Hi Everyone,
Can't believe it's almost July! We are all well.
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....
Lisa
