Summer Time Give Away: The EZ View Desktop!

This is a weekly give-away series. Each Monday from today until August 31st, a new item will be available for my readers to win. There are lots of ways to enter, so be sure to read all the rules carefully!


The Rules:

Each Monday, a new give-away will be announced. You have until Friday at noon (CT) to enter the contest. The winner will be chosen by using the generator at Random.org and announced Friday afternoon. The winner has one week to claim the prize by emailing me his/her address at queenoftheclan@gmail.com. If the prize isn't claimed within that time, a new winner will be drawn. Prizes will only be shipped within the United States.


How to Enter:

Receive 3 entries - Go out to The Original Scrapbox website, check out their products, then leave me a comment here telling me which product is your favorite and what you'd like to do with it.

Receive 2 Entries - Email me the answer to the weekly question. Answers can be found on the prize donor's website/blog and must be emailed to me at queenoftheclan@gmail.com.

Receive 1 Entry for each of the following:

- Add my QOTC button (on my sidebar) to your blog or website & leave a comment with a link.

- Become a QOTC follower. Leave a comment to let me know if you are new or if you are already a follower.

- Mention this week's give away on your blog (linked back to my blog) or Facebook (Search for Queen of the Clan and add me as your friend.) and leave a comment here with a link.

- Become a Fan of Queen of the Clan on Facebook.

- Join the Queen of the Clan Newsletter (see directions on my sidebar).

This week's Give-Away is a fabulous EZ View Desktop from The Original Scrapbox Company - a $200 value!!!

My friend, Rachelle, has an EZ View Desktop and absolutely LOVES it! She sent me these awesome pics of her EZ View Desktop. I thought you'd like a more visual example of how much it actually holds.

Isn't it the most incredible thing ever? I'm so totally excited to offer it as this week's give away!

I'm personally not a huge scrapbooker. But my mind has been going crazy thinking of all the awesome ways I could store my writing supplies, books I'm reviewing, and fun photos of my kids. So if you aren't a scrapper, think outside of the box and how you could personalize this awesome desk.

Plus, as a bonus, The Original Scrapbox Company is offering a coupon code for all my Queen of the Clan readers. If you place an order for the Workbox, Craftbox, or EZ View Craft Desk, you will receive $100 off shipping by using this code: 100Writes During this contest, the EZ View Desktop has free shipping.



Weekly Question: How many removable canvas totes are included in The Workbox?
(Please remember to email your answer. Do not leave it in the comment section or it will be deleted.)



Remember, this contest ends on Friday, July 3rd at 12 noon (CT). This is going to be a hot contest, everyone! I've added a few extra ways to enter just for this contest. Be sure to take advantage and enter, enter, enter!

Summer Time Give Away: Winners of Cook Book Sets by Kelsey Dollar

I received 30 entries for this week's Summer Time Give Away. Thanks to Random.org for picking the two lucky winners who will each receive a set of cook books by Kelsey Dollar. A HUGE thank you to Kelsey for donation her fabulous cook books!

And now . . . The winner of this first set of cook books is . . .

#5 - Christine Bryant!!!



And the winner of the second set of cook books is . . .


#22 - SusieQTPie!!!

Congrats to both the winners!!! Please email me your snail mail addresses ASAP.

Be sure to come back bright and early on Monday. The next Summer Time Give Away item is an EZ View Desktop from the Original Scrapbook Company - a $200 Value!!!! Have a fabulous weekend!

Book Review: Agent in Old Lace by Tristi Pinkston

Blurb from the back of Agent in Old Lace by Tristi Pinkston:


Shannon Tanner has it all - a perfect family, a perfect job, and a perfect boyfriend. Or so she thinks. What Shannon doesn t know is that her boyfriend, Mark, is stealing money from her father and making millions doing it. When Shannon learns Mark's secret, he turns on her, and Shannon's life abruptly goes from perfect to perilous.

In an effort to protect Shannon, the FBI assigns their only female agent to go undercover as her personal bodyguard. But when the agent is injured the day before the assignment, they turn to the next best thing: their top agent - Rick Holden - in a dress.

