Rebecca Talley

And She's Off . . . To Disney World

2012-02-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

Early Monday morning, I'm talking 4:00 am, we drove my oldest daughter to the airport so she could fly to Orlando to begin her Disney college program. She'll be gone until mid-August. I'm super excited for her, but a little sad that she'll be so far away. I'm sure she'll have the time of her life living in Florida and meeting all sorts of interesting people. She said that she's already met people from all over the world and she's realized how boring she is because she's white and only speaks English.

She met her new roommates and boggled their minds because she's Mormon. One of the girls had never met a Mormon before. Then, she told them she had 10 kids in her family and that really blew their minds. It's odd to me that in this day and age someone could actually live in the US and never meet a member of the Church. Of course, I've always lived in the west so maybe back east it is a novelty to meet a Mormon.

Even though I will miss her, I'm sure this will be a fantastic experience and one she'll never forget.

Family by Design by Heather Justesen

2012-01-26T08:30:00.051-07:00

From the back cover:

Before he could think better of it, he blurted out, “I understand your concerns. I’m going to speak to my commander about getting an early discharge. My girlfriend, Rena, and I have talked about getting married. There just hasn’t been any rush.”

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he wondered what he was thinking. Yes, they had discussed marriage, but not to each other! He and Rena had never even dated.

Tucker’s on his way to the biggest challenge of his life. Rena already has it all—except a family of her own. But neither one expected their friendship would take such a dramatic turn.

When Tucker becomes the guardian of his newly orphaned niece and nephew, he knows he can’t handle them alone, not when he might be shipped out with the Marines at any moment. Desperate, he turns to Rena for a major favor. His marriage proposal would give her everything she wants, but can she learn to live without the romance she’s always dreamed of?

As time, prayer, and a life-changing kiss work a little magic in her heart, Rena wonders if someone up there has a plan for her that’s better than anything she could’ve come up with on her own. And though it seems crazy at first, this could become her chance for a marriage that will last for eternity.

My Review:

I really enjoyed this book. I loved Rena's character and Tucker was very attractive--the kind of guy I'd like my daughters to date. The kids were adorable and realistic, including the tantrums. Justesen cleverly wove in plenty of conflict and drama throughout the story to keep me turning pages. And I loved the ending. It was perfect.

A minor character, a teacher, really irritated me and each time she appeared my pulse would race. I wanted to tell her off in the worst way. Obviously, Justesen characterized her well enough to really get under my skin. I think Justesen did an excellent job of characterization in this book.

I enjoyed the story and the unconventional romance. I thought it grew naturally, especially given the hurried circumstances of the plot. Toward the end of the story, I was very distressed when Tucker was deployed because Justesen did such a good job of showing Rena's stress.

And the kissing scenes are excellent!

I recommend this book. It was a fun, unique romance. The story is well-written and the characters felt realistic.

Also, as a special promotion for anyone who buys a book before January 31, you can get a free ebook for her companion novella, Shear Luck. Once you buy a copy of her book go here to get your free copy.

As if that weren’t enough, Heather’s holding a host of giveaways on her blog throughout the next few weeks, see the rules at the bottom of this post to enter.

From the back cover:

Chelsea Robison has never forgotten the older boy next door whom she crushed on as a teen, so when she runs into him at the restaurant he’s preparing to open, it’s a delightful shock. And learning he’s available again is more than a little tantalizing.

Vaughn Krenshaw had never seen his neighbor as more than a nice kid—but Chelsea had definitely grown up in the decade since they saw each other last. He’s attracted to the feisty red head, but still struggles over his wife’s death the previous year. And then there’s his five-year-old daughter, Molly, who really liked Chelsea—until she realized the woman was dating her dad.

As Chelsea starts to wonder if their love for each other will be enough to make things work, a specter from Vaughn’s past rises, making her question whether she really knew him at all.

Here's the blog tour schedule:

Wednesday, Jan. 18 Nichole Giles

Thursday, Jan. 19 Liz Adair

Friday, Jan. 20 Susan Dayley

Saturday, Jan. 21 Keith Fisher

Monday, Jan. 23 Robbin Peterson

Tuesday, Jan. 24 Julie Bellon

Wednesday, Jan. 25 Cindy Hogan

Thursday, Jan. 26 Rebecca Talley

Friday, Jan. 27 Kathleen Brebes

Saturday, Jan. 28 Debbie Davis

Monday, Jan. 30 Mindy Holt

Kim Job
Tuesday, Jan. 31 Tristi Pinkston

Wednesday, Feb. 1 Joann Arnold

Thursday, Feb. 2 Christine Bryant

Friday, Feb. 3 Rebecca Blevins

Saturday, Feb. 4 Maria Hoaglund
TBA Danyelle Ferguson

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sight Reading Cards

2012-01-25T08:33:00.001-07:00

Any of you who have read my blog know that I have a son with Down syndrome. He is 5 and is currently enrolled in a virtual kindergarten class. He's doing well. He continues to surprise me with what he learns.

As much as I love seeing him learn the kindergarten curriculum, I am more interested, at this point, in helping him use speech as his primary form of communication. To this end, we have been working on sight words. I've made flashcards out of index cards and I've written down the words that are most useful and pertinent to him.

Every day we go through flashcards. To introduce some new words this week we decided to include the whole family. I read the person's name on the card, showed my son the name, and then asked him to give it to the correct person. I want him to associate those words/names with the people in his life. We then went around the house and put flashcards on the refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, bathroom, plate, cup, bowl, spoon, knife, fork, table, and chair. I'm hoping this will form a connection in his brain between the words and the items they represent.

I've also introduced him to names of animals, clothing, colors, and food by showing him the word and then associating it with a picture and/or sign. That seems to work very well.

A great idea someone shared was to take a favorite book and make sight words from the book so the child would then be able to read that book.

I don't send my kids to kindergarten at school because I prefer to teach them at home that year to make sure they learn to read and understand simple math concepts. I have taught my kids to read using a phonics program and all of them have entered school reading, some even reading 2-4 years above grade level. I'm sold on phonics programs.

Then, I had my son. I've learned that phonics is much harder for him to learn than sight words. I've had to relearn and reteach myself so I can work with him. It feels like I'm doing this all backwards. But he is learning and that's what's important.

And I'm learning, learning, learning, I'm thankful for the opportunity to see reading, and learning, from a different angle. Supposedly when kids with DS master over 200 sight words, they begin to speak more. I'm sure hoping that's true because I can't wait to hear all that's on my son's little mind.

Unwanted Christmas Gift

2012-01-24T08:06:00.000-07:00

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas I gave myself an easy, but unwanted, Christmas gift--extra weight. I don't know what it is about that time of year, but all of my resolve hitched a ride to outer Mongolia and left me incapable of resisting the cookies, candies, chocolate, breads, desserts, turkey, mashed potatoes, yams, and ice cream. I just shoveled it in. In my defense, I did try to exercise a bit, but when all of my kids came home and wanted to hang out and do other stuff, I let that slide as well (we did do Just Dance several times so that counts, right?).

So, now I have this extra weight, but I don't want it. I don't like it. I want to return it and exchange my fat self for a thinner one.

Of course, we all know it ain't that easy so . . . .

I've gone back to my regular eating habits--no sweets, no ice cream--basically no white sugar or flour. Lots of salads, fruits, fiber, lean meat, and water. And I'm back to exercising every day.

I'm trying a new exercise program called KettleWorx. It's a 20 minute routine, 3 days a week, with a kettlebell. I add an extra 10 minute routine, use a heavier kettlebell, and do it 5 times a week. I like the routine and it feels like I'm getting stronger. Now, if I can just get that extra weight to drop off. Why is it so much easier to gain weight than to lose it?

Anyone know where I can return my unwanted Christmas gift? Do you think Walmart will take back these extra pounds--they take back everything else :).

Write Here in Ephraim Writing Conference

2012-01-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

Would you like to attend a writing conference? What about a free writing conference? What about a free writing conference at Snow College in Ephraim, UT? What about a free writing conference at Snow College in Ephraim, UT on April 14, 2012?

Well, you're in luck because on April 14, 2012 we are having the 2nd Annual Write Here in Ephraim at Snow College.

Save the date because you won't want to miss it. Did I mention it's free?

Registration begins at 8:00 am and the conference runs until 5:00 pm. There will be about 20 authors in attendance teaching classes on self-publishing, writing mystery/suspense, writing for the YA and MG markets, the nuts and bolts of writing, writing romance, and many more. We'll have door prizes and opportunities for you to meet your favorite authors.

I'll be teaching a couple of classes so I'm very excited about this!

Stay tuned for more details, including a list of instructors and classes. This is going to be AWESOME!

Pam's Story

2012-01-12T20:41:00.000-07:00

I received the following email and checked to verify its truth. Apparently, it's true according to online sources.

In a recent email, I read about a woman named Pam, who knows the pain of considering abortion. More than 24 years ago, she and her husband Bob were serving as missionaries to the Philippines and praying for a fifth child. Pam contracted amoebic dysentery, an infection of the intestine caused by a parasite found in contaminated food or drink.

She went into a coma and was treated with strong antibiotics before they discovered she was pregnant. Doctors urged her to abort the baby for her own safety and told her that the medicines had caused irreversible damage to her baby. She refused the abortion and cited her Christian faith as the reason for her hope that her son would be born without the devastating disabilities physicians predicted. Pam said the doctors didn't think of it as a life, they thought of it as a mass of fetal tissue.

While pregnant, Pam nearly lost their baby four times but refused to consider abortion. She recalled making a pledge to God with her husband: If you will give us a son, we’ll name him Timothy and we’ll make him a preacher. Pam ultimately spent the last two months of her pregnancy in bed and eventually gave birth to a healthy baby boy August 14, 1987.

Pam’s youngest son is indeed a preacher. He preaches in prisons, makes hospital visits, and serves
with his father’s ministry in the Philippines.

He also plays football.

Pam’s son is Tim Tebow.

The University of Florida’s star quarterback became the first sophomore in history to win college football’s highest award, the Heisman Trophy. His current role as quarterback of the Denver Broncos has provided an incredible platform for Christian witness. As a result, he is being called The Mile-High Messiah.

Tim’s notoriety and the family’s inspiring story have given Pam numerous opportunities to speak on behalf of women’s centers across the country. Pam Tebow believes that every little baby you save matters.

I couldn't agree more.

Thank you, Tim Tebow, for reminding the nation that prayer matters. That every life matters. That every baby deserves the right to live.

Yearbook Fiasco: Scantilly Clad Young Woman

2012-01-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

Our high school has garnered some notoriety as of late because the yearbook staff refused to include a photo for a student's senior picture. Rumor has it that this student turned in the photo just to make waves because she was angry with the administration over another matter, but looking at the photo in which she is scantilly clad may suggest otherwise. I've seen the shot, but will not link to it here because that would only further her attempt to gain as much publicity as possible. Suffice it to say that I would never, ever, allow one of my daughters to take such a photo never mind submitting it to the yearbook. It's provocative, in very poor taste, and looks like it belongs in a Playboy magazine.

She is crying that her right to self-expression has been violated. Her mother, who has apparently sought publicity herself on other occassions, has supported her daughter by holding posters and picketing at the high school. Her mother counters that none of her friends find the photo offensive. Some men have commented that they find nothing offensive--well, of course they don't. It's a photo of a half-naked teenage girl.

I'm all for self-expression, but I believe there are limits. The yearbook is meant to be a recounting of that year of high school. It should not be filled with titillating photos of young girls with only a shawl wrapped around their chests. It's in very bad taste to use a school yearbook to further a "modeling" career with a photo that seeks to elicit such base reactions.

The school, in its great wisdom and in an attempt to compromise, offered to let her put that picture in the back of the yearbook as a paid senior ad. Um, still completely inappropriate. If they allow such a photo for a senior ad, where will it stop? Will we have yet more provocative photos, perhaps showing two people in a compromising pose? If it comes to that, we will no longer purchase the yearbook.

The school administration needs to put its foot down and refuse to allow that photo in the yearbook. Period. I am not paying $50 per yearbook to see soft porn. Sorry.

I guess what baffles me is that her mother, a supposed adult, would allow her daughter to 1) take a photo like that, and 2) submit it to the yearbook. The student is young and immature and may not have the capacity to understand the implications, but her mother should.

So far, they have taken this to newspapers, The Today Show, and other publicity places. They plan to sue the school district. It's shameful, in my opinion. Why fight for such a degrading photo? Why allow your daughter to look like an object and diminish her as a young woman? Why focus on her sexuality?

It's embarrassing, really.

Making Memories: Ridiculous Gingerbread Village

2012-01-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

Christmas was fantastic. I had the very best present ever: all of my kids were home to celebrate Christmas with me. My whole family! It was wonderful. We had a great time hanging out, playing on the Wii (LOVE Just Dance), watching movies, eating lots and lots of yummy food, eating even more popcorn, going Christmas caroling, baking cookies, and making the most ridiculous gingerbread village. In. The. World.

I envisioned a cute little town scene with houses made of graham crackers (I may be a Domestic Goddess, but making enough gingerbread for an entire village was beyond my call of duty I decided) decorated with frosting and hard candies. I even got ice cream cones so they could make cute little trees, animal crackers, and plenty of colorful frosting. What I got was a Jedi Temple where Anakin killed all the younglings, a car that ran over and squished (with lots of red frosting) an animal cracker, and an animal cracker massacre. Yes, I do have boys. So much for my sweet little festive Christmas village.

I loved the two weeks off from school, seminary, rehearsals, Scouts, and all of our regular commitments. Sometimes, I think we do run faster than we are able and it's nice to have a chance to slow down, enjoy doing nothing, and make some fun memories (even if there was far too much red frosting used for other purposes in my quiet little village).

School Christmas Program

2011-12-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

Our elementary school likes to be politically correct. Our Christmas program is now the "holiday" program. In their effort to not offend anyone, they've actually offended the majority of community members by trying to take Christmas out of the holidays. Sure, we get a sign here or there but generally the program is very secular and many years it's had absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with Christmas.

This year I went to the dress rehearsal of the program. I noticed that my daughter was singing some song she'd made up about an Irish man and an American man because they were supposed to be representing St. Stephen's Day in Ireland. This holiday is actually religious but it was difficult to see that on stage. After the rehearsal my daughter came home and I talked to her about the song. We then decided she'd sing, "Silent Night," instead. She practiced all afternoon. (I still don't know why she was dressed up as an alligator).

After her performance many people, including her music teacher who had put the program together, complimented her. Her teacher said the song "touched her soul." I was so proud of her. The song was so sweet and, for a moment, reminded all of us about the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas Performance

2011-12-16T14:42:00.001-07:00

My daughter is a member of Applause, a performing choir, that performed at a local mall yesterday. She is the tall blonde. They all did a wonderful job. I love that they learned sign language for this song, A Gift of Love.

Merry Christmas!

Gabby's Secret

2011-12-07T15:05:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited! My new children's chapter book, Gabby's Secret, is now available on the Kindle and on the Nook.

Back Cover:

Third-grader Gabby Honeycutt is devastated when her teacher asks the whole class to participate in the school talent show because everyone will discover her horrible, terrible secret--she's talentless.

Or is she?

What do you think? It's a short chapter book for kids ages 6-8 (third grade reading level) and was inspired by one of my daughters.

Life is Fragile

2011-12-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

My oldest son graduated from high school in 2005. In the last few weeks, two of his classmates have passed away. One died from blood clots in her lungs. I did not know her but feel sad for her family and friends. She was only 24.

The second classmate, Tyler Black, who died over the weekend in a single-engine plane crash on his way to Aspen, I did know. He was in the theater program with my son. He was quite thin and for one of the dance shows he was dressed up as Superman and did some hilarious dance moves. I don't even remember who else was onstage with him because he was so funny he stole the scene. My son was cast as Captain Hook in Peter Pan during his senior year. Tyler was cast as his sidekick, Smee. Tyler played this character so well. He was creepy yet endearing. He and my son made a great combination on stage. Since that time, I often saw Tyler in the audience at various performances supporting his friends.

Tyler's mother has been the choir teacher at our middle school for many years. She's taught most of my kids and was especially encouraging with one of my daughters inviting her to perform in a song competition. She's worked hard to help kids in middle school learn to sing. I cannot imagine the despair she feels at this time.

I have lost both my parents, my maternal grandparents who raised me after my parents died, my paternal grandfather, my sister-in-law, and a very close family friend. Losing a loved one is so painful. My grandmother often said that losing a child was the worst possible pain. I think that the day my mother died, part of my grandfather died with her. He said several times he wanted to jump in the coffin with her. So heartbreaking.

I am thankful for the plan of happiness and to know, really know, that life does not end with death. Though it is very painful to lose someone, death is simply a step in our eternal progression. It is this knowledge that has allowed me to go forward in mortality. I know I will see those I've loved and lost. And I know they are never very far from me.

I don't think the pain of losing someone ever fully disappears, but it isn't that sharp, stabbing pain as time goes on. I still miss those I've lost to death. And I become emotional when I speak about them, but I have faith I will be with them again someday.

Life is very fragile. We never know what will happen. Tyler had no idea that this plane trip would be his last or that his post on FB before boarding that plane would be his last. His family had no idea. We must make each day count. We must love each other. We must forgive. We must let go of anger and grudges. We must let those we love know that we love them. Every day.

We never know when it will be the last goodbye. I still remember vividly the day my father left for work and I got up to tell him goodbye, something I didn't usually do. I even ran to my bedroom window to watch his car leave the subdivision. It was the last time I saw him.

I hope that the families of these two young people will find some comfort. I hope they will feel the arms of the Lord wrapped around them as they trudge through life without their loved ones. And I hope that we will find joy with those who are yet alive. That we will take the time, especially during this season, to right any wrongs and to let those we love know that we love them because life is so very fragile.

A Long Month

2011-12-01T09:07:00.001-07:00

November was a very long month as months go. Seems like our family was hit with trials all at once. Through these experiences, I've been able to learn a few things.

1. There is no peace like the peace that comes from God. He is there to comfort us and help us when things are difficult.
2. God wants to bless us, even in times of difficulty. One of the sweetest ways is through priesthood blessings.
3. I am raising eternal children and an eternal family. Activities are fun and watching them develop talents is important, but everything is secondary to living the gospel.
4. Don't stress about the small stuff. It's okay if the house is messy or the meal isn't gourmet or my shoes don't match my purse. Stress about what is truly important: saying prayers, studying scriptures, attending meetings and the temple, serving others, family unity, having FHE, focusing on the Savior, and living the gospel--the rest of it doesn't matter too much.
5. Prioritize the most important things.
6. Love others as the Savior does and don't be selfish with blessings. Kindness and love go a long way in soothing a soul.
7. Heavenly Father knows and loves each one of us and He watches over us and inspires others to help when necessary. It is our responsibility to be prepared to be inspired. What a blessing it is to see this in action.
8. Don't be so judgmental and critical of others' actions or inactions because you just don't know what they may be struggling with or what burdens they may be silently carrying. Better to give someone the benefit of a doubt than to assume something that isn't true.

Life is a beautiful thing. It is such a blessing to live in mortality and to learn to rely on God. He knows all and understands all, even when we don't, or especially when we don't. If we learn nothing else in this life, we must learn to trust in Him.

I am truly thankful for all that I've been blessed with. I don't live in a mansion or drive a fancy car. I'm usually dressed in sweats with no make-up. I don't go on exotic vacations every year or get may hair and nails done each week. But, I have what matters most. A loving, honorable husband who is steadfast and immovable and loves me and our children, children who are trying to make the right choices each day and showing me how to be a better person, extended family that quietly serves and sets a Christlike example for me, and I have the most important thing of all, the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Book Giveaway Winner

2011-11-01T13:28:00.000-06:00

Thanks to all of you who entered the contest to win a copy of my book in recognition of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. I appreciate the support!

Without further ado, the winner is . . . .

Drum roll, please.

Bonnie.

Yay!!

You can email me your address at talleyrl(AT)yahoo(DOT)com.

Thanks again to everyone who entered.

Book Giveaway

2011-10-31T12:26:00.000-06:00

Today is the last day of the month and the last day to enter my contest to win a copy of my book The Upside of Down. It's easy to enter. The rules are here. You might want to enter to win a copy for yourself or maybe as a gift for someone for a birthday or Christmas.

