Well, the goal this year is to write 50K and hopefully come up with something I can work with. I'm writing horror. Title: State of Grace
Synopsis: When Dan Cadence makes his confession for the first time in twenty-two years it snows in his little town of Greenbow. It has never snowed in Greenbow. But that's just the beginning of strange events that are about to occur because a portal between hell and earth has opened. Only one in a state of grace can close that portal door once and for all. Can Dan do it before it's too late?
Recently, while on vacation, the kids and I spied a little shop called Sin Sations.
Fresh baked donuts immediately sprang to mind and I drove over, but for the life of me I could not reconcile what I saw with the vision of glazed goodies dancing in my wee brain. Sin Sations is an adult shop and has nothing to do with bear claws and éclairs.
I'm not as worldly as I thought. Not by a long shot. Then, the kids started asking questions.
"Ma, what's that shop?"
"It's not appropriate."
"It says 'toys'."
"Yes, but not for kids."
"What is sex?"
"Who wants a Happy Meal?" At least I know I can count on what I anticipate when I see golden arches.
Which reminds me…recently, the kids and I were gift buying and my son and I stepped into a shop with flashy lights, lava lamps and t-shirts with attitude in the window. We couldn't see the other items they offered until we stepped inside.
My son quickly announced that the store was not appropriate for us. A father of three little ones had reached the same conclusion and was quickly leading his children back out the door.
Once outside my son asked, "Did you see that one t-shirt?"
Was that all he saw? Thank you, God, for that! "Isn't there a McDonald's around here?" I asked, falling back on my tried and true change of topic.
It's getting so that I look for the golden arches as my savior for these types of situations. And it must be rubbing off on the kids.
Flipping through the television stations the other night a very inappropriate ad for wild young people appeared and was quickly changed. And, like Pavlov's dog, all the kids piped up: "Can we get a McFlurry?"
You know what this means, don't you?
It means I'm going to be spending a whole lot of money at McDonald's as the kids mature. For some there are the birds and bees. For me, it's double cheeseburgers and milkshakes.
Once upon a time Dad and Mom met at McDonald's and we ordered two double quarter-pounders with cheese…and, because we loved each other very much, they gave us five little cheeseburgers to boot!
I'm sure that lesson will be clear as ketchup.
Seriously, though, the kids already know where cheeseburgers come from. They also know all about condiments, too, thanks to Health Ed.
I just want them to wait until they find a good corn-fed patty on a wholesome whole-grain bun before they start thinking about making cheeseburgers. And I think they will. Thanks to my analogies, the older ones will never look at a cheeseburger the same again.
National novel writing month is fast approaching! Are you ready to go? I am desperately whipping the hamsters into shape, hoping they run fast enough on the wheel in my head to produce something. Should be fun!
My book review blog and website just got a major overhaul and I thought you might like to see.
I love creating new websites and fleshing out ideas. I'd like to develop a little reading program for the kids in my town and gradually share it with the rest of the county. I hope Biblio can help get kids excited about books.
So stop by and take a peek. If you have a website, blog or someone's ear, tell them about Biblio. I thank you! :)
Here he is--Mr. First Grader! He's doing so well. He's advanced on so many levels that he will be doing second grade work in no time flat.
Aiden is really loving homeschool. He's happy, confident and having fun.
This is his first week of school picture. He's standing by his latest art project (finger painting) and wearing a t-shirt he earned for all his good work.
It's a pleasure to do school with him everyday and I am so thankful we can.
We had a great day. Carnitas for dinner and a hot pink and brilliant yellow cake from the bakery (Momma got pooped out toward the end of the day and didn't bake one herself). Boo got her birthday bath (I do bathe her more than once a year, but we make everything special on birthdays :) :) ).
JD was able to stop by and have dinner and dessert. He brought wonderful gifts that he had all the kids and staff in his unit make for Boo.
We all gathered in her room to take turns opening presents. Family from Australia has made sure that Boo is outfitted for the entire fall and winter! We will have to play dress-up and take pictures.
We will also have to make a few trips to the store to buy new DVDs for Boo with her birthday loot.
Thank you all for the cards and wishes you sent making her day that much more special!
Boo is nowhere near dying and just might have another year with us, but it's time to start making preparations. I have the numbers for the cemetery and the funeral home and will be making calls this week for information and to start planning.
Today I took the older kids to the cemetery and we looked at the other graves so they could see what Boo's might look like. They only allow flat headstones now, but there were some nice ones to give me ideas.
