and train us on how to do it. Apart from the needles, he doing grand.

What a soldier!

Luke got his thumb pricked at the doctors today for diabetes today. Turns out he has diabetes type 1!

Asked if he wanted to sit on his mums knee for the test - "No thanks", what a trooper!

... and we all turn 30

A lot of us all went out for a meal a couple of weeks ago to celebrate Dave R turning 30. I love it when me, dermo and dave are all the same age ... even if it is 30.

(To be honest some of us aged 30 are beginning to recede on the old hairline, but its sort of an unwritten rule that its not mentioned.)

A few more for good measure

Just thought I would throw these last few in! You can ask the Three AMIGOS exactly what they are doing in each of these pictures yourself!! - Something Strange was in the air

The SWOT lads of the future

They look so innocent now - who knows what havoc they will reek and girls hearts they will break when they get older!!!

The official SWOT photograph

I'm sure Cara's version of this picture is much better - but thought I would stick this one up anyway

SWOT Weekend 2007

Yet again the Swot group descended upon Downhill hostel for our usual weekend of Fun, fellowship and relaxation. Thanks to all of you for helping out with all that needed to be done - it was greatly appreciated. See you all again next year

1st Day at Playgroup

Can you believe it - He's already 3 years old and today was Luke's 1st day at playgroup. As expected I was more worked up than he was - he was champing at the bit to get there. Dad dropped him off on the bike (silly mum had forgotten to leave his car seat!!) and he settled in no problem.




When we arrived to pick him up he seemed to have had a blast - all the teachers and helpers said he was a real 'chatterbox' - (no surprise there - takes after his dad you see!!!!) and he was even trying to get them all to sing his 'STAR WARS' song (this is a song he has made up himself)
So all in all I think he had a good day - here's hoping for plenty more to come

Gael Force 2007

Gael Force: check