October is Down Syndrome Awareness month. I've discovered there are still so many misconceptions about DS. People are still so fearful of DS and that tends to breed prejudice. My son does have some challenges, but he also has talents and strengths. He is currently in speech therapy so he can learn to better communicate verbally. He is also still working on potty training. But, he is also doing well learning his letters and he's reading words from flashcards. He's also a whiz on the computer and can use the DVR remote better than I can.

He signed his part in the Primary program yesterday and it was very sweet. He also stood proudly with all the boys while they sang, I Hope They Call Me on a Mission. He wore a suit, white shirt, tie, and "future missionary" name tag. He was adorable.

He has such a funny sense of humor and loves to make others laugh. He loves to jump on the trampoline. He loves to eat pudding, string cheese, and apple sauce. His favorite cartoon is SpongeBob (I think it makes his brains fall out his ears, but he loves it and can even say SpongeBob). His laugh is infectious and he has the brightest eyes.

Would I wish a child with DS on anyone? Absolutely not. I would only wish a child with DS on someone who would be thankful for such a blessing. I would only wish a child with DS on someone who could see beyond the challenges and see the child the same way that Heavenly Father sees him/her. I would only wish a child with DS on someone who would value that child and do his/her best to allow that child to reach his/her potential. Not everyone is cut out to raise a child with DS--many of us, like me, never knew we had it in us. Having a child with DS does bring challenges, but those challenges are so minor compared to the tremendous blessings.

I may not have planned to have a child with DS, but I am ever so grateful that Heavenly Father entrusted my son to me. I have learned far more from him than he will ever learn from me.

Those with Special Needs Are Not Burdens

2011-10-28T13:35:00.000-06:00

My daughter's high school English class had a discussion about people with special needs after reading, "Of Mice and Men." The question posed to the class was whether or not people with disabilities are burdens.

My very tender-hearted daughter, who spent 2 years in middle school working with kids with special needs, was astonished to find so many in her class who believe those with disabilites really don't deserve to live. One girl was adamant that people with disabilites are like animals. Another girl believed they shouldn't be cared for. Others agreed that people with disabilites are complete burdens on everyone. My daughter was relieved that one young man pointed out that everyone in that room was a burden.

My guess is that none of those kids have ever worked with nor been around someone with special needs. How sad to have such a narrow view.

Are we raising our kids to see those who have challenges as nothing more than animals? Are we so focused on perfection that we relegate those who are "imperfect" to sub-human status? Do we consider those with challenges as burdens?

We like to think we've come so far when it comes to discrimination, but the truth is, there's still plenty of prejudice and ignorance to go around when it comes to people with special needs.

Let's teach our children the truth. We all have challenges. Some may be more visible than others, but we all have them. Let us be kind and and merciful when we encounter those who have disabilites. After all, however merciful we are to others, for whatever reason, is how merciful God will be with us.

Book of Mormon Combats Evil

2011-10-26T09:04:00.000-06:00

We have a history teacher in our school district who is teaching her students that there are no heroes or villains in history, no right or wrong, no good or bad. She says it's a matter of perception.

Really?

We haven't had people commit horrible acts of violence throughout history? Hitler or Stalin or Hussein? If we don't admit these men committed heinous acts against millions of people how will we learn and prevent such things from happening again?

No heroes? What about the men and women who have lost their lives protecting our freedom? The founding fathers? Ghandi? Florence Nightingale? Mother Theresa? If we don't recognize heroes how can we emulate and model heroic behavior?

Last year, my middle school daughter had a teacher who told her she needed to stop listening to her parents and form her own opinions. Interestingly enough, he never told the other students this--you know, the ones that agreed with him. He only focused on my daughter because she disagreed with him on social issues and took a strong stand that right and wrong do exist. He unsuccessfully tried to sway her thinking to embrace the idea that morality is relative.

I used to scratch my head when people would say that the Book of Mormon was written for our day because it was written so long ago--how could it be for today? As I was thinking about these teachers and the false ideas they are attempting to plant in the minds of students I started reading in Alma when Korihor came to town. He taught the people similar things as these teachers. He told them to stop believing the "foolish traditions of their fathers" and to not worry about what they were doing because there was no God.

Korihor demanded a sign before he would believe and when he was struck dumb as that sign, he begged for the curse to be lifted and said he now believed. Too late. He ended up begging for food and was trampled to death. He'd been deceived by the devil who had appeared to him as an angel.

Many are being deceived today and seek to further that deception in our society and in our schools. If we read and study the Book of Mormon we will know how to spot and combat ideas that will lead us away from truth and away from God.

The Book of Mormon is our defense to combat Satan and his attempts to carefully lead us down to hell.

Trip to Utah

2011-10-18T12:59:00.000-06:00

We spent this last weekend visiting our kids in Utah. My son and his wife are trying to purchase a home in Payson and we wanted to see it. We had a lot of fun together. We drove up Payson canyon and took some photos I wanted to share. The canyon is an explosion of colors. I've never seen such vibrant, magnificent colors. If you live anywhere near Payson, UT you need to take a drive up this canyon. It's breathtaking. These photos don't do justice to the spectacular show of colors, but they do showcase my rather awesome family!

Homecoming Queen

2011-10-07T17:54:00.000-06:00

This story warms my heart and gives me hope that kids with Down syndrome can enjoy the same things as kids without DS. I love the expression on this beautiful young woman's face when her name is announced. They say everything is bigger in Texas--apparently so are the hearts of the voting student body in this high school.

I hope we can all see people with DS as people, not as chromosome counts.

Thanks to Elodia Strain for posting the link on the Writing Fortress blog.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month: Book Giveaway

2011-10-03T13:53:00.000-06:00

In recognition of Down Syndrome Awareness Month I am going to give away a copy of my novel, The Upside of Down. While my book does have a sub-plot about DS, it is not about DS. The story is about an LDS woman who thinks she has indestructible faith until her life is turned upside down and she must decide whether or not she still has faith. The title is a play on words.

Too many people still have misconceptions about Down syndrome. I didn't know much about it until I had to learn. Since then, I've realized that people with DS are much more like those of us without it than not. They have distinct personalities, likes and dislikes, strengths, weaknesses, talents, dreams, struggles, etc. Because their struggles are more visible, they tend to be targets of ridicule and name-calling. Many people in our society are still ignorant of what people with DS can do and how people with DS can make the world a better place.

We become so focused on perfection we fail to see the blessings of imperfections. Currently, the medical profession is working to eliminate DS from our society. Not by curing it, but by preventing it through abortion. Specialized testing is now available earlier in pregnancy so more pregnancies diagnosed with DS can be terminated thereby practicing selective birthing.

The message: those with DS are sub-human and should not be allowed to live simply because they have an extra chromosome. Sounds Hitleresque to me.

I want to make people aware that while parenting a child with DS has its unique challenges, it also has great and wonderful blessings. I can't imagine my life without my son. I have found great joy in the simple things I took for granted with my other kids. I have learned patience and acceptance and total reliance on my Heavenly Father to guide me in how to best serve my son. I've learned things I did not learn with my previous nine children. My son's life has been a gift to me.

So, my gift to you is a chance to win a copy of my book. The contest will run through midnight, October 31st. I will use Random.org to choose a winner on November 1st. If you'd like to enter:

1. Become a follower--1 entry
and/or
2. Tell 3 friends about my book--1 entry
3. email me at talleyrl(AT)yahoo(DOT)com or leave a comment here to let me know what you did.

Thanks for your interest!

Writing Ups and Downs

2011-09-30T08:37:00.000-06:00

First, for a writing "up." The cover for The Upside of Down is on a Goodreads list of breath taking covers of 2011. If you like this cover and want to vote for it here is the link http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/12809.Breath_Taking_Covers_Of_2011_2012#9634194. Thanks!

Now, for a writing "down." I wrote a short ebook Hook Me: What to Include in Your First Chapter to help aspiring writers know what to include in a first chapter. It's based on my experience reading many, many first chapters from novice writers. I placed it on Kindle and on Smashwords for $.99. Earlier this week, someone posted a very negative reviewon Amazon giving it 2 stars and warning people to stay away. The reviewer even said that after reading the entire book he/she asked for a refund of the $.99. Others who've read the book then posted 5-star reviews. Interestingly enough, the 2-star reviewer changed his/her rating to 1-star and then another very negative review popped up with another 1-star. Bad reviews are nothing new, but this one seems odd, almost as if the reviewer(s) is on a personal vendetta or crusade to stop people from purchasing my ebook. I have no idea what sparked such a response nor how my book might have offended the reader(s). It's been interesting to watch and disappointing that someone would be on such a crusade to stop every potential reader from purchasing the book simply because he/she didn't find it valuable. I don't understand it. The reviews are here if you want to read them http://www.amazon.com/Hook-Me-Include-Chapter-ebook/dp/B004Q9TX18/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1317391433&sr=8-3.

Writing makes me feel bi-polar at times. Up one minute, down the next. Some days I feel like quitting and never writing another word and other days I feel like there will never be enough time to write all that's in my head and heart. Quite the strange business. I've often thought it would be easier to be a brain surgeon, but as my friend Josi Kilpack pointed out, you can't continually revise a brain surgery you have to actually get it right the first time. Guess I'll stick to writing.

A Blue Rose

2011-09-29T08:06:00.006-06:00

This is circulating on the internet. Thank you to my sister for passing it along to me. I do not know who wrote it, but this sweet story brought tears to my eyes and I wanted to share it with you. May we all acknowledge the blue roses around us.

A Blue Rose

Having four visiting family members, my wife was very busy, so I offered to go to the store for her to get some needed items, which included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags, detergent and Clorox. So off I went.

I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies and headed for the checkout counter, only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man who appeared to be about sixteen-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over here."

It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged and also startled as he turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey Buddy, what's your name?"

"My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he responded proudly.

"Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny, but my name is Steve."

"Steve, like Stevarino?" he asked. "

Yes," I answered. "How old are you, Denny?"

"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle.

"You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass by."

I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement, because he was the center of someone's attention. He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.

Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him.

I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow, and pink roses in God's Garden; however, "Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a Blue Rose and if someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God.

She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who are you?"

Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a dandelion, but I sure love living in God's garden."

She reached out, squeezed my hand and said, "God bless you!" and then I had tears in my eyes.

May I suggest, the next time you see a BLUE ROSE, don't turn your head and walk off. Take the time to smile and say Hello. Why? Because, by the grace of GOD, this mother or father could be you. This could be your child, grandchild, niece or nephew. What a difference a moment can mean to that person or their family.

From an old dandelion!

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

Leave the rest to God.

"People will forget what you said, People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel!"

~ Anonymous ~

A Perfect Family Day

2011-09-28T11:57:00.000-06:00

On Saturday we took the whole family to watch their brother's soccer game. After the game, we took a trail near the river and walked to one of our favorite restaurants, Serious Texas BBQ, for some Texas Tacos. WE finished lunch and then made our way back along the river stopping to play in the water. My husband taught the kids how to skip rocks while my youngest just played in the mud. The cool water was the perfect compliment to the warm day.

After a stop at Sonic for some refreshments, we drove home. I cut the boys' hair and then made pizza for dinner. We watched, "How to Train your Dragon," for our family movie. Cute show.

It was a relaxing, fun day that we spent entirely with the family. We don't often get days like that. Usually we are running from here to there to everywhere with lots and lots of activities. It was a nice day and each of the kids commented on how much they enjoyed it.

I am thankful for simple days like that remind me of what really matters.

Here are some photos from our day:

Speech Therapy Rant

2011-09-23T17:52:00.000-06:00

I am quite aware that my son has Down syndrome. I have been aware of that for over five years. I also freely admit that he has a speech delay and may have other struggles down the road. It is no secret that he has Down syndrome and I took off my rose-colored glasses years ago.

I have never sent any of my children to pre-school or kindergarten. I am a SAHM and I have chosen to teach all of my children to read and do math so when they enter school in first grade they are prepared. My children enter school reading 2-4 years above grade level. I take my responsibility as a parent very seriously and want to make sure my children are life-long learners. Not all parents would make the same decision as we have regarding pre-school and kindergarten. We are fortunate that we have the opportunity and freedom in our country to make the decisions we feel best serve our individual children and it does no one any good to be judgmental of those decisions.

For the second day in a row, I was judged for my decision to homeschool my son. I was chastised by a professional today who has never met my son and knows nothing about him. I was calling to get information about speech therapy in my area and instead was treated like a horrible mother because I did not enroll my son in school at three years of age so he could receive all the services he needs. Umm, excuse me? How can someone who has never met my son decide what services he needs? Unless of course he's lumped into the "Down syndrome box" where every child with DS needs every available service. Any child that needs services should absolutely receive them, but I strongly disagree with the idea that all kids with Down syndrome are the same anymore than all kids without Down syndrome are the same. Not all kids with Down syndrome need all services. My son no longer needs physical therapy and has never needed occupational therapy (according to his doctor and previous therapists).

He does need speech therapy but because he is not enrolled in school he cannot receive it unless it is through a private speech therapist. The problem? Finding a private speech therapist is next to impossible. So, my taxes go to pay for these state services but my son cannot use any of them because he isn't in school. Did it occur to anyone that one of the determining factors for my husband and I to feel comfortable in sending him to school will be his ability to communicate verbally? The very service they are denying him is exactly what he needs to be able to attend school in the future.

My son is not ready for school away from home yet and we can make that decision because we are his parents and know him and his abilities better than anyone else. In fact, he is currently enrolled in a virtual kindergarten program we do every day at home and he's doing fine. He can match letters and recognizes all the letters of the alphabet. He understands "the same" but not "different" yet. He is also learning his numbers.

Don't get me wrong, he can totally communicate but he needs to be able to do so verbally. All I want to do is find a therapist that can help him do that.

Exercise is Killing Me!

2011-09-19T12:20:00.000-06:00

I used to play basketball in high school. In college, I took aerobics classes and then found exercise shows on TV after I had kids. I loved working out to "Gilad's Bodies in Motion" in the 90s. I then found "The Firm" and "Tae Bo" videos/DVDs. I've worked out over the years, some times more than others depending on pregnancies.

One of my older daughters has returned home to go to a local college that is far less expensive than her out-of-state first year. And she's discovered P90X, a new exercise program on DVDs. My nephews have been doing P90X for a few years and talked a lot about it but I never thought much about it.

What is P90X? Well, it's death by exercise. No kidding--Tony Horton, the creator, is an exercise madman. This guy is definitely the inspiration for the Energizer Bunny. He's 45 and totally ripped. He looks better than most guys half his age. But, the guy really belongs in a torture camp.

This exercise program is not for the wimpy (me). It is a serious program that boasts a complete body change (if you stick with the program and follow it closely) in 90 days. I think all it will do to me is send me into cardiac arrest. But, I am going to stick with it nevertheless. My daughter will make sure of that.

I did Plyometrics this morning which is one of the 13 DVDs and is basically aerobics on crack. Lots of jumping and barely any time to breathe. But, if I can keep up with it without sucking so much air by the end of 90 days, I will really accomplish something. I want to be in better shape as well as take some weight off.

Wish me luck!

Book Review: Ribbon of Darkness

2011-09-08T08:19:00.007-06:00

Back Cover:

A split-second decision could change the world’s darkest hour to one of triumph--but who is willing to pay the price?

Kennedy Campbell has been running away for a long time--using her position as an international journalist to escape the ghosts of her family's past. She finds some solace working in an Afghan refugee camp, until the Taliban attacks them and Kennedy is forced to flee. She is pulled into a terrorist's realm of darkness as she fights to save those around her, but will it come at the expense of her own life?

Ethan Barak leads a double life, helping MI-6 bring down arms dealers all over the world until his father is murdered by an old associate. Ethan makes his next mission a personal vendetta by tracking down the killer to Indonesia.

While there, he finds himself in a position to either avenge his father or stop a terrorist attack on the Malacca Strait that will jeopardize innocent lives across the world. Can he look past his father's murder to save others?

The line between justice and mercy is blurred with each passing second, and international intrigue becomes intensely personal as the age-old struggle for redemption is brought close to home.

Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? Well, let me tell you, this is one fast-paced, gotta-keep-reading novel. If you love suspense, this is one book you have to read. And, if you haven't experienced a suspense novel, this one will hook you for sure.

Page after page I kept thinking, "Okay, I have to go to sleep now," but I couldn't because I had to keep reading (or clicking since I read it on my Kindle). I had to find out if Ethan was going to be a good guy or not and if Kennedy would ever get out alive. I also had to see if there'd be enough smooching--there was. I kept finding my heartbeat speeding up either because of the action or because of the smooching.

I loved Kennedy, she was strong yet feminine. She wasn't about to take anything lying down and she was with Ethan throughout the whole ordeal despite his attempts to baby/protect her.

Bellon does an excellent job with her descriptions. I felt like I was right there handcuffed to a pipe in the bathroom or in the middle of the boat or hiding in a closet trying to keep my breathing quiet so I wouldn't get caught. I could "see" the setting and the people. Bellon is a master storyteller and this book will keep you hooked until the last page.

And, I love the cover, too.

I definitely recommend this book. You can purchase it at Amazon. It's available in paperback or for your Kindle.

This book is also eligible for a Whitney Award.

PS I won this book in a contest. My opinion is my very own and no one else's.

Great Bench Building Eagle Project

2011-09-03T13:57:00.001-06:00

Two years ago my then 13-year-old son got approval for his Eagle project. Behind our elementary school we had a bunch of dirt. Some parents got together and decided to make that area useful by turning it into a learning garden where they could plant different types of plants to teach the kids about different growing zones of the country. Another young man took the planning of the garden and its initial creation on as his Eagle project. He then named the garden area after his older sister who'd passed away at age 12.

The garden has grown and has some really cool features like the peace pole and a shade area and unique paths. The kids work in it during the fall and spring (when it isn't too cold). It's a great place to sit and watch birds and insects, except there was nowhere to sit. Until now. My son's Eagle project has been to build benches for the learning garden so the kids can observe nature and write in their journals.

The original plan was to build these benches two years ago but then my oldest son decided to get married and that threw all of us into a tailspin as we planned (and I sewed) for the wedding and reception. Then it was too cold to work on the benches so we hoped to complete them last summer.

As part of the project, my son had to solicit a donation to pay for the supplies. He wrote a letter and then patiently waited for a reply. The reply didn't come and didn't come and we discovered that the company had never received his request. So he had to wait again to go through the process and when the approval came through, it was too cold to build and polyurethane the benches.

This summer he finally had the funds and we had no wedding to plan. So we embarked on the Great Bench Building Project of 2011. It has taken us all summer to get them built between all the summer camps, trips to Utah, and family visits. We've been polyurethaning them for the last three weeks. My son has had to organize and supervise building and then polyurethaning parties and it's taken so long because while we've had an extremely dry summer, every time, and I mean every time, we've pulled the benches out to polyurethane them, it's rained.

I guess we don't need an Indian Rain Dance we just need to try to finish an Eagle project to get it to rain in our area. And not sprinkles. No, we've had downpours. And we've had to rush outside and haul the benches inside the garage and stack them up to keep them out of the rain.

But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We only need one more coat of polyurethane. And what is that I hear outside? Oh, yeah, it's thunder . . . .

Winner of Blog Hop

2011-09-01T11:25:00.000-06:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in the blog hop. Wasn't it fun? Thanks to Tristi Pinkston for sponsoring it. If you haven't read any of Tristi's books, you are missing out! Be sure to visit her blog and learn about all of her books--she's multi-talented for sure.

Without further ado, the winner of a copy of my book The Upside of Down is . . . . (drum roll, please) Alison. Yay!!! I hope you enjoy the book, Alison. I'll contact you for your address.

Thanks again for the support! Happy reading!

Awesome August Blog Hop

2011-08-29T07:41:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the Awesome August Blog Hop, where bloggers from all over the Internet have come together to throw a summertime party!

Every blog on this hop is offering a fun prize, and entering is quick and easy. Simply follow the instructions on each blog, leave a comment, and bop right along to the next blog. You can win multiple times, so be sure to check out all the participating blogs!

