Mom Scribbles

Friday, July 19, 2024

Things My Grandparents Used to Say

Old-fashioned sayings my grandparents said

My grandparents were raised in Nebraska and moved to Texas as young adults. They had a plethora

of wonderful and bizarre sayings. For years I've blithely quoted them, not realizing that perhaps most

people have no idea what I'm talking about. How many of these sayings have you heard?

Ugly stick. As in, “can't beat that with an ugly stick.” Means something is good. I think.

Eggs in your beer. Common use: “what do you want, eggs in your beer?” Means “what

more do you want?”

“Doll rags.” Common uses, “shot to doll rags” or “beat to doll rags.” My mom said this

one comes from Louis L'Amour westerns.

“She lost her wing, poor thing.” My grandma would say this when we were looking for sympathy.

“Grandma, I skinned my knee!” “She lost her wing, poor thing.” I discovered the origin for this one

in a book of children’s poems. It's part of a poem called “The Wind Doth Blow.”

“Lord willing and the creek don’t rise.” My family lived on a piece of land with a low water crossing,

and sometimes we would find ourselves stranded on one side or the other, so this became especially

meaningful.

“That’s all she wrote.” I have no idea where this one came from, but my grandma said it all the time.

“There you have it, sports fans.” My grandpa watched sports all weekend, from bowling to tennis to golf.

This was a favorite saying of his.

“That’s highway robbery.” Means that something is too expensive. What highway? What robbery? My

mom and dad both say this one.

“Let’s get out of this chicken outfit.” Meaning: “We need to get out of here.” I seriously have no idea but

my grandma and mom said this all the time.

“More than you can shake a stick at.” Though also a saying involving a stick, this means a whole lot.

Immeasurable. I mean, one can shake a stick at a lot of stuff.

So there are my favorite family sayings. Have you heard any of these? Do you have any to share? I'd love to hear them!

Friday, July 12, 2024

My favorite Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books of All Time

I've always loved the chance to escape to magical realms, whether in a dystopian setting where unlikely heroes emerge, or in an enchanted realm with unusual beasts both fierce and fantastic.

Most of my favorites were written for children, but they remain the same. I have always preferred books written for children, and don't see that changing any time soon!

It has not been easy narrowing down my top ten books, and the only way to do it was to include full series (but I've told my favorite book of each series as well).

The Borrowers: Mary Norton

This has been a favorite of mine since I was ten years old. I wanted to find a tiny family in my own house to befriend, so I'll admit I did a bit of searching as a child. My favorite book of the series is The Borrowers Avenged.

The Goose Girl, (tied) Princess Academy: Shannon Hale

These are both wonderful, but I think the Princess Academy is especially important for teen girls to read. I buy copies to give out.

The Claidi Collection: Tannith Lee

This book combines amazing world-building with steampunk and fantasy elements that in a way remind of some Doctor Who episodes. The books have suspense, romance and a nice self-discovery arc. Things get pretty crazy along the way, and I'm not super fond of the shark people that come along in book four, but it's still a fun series. Book 1, Wolf Tower, is my favorite.

The Two Princesses of Bamarre: Gail Carson Levine

This is such a beautiful, heart-wrenching book, and it's a wonderful look at what it means to be a true sister.

The Blue Sword: Robin McKinley

Some of the best world-building I have ever read, and enough girl power to make Wonder Woman proud.

The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings: J. R. R. Tolkien

I've read these many times over the years, but I'll never forget the day I was reading The Two Towers. I was in King Theoden's throne room when Gandalf blasted through the doors, and it almost made me late for my job at Sonic. Favorite of the series: The Two Towers.

The City of Ember: Jeanne DuPrau

I love the first book in this series. It's such a clever dystopian story with some fun steampunk elements thrown in for good measure. I'm not as fond of the other books in the series.

The Space Trilogy: C.S. Lewis

Incredible worlds, magical places, and a terrifying climactic battle of good and evil. But what else would you expect from Lewis? Favorite in the series is Peralandra.

Hidden Current: Sharon Hinck.

I loved the dance element in this story, and how people connected to God through the arts.

The Princess Bride: William Goldman

If you're a fan of the movie, this book is a must. Some extra scenes, and some things that didn't make sense in the movie are explained in more depth that make them even more hilarious.

The Chronicles of Narnia: C.S. Lewis

Needs no explanation. My favorite of the seven is The Horse and His Boy.