I am looking at dresses and thinking of getting her a blue princess-type dress. Been thinking on songs for awhile and pictures we can show at home.
We signed DNR papers the other day and are just waiting for the doctor's signature. We will continue with the same care and keeping her comfortable, but when she passes we don't need to revive her.
All in all, I think we are all feeling okay with things. The kids are skirting around the issue, but that's okay. They are taking it in little steps.
Thank you for your continued prayers. Friday is Boo's 8th birthday and in her honor we will be eating her favorite meal: carnitas with black forest cake for dessert - the cake she tried to filch when dad made one for Nana. :)
102 Thursday, 106 Friday, 109 today...we bought a pool (not us in the picture - just wanted to give you an idea of what ours looks like. It is so refreshing! Even the husband has been diving in. It's hot!
Boo's 8th birthday is coming up (September 4th) and I am missing the girl who used to peer out at me from those big blue eyes. Thought you might like to see our little Boo through the years.
This is Becca Boo at age 2. She doesn't say much but she balances on the window sill, a natural gymnist without fear...
(Age 2)...full of spunk.
(Age 3)...and lots of giggles.
Her favorite word is cat. Every animal is cat. Every woman is momma.
(Age 3)...all dressed up. Having a little trouble walking at this age and will soon be wearing a helmet full time to protect her from spills.
(Age 4) We propped her up for this picture. She's losing the ability to sit and mostly crawls now.
(Age 5) She's had a feeding tube for 6 months now and the wheelchair is new. She needs help sitting up and scoots instead of crawling.
(Age 6) Bec sits with supports most of the time now. She can still raise her leg and let the world know she's still got spunk, but she will soon lose even that ability.
(Age 7, almost 8) Boo spends most of her days sleeping and occasionally smiles and coos and laughs. She shows that defiant spunk by wiggling her eyebrows. She can stretch, but she needs help moving in every other way.
Dear, Boo, we don't know how much longer you still have with us, but we love you every minute. We will celebrate your eighth birthday this year with your favorite dinner, carnitas! You might be sleeping for it (because you often stay awake at night with SpongeBob) but we are so proud of you for making it this far - two extra years than expected. May your angels continue to flutter above and make you smile and coo until it's time to follow them home. Love, Momma, Dad, Rachel, Nicole, John Daniel & Aiden and all the cats
She's six inches long and eats kitty kibble and drinks water. Her eyes have not yet changed color but they may turn out green. She's so independent and adult-like, just need to work on the litter box training.
She loves to run and play. Looks like a little fur ball with legs. Her head is still big and she has those stubby little kitten ears that make her look like a Furbie, but her belly has gotten bigger and makes her head look more proportionate now.
Little miss Princess Furbie, the new little kitty I am fostering is doing well! She is drinking water and dry kitty kibble from the bowl...just need to box train her now. What a sweetie pie. She's a little fatty, too, but very independent. I will take pics and get my Dh to upload them tonight.
Had a great weekend with the kids. Took the four (with my sister and her family) to the Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo and we had a blast. I am red from the tip of my head to my neckline, but that's about the only downer for an otherwise great weekend.
We saw Shouka the orca, Merlin the dolphin a walrus, tigers, cheetahs, lions, giraffes, camels, tortoises, a bat...I think the little one, Aiden (6), had a great time as he doesn't get out to theme parks much. He loved riding the scrambler and a mini-rollercoaster called the Cobra. But the big treat was the marine life. He and big brother JD have a room painted with ocean life and they got a kick out of seeing the creatures they love in real life. Did I mention sharks - we saw sharks as well and one had a nose that looked like a chain saw. Never saw such a thing....
I just updated my website. Jelly Mom is retired but the books are still available, a new one is coming out in November and I am still writing...though not necessarily Jelly Mom-type stuff.
Tried sweet potato muffins last week. Bleah. Need to work on that recipe.
Also took in another kitty this week on Friday. A little calico miss. I'm bottle feeding her every three hours and she's doing well. Anybody want a cat???? My husband is not touching her so he doesn't get attached. I am adamant that this is a FOSTER kitty. So as soon as she's ready for a home, out she goes. Hey, Mom! Want another cat???
I am going to learn how to upload photos onto the computer. Time to get with it. Wouldn't it be nice to see pics of the growing kitlets and kidlets?
Stay tuned this week on the book review blog. I just got a new box of books to review and they look real good.
