This will make a good column

I'm trying to get my book on Google Book Search. Sounds like a good deal. So I'm reading the fine print...and my cat steps on the keyboard.

Great! THIS is the email letter I have to write....

Hello,

I just received the letter stating I was accepted into
the Google Book Search program.

The trouble is, when I followed this link (insert link here) my cat stepped
on the keyboard and I lost the page.

The link no longer works for me and I think I may have lost information. I would at least like to read what it was my cat agreed to when she stepped on the keyboard.

When you've finished laughing, please help me.

Much thanks,

Lisa Barker

It is done.

Thanks be to God.

At last the book is published. Got a book number and everything.

You can see that the cover changed yet again, but it's the best one yet, so I'm taking it.

What was the goal? To have something I write finished, made into a book and sitting on my shelf! YES.

Next, to share Jelly Mom with others, and in doing so, help bring smiles to critically ill children and their families.

All proceeds from "Just Because Your Kids Drive You Insane..." will got to The Hugs and Hope Club. A great book, a great price, a great help for some very deserving kiddos.

For details on the book and where to buy it, got to: http://www.jellymom.com/Books/JustBecause.php

Physical therapist is coming

Well, we're finally moving forward with getting some of Boo's needs met. They are actually coming to my house (Oh, God, that means I better clean the bathroom!) to help us figure out what she needs to take a safe bath. She's just a bit too big for me to be trying to hold with one arm while I wash her in the tub. I'm afraid we're going to have a slip or accident if we don't get some equipment.

They should also be able to help me figure out the 'what,' 'when' and 'where' that we need to know to get Becca some wheels.

Hmmm...I bet the little sugar-booger wants some din-din...I better go. :)

Had a great weekend last week

I got to have lunch with a friend of mine from highschool. (((WOW!))) We go back over twenty years.

We tried Club Jalapeno in Carmel. I've written ads for this restaurant for over five years and have even written some of the copy on their website and I FINALLY got to sample what I would describe as nothing short of divine dining.

We had the Tijuana Tacos. Out of this world good!

I love to mimic at home what I eat in good restaurants. I love trying new things. I'll definitely be trying to duplicate the recipe for this entree.

Next we did some window shopping and I had a ball going into book stores and little boutiques that mommies dream of, the kind that carry lotions and soaps but you never have the time to go and the kids put up a big uproar if you try.

Then we caught a late afternoon showing of The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe. Very well done...though I still like Lord of The Rings best!

Let me tell you, the afternoon was just what I needed. My husband said it right, when he said: "Nice to be an independent person for awhile, huh?"

Exactly! Sometimes I am so busy caring for the children that I forget what it's like to have no one to think about except for myself. What a treat!

But I did miss my kiddos and was glad to see them again. I guess they're growing on me.

Don't tell Boo she can't go outside

Two times today she slipped out the front door and went crawling down the walkway. Maybe she can't walk, but she sure has a great will. I hope we have an early spring so Boo can go outside.

Here she is in an outfit made from an online friend. -->

Monday - Ugh!

The perfect day to be lazy. Three kids home "sick" from school. Sometimes the older kiddos need a day of personal necessity because thinking about their little sis gets to be too much. They've broken down in class trying to deal with her illness. So as long as they stay on top of their work, I let them take some time off now and again...not that they'd ever be forced to go otherwise. They don't cover critical illness of a child in most parenting manuals, do they?

My oldest son (8) stayed home because his tummy was upset last night. I thought the flu was striking again. But, no. Apparently my son over-indulged yesterday. He'll eat until he makes himself sick. Judging by the level of energy he has today and his attitude he COULD HAVE gone to school today. Well, at least he's not sick....

Boo continues to hold her own and even attempts to stand and try to walk. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is definitely weak.

The youngest twerp, Hurricane Harry, is pretty much buck-naked today and scaling anything that will stand still. He'd LOVE to go outside, but he's too young for the front and I can't supervise him well enough in the back. He'll just have to wait until spring. When it warms up, I garden...then he can have the run of the yard.

