Books, Tea, and Fat Cats

A question I get a lot is, "What are you reading?" So, I thought that I would share a good book with you now and then. 

Here is a GOOD one:

Last summer, we had the pleasure of meeting the authors of this fine book (Ryan & Anna McKinley). They are a father and daughter writing team. I met the whole family, and they are ADORABLE. To find out more, go here:

http://www.thepiratebride.com/about/

My kids even had their photo taken with the authors!

We were honored with autographs!

(I should mention that Anna was only 11, when she wrote this book!)

How did I find out about this amazing tale? Just under the authors' names, is the name of a long-time, very dear friend of ours. An AMAZING artist named, Jerry Bennett. If you don't know him...GET to know him! His talent will blow you away. And, yes, we got a photo with him too!

I should mention that Jerry is the bald guy; not Darth Vader.

Jerry graced us with not only an autograph, but an illustration as well. WOO HOO!

(In case you didn't already know it, we rock. Don't believe me? Look closer...Jerry says so.)

You rock too, Jerry, Anna, and Ryan!

Jerry drew that little doodle, while talking to us, in about 30 seconds. I am not kidding! This is what he does all the time. This swashbuckling book is filled with his fun illustrations, and I will shamelessly plug all of them here: http://www.artistjerrybennett.com/

What most of you probably do not know, Tate (my youngest) has Tourette's. When I read to him, his tics go into double time. He LOVES to be read to, but I am never really sure how much he is actually hearing, or retaining. This was the first "big boy" book that he busted out laughing to. I nearly burst into tears because of this. It was PROOF that he was indeed paying attention to the story. Even while he lay wriggling in my lap the whole time, HE WAS ENGAGED in the story! *HappyMommaMoment*

I would also like to mention that all THREE of my kids (even my oldest) enjoy hearing this tale read aloud.

Read it, and then read it again. Tell your kids about Anna, and how they too can pursue their dreams. Encourage them to grab some paper, and write a story. You never know, they too might be an author before they hit the 7th grade!

And now, the tea:

I am sure that you have noticed my favorite home school coffee mug. But what you might not know, is that I have a favorite home school tea mug too:

You can get yours here: www.greathomeschooltshirts.com

When I am not drinking coffee, I am drinking the most heavenly tea in the world:

Teavana's Earl Grey Creme

http://www.teavana.com/

You have never had a decent cup of tea, until you have tried this. I PROMISE.

Yes, those are blue flowers. Aren't they just exquisite? The vanilla creme aroma is indescribable. (I wish the computer screen was scratch & sniff.) Add a splash of cream, and I am good to go!

Before my coffee, or tea, this is pretty much how I feel:

I cannot home school in this condition. Would you please pass the cream and sugar?

Cheering you on & checking the fuel gauge,

Layla