The Truth Often Hurts

Today Greg broke the news to Ammon about Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and all things magic.

It broke his heart.

There was much wailing and gnashing of teeth, because Ammon really, truly still believed. But he's nearly 11 now, and it was time to tell him the sordid truth.

Poor kid.

How I wish he could have figured it out on his own. It would have been easier on him. I feel terrible that he's so upset about it.

But at least I have a new partner in crime. I was getting tired of the solo act (Greg doesn't help much with that sort of thing). So it's a good thing, right?

I sure hope so.

A Girl's Gotta Vent

Did you ever have one of those days where, for no apparent reason, you feel completely, utterly and wretchedly unhappy? Nothing has really gone wrong, but you feel out of sorts, like there's nothing good in the world to smile about anymore?

I know you've all had those days, so don't look at me that way.

Well, today felt like one of those days for me. Nothing went wrong, really, but I think I'm just burned out with homeschooling, overwhelmed with all the church responsibilities that have been given to me, and stressed out with all the waiting I'm doing concerning my manuscript that is in the hands of so many literary agents right now.

I think I'm just on overload, and so I'm dealing with it by feeling all bummed out over absolutely nothing. It never lasts long (thank heavens), and it helps to get all moody and write horribly depressing blog posts such as this one. And I need to get over it because I'm really close to finishing the first draft of another novel, but when I'm in this kind of mood I can't work. (Well, that's not technically true. I can't work on a manuscript, but I can certainly write bad poetry when I'm in this kind of mood.)

So instead I'm sharing my glumness with all of you. You're all gonna think I need to be medicated after this, but that's okay. Thanks for letting me vent. I feel a little better already.

Auntie Easter

Today a package arrived in the mail from my parents. But actually (or so I believe) the items inside came from my Aunt Karen. Every year (well, for the last three or four, anyway) my aunt has invited all her great-nieces and great-nephews to her house for an Easter-egg hunt. She also supplies Easter baskets full of goodies for each of these kids. And this is not a small family we're talking about. There are at least 20 of these great-nieces and -nephews.

And for those that can't make it to her house, she still purchases Easter stuff and sends it to those of us who now live far away.

As a young mom with lots of kids and little time or money, I am so very grateful for her kindness. And the kids adore the attention, too. (Though we do miss the egg hunt with its accompanying BBQ. Wish we could be there this year.)

So here is my public thanks to my aunt. We love you, Aunt Karen, though I think we are going to have to start calling you Auntie Easter instead. (hee hee hee)

Reading List Update

I told you I would link back to my reading list for this year. Now seemed like a good time.

I'm up to 41 books so far this year. I have a stack of at least 15 waiting to be read in the next few weeks, too. Most of them are books I'm reading for research, but I enjoy reading them so it doesn't feel like research at all. Especially since the research I'm doing is reading books similar to the ones I've written (or would like to write). Though some are from my new writer friends, and I'm just curious to see what they have written.

If you want to see the complete list, click here.

And if you want any recommendations, I'll be happy to tell you my thoughts for each of the books I've read. So far there have only been a few that I'm not thrilled with on that list.

My Blog's Pity Party, and Some News

I've been a little concerned about this blog, for two reasons.

1) I don't post often to it.
2) No one really reads the posts anyway.

Maybe it's because I don't have very many family members online, and most of my friends follow my writing blog instead and don't know about this one.

But my poor little blog here is feeling a little left out. So I thought I would do what I could to help it feel better.

So here is my post about absolutely nothing. Hey, it's a post, so I'm doing what I can to rectify Concern #1.

I have no idea what to do about Concern #2.

Anyway...

...as for news, I really don't have any. It is Spring Break in our school district, so the kids don't have classes at the Family Learning Center. Homeschool is going--kinda--but has taken a back seat to Spring Break. The kids aren't happy about me making them do schoolwork this week. Oh well. Tough beans, right?

I spend a lot of time in front of the computer, especially with the whirlwind activity surrounding my writing *ahem* career. You can read all about that here, though.

Greg is doing well at work. He's getting closer to earning his next pay scale, and we could certainly use the raise.

And little Grace is starting to communicate. She now says "Uhhhh" for hug and "Ooh" for food (though she does sign the word, too, so we know what she's saying). Other than Mama, that's about all she says. But she has learned quite a few signs. She now can sign please and thank you, food, all done, again, and walk.

Oh, and she likes to eat baby wipes. I have no idea why.

And there's our news.