Run like a dog...

I recently submitted an article for the Chicken Soup for the Soul Series: What My Dog Taught Me. This was an easy one for me. Harry has taught me to have fun in running - not to worry about mileage, time, splits or endurance. Run simply because I can. A laugh-out-loud kind of run. Turns out - I'm running further and faster than I did before. Only it's more fun. Today was even better - watching Harry skid over the ice and crash through the snow. Poetry in action. Note the deliriously happy look on his face....

now THIS is RUNNING!

In the meadow we can build a snowman...

Snow day yesterday (and ice and sleet!). Sledding by 9:00 a.m. - snowman built by 10:30. That's the great thing about having kids - what else would get you excited enough to be sledding in the early morning? No coal for eyes, but we do have carrots!

School Comments - Author Visits

Below are some lovely comments that I received from schools that I visited. All of the schools were gracious, organized and welcoming. I hope to be invited again!

"Your book is absolutely beautiful and the staff and students alike were caught up in the moment of Jesus' birth. I think all the mothers in the room shed a quiet tear as they connected with Mary. We look forward to more visits in the future."~ Leanne Stolpe, Director, Providence Christian Preschool

"This book is a perfect read-aloud to children from preschool to Grade 1. Second and third graders will enjoy reading the text themselves. Tonight You Are My Baby is a gift waiting to be unwrapped and would make a wonderful addition to any family's Christmas collection."~ Josephine Bachi, Library Media Specialist, Holy Family School

"It was very touching to see parents, grandparents and children sitting with their arms around each other as Jeannine read of a mother's love for her baby. Children already love the story of Baby Jesus, but Tonight You Are My Baby drew the parents in a new way."

~ Marcia Hartman, Director, Fairview Christian Academy

Student Comments:

"The illustrations were bright and bold, but the story was calm, quiet and peaceful"~ Grade 3, Gwynedd-Mercy Academy

"The rhyme of the words made it easy and enjoyable to read."~ Grade 3, Gwynedd-Mercy Academy

"I love the book. Can you come again please? I can't believe I met you in person. I have been waiting to do that. I would like to be an author some day too."~ Grade 2, St. Mary's School

An Exciting Week

However one may have voted, it was difficult to watch the Presidential Inauguration without a mixture of awe and hope. Truly amazing that America has its first African-American president. A sign of our country coming together in optimism and as one. I loved Obama's quote, "Pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off..." As a writer, I admire the beautiful imagery. My prayers are for President Obama as he helps our country move forward in a healing and united front.

Crosswalk Article

This article appeared in Crosswalk.com - a Christian online magazine. Crosswalk asked me to write about the influence of Mary in my life and how her strength can affect other mothers. The article is titled, "Mary, A Model of Strength for Mothers". www.crosswalk.com/parenting/11596437/

At Least Kids Supporters

These schools, my angel schools, donated their book sale proceeds to At Least Kids. They are a true definition of the Christmas spirit. Together, they raised over $1,000, which will go directly to CHOP's pediatric brain tumor research program. Kids helping other kids....letting their Christmas spirit shine. Christmas stars to all!

St. Basils, Kimberton

Holy Family School, Phoenixville

Mary, Mother of the Redeemer, North Wales

Sacred Heart School, Royersford

Messiah Community Preschool, Downingtown

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to one and all! 2008 has been a fantastic year for my family and our blessings continue to multiply. Of course, there are always a few crazy moments in the year, and there is nothing like starting out the new year on that note. This photo shows some of our crazier family members (including Shane and Quinn) who participated in the Polar Bear Plunge in Ocean City. They were definitely among the first in the ocean in 2009. Brrrrr !