Chesed

Tuesday November 10, 2009

By Michelle November 10, 2009 Uncategorized 62 Comments

I cannot believe this! I am actually, really, and truly an author. Jumping up and down and doing jumping jacks and I’d stand on my head if I could! Some projects take so long to do you kind of wonder if it’s not just actually a sort of mirage and you really won’t ever, ever get done with it. You will just always be working at it and stressing over it and not actually accomplishing anything.

Today Jeanne* called me and asked, “Did your UPS driver get there yet?” I said no and she said, “Well you should get your book today. I got mine.” Lucky her having a UPS driver who shows up at 8:30 in the morning. I waited all day long. Adrenaline rush, then nervous; excited, then prickly.

The FedEx guy showed up about the time I normally see our UPS driver and I thought, “hey, I bet they sent mine FedEx.” I was way too eager and opened the door long before he got to the steps. Inside I glanced at the box. Oh. A box for David. About work. Whatever.

FINALLY, five minutes before we had to run out the door (and 90 minutes later then he normally is), he showed up. And here it is!
November 09_0185

The books are a series on real life adjustments kids face. You know how kids run into these real life stressors and sometimes they are too young to know how to ask the questions to find out the information they really want to know? And then they ask the same questions over and over and over and over. Or they act out. Or they withdraw. Or they revert to baby behavior again. That’s why these books were born. As we were building our house I realized how important it was to talk to Adam a LOT and explain even the things he wasn’t asking about.

I’m not sure why book #2 showed up before book #1; but it did. And it really doesn’t matter. This one is about Andrew … a nine-year-old boy who explains what it is like to have a physically handicapped brother. The other book is the story of us building our house — from Adam’s perspective. (I will upload a photo as soon as I have one.)

The books are hardcover and illustrated with full-color photographs on every page. They would make excellent Christmas gifts, I think! The books were done through Vision Publishers and you can buy them through them (they don’t have them up on their website yet or I’d do a link) or from me.

Excuse me while I go pinch myself again.

*Andrew’s mom

62 thoughts on “Tuesday November 10, 2009”

  7. clearlyhis

    Oh Michelle!!  Great big bear hugs comin’ across this message to you!! *Congratulations* 

    I am especially interested in this 2nd book (that came first) because my sis has a son with Down Syndrome.  Let me know how much they are, your address, and I’ll get a check in the mail.  I definitely want one!!! 

    Cheers, and one more hug!

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  11. redladybug18

    that’s awesome, I can’t imagine how excited you are to be in print! One question…are these children’s or parents books. From your description I thought children’s, but couldn’t quite tell.

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  13. smilesbymiles

    @mommy2boyz – 

    Definitely can. You took me for a loop when you asked how I know Keith and Jeanne awhile ago. Their story was TOP secret. Her parents didn’t even know this book was in progress b/c both Lonnie & Krista and Keith & Jeanne wanted to surprise everyone.

    @clearlyhis – 

    Message me your address. It will probably be about 2 weeks til I have the big box of books in hand but I promise I’ll get them out ASAP after I get them. I need to double check but I think they said they will be retailed at 8.99 plus shipping.

    @itsayoderworld – 

    😉 the photograpy is a mixture. I did all of Adam’s of course (long b/4 I ever dreamed I’d do photography). Andrew’s book is mostly snapshots from their photo albums. Jeanne took some current ones and I took some of them as well.

    @redladybug18 – 

    It’s a children’s book. I would say this one is geared toward 4-8 or 9 yr olds. Adam’s book is geared toward 2-5 yr olds.

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  14. mlt10202002

    MICHELLE!! i am so proud of you! that is just awesome! were you more hyper tonight than you were after itsayodersworld visited? =)
    you have now accomplished a goal that languishes on my-to-do-before-i-die list.

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  22. psalm150girl

    yay Michelle!!!!!!!! Want it, want it!! From you, signed! lol. Anyway, i really do want to get it, maybe i cn get it on an american address so as to save on postage. lol – i’ll message u when i figure it out!

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  25. amoshaun

    Wow…Michelle!!! I would do a cart wheel for you, but I would probably fall and break something, like maybe a bone, and then I wouldn’t have money to purchase your books. Let us know when you have them and we can order. Or would you  prefer that people order though Vision Publishers?

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  27. yodertime

    Whoooohooo! That is wonderful. Can’t wait for my copies:D I’d recomend paypal if you want to do faster payments. Just send me your email address and total for both books shipped once you have them and I’ll pay that way unless you prefer snail mail and checks.

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  36. smilesbymiles

    @mlt10202002 – 

    I was pretty hyper all right! Adam asked me in all seriousness, “Mommy, are you being big-headed now?” I said, “No, Mommy’s just hyper and happy.” To which he said, “Oh, ok, well I’ll be hyper and happy, too.” He is the funniest little kid!

    @clearlyhis – 

    I will be in touch!

    @psalm150girl – 

    I’ll be waiting to hear 😉

    @c_jamaica – 

    You can certainly buy one. Let me know if you want to be added to the list.

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  41. appalolly

    That is so great! I am very happy for you! And proud of you that you followed through on your vision to write these books!  Amazing.  I have two questions? How much are the books?  And do you have to get the whole set or does it make sense to read just one at a time?  Sounds like something that would be really good for Derrick.

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  43. Lenni724

    Congratulations and good for you! I’ve often thought that holding a book in my hands that had my name on the cover would give me thrills and chills. 🙂 Don’t think it will happen for me…but I’m happy for you.

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  45. seekinHISwisdom

    That book looks classy! I feel your excitment. Maybe a tad like having a baby, all the dreams, plans, work, pain, tears, sighs……then one day………..IT”S HERE!!!!! 🙂 I look forward to admiring your work!!

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  49. african_girl_K

    Congratulations! I know i don’t do much commenting and I don’t know you but I love reading all of your posts! You have such a fun and interesting way with words. Makes me eager to read your books. 🙂

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  57. Anonymous

    Congratulations!!! I’m another one that loves your creative writing and photos, and the books are bound to be good as well. 🙂 I’m curious how much it would be to ship the set to Australia? My brothers have birthdays coming up, and each book is on their individual age levels, and they’re along the line I was looking for anyways….so if you can figure that, you can add me to the waiting list. 🙂 I’ll be back with my address, etc. Thanks!

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  61. luvinafrica

    Hi,

    I’m Vicki and a fan of your blog. I’d like to order two of the “My brother’s keeper” for two of my students for year-end gifts. How do I go about ordering?

    They look great!

    Vicki

    Reply ↓

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