Making Memories

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When I was in graduate school, one of my homework assignments was to observe children learning outside of a classroom. Although the playground was a suggested resource, it was winter, and I wasn’t too keen on the idea of sitting outside for an hour taking notes.

After a quick internet search, I decided to try a children’s STEM museum. It was only a couple of years old, not some place I visited as a child, and the descriptions sounded interesting.

I felt a little silly walking into the building. I was the only one there not accompanied by a child. However, once I explained why I was there, the staff welcomed me. They didn’t even charge me admission.

I stayed there for a long time. First, I explored the entire museum. (It’s really not that large. A walking tour took only a couple of minutes.) I can’t remember all the attractions, but I remember the one I loved the most: the rainforest room. For over an hour, I sat watching children learn how to be scientists exploring the rainforest, keeping research journals as they discovered new animals. They even got to dress the part! But everyone’s favorite was learning about the physics of pulleys as they hoisted their chair up a tree to the canopy.

As I took extensive notes, I kept telling myself that I could not wait to have a family of my own so I could share this place with them.

Yesterday, my oldest turned fourteen, and I asked how she wanted to spend her birthday. She wanted to go to that museum with her younger siblings. She had such fond memories, but I worried she was too old.

Nevertheless, it was her birthday, so we went. (We keep our membership active, as it grants us access to other children’s and science museums across the continent.) All four children had a ball. Because it was just after lunch on a school day, it wasn’t crowded. Younger kids were home taking their naps and older children were still in school. It wasn’t exactly empty, but my children never had to wait their turn to try an exhibit.

All evening, and even into this morning, the children thanked me for taking them there. All four of them truly had a wonderful time. I felt blessed that we had a place where everyone could make happy memories.

What about you?

Does your family have a favorite place to make memories?

Free Books


Dog Gone Troubles


Dog Gone Troubles
A paranormal cozy mystery!

Magic in this witch’s family has a name: Trouble

Meet Sidney Grace: Quirky Journalist. Curious Witch. Professional Butterfingers.

Sidney Grace, a young journalist living in Boston, isn’t ready for all the troubles heading her way. For starters, she’s curious about her grandmother’s magic even though her spellcasting is a bit rusty. Sidney finds herself caught between her curiosity to learn more and her mother’s hatred for all things supernatural. After all, her mom has a Tupperware business to run and magic isn’t part of her business plan! The fact that her dad doesn’t seem to be bothered by an occasional spell gone wild, isn’t smoothing the water between these two matriarchs.

But the family drama and her untapped magic are the least of Sidney’s problems. Things turn worse when her new boss asks Sidney to cover the annual Pup Parade and she makes a terrible mistake that could cost her career…and ultimately her life. Can her grandmother cast a spell that works right the first time and save Sidney? Or will her troubles finally get the best of this new witch?

Dog Gone Troubles is a fun, heartwarming paranormal cozy mystery with quirky and charming characters that will keep you spellbound! This book is the prequel for the highly-anticipated Crystal Beach Magic Mystery Series.


Would you like some free books in exchange for an honest review?

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Other Books on Sale


Mardi Gras and Mayhem


Mardi Gras and Mayhem
Book 4 of the Small Town Girl series

Just a fun girls’ weekend in New Orleans during Mardi Gras...except for the murders.

Chantilly Romero held an important place as a mover and a shaker within the New Orleans business world. An upstanding member of the community, everyone admired and respected her.

But she had her secrets. Did she run an illegal high-stakes poker game out of her whiskey distillery? Had her bodyguard committed a few dastardly deeds, so Chantilly could profit? Did Chantilly’s husband die by his own hand, or did she help him along to the pearly gates?

Regardless, the police never found proof of any wrong doing. Did someone take matters into their own hands?


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Mid-month book fair - Ends 3/21 - MG,YA,Romance,Mystery, Spells, Swords & Secrecy - Ends 3/02 - YA,Mystery,

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