On my blog, you can win a copy of my book The Upside of Down

To enter:

1. Become a follower of my blog.
2. Subscribe to my newsletter (located in the right hand column). I promise not to spam you. I send out a newsletter every quarter or so.
3. Leave me a comment and tell me that you've done both things. If your e-mail isn't available through your profile, I'll need you to leave that, too - I can't tell you if you've won if I can't contact you!

This blog hop runs through Wednesday night at midnight, so be sure to enter before then! The winner will be notified by e-mail.

Now that you've entered my contest, come meet all my other blog friends and see what fun things they are offering!

Awesome August Blog Hop Participants

1. Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author
2. Karen Hoover
3. Michael Young
4. Kristy Tate
5. Cindy Hogan
6. Julie Bellon
7. Margot Hovley
8. Laurie Lewis
9. Mandi Slack
10. Melanie Jacobson
11. Joyce DiPastena
12. Renae Mackley

13. Debbi Weitzell
14. Donna Hatch
15. Carolyn Frank
16. Marsha Ward
17. Stacy Coles
18. Bonnie Harris
19. Danyelle Ferguson aka Queen of the Clan
20. Diony George
21. Lisa Asanuma
22. Susan Dayley
23. Christine Bryant @ Day Dreamer
24. Stephanie Humphreys

25. Ranee` Clark
26. Tamera Westhoff
27. I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
28. Heather Justesen
29. Rebecca Talley
30. Jennifer Hurst
31. Aimee Brown
32. Cheryl Christensen
33. Rachelle Christensen
34. Imaginary Reads
35. Andrea Pearson

Learn more about Awesome August Blog Hop here.
View More Awesome August Blog Hop Participants
Get The Code

Good luck!

The Whitney Awards: Nominate a Novel

2011-08-23T11:17:00.001-06:00

Have you read a great novel by an LDS author? Would you like to recognize that novel? You can! Just visit The Whitney Awards and nominate your favorite 2011 titles (yes, my book, The Upside of Down, is a 2011 title). The deadline for nominations is December 31, 2011.

If you aren't familiar with The Whitney Awards here's some info:

What are the Whitneys?

The Whitneys are an awards program for novels by LDS authors. Elder Orson F. Whitney, an early apostle in the LDS church, prophesied “We will yet have Miltons and Shakespeares of our own.” Since we have that as our goal, we feel that we should also honor those authors who excel and continually raise the bar.

The Whitney Awards honor novels in the following categories: General Fiction, Romance, Suspense/Mystery, Speculative Fiction, Youth Fiction, Historical, Best Novel of the Year, and Best Novel by a New Author. Novels can be nominated by any reader (via this website or by mail), and nominees are voted on by an academy of industry professionals, including authors, publishers, bookstore owners, distributors, critics, and others.

The awards were founded in 2007 and operate as an semi-autonomous subsidiary of LDStorymakers.

Who are we?

The 2011 Whitney Awards Committee is comprised of six members:

•Josi Kilpack (President)
•Annette Lyon
•Heather Moore
•Jana Parkin
•Sarah M. Eden
•Luisa Perkins

For more information about the roles and responsibilities of the committee, see the official rules.

The Whitney Awards are sponsored and endorsed by LDStorymakers, the authors guild for the LDS market.

For more information on The Whitney Awards or to nominate a book (yes, go nominate one right now!) you can visit The Whitney Awards here.

Purging the House

2011-08-16T11:43:00.000-06:00

I can't believe the summer is almost over. It makes me sad. I love having my kids home. We've accomplished a lot this summer.

We cleaned out, purged, repainted, and moved kids into different bedrooms. I love having clean bedrooms. I didn't repaint my bedroom, but I cleaned it out. Surprisingly, I eat a lot of granola bars and fruit treats, play with a lot of toys, drink a lot of water bottles, and wear a lot of small socks and underwear, at least that's what I found under my bed. My room seems to be the most popular room in the house and my kids hang out in it all the time.

I also purged my linen closet of old towels and blankets. I think some of those towels I'd gotten as wedding gifts--yeah, it was way past time to purge. I cleaned out our utility closet and all my kitchen cabinets and our china hutch. I've donated lots of items and thrown away others. I think we've been through every room in the house now and it feels wonderful!!!

Now to keep it up and not allow the mess to build up again.

Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon

2011-08-10T09:48:00.000-06:00

Back cover copy:

A split-second decision could change the world’s darkest hour to one of triumph--but who is willing to pay the price?

Kennedy Campbell has been running away for a long time--using her position as an international journalist to escape the ghosts of her family's past. She finds some solace working in an Afghan refugee camp, until the Taliban attacks them and Kennedy is forced to flee. She is pulled into a terrorist's realm of darkness as she fights to save those around her, but will it come at the expense of her own life?

Ethan Barak leads a double life, helping MI-6 bring down arms dealers all over the world until his father is murdered by an old associate. Ethan makes his next mission a personal vendetta by tracking down the killer to Indonesia. While there, he finds himself in a position to either avenge his father or stop a terrorist attack on the Malacca Strait that will jeopardize innocent lives across the world. Can he look past his father's murder to save others?

The line between justice and mercy is blurred with each passing second, and international intrigue becomes intensely personal as the age-old struggle for redemption is brought close to home.

Sounds exciting, doesn't it? Julie Bellon is a fantastic suspense writer. One of her many strengths as a writer is her use of description. She includes all the senses to make you feel like you are right in the middle of all the action. In one of the scenes, Kennedy is trying to get away from her captor and it made my heart beat faster. I could "see" the places and even feel the atmosphere.

I love Kennedy. She is strong and certainly not a victim . She isn't about to take life lying down, that's for sure. I haven't finished the book yet, but I'm anxious to keep reading and see what happens. I know I won't be disappointed. Bellon is an excellent writer and I admire how she can capture the moment so effortlessly.

Ribbon of Darkness is on a special sale right now for $8.88 for the Kindle edition at Amazon. Go check it out--you can have a copy on your Kindle in under a minute! You can read the first chapter here.

To learn more about Julie Bellon visit her blog

Painting My Guts Out

2011-08-04T09:19:00.000-06:00

Have you missed me? I've been AWOL from the blogosphere for most of the summer. I've posted here and there but, for the most part, I haven't been online much.

Why?

Well, I wish it was because I'd been writing the next bestseller and had been offered a huge 5-book contract with movie rights and everything, but that's simply my fantasy.

The real truth is that I've been painting my guts out. All. Summer.

Child #3 decided to come home from college and live here for a while. She'd been living in Provo and this month would've lived there for a year and gained residency, or so we thought. Even though she'd been living on her own, paying her own bills, and bought a car on her own in Utah, since we'd claimed her on our taxes as a dependent for 2010, Utah would not recognize her as a resident. The difference in tuition between resident and non-resident at Utah Valley University was well over $4000 per semester and since we make our children pay for their own college expenses, she couldn't afford it. The state of Utah wasn't willing to work with her for residency and UVU couldn't care less if she stayed or not. We have a local college here that is $600 per semester for tuition so it made much more sense for her to come home and go to school here.

But, in coming home we had a ripple effect on bedrooms. We moved the boys from upstairs to the basement, the younger girls from their smaller bedroom to the boys' previous and bigger bedroom, and we moved my daughter into the smaller bedroom that will also act as the guest bedroom. It made more sense to do this because all the girls can use the big bathroom and the boys can now use the smaller bathroom downstairs to get ready.

I had already painted the bathroom and completely changed its decor. We then started to move out furniture, clothes, toys, and far too much junk from each bedroom. We decluttered and purged each bedroom (my kids belong on that show Hoarders: Buried Alive) which took quite a bit of time. Then we started painting. And painting. And painting. Did I mention we started painting?

I've watched far too many HGTV shows and thought I could spray paint the boys' furniture and steel bed frame without incident. HA. Not even close. Horrible experience painting their furniture. Never again.

Now ir's done. The rooms are clean, freshly-painted, and redecorated. I can see the carpet in each kids' bedroom. I can see the floor of the closets. It feels so much better. The bathroom looks beautiful and elegant. We have paint in our hair. Sore muscles. We're exhausted. And the summer has disappeared.

But, the upside is that when Hoarders: Buried Alive comes knocking at my door I can honestly turn them away :).

Exciting Event: Tristi Pinkston's New Book Launch

2011-07-31T07:00:00.001-06:00

Author Tristi Pinkston is excited to announce the release of the third novel in her Secret Sisters Mysteries series.

Titled Hang ‘em High, this novel takes place on a dude ranch in Montana. When Ida Mae’s son invites her to come for a visit, of course she brings Arlette and Tansy along with her. They are expecting to spend the week looking at horses, avoiding the cows, and making amends in Ida Mae’s relationship with her son. What they don’t expect is to be stuck on the ranch in the middle of a blizzard and to be thrust headlong into the middle of a mystery.

***

Help Tristi celebrate her new novel in two ways. First, come participate in the two-week-long blog contest, where you can win a book nearly every single day! All the details are up on Tristi’s blog.

Second, come to the book launch!

You are invited to an

August Authorama!

Saturday, August 13th

Pioneer Book, 858 S. State, Orem

12 – 4 pm

Games, prizes, balloons, face painting,

and Dutch oven cobbler

prepared by world champion cook

Keith Fisher.

Authors Tristi Pinkston, J. Lloyd Morgan, Cindy Hogan,

Nichole Giles, and Heather Justesen

will all be there to sign books.

This is one book launch event

you will not want to miss!

Time Capsule

2011-07-26T09:19:00.000-06:00

If you read a previous post, you'll know how excited I was when I learned my mother's high school graduating class was going to be opening a time capsule in celebration of its 50th class reunion. I was hoping there'd be something from her that would give me some insight into her life since she passed away 36 years ago.

I waited for the report on the local news channel and even watched the clip of them opening the capsule. Much to my disappointment all it contained was a newspaper from that time period and a directory of school district employees. Blah. Not exciting at all.

In my mind, I had built up this incredible experience where they'd open the capsule and there would be letters from students, including one from my mom. In my imagination her letter talked about her dreams and aspirations, her life in high school, and maybe even a bit about her personality. I fantasized that I'd be able to get that letter and hold it in my hands, a tangible piece of my mother.

She wrote a book of poems that I illustrated back in the early 1970s after my father passed away. That book gives me some insight into her heart and what it was like to be widowed at such a young age, but I still yearn for more.

I suppose I'll never really know her until I have the opportunity to see her again. I know many people do not believe in life after death, but I'm as certain of that as I am that the sun will rise each day. I've had far too many experiences to deny the existence of life after death. I know someday I will be reunited with my parents and I will have the opportunity to truly know each one of them. And this is what gets me through the times when I miss them more than usual. The times I wanted to share with them in mortality like the births of each of my children, birthday celebrations, Christmas, vacations, graduations, marriages.

Through the years I've learned to live with their absences and no longer feel that stabbing pain of mourning, but missing them has never ever left me. You'd think after 35 plus years I wouldn't even think about it, but my parents are a part of me. Though I did not know them much in mortality, they live within me, and someday, I am confident, I will spend eternity with them and this time apart in mortality will only be a small memory.

A Time Capsule from My Mom?

2011-07-22T11:57:00.000-06:00

I'm on pins and needles . . . .

My mother was part of the first graduating class of San Marcos High School in Santa Barbara, CA in 1961. She was very active in her class. She was a cheerleader and a Homecoming princess. This weekend that class is celebrating its 50th year reunion. In addition to the regular reunion activities, they will be opening a time capsule.

My mother passed away in 1973 when I was a little girl. I never had the opportunity to really know her. I remember that she was beautiful, something I can see in photos. But, I never knew her personality. Was she funny? Compassionate? Kind? Silly at times? Strong? Sensitive? Did she believe in God? I honestly don't know.

Since my father had passed away in 1968, after my mother's death my sister and I lived with our maternal grandparents. I often asked my grandmother to tell me about my mother but her memories were more about surface things like how she wore her hair and what clothes she liked. Grandma never really shared much about what my mother was like inside, the kind of person she was. As a result I've yearned for information about my mom, wondering through the years if I'm anything like her.

This time capsule has me very intrigued. I wonder if my mother put anything in it. And, if she did, what she put in there. Will it give me a glimpse into her life? Into her personality? Will there be a letter? A photo? I'm so curious, almost ridiculously so, because I feel like after all of these years without her, I might have some communication from her. Of course, it wouldn't be to me because I was born a few years after the time capsule, but maybe she left something that will give me some insight into her.

I don't even know how I'll find out about the capsule. I have contacted a friend whose mom was one of my mother's friend and who is in charge of the reunion and I'm hoping she'll let me know if there's anything in the capsule from my mom. Until then, my mind is racing with all sorts of possibilities.

This is a family photo when I was about 6 months old.

My mother and me when I was about 7 weeks old.

Christmas. Grandma had a flocked tree with the same decorations for years and years.

We're in the backyard of our house close to the beach in Santa Barbara.

Righteous Leadership

2011-07-12T12:33:00.000-06:00

Political parties are revving up for the upcoming elections in 2012. As I watch the various campaigns and promises I am reminded of the account of King Noah in the Book of Mormon.

Zeniff was a righteous man and king. He instilled the value of hard work within his people and they were industrious.Zeniff conferred the kingdom on his son, Noah, and then he died. Noah did not walk in the ways of his father. He was lazy and glutted himself on the labors of his people. He and his priests lived a riotous lifestyle and had many wives and concubines. They did not keep the commandments of God.

As a result, his people became wicked. He, as their leader, set the example of a corrupted lifestyle. He lead them away from God. When Abinadi came to King Noah and his people and called them to repentance they sought to kill him. Eventually, they burned Abinadi because they did not want to hear the word of the Lord. They were content in their iniquity and had no desire to live the laws of God. Because of their refusal to repent of their iniquity, Noah's people were put in bondage to the Lamanites. If Noah had been a righteous leader, or if Zeniff had conferred the kingdom on a righteous son, their outcome would've been different. The account of King Noah teaches us that our leaders do have an affect on our society and we must be careful of who leads us.

As we consider who we'll vote for, we need to consider whether that person will lead us toward the light or the dark. Will he/she affect our society in a positive or negative way? Will he/she lead us toward God or away from Him?

Many want to deny the existence of God or our dependence on Him, but whether you believe in God or not does not change the fact that He is real and He is eager to bless us when we keep His commandments.

Many good men and women in politics are tarnished by the acts of a few. We've seen examples recently of politicians who chose to have affairs, father children out of wedlock, and use the internet for evil purposes. My brother-in-law, J. Paul Brown, is one of the most decent men I know. He is currently serving the state of CO as a representative for our area in SW CO. He is honest, hard-working, and smart. He is the kind of leader we need in our states and in Washington D.C.

As I look for those for whom I will vote, I will determine whether or not they will lead us in a good direction. I hope that as we near the 2012 elections we will all take the time to learn about our candidates and make sure we vote for those we feel will best represent us and will be honest in their dealings. It didn't take long for the effects of King Noah's wicked leadership to destroy their society. For evil to prevail, good men must do nothing.

Provo and Eternity

2011-07-07T11:34:00.000-06:00

We spent last weekend in Provo, UT. All of my older kids live in Provo so it makes it nice to only have to travel to one place and we can all be together. Even though there are so many of us, I love when we're all together.

We've lived in CO for almost 17 years. We've been working to make our home and surrounding land self-sustaining and we've put a lot of time and money into our property. I love living in the country. I love having the space. I love the quiet (well, that's relative considering I have so many kids). I love the dark nights and the sky filled with sparkling stars. I love the country lifestyle. I love the privacy. I love so much about living here.

And yet, I feel myself pulled toward Provo because that's where my older children live. I realize they may not live there forever, but, right now, they do and I feel this pull. Of course, we aren't going to move right now so I have to settle for visiting them. I love to visit them, but I'm always so sad when we leave. I miss seeing them every day. I hate leaving part of my family in another state.

Yes, that's part of life. I know they need to grow up and move on and live their own lives with their own families. But, no one ever prepared me for this part of mothering. No one ever told me how hard it would be to let my kids leave. No one ever told me that I'd miss them this much. My husband teases me that I need to cut the umbilical cord, but I don't want to. Where did all the years go? How did it zip by so fast?

Knowing how I feel now, I cannot imagine facing eternity without my family. I think hell for me would be being separated from my family forever. And that gives me a tiny glimpse into how Heavenly Father feels when we make choices that separate us from Him. I'm sure He is as desperate to spend eternity with all of His kids as I am to spend it with mine. I can only hope that each member of my family will make the choices that will allow us to be together forever. I want my family to be eternal.

Interview about Sodium with Tristi Pinkston

2011-06-30T11:53:00.000-06:00

I'm thrilled to have my fabulous guest, Tristi Pinkston, visiting my blog today. Tristi is a multi-talented author and all-around fantastic person. She amazes me with all she accomplishes and now, on top of writing her fun, cozy Secret Sisters mysteries she has created a cookbook filled with delicious, low-sodium recipes. I admit, I've never worried much about sodium. My blood pressure is low and I don't eat fast food very often. But, as Tristi points out, some of the foods we commonly have in our homes can have high sodium content. And, high sodium is not good for our hearts.

Tristi has tested each of these recipes and is now offering her new cookbook for a great price.

Here's my interview:

Why should we worry about sodium?
Sodium puts pressure on the heart and it causes the kidneys to work extra hard. We need a certain amount in our diets – at least 400 mg. – but when we are getting too much of it, we’re hurting our bodies. It’s recommended that you try for no more than 1,000 mg. per day.

I don't use table salt so I'm safe from too much sodium, right?

Sorry to say, nope. A lot of foods contain sodium naturally, and if you’re eating a lot of prepackaged or boxed foods, you’re eating the sodium that’s been used to preserve the food. You can live a very high-sodium lifestyle without ever reaching for the salt shaker.

What kinds of food have high sodium content?

Fast food is one of the biggest culprits. When you get a combo, you’re eating about 1200 mg. One taco has over 400 mg, and who can get full eating just one taco? I know I don’t. But then there are foods that we commonly have around the house. Cottage cheese, while being touted as a great healthy food, actually has 400 mg. in one serving. Salad dressings, ham and bacon, cheese, canned soups – if you take time to go through your kitchen and read labels, you’ll be pretty surprised.

How does too much sodium affect our hearts?

First, it causes the arteries to harden. Second, it increases your blood volume. Third, it increases your blood pressure. Imagine you have a really old, brittle garden hose, and you turn on a whole lot of water all at once. The high pressure of that much water pouring through the hose would make it break because it's brittle, and the same thing can happen to your heart, and does, for a lot of people.

What made you decide to write a cookbook with low-sodium recipes?

When I first tried to live the low-sodium diet, I was completely overwhelmed. I actually went hungry for two days because I couldn’t figure out what to eat and subsisted on carrots until I snapped out of it. Then I went into project mode. I always think better when I’m in project mode. I hit the Internet and started collecting recipes, and then I realized that they were all really labor-intensive and took a long time to make. I can’t live my life that way, so I took matters into my own hands and started making my own recipes. There’s nothing in my cookbook that takes more than a few minutes of preparation, and it’s all affordable and family friendly.

Which recipe is your favorite?

Wow. This is a hard question. I like them all—if I didn’t like how a recipe turned out, it didn’t make it into the cookbook. But I do have a few special favorites. The carrot cake is a definite. I really like the chicken carbonara, the Bavarian pot roast, the fruit salad with poppy seed dressing. I also really like the blue cheese and ranch salad dressings, and the taco seasoning. Those are must-haves for keeping your sodium low and still eating delicious food. Oh, and there’s the pepper beef stroganoff. And …

This book is currently on a pre-order special. Order between June 25th and July 10th and receive not only the first copies off the press, but as a bonus, I will send you a sneak peek - the first chapter of my new Secret Sisters novel, Hang 'em High, being released this August. In addition, get 10% off the cover price!

Title: Bless Your Heart

Cost: $9.99 Now: $8.99
Shipping and Handling: $3.50
Total: $12.49

To order, send an e-mail to tristipinkston@gmail.com with your name, address, and number of copies you'd like ordered. Tell me if you would like your book signed or not, and who you would like it signed to. I can accept check or PayPal.

Your book will be shipped as soon as I receive it from the printer, roughly 4 weeks. Spread the word, share the love ... and let's get our hearts healthy!

To learn more about the amazing Tristi Pinkston visit her website.