Life seems safe again for Shannon with Rick by her side and Mark apparently gone for good. Then Shannon gets word that her best friend has been kidnapped, and it becomes clear that Mark isn't going to stop any time soon. Shannon realizes the only way to save her friend and stop Mark once and for all is by sending Rick, her only source of protection, away. Can Rick save Shannon before it's too late?


What I love about Agent in Old Lace by Tristi Pinkston is it's a great book for relaxing by the pool while your kids swim or a two hour airplane ride. It's just the right length that it only takes about 2-3 hours to read, which also means it's very portable! I can throw it in my purse and take it with me while I wait for kids to come out of classes or enjoy sitting on a shady bench while my kids play at the park. Another reason I loved the length is because as a writer and avid reader, one of the complaints I get from busy moms and frequent business travelers is they start lots of books, but never have enough time to actually finish them. Agent in Old Lace is a book that those of us on the move can take with us wherever we go.

Now, while this book is a quick read, it's not easy to put down! Right from the first chapter when Shannon finds her boyfriend's file on her family to the very last page, there's lots of action or some romance between Rick and Shannon (my favorite part . . . like you didn't already know that!). I absolutely LOVED Rick in a dress . . . and not just one dress. He actually goes shopping with Shannon to find "comfortable chick clothes." Rick has such a great sense of humor, which makes the situations he's in so much more fun!

Of course, a mystery/action book is never complete without a twist at the end . . . and I certainly was not expecting the one at the end of Agent in Old Lace. All in all, I really enjoyed Agent in Old Lace. If you love to read, but you're super busy and have a hard time starting and actually finishing the same book, you should totally check out Agent in Old Lace. You'll enjoy the plot and love the feeling of actually being able to finish a book for a change!

For more books by Tristi Pinkston, check out her blog: http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com/


Want to win a copy of Agent in Old Lace by Tristi Pinkston? Come back the week of July 6th! I'm giving away a Summer Survival Kit which includes a copy of this awesome book on the Summer Time Give Away Contest!

Book Review: Finding Paradise by Michele Ashman Bell

Blurb from the back of Finding Paradise by Michele Ashman Bell:


Welcome to sunny Cancun.

The only problem is Morgan Rose would rather be sitting at home than hanging out with her best friend’s parents in an exotic vacation resort full of couples on romantic getaways. She’s decided to perform her Maid-of- Honor duties at Samantha’s wedding and catch the next flight back to her predictable life. Then she meets Justin, the groom’s best man. At first she finds him annoying—cute, but annoying. But soon she realizes that there is much more to this good-looking man than his fun-loving exterior suggests. When their brief time together ends, they promise to keep in touch and, more importantly, to meet again six months later to see if their attraction has any lasting possibilities.

But time has a way of complicating even the most beautiful beginnings, and Morgan will soon be forced to make a difficult decision that could change the course of her life.

I love Michele Ashman Bell's books, and Finding Paradise is no exception. I've had this book since it was released in 2004 and re-read it every year!

Finding Paradise isn't your typical LDS romance. There are so many obstacles Morgan and Justin encounter - particularly being on different continents, experiencing very different trials, and not once seeing each other again since their week in Cancun. I like that life doesn't hand them an easy card, especially since the location where they meet is so romantic and ideal. I loved the different locations you get to travel to with Morgan and Justin. Michele did an excellent job painting the setting in a way that I felt like I was there with them.

Finding Paradise is an excellent read for anyone wanting a little mini-vacation from the daily stress of life!

For more info about Michele Ashman Bell and her books, visit her webiste at http://www.micheleashmanbell.com/index.html

To purchase Finding Paradise, click here.

Book Review: Loyalty's Web by Joyce DiPastena

Blurb from the back of Loyalty's Web by Joyce Dipastena:

In twelfth century France, King Henry II of England has just finished quashing a rebellion by his power-hungry sons and now seeks to tame the lawless barons who supported them in this corner of his "Angevin empire." To this end, the king has sent the Earl of Gunthar as his royal representative to ensure that Prince Richard and his former cohorts faithfully adhere to the terms of the peace treaty.