'Till We Have Faces: C. S. Lewis

This retelling of a Greek myth is beautiful, tragic, and brilliant. I think everyone in the world should read this book at least once. I read it every few years and each time it speaks to me in a different way.

Oops, it's twelve. Oh well! I'm sure I missed quite a few as well. What are your favorites? Please share in the comments!

Also, don't forget that I have fantasy books for children and young adults! You can see my Three Royal Children, Toby the Trilby, and Willow Green Series on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00CJUELT0/

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

WIN an amazing bedtime story library and Princess Tent!

You heard right! Enter to win an AMAZING bedtime library with 10 beautiful hardcover favorites, and an easy set-up princess tent with glow-in-the-dark stars!

For more information, go HERE,

And to find out more about Angela's NEW bedtime story and how to order your SIGNED copy with three FREE gifts, go HERE.

Princess Book Cover Reveal

I am sooooo excited to present my NEW picture book, Princesses don't have Sticky Hair, illustrated by the AMAZING Cher Jiang!

If you have little fairy and princess lovers in your home (or let's face it, if you love them yourself,) you NEED this book in your library.
Princesses don't have sticky hair . . . unless they decide to explore a cave and accidentally walk through a spider web! Children will love this whimsical story with surprises on every page, featuring all their magical favorites, fairies, unicorns, dragons, and mermaids.

To pre-order from Amazon Kindle, go HERE.

To order a PAPERBACK copy with three special surprise gifts, go HERE.

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Contest! Win Christian fiction library and Amazon gift card!

Need more to read? Enter to win an awesome Christian historical fiction library from Angela Castillo, PLUS a 20.00 Amazon gift card to buy whatever you want!

Enter to win HERE.

And check out the second book in the Westward Wanderers Oregon trail series, The Dawn Wakers, available for pre-order on Amazon HERE.

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Announcing Isadorn the Unicorn, now Available on Audible . . . Plus Contest!

When I put my picture book, Isadorn the Unicorn and the Sloppy Dragon, up for auditions on Audible, I never dreamed I would have the honor of working with such a talented narrator. Dean William Rudoy has just done such a magnificent job to bring Isadorn and Dunfer to life. You can hear a sample for free HERE.

Would you like a FREE copy? To win one of 20 FREE audible codes, please like and share this Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/Angela-Castillos-Books-for-Kids-2427966633886678

and let me know if you want a US or UK code.

You can hear a sample of this wonderful story at https://www.audible.com/pd/Isadorn-the-Unicorn-and-the-Sloppy-Dragon-Audiobook/B0882FLYLH.

Good luck!

Bored Kids? Let's Find Free Stuff to Do!

Stuck at home?

Have you been scrambling to keep your little ones entertained? As a work-from-home mom, I've been trying to find whatever I can to keep my kiddos happy.

Here are some great offers from companies for a limited time.

1. Audible Stories
For me, the more books I can get into my kid's hands the better. Audiobooks are a great way to introduce great literature to your children, and guess what? Amazon's Audible is offering some great ones for free! You can listen to these straight from the website on your phone, tablet, or computer, no subscription needed. They have everything from picture books like a Beatrix Potter Treasury and Winnie the Pooh up to classics like Alice in Wonderland, and new favorites like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Hank the Cowdog. My kids have been loving this! Go here to find your stories! https://stories.audible.com/discovery

2. Adventures in Odyssey

If you grew up with Odyssey, you know how great these Christian programs are. 30+ years and still going strong, you can get a free month all-access pass to every Odyssey episode! Just go here for more info. https://www.focusonthefamily.com/streaming/

3. Noggin
Lots of education and fun shows for kids. Noggin is offering a limited time 60 day free trial instead of the normal 7 day one. Find out more here. https://www.noggin.com/sign-up/?step=sign-up

4. Free Printables from my author site
I have printables as companions for several of my books. here: https://tobythetrilby.weebly.com/teacher-materials-page.html Please feel free to print out as many as you want!

Have you found any great freebies for kids sheltering at home? Please share in the comments below!

Monday, December 9, 2019

Huge Batch of FREE Picture Books for Kindle!

I love picture books. I read them to my kids and read them for myself. Even when I didn't have kids, I admit I had several on my bookshelf. Certain children's books can instantly transport me to my childhood, and I can hear the patient voice of my mom, dad, grandparent or babysitter reading it out loud to me.
Today you have the opportunity to download 13 beautiful books for you or a child you love (Free in digital version only). These books were lovingly written by 9 talented authors from all over the globe. Please see below for Amazon links. But hurry! These books are only FREE for two days, December 9th and 10th! (P.S. Two are mine!)