(dis)Abilities and the Gospel

2011-06-23T07:00:00.002-06:00

From the back cover:

Each day, parents and church leaders struggle to teach individuals with special needs. Using helpful information, real-life stories, and a touch of humor, (dis)Abilities and the Gospel provides ways for you to effectively teach people of all ages with autism, Down syndrome, bipolar disorder, memory loss, and other disabilities.

Inside this useful guide, you’ll find

• Guidance for building strong family relationships
• Steps to teaching prayer and scripture study
• Practical and creative teaching tips
• Programs to help with transitions, communication barriers, and behaviors
• Techniques to help others feel welcome and valued

Find the answers you need and overcome the challenges of teaching the gospel. (dis)Abilities and the Gospel will help you develop each person’s ability to learn and grow as you build peace in your home or classroom.

(dis)Abilities and the Gospel is a resource that may be read, reread, and used many times. . . . The authors have beautifully woven the frustrations that so many people have experienced into an action-living plan to help children with special needs.

—Lloyd Kinnison, PhD. Texas Woman’s University, Special Education Department

This book is an unexpected and very welcome gift to the community of churches and their leaders. It addresses so many of the problems that children, young adults, and adults with disabilities face in church activities.

—Brenda Winegar, Early Interventionist/Cofounder, Kids on the Move

I LOVE this book. I can't say enough good about it. Really. I read through it prior to publication and anxiously awaited its publication because it's such a wonderful book that is so badly needed.

As a former Primary President, Primary teacher, YW leader, and as a mother of ten active, energetic children I think this book is a must-read for anyone working with, teaching, or raising children. Yes, it's intended use is to help those who work with kids with special needs, but as I read and reread it, I was struck by how much of it is applicable to children without special needs.

The authors offer honest advice about how to cope with childen with special needs but the advice, tips, ideas, and other helpful information can be applied to all kids. I've worked with plenty of kids who are wiggly (right now I'm the Sunbeam teacher so believe me, I know wiggly) and these techniques can be applied. I LOVE the practicality of this book. It isn't some long discourse on special needs but is truly a useful guide with ideas people can implement immediately.

(dis)Abilities and the Gospel also offers thoughtful answers to commonly asked questions about people with special needs. I have wonderd if my son will be able to be baptized, go to the temple, and get married. Of course, each case is unique but the authors offer scriptures and quotes from the brethren that have helped me as I consider his future.

My son is only 5 so he hasn't attended school yet and he's barely started Primary, but I plan to give teachers both at school and at church a copy of this book. I love the idea about a personal portfolio parents can give to teachers. In my experience in public school, kids tend to be placed in a box. A personal portfolio with details about my son's strengths as well as areas he might need help may break through that "box," at least I hope so. Kids with special needs have such varying abilities and sometimes we focus on what they can't do. This book reminds us that we are all children of God and we all have abilities. I love that about this book. It's so positive.

I have met both of the authors and can say without hesitation they truly love and understand those with special needs. I have great respect and admiration for both Lynn Parson and Danyelle Ferguson. They have worked tirelessly to bring this book into the world and I am very grateful to each of them.

As a mother of a child with Down syndrome it's my great hope that the world will be a better place for him, that people will be more educated about special needs, and that he will have opportunities to learn and grow and become the man he can be--this book helps push my hope forward. Everyone should get a copy of this book, especially if you may work with a child with special needs.

I think people fear those with special needs because they are different and that fear breeds prejudice. But, aren't we all different? Don't we all have challenges? Don't we all have abilities? Using the guidance in
this book can help us to work together to not only understand those with special needs better but to teach them more effectively.

You can purchase (dis)Abilities in the Gospel: How to Bring Those with Special Needs Closer to Christ at Amazon. It is also available in bookstores.

To learn more about the fantastic authors:

Danyelle Ferguson

Website: http://www.danyelleferguson.com/
Blog: http://www.queenoftheclan.com/

Lynn Parsons
Website: http://www.lynndparsons.com/
Blog: http://lynndeniseparsons.blogspot.com/

CONTEST:

Enter to win one of two $25 Amazon gift cards and a free 20 minute consultation with Danyelle! You can ask her about parenting, church surivival, adapting lessons - or even about writing and publishing. Two names will be drawn on June 30th & July 22nd. Each drawing will include 1 winner of a $25 Amazon gift card and free consultation; and a second winner of a free consultation. Winners will be announced on http://www.queenoftheclan.com/ There are many ways to enter. You must leave a comment on the reviewer’s blog letting us know what you’ve done. Please include your email address.

1 Point Each:
- Leave a thoughtful comment about the blogger’s review.
- Add the book to your “to-read” list on GoodReads
- Follow the reviewer’s blog
- Follow Danyelle’s blog
- Follow Lynn’s blog
- Follow Danyelle on FB
- Follow Lynn on FB
- Follow Danyelle on Twitter @DanyelleTweets
- Follow Lynn on Twitter @ParsonsLynn

2 Points Each:
- Tell your friends about (dis)Abilities and the Gospel on Facebook with a person links to Danyelle Ferguson & Lynn Parsons
- Tell your friends about (dis)Abilities and the Gospel on Twitter with links to @DanyelleTweets

5 Points:
- Interview Danyelle or Lynn for your blog or write a blog post about why you’re excited about (dis)Abilities and the Gospel. Be sure to leave a direct link to your post in your comment so we can visit and say hello!

Yes, I did receive a complimentary copy of this book but it in no way affected my review.

Because He's Funny

2011-06-21T10:28:00.000-06:00

At least I think he's hilarious . . . .

Now he's a cool dude . . .

Like his peace sign?

Down Syndrome and Mistreatment

2011-06-17T09:33:00.000-06:00

A girl with Down syndrome was denied an airline ticket on British Airways simply because she has Down syndrome. This 12-year-old young woman attends a mainstream school, reads on grade level, and has traveled with her church group. But when her mother called to purchase a ticket from British Airways she was told her daughter could not travel.

Here's the link to the article http://tinyurl.com/69vbff7.

Of course, this article bothers me. It goes to show that as a people we aren't as advanced as we think we are when it comes to treatment of people with disabilities. Apparently, plenty of ignorance still abounds when it comes to Down syndrome.

Admittedly, there are those with DS who could not travel alone, but there are also people without DS who should not travel alone. Just because someone has DS doesn't necessarily mean they can't do something and to automatically assume so is wrong and cruel.

Julie Bellon reviewed my book on her blog. The review was awesome, but the story she shared about the young man with DS was absolutely wonderful. It gave me tears. If you want to read an inspiring blog post about DS read this one.

I think what bothers me the most about my son having DS is the way people, like this British Airways employee, will treat him. He's already been called "retarded" by a neighbor. My son has a speech delay and we're still working on potty-training, but he's a human being with feelings. He didn't ask to have an extra chromosome He just wants to live his life. He may have other challenges down the road, but that doesn't make him less of a person.

I'd love to meet someone, anyone, who doesn't have at least one challenge in life. We all do. It's part of being human. Yet, because people with DS have challenges that are more visible some feel it acceptable to mistreat them for it.

I guess the real question is: why do we ever feel it acceptable to mistreat anyone?

Bike Riding, Book Writing, and Eternal Life

2011-06-11T13:10:00.000-06:00

My husband will be accompanying all the priests in our stake on a mountain biking/camping trip in Moab, UT in a few weeks. We've been trying to go for a bike ride regularly to help him get ready for this trip.

We ride our bikes for 5 miles on the country roads near our home. The ride includes some small hills that seem much larger on a bike than in a car :). It's nice to be out in the warm weather away from the computer, phone, and TV and just enjoy the beautiful scenery as we bike around this loop.

I've found while riding my bike that if I look ahead and see the upcoming hill I get overwhelmed and think I can't do it. I feel discouraged and wonder why I ever started on the ride in the first place. I've discovered that if I keep looking just ahead of me, I mount the hills without any problems. It's kinda like the "one foot in front of the other" idea. If I only think about the immediate road ahead of me and see it in small chunks I feel much more capable of finishing my bike ride.

It's the same way with writing a book. I've published three novels and yet, sometimes, I wonder how I will ever write another book. How will I ever finish it? The task is too daunting. I'll never make it to the end. When I look at the entire project, or the entire bike ride, it overwhelms me and I feel discouraged. But, if I take writing a book bit by bit, chunk by chunk, before I know it, I'm finished. And, as with concluding the bike ride, I can look back on what I've accomplished and feel good about it.

And to take this even further, it is the same with life and trying to reach the goal of eternal life. If I look at the whole thing, all the things I must learn and accomplish, all the faults I must fix, all the flaws I must overcome, it is overwhelming and I wonder if I'll ever make it to the celestial kingdom. Yet, taking it in small pieces, focusing on overcoming one fault at a time, I can accomplish my goal. I can look back and see how far I've come and feel good about it and that propels me onward. Eternal life isn't meant to come in one step. It is a series of baby steps throughout life just as writing a book or riding 5 miles on a bike is a series of small chunks that are doable one at a time.

Mitt Romney? No, thanks.

2011-06-08T16:11:00.000-06:00

The other night the phone rang and my husband answered it on the speaker phone (because our handsets are always missing). It was a political call. (I sure wish I could be on a "Do Not Call" registry for political calls because they are so annoying). The man on the phone wanted to know if we'd like to donate $75 to Mitt Romney's campaign. My husband politely said no and the caller insisted we donate something else. My husband still said no. The caller wanted to know why we wouldn't donate. My husband replied that we don't support Romney. The caller went on to argue with my husband insisting that Romney is the only candidate.

Really? What did he hope to gain? Did he think we'd change our minds if he got all argumentative?

My husband told the caller that he didn't like Romney's voting record and that he did not represent us especially when it comes to abortion. The caller said that Romney is against abortion but wants to leave it up to the states to determine their own laws about abortion.

If that isn't the least courageous way to face a highly emotional issue, I don't know what is. What a pansy position to take. Abortion is a hot issue for me because I believe every child has a right to life. Nine out of ten women would've chosen to end my son's life simply because he has an extra chromosome. I believe abortion takes the life of an innocent child. Romney obviously doesn't feel that way or else he's trying to pander to both sides of this issue. Either way, color me unimpressed.

I also do not favor socialized medicine. I believe it will destroy our medical care system. I do believe we have problems with our current health care system and that we need to solve the problems, but I don't want to turn over my health care, nor that of my family's, to the government. I have never seen the government run a program efficiently and I certainly don't want my health or my family's health to be dependent on politicians. Romney instituted socialized medicine in Massachusetts. He doesn't have a problem with the government running health care. He and I sharply disagree on this and I can't support someone who believes that the government is better at determining who should receive health care than a doctor or the patient.

Romney is not the candidate I want to represent me. And that's disappointing. I thought he would be. I favored him in the last primaries but as I've learned more about his voting record and his stand on issues that are important to me, I've realized he is not the candidate for me. If he is the republican candidate I will have to abstain from voting in the 2012 presidential election.

And if anyone knows how to stop those annoying political calls, please tell me.

Graduation for #4

2011-06-03T16:49:00.000-06:00

My daughter graduated from high school last weekend. Her older siblings made a surprise visit from Utah to see her graduate so we had a weekend full of fun.

We have our graduation exercises on the football field at our high school. Two years ago, for my older daughter's graduation, it rained and rained. And, to top it off, my youngest daughter barfed all over the man sitting in front of us. This year, thankfully, the weather was perfect and no one was sick.

I enjoyed the speech by a local elementary school principal who said they'd learned most of what they needed to know in elementary school. He shared valuable advice tied to each letter of the alphabet. It was a fun speech.

We don't have a valedictorian or a salutatorian because the administration didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings (yet, kids are cut from the football team, only a handful start for basketball, and I've comforted more than one child who didn't make it into the high school play so I'm not sure why we don't have the traditional valedictorian and salutatorian). Instead, the kids choose a classmate to speak (and doesn't that hurt kids' feelings?) and this particular young man gave a speech that was all over the place. I'm still not sure what he was talking about. However, the speeches by two young women chosen by the faculty were completely inappropriate. Filled with sexual innuendos, digs at conservatives who attended a rally for John McCain (students came specifically to this rally held at the high school to berate, belittle, and harass McCain supporters using profanity and showing vulgar signs and were incensed when asked to tone it down or leave), and then went on to say how they could now add the "hot" teachers on Facebook and even named a teacher (who's married) that they'd be adding. Their speeches were immature, rude, and embarrassing. However, they weren't surprising, which is a sad statement for our high school.

Fortunately, none of this dampened our excitement and pride as child #4 received her diploma. I was very proud of her. She worked hard and we had a huge celebration for her graduation.

Here are some photos:

Goodreads Giveaway

2011-06-01T08:21:00.000-06:00

If you'd like a chance to win a copy of my book, The Upside of Down, be sure to visit Goodreads and register for a chance to win. I'm giving away 2 copies to people living in the U.S. The giveaway is June 1-June 30.

Click here to enter.

I've had some wonderful feedback on this book and I'm thrilled not only that readers like the story but that some have changed their perspectives after reading it. Thank you to all of you who have already read it. I really appreciate it and I appreciate the ratings and reviews on Goodreads. Thank you!!

Scotty was "In It to Win It"

2011-05-26T09:27:00.000-06:00

Wow!! What a finale last night on American Idol. I've watched many of the seasons through the years and I have to say this year had the most talent I've ever seen. Fantastic season.

I remember watching Scotty McCreery on the audition show and being blown away with his deep voice. Even more, I was blown away by his genuine charm. He was one of my favorites from the very beginning and I loved watching his growth through the weeks. His performance skills have improved by leaps and bounds and it's been so fun to watch. He has such an incredible voice, and as impressive as that is, I was far more impressed by the young man himself. He was always so polite. He was never full of himself nor did he ever get mad. He was always composed and he seemed to be such a kind-hearted guy. He's so down-to-earth. When they announced his name, we all screamed with excitement. My older daughter is sure she should marry him. The most impressive thing: his big moment in the spotlight wasn't even about him. He thanked God and then went directly to hug his parents and those who'd been there for him. He hugged all the contestants (loved the exchange between Lauren and him). He could've hogged that moment for himself, but he chose to make it about those who'd helped him along the way. Great kid--I hope fame doesn't ruin him like it has so many others (Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, even David Archuleta, etc.). I expect to see great things from Scotty and hope he'll stay grounded.

Lauren Alaina was so cute! I would've been happy if she won as well. She was also an early favorite from her audition. She's also so genuine and when she sang that song to her mom on Tuesday I thought I'd pop. What a beautiful song and what a sweet performance. Lauren will go places for sure. She'll be right up there with Carrie Underwood in no time. She's a beautiful girl with such an incredible talent and she's so much fun to watch on stage. I've loved watching her growth through the season and seeing her shine so many times. I knew it would come down to Scotty and Lauren. Secretly, I hope they start dating and end up getting married some years down the line. They perform together so well.

It was a fun show with all the finalists. They are all so talented. I loved seeing Pia again and hope she'll be successful--definitely the most shocking elimination this season.

Oh, I LOVED the performances with Carrie Underwood and Tim McGraw--I could listen to Tim McGraw in concert all night. He has such a gorgeous voice and his performance with Scotty was phenomenal. LOVED it!

Lady Gaga? Could've done without her. She's so strange and I don't like her music at all. She looked so weird in that outfit and I was glad it was on my DVR so I could skip her performance. The finalists opened with one of her songs but my older daughter fast-forwarded through it because she said the song was inappropriate. I don't think Lady Gaga is very talented and she's just so odd. I think Beyonce is beautiful but I don't care for her music at all. She can sure dance, though. I liked seeing Jennifer Lopez perform with her husband (I assume he's a Latin singer) and Steven Tyler, though he dresses like a woman, is a performer through and through.

I'm excited to see where Scotty and Lauren go from here. I'll definitely buy their CDs.

Parent Paydays

2011-05-25T07:59:00.000-06:00

My daughter graduated from seminary on Saturday evening. This is my 4th graduate. I'm very proud of her for getting up on school days by 5:00 am to get ready and attend seminary at 6:00 am before going on to school and, sometimes, being at school for play rehearsal until 9:00 pm. She has never complained about going to seminary and I've been so impressed with her knowledge of the scriptures.

She spoke in the graduation ceremony. She shared a conversation we'd had about how I remembered the exact moment I received my testimony of Joseph Smith. She said in her talk, "I was like, come on, Mom, you really remember that after all these years?" Everyone laughed at her implication that I was too old to remember such an experience and then she went on to share her own experience of when she received her testimony of the Savior and it was an exact time. She then said, "So, yes, Mom, I can now say that I remember exactly when I received my testimony of the Savior and I will never forget that moment." She then bore a strong and powerful testimony of the gospel which made my eyes leak. A parent payday for sure.

Last night my eighth grader did her Life Presentation to "graduate" from middle school. Eighth graders present their lives to their teachers, family members, and any special people they invite. My daughter's presentation began with her family. She made a slide show, set to music, with lots of photos from the family, including our trip to Disney World in December. The slide show then included photos of the temple, the 13th Article of Faith and the Young Women's theme, and then photos of the Savior. Her slide show concluded with photos of her friends, which included her siblings, her cousins, and some girls from church. It made me all teary to see her presentation. I had not previewed it nor did I have any idea what she'd present and it made me feel so happy inside to see what's important to her. A definite parent payday.

Every once in a while we get those amazing parent paydays and when we do, it's wonderful and it makes me so grateful that I have such an incredible family and I feel so very blessed to have these people in my life.

Three Dimensions of Character Gets Personal

2011-05-19T13:37:00.000-06:00

I attended the LDStorymakers conference a couple of weeks ago. It was fantastic. Our keynote speaker was Larry Brooks and if you are interested in writing fiction you'll want to check out his site www.storyfix..com. Excellent writing advice.

He talked about the three dimensions of character. I found his take on this fascinating, but even more important, his message about fiction has resonated with me in my real life.

The first dimension of character is how that character presents himself to the world. His habits, mannerisms, physical characteristics, ticks, anything that can be viewed by outsiders. As we people our books with characters we may be tempted to only use this dimension. A dimension that makes our characters feel flat. We focus on physical traits and habits, like biting fingernails, to try to communicate something about our characters. This is one-dimensional and while important in building our characters, we shouldn't stop here or we will fail to create fully-developed, realistic characters.

The second dimension is the reason for those habits, ticks, quirks, etc. What is the backstory? Why does the character always bite her nails when another woman enters the room? Why does the hero start to stutter when he's in front of a crowd? The backstory is what explains the outer characteristics we see in the first dimension.

The third, and most interesting, dimension is who the character is and what he does when under pressure. Is the character the same as he presents himself in the first dimension? If he's established himself as being cool and calm--never getting ruffled--as his public persona, what happens when his child is held at gunpoint? Is he still cool and calm or does he start screaming and yelling like a madman?

What the character does under stress reveals who he really is. And that's what hit me on a personal level. Am I the person I show myself to be when I'm stressed or upset or annoyed? Who am I really? I've thought about his over the last few weeks as situations have come up and I've reacted to those situations. Am I still the kind of person I want to be when put in a bad situation? I'd like to say that I am. But, I'm not. I don't react well to stress or things that are unexpected. I need to work on that and learning about the 3 dimensions of characters has helped me see myself more clearly.

Who says that learning about writing fiction is only helpful in our writing? Sometimes, it can be helpful in our real, day-to-day lives.

Pranks

2011-05-16T11:45:00.000-06:00

I love to pull pranks. I used to get in trouble at girls' camp for pulling pranks. One year, we stole one of the canoes and hid it so we could go canoing on the little lake at night (I now realize that wasn't a very safe or good idea). Our leaders found the canoe and put it back in our tent and then we had to take it back to the canoe dock--we never did get to go canoing in the moonlight.

Girls' camp was prime time for pranks from tipping tents, to stealing bras, to making scary "bear" noises outside the younger girls' tents, I was always involved in pranks somehow.

Back in the day, I used to TP houses all the time. That was one of our staple activities growing up--we'd go TPing. And everyone's house was game. I did my fair share of cleaning up TP at my own house as well.

In college, we once filled up a trash can with ice from the cafeteria, hopped on an elevator in the boys' dorm (big no-no) and then when one of the boys answered the door we dumped the entire trashcan of ice on him. He wasn't pleased. We also moved our dorm mother's car up to the front door of the dorm and we decorated the trees outside the boys' dorms with tampons.

