CONFESSIONS OF A MOM

Thanksgiving. A day of gratitude. I have many, many things to be thankful for. My family, friends, neighbors, children, our home, our blessings, my Savior, the Plan of Salvation, temples, and the list goes on.

What I wanted to touch on were two of the tender mercies I’ve experienced as of late. I’m sure these few don’t even touch the tip of the iceberg, but I am ever mindful of The Lord’s hand in my life. I pray that I recognize it so I can be grateful for the help along the way.

One of the very first tender mercies I experienced while Lion was with us happened in the hospital. After being awake for basically twenty-four hours and giving birth and all that other fun stuff, I was surprised at how quickly I recovered, physically. Everyone around me also verbalized it. The recovery nurses were surprised at how quickly my body began returning to normal. Everyone said that I didn’t look like I had just given birth. The only real noticeable thing was after the first day, my ankles and feet swelled up.

It was a huge tender mercy to physically recover as quickly as I could. I can’t imagine trying to deal with everything on top of having the recovery I did with Tigger (even though it wasn’t as bad as it could have been). So any time someone told me I didn’t look like I had just had a baby, I smiled and said it’s a tender mercy. And truly it was.

For what seemed liked months, it was probably only a month or two, people continued to compliment me on how I looked. I still viewed it as a tender mercy, but there was a little pain in my heart. I would have much rather looked like I had just had a baby so in a way I had something to “show” for it. That probably sounds weird, but that’s the way my brain went.

Then when I didn’t (still can’t) fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans, it’s even harder to swallow. I know I shouldn’t be thinking that way. I know it really doesn’t matter and that at the time I needed to be able to be up and moving around, but . . .

The other huge tender mercy I’ve noticed a lot in the past several months is my patience level. I have been able to put up with so much from Tigger. Even when I knew my fuse was short it seemed like I had a little bit left when I know normally I would have blown up.

That has continued with everyone in my life. There has been an extra measure of patience. I know it’s a tender mercy, but I also can’t help but wonder if it’s partially because I have a different perspective on things now. I try to remember that who knows if this is the last time I’ll be able to stay up with a screaming child or the last time Hubby does something that drives me nuts. You just don’t know.

Now that I look back of the months before Lion joined our family, I realized that a lot of my responses to things were just that. Someone at church asked a question on how to handle something in particular with her children. I remember saying that you should try to learn to love it because who knows when that will be the last time you pick up their dirty socks, or something like that. There were several situations similar to that and my response centered around the same thing. In a way, that was a tender mercy too. My mind had already begun to think that way even if I didn’t recognize it. Another tender mercy.

So, enjoy the little things that normal drive you crazy. When you change your perspective it makes them much more enjoyable. Life is good. Watch for the tender mercies in your life, and remember to be grateful for them. :)

CHRISTMAS FROM HEAVEN & ORNAMENT SET--Reviews

CHRISTMAST FROM HEAVEN as read by Tom Brokaw. This fantastic story is so moving. There are still really good people out there. I loved all the pictures, and it came with a DVD of when Tom Brokaw told the story of the Candy Bomber during the First Presidency Christmas Devotional last year. My son watched it and now refers to the "Candy Man" show and book. I would highly recommend this book for any and everyone who loves a good, inspirational, true story.

:) :) :) :) :)

Christmas from Heaven is the story of the humble beginnings of what became a beacon of hope to a war-torn land, the story of Gail Halvorsen, a young pilot in the US Army Air Corps who was assigned as a cargo pilot to the Berlin Airlift, in which US forces flew much-needed supplies into a Soviet-blockaded Berlin.

As he performed his duties, Lt. Halvorsen began to notice the German children gathered by the fences of Tempelhof Air Base. Knowing that they had very little, he one day offered them some chewing gum. From that small act, an idea sprang: He would "bomb" Berlin with candy. Fashioning small parachutes, he and his crew sent them floating down as they approached the Berlin airport, wiggling the wings of their C-54 as a signal to the children that their anticipated cargo would soon arrive.