Time to sign off. It's late and I have one more bottle session with the little princess before she's tucked in for the night.
Yes, you can link to my book review blog or get the rss feed. This project seems to be growing! I post new reviews frequently as my kids and I read and enjoy all the greats books out there.
You'll find all subjects for ages 0-12, fiction and non. One of the latest reads is The Prairie Girl's Guide To Life. It's been out for a few years, but it's great for Laura Ingalls' fans. http://www.jellymom-bookreviews.blogspot.com
Here I am! Life is settling down and getting much smoother now that I have retired from several things like the column. Becca is doing well today. Yesterday she had one of her rare euphoric moments where she was smiling and laughing and cooing and responding. We called Dad at work and left him a message. :)
I have been eating vegan meals for my health and have been trying new recipes. I'm going to collect family favorites and make myself a little book. There are some really good recipes out there. Today we tried an orange muffin recipe. I need to tinker with it but it looks like it will be a keeper. Earlier this week I made bran muffins. I already love bran muffins and this recipe came out really well, very moist. No one else cared for them, but who cares!
The kids are home on summer break. Aiden and I have been collecting things for the new school year when he officially becomes a first grader. We are homeschooling this year. I was a little apprehensive, but since I cut out the extras and life has slowed down, I think I can do this and care for Becca. The thing that has replaced the neurotic writing and marketing of Jelly Mom is my quest for vegan recipes, cooking, baking, playing World of Warcraft with my dear husband and plotting out a novel. See? I'm still writing.
Today Aiden and I opened a big box of mail that has been collecting - all for Boo. I wish I could personally thank all the people that have sent happy mail to her and the rest of the kids, but it isn't always possible to do that. If any of you happened to have found my blog - THANK YOU! We absolutely could not get on so well without your support. It makes all the difference and we don't feel at all alone in this. God bless you ABUNDANTLY. All this happy mail will end up pinned to Boo's walls. She loves it. :)
Next weekend I am taking the rest of the kids to a Discovery Kingdom. It's our big summer treat and I think we will have a lot of fun. I especially want to show the boys all the animals.
Speaking of animals, I will post pics of the kittens. They are growing so fast!
Boo has two new roommates - the kittens. I updated their pics (Mouth & Appa) on the left side of this blog. They sleep with her and entertain her. She just got her wheelchair modified so it serves her better. She's doing okay for a kiddo that is completely bedridden and cannot move much on her own. We had a day recently where she was 'talking up a storm' in her own way (lots of coos and sounds that were pretty strong). She hasn't done that for many, many months so it was a real treat for us.
JD is doing well at the RTC (residential treatment center). He has a ways to go, but I definitely see a change in him. He's far more calm and happy now which tells me his meds are good. He's also able to handle small difficulties fairly well, but he can still get overwhelmed. So far, I can talk him through. He and Aiden are getting along much better, though they have their moments as boys will. The three of us enjoy hiking on the Saturdays that JD is home. Our last hike was at The Pinnacles and we hiked 8.4 miles. It took five hours and we paid for it for days but it was a great day. We even got to hike through some caves. The Pinnacles, for those who don't know, is a state park and the caves were formed by volcanoes long ago. The park is practically right in our own backyard.
Aiden will be homeschooled this year. He's bright and advanced academically, but he's got far too many ants in his pants and needs to work on his social skills. We don't want his experience of school to be endless trips to the principal, so we are stoking his natural curiosity and love for learning at home and will revisit the option of public school for second grade. We think he will either outgrow his high energy or learn to cope, but we don't think he needs medicine at this point.
Rachel & Nicole just graduated from the 9th grade and are no longer low women on the totem pole. Their summer is slow-paced, filled with mornings they can sleep in and hanging out with friends.
Rachel stays busy with her favorite computer games and hanging out with her best friend next door. She does a lot of sitting for me, so I try to give her a lot of free time.
Nicole hangs out with her boyfriend and friends and keeps busy playing basketball or learning guitar. Both girls are growing into wonderful adults and I do enjoy treating them in gratitude for all their help.
I am enjoying the time off now that I quit Jelly Mom. I do think of a column now and then and I am tinkering with ideas for books. My dear husband just bought me a pseudo-lap-top so I can write in solitude in the bedroom. Can't wait until it gets here!
And speaking of the husband, he's finally finished nursing the kittens around the clock! He's such a good momma and they are so attached to him. You should see him gush over 'the mans' as he calls them - they are cute and adorable and will steal your heart.