Far from being welcomed with open arms, Gunthar no sooner steps foot in the county of Poitou than he is greeted by a series of assassination attempts. All appear to be linked to the former rebellious prince through the agents of the family and friends of young Heléne de Laurant. A clever, intrepid young woman, she realizes that the only way to prove her loved ones’ innocence is by exposing the true assassin. Heléne races against time—and dark secrets of the past—to unmask the killer before the kingdom plunges back into war.


Fierce determination gives way to mutual attraction as Heléne and Gunthar spar over the identity of the traitor. But their blinding magnetism almost causes them to overlook an even deadlier threat from an entirely unexpected direction.

You know how they say not to judge a book by it's cover? Well, when Joyce's book first came out, it sounded interesting but I just couldn't get past the cover of the book. Then, Loyalty's Web was a 2007 Whitney Award Finalist and a new publisher picked up Joyce's book. There was tons of publicity and a new cover. I finally picked up my very own copy and was surprised when I just couldn't put it down! In fact, I re-read it within a week of finishing it!

I loved Helene and Gunthar. There's so much tension surrounding them - both of the mysterious and romantic nature. I loved the time setting - castles, knights, and tunics, oh my! Can I just say it was absolutely refreshing to read a midieval romance that wasn't filled with smut? There was plenty of romance and some WOW! packed kisses - certainly enough to make the romantic in me very happy - but I never once read a passage that made me cringe. Thank you, Joyce!

So I have once again learned my lesson to not judge a book by it's cover. I was thrilled with Loyalty's Web and am anxiously waiting for Joyce's new book, Illuminations of the Heart to hit the bookshelves!

To learn more about Joyce and her books, visit her website: http://www.joyce-dipastena.com/

*** If you think Loyalty's Web sounds great, then be sure to stop back the week of July 20th to enter to win an autographed copy during my Summer Time Give Away!

Call for Stories: A Special Mother's Day

Call for Stories:

A Special Mother's Day
By T. Danyelle Ferguson & Lynn D. Parsons

A Special Mother's Day is a book for mothers who are raising children with different types of disabilities. Stories should be non-fiction (true) as well as heart-warming, up-lifting, or humorous told by mothers in all walks of life. Stories written by children, spouses, or friends is acceptable but the story must revolve around motherhood and one of the topics listed. Narrative stories are preferred. Story length: 1,000-2,000 words. Please see submission guidelines below.

TOPICS:

- Finding Joy in Motherhood: It may not be what you expected . . . it's even better!

- Surviving Trials: Everyone has stress, but the stress of raising a child with special needs can mount very quickly and weigh down shoulders for long periods of time. Share your tips and stories for being happy despite the extra challenges you encounter.

- Out of the Mouth of Babes: Profound lessons you've learned from your child with special needs. Things they've said that make you look at the world differently.

- The Blessings of Sacrifice: There's a silver lining to every cloud, and a light at the end of the tunnel. Something you had to give up that was difficult, but has turned into a blessing for you or your family.

- The Blessings of Service: Stories of how others you or your child have been blessed through the service of others.

- The Frustrations of Pity: When others say, "I don't know how you do it", and how you turn it into something positive or funny.

- The Small Steps: Celebrating the journey

- Mommy Time Out: Finding time for yourself and some stress-relief

- The "Perfect" Mother Myth: Ignoring those annoying Mother's Day talks about the "perfect mother," and instead discovering that YOU are the perfect mother for your child.

- Climbing the Mountain: Accepting your child's limitations, but still pushing him to stretch and grow. Including a mother's limitations and needing to stretch and grow with her child.

- The Peace of Gospel Knowledge: Stories of prayers answered and how the gospel has guided you to understand you child and his role on this Earth, as well as your role as his mother.