How many days until spring????

Boo is still doing well...

We made the long trek to Stanford yesterday. As long as Boo had her blankie she was a happy camper.

Three hours up. Two hours with the doctor. Three hours back.

Got some more leads on wheelchairs. Have a lot of follow-up and first time calls to make. Slowly but surely we are getting Ms. Becca all the things she needs to get around, take baths safely and eat well.

Your prayers make this possible - THANK YOU!

Thanks for telling others about Jelly Mom!

I've seen a lot of referrals in my email box. Thanks for telling friends and family about Jelly Mom. The number of subscribers and those who publish Jelly Mom grows!

Book publishing

Just in case I didn't have enough on my plate, I decided to self-publish a book. Well, I'm down to the final-final version and I'm very pleased with the results. I'm so glad I hung in there and kept going with this. Hopefully, I can meet my self-imposed deadline and have the book available for purchase before January is over...though once upon a time the deadline was December 2005.

Above are the latest versions of the front and back covers.

A chocolate chip cookie kinda day

It's a blue day. Gray and drizzly weather and the blues in my heart.

We are driving to Stanford tomorrow to give Boo's doctors an update on her condition in person. Hopefully, they will give us enough information so we can choose an appropriate wheelchair/pediatric stroller for her. I hate these rides. They are long and intensely stressful just waiting to be surprised with some more (bad) news about my daughter's condition. It's a three hour ride and that makes for a very long day.

But the house is looking nice! I've been working out my fear and trembling with salvific housekeeping. Of course, Aiden is following behind trying to undo it all. I don't worry so much these days about trying to get the house clean and keep it that way. I just do the work for the sake of doing it. I find repetitive tasks to be very soothing. Probably just what my mind needs under all the stress.

So, it definitely feels like a chocolate chip cookie kinda day....

My husband calls me Chicken Lady

Or Chook. Or Lady of Chicken.

This is because I can sometimes be very shy.

Coincidentally, I was born in the year of the rooster (according to Chinese astrology). And, living up to my nickname, I collect chicken nicknacks, ceramics and artwork for my home.

I read somewhere that the chicken or hen was symbolic of domesticity and has deep roots in Americana.

I love to browse these collectibles on E-bay.

Got a collection of your own? What special meaning, if any, do you attach to it? Share your thoughts with me: lbarker.jellymom@gmail.com

The perfect calendar

If you're like me, you have family members coming and going. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to keep legible notes for all those appointments in those itty bitty boxes ordinary calendars have.

Well, I've found a calendar that works for me - The Thinkbin Family Calendar.

"Created by two busy moms, this calendar has every organizational angle well thought out and time tested for today's busy parents! Large squares for easy writing...every single detail. Amazing! This Deluxe Large edition (17" x 24" when opened) is the perfect size for families with lots of activities. Moms know that busy families need large daily blocks with lots of writing space. The unique "time of day" grid design (with special sections for morning, afternoon, and evening activities) makes it easy to keep things neat and readable. Best of all, with the whole family’s activities recorded chronologically in a single day block, it is easy to spot when you have free time – or need to be two places at once!"

Check it out!

And check out many other educational products that will make life a little easier for you and your family - www.AddingWisdomAward.com

Save Jackson Bortz

This story seems almost too much to be real, but it is. Please pray for this family. Here is a post from their blog.

January 2006

Dearest Friends and Fellow Parents:I am writing to you because my family and I desperately need your help. You might already know me. Some of you know that I have dedicated many years to helping all parents regardless of whether they homeschool or not, especially parents who have special needs children. Many of you have been to my home. Some of you might have been introduced to my two precious grandsons, Jackson (age 3) and Dylan (5 months). Their parents, Don and my daughter Rachel, live with us too.

Two weeks ago, Rachel was holding Dylan in his baby seat and Jack ran past her in the kitchen. Rachel lost the grip on the baby seat and Dylan fell to the floor. Both my son Matthew and I were eye witnesses to this. Rachel and I quickly picked Dylan up and applied ice to his head. All he had was a tiny bruise under his eye and a slight puffiness on his eyelid. Five days later we found him in his bed not breathing. Sadly, the bump on his head from five days earlier caused his death and we are grieving beyond imagination.