So that's news in the Barker house. Hope all is well with you....
All is well here with Boo. Still some congestion, but she seems to have weathered the latest flu symptoms in our house better than the rest of us.
My dog died yesterday. He was old and adopted as an elderly dog. Really miss Pepper. Even for a dog that simply loved to nap and eat and THAT'S IT, he was part of the routine and joy here everyday and will be sorely missed.
Our itty bitty kitties are growing leaps and bounds. Walking, talking, eyes open and using the litter box, but still using a bottle. Not quite ready for the saucer. Cute as all get out. :)
I'm still reviewing children's books and will post the latest this week. http://jellymom-bookreviews.blogspot.com/2009/04/more-tales-of-seamus-sheltie-ages-9-12.html
Have you seen these in the frozen food section of the grocery store? Definitely better than the average dinners you usually find in that aisle. We tried the chicken fajitas - the only one available and the only skillet meal to be found in my neck of the woods since I began my search nearly a year ago.
This one is not bad, but could easily serve just one or two people instead of three as the package states. Very easy to prepare and tasty though you might want to add a little more seasoning.
We would have enjoyed it more if the veggies weren't so limp, but you can't expect better when dealing with frozen veggies. So the Skillet Meal is a nice change of pace and something healthier than the average frozen food fare.
We're going to try some of the other Skillet Meals just to see how they taste. Some of the pasta versions look very tempting....
So if you're feeling adventuresome give the Skillet Meals a try.
I updated the pics of my family on this blog. The kiddos are growing and my dear husband and I are aging - look how gray HE is! Lol.
Also updated the pet pics. Notice the two kittenlings. Dh (dear husband) has been nursing them round the clock. He's such a good momma cat!
I found them two weeks ago (during a heat wave) near our mailbox. I think the mother was young and feral. One still had the placenta attached via the cord - they were that young! And they were crawling around in the frying heat. So I took them home.
Originally there were three, but the tiny calico didn't last. She died on day two. We think she wasn't fully developed. Just not much muscle there and so weak.
Here are the latest shots:
Appa
Mouth (If you heard him, you'd understand why we named him this.)
They are so cute! Their eyes are open and they are learning to walk. They will be tearing around the house in no time.
Thank you all for the overwhelming flood of email filled with prayers and good wishes as I step away from Jelly Mom.
I'm cutting out the extras so I have more time to care for my kiddos and not go crazy. And I LOVE respite care! Oh, how I am learning to care for myself. :) Breathe. Pace myself. Take breaks.
Sugar Booger has been having a little trouble breathing. She's got a bit of congestion, but nothing we can't handle with suction and some TLC until she has a more productive cough (praying!).
Aiden (turns 6 this Friday) was tested at the local school. He's ready for 1st grade academically, but nowhere near it socially. He's still learning how to share and not take up arms at perceived injustices. Still, this is nothing like the difficulties his older brother has due to Asperger's (high functioning autism). So there's hope he will mellow in time. Some of his behavior is copycatting big brother.
He's also Mr. Antsy Pants. So we will homeschool him another year. He's loving it and gobbling up new things to learn. Why spoil a good thing? He would only be punished at school because he doesn't conform yet (as he should) for 1st grade and we don't think he needs medicine because he can focus and sit still - he's just not ready yet.
Gotta get going. I hear the Boogs awakening. Time for some suction, meds, foodies and some SpongeBob.
Now that I've ended the Jelly Mom column, I might be able to say hello here a little more often and keep you updated on Boo and the rest of the clan.
I downsized the Jelly Mom site and will be updating it. A sampler column from the archives is available and, as always, both books are available online through Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and Borders. Pssst! They make GREAT Mother's Day gifts. :) :)
First and foremost Boo is doing fine. She will be FINALLY getting her wheelchair 'grown' (outfitted for her new larger almost 8-yr old size) next Wednesday. She's been bedridden since her hospital stay last October. It will be good to take her out for walks, and she will love feeling the wind and the sun. She will also be able to visit throughout the house. Knowing Boo, she will absolutely LOVE this freedom.
Aiden might get to go to school for the tail end of this year. I HOPE they let him. He needs the practice socially before next year. They will test him to see what level he's at reading-wise. He's a smart cookie. I hope he blows them away.
Rachel & Nicole are now 15. Since their birthdays and mine are in April we took a girls-only vacation to Disneyland earlier this month. I thought that would be the most appropriate way to celebrate turning 40. And, sure enough, I fell on my knees in a hug belly flop the last day - what a column THAT would have made. After hobbling around for a few weeks, I can finally walk normally again - and kneel!