My sophomore year at BYU, we had a prank feud with our FHE brothers (one of whom is quite a famous LDS historical fiction author). They snuck into our apartment and dyed everything green for St. Patrick's day--our milk, the toilet bowls, everything they could get their hands on. I seem to remember the inner stuffing of a bean bag being used that year as well.

I love a good prank. But, I don't like ones that are destructive such as the one our seniors pulled this weekend at the high school. They snuck into the school and filled the entire freshman hall with hay. They then doused it with paint so it would be harder to clean up. Because of the amount of hay, the air quality inside the school was too poor for the kids to attend. My son has an adverse reaction to hay and can succumb to asthma very quickly and very dangerously. The added paint also added fumes to the building. The school had to cancel all classes for the day to spend it cleaning up after this senior prank. What does that mean? All of us taxpayers will have to pay the clean-up costs which includes all new air filters, washing walls, disposing of all the hay and making sure that kids with asthma can safely attend tomorrow. (Hay isn't cheap and it's a shame so much was wasted in an area where drought makes it difficult to grow enough hay).

I'm sure the kids didn't think about the damage their prank would do or the consequences. That's one of the problems with being a teenager--the inability to see past today. And all the kids are happy to have an extra day off school. But, pranks that are destructive aren't funny. I hope those involved will think through their next prank.

As for me, I've retired from TPing (can't make myself waste all that TP) but beware if you ever go to girls' camp with me :).

Carnival at Cedar Fort

2011-05-13T15:26:00.000-06:00

Fantastic Conference Class

2011-05-11T11:50:00.000-06:00

I attended the LDStorymakers writing conference last weekend in Salt Lake City and it was AWESOME. Really. Just amazing.

Even though I served on the conference committee and thought I knew what to expect, I was blown away. So many fabulous classes.

I really enjoyed a class taught by Clint Johnson called The Mechanism of Story and Conflict. Wow!! Made me think differently about my WIP. I loved the idea of complicating stakes for my main character instead of only intensifying them. He also taught about the following steps when it comes to our characters:

1. Conflict forces action
2. Action reveals character
3. Revealed character helps readers suspend their disbelief
4. Readers identify with characters when their disbelief is suspended
5. Readers feel emotion when they can identify with characters
6. Emotion helps readers assign meaning

Writing or reading a story is a process in which we assign meaning to the world around us. The more a story helps us assign that meaning the more we lose ourselves in that story. As authors, we want to write a story that helps readers lose themselves and then when they are finished they have assigned new meaning to the world around them. That's what I hope happens when people read The Upside of Down.

Of course, I can't explain in a few sentences what I learned in a two-hour workshop, but I will say that if you ever get a chance to take this workshop from Clint I highly recommend it.

A Weekend of Gratitude

2011-05-02T14:08:00.001-06:00

This last weekend we drove up to Provo to celebrate my son's birthday with him and to attend my daughter's choir concert. Preparing to travel is always a huge chore. I have to make sure all the clothes are clean, make sure the younger kids have enough underwear, make sure everyone brings church clothes and shoes, and make food to eat on the drive. I also like to clean the house so when we return it's to a nice clean house.

Friday I was pushed for time and had worked all day to pack and prepare for this trip. I wasn't very excited by the time we planned to leave because I was so tired and I was frustrated that my kids kept making messes instead of helping me get ready to go. I even considered cancelling the trip, but knew I'd regret that.

Saturday we celebrated my son's birthday from the moment we got up. I can't believe he's 24--wow! Time goes by so fast. I'm really glad we could celebrate with him and his wife because, for me, nothing is better or more important than being with my family.

My daughter sings with the Latter-day Celebration choir from the Institute at Utah Valley University. She has a beautiful voice, but in high school she had little confidence in her talent. Even though I tried to convince her of her talent it seemed that others' words held more weight than mine at the time. I was thrilled when she auditioned for this choir and made it in because, finally, she could believe in her talent. As I watched her perform at the Little Theater at the Salt Lake LDS Conference Center, I couldn't hold the tears back. The show itself was so uplifting with songs about the family. I've seen a bazillion productions, but most of them weren't spiritually nourishing as this one was. I could feel the Spirit as these college kids sang familiar hymns, Primary songs, and even some contemporary songs that all had to do with the family. They interspersed quotes from the general authorities and used a scripture that really hit me hard:

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." 3 John 1:4

This is so true for me. My greatest joy is to see my children living the gospel and to know that those who've left home continue to live the gospel, to attend the temple, and have the desire to teach their children the gospel.

I was very grateful to not only feel my testimony grow during this choir show, but to also see my daughter shine with such joy on stage. To finally see her share her talent without hesitation was an enormous gift to me. I am so glad we decided to attend her concert and take part in such an uplifting and inspiring event.

I am so thankful we could spend time with all of our kids this weekend and celebrate my son's birth. I remember it so vividly--the very first time I became a mother. I am so thankful that my son and his wife are working so hard to live the gospel and that family is so important to them. I'm also so thankful to see the man he's becoming.

My heart is very full from this weekend and I'm very thankful I didn't let frustration get in the way of enjoying such a wonderful weekend.

The Crazy Daze of Motherhood by Jane Still

2011-04-29T08:33:00.000-06:00

A mother's day is filled with all kinds of emergencies, from bumps and bruises to hospital stays.

Find the perfect way to recover from your own family's little emergencies with Jane Isfeld Still's latest book on the hilarious daily challenges of a mother in the fray.

You're sure to laugh and cry as you celebrate the joys of motherhood.

As a mother of ten, I can relate to so many of these humorous stories (after all, if you can't laugh, you'll cry). Jane Still has such a dry sense of humor and she can find the humor in any situation. I loved the story about her little boy stripping down naked and playing in the fountain and Jane trying to pretend he wasn't her son. My kids have done embarrassing things like that. While touring the elementary school for her first day of class, my daughter proudly told everyone gathered in the office that the principal was the devil. Yeah, I wanted to pretend I wasn't her mother that day.

Another funny story is when her son locks himself in the bathroom and refuses to come out. Jane tries all sorts of things to convince him to come out and is stressed about what he's getting into. Been there. Done that. My son just locked himself into a bathroom stall at Walmart and I had to bribe him to unlock it because I sure wasn't going to climb underneath and have to touch the bathroom floor with my hands in Walmart.

I could also relate to her fear of the doctor walking in on her when she wasn't dressed. I've been to the OB a thousand times and always rush as fast as possible to cover myself up even though I'm getting a pelvic exam.

And I could totally relate to her story about trying to have a phone conversation. Kids have a sixth sense and decide to fight and have emergencies only when mom is on the phone.

I loved the story about the overflowing washing machine and laughed thinking about her chasing her laundry load and slipping in the soapy water.

This is a short book full of humor. It's a perfect Mother's Day gift because the stories are so funny and so relatable. I enjoyed it and recommend it.

About the author:

Jane is married to Rick Still, who she believes has the distinction of being the only man in history brave enough to give her earwax candles for her birthday. They had six children in eight years, and while her children were growing up, she discovered she had a great sense of humor. At least that was her take. Rick once said to her, "Honey, you know all those real corny things you say all the time? Who ever thought you could make money at it?" Her son Adam once told her, "Mom could you please stop telling jokes to my friends? It's really embarrassing." One of Jane's philosophies is, "You're not doing your job unless your children are worried about being seen in public with you."

To read more about Jane and her exploits visit her website or her blog.

Honored to Be His Wife

2011-04-25T10:56:00.000-06:00

Today is my wedding anniversary. 26 years ago I walked into the Los Angeles Temple as a single woman and walked out sealed to my eternal companion. Together we have built a life that includes 10 children and on daughter-in-law.

26 years ago I was completely clueless. I was totally in love and excited to start my life with a wonderful man, but I really had no idea what that meant. I really didn't even understand what love meant. I had a romantic notion of love, that life would always be filled with rainbows and chocolate. Don't get me wrong, my life has been filled with enormous happiness and I feel so blessed, but along the way there have been trials and stresses.

We have had sick newborns that had to stay in the NICU, my husband has had skin cancer, we've lost family members to death, we've cared for aging grandparents, we've had extended family members make decisions that have put their eternal salvation at risk, and we have a child with special needs. Through it all I have learned more and more what deep, abiding love is and I can honestly say I love my husband more and in a deeper, more mature way than I ever thought possible 26 years ago.

In 1998 we moved my maternal grandparents who had rasied me to a mobile home on our property so my sister and her family and I with my family could care for them. My grandfather passed away shortly afterward, but Grandma lived for two more years. One day in July of 2000 I took her to Walmart to shop. We had separated to do our shopping and when I was done she was nowhere to be found. She'd had a massive stroke while standing in line and had been rushed to the hospital by ambulance. She stayed in the hospital for a few dyas but had lost her ability to speak, to swallow, to eat, etc. We decided to take her home and allow her to die in her own home, surrounded by her family and beloved cat. Both my sister and I were pregnant at the time and my brother-in-law had had neck surgery. Since my grandma required 24 hour care we took turns as best we could. My husband stayed with her each night. He talked to her, gave her drops of water to soothe her cracked lips, rolled her from side to side to avoid bedsores, and even changed her diaper. I watched him serve her diligently each night until her death. He never complained, her never tried to avoid it, he simply served her. While he did this, my love for him deepened so much.

When our youngest son was born and were were told he had Down syndrome, my husband never even batted an eye. While I worried about how to care for my new son and the rest of my kids and what my son's life wowld be like, my husband quietly served both me and my son and stayed steady as a rock. He never worried. It didn't matter to him that our son has an extra chromosome. He supported me and helped me see that all would be well.

Through the years, my husband has never pointed out my weaknesses. He's never nagged me to change one way or another. He's never belittled me or made me feel inferior. He has always praised me, even when I didn't deserve it. He has always seen the woman I can become and has never been frustrated with the imperfect woman I still am. He has seen me at my worst and at my lowest points and he has always loved me through them.

Today, I celebrate the best and wisest decision I have ever made. My husband makes me a better person, he motivates me to live better, to be more like my Savior, to forgive, and to see the best in others. Today I understand more of what I only had a glimpse of 26 years ago. I will be eternally grateful that my Heavenly Father allowed me to find such a man and I am honored to be his wife.

Book Giveaway: The Upside of Down

2011-04-20T08:02:00.000-06:00

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Upside of Down

by Rebecca Talley

Giveaway ends May 03, 2011.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Why I Write

2011-04-15T09:33:00.000-06:00

I've heard and read all the hub-bub about authors self-publishing and making lots of money and earning a lot of fame in the process. And of course, there's the household author names both in the national market and in the LDS market that make huge waves and lots of people know and talk about their books.

What about the other authors out here like me? I'm not a household name and my name is not a big draw for a book signing. Does that mean I'm not successful. I guess that depends on your definition of success.

Sure, I'd love to sell 10,000 or 100,000 books because, to me, that would validate what I'm doing with my time and would also mean that many people shared in a story that I created from nothing. And, with The Upside of Down, that would mean that many people read my message about trusting in God and seeing trials as blessings.

But, I've learned that astronomical sales don't necessarily indicate success, at least not for me. Success for me is when someone says he or she enjoyed my story, was moved by the message, or came away with a new vision of something.

This week I wanted to share a couple of experiences. The first is from one of my daughters. She doesn't enjoy reading and she rarely reads novels. Instead, she reads non-fiction about gospel principles. I've been after her to read The Upside of Down since I'm her mom and wouldn't it be nice if my children read my books. So she decided to start reading it. Yesterday she called me and I could hear the emotion in her voice. I was worried she was upset or hurt or stressed. Turns out she'd just finished my book and was crying because she was "so happy." She said she'd cried throughout the book and she loved it (of course, she is my daughter so she'd have to love it) but I was pleased that she'd had such an emotional response to it. She listed all the things she thought I did right which made me feel very good.

Another experience was with my son's speech therapist. She'd purchased my book on Kindle and had just finished it. She isn't LDS so I was interested to get her reaction. She said that she didn't understand a few things (we do have our own lingo) but she really liked learning more about what we believe. She also liked the message about Down syndrome. But, what she got most from the book was how self-centered she is and how she needs to look beyond herself and do more service. In fact, she's doing a retreat this weekend and part of her message came from what she'd learned from my book. Wow! I was stunned because I didn't purposely write the book with service in mind, but that's what she took from it. I'm very happy with her reaction to my book--she even asked if I was planning to write a sequel.

Several weeks ago someone on an online site said that she'd never thought of Down syndrome as anything but a trial, but after reading my book she can now see it as a blessing. Her comment actually brought me to tears because she "got it." Someone has a new attitude about Down syndrome, one person has changed her attitude! Wahoooo!!

A young woman, not LDS, emailed me to say she was on Amazon shopping for books and she ran across mine and was very excited to read it. We exchanged a few emails and I was so happy to meet her. Of course, I believe in the book, but it's wonderful to hear from people who are excited to read it or who have read and enjoyed it.

For me, this is what defines success. Yes, there are those who don't like this book, but that's okay. Knowing there are people out there who've been touched by what I wrote is the validation I need. Sales may be the publisher's validation that publishing a book wasn't a mistake, but comments from readers are my validation for writing.

I may never win any awards or be a household name or make a million dollars, but the fact that someone changed her mind about Down syndrome or someone now considers doing more service or someone was moved emotionally by what I wrote is what matters to me.

This is why I write.

Write Here in Ephraim

2011-04-05T11:22:00.001-06:00

I'll be participating in an awesome author event "Write Here in Ephraim" this Saturday, April 9th, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, at 105 East 200 South, Ephraim, UT. 20 authors will be participating. We'll have door prizes throughout the day, refreshments, a meet and greet, writing classes, a literature game show, and lots of fun. No pre-registration is required and the first 50 people to walk through the door will receive a free novel.

If you love to read or write this is an event you won't want to miss. And it's FREE. That's right, no cost to attend. The event is sponsored by Ephraim Library.

Participating authors:

Abel Keogh, Linda Garner, Karen Hoover, Michael Young, Jewel Adams, Berin Stephens, Heather Justesen, Rachelle Christensen, Julie Bellon, Shirley Bahlmann, Gregg Luke, Tristi Pinkston, Cheri Chesley, Joan Sowards, Cory Poulson, Don Carey, Clint Johnson, Michael Knudsen, Bron Bahlmann, Carole Thayne Warburton, and Rebecca Talley.

Come see us! It'll be a fantastic day filled with writing, reading, and fun, fun, fun.

Here's the schedule and list of classes:

8:30 registration

9:00 A.M. WELCOME – PRIZE DRAWING

9:15 A.M.

E-Books - JEWEL ADAMS Welcome to the wonderful world of E-books! Got a great novel you want to publish but can’t find a publisher? Or would you like to have full control of your novel an make it available to purchase until you find a publisher? Or do you just plain not care about finding a publisher and want to fly solo? - E-books aren’t just the future of book reading or a temporary fad, they are here to stay. Learn why you should give publishing E-books a go and take advantage of the wide open market. Come to understand that an E-books isn’t “just an E-books,” they are just as important as traditionally published books. Get tips on how to market your E-books and learn about the numerous outlets in which to sell your books and share your work with the world.

Memoirs: How to Tell Your Story - ABEL KEOGH- Writing a memoir is a great way to share a personal experience. Learn how to bring your story to life in such a way that will wow readers and keep them engrossed from page one to the end. In addition we’ll cover the dos and don’ts of memoir writing as well as how to know whether you have a story that agents, publishers, and readers will want to read

Fish Slap: What’s your writing motivation? - BRON AND SHIRLEY BAHLMANN Many people say they want to write a book but never follow through. Yet if, say, a fish slapped their face every time they missed a deadline, the result might be the opposite. In the absence of raw fish, what separates the sayers from the doers?

A humorous and informative look at various motivational strategies for writing.

10:00 A.M.

"A Serious Look at Comedy" – BERIN STEPHENS

Essential Elements of Suspense – GREGG LUKE: A brief overview of each element and how each contributes to writing nail-biting suspense. Q&A to follow. Key Points covered: Characterization, Pacing, Anticipation, Detailing, Resolution.

Finding Time for our Talents– JULIE COULTER BELLON - Have you ever wished there were more hours in a day? Wondered how you can fit it all in? Is being a writer a dream you have yet to accomplish because you just don't have time? This class will give you some insight, tips, and inspiration on how to maintain that balance of developing your writing talent with the other demands on your time. Julie Coulter Bellon, the author of seven books, a mother of eight children, and a teacher at BYU, will share all her secrets for how to have it all.

10:45 A.M.

My Journey as a Writer and How I Got That Book Published – CHERI CHESLEY

Writing Mystery – JOAN SOWARDS - There is nothing more fun than losing yourself in a great mystery novel than writing one! Every story can have a touch of mystery. Learn the tools, terms, and how to diagram a story, along with basic plotting and good writing elements, no matter if your mystery is a cozy or hard-boiled.

Blog Tours and Book Promotions – It's a Piggyback Ride – RACHELLE CHRISTENSEN - Learn the secrets of effective Internet marketing for you and your products/books including author promotion, blog tours, blog hops, giveaways & more. How can you increase your blog readership and followers? Find out how Rachelle promoted her blog, increased her followers to over 500 in one year and got paid to do it.

11:30 A.M.

Author Panel – Habits of Published Authors –Heather Justesen, Berin Stephens, Rachelle Christensen, Tristi Pinkston, Clint Johnson, Karen Hoover

12:15 –MIX AND MINGLE with guests

1:45 P.M.

Story Construction 101- REBECCA TALLEY - A story needs a strong foundation and certain building blocks to be successful. Learn what you need to include in your blueprint to begin building your story. After we learn what essential materials we'll need, we'll use our tools to begin construction as a class. Come prepared to share your creative ingenuity.

Writing for the Peanut Butter Crowd: Essentials of Picture Book Writing – LINDA GARNER - In this Picture Book Primer you will learn that writing picture books is not necessarily kid stuff. All the rules for good writing apply to picture books but with less margin for error. If you’ve ever wanted to write a picture book, you’ll love this class. “You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children”. Madeleine ‘L Engle

The Long and Short of It: Writing and Selling Short Fiction – MICHAEL YOUNG - Writing and selling short stories is a fun and rewarding way to improve your writing and to gain a readership. Writing short stories, however, takes a different skill set than writing longer works and also are sold in a different way. Learn some of the techniques you'll need to craft quality short fiction and the ins and out of getting it in print.

2:30 P.M.

"Chuck the Junk - Self-Editing for Word Hoarders" – MICHAEL KNUDSEN - Most writers are terrified when they read through their first draft --it can be rough, ugly and bloated with excessive verbiage, lame adverbs, and entire scenes that go nowhere. But there's hope! We'll look at rough text at all levels and toss the dingy bathwater while keeping your baby!

Fragile--Handle With Care: Writing on a Sensitive Subject - LINDA GARNER- -Death, suicide, divorce, abuse, war, depression, drugs, pornography, religion, eating disorders, bullying, hate. Do you have an interest in a subject that is hard to talk about? Just because it’s a sensitive subject doesn’t mean we shouldn’t talk about it. The walls are coming down. Lots of people are talking about subjects that used to be taboo. You can write about anything, if you handle with care.

How to Become and Idea Factory- KAREN HOOVER

3:15 P.M.

Author Panel in the Big Room – The Path to Publication: Panelists – Carole Thayne Warburton, Mike Knudsen, Julie Bellon, Rebecca Talley, Abel Keogh, Gregg Luke, Cory Poulson

4:00 P.M.

Children's Literature Game Show – CLINT JOHNSON Simple, Strange, Sophisticated, and Stupid Questions for Smart Kids (and Kids at Heart)--The game show that teaches more than you ever wanted to know about writing and writers, some of which you will certainly regret later.

Prove your superiority in a humorous and educational contest that explores the world of children's literature, from its comical quirks to personalities and events that profoundly shaped our world. Numerous participants of all ages are selected from the audience and given the chance to compete for fun and glory and prizes!

5:00 P.M. END

The Winner Is . . . .

2011-04-01T15:14:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Lexie@BookBug, you are the winner of The Upside of Down. I hope you enjoy it!

Thanks to everyone who commented and played along.