Lt. Halvorsen became known by hundreds, if not thousands, of children in Berlin as "Uncle Wiggly Wings" or "The Candy Bomber." Word soon spread, and donations of candy and other supplies poured in from sympathetic Americans. Lt. Halvorsen's small idea became a great symbol of hope not only to German children in a bombed-out city but to all those who yearned for freedom.

Famed broadcast journalist and author Tom Brokaw brings this remarkable true story to life in a stunning live performance with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, captured on the accompanying DVD. Also included in the book is a template and directions for creating your own “Candy Bomber” parachutes.

Click here to see a video of Tom Brokaw's reading.

The Biblical Names of Christ Ornament Set was beautiful. I thought of many different ways of using it, i.e. putting one star on a gift for someone, putting them in a wreath, using them on a Christmas tree. In the end, my son helped me string the stars on a ribbon and they are strung across the wall where we can see them everyday, kind of like a garland. These ornaments would make a great gift and/or addition to any family tradition. Take a look here.

HUDSON LIGHTS--Review

As a musician myself, I find that I'm a bit more critical than the average person, however, I enjoyed this groups harmonies. They have a fun upbeat feeling about them and the ability to change styles very well. That being said, the issues I found were really sound levels and such. Often times the accompaniment was on the loud sound, I felt. I enjoyed hearing them and think they have a great future.

Check out my post, here for more details.

:) :) :) :

*Review copy was provided. It did not sway my opinion.

CONFESSIONS OF A MOM

Over the past several weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to hold a couple of newborns. The last baby I held was a little girl that was born at the same time as Lion and I have to admit that I felt very detached when I held her. She was/is adorable and I’ve loved seeing her grow. The night I held her she spit up like all babies do, but it immediately threw me back to the one time Lion spit up. It was the evening before he returned home and I’d never seen so much come out of a baby. It really scared Hubby and I and Lion went downhill from there.

Needless to say, I’ve been less than excited to hold little ones, especially once Tigger began to show interest in some of the babies in the neighborhood. He’d get down in front of them at church and play with them. He’d try to hold them and help them and when they cried, he was the first to try to figure out what they needed. It made me smile as my heart broke at the same time since the babies Tigger interacted with were about the same age as Lion would have been.

Then a good friend of mine had a little girl. Tigger and I were able to visit the family when the baby was just over a week old. She was sleeping in a little swing when Tigger went up to her and tried to pick her up. Both her mom and I ran. :) He just wanted to hold her, so I had him sit on my lap and together we held the precious little girl. Tigger glowed. He last about a minute before he wanted to go play but I will never forget the smile on his face.

Tigger never held Lion like that. When I saw how excited he was with this little girl I began to wonder if I did him a disservice for not figuring out a way to make that happen. I was too worried about all the cords attached to Lion and how fragile he was. Maybe I should have given Tigger that experience.

I tried to do the things Tigger and I had talked about doing with Lion. Like he really wanted to play in the front room with Lion in a swing. I didn’t move fast enough to get it ready because I couldn’t figure out how to get the oxygen out there. By the time I got it worked out, Tigger had moved on. There was one time, though, that I sat on the couch with Lion while Tigger and Hubby played on the floor just like Tigger wanted. It’s one of those memories I will treasure forever.

About a week later, I sat by a woman at church who had a three or four week old. The question came, “Do you want to hold him?” You can’t really say no to that, so I held this sweet baby boy for about forty-five minutes. He was a wiggler, just like Tigger. He talked in his sleep just like Tigger, Lion, and Hubby. It threw me back to the last morning Lion was with us.

Tigger came into our room earlier than expected. I had just finished feeding Lion. Tigger climbed up in bed with Hubby, I put Lion down in his bassinet, and I sat in the chair we had pulled in our room. Within a few moments Lion was making his little noises, Tigger was mumbling in his sleep, and Hubby joined in the mix with his quiet talking. The three men in my life we all asleep and talking. I wanted to take a picture or record it or something, but I knew anything I did would wake one of the them up. So I did the only thing I could do. I knelt down and thanked my Heavenly Father for the three men sleeping in the other room, then went back to my chair and enjoyed the sweet symphony that I will forever treasure in my memory.

