December 2, 2006 is the day we got the phone call that changed everything. "You need to go to the hospital," said our pediatrician on a sunny Saturday morning. Benny hadn't been feeling well for weeks. Our funny, curious toddler had become thirsty, cranky and tired. I do remember that morning, though, he was in…
When you write a book called "I Can't Cook, But I Know Someone Who Can," you aren't invited to prepare recipes very often. That's why I was pretty nervous Friday on WCNC's Charlotte Today. Host Colleen Odegaard asked me to come on – without a chef – and cook something from the book. I decided to make Esther Marie's…
November is Diabetes Month and today is D-Blog day. This year, the topic is six things you want people to know about diabetes. I decided to ask Benny what he wants you to know. So here's a D-Blog day post, dictated by a five year old who was diagnosed with type 1 at 23 months.…
This weekend, Charlotte families will do our part to raise money to fight type 1 diabetes. The JDRF Gala is always fun – this year we're thanking Lance, Inc with the Living & Giving award. (Slade and I help light the room "blue" for World Diabetes Day at last year's Gala.) This year, World Diabetes Day is…
I live in one of those neighborhoods that's just perfect for Halloween. Loads of kids, easy to navigate sidewalks and neighbors who go all out decorating and treating. This is when I usually start getting the questions, though. Will Benny trick or treat? (Yes). Is it okay to give him candy? (You betcha). Should we provide sugar-free…
We had someone new to root for at the Bank of America 500 this weekend. #21 Woods Brothers Racing Ford driven by Bill Elliot. That's because the car's paint design was created by an 8 year old with type 1 diabetes. This is part of a great contest by Ford Customer Service Division to support the Juvenile Diabetes…
In 1958, a teacher in California noticed children from one large family never came to school all at once. She never saw all of them together. It turns out the children were taking turns wearing the few pieces of clothing the family had. The teacher, Ruth Ann Montgomery, decided she couldn't let a lack of clothing keep her students…
I gained 50 pounds with each of my pregnancies. The first time around, chocolate enrobed mini Krispy Kreme donuts were my downfall. The second time I vowed to be more careful, but after gaining 30 pounds by the fifth month, I threw in the towel. Yes, of course I took my vitamins and ate my veggies, but I also…
My friend Fabi Preslar was recently honored by Morton's here in Charlotte as part of their Celebration of Women Entrepreneurs. Dozens of women – and two brave men – enjoyed a great lunch and an inspiring presentation. Fabi (right) is the president of Spark Publications and the force of nature behind my book, I Can't Cook,…
Couple of weeks into the school year and we are off and running! Girl scouts, tennis lessons, before-school activities, religious school and on and on. The kids are busy and Slade and I each have our own crazy schedules. My calendar is crumbling under the pressure. Make that calendars. I have three right now. I've used a paper datebook…