- Making Mama Laugh: Humorous stories For example: My son, Isaac made me a Mother's Day card last year. On it, he drew a bunch of Bionicles. I was the big Bionicle that destroyed all the other Bionicles. Therefore, in his opinion, I was the coolest and most awesome Mom-Bionicle ever!

- The Juggler: Stories of making life work when you're pulled in so many different directions.

- The Strategist: Humorous and uplifting stories about learning how to pick your battles.

- The Supporting Cast: Loving friends, family,teachers, church leaders, and neighbors who help you through the journey of motherhood



Submission Guidelines:

Multiple submissions are welcome. All submissions should be emailed to Danyelle@FergusonAuthors.com with "A Special Mother's Day - Your Name" in the subject line. Submissions should be attached in a Word document, double spaced with 1" margins. If your submission is accepted, you will receive an email with the edited story and a release contract.

We look forward to reading your stories!

Danyelle & Lynn

Summer Time Give Away: Fabulous Cook Books by Kelsey Dollar

This is a weekly give-away series. Each Monday from today until August 31st, a new item will be available for my readers to win. There are lots of ways to enter, so be sure to read all the rules carefully!


The Rules:

Each Monday, a new give-away will be announced. You have until Friday at noon (CT) to enter the contest. The winner will be chosen by using the generator at Random.org and announced Friday afternoon. The winner has one week to claim the prize by emailing me his/her address at queenoftheclan@gmail.com. If the prize isn't claimed within that time, a new winner will be drawn. Prizes will only be shipped within the United States.


How to Enter:

You have the opportunity to receive up to 8 entries per Give Away!

Receive 2 Entries - Email me the answer to the weekly question. Answers can be found on the prize donor's website/blog and must be emailed to me at queenoftheclan@gmail.com.

Receive 1 Entry for each of the following:

- Add my QOTC button (on my sidebar) to your blog or website & leave a comment with a link.

- Become a QOTC follower. Leave a comment to let me know if you are new or if you are already a follower.

- Mention this week's give away on your blog (linked back to my blog) or Facebook (Search for Danyelle Bauman Ferguson and add me as your friend.) and leave a comment here with a link.

- Become a Fan of Queen of the Clan on Facebook.

- Join the Queen of the Clan Newsletter (see directions on my sidebar).

This week's Give-Away is totally awesome cook books donated by Kelsey A. Dollar!




This week, there will be TWO winners! One winner will receive The Friend to Friend & The Cowboy Chuck Wagon Cookbooks. The other winner will receive The Friend to Friend & Country Breakfasts cookbooks.

Kelsey has started an awesome blog featuring her favorite recipes and ways to save on your grocery budget. To check it out, click here (or paste this address into your web address bar: http://americanpantry.blogspot.com/)

This week's question: Which recipe has become a weekly favorite at Kelsey's house? (hint: Check out Kelsey's blog post on Wednesday June 17th)

Good luck, everyone!!!

Summer Time Give Away: Winner of Kids Summer Fun Pack & Pickup Games by Marcia Mickelson

I received 46 entries for this week's Summer Time Give Away. Thanks to Random.org for picking the lucky person who will receive the Kids Summer Fun Pack and Pickup Games by Marcia Mickelson.




Thank you to our donors Christine Bryant and Marcia Mickelson!

And the winner is . . .

#9 - Kendra Meyn!!!


Kendra, please email me your snail mail address ASAP!

Next week there will be two winners! Kelsey A. Dollar has donated a bunch of her awesome cook books. Yum! Have a great weekend!

Cats and Toilets, Anyone?

Last night, I was showing my four & two year olds the I Will Survive Alien version video on You Tube. They thought it was just soo funny! Well, I saw this video of Cats and Toilets by the same guy . . . and couldn't resist checking it out. My four year old was laughing so hard, I didn't think he'd make it to the toilet in time to avoid wetting his pants! :)

Book Review: Pickup Games by Marcia Mickelson

Blurb from the publisher:

Still mourning the death of his beloved fiance , Avery, who was murdered five years ago, Mick Webber is struggling to piece his life back together, both personally and professionally.