I know there will be more newborns to hold. I know that they will each bring a different memory to the surface. I know they will have each just come from the presence of our Heavenly Father, and I will wonder each time if they had visited with Lion before coming down. I will never look at a newborn in the same way again. They are precious little souls that have so much to teach us. How blessed we are to hold them and love them. Treasure each moment, including the frustrating ones, because we never know if it might be the last.

12 GIFTS FOR CHRIST by Merrilee Boyack--Book Review

12 GIFTS FOR CHRIST by Merrilee Boyack. This fun Christmas book really got me in the mood for Christmas. As a family we've talked about getting some Christmas traditions started and I got some great ideas from this book that will be easy to impliment. I'm excited to add to the few things we began last year. This is a great book for any and everyone. It reminds us that we do have things we can give to Christ and gives us ideas of how to share that with others.

:) :) :) :) :)

Christmas is a time for celebrating the birth of Christ and a time for giving. In the middle of this busy season, it is easy to forget the very reason why we celebrate. The first Christmas began with gifts of light and gold. This Christmas, ask: What gifts can I give to Him?

In 12 Gifts for Christ, author Merrilee Boyack suggests ways we can give to the Savior, including having gratitude, sharing through service, and loving others. With examples of these gifts shared through personal stories, scriptures, activities, and family home evening lessons, she suggests presenting those gifts to Christ in letters placed in stockings or brightly wrapped boxes. Following the ideas of this book will truly add joy to the spirit in our hearts and homes during Christmas!

*Publisher provided a review copy. That did not effect my review. Back cover blurb and cover taken from Deseretbook.com.

THE RENT COLLECTOR by Cameron Wright--Book Review

THE RENT COLLECTOR by Cameron Wright. I have put off reading this book for a long time. I wasn't sure I was ready for the kind of situation this story detailed. Boy am I glad I finally read it. This story is amazing. I loved how much I learned about literature as well as what happened in Cambodia. Not everything is happy but I loved every page of the story and devoured it. I would highly recommend this book to everyone, however, adults should read it with younger readers. There are some parts that may not be appropriate for them to read but the story stays true to what actually happened.

:) :) :) :) :)

Survival for Ki Lim and Sang Ly is a daily battle at Stung Mean Chey, the largest municipal waste dump in all of Cambodia. They make their living scavenging recyclables from the trash. Life would be hard enough without the worry for their chronically ill child, Nisay, and the added expense of medicines that are not working.

Just when things seem worst, Sang Ly learns a secret about the ill-tempered rent collector who comes demanding money — a secret that sets in motion a tide that will change the life of everyone it sweeps past. The Rent Collector is a story of hope, of one woman's journey to save her son and another woman's chance at redemption. It demonstrates that even in a dump in Cambodia — perhaps especially in a dump in Cambodia — everyone deserves a second chance.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher. It did not sway my review in any way.

CONFESSIONS OF A MOM

First off, I’ve had several people say that they’ve enjoyed reading my blog, and it’s caught me off guard. So I’d like to properly say thank you. I’m not sure exactly how I reacted, but I do appreciate you taking the time to read it.

Over the last little while I’ve had the opportunity to go to a writing conference and a writers retreat. Both were wonderful experiences but they both brought to light another thing I’ve been struggling with for a while. I used to leave not thinking twice. I never worried about anything. I knew Tigger was in good hands. I knew Hubby was right there and it never crossed my mind that anything could or would happen.

This time things were quite different. I drove to the conference in Kanab and as I waved goodbye to Tigger and Hubby the tears began to fall. I almost had to pull over. It was all I could do to keep it together enough to drive. I was so scared I would never see them again. Never have I felt so overwhelmed with worry and fear. My heart filled with prayers, begging Heavenly Father to keep them safe, to keep me safe, and to allow me to see them again.

Everything went well and the longer I drove the more at ease I became. Nothing happened on either end, but that overwhelming fear and uncertainty seems to be an underlining factor in many things now.

I flew to the writers retreat and found myself feeling a lot of those same fears. No longer was the plane ride calming and enjoyable the entire time, but rather I pictured all the things that could go wrong. I prayed we wouldn’t crash or get blown up or have the plane fall apart (all things I vividly pictured in my head).

