The day I really began my mothering journey... It was a Wednesday. I could never forget that for reasons you’ll see in a minute or two. I worked at a local Chinese delivery place—Mandarin Express. My shift began at ten in the morning, and I got off at five. Sometime around two or so, after I’d Continue Reading
Aggie's Inheritance
From Disaster to Delightful: How Aggie Saved Christmas
The battered journal sported several places where pages had been tipped back in with washi tape. Still, Aggie flipped back and forth from her hand-printed index to the coordinating pages, comparing original Christmas ideas with the shopping list she’d created. Luke popped his head in the door and Continue Reading
The 8 Worst Words of Homeschooling Advice & How to Avoid Them
August. The final month (for practical purposes) of those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. Popsicles, dashes to the pool, watermelon—lots of delicious watermelon while it lasts. And then it hits: back to school time. But with it is back to school season with those long lists of school supplies, Continue Reading
The Most Beautiful Place I’ve Ever Seen
The memory blurs, but I recall a cedar shake facade… Spanish tile roofing, two stories—a ranch. The great archways that completely surround the outside of a desert "hacienda," the Oklahoma farmhouse—and the great generator that fired up now and then for a rare use of my curling iron. Each one a Continue Reading
When Authors Blow It (nearly, anyway)
Picture the scene. There I was, blithely editing Past Forward (I think volume 3), when I saw the date. February 14. It was supposed to a big deal--a huge day in the lives of characters from a related book coming out soon. Just one problem. A year before, on that day, almost all the characters Continue Reading
Aggie’s Inspiration
What is it? Many have asked if Aggie's story is "autobiographical." While not really, some things in my life were definitely included in the book. But one question/statement alone was Aggie's inspiration. Links in this post may be affiliates that provide a small commission at no extra Continue Reading
I Spot Spotify: playlists and cool stuff!
So I have a lovely online friend who is all hip to the cool new stuff--you know, like Spotify. That's my way of saying she knows what's out there and I'm an old geezer. She asked if I had it. I said, "Um... probably not?" That would be because I had no clue what she was talking about! I'll admit. Continue Reading
Because She’s Mibs
The tune of "Because He Lives" wafts through the room as my brain tries to parody the title with "Because She's Mibs." Can't you hear it, "... she will sing tomorrow. Because she's Mibs--her song is long! Because she kno-ooh-oohws, He holds the future!" Right? All through the Aggie Continue Reading
Ante Up! Pre-Order Is Live!
What's the word on Ante Up!? Well, let's begin with Ante Up!'s history. After all, not everyone has read the series (and you'll want to before you read this book!) Once upon a time, a mother in the Mojave Desert wrote a story of a young woman floundering as the "new mom" of eight. That single, Continue Reading
4 Reasons NOT to Have a Large Family (# 3 is the kicker)
In case you hadn't heard, we have nine children. Nine. Count 'em 1, 2, 3... yeah. Nine. Additionally, we have five grandchildren (and that's just #1Daughter's contribution). A large family is a blessing and... well... yeah. It's a blessing. Let's go with that one. And although all but one of Continue Reading
Ready or Not! Here 2013 Comes!
We're getting close on so many projects! It's unreal! I'm absolutely amazed at how much is coming in such a short time! What's with the exclamation points! I feel like I'm in Jr. High! All I need to do is italicize everything and man!!!! ;) This week Deceptive Appearances got a new title. Continue Reading
The First Winner!
Reviews are up, winner has been chosen, and the result is... Sweetie B!! I was doubly excited that the review was for Ready or Not. Sweetie, post or email and let me know what book you want. You're welcome to anything in print OR you are free to choose Thirty Days Hath... or Everard, each Continue Reading