When Mick gets a promising new job hosting a college basketball show, he is dismayed to learn that he will have to share the spotlight with a female co-host: Cara Jones, who recently moved to Utah after her own failed engagement. Right from the start, the two are at odds, but neither is willing to give up this promising career opportunity. Despite the tension between them, their show quickly shoots to the top of the rating charts, and Mick and Cara can't help but grow closer as they work side by side. But neither is willing to disclose their painful pasts, and both are wary of trusting again.

Will they ever be able to let down their guard and let love in?

Will they make it through the season in one piece?

Pick-up Games will have you cheering from the sidelines, on the edge of your seat, anxious to see who will win this game of love.

Pickup Games by Marcia Mickelson is a sequel to Reasonable Doubt, which is the book where Mick's fiance is murdered. The main characters in that book are Mick and his lawyers, with his lawyers taking the stage. While Mick's lawyers play a small role in Pickup Games, this book is most definitely centered around Mick, five years after his fiance's murder. I haven't read Reasonable Doubt yet, but had no problems picking up Mick's history without feeling like the author was giving me an info dump. Marcia Mickelson did an excellent job of weaving both Mick and Cara's pasts into the storyline.

I have to tell you, I loved Cara's "don't mess with me" attitude. She's in no way, shape, or form the "token" female on a basketball replay show. She truly knows her stuff. I enjoyed "watching" as Mick and Cara explored a tentative friendship and blossoming into sweethearts. There are some pretty darn funny moments when I just laughed out loud at their antics and situations they were in. The basketball games were very well written - I actually felt like I was there as Mick covered the U of U games (his alma mater). But don't worry, BYU fans - you have an ally in Cara, who covers all the BYU games. If you're into the U of U & BYU rivalries, you'll enjoy Mick and Cara's banter about who really is better and has a good enough team to win the national championships.

All in all, I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves basketball, enjoys humor, and yearns for a good romantic read.

Win a copy of Pickup Games on this week's Summer Time Give-Away! Click here to enter! Plus, leave a comment here and you'll also receive to bonus entries to the contest. Good luck!

MJ's Dance Recital - "To The Beatles . . . With Love"

Last Saturday was Miss Leigh's School of Dance 2009 recital, themed "To The Beatles . . . With Love"

Here are some fun pictures we took before the recital practice:

MJ and Jenna

MJ and Kaitlyn

MJ

Mommy and MJ

MJ's tap dance was to Eight Days a Week. Here's a video of her class during their final practice before the recital. MJ is on the far left hand side. Her partner didn't make it to the practice. I thought MJ did an excellent job improvising!

MJ was also in two finale dances, but those videos were even more difficult to see MJ than this one, so I decided not to post them. Thank goodness we ordered a recital DVD!

There was a very special appearance at MJ's recital . . . several of the dads got together and put on a comedy skit. It was absolutely hilarious! Of course, my hubby was in the skit as well. Let me tell you, they were the sexiest group of old men I'd ever seen! And boy could they shake their tushies! :)

After the recital, MJ was on dancer high. Here's a pic of MJ and her dance teacher, Miss Nyree.


MJ did a fabulous job during the recital. She was spot on and quite a little performer. After the recital, we went to Ari's Greek Restaurant for the recital party. MJ and I had a blast dancing to Hannah Montana, The Jonas Brothers, and many other popular kid musicians. We ended the night by going to Sonic for some yummy food and drinks.

Congrats to MJ on her very first dance recital!

Summer Time Give Away: Kids Summer Fun Pack, Plus Pick Up Games by Marcia Mickelson

This is a weekly give-away series. Each Monday from today until August 31st, a new item will be available for my readers to win. There are lots of ways to enter, so be sure to read all the rules carefully!


The Rules:

Each Monday, a new give-away will be announced. You have until Friday at noon (CT) to enter the contest. The winner will be chosen by using the generator at Random.org and announced Friday afternoon. The winner has one week to claim the prize by emailing me his/her address at queenoftheclan@gmail.com. If the prize isn't claimed within that time, a new winner will be drawn. Prizes will only be shipped within the United States.