At the retreat (by Rosario Beach), I took a walk along the ocean and ended up on a ledge looking out over the water. It was absolutely beautiful, and I was able to enjoy it until my brain took over and I saw Tigger running along the path, slipping and falling into the ocean. Or me falling over the edge. Or waves sweeping me off the cliff. Again I said a quiet prayer to protect my little family and help calm my fears.

Then on the way home my flight was delayed for over an hour while another plane flew a part in from San Diego. Of course that set my thoughts whirling around what would happen if the part wasn’t installed correctly. Or what would happen if someone got through security and blew up the plane. And when we were finally in the air, turbulence (which hardly ever bothered me before) made my heart leap into my throat.

Needless to say, as much fun as I had, it was really good to see Tigger and Hubby when I got home.

It seems that since Lion passed that death is much more real to me. Those things I used to say with confidence I find myself faltering at now. Like I want to promise Tigger that everything will always be safe and I will protect him, but the minute those thoughts enter my mind I doubt my ability to do that. I can’t promise him no one will kidnap him. I can’t promise him someone won’t break into our house and shoot us all. I can’t promise him that I’ll always be there for him because what if I’m taken home?

A family member just recently had a baby and she was worried there might be problems with her precious little one. I wanted so badly to tell her that everything would be just fine but I couldn’t. All I could say is that everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.

It’s a hard thing to admit, but I’m not in control. As much as I want to be, I’m not. There is a greater plan and if Tigger is called home then that’s where he’s needed. If Hubby is called home that’s what’s supposed to happen according to The Lord’s plan. I want so badly to feel safe in saying that everything will be just fine, but I’m not sure I will ever be able to say that again. I know I can say that everything will work out the way it’s supposed to and I trust The Lord is in control. It’s just not always an easy thing.

FOLLOW ME TO ZION--Book Review

FOLLOW ME TO ZION by Andrew D Olsen, Jolene Spendlove Allphin, and Julie Boswell Rogers. I have really enjoyed this compliation of pioneer stories. I have learned so much more about individual people and their personal trials and experiences on their trek to the Salt Lake Valley. Each story is moving and touched me in different ways. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves compelling, true stories.

:) :) :) :)

James G. Willie knew the trek would be arduous when he left Iowa City in July 1856, leading 500 handcart pioneers on a 1,300-mile journey across the plains.

 But he could not have known that his people would run out of food while still hundreds of miles from Salt Lake City nor that the winter of 1856 would begin in the middle of October with prolonged, severe storms. Sixty-nine members of his company would die along the way. Yet from this tragedy emerged triumphant stories of personal endurance, courage, heroism, and unwavering faith.

Follow Me to Zion recounts 20 compelling stories of members of the Willie handcart company and their rescuers. Dozens of full-color images by artist Julie Rogers enrich this keepsake volume, which pays tribute to the men, women, and children who have become enduring witnesses of the power of faith and sacrifice.

Here you will find excerpts from their own accounts of the journey, learn what those faithful pioneers did after reaching the Salt Lake Valley, and read reflections on their lives by descendants.

The simple words “Follow Me to Zion,” cross-stitched onto small pieces of fabric kept in the journal of a handcart pioneer, are an invitation that still calls to us today.

The stories and paintings in this beautiful volume can inspire us to live true to our faith and reach out to help others do likewise.

SPELL FIRE by Ariella Moon--Book Blast

Spell Fire, The Teen Wytche Saga #3 By Ariella Moon   Summary New school. New friends. New reputation. High school sophomore Ainslie Avalon-Bennett works hard to hide her Crazy Girl past. But as long as her best friend’s disappearance remains unsolved, she can’t shake the depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder that once landed her in a mental ward.   Ainslie’s tenuous control over her life shatters when her warring parents ditch her at Christmas. While they take a cruise to “work things out,” Ainslie must spend the holiday in Palm Springs with her aunt and uncle, owners of a struggling Mystery School and occult store. Plunged into the world of fire fortunes, dragons, entity eaters, and an ailing spell book, Ainslie is well beyond her comfort zone. Then she meets a boy who spikes her pulse and calms her OCD.  But will she lose him once he discovers her past? Or will his deadly secret, hidden in plain view, be their undoing?