All of these books are also available in paperback, hardcover, or both on Amazon. And most have FREE shipping with Amazon, with a guarantee to arrive by Christmas (check each book for details).

https://amzn.to/33Mho08

When You Feel Better: A Get Well Soon Gift

By Misty Black

Your favorite patient will love cuddling up to this sweet get well soon story showing the power of empathy and kindness.

https://amzn.to/2RorHVK

Unicorns, Magic, and Slime, Oh My!

By Misty Black

Mystery, magic, and mishaps make for an exciting story your kids won’t want to put down.

https://amzn.to/2PmaBVQ

Your Thoughts Matter

By Esther Pia Cordova

Your child’s mindset matters, more than they realize. Help them understand the power of a growth mindset.

https://amzn.to/2rnVoeP

Little Bears Can Do Big Things

By Esther Pia Cordova

Is it okay for boys to feel afraid? Is it okay for them to need help? Jimmy shifts his thinking, faces the challenges and is able to make good choices with the help of his friends. He’s even brave enough to talk about his feelings with his Dad.

Unicorn Jazz

By Lisa Caprelli

A best-seller, Unicorn Jazz is the most unique unicorn in the world. You can also grab the Unicorn Jazz Plush toy with this book for the perfect gift. Celebrating individuality, play, friendship, belonging and the power of believing in others!

https://www.amazon.com/Unicorn-Jazz-Lisa-Caprelli/dp/1728838851

Bee-ing Happy With Unicorn Jazz and Friends

By Lisa Caprelli

Unicorn Jazz and animal friends in this happiness book with a bee named BEE HAPPY, who all show imaginative happy ideas for kids.

https://www.amazon.com/Beeing-Happy-Unicorn-Jazz-Friends-ebook/dp/B07V5X847H/

https://amzn.to/2s2MOlG

Little Narwhal’s Day

By Angela Castillo

Learn about secret creatures of the arctic with Little Narwhal and his adorable friends.

https://amzn.to/2DUpitJ

Tiger’s Can’t Open Doors

By Angela Castillo

Join two brothers as they evade a goofy-shape-shifting monster and learn the importance of imagination and creativity.

https://amzn.to/2P18Xtu

Save the Ocean

By Bethany Stahl

Learn about the importance of recycling with fun ocean friends including a loveable sea turtle and a mermaid!

https://amzn.to/33Xp9An

Save the Arctic

By Bethany Stahl

Go on a journey with a polar bear, beluga whale and little girl to learn about renewable energy as we help save the arctic!

https://amzn.to/2P1x4Zo

Flip, the Fainting Goat

By Alicia Stenard

It’s a hard life for a fainting goat. Loud noises make Flip faint and he can’t control it. Will he ever fit in?

https://amzn.to/2PgFg6E

It's not easy being Santa! A Christmas tale about kindness!

By Pragya Tomar

"Ever wonder what Santa's job is like? Wishes do come true..."

https://amzn.to/2s8JZiQ affiliate link

Little bug and the Noisy New Neighbor

By Melanie Hawkins

What will happen when a very noisy new neighbor moves in next door and disrupts Little Bug’s quiet, simple life? Can he learn to get along with such a bug?

https://amzn.to/2rnvCHD

Little Bug and the Christmas Surprise

By Melanie Hawkins

Will a big snow storm ruin Little Bug’s Christmas party? This is a sweet story of friendship, dealing with disappointment, and finding our what truly matters at Christmas time!

https://amzn.to/2sV8xMU

Marien’s Wish

By Cinthia Wild and Colin Wild

Three incredible friends - a Firefly, a Dragonfly and a Dung beetle work together as a team to fulfil a dream for their friend Marien, a Ladybug.

Enjoy!!!

Are you a Unicorn . . . or a Dragon?

As the child of an extreme introvert and an extreme extravert, I have lived with two warring factions inside of me for my entire life. The part of me that wants to talk to everyone and blurt out whatever comes to mind. and the part of me that's instantly sorry for rash words. Hasty words have led me into trouble more than once.

Dunfer the Dragon is like that. He's very sweet and happy-go-lucky, but sometimes his actions drive his new neighbor, Isadorn, up the wall.