How to Enter:

You have the opportunity to receive up to 5 entries per Give Away!

Receive 2 Entries - Email me the answer the weekly question. Answers can be found on the prize donor's website/blog and must be emailed to me at queenoftheclan@gmail.com.

Receive 1 Entry for each of the following:

- Add my QOTC button (on my sidebar) to your blog or website & leave a comment with a link.

- Become a QOTC follower. Leave a comment to let me know if you are new or if you are already a follower.

- Mention this week's give away on your blog (linked back to my blog) or Facebook (Search for Danyelle Bauman Ferguson and add me as your friend.) and leave a comment here with a link.

This week's Give-Away is a totally awesome Kids Summer Fun Pack donated by Christine Bryant.

The Kids Summer Fun Pack includes:
A Child Size Parachute
Glow in the Dark Party Ball
4 Squishy Water Balls
Slingshot w/ 2 Small Squishy Water Balls
Water Balloons
Sidewalk Chalk
And a nifty Blue Tote to keep it all in!

Plus, Marcia Mickelson's newest release, Pickup Games!

Weekly Question: What is the name of the book Christine is currently writing? (Hint: Check out her blog)

Bonus Points: I'm reviewing Pickup Games by Marcia Mickelson on Wednesday, June 17th. Come back to read the review and leave a comment & you'll receive two more entries to this week's contest!

Summer Time Give Away: Winner of Choice of Books Featuring Cindy Beck

I received 23 entries for this week's Summer Time Give Away. Thanks to Random.org for picking the lucky person to choose from a set of three books donated by Cindy Beck.



A huge congrats to

#7	Rachelle Christensen

Rachelle, please email me your snail mail address ASAP!

Next week's Summer Time Give Away item a kids play parachute donated by Christine Bryant and a copy of the new release, Pick Up Games by Marcia Mickelson . Have a great weekend!

Summer Time Give Aways - Winner's Choice of Three Books!

This is a weekly give-away series. Each Monday from today until August 31st, a new item will be available for my readers to win. There are lots of ways to enter, so be sure to read all the rules carefully!


The Rules:

Each Monday, a new give-away will be announced. You have until Friday at noon (CT) to enter the contest. The winner will be chosen by using the generator at Random.org and announced Friday afternoon. The winner has one week to claim the prize by emailing me his/her address at queenoftheclan@gmail.com. If the prize isn't claimed within that time, a new winner will be drawn. Prizes will only be shipped within the United States.


How to Enter:

You have the opportunity to receive up to 5 entries per Give Away!

Receive 2 Entries - Email me the answer the weekly question. Answers can be found on the prize donor's website/blog and must be emailed to me at queenoftheclan@gmail.com.

Receive 1 Entry for each of the following:

- Add my QOTC button (on my sidebar) to your blog or website & leave a comment with a link.

- Become a QOTC follower. Leave a comment to let me know if you are new or if you are already a follower.

- Mention this week's give away on your blog (linked back to my blog) or Facebook (Search for Danyelle Bauman Ferguson and add me as your friend.) and leave a comment here with a link.

This week's Give-Away is the winner's choice of one of the following autographed books. Each book has a story by this week's donor, Cindy Beck.


Cindy (C.L.) Beck's story, "A Whap on the Head" is featured in My Dad is My Hero.

Cindy (C.Lynn) Beck's story, "Dancing in the Moonlight" is featured in Cup of Comfort
for Breast Cancer Survivors.
Cindy (C.L.) Beck's story, "Horse on Lap" is featured in Cup of Comfort for Horse Lovers.

This week's question: What was the name of Cindy's horse? (Hint: You can find the answer by going to the website and clicking on the button marked "Books.")

Cindy's website: http://www.bythebecks.com/


Good luck!!!

Summer Time Give Away: Winner of the Petite Performer Puppet Set

I received 26 entries for this week's Summer Time Give Away. Thanks to Random.org for picking the winner of a set of Petite Performer Puppets and Accessories donated by Carolyn Frank . . . Entry #18!