Author Ariella Moon Ariella Moon writes about magic, friendship, secrets, and love in her Young Adult novels, Spell Check, Spell Struck, and Spell Fire, Books 1, 2, & 3 in The Teen Wytche Saga. Ariella spent her childhood searching for a magical wardrobe that would transport her to Narnia. Extreme math anxiety, and taller students who mistook her for a leaning post, marred Ariella’s teen years. Despite these horrors, she graduated summa cum laude from the University of California at Davis. An author and shaman, she now lives a nearly normal life with her extraordinary daughter, shamelessly spoiled dog, and an enormous dragon.  


Spell Fire Excerpt My body elongated, and I swore I grew six inches. Inside the cafe, there was no line. Another miracle. I paused beneath the fern‑painted ceiling fan and scanned the wall menu. I wasn't sure what I was looking for, but a weird craving fueled my search. The dragon exerted pressure between my shoulder blades, prompting me. "A Scorpion's Nest smoothie." Morningstar leaned over the high counter and gave me a once‐over. "You feeling okay?" I licked my lips. "Absolutely." I had never tasted an orange juice, vanilla ice cream, and peanut butter combo, but I slapped the countertop and said, "I'm fine. Hit me." Morningstar tilted her head to one side and studied me. Oh — crap. Maybe I'm dragon drunk. I wiped the drool from the corner of my mouth stood straighter. I could do this. I could act normal and in control. Behind me, the dragon blew on my hair. I clawed back the stray locks. "Strong ceiling fan." Morningstar glanced up. I held my gaze steady on her face and tried to remember if the fan was actually on. I couldn't hear the whir of its motor or feel the stir of cool air. I can't feel anything. I went for distraction and slipped a ten across the counter. Morningstar leveled her gaze, then handed me my change. "I'll bring the smoothie to your table." "Cool." My eyes crossed. I pivoted and fell out of my right flip‐‑flop. Fortunately, the place was almost empty, and I didn't think anyone saw me stumble. Still, my face heated as I chose a table with plenty of space behind it for the dragon and my invisible wings. "Mind if I join you for a minute?" Morningstar asked when she brought my drink. "Please." I giggled, giddy with dragon energy. I was a bright, beneficent angel among earthlings. I was — as crazy as my parents feared.

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Book Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 12/20/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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SIDING WITH PLATO by Michelle Manning—Book Blast

Siding with Plato: A Romantic Comedy Chick Lit About College Life, Love, and Chaos Siding With Plato is a romantic laugh-out-loud chick lit novel about Being Young, Beautiful, and a Seriously Hot Mess! Brooke Aarons can't get to college fast enough. Leaving behind her small town life, she intends to transform herself into a brilliant psychologist at the University of Texas, with no distractions to slow her down. But when a twist in her plans lands her on double date with the school's star jock - and worse, enjoying it - Brooke has to wonder if she's the one who needs her head examined. James Cartwright's easy life, endless bucks, and long line of willing girls should make him a non-starter for Brooke, but as she learns, the psychology behind a bad crush is a whole lot messier of a subject.
 

 Praise for the Book "This book hit home! Very funny and fast and fun read! I hope she makes this a series! LOVED IT!!!" "I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an escape back into the best years of your life! A MUST READ." "Buy 2 copies of this relatable book - one for yourself and one for your best friend." "Siding With Plato is a must read for every girl who has gone away to college! It reminded me of my college years and the relationships between different boys, but most importantly the amazing friendships that were created. I could relate to all of the characters at one time or another. Siding With Plato is well written, funny, witty, and full of emotion. I definitely
recommend reading this book!!"

Author Michelle Manning Michelle Manning is a Southern California native who ventured over to Arizona State University in 2005, where she majored in journalism and met the friends who would later inspire her book series. After receiving her degree, she worked in the entertainment industry as an editor and red carpet reporter for a news outlet in Los Angeles until she moved to New York - shortly after releasing her debut novel, Siding With Plato!  


$100 BookBlast Giveaway $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/26/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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CONFESSIONS OF A MOM

I will admit that we’ve/I’ve had a harder time since Lion passed than I did during those eight days he was with us. Doubts have crept in and in a way, it’s to be expected. Did we do all we could do to help him? If we had done something different would it have made a difference? Would he have lived longer? Did I do something to shorten his life?Did he know that he was loved?