Now DFCS (Department of Family and Children’s Services) has stolen our grandson Jackson away for no cause. Last week, we had a hearing in front of a judge and the judge allowed Rachel and Don to have unlimited, unsupervised visits with their son Jackson at his paternal grandparents home. However, last night, DFCS showed up at the paternal grandparents’ house at dinner and took poor 3-year old Jackson away in a police car. Their reason? DFCS states that Rachel and Don, Jackson's parents, could not be over to the house after dark; that while the court order does not specify this, they meant that visitation was only in DFCS supervision and only during daylight hours. We have clarified with the judge that his recommendation was unsupervised and unlimited; he did not have a problem with them being with Jackson at any point, including overnight.

Now DFCS tells us that they don’t have to do what the judge said to do. And the judge told us that, in reality, he just gives advice to DFCS.

We have recorded a conversation with a DFCS worker where I asked about who oversees DFCS if they don't have to do what a judge said. In the conversation, she refers to a DFCS "TDM" (Team Decision Meeting) that was held last week to determine what was best for Jackson's placement. She says that the attendees were all told that all visits had to be supervised by DFCS - not unlimited, unsupervised. The family members that were at that meeting can tell you that no such statement was made to them. DFCS never provided either verbal or written rules for the placement.

In just one week, we have been forced to spend over $50,000 to fight this. We are quickly running out of funds, so we are coming to you. I believe and trust in you and your power to help us. We are not asking for any donations, we are asking for help from as many of you as possible - because we know that numbers help!

To help, please follow this link and scroll to the first post at the bottom of the page (it's very long).

The Exorcism of Emily Rose

We rented a 'scary movie' this weekend. Sometimes I just like to have the beans scared out of me. I was a little leery of this movie, though, because I don't like 'it could happen' scary-type movies unless they are about natural disasters. And, yes, I think some of the 'spiritual' horror movies and thrillers COULD happen...especially when I'm alone in bed in the dark.

But I found "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" to actually be more of a drama than a thriller or horror movie. It was engaging and I really enjoyed it.

It's supposed to be based on a real story, so I looked online. Some accounts are disappointing because the movie doesn't seem to follow the real life story exactly, but most are interesting. The idea that God cannot be dead if demons exits is an interesting premise for this type of movie. It was also interesting to weigh what we know of human behavior and experience due to mental illness against what we may deny as a spiritual reality.

Perhaps sometimes mental illness and spiritual reality are two sides of the same coin.

Getting spoiled with these three-day weekends

This is like the third weekend in less than a month that my husband has been home for three days. I love it! It's going to be so hard to get used to a five-day work week again. But I'm sure the kids will punch it up and provide ample column material.

Boo is doing well. She's getting so much liquids now that she's soaking her pants about 3 - 5 times a day. No complaints here. A hydrated kiddo is a happy kiddos. She's very active again, which means we put the helmet on her again today to protect her when she falls. She hasn't needed it in months because she's been crawling, but she's having both a hard time with that and she's determined to follow me everywhere I go and play, play, play. Again, no complaints.

My sister visited for the weekend. I love having her and her husband and kiddos over. I have a great family. We surprised them with a special 'wedding cake.' My sister and brother-in-law had separated and divorced but just tied the knot again. So we celebrated and just had fun spending time together.

It's a clean-thing

Well, I'm off to clean. Giving the house a major clean-down today. I'm armed with a vacuum, Windex, Febreeze and a duster. You can smell laundry soap and the house is slowly transforming into a fresh and sparkly wonderland.

Now where is that Mr. Clean Magic Eraser of mine...my littlest twerp has been busy developing his artistic talents all over my walls. Time to exercise some censorship around here!

Hope your day is blessed. Have a good one!