"Bees in My Butt" Blogfest

2011-03-29T18:26:00.000-06:00

Wanna have some fun? Join in on this blogfest! You'll get free ebooks and a coupon for the print copy of Bees in My Butt. How can you lose? And, what about that title? Anyone guess what it means?

I'm excited to read this book and my fourth-grader can't wait to get his hands on it!

I'm excited to announced the first ever Smartboys Club Blog Fest to celebrate the release of Bees in My Butt in paperback. Everyone who participates will get the first 4 Smartboys Club books for free as ebooks and a coupon code to buy the paperback Bees in My Butt for only $3 instead of the list price of $6.99. In addition, for every hundred people that join us in the blog fest we'll have a drawing to give away a Kindle.

For details on how to participate, visit the Wonder Realms Books website. I look forward to seeing you there.

Purchase Bees in My Butt

Take Monkey, a literary genius with flatulence; Bean, a science and math guru; Vinny, a computer whiz who can't keep her mouth shut; and Art, an artist who can shoot a basketball like a pro, confront them with a mess of fourth grade trouble, and watch the fun explode.

In Bees in My Butt, the first book of the Smartboys Club series, the members of the Smartboys Club use their skills to battle a group of crazed Ninjas that take over the school. And it happens on a day when Monkey has the worst case of flatulence imaginable.

Contest Giveaway

2011-03-28T09:43:00.000-06:00

In celebration of the release of Laura Bingham's newest novel, Wings of Light, I am giving away a copy of my book, The Upside of Down.

To enter the contest:
1. Visit Laura's blog and leave a comment on one of her posts
2. Become a follower of my blog
3. Subscribe to my newsletter (under my photo)
4. Add my book on Goodreads
5. Add Laura's book, Wings of Light, on Goodreads

Each one receives an entry into the contest, the more you do, the more chance you have of winning! You have until midnight March 31st to enter. I'll use http://www.random.org/ on April 1st to draw a winner--no joke for any of you April foolers.

You can leave a comment on this post to let me know what you've done.

Thanks for participating and good luck!

Book Signing at Seagull Book on Saturday

2011-03-24T11:04:00.001-06:00

If you missed me last weekend, great news: I'll be back in UT this weekend. I'll be signing books at Seagull Books, 2250 N. University Parkway, Provo, UT, on Saturday 12:00-2:00 pm for the "Celebrating Sisterhood" event. It's the Seagull next to Shopko and behind Olive Garden on the BYU diagonal.

I'd love to see you if you're in the neigborhood. Please, help me pass the word!

Thank you!!

Interview with Larry Brooks

2011-03-22T09:00:00.003-06:00

Larry Brooks is a successful novelist and a popular writing guru. His blog http://www.storyfix.com/ has a huge readership and has won awards for its outstanding advice and tips. Larry is a personable guy who's always willing to answer questions. I've read his ebook Story Structure and his newest book, available in Kindle and print formats, Story Engineering. Excellent resources. His advice and explanations are easy to understand and have enlightened and empowered me to, hopefully, improve my fiction.

Larry Brooks is also the keynote speaker for the LDStorymakers Conference May 5-7 at the Salt Lake Sheraton, http://www.ldstorymakers.com/, a conference you definitely don't want to miss if you're serious about writing. I am so excited to hear him speak because I've been reading his blog for some time now and his take on writing really makes sense to me. Be forewarned, though, that he is not LDS and his language can be colorful at times on his blog and in his books.

Larry has agreed to do an interview. Be prepared to learn a ton just from this interview.

Why is story structure so important?

Because structure is actually more than structure. Like a building, structure has a role: it bears weight, it provides safe access, it provides efficiency, it becomes the foundation for aesthetic beauty (think Effiel Tower on that one, yet the design is all engineering).

Structure is the machine that dictates pacing and dramatic tension. Without it, too much or too little is revealed too soon or too late. A cynic might ask, "who says?" The answer is proven by the marketplace -- publishers don't buy books and readers don't read books that don't have that solid pacing and dramatic tension.

Certain things need to happen in a certain order, and at certain places within a story that works. There is some wiggle room, but very little. This disappoints those who thought they were getting into some kind of "free-form no rules do-what-you-want" craft... but the contrary is true. At a professional level of writing and publishing, structure is the foundation of story.

How did you come up with the Six Core Competencies?

I was looking for a new, clearer and more accessible way to wrap my head around the craft of storytelling. I'd hear this grad-school rhetoric, like, "You hero's quest is dictated by the sub-text of his subliminal need as demonstrated by the backstory, and in context to the agenda of that antagonist who is merely a catalyst for the hero's exposition and the ultimate denouement of the dramatic arc."

All of that is true, by the way. But it's pretty much elitist mumbo-jumbo, too, leaving newer writers cold and frustrated. There had to be a better way.

The model of the Six Core Competencies was developed over many years of teaching fiction at writing conferences. It began as "the four pillars of story," which later became a sub-set of the 6CC when I added two "executional" (my word, spell check doesn't like it, either) core competencies to the list.

Virtually anything and everything you can come up with pertaining to the goal of writing a story falls into one of these competency "buckets," each of which has its own standards, criteria and techniques.

What are the Six Core Competencies?

Four are elemental, two are executional.

The four "elements" of story are: concept, character, theme, and structure (plot exposition).

The two "executional" core competencies are scene development and writing voice.

A weakness in any one of these will kill the story. You have to be solid in all six to get into the game.

Can you explain the difference between idea, concept, and theme?

A good challenge that, and an important one. Because when a writer doesn't know the difference they may head down the wrong road. It is made all the more challenging because an "idea" actually can be one of the other two.

An "idea" is the initial germ or spark that begins the search for story. It can be generic, such as: "I want to write a mystery that takes place in a military academy." Is that a concept? No, not yet, the criteria for concept asks more of us. Same with premise, there isn't enough to it.

Then again, an idea can be more specific. "Write a mystery that takes place in a military academy involving the son of a controversial senator." Better. The idea is heading toward conceptville. But it doesn't get there until...

... you add a "what if?" component. Something that asks a dramatic question that sets the stage for a story. Such as: "What if the son of a senator attending a snooty military academy is killed when it is revealed he's been dating the wife of the head master?" Juicy. And conceptual. There's a story there. There was no story at the "idea" level, but now there is.

As for premise, this becomes an expansion of the concept through the addition of character arc and agenda. Just as concept uses a "what if?" tool, premise uses this: "this is a story about..." and goes on to overview the dramatic landscape, with the inclusion of theme and character. In this example: "This is a story of a young man trying to live out from under the dark shadow of his disgraced senator father, who falls for a woman who needs his help to rescue her from her abusive husband, who happens to run the military academy he attends. The story is about the murder of the young man and the ensuing coverup, plumbing the depths of the lengths people will go to in order to avenge a broken heart and protect a false legacy at all costs."

You could say it's a matter of degree. But really, it's story planning at its highest level. If a writer begins writing with only that first idea, the story will have no focus, no pace and no arc. It's a recipe for a rewrite, because all that draft could ever be is a tool in the search for the story.

What are the five elements that each story must have? Can a story be successful without them?

A hero who must achieve something, with whom we can empathize and root for.

An antagonistic force that blocks the hero's quest, thus summoning the heroic core of the protagonist.

A hero who becomes just that, conquering inner demons and ultimately becoming the primary catalyst and instrument of the story's ending. The hero can never be rescued, they must achieve something, even if it isn't what he/she set out to accomplish.

A story must have a solid structure. Four sequential parts, each with a succinct narrative mission. Each separated by a prescribed (non-negotiable) narrative milestone (shift, twist or new information) that speeds things up, deepens stakes, empowers context and fuels the forward motion of the exposition.

A combination of vicarious reader experience (they must be taken for a ride), thematic weight (they feel it as they read it), character arc (the hero's rewarding journey) and a sweet writing voice that doesn't seek to become a distraction to the story it tells.

And no, a story cannot be successful without all of these thing in play.

You're not only a successful novelist and a popular presenter at writing conferences, but you also offer a manuscript critiquing service. What is the most common mistake you find in the manuscripts you critique?

A violation of all of the above princples is commonplace, and understandable. Writing a great story is really hard. REALLY hard. Most mistakes can be assigned to the writer not yet wrapping their head around what I call the six core competencies, they leave something unclear and unexecuted in that regard. The idea and the resultant concept isn't strong enough. The character/hero isn't three dimension. The story doesn't matter, it elicits a "who cares?" response. And most of all, the structure is off, usually by way of far too much expositional description, side-trips and lack of scene focus.

That last one is the stuff of professionals, and it's the best writing tip I know: each scene you write should have a clear, efficient and compelling mission to fulfill. A piece of narrative exposition to deliver. This isn't characterization -- that is incumbent upon every scene to delivery. Rather, each scene needs to propel the story forward. Not with a bunch of stuff, but with one compelling piece. We should build our scenes around what chunk of narrative information, whatever it is.

This is the art of it. Where do you start within a scene? How do you know when and how to cut to it? What makes a scene dramatic, keeps it from lagging? What details are important, what aren't?

Always the writer's call. Those who get it, who develop a sensiblity in this regard, go on to write successful stories and possibly have a career.

You get to that point by internalizing the six core competencies, which ultimate blend together and depend on each other, and, when done well, become a sum in excess of their parts.

Hope this stuff helps excite you and propel you toward even better storytelling! Thanks for having me.

Thanks, Larry for dropping by. Great information!
I told you this was AMAZING stuff. I LOVE it. Visit his blog http://www.storyfix.com/ for more info on writing. His book Story Engineering, is available at Amazon as well as bookstores.

If you want to see him in person and learn from a master, come to the LDStorymakers Conference. You won't regret it!

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop Winner

2011-03-21T14:23:00.000-06:00

Thanks to everyone for such an awesome response to my book and to the giveaway hop. I used http://www.random.org/ to pick the winner. And the winner is . . . . .

Jennifer @ The Bawdy Book Blog. Yay!!! Woo hoo!!! I'll send you an email to get your mailing address!

Thanks again, everyone, for participating!!

Book Signings

2011-03-18T09:04:00.001-06:00

I'm in Utah today doing some signings. If you happen to be in the area, I'd love to see you!

I'll be at:

Pioneer Book
858 S. State St.
Orem UT

Today, Friday, 4:00-6:00 pm
Tomorrow, Saturday, 12:00-2:00 pm

Copies of The Upside of Down as well as my other books will available for purchase. If you already own a copy and want my super cool signature :), come on by. If you just want to chat, come on by. Pioneer Book is near the University Mall on State St.

Hope to see you there!!

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop

2011-03-17T00:01:00.011-06:00

Welcome to the Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop hosted by Books Complete Me and I am a Reader Not a Writer. This blog hop runs from March 17th through March 20th (which happens to be my birthday). The prize I am offering is a copy of my novel, "The Upside of Down."

Here's the back cover copy:

"Hmmm," the doctor muttered.

Natalie wrinkled her forehead, almost afraid to ask, and said, "What does that mean?"
"You do know you're pregnant, right?"
Her breath caught in her throat. "Excuse me?"
"You're pregnant."
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. "I'm what?"

Natalie Drake certainly has her hands full raising a large family, dealing with her difficult mother, and maintaining a relationship with her rebellious teenager. Just when things seem to be going smoothly, she finds out another unexpected surprise--she's going to have a baby. Faced with so many challenges, Natalie must learn to trust in a plan that isn't what she imagined and discover that every situation has an upside.

Rebecca Talley once again carefully crafts together a touching and heartfelt story that is sure to inspire you. With true-to-life characters and situations, The Upside of Down will reignite your faith and remind you of the importance of family.

To be entered into the contest:

1. Become a follower of my blog.

Additional entries:

2. Sign up for my newsletter (under my photo)
3. Add my book on Goodreads
4. Become a follower of The Upside of Down blog
5. Like my author page on Facebook.

Let me know in the comments section what you did and I'll use http://www.random.org/ to select a winner on Monday, March 21, 2011. You will be entered for each thing you do so you can be entered up to 5 times for a chance to win my book.

Good luck and thanks for stopping by.

Japan and Preparation

2011-03-15T08:50:00.000-06:00

My heart goes out to all of those affected by the disasters in Japan. I saw some footage and the devastation is mind-boggling. I feel so bad for those people. It's overwhelming to see such destruction.

Watching the effects of this disaster made me question my own preparation. Would I be prepared if struck with a natural disaster? I don't live on a fault line, near a large body of water, or in tornado alley. However, we've had enough snow fall at times to knock out our electricity and make it impossible to get out of our driveway for a few days. Even losing electricity for seemingly no reason means we can't use our well so we have no water. Droughts can also cause us problems because it means we'll have very little water for household use. Certainly not a disaster but it does take some forethought and preparation.

And what about personal disasters? In the course of one week we had a member of our ward suffer a heart attack and another one that was involved in a head-on collision. The member with the heart attack is self-employed and he has 9 of his 13 children still living at home. The man involved in the car accident had serious injuries to his leg and has been in a wheelchair. Neither of these people expected what happened and both will be out of work for a while. I'm thinking their food storage will come in very handy.

And that's the thing with disasters, natural or personal, we usually don't see them coming. So we have to ask ourselves, are we prepared? The brethren have been counseling us to build up food storage, fuel, and the like for many, many years. Are we listening? I believe a lot of that storage will be used in personal disasters like losing a job, sickness, accidents, etc., but each of us, especially in lght of the disaster in Japan, would be wise to take stock of our preparation in case of a disaster.

No one can deny we are in the last days and we are seeing many prophecies being fulfilled. There will continue to be natural disasters, and if our government doen't get itself under control we'll be seeing more and more personal disasters. I've watched the housing market where I live come to a standstill and those involved in the construction industry have lost income and even their own homes because of this current economy.

There will come a time, just as Joseph Smith prophesied, when we will not be able to buy a loaf of bread for a wheelbarrow of money. We will have to depend on what we've stored. We've been warned and we need to heed that warning to protect ourselves and our families from suffering.

I know of a family that told their kids that they'd never go on missions or get married because the end of the world would come before then--that was 20 years ago. I don't believe in being scared or going all doomsdayish, but I do believe in being prepared. If we're prepared we need not fear.

So let's learn from what's happened to Japan and now, while we still can, let's get prepared. We never know when a disaster is lurking around the corner.

Newspaper Article

2011-03-07T14:19:00.001-07:00

Here is the text from a newspaper article in The Daily Times in Farmington, NM. I'm so excited!

Mother knows best
By Melissa Oyer The Daily Times

Posted: 03/07/2011 10:51:29 AM MST

FARMINGTON — For an author with 10 children, there's always something funny, serious, soothing, traumatic, dangerous, witty and, most of all, heartfelt to write about.

Rebecca Talley used all of these and more to emote the message in her latest book, "The Upside of Down."

"My family inspired me to write this book," Talley said. "When I shared some of my experiences with my friends and family, they encouraged me to write everything down so I decided to express my experiences within the framework of a novel so I could tweak things here and there to create a functional storyline."

"The Upside of Down" is a story centered around a woman raising a large family and trying to do the best she can despite trials that arise. The book helps mothers, or women in general, take hold of problems that arise throughout life.

A series of events happens to Natalie, the main character, that chip away at her faith. She begins to question her beliefs, her faith, and most of all, herself. After some tough-love and deep bouts of soul searching, she realizes that what has happened to her was meant to be.

Though this story is framed within a religious belief system, Talley thinks many busy mothers can identify with the normal, everyday dealings most people encounter, such as the infamous haircuts small children like to give themselves and/or their siblings, trying to conquer the ever-growing mountain of laundry, juggling kids' schedules, dealing with difficult family members, and attempting to raise respectful, loving children.

"This isn't a tool for converting," Talley said. "I wrote a story that I would read, and that I felt like other mothers would enjoy reading."

When writing, Talley said she generally percolates a story idea in her mind for a few months, then writes a narrative synopsis, character sketches, character goals, story goal, descriptions of the settings, and any other details as they develop.

Talley writes scenes on index cards and continuously rearranges them until the flow of the story feels right. Then several drafts are worked through, then sent to the publisher for final edits.

"It takes me about a year or so from start to finish," she said, "depending on when the idea first strikes me. Sometimes I get an idea when I'm in the middle of another project, so I have had to learn how to juggle. I'm a wife and mom first, so I fit my writing in whenever I can."

So when not writing novels, updating her blog, or contributing to other publications, Talley spends her days like every other mother, which she considers her number one priority.

My family is extremely supportive," Talley said. "My husband picks up the slack at home when I have a deadline to meet. Writing wouldn't be possible without my family's support."

Talley sits on the Board of Directors for the writing group LDStorymakers. After current chairman Julie Coulter Bellon's term ends this summer, Talley will take over the leadership role.

"Rebecca balances her writing and her family with her responsibilities as the chair-elect of LDStorymakers and excels at all three," Bellon said. "Her compassionate nature just naturally flows into her writing and her characters are so real they become people you'd like to be friends with."

Of course, her books are as complex as she is, and they always have that little thread of optimism running through them, no matter what the issue, just like she does, Bellon said.

"The Upside of Down" is available locally at the Farmington LDS Bookstore and can be ordered through Hastings. It's also available online at www.cedarfort.com, as well as Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

"Besides writing," Talley said, "I enjoy dating my husband, playing with my kids, swimming in the ocean, and dancing to disco music while I clean the house — you know, normal mom-stuff."

Melissa Oyer: moyer@daily-times.com

Health Class Odyssey

2011-03-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

In February 2010 my son registered for the 2010-2011 school year at the high school. I noticed that the health class required for graduation was now required for ninth-graders. In the past it had been offered to upperclassman. I called the high school and politely asked that they replace the health class with another class because I didn't approve of this health class.

And thus begun my odyssey.

Remember, I live in one of the most liberal states and our school district is one of the most liberal within the state. My rural community is actually quite conservative but my children attend school in a very anti-God, anti-religion, anti-values community. My kids are regularly harassed for being Mormons, for not drinking or doing drugs, and especially for being virgins. Kids and teachers alike consistently ridicule my kids.

This particular health class is very explicit. They do demonstrations on how to use birth control. They speak about sex in the most disrespectful ways and scoff at the idea of abstinence. Most of my kids' friends have lost their virginity by age 14. That's got to be the saddest thing ever. What happened to being a kid? What happened to just enjoying being a teen without all the adult responsibilities that come with sexual activity? These kids can't drive, can't vote, can't even drop out of school legally and yet they are involved in sexual activities. Very sad. And the school district, in all of its wisdom, never addresses the emotional impact sex has on kids. Never. They tell the kids to have "safe" sex. As if. There is no such thing as "safe" sex when it comes to premartial sex. Sure you can protect yourself from diseases most of the time, but what about the emotional and spiritual toll it takes?

My husband and I met with principal of our high school only because I'd complained to the assistant superintendent that the principal wouldn't discuss this with me and, suddenly, we had a meeting scheduled. We asked if our son could test out of the class, an option that had been available for years. She refused. We asked if we could homeschool him through the school's shared schooling program. Again, she refused stating that this health class was the only class that couldn't be homeschooled. She offered us an online option that he could take during the school day with a teacher in the room. We asked to see the curriculum of the online class. We were denied access. No matter what we asked for, the principal denied us and blocked us.

I continued to research laws and after sifting through pages and pages of the district website found the policy on health education buried so deep it was a miracle I found it. The policy states that parents have the right to exempt their student from "any or all of the health education program." A-ha. I'd found the answer. Or so I thought.

I presented it to the high school principal, vice principal, and assistant superintendent and was told it didn't really say that after all. I showed them the exact wording and was told the wording needed to be changed.

My next step was to email all the members of the school board asking for clarification of the exemption policy. None of them replied. I emailed again. And none of them replied a second time. Not being one to give up, I attended a school board meeting and in the public session addressed the topic of exemption for the health class at the high school. The board members acted as if they'd never been notified of my plight. Oh brother. But, the superintendent was there and in public said they would address it. Nothing like a public forum to shed light on an issue.

A few days later an administrator whom I'd worked with before and respect greatly called me and promised she'd get to the bottom of this whole thing. She also assured me that CO school law backed me and that she was very familiar with school law. Basically, the district couldn't deny the exemption request and the principal either didn't understand that or didn't want to.

