Baby Pictures

Here are a few pictures of our sweet little one. Born last Sunday at 1:15 pm, Reed Andrus Harris weighed in at8 lbs 1 oz and 21 inches long. All is well with everyone (besides the fact that we are sleepdeprived) and we love our little miracle. I never thought I'd get attached to someone so quickly, but he has sure stolen my heart. What a blessing he is.

Book Buzzin', Reviews, Contests and more

Alright, this is going to be an info filled post. First-no baby. He's stubborn and we'll probably need help to convince him to join the outside world. So hopefully things will go well this weekend.

Two-There are so many incredible book giveaways going on right now that I just have to share. (You'll probably hear more about them as time goes on too!) The first one is Tristi Pinkston's Merry Month of Miracles. It's in celebration of her upcoming release of Dearly Departed in January. There's a new giveaway each day. Pretty exciting. Hop on over and take a look.

Another contest that will start (or kind of has started) on Dec 6th is the Best I've Read 2010. There have been a few teaser giveaways already. Take a look there too.

Three-Here's a fabulous book I've heard about that would be a great Christmas gift, The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards. This is the back cover blurb along with some reviews.

“You are crazy. No Nephite has ever returned.”   

Most people laugh when they hear of Enoch’s dream of returning to Jerusalem to find the

infant Messiah. Even Enoch's future father-in-law mocks him when he asks for a postponement of the long-awaited wedding to his beloved Rebekah.  A few take Enoch seriously—the shipbuilder Omnihah, Enoch's teacher David, and Nephi the prophet.    

Five years previously, a Lamanite named Samuel had stood on the wall of Zarahemla and prophesied that “five years more cometh” and the Christ would be born in Jerusalem. Time is running out! Enoch knows he must set sail across the great waters in search of his dream—to see the face of the Messiah.  The Star Prophecy is a surprising story of courage and love, faith and fortitude. Sail with Enoch and friends across the sea through hardship and adventure in search of the Christ Child.  

"I love Joan Sowards' inventive mind. She begins this adventurous tale with 'what if?' and tells it so well that the reader closes the book thinking 'why not?' The Star Prophecy adds a surprising new dimension to the Christmas story." --Liz Adair, author of Counting the Cost  

"Action-adventure, romance, inspirational, and historical fiction all rolled into one make the Star Prophecy and exciting page turner." --Margaret L. Turley, author of Save the Child

Fourth-I just finished reading Rick Riordan's The Lost Hero. (Here's Riordan's blog if you'd like it.) Fabulous book. I loved it and can't wait for the next installment. I thought I would be disappointed without having Percy Jackson and Annabeth as the main characters, but I loved Piper, Jason and Leo. They make a great trio. It's full of action and adventure and I'm learning more about Greek mythology than I thought possible. I highly recommend it for anyone.

Fifth- I know I need to get on it and do some more reviews of the books I've finished lately but . . . I don't know if that will happen. I have them all listed on My Pages and can't think of one I wouldn't recommend. If you'd like more details on a particular one, let me know and I'll for sure get a review posted.

Book Buzzin'

Here's a great book for all you game lovers out there. The Fun Never Stops by Marylou Bailey is a collection of games for all occasions. There are word games, art games, paper games, food games, small and large group games, just about any combination you can think of. Recipes are included, supply lists and ideas if you're drawing a blank. Anything you need is given. The Fun Never Stops. And this is just one of several game books Marylou has published. Take a look and let the fun begin! It is available here at Amazon.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! What a wonderful day to remember those things we have been blessed with. I am so incredible grateful for . . .

• My wonderful, supportive husband, Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother and extended family
• The beautiful world we live in
• The many surprises life brings us
• Music
• Clyde, my cello
• Books
• My animals-when they are not screaming at me :)
• Opportunities
• Things that force me to learn and grow
• Friends

. . . and the list goes on! Take a moment to remember what you are thankful for and share if you'd like. :)

Book Buzzin' and Book Review

Here's a book for all you who love genealogy. Anne Bradshaw has a new book out entitled True Miracles with Genealogy-Help Beyond the Veil. In her own words, Anne describes her book as "a collection of inspiring research stories, spiritual moments as help comes from beyond the veil. It is unique, comforting, and powerful. Each account can't help but touch hearts as readers come to the heady realization that there really is a world of spirits. . . . Compiling it was truly an amazing experience."