Got a new column up!

http://www.jellymom.com

This time it was "my favorite oldest son's" turn to star in a column. (I gave quotes to that pet name I use for him so he wouldn't miss it if he happens to read my blog. I'm always telling him he's my favorite oldest son. One day his eyes are going to roll out of their sockets. But that simultaneous broad grin of his could light up a room.)

Anyway, I told him this week's column was on him. Oh boy, was he thrilled. I think I might have just convinced him to aspire to write...so he can get back at me.

Actually, the scene played out last Sunday on our way home from Church. And by the time I realized we'd missed the favorite song we were singing to, I said, "JD, I'm writing a column about this!" I'd had enough.

His expression was a bittersweet blend of euphoria and motification.

Being a mom that writes ROCKS! I don't have to wait until my kids are dating to embarrass them.

Here's the new 'wheels' I have my eye on for Boo

Very comfortable, affordable, plus I can afford some of the extras like comfy pillows to prop her and a warm bunting when it would be too cold on her leggies.

Boo has poor circulation and her feet are often purple and cold, so I am still looking for a stroller or wheelchair that would be just as comfortable but also allow us to elevate her legs.

As always, your prayers sustain us and help us do what we have to do for Ms. Boo. THANK YOU.

She's doing MUCH BETTER now

Since we started using Thickit on the weekend for Boo, she's really taking off!

Yesterday was the best day yet. She 'drank' four 8oz sippy cups worth of beverages. I'm so happy, SHE'S so happy. She comes and tells me when she wants to 'drink' now. She's got a demanding little grow: "MOM-MA? MOMMA! "

And she's playing more, bouncing on her knees again, laughing...you can just se that she FEELS so much better.

Amazing what some fluids can do for you.

We'll be traveling up to Stanford on the 19th so the doctors can get an update on her status. The last time they saw Boo - three months ago - she was walking, running, chattering (in her special one-of-a-kind language, and she could feed herself.

Now she crawls only, is down to just a few words and we have to blend all her food and thicken her drinks to the consistency of pudding so she can swallow. Big changes in such a short time.

I'm zapped...

Taking care of my daughter has a sneakiness to it. We're chugging along, dealing with the day-to-day, and then all of a sudden I find myself totally emotionally drained.

I guess the last few days of trying to get assistance with the VNA, trying to wrangle doctors, hold their attention and get some assistance and trying to get somewhere getting her a wheelchair or pediatric stroller have just worn me out.

My brain is mush and not firing as swiftly as I'd like. Coincidentally, though, I have column ideas popping out of my head like popcorn.

I've always pondered how the good writing is fired-up by intense stress. Must be some weird creative writing thing...or another bipolar side effect.

Your continued prayers are soooooo appreciated. Thanks to all who send notes and words of encouragement. They get us through.

To the doctor's we go!

SOMEBODY got confused and the orders to have the visiting nurses come check on Boo and make sure she's eating well and staying hydrated got mixed up.

So off we go to the pediatrician--whom we just saw two weeks ago--for him to look at Boo again and tell me whether or not she's doing okay.

I'm at a complete loss. I know what a baby's input and output should be and I know what to feed a four-year old, but that doesn't help me navigate caring for Boo. I certainly doin't want to hasten her illness by goofing up the nutrition and hydration she needs.

Does it have to be this complicated? Sure would be nice to get some answers straight away instead of waiting for people to check and verify what they may or may not advise us depending on the color of my underwear, the rising of the moon and whether it's high or low tide.

Hard day for Boo yesterday

Hard day for Momma, too!

Please keep Boo in your prayers. Yesterday she was shaking a lot (could be seizure related or more loss of motor skills). And she was plain mad and frustrated all day long. Seven hours of screaming. Then she woke up at 2AM this morning, mad and calling for me. So Momma got to sleep with Boo. Somebody send me on an acetomenphin vacation!

We've been swaddling her and holding her a lot to both comfort her and protect her from falling on her face when she crawls. She's got a wicked black eye from falling on her face two days in a row.