Finally, after all this going back and forth and, really, playing a power tug-of-war with the high school principal, the administrator called to let me know that all I need to do is to send an exemption request and my kids can take an elective in lieu of this health class and still graduate.

Hallelujah!

Finally!!!

I'm pretty sure the principal figured if she threw enough roadblocks in my way I'd give up and go away. Not so. I don't give up and I don't go away, not when I feel so strongly about something.

Moral of the story: Don't give up. Don't let educators try to usurp your rights as a parent. Fight for what you believe in.

Building Relationships with Our Kids

2011-03-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

"Emotional connections between parents and young children are so essential for the child's development and mental health that disruption of parent-child attachment is considered a risk factor for early development" (Bowlby 1969, 1980; Ainsworth, et al., 1978; Greenspan, 1985).

I couldn't agree more. I'm sure this won't be very popular, but I truly believe that pre-school is detrimental for children.

For years, educators have insisted that all children should be enrolled in pre-school and that those of us who do not enroll our children in pre-school do a serious disservice to our kids. I completely and wholeheartedly disagree.

In my experience, children enrolled in pre-school do not do better and, in fact, most have serious struggles because that emotional connection was severed at such an early age. I've been a mother long enough and seen enough to say that I firmly believe that the relationship we develop with our children from birth to age 8 is the foundation for the relationship we have with them when they are teenagers.

I also believe that if we want to have an influence on our children when they are going through the tumultuous teen years we must establish and nurture that relationship when they are babies and toddlers.

Sending young children off to pre-school compels them to establish a relationship with their teacher instead of with their parents. It isn't about quality time, it's about quantity. I think we've been lulled by the politically correct term "quality time" into thinking if we give our kids 30 minutes of focused time a day that will somehow be enough. It is not. Young children want quantity. They want to know mom is there all the time because this is the time that they form the strong bonds that will call them back when they are teenagers.

Emotional connections with our children are imperative. If those connections are disrupted problems occur. Look around and see how many teens are drinking regularly, doing drugs, and are sexually active at 12-14. It's astonishing. How many families are struggling with problems with their teens? I believe it goes back to the relationship established when they were very young.

We have one chance to be a parent. Time goes by so fast and our lives slip away before we know it. Children grow from babies to young adults in warp speed. I believe that if we want to avoid many of the problems plaguing our kids, and even our society, we, as parents, need to step up to the plate. We need to focus the bulk of our time on raising and teaching our children. We need to establish emotional connections with them when they are young. We need to realize that, "No other success can compensate for failure in the home," (David O. McKay) and nothing we do will ever be more important than what we do within the walls of our own homes.

Keeping a child at home with a loving, nurturing relationship will do far more for him than any pre-school. Learning to read can wait, but building a relationship cannot. We need to take time to build relationships with our children and when we do, we'll see the fruits of our labors when we need it most.

Hook Me: What to Include in Your First Chapter

2011-02-25T11:15:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited!! I have a new ebook available. Hook Me: What to Include in Your First Chapter.

It's for aspirirng writers who wonder what to include in a first chapter. I put this information together after reading and studying numerous first chapters. I hope it's helpful.

If you're interested in purchasing, you can go to Smashwords and download it. For a limited time, I'm offering a 50% off coupon which makes the price a mere $.99. A great deal if you ask me :).

Here's the coupon code: BX87U

Thanks!!

Book Signings and Other Book News

2011-02-24T09:29:00.002-07:00

I'm pleased to announce that I'll have two book signings for The Upside of Down at Pioneer Book, 858 S. State, Orem, UT on Friday, March 18th, 4:00-6:00 pm and again on Saturday, March 19th, 12:00-2:00 pm. I'd love to have you stop by and say hello. Pioneer Book has been very accommodating and I really appreciate the opportunity to do a book signing.

I recently discovered that my book is in the spring Seagull Book catalog. Yay! I'm so excited to see it in this catalog.

I've also been very pleased with reviews by Tristi Pinkston and Sheila Staley.

My book has also received some great reviews over at Goodreads.

Jennie Hansen reviewed my book here.

I'm very grateful for these wonderful reviews and for all of the support for this book. It means a lot to me. Thank you to all of you who have read it or are planning to read it.

Pinewood Derby 1st Place

2011-02-23T10:38:00.002-07:00

This is my Cub Scout. He worked hard to earn his Bear.

He won first place for the entire Pinewood Derby. His car is super cool and he was very happy--all that work paid off.

Watching the Pinewood Derby.

Being silly.

Birthday Boy

2011-02-21T08:33:00.002-07:00

We had a lot of fun celebrating my youngest son's birthday. Don't you love this smile?

Who needs cake when you have whipped cream?

I love this photo.

Typical silly faces at our house.

Birthday boy and his big sister.

Everyone gets a crown on their birthday.

He Will Read

2011-02-18T08:32:00.000-07:00

I am beside myself with excitement. Last night we put in a DVD for my youngest son to watch. It's from the "My Baby Can Read" reading system. He's watched this one a few times but not very consistently. My husband and I were watching it with him and the word "dog" flashed up on the screen. My son looked at it and then made the sign for dog. No one said the word, there was not a picture of a dog, only the word and he READ it. Yep, he did. A few minutes later, "cat" came up on the TV screen and he made the sign for cat. Again, he READ the word. He had no hints, he had no other clues except for the actual word.

What a huge accomplishment and proof that he can read. Wow! I'm thrilled.

I've taught my kids to read. I don't send them to kindergarten and spend that year with them teaching them through a phonics program. We also learn math and other skills, but reading is our main emphasis. A reader can learn anything because reading opens up the world. My first grader has now read 650 books by herself. We recently had a read-a-thon at the elementary school and in two weeks she read over 800 minutes. Most of my kids go into school reading above grade level. I teach them myself because I never wanted any of them to fall through the cracks and end up not reading.

Since I've taught my other kids to read, I plan to teach my youngest son to read, but I was concerned he might not be able to read. I know that many kids with Down syndrome read, but some don't and I wasn't sure what to expect. I tend to have high expectations for my kids and I just wasn't sure what I could expect with him. Now I know. He will read. He will be able to immerse himself in the world of books and I am so excited for him to do that.

I bought a book about teaching children with Down syndrome to read in hopes that I'd be able to teach my son. And now I know. He will read! Yay!!!!!!

Barbie and The Feminist Movement

2011-02-17T10:52:00.001-07:00

My daughter is participating in National History Day at her middle school. This year's theme is: Debate and Diplomacy: Successes, Failures, and Consequences. The kids compete at the middle school and if they win they go on to a regional competition at the local college. If they win at that level, they then go to Denver to compete on the state level. If they win state, they go on to compete nationally in Washington D.C. My kids have made it to the state level, but never to the national level.

My daughter chose to debate the effects Barbie has had on our society. Feminists claim that Barbie has had a negative influence on young girls and their self-esteem, so my daughter wanted to research it.

As we've talked about it, I have to say that I think it's completely ridiculous to blame self-esteem issues on a doll. Umm, it's a doll. How can a doll have adverse effects on anyone? It's an inanimate object. I played with Barbies all the time. I even had one fashioned after Miss America that I thought was beautiful. I had all sorts of Barbies and I loved playing with them. I never wanted to be Barbie nor did I ever want to look like her because, well, she was a doll, and I'm a real person. I could easily differentiate between real and make-believe. I'd have to say that if a doll undermines your self-esteem, you have some serious issues brewing.

Eleanor Roosevelt said it best when it comes to self-esteem, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

My daughter's teacher told her to research the feminist movement and see how it related to the Barbie controversy. My daughter asked me about the feminist movement and I was happy to give her my opinion. The feminist movement has been responsible for the degradation of women and is directly responsible for the murders of millions of innocent babies under the guise of women's rights.

Personally, I do not want to be the same as men. The moment women set out to become like men is the moment our society began to degrade. There was a time when men respected women. They opened doors, pulled out chairs, carried heavy packages, spoke in milder tones, protected the fairer sex, and held women in high regard. Now, that's all changed. Men don't respect women at all. Chivalry is mostly dead. Of course, there are those who are still taught to be chivalrous and to respect women, but they are few and far between. I think domestic violence is directly related to the loss of respect men have for women which is a direct result of the feminist movement.

The feminists like to scream and yell for equality and what they miss is that we already are equal, but equal does not mean the same. My daughter's teacher claims the feminist movement gave women choices. What choices? The choice to seek a career instead of motherhood? Will all that money and prestige keep those women company when they're old and gray? Will the absence of a family really bring happiness? Of course, there's the choice to sleep around with whomever happens to be available, a choice that was once unacceptable. And there's the worst choice of all, killing a baby simply because it's inconvenient. The feminist movement has taught women to not only be selfish but also irresponsible.

The women's movement has done nothing to improve the lot of women and I'm ashamed of all those women who have tried to make me the same as a man. I'm proud to be a woman. I love being a woman. I love being a wife. I love being a mother. I resent the implication from feminists that somehow I'm not a real woman because I don't have some high-powered career and have chosen to stay home and do the most important job in the world: raising my children. My only regret is that I couldn't have 10 more kids.

And what does Barbie have to do with all of this? The feminists claim that Barbie has skewed the expectations of little girls. That girls who play with Barbies will grow up with a distorted sense of reality. Really? I say to the feminists look in the mirror for a distortion of reality.

The best part of the whole thing is that when I asked my daughter where she went for her research on feminism she replied, "I went to LDS.org because I figured that was the best place to find the truth about women." Yes!! I love that. She even wants to include a quote from The Proclamation about women's true roles. Color me a very proud mama.

Whether my daughter wins or not at school, she's already a winner in my book!

UPDATE: She won third place out of 30 entries and will be competing in the regionals.Yay!

Dearly Departed by Tristi Pinkston

2011-02-15T10:00:00.001-07:00

Ida Mae Babbit has done her community service and is a reformed woman - no more law-breaking for her.

But when Arlette's granddaughter Eden discovers a mystery in a fancy nursing home, Ida Mae - with the perfect excuse of a broken wrist and a broken ankle - checks herself into the place. After all, it is for the greater good.

Soon she's buzzing around in her motorized wheelchair, questioning the residents and swiping files from the office. She's bound and determined to get to the bottom of this case.

But can she solve the mystery before she becomes the next victim?

They've done it again. Tristi Pinkston because she's once again written a humorous, entertaining, and fun read. And, Ida Mae because she's helped solve another mystery.

I consider myself somewhat of an expert on old-lady-speak and elderly knowledge since I grew up with my grandparents. I heard about all sorts of things that happen as you age and can attest to the fight for independence. Neither of my grandparents wanted to depend on anyone, even when they desperately needed to. I found the details in Ida Mae's characterization to be right on the money. Ida Mae is fiercely independent and even though her friends try to "help" her, she resists. But, of course, she can't resist a mystery. And you won't be able to resist reading this story.

I loved the unexpected romance. I used to think romance and all that was confined to the young (the older I get the more I realize I was wrong) but it's sweet to see it happen to older people, even if one of them isn't quite sure how to wear his hair. (You'll have to read the book to understand that reference).

Pinkston has created such realistic characters that I feel like I could visit with any of them because they feel like trusted friends. I think that's the magic with this book and with the series. The characters feel like people you might know in your neighborhood.

Dearly Departed in the second in the Secret Sisters Mysteries. I'm looking forward to the next one to see what Ida Mae and her gang will be up to next. And to see who Eden chooses.

You can learn more about Tristi Pinkston at her website and her blog. You can purchase Dearly Departed at Amazon.

Thanks, Tristi, for a fun and entertaining book!

Is Chivalry Dead?

2011-02-11T09:18:00.001-07:00

We had a lesson on manners the other night and talked about what it means to have manners. I believe today that too many parents do not teach their kids even the simplest of manners like saying "please" and "thank you." And that's a shame.

Some years ago, I met with my daughter's middle school teachers for her end-of-the-school-year presentation. They remarked about how refreshing it was to have a student who said "please" and "thank you" and was polite. They said it wasn't often in their classrooms that someone was courteous and they appreciated that about my daughter. It made me feel good, but it also made me feel bad that my daughter's politeness stood out so. Why was it such a big deal that she was polite?

Unfortunately, I've seen the answer far too often. Kids don't say "thank you" when I give them a ride or go out of my way to help them. People aren't generally courteous or polite. People don't send out thank-you cards--well, except for my sister-in-law who sends out thank-you cards for thank-you cards and is the most polite and gracious person I know. My grandma insisted I write thank-you cards--a practice that was common in her day, so I still try to do that even when people tell me it isn't necessary.

As my kids have grown up, I've insisted that they say "thank you" and "please" even refusing to give them something or extend help until they asked politely. My youngest is learning to sign "please" and "thank you."

During our manners lesson we also discussed how the boys need to take extra care to help girls and women. They are to open the doors, pull out chairs, lift packages, and offer help whenever needed. I was happy to hear from my 13 -year-old that her older brother always opens the doors for her when they are together. Yay!

I shared stories of when I was 200 months pregnant with a cartload of kids and another cart filled with food and not one man would open the door for me to exit the grocery store nor would any offer to help me to the car--not even the men who worked at the store. Other times, I'd have to stand on public transportation even though I was visibly as big-as-a-barn because none of the men would give up their seats. I was always so shocked that men could watch me waddle and struggle to do something yet not offer any help.

When we were in Florida I was amazed to see men sit on the buses while older women stood in the aisles clinging to the rails. Once in a while I'd see a man offer his seat, but not often.

Why?

I think women have done this to themselves by demanding equal treatment. Instead of demanding better treatment from men, women have asked to be treated like men. There was a time when men honored women and treated them well, but not so much anymore. In fact, when my husband or sons have tried to open doors for women they've been chastised. Perhaps, that it why so many men have learned not to be chivalrous. But I can't help thinking we've lost something along the way. I'm thankful that my husband learned to treat women with respect and kindness and that he continues to be chivalrous. He will always come to the aid of a woman, especially me. He never allows me to carry heavy boxes, he opens my doors, and he treats me with respect. I want my sons to do the same.

This morning, before school, we were reading some stories out of the Friend magazine about people helping others. My 7-year-old shared how she'd helped an older lady. I told her that we should always help others. She replied, "Especially when there are no men around." Guess she got my point :).

Whether it's politically correct or not, I will continue to teach my boys to be chivalrous and I will insist that my children have manners and are polite.

Why My Husband Does Our Grocery Shopping

2011-02-09T20:23:00.000-07:00

Today, after my son had his speech therapy, I went to Walmart to do the grocery shopping. My husband always does the grocery shopping, but he is in Africa for a business workshop. (Did I ever mention that I'm African-American? Yep. My great-great grandfather was born and raised in South Africa. He later immigrated to the states and worked closely with Brigham Young. So, technically, I am African-American).

Anyway, I took my four-year-old son with me shopping. He was pretty easy for the first while. He stayed by me, held my hand, and listened to me. Until he didn't. Then it was hard--imagine doing a workout with jeans and a coat on. After getting all the food, I realized I needed to go back to get some poster board for my daughter's History Day project which, of course, was across the store. My son refused to cooperate, so I had to hold him and pull the overflowing cart all the way to the other side. After that, I had to go back across to the original side to find a checker because only 4 checkstands were open and 2 of those were for 20 items or less--even if it had been 200 items or less I wouldn't have qualified.

During checkout my son ran off, of course, and I had to chase him. Even though I had fit all my items into one cart, after bagging, there was no way to fit it all in. And, was there an extra basket? No. Anyone to find me an extra basket? No. Anyone to help me? No.

I filled a laundry basket I'd purchased with stuff, hung my purse and another bag filled with stuff off my arm, and then balanced the laundry basket between my chest and thigh. I laced my pinky and ring fingers through the end of the basket and proceeded to hobble out of the store, backwards. When I got to the door, the employee standing there didn't offer to help me. Instead she asked to see my receipt. Seriously?

I said, "Are you serious?" She nodded. I then said, "Well, you'll have to follow me out here (to where the other baskets were located) so I can show you." I hobbled the rest of the way out and found a basket just barely in time before I dropped everything. She didn't follow me outside.

I mean, really. I had Walmart bags all over my basket, including the one hanging off my arm, a boobing kid, and was balancing a laundry basket between my chest and legs. Do I look like a thief? If so, we've got some poor theives where I live.

And this is why my husband does the grocery shopping.

Read-a-Thon Fundraiser

2011-02-02T13:21:00.000-07:00

Every year at this time, our elementary school begins its Read-a-Thon fundraiser. Each kid is supposed to find sponsors willing to pay so much money for so many minutes. I love the idea of a read-a-thon. I love the idea of kids reading books instead of watching TV or playing video games. I love the idea of kids using their imaginations as the words in books create visual images in their minds. I love everything about books.

The kids get so excited. Some read and read and read. I can feel their excitement. My own kids get very excited too, especially since the school offers prizes. But, this is where my enthusiasm ends. The student who collects the most money gets a huge prize, while the child who reads the most minutes only gets a small prize. Now, I understand this is a fundraiser and in this economy schools are suffering, but I believe that a child who reads thousands of minutes during the two week period should be rewarded appropriately. I think the message to the kids is wrong because it tells the kids that having a lot of sponsors and making money is more important than reading. Besides, kids can't control how much money someone is willing to donate, but they can control their choice to read instead of playing a video game.

I also think the program should reflect the different ages. A kindergartner is going to have a much more difficult time reading for 800 minutes (the school goal for each child) than a fifth grader, yet the younger kids don't receive any recognition until they have reached exactly the same goals as the older kids. Seems a bit unfair to the younger kids.

I have tried to convince the organizers to offer goals more in line with the younger kids and I've also tried to convince them to reward the highest minutes with the same kind of prize as the most money, but I haven't been successful. So, I've designed my own prizes for my kids according to their abilities and what they want most. What is that prize? A day home with me. Yep, that's what they both said they wanted most.

I want my kids to be readers for the love of reading and the amazing places a book can take them. I want them to have fantastic imaginations and use their minds. This read-a-thon is a great idea, but I'm not so sure the execution of the idea is the best it can be.

American Idol Judges

2011-01-31T12:14:00.000-07:00

I didn't watch AI last year, not even once. This year, I happened to find the first audition show by accident while I was folding clothes and I got sucked back in.

It's fascinating watching the auditions. Some of these people really can't sing, Why doesn't anyone tell them they can't sing? It's embarassing. I'm sure some of them purposely go to the auditions to be outrageous knowing full well they can't sing, but I think some of them honestly believe they can sing. When the judges tell them no, they seem to be shocked. Some get so angry too. I don't want to laugh, but I can't help myself--does that make me a bad person? And then there are those who knock it out of the auditorium and create an orchestra just with teir voices. Amazing talent.

The judges are interesting this year. Randy Jackson has become the new Simon. He tells people they're bad and that they can't sing. He seems to have assumed this role because both Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are very nice.

Watching Steven Tyler flirt with girls young enough to be his granddaughters is a little sickening. I mean, the man is old. He reminds me of Johnny Depp on Pirates--he acts a little off-kilter. I admit, I never listend to Aerosmith. At Hollywood Studios in Florida, there's a ride calle Rockin' Rollercoaster--one of the best rollercoasters ever--and it is supposedly a limo ride to get backstage for an Aerosmith concert. There are posters of the group on the walls. They sure liked to dress up like women. And Steven Tyler looked a lot different back in the day. However, he's been in the business for decades so I think he knows what's what and he's a great addition as a judge.

Jennifer Lopez is also a great addtion. she's been in the business for years, she's a great singer herself, and she understands what it takes to be a pop star. She's been really nice, but she's also been honest.

I like this set of judges and I'm looking forward to this season of American Idol.

Interview, Giveaway, Guest Post

2011-01-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

Three different blogs are featuring me and/or my book, including a giveaway, if you'd like a chance to win a copy.

If you want to learn a little more about me, check out A Story Book World.

Fire and Ice is featuring a chance to win a copy of my book and a guest post that I wrote about my son. This same guest post is at Parenting Partner.

Thanks!

Out of My Comfort Zone

2011-01-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

I did a book signing the weekend before last. The signing was great, but I learned even more on the way home. The four of us, Tristi Pinkston, Daron Fraley, Don Carey, and I stopped at libraries and bookstores between Logan and Salt Lake. Following Tristi's lead, I learned from a fearless master to step out of my comfort zone and approach people about my book.