Then other questions make their way into the forefront. Why? What are we supposed to learn from this? I want to me angry. I want to blame someone. I want to be mad. But I can’t. There is no one to blame. We didn’t to anything wrong. In fact, every doctor we talked to afterward told us that no one was to blame. It was one of the first things out of their mouths. Trisomy is only of those anomalies they don’t understand. It’s something that just happens. There is no one to blame.

I want to be angry and mad at someone, anyone. The most logical finger pointing that can be done is at The Lord. But even then, I can’t be mad or angry at Him. He has a plan. I trust Him in that He knows what’s best for me and my family. Everything happens for a reason and according to His plan. The only thing we can control in these situations is how we react to them. I can’t be mad.

There have been too many blessings, too many tender mercies, too many arms put around me for me to react with anger. Here are two of the biggest blessings I’ve seen.

1. Had we known that Lion had Trisomy 13 beforehand, we would not have had the eight days with him. It’s that simple.

This is the biggest blessing besides having the privilege of taking Lion home for those few precious days.

I have met several other mom’s that have had trisomy babies, and I think the longest one lived was six hours. Most trisomy babies die in uteral. The fact that he was born and lived long than a day is a miracle in itself.

As callused as this sounds, had we known beforehand, Lion would not have been treated the same in the hospital. Since they didn’t know exactly what was wrong with him, they put him on oxygen, tested his blood sugars, and a few other things. They wouldn’t have done that had we known. He would have been labelled as “incompatible with life,” or something like that, and they would have made him comfortable. That’s it. We know that our lack of knowledge got us the time we had with him.

He was a powerful missionary for the time he was here. His nurses loved him. One of them even said that this situation changed her way of thinking about these babies. She said that every baby deserves a chance to go home.

His influences was felt near and far. For months I would hear how our experience effected someone. Lion was a powerhouse, much like his brother. Lion still is a powerhouse only on the other side, and I have no doubt that he and Tigger will be helping each other out along the way.

1. I learned that I can and should lean on my family and friends as well as my husband and my Savior. 

I/we need others, especially The Lord. I have never felt so buoyed. I have never been on the other side of so many prayers. I have never been so strengthened. It was hard when I felt that extra comforting spirit start to recede. I’m not saying that it’s gone, it’s just not so much in the forefront. I learned to rely heavily on it, much more than I ever have before.

It has taught me a whole to meaning to the scripture, “. . . to mourn with those who mourn, and to comfort those who stand in need of comfort . . .”

How blessed we are.

A BARGAINED FOR BRIDE by Marcia Lynn McClure--Book Review

A Bargained-For Bride by Marcia Lynn McClure (Novella)

This novella was really cute. I liked the characters and the plot was wonderful. The development of Jilly was fun to see. However, I was disappointed with the amount of language and talk of sex. There was nothing explicit, but for those reason I can't recommend it for everyone.

:) :) :)

Excerpt “You’re the sweetest girl in Mourning Dove Creek, you know?” Jack mumbled as he paused in kissing Jilly a moment. Jilly smiled. “And you’re the handsomest man in Mourning Dove Creek, you know,” she flirted in return. Jack smiled. “I do know,” he said. Jilly giggled. Jack Taylor was so predictable—and a little conceited. He really did think he was the handsomest man in Mourning Dove—and he was, for the most part. Secretly, however, if Jilly ever allowed herself to be completely honest about it (which she tried to avoid), there was one other man in Mourning Dove who always crossed her mind when the subject of the handsomest man in town arose. Yet there was no lingering on thinking of that man—no sirree! Not for a moment! Not for any reason—ever. And so Jilly just kept telling Jack that he was the handsomest man in Mourning Dove Creek. Besides, it was almost true—being that the other man lived outside of town and not right in town the way Jack did.

