My friend, Paul Pettit, just published a book for parents with kids between the ages of eight and twelve, Congratulations, You've Got Tweens! I endorsed the book, which is a great little guide. And that means I also ended up with an extra copy to give away.

Life as a tween's parents has its ups and downs, for sure. Case in point: A couple of days ago, still suffering with a respiratory deal, I decided to take a short nap before picking up my daughter from school, two miles and a busy intersection away. But when I opened my eyes, I realized I was 30 minutes late to get her! I tore out of the house and wheeled my car out of the driveway only to find her within ten houses of home carrying her violin and backpack. I threw open the door and exclaimed, "Oh, honey! I'm so sorry!"

I expected her to berate me--to tell me how worried she was or how scared. But, no. She cheerfully jumped in and said, "That's okay, Mom! I needed the exercise!"

Love her!

Then last night, we went to a fancy-schmancy hotel to celebrate the end of school. If you live near (or have visited) Dallas, you know the spot--the restaurant in the big ball at the top of the Hyatt that overlooks the city at night. At the end of the evening, as we waited for my husband to get the car, I looked around to find her. And I discovered our girl and her tween friend leaning over on their bellies into a fountain in the lobby, stretched full out legs akimbo, scooping out money for themselves.

Oy! Tweens!

What geeky stuff did you do as a tween? Leave a comment and I'll draw your name on Tuesday. I will donate a copy of Paul's book to the winner's favorite library (personal, church, school, or community).