So we had lots of fun...even though I am getting older. Don't tell the girls, but I am excited about the possibility of being a grandma before the decade is over (if they marry in the next few years). Maybe when I am 49? :) :)
JD is still at the Residential Treatment Center but I do believe I am beginning to see great changes. This last weekend visit he went to the park with his little brother and several friends and spent an hour and a half without incident. Then, he babysat in a pinch for me watching Boo for two hours and did an outstanding job! I am so proud of him.
Aiden is, of course, burning daylight. Mr. Turbo Speed is always on the go. When he directs all that energy positively it amazes me. On the other hand he ages me. :) I will look cool with long, curly gray hair.
I am still cutting things out of my life so that I have a manageable stress level that I need to care for Boo, JD & Aiden (and then have enough of me left over for my teens and dear husband). Within a month things should be down to a very comfortable level. SHOULD!
Thank you all for your support, prayers, notes of encouragement and all the love you send our way. You lift us up and we simply could not 'do this' without you. THANK YOU.
I hope that the writing that bubbles up now that Jelly Mom is retired will be something I can share with you that you will love just as much. I am going to try to write about Boo.
Thank you so much for reading Jelly Mom. Writing for so many of you over the last five years has been a great pleasure.
As you know, one of my kiddos is terminally ill and I have been on sabbatical for the last six months, sending out reprints. Thank you for so generously continuing to receive Jelly Mom. The downtime has allowed me to discern that stepping back from Jelly Mom is the right thing to do and I am writing you today to let you know that I will no longer be writing new Jelly Mom columns or sending out reprints.
Thank you for the coveted space you allowed me in your inbox and for sharing Jelly Mom with your friends and family. I am so happy that I was able to share the antics of the kids I love so much with other parents who treasure their darlings much the same and for everyone else that also read, related and rolled on the floor laughing.
The books will continue to be available through Amazon.com as well as online through Borders and Barnes & Noble. They make wonderful gifts, especially for Mother's Day and birthdays and for those moms currently chasing little ones.
Very sincerely and warmly yours, Lisa Barker www.JellyMom.com
Just a little note to let you all know that Becca is doing fine. She's made it through a bout with earaches, tummy troubles and a cough. Hopefully no more bugs visit this house.
JD is doing well at the residential treatment center. He's realizing that this is for the long haul and is getting used to that. He visits home on the second and fourth weekend of every month and I can see some progress there, but it will take time for new habits to stick. He's officially diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and Asperger's.
Nicole was just in a play called Greater Tuna. She's part of the drama club at her high school. She played the role of Petey Fisk and she did an outstanding job! The whole cast was GREAT and my husband and I enjoyed the play very much.
Rachel is a book-a-holic and helps me review the children's books. She takes on the novels while I stick to the books for younger kids. Sometimes Nicole or JD give a review as well.
Aiden is being homeschooled for kindergarten. He just wasn't ready for the social aspect of kindy or the long day (about six hours). MAYBE he'll be ready for 1st grade this fall. But if not, he's gobbling up lessons at home so he can continue homeschooling if that suits him best.
My dear husband just turned thirty-five! He thinks he's OLD and didn't want much of a fuss made for his birthday, so just a favorite dinner and cheesecake.
Me, I turn forty this year and I'm celebrating all year. Going to go to Disneyland in April - woohoo!
Than you all for the email and the encouragement regarding Boo. And thanks for reading Jelly Mom!
And (inserting shameless plug here) don't forget that you can order both Jelly Mom books online through Amazon or through your local bookstore! They'll make a great present for Mother's Day. :)
For every letter to Santa mailed at your local Macy's this Christmas season, a dollar will be given to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help make the dreams of seriously ill children come true.
My family knows first hand what a great service Make-A-Wish provides and we're proud to sponsor this cause.
Click on the Believe Meter below for all the details.
A BOOK OF WORDS PARENTS NEED BUT DON’T HAVE - By Eric Ruhalter
Examples:
WISHJACK (WISH-jahk) v.: To maliciously blow out the candles on another child's birthday cake.
SNOOT (SNEWT) v.: To suck in rather than blow out when blowing your nose.
ORTHODONTREPRENEUR (orth-O-dahn-truh-prenn-orr) n. : A child interested in knocking all of his own teeth out in the interest of a hefty payday from the tooth fairy.