I don't have a problem talking to people. I can talk for a long time (just ask my kids), but talking to someone about my author self and my books is something altogether different. I always feel funny talking up my book because I feel like I'm bragging and being conceited or something. I love to talk writing and I love my books, but I don't want people to think of me as a salesperson trying to pawn off my books. Yet, if I don't talk about my books than I may not be doing part of my job as an author. It's a catch-22 for me.

I used to think being an author meant I wrote books. That's true, but that isn't the whole picture. Promotion and marketing are a big part of being an author. With so many great LDS books by so many talented authors, how will I stand out, especially if I don't try to promote mine? And, yet, I feel like that obnoxious car salesman that won't leave you alone for two seconds.

I haven't been too vocal about my books in the area where I live. I have visited, and even done a book launch, at an area LDS bookstore (I've known the owners forever) and I've contacted the newspaper to do an article. But, other than that, I leave my promotion to what I can do online because I'm way cooler online. But, after watching Mistress Tristi in action, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try a few more things in my area.

I visited an area library and asked if I could leave bookmarks, but was told I couldn't. I then visited Hastings Bookstore and asked again. Not only did they allow me to leave bookmarks, but asked if I'd like to do a book signing. A few days later, I visited another nearby library. After slipping on the ice and landing in a snowbank, I wiped myself off, shook the snow out of my shoe, dusted off my purse, and asked if I could leave bookmarks. I was pleasantly surprised when the librarian there agreed to let me. I then went to a bookstore near that library and was able to leave bookmarks. The gentleman even asked me to call back so they could get more information and help promote a local author. Hooray!!

I'd still much rather write than promote. And if I never had to promote again, I'd be happy. But, it is what it is and stepping out of my comfort zone didn't actually kill me so I may try it again. Someday.

Kaylee Baldwin Author of Meg's Melody

2011-01-21T09:24:00.003-07:00

I'd like to introduce a new author to you. Her name is Kaylee Baldwin.

Kaylee grew up in Mesa, Arizona, and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in English literature.

She currently lives in southern Arizona with her husband, Jeremy, and their three children. When she is not writing, Kaylee enjoys reading, starting new craft projects, and spending time with her family.

You can learn more about Kaylee at her website http://www.kayleebaldwin.com/.

I recently reviewed her book, Meg's Melody here. I loved the book. In fact, I nominated it for a Whitney Award. Here's the official back cover copy:

She paced the small confines of her bathroom as she waited the obligatory two minutes for the result. Yet, part of her sensed the truth. Not only did Austin take her self-esteem and plans for happiness, but he also took her get-out-of-this-marriage-free card.

The plus sign glared at Meg from the white plastic frame of the pregnancy test. The test fell from her hands and clattered into the bathtub as Meg’s back slid against the wall until she reached the floor.

“I’m pregnant,” she said into the quiet.

Meg never imagined she'd end up like this. With nowhere else to turn, she's forced to rely on the family she pushed away, the church she abandoned, and an unexpected friendship to help her find her forgotten melody. Meanwhile Matt is still mourning the loss of his wife. But determined to keep things together for his daughter's sake, he decides starting over in a new place might be just what his family needs.

This touching story combines romance with redemption and real conflict to remind you it's never too late to find joy. Kaylee Baldwin's capable hand renders a sincere, heartfelt story of rediscovery and hope. Perfect for romantics of all ages, this book will captivate your heart and rekindle your belief in the magic of music.

Kaylee is holding a contest. If you leave a comment here or at any of the blogs listed below you will be entered into a drawing to receive a copy of Meg's Melody.

January 10th
Shanda at LDSWBR

January 11th
Tristi Pinkston

January 12th
Jolene Perry

January 13th
Shaunna Gonzales

January 15th
Taffy Lowell

January 17th
Heather at Fire and Ice

January 18th
Marsha Ward

January 19th
Alison Palmer

January 20th
I am a Reader Not a Writer

You can purchase Meg's Melody at Deseret Book and Amazon. I recommend you read it, it's a great story.

Book Signing Report

2011-01-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

Left to right: Don Carey, Tristi Pinkston, Rebecca Talley, Daron Fraley

Last Saturday, Tristi Pinkston, Don Carey, Daron Fraley, and I had a book signing at The Book Table in Logan, UT. Super cool bookstore. I could've wandered through that store for hours. We had a lot of fun and even sold some books. We also visited other bookstores and libraries between Logan and Salt Lake and dropped off bookmarks. It was great to meet people and what's better than a bookstore for a group of authors? I had to control myself so I didn't buy all the books in the store. It was a successful and fun day!

Someone posted a very nice review of The Upside of Down on Amazon and over 200 people have added it to their shelves on Goodreads. Every time I look at the cover, it makes me want to have a newborn.

Thanks for all of the support!

Winners of Giveaway

2011-01-18T10:22:00.001-07:00

Wow! I'm blown away by the response to my giveaway on the Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop. I'm so happy with the response and the support. Thank you so much for participating!!

Since the response was so wonderful, I've decide to give away 2 books. Yay!!

The winners, as selected by http://www.random.org/ are: Janelle and Ellie. I've sent you emails so you can send me your addresses and I'll get the books in the mail right away.

Thank you so much for all the great comments--I really appreciate it! This book is very close to my heart and I hope readers will enjoy it.

Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop

2011-01-14T00:01:00.007-07:00

Welcome to the Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop. This is the first time I've participated and I'm excited!

The giveaway I'm offering is a copy of my new book, The Upside of Down.

Here's the back cover copy:

"Hmmm," the doctor muttered.
Natalie wrinkled her forehead, almost afraid to ask, and said, "What does that mean?"
"You do know you're pregnant, right?"
Her breath caught in her throat. "Excuse me?"
"You're pregnant."
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. "I'm what?"

Natalie Drake certainly has her hands full raising a large family, dealing with her difficult mother, and maintaining a relationship with her rebellious teenager. Just when things seem to be going smoothly, she finds out another unexpected surprise--she's going to have a baby. Faced with so many challenges, Natalie must learn to trust in a plan that isn't what she imagined and discover that every situation has an upside.

Rebecca Talley once again carefully crafts together a touching and heartfelt story that is sure to inspire you. With true-to-life characters and situations, The Upside of Down will reignite your faith and remind you of the importance of family.

To be entered, you can do one (or more) of the following and just leave a comment letting me know what you did. Each one counts as one entry into the giveaway contest.

1. Become a follower of my blog.
2. Sign up for my newsletter (I promise I won't spam you) located in the right column of my blog under my photo.
3. "Like" my author page on Facebook.
That's it. The hop runs through midnight January 17th. I'll draw a name on January 18th using http://www.random.org./ Be sure to check back on January 18th.

Have fun!

Book Signing Change

2011-01-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

Due to circumstances beyond our control, Tristi Pinkston, Daron Fraley, Don Carey, and I will not be signing at the Wisebird Bookery in Ogden, UT on Saturday, January 15th. We will still be signing at The Book Table in Logan, UT so, please, if you're in the Logan area this Saturday, stop by. We'll be at The Book Table, 29 South Main Street, from 11:00 am-1:00 pm and we'd love to see you!

Thanks!!.

Contest Featuring My Book

2011-01-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

There's a cool contest going on over at Inksplasher and today it's featuring my new book The Upside of Down. (I'm always giddy when I realize I actually have more than one book published and I need to differentiate between them--yay!).

If you're interested in entering the contest you can go here. Besides my book, there are several other really great prizes. Go check it out--you won't be sorry.

Thanks!

Visit Inksplasher.

Who's at the Door? by Dan Harrington

2011-01-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

From the back cover:

Experience the gospel in a new perspective while witnessing Dan Harrington's spiritual journey.

Not just another tale of conversion, Dan reverently reveals the Mormon religion through a non-member's eyes as he reflects upon his experiences with missionaries and Church members, forges new friendships, and finds an unexpected common ground of faith.

Find out who's at the door and see what can happen when you open it.

I enjoyed this book. My son served his mission in Rome, Italy and I often wondered what it was like for the people that met him. He's so full of energy and excitement that I'm sure many he met caught his enthusiasm. This book allowed me to see a mission from another perspective--that of an investigator.

Harrington is candid and honest about his experience with the missionaries. He also shares his feelings about members of the Church he met. One particular experience made me cringe. A member of the ward was supposed to come and meet with him and the missionaries but didn't show up, on more than one occasion. I realize that things come up and we all have tremendously busy lives, but I wish someone from that ward would've been able to attend the discussion with Mr. Harrington and the elders.

I wasn't sure if I'd like this book, I'm not a big memoir reader, but it pulled me in. I found myself thinking about it and hoping for a particular ending. This isn't a conversion story, it's about Harrington's spiritual journey and I liked his candor. He didn't sugarcoat anything. It made me realize that I need to teach my boys even better how to be an effective missionary, how to be a friend to those they teach, and how to bring the Spirit to any meeting.

I hope Mr. Harrington continues on his spiritual journey and I hope it leads him to the Savior. I feel like I know him, or at least a bit about him, after reading his book and it's made me ask myself some questions.

I recommend this book to any who want to venture out on a spiritual journey and to any who want to know the other side of a mission.

Storyfix #1

2011-01-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

This is exciting news for Larry Brooks. He will be the keynote speaker for the LDStorymakers Conference May5-7 at the Salt Lake Sheraton. If you haven't yet registered for the conference you can go to http://www.ldstorymakers.com/ to register. It's going to be an amazing conference.

January 9, 2011 - Scottsdale, AZ -- www.storyfix.com, the website created and authored by bestselling novelist and Writers Digest Books author Larry Brooks, has been named the #1 writing blog and website in a major nationwide judging. Hosted by Writetodone.com, this five-year old competition asks for reader nominations to cull a list of 20 finalists, after which four judges (all major blog owners in this niche, and prior winners) announce a Top Ten Blogs For Writers listing, with a hierarchical ranking that factors in content quality, reader response, and the quantity and content of reader nominations (there were over 500 nominations submitted). This year Brooks' Storyfix.com took the #1 spot among the ten finalists.

See the announcement here: http://writetodone.com/2010/12/21/top-10-blogs-for-writers-2011-the-winners/ .

Brooks' blog/site is 18 months old, and placed as a finalist last year while failing to crack the Top 10. After a year of subscriber growth to over 3500 daily readers, and a wide breadth of content with an emphasis on story structure and characterization, the judges found Storyfix sufficiently mature and worthy of the top spot.

Brooks' book, "Story Engineering: Mastering The Six Core Competencies of Successful Writing," comes out from Writers Digest Books in February 2011. His blog will continue with two to three major posts weekly, and Brooks continues to speak at workshops around the country.

Congratulations!

Growing Up Gracie by Maggie Fechner

2011-01-07T14:23:00.001-07:00

From the back cover:
As the fifth of six kids, it's sometimes hard for Gracie Fremont to see what makes her special. But with the help of friends, family, and her faith, Gracie discovers that even the most ordinary girl can do extraordinary things. Told with sweetness, humor, and heart, this unique coming-of-age story will resonate with readers of all ages.

Maggie Fechner wrote her first book in First Grade for the Young Author's program. She received a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and has worked as a reporter for several newspapers.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a warm and humorous look at the life of Gracie as she grows from a girl into a young woman. I loved the descriptions and I loved how the relationship built between Gracie and . . . . well, I don't want to include any spoilers. Suffice it to say that Fechner has created realistic characters and a voice that made me feel like she was sitting next to me sharing this story as her own. I could relate to many of Gracie's experiences in the book and I found her to be a very honest, endearing character.I'd compare this book to comfort food--it makes you feel good and all warm inside.

I recommend it! And, it's been nominate for a Whitney Award.

You can purchase Growing up Gracie at Amazon.

(I did receive this book as a review copy but it did not influence my review. My opinions are my own).

Signing for The Upside of Down

2011-01-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

I'm doing my first book signing for The Upside of Down on Saturday, January 15th. I'll be joining authors Tristi Pinkston, Daron Fraley, and Don Carey for the signing. We'll be in Logan at The Book Table, 29 South Main Street, 11:00-1:00 and then we'll head over to Ogden to Wisebird Bookery, 4850 Harrison Blvd # 5, and be signing there 3:00-5:00. If you're in the area and have time, please stop by. I'd love to meet you and Tristi, Daron, and Don are super fun so we'll be having a great time.

2011 Goals

2011-01-01T09:38:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year! Every year on this day I find it hard to believe a new year has begun. Time flies by so fast, it's a blur.

December was certainly a blur for me. We spent the first week in Florida at Disney World and came home in time for all the Christmas shopping, wrapping, making goodies, singing carols, sending out cards rush. It was a whirlwind. We've spent the last few days celebrating Second Christmas because all of my kids are home.

Now it's a fresh new year with all sorts of possibilities. I make yearly goals, but I also make monthly and weekly goals. In fact, I make daily goals. I'm a list person. If I don't write something down, I'll forget and I won't get it done. I'm a little stressed right now because I forgot to get a new daytimer so until I go to town next week, I'll have to use loose paper to write my daily goals.

General goals:
Repaint/redecorate bathroom upstairs
Reorganize and repaint master bedroom
Clean carpet upstairs
Organize basement to utilize space better, including food storage
Return to exercise schedule 5 days a week. My honey bought me Zumba and lots of Wii dance games to help me.
Return to proper eating habits and lose the weight I've gained in December. I'll be doing South Beach.

Writing goals:
Complete a full first draft of YA paranormal "Glow"
Revise and submit "Glow" to publisher
Revise, format, and have available eBook on first chapters
Market "The Upside of Down" and hope to sell through first printing
Outline next novel
Make my blog better

That's a good start. How about you? Goals? Want to share? Remember, a goal not written down is merely a wish.

Why I Love the UPS Guy

2010-12-30T09:00:00.001-07:00

Well, I don't actually love him, but he is one of my favorite people for delivering this:

Super cool or what? Woo hoo!!

It's quite the surreal experience to hold my book in my hands. Even though this is my third novel, fourth book, it's still so amazing. To physically hold my words, my thoughts, my story in my hands is just incredible. The box was even delivered during a snowstorm so it was just like Christmas for me.

Excuse me while I go do the happy dance!

Wii Games for Christmas

2010-12-29T10:00:00.001-07:00

We received Wii games for Christmas. I love doing Wii games with the family.

One of the games we received was Just Dance 2. Very fun game. Lots of new songs and much more difficult than the original game. We love it. I don't know all the songs, but I'm looking forward to playing it a lot.

We also now have Just Dance for Kids. I actually love this game. I know almost all of the songs, the dance steps aren't too difficult, but can be challenging, and it's just so much fun to play. My middle daughters love this game.

My husband loves Beatles Rock Band. I really like this one because I recognize so many songs. I also think these songs are easier to sing than the ones on Rock Band because they're so familiar, at least to me. If only I were a singer . . .

My sons really like Lego Rock Band. They know more songs and they love the Lego characters.

My husband gave me Zumba for the Wii. I've already tried a workout and it really works you. I love it. I can't wait to do it each day. I'm still learning about it, but I'm hoping I can become good enough to get all the moves. I'm excited about it.

But, my ultimate fav-o-rite is The Michael Jackson Experiment. Man, what a fun game. I love the songs. I love the choreography. I love the memories of dancing, back in the day, to Michael's songs. Yes, it is difficult, but so much fun, And my favorite song is Thriller. I remember the world premiere of that music video and I've always loved it. It is totally fun.Of course, it's a new way to market his music, but what better idea than to have a Michael Jackson, the king of pop and dance, dancing game.

We danced for over 5 hours on Christmas day. It's fun for the whole family and the dance games really give you a workout. .

Second Christmas

2010-12-27T15:15:00.000-07:00

My son and his wife have been living in Orlando, FL working for Disney World. One of the drawbacks of working during the fall semester of the college program is that they couldn't come home to celebrate Christmas. Fortunately, my daughter-in-law's family went to FL for Christmas so they were all together on Christmas day. They went to EPCOT, a totally cool place, that day, but for my son it wasn't the usual Christmas celebration so he was a little sad. I think it may even be possible he misses his mommy :).

Following the lead of Fellowship of the Rings with its second breakfast and so that we could all be together to celebrate Christmas, we decided to create a new holiday, "Second Christmas." We'll be picking up my son and daughter-in-law on Thursday from the airport and that night will be "Second Christmas Eve." We'll do our family traditions (again). The kids will all sleep in the same room that night (again) and will wake up early (again) on Friday morning so we can celebrate Christmas together. We'll spend all day Friday eating, listening to Christmas music, watching Christmas shows, and enjoying each other's company.

Now that we have older kids and will have new in-laws in coming years, my husband and I think we'll institute a new family tradition of Second Christmas so that the kids who can be with us for the 25th can celebrate and those who need to spend it with in-laws can come for the second celebration and then we can all be together. It's a win/win proposition because spending it with family is far more important to me than the actual date.

So, come the end of the week, I'll be cooking another big turkey dinner with all the fixin's, there will be a few more gifts under the tree, and we can do our family traditions with the whole family. We're all excited!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone will have a peaceful and blessed Christmas!

I think Christmas has become so commercialized. We have a local radio station that plays Christmas songs throughout the month of December. For every hour's worth of music, it plays 2-3 songs about Jesus. The rest of the songs are about Santa, Rudolph, and toys. Don't get me wrong, I love Santa. I love gift giving, I love trying to find the perfect gift. And I love to surprise people with gifts they didn't expect. For me, the gift buying and giving is far more fun than the receiving. I decorate my tree the day after Thanksgiving and even sneak in Christmas music in October. I LOVE Christmas.

Yet, I think I get so caught up in what needs to be done, especially with so many kids, that I forget to take time to enjoy the true reason for the celebration. I don't get caught up in the commercialization as much as all of the "things" that need to happen--Christmas cards, wrapping, decorating, making gifts, shopping, concerts, parties, etc. For me, I need to take time to remember my Savior. I need to think about that small baby born so many years ago amongst the animals. The baby whose life will make it possible for me to not only be with my loved ones again, but also with my Heavenly Father. His birth is the most important event of mortality.

I don't pretend to understand how it all works--how He could take upon Him all of our sins or atone for each of us, but I know that I am so very grateful He did. I am so thankful that He was born to a young mother in lowly circumstances. That He spent His life teaching and helping others. That when the time came He did not falter, He willingly gave His life for me. And it all began with His birth. His wonderful, sacred birth.

I an so blessed to have the gospel in my life. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family. I am so blessed. I am very grateful for this time of year and for my Savior .

Merry Christmas!

Magic Kingdom

2010-12-23T10:41:00.000-07:00

I grew up in CA, about 2 hours away from Disneyland. We used to go to Disneyland all the time. I remember, back in the day, when we had ticket books and there were only a couple of tickets for the best rides, including the Matterhorn. The rest of the tickets were for kiddie rides. I remember Disneyland long before Space Mountain or Splash Mountain. I remember when it was this totally magical place and, as a kid, there was just no other place like it. I still have a strong connection to Disneyland and all the childhood memories it holds for me. Even after going to Disney World, I still have to say that Disneyland is my favorite.

Magic Kingdom is much like Disneyland. It's laid out about the same and I can find my way around pretty easily. It has most of the same rides as Disneyland.

The best part of Magic Kingdom this visit was watching my son as the skipper of the Jungle Cruise. He was definitely in his element telling corny jokes and trying to make people laugh. I loved seeing him perform again.

One of the highlights was seeing the fireworks display and watching Tinkerbell fly across the night sky. Tinkerbell used to fly across Disneyland when I was a kid. This Tinkerbell was all lit up as she flew above us. I loved the combination of the music, the narration, and the fireworks. The castle lit up in different color combinations and it was gorgeous.

Of course, we went on all of the rides, including Space Mountain and even Splash Mountain (it was cold so I volunteered to stay and watch my youngest son who was too small to ride). We also went on the Haunted Mansion, It's a Small World (my 9-year-old did not enjoy this ride at all), Teacups, Aladdin's Magic Carpet ride, the Tiki Room (my grandma loved this attraction and I always think of her when we go), the Carousel, Peter Pan, Snow white, Dumbo, Pirates, Buzz, and many more.

I think these photos of my youngest on the carousel are absolutely adorable so I'm sharing them. He looks like a little angel.

We had a blast and loved every minute of our trip.