A huge congrats to

#18	Sherrada Matthews

Sherrada, please email me your snail mail address ASAP!

Next week's Summer Time Give Away item is the winner's choice of an anthology featuring humor columnist Cindy Beck's stories. See y'all on Monday!

Cup of Comfort Submissions

Cup of Comfort is accepting submissions for the following books:

Mothers: Stories that Celebrate the women who gave us everything
Deadline: June 15th

A Better World: Stories that celebrate generosity, compassion, and volunteerism
Deadline: July 1st

Couples: Stories that celebrate what it means to be in love
Deadline: October 1st

Golfers: Stories that celebrate the follies, the triumphs, and the joy of the game.
Deadline: December 15th


For more info and guidelines: http://www.cupofcomfort.com/CallForSubmissions/

For Chosen Mothers

A friend from my LDS Autism Yahoo group sent this to me. I absolutely loved it and had to share. I don't know who originally wrote it, but whoever you are . . . Thank you!


For Chosen Mothers

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures, and a couple by habit. This year, nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of a child with special needs. Did you ever wonder how mothers like this are chosen?

Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting His instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.

"Armstrong, Beth, son. Patron saint, Matthew. Forrest, Marjorie, daughter. Patron saint, Cecelia. Rudledge, Carrie, twins. Patron saint... give her Jude. He's used to profanity."

Finally, He passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a child with special needs."

The angel curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy." "Exactly", smiles God. "Could I give a child with special needs a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."

"But has she patience?" asked the angel. "I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a seal of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it.

"I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own world She has to make him live in her world and that is not going to be easy."

"This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness."

The angels gasps, "Selfishness? Is that a virtue?"

God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she's to be envied. She will never take for granted a 'spoken word'. She will never consider a 'step' ordinary. When her child says "Mama' for the first time she will be present at a miracle and know it! When she describes a tree or sunset to her child, she will see it as few people ever see my creations.

"I will permit her to see clearly the things I see... ignorance, cruelty, prejudice... and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side.

"And what about her patron saint?" asks the angel, her pen poised in mid-air.

God smiles. "A mirror will suffice."

QOTC Summer Time Give Aways - Petite Performer Puppets!!!

This is a weekly give-away series. Each Monday from today until August 31st, a new item will be available for my readers to win. There are lots of ways to enter, so be sure to read all the rules carefully!


The Rules:

Each Monday, a new give-away will be announced. You have until Friday at noon (CT) to enter the contest. The winner will be chosen by using the generator at Random.org and announced Friday afternoon. The winner has one week to claim the prize by emailing me his/her address at queenoftheclan@gmail.com. If the prize isn't claimed within that time, a new winner will be drawn. Prizes will only be shipped within the United States.


How to Enter:

You have the opportunity to receive up to 5 entries per Give Away!

Receive 2 Entries - Email me the answer the weekly question. Answers can be found on the prize donor's website/blog and must be emailed to me at queenoftheclan@gmail.com.

Receive 1 Entry for each of the following:

- Add my QOTC button (on my sidebar) to your blog or website & leave a comment with a link.

- Become a QOTC follower. Leave a comment to let me know if you are new, or if you are already a follower.

- Mention this week's give away on your blog (linked back to my blog) or Facebook (Search for Danyelle Bauman Ferguson and add me as your friend.) and leave a comment here with a link.

This week's Give-Away is a set these totally awesome
Petite Performer puppets donated by Carolyn Frank.

Petite Performer puppets consists of a boy, girl, father, mother, and a grandma puppet.

The winner will also receive a set of public helper props for ultimate imaginative play fun!
This set retails for $50.

Carolyn been creating, manufacturing, and selling puppets for over thirty years. You can visit her online store puppetorium.com to see more of her wonderful creations! Thank you so much for your generous donation!

The Weekly Question: Carolyn also happens to be a very talented writer. Email me the answer to the following question: What historical figure is highlighted in Literary Loom, Carolyn's work in progress? (Hint: Check out Carolyn's writing blog).