Amazon * Distractions Ink

 

Author Marcia Lynn McClure Marcia Lynn McClure’s intoxicating succession of novels, novellas, and e-books, has established her as one of the most favored and engaging authors of true romance. Her unprecedented forte in weaving captivating stories of western, medieval, regency, and contemporary amour void of brusque intimacy has earned her the title “The Queen of Kissing.” Marcia, who was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has spent her life intrigued with people, history, love, and romance. A wife, mother, grandmother, family historian, poet, and author, Marcia Lynn McClure spins her tales of splendor for the sake of offering respite through the beauty, mirth, and delight of a worthwhile and wonderful story.

Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/12/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

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*A review copy was provided, but it did not sway my opinion.

HUDSON LIGHTS

Hudson Lights Composed of 4 vocal artists from the Rocky Mountains, Hudson Lights creates a fresh fusion of contemporary pop and jazz like you've never heard before! World-class harmonies and consummate showmanship make this an unforgettable music experience. Equal parts thrilling, inspiring, and effortlessly charming, Hudson Lights brings a classy edge back to mainstream pop.


HUDSON LIGHTS will release their self-titled debut album November 12, 2013. They released a single, Good to Me, on iTunes in September. The group is composed of four male vocal artists from around the country: McKay Crockett, Keith Evans, Joseph Moore and Ross Welch. Together they create a fresh fusion of contemporary pop and jazz music. The upbeat album features classic covers of legends like Frank Sinatra and The Beatles. They also have several original songs. Bob Ahlander, director of music at Shadow Mountain Records, says “Hudson Lights fills a void in the music scene.” They have already had some notable performances. They debuted at the Marriot Center during the BYU Women’s Conference Concert in May, and placed 2nd in a contest to open for Kelly Clarkson at the STADIUM OF FIRE in June. On November 22nd they’ll perform for a crowd of 10,000 as part of Deseret Book’s “Time Out for Women” event at the Maverik Center. Tickets are available here.  

  "Call Me Maybe"

  Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/24/13  a Rafflecopter giveaway

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CONFESSIONS OF A MOM

During the eight days Lion was with us, we were so very blessed in many ways. One of those blessing were the NICU nurses we were privileged to work with. We had incredible NICU nurses. We couldn’t have picked better ones. They even said that for some reason they did something different with their schedules that week which ended up making it possible for us to have to same nurses for the four days we were in the hospital.

They were kind, compassionate, and loved Lion as much as we did. In fact, when he first opened his eyes, the nurse had a hard time giving Lion up so we could see him. They were fighting over who would get to hold him and have the time with him. They said it’s not very often they are fighting over babies in the nursery, but they fought over Lion.

I have to laugh at that because Tigger got kicked out of the nursery with the excuse that he needed more “mommy time.” When I told the nurses that, they laughed and admitted that’s what’s said when they’ve done all they can and the baby won’t calm down. So I’ve had one child kicked out of the nursery and the other one they didn’t want to let go.

Our families stepped up in ways I would have never thought of. Tigger had cousins to play with every day. Grandma took him at night. Of course in those two weeks, he outgrew everything I had sent with him. People made sure he had clothes that fit. Dinners were brought in by friends and family. Countless prayers were said in our behalf by those near and far. Our names were places on the prayer rolls of temples in four temples that I know about. Cards, flowers, and other things arrived on a daily basis. Family came from out of state and out of the country. It was truly humbling to be on the receiving end of so much love and service.

We cannot thank everyone enough for the support. I never could have imagined nor had I ever planned on leaning on others as much as I did, but I am eternally grateful for everyone. It’s amazing what one learns when one has to depend on others. It taught me a whole new meaning to , “comfort those who stand in need of comfort,” and “mourn with those that mourn.” What a lesson learned. We can’t do it on our own. We need to let others help. For once in my life I let others help fill the gaps that I knew I wouldn’t be able to fill and was extremely blessed by it. I couldn’t have, we couldn’t have made it through without the support of others.

Don’t be afraid to allow others to serve you. I know that I have a very difficult time doing that. After all, I don’t need to inconvenience others or I can do it on my own. I don’t need help. I have learned that it isn’t an inconvenience and I can’t do it on my own. People do what they do out of love (whether that love is there in the beginning or at the end, it still happens.) Don’t deny them the opportunity. I’m saying that as much to myself as I am suggesting it to others. 

“When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God.”

How true that is.