As one who has family who really enjoys genealogy, this book sounds like an amazing and inspirational read. The stories of those around me involved with genealogy make me want to do better at finding my ancestors. Here are some additional reviews.

"There aren't enough collections of these stories, and I, for one, am very grateful to Anne Bradshaw for compiling a few more of them. They truly do touch and encourage and uplift, and having read the book, I am once again inspired to try a little harder on my own 'blind alleys.'" ~ Kathleen Dalton-Woodbury for the Association for Mormon Letters

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"Anne Bradshaw’s book is not a genealogical how-to manual. "True Miracles with Genealogy" is a worldwide collection of astounding personal stories that illustrate the remarkable assistance available to us when we combine diligent research with help from beyond the veil." ~ Laurie L.C. Lewis, Author.

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"True Miracles with Genealogy~Help from Beyond the Veil" is a collection of research stories written by ordinary people with extraordinary experiences. These events are part of the reward that comes from doing genealogy. They are the fathers turning their hearts to their children—the spiritual moments as help comes from beyond the veil. Each account is unique. Each is a miracle. Each will inspire readers as they come to the heady realization that genealogy is more than it appears to be, and there really is a world of spirits.

"'Sometimes we forget how close Heaven is to Earth—just a whisper away' ~ Elizabeth Jane Roberts. This is the kind of comfort offered by True Miracles with Genealogy. Personal story after story rivets your attention. This book is a powerhouse of inspiration—an absolute must-read to keep on your nightstand." ~ C.S. Bezas, Author and Columnist

****

"Whether you've been doing your family history for years, or have just started, or just enjoy reading about the process, you'll find something to delight and inspire you in this remarkable work." ~ Tristi Pinkston, Author

For more information, check out the website specifically for True Miracles. Here's a link to the book trailer and where you can purchase it.

"True Miracles with Genealogy~Help from Beyond the Veil"
ISBN-10: 1453767118
ISBN-13: 978-1453767115
ASIN: B0044XUVFI

Paperback from Amazon's CreateSpace at https://www.createspace.com/3477323 for $8.99, shipping $3.61

Paperback from Amazon at http://amzn.to/9IenR5 for $8.99, shipping $3.99

Paperback from Barnes & Noble at http://bit.ly/c88d1n for $8.09, shipping $

eBook for Kindle at http://amzn.to/cqZX9P for $2.99

eBook for Nook at http://bit.ly/91Uii4 for $2.99

European readers, please go to UK Amazon at http://amzn.to/aggUe4 for the paperback edition, and http://amzn.to/dz78gc for the Kindle edition.

Best Books

Here's something interesting I ran across, actually the credit goes to Rachael Renee Anderson but there's going to be a fun little thing going on at the Best I've Read 2010. Nine blogs have gotten together and have complied lists of the top books that have made it on their reading list. Between December 6 through the 14 there will be prizes, info, and lots of other things going on. Sounds like a lot of fun.

Mary Kay Sale

November & December

Christmas is around the corner! Mary Kay has many wonderful gift ideas that will make anyone on your list smile. In celebration of this holiday I'm doing 20% off of everything! Mary Kay lipsticks and glosses make wonderful stocking stuffers. There are countless items for under $10 and gift sets galore. Create your own gift set and I'll package it up for you. If you would like to do a 12 days of Christmas for him or her, I'd be happy to help you put that together. Keep in mind that everything is 20% off.

Order by November 20 and receive and additional 5% off in addition to the 20%. Take a look at my website for more gift ideas and get your orders in. Please have orders in by the end of the month. Orders received in December will be harder to guarantee delivery by Christmas.