We're in the process of getting her a pediatric stroller or wheelchair, but it looks like it will be two weeks before we even know which vendor our insurance will allow us to use. Meanwhile, we're looking online to see what's out there. We might just buy one outright and cut out the song and dance with the middle men.

For now, I carry Boo everywhere. It's like having a forty pound baby on your hip--very challenging!

Bring smiles to critically ill children

HUGS and HOPE is an organization devoted to bringing smiles to critically ill children and their families. Their work means so much to me as a mother of a child with Batten's Disease that I am going to give all proceeds from my first book to their cause.

Please visit their website. Here are several ways you can help a child:

~ Be a Parent's Pal
~ Be a Christmas Elf
~ Grant a Child's Wish
~ Send a Balloon Bouquet
~ Copy our banner for your own site
~ Send a Birthday Party Box to a Child
~ Buy a Bear
~ Send a Card to cheer a sick child
~ Tell a Friend Send a link to our site
~ Shop our Store
~ Make a financial donation.

You'll find all the information you need at http://www.hugsandhope.com.

Slim-Fast works for me

I lost 21 pounds using Slim-Fast since October. This works for me! I figured out that I move (some call it exercise, I call it mothering) and eat enough to maintain my weight no matter what it is, but I needed to cut back on the calories to lose.

Slim-Fast works! I don't need to fuss. I just eat a meal bar or drink a shake for two meals a day. Then, I eat fruit or veggies for snacks and have a reasonable and well-balanced dinner and those pounds are melting away.

And that's good news because I want to be in good health again for my 40th birthday (three years away). So I am on the road to wellness and health.

I just got an email from Slim-Fast. They will be launching a new and improved site on January 9th. Visit: www.SlimFast.com and see if they're the support you need to reach your health goals.

As always - check with your doctor first before starting a weight-loss program.

Thank God for Thickit

And thank you for the prayers for Boo!

We found something to help Boo get the much needed liquids that she needs!

They make this great stuff that we can add to water, milk, Pediasure, juice and thicken it without changing the taste and doesn’t bind fluids - so she can 'eat her apple juice' and not dehydrate. She can 'drink' again! (It's amazing what things exist that you never know about until you need them.)

She just wasn't able to swallow the liquids without choking. But she had 4oz of Pedialyte tonight. Yay! Great start!

Thank you again for your prayers!!

New Jelly Mom column posted...

ENJOY!

Martha Stewart - A Year of Cakes

I subscribe to Martha Stewart Living. The recent issue has a section devoted to cakes and includes a recipe for one per month for the next year. Yummy!

You guessed it. I'm going to try each recipe. How can I resist?

Here are the list of cakes. January's cake is Martha's Meyer Lemon Cake. You might have to scale it down a bit... :)

Subscribe to Martha Stewart Living on Amazon.com.

Get your college student vaccinated

I heard a commercial recently where two parents urged other parents to get their college students vaccinated for meningitis. Unfortunately, these two parents lost their children to the illness.

I found a news article about this...

"Freshmen college students are considered to be particularly
vulnerable to meningococcal meningitis because of their living conditions, which
often include crowded quarters, shared drinks or utensils, smoking and irregular
sleeping habits."

>>>Read more<<<

Please pray for Boo

She's eating really well, but she's not drinking. She wants nothing to do with her sippy cup and I am afraid she will get dehydrated.

I have to make a bunch of phone calls today to get her some services and to find a pediatric stroller for her. Your prayers help us through this.

Prayers for miners, family and friends

Our Father,

Who art in heaven,

Hallowed be Thy Name.

Thy Kingdom come.

Thy Will be done,

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those

who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

FlyLady.net

I love January. It's time to clean, sort and organize! It's time to start fresh for the new year.

Have you heard of FlyLady.net? Many swear by her. If you need a boost and some encouragement to get your home in order, stop by Fly Lady's website and take a look around. Turn your chaos into calm.

Don't forget to check out "Sink Reflections," by Marla Cilley, the Fly Lady. Available wherever fine books are sold including, Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.