Holy Mol-E!

Guess what my boys caught today! Heck, yes! A flipping MOLE. Why did these creatures make it on the ark? I'm sure there's a reason. . . aerating the soil or something. Surely not terrorizing women.

After catching said mole, the boys repeatedly ran in the house to tell me. But I was too busy finishing up this.

DearSon #2: Mom, we found a bowl outside! We found a real bowl!

(So, we eat outside a lot in the summer. I truly could not wrap my brain around the excitement.)

Me: Just two more pages, I'll be right out.

DearSon#2: But, Mom, there's a BOWL. Outside! Right now!

Me: Okay, okay, I'm almost done. Be right there.

After much back and forth banter, I put down my book to go look at this bowl.

Me: Where is it?

DearSon#3: In DearSon#4's bike.

Much pointing and jumping around the 3 year old's Big Wheels. (Ahem. Ninja Trike.)

Me: ????

Then they lift the lid. This is where yours truly nearly strokes out.

Me: Are those intestines?

DearSon #1: Of course not! (I mean, what else could be weird?) We gave him some worms.

DearSon#2 And dirt.

DearSon#3 And water.

Me: Put the lid down.

DearSon#1: Good idea. He doesn't like the sun.

Me: I'm calling your father. And grabbing dark chocolate.

Making Time

Clara Gillow Clark, author of many middle grade books - most recently The Secrets of Greymoor, has a wonderful blog that is a great boost to writers. Full of advice, she gives us a much needed dose of encouragement and an occasional writing prompt.

Clara suggests setting a timer for twenty minutes and states that

"Showing up is 90% of the job. Story develops while you're writing. I'm off to draft some new pages of my own. Little by little the pages pile up; the book gets written."

I cannot wait for the next Hattie adventure. The Secrets of Greymoor, the third in the Hattie series, is full of memorable characters, an ancient mansion, and a hidden journal with a mysterious code. It whisked me away to the late 1800's. By page two, I longed for a friend for Hattie and laughed aloud at Horace, her tutor. The rich language and spot-on historical details will give readers a tremendous sense of place. I couldn't help but wonder if Hattie would ever overcome the troubles her deranged Grandfather set in motion. Would she make it to the prestigious Academy or remain in the "common school" where her friends thought she was entirely something else? Spunky Hattie is in the thick of troubles again, read along to see how she resolves to mop up the messes she believes she helped create.

Extravagant Gift

Can I say how blessed I am that this is who wakes me up every morning? He's the sweet fellow that came along after our pregnancy loss. He's the sunshine of our house. The loud singer. The witty commentator. Astute observer. ("The moon's broken.") The hilarious dancer. And wearer of no pants. He lights up our home. I love him. Don't deserve him. Am honored to be his Mom.

You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

- Psalm 30:11-12

Time Out

My hubby is home for a few days, so I'll take a brief blogging break as we enjoy some QFT (quality family time).

I leave you with this awesome pic taken by yours truly. DH has a nice camera, but I love that this was snapped by my cell. So I focused on the leaves instead of my husband, but I didn't crop out the Alps! I don't know what three-fourths of all those buttons and dials do on the fancy camera anyway. I'm sure some people out there do, but they are professionals and paid to know about white balance and aperture, right? I don't know the difference between an F stop and a bus stop.

In other news, we were contacted by the National Wildlife Federation asking for rights to one of our Flickr photos. My amateurish photog skills know no bounds. Read: I take a ton and hope for the best. Wishing everyone a fun and blessed weekend!

Gianna Z has less than one week to collect, identify, and creatively display 25 leaves for her science project—or else she won’t be able to compete in the upcoming cross-country race. As the deadline for her leaf project draws near, life keeps getting in the way. Some things are within Gee’s control, like her own procrastination, but others aren’t, like Biana Rinaldi’s attempts at sabotage and Nonna’s declining health. If it weren’t for her best friend Zig, Gee wouldn’t have a chance at finishing. His knowledge of trees and leaves in their rural Vermont town comes in very handy, as does his loyalty to Gee. But when Nonna disappears one afternoon, things like leaves and cross-country meets suddenly seem less important.

About the Author

The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z (Walker, Sept 1, 2009) is Kate Messner's first book and is featured on the IndieBound Fall Kid's Indie Next List for readers 9-12. She teaches junior high in Plattsburgh, New York, where she lives with her husband and two children.

Play the Tree Game:

Talent, Passion, & Discipline

Kristi Holl at Writer's First Aid has an awesome post about discipline in the writer's life. All of Kristi's posts are encouraging, but today's really hit home. Read it and be encouraged, then roll up your sleeves and get to work.

(Poster found at allposters.com)

NORTH! or Be Eaten! Contest.

Our entire family is a huge Andrew Peterson fan. We love his books and his music and have even met him a time or two. He came to our church not too long ago - asked my husband where the nearest used bookstore was. Gotta love a guy like that!

If you would like to win a FREE copy, click here for T. Anne's GIVEAWAY contest rules.

Follow the Wingfeather Saga; you will not be disappointed. The carefully illustrated maps, clever footnotes, and ferocious toothy cows will have you coming back to Glipwood again and again.

Bea Rocks the Flock

Bea Rocks the Flock

by Victoria Jamieson

Bloomsbury USA

ISBN: 978-1599902609

Bea Rocks the Flock by Victoria Jamieson, author/ illustrator and former designer at HarperCollins and Greenwillow, is our great picture book find of the week.

The number one rule in Bea's flock is: SHEEP ARE NOT UNIQUE!

But Bea isn't one to blend in. Instead of knitting boring white scarves, Bea packs her bag for the big city to find her true self. The illustrations are as witty and fun as the outrageous predicaments Bea finds herself in. Besides, I can't help but fall for a sheep that dyes her wool pink.

Great review at Three Silly Chicks.

"But He gives more grace." James 4:6

This Scripture is on the banner of my friend Katie's blog. How fitting and true. Katie's sweet baby girl, Reese, went to be with Jesus three days ago after an emergency C-section. Katie is now home and amazing the blogging world with her grace-filled, worshipful posts. Full of the peace and praise that is only explained by One True Source - God.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus". Phil 4:7

Please join me in praying for the Rowe family.

Not that long ago, in a galaxy not so far away

There lived R2D2 Mailboxes. Made by our own United States Postal System. Is this why our postage increases? These little guys, who would make Obi-Wan proud, came out in 2007 for the movie's 30th birthday. (So I'm a couple years late. I had a baby that year.)

Mail a letter we must. Hmmm.

Speaking of which, I have a PB manuscript in the system right now. May the force be with me.

(this one in NYC)

Smart Mom Jewelry

This is genius. Jewelry marketed as teethers. Teethers marketed as jewelry. Need to keep that baby quiet during church? Let him chew on your bracelets, with no worries.

Teething Bling^® was inspired by babies who like to tug on our jewelry. It is the original patent-pending teething jewelry.

Go here for more colors and products. The month of August PERIDOT is 50% off.

The Pout Pout Fish

The Pout Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen. Pictures by Dan Hanna

Published by FSG

Deep in the water,
Mr. Fish swims about
With his fish face stuck
In a permanent pout.

My children love this book about a pout-pout fish that cannot be cheered up. Swim along as the pout pout fish spreads his dreary wearies all over the place. Will any of the sea creatures be able to help his pout pout face? Bright, expressive illustrations with an actions speak louder than words happy ending. If you love rhyming books, this read is for you.

Save of the Day

He's six. Give him some credit. :)