Isadorn is a very caring and loving creature, but she's also a creature of habit. And when Dunfer comes stomping along, she's not quite sure how to address the problem.

Isadorn the Unicorn and the Sloppy Dragon is my latest children's picture book, illustrated once again by the amazing Indira Zuleta. Children will love the fantastic illustrations and fun story, while also learning about conflict resolution and how to let someone know when their feelings have been hurt in a gentle and productive way.

Isadorn the Unicorn is available today in paperback on Amazon, with free shipping from Amazon Prime HERE. The Kindle version is releasing this Wednesday, but you can pre-order it for a special price HERE.

Happy reading!

Monday, November 25, 2019

Working Towards Gratitude

Sometimes Thanksgiving can be a lovely time for parades, pies and peaceful gatherings with family and/or friends. But sometimes Thanksgiving can get lost in an avalanche of anxiety and pumpkin-spiced laced meltdowns. I always deal with some form of this during the holidays (probably because I set a million writing deadlines for myself). Here are some ways I've learned to diffuse my anxiety and enjoy the season the way God intended, with a grateful heart.

Allow people to manage their own expectations and emotions. We are never going to be able to make everyone happy. Each person is responsible for creating an enjoyable day for themselves and not relying on everyone else for it. Set healthy boundaries and work with what is best for you.
Don't try to do everything. Do you find yourself dreading the holidays every year? You may need to scale back and say no sometimes. For instance, if you host an event at your house, try delegating dishes. Ask people to stay and help clean up, or hire a maid service, just this once. If you have ten people requesting ten different favorites, send them each the recipe and tell them you'd love to see their take on the dish.
Discuss the day with your immediate family. Let everyone pick one or two traditions that are their favorites. Make a list with top favorites, medium favorites, and optional favorites. Then try to cut back on a few things, replacing them with less stressful alternatives.
Spread things out. Instead of trying to see every single family member on an actual day, try planning get-togethers throughout the month.
Cut back on gifts. For years now, I've given my kids about three things each. Something to wear, something to read, and something they want. Along with stocking stuffers and gifts from relatives, this is always plenty.
Find a way to volunteer as a family. Help out at a soup kitchen, wrap presents for Blue Santa, collect food for a local food bank, or read Christmas stories at a local nursing home. There are always ways to give back.
Have gratitude. Every time you begin to feel overwhelmed, no matter what, think of five things to be thankful for.

Hope these ideas are helpful! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Cover Reveal and Pre-Order!

I'm so excited! Not only is it finally fall and we've had a few sweater-wearing days here in Texas (was it seriously 30 degrees the other day?) but I've FINALLY put my Oregon trail story up for pre-order!

Here's the beautiful cover, designed by the amazing Elaina Lee from For the Muse Designs!

Compared to an arranged marriage to the odious Bernard Regent, a prairie schooner on the Oregon Trail doesn't seem like such a bad trade to Amethyst Kent.

When desperate Martha Davis reveals her need for a mother's helper on the trail, Ami decides to up and leave the pampered life she's always known for a land of freedom. But trail life is hardly a tea party, and Ami must draw from the deepest wells of her faith to survive. With the sunset always before her, and Shiloh Talon, a handsome trail scout, guiding the way, she might just make it through.

Up for pre-order on Amazon today; will be released December 15th.

https://www.amazon.com/Westward-Wanderers-Book-One-Christian-Historical-ebook/dp/B0813NV1KP

I'm so excited to release Amethyst Kent out into the wild. This book took me FOREVER to write, longer than most trips down the Oregon trail, but I learned so much while researching it.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Why Kindle Unlimited for Picture Books?

In the land of digital everything, many parents prefer to keep old-fashioned paper books around for the littles. For one thing, a paperback book is much cheaper to replace than a Kindle or iPhone if it accidentally gets flushed down the toilet.
But there are some nice things about Kindle books for kids.

It's a great way to see if your kid likes a book or series for less (sometimes for free).
Kindle books are great for car rides and long waiting room times.
Some kid's Kindle books include interactive links for more learning opportunities.

The best way to check out children's picture books for a small amount of money is through a program Amazon offers called Kindle Unlimited. Authors offer certain books through this program for a small subscription amount per month. Readers can read up to 10 books at a time, and return them for more books whenever they like.
The best part is, the first month with KU is free!
But what books can you get? Are there any good ones?
Here are some of my top picks.