Yes. I Mean It!

There are a couple of points that I want to make clear.

When I say that I am an author, I really mean that I am an author. I write, and I will be getting my books published. You can laugh all you want, but I will be getting my stuff published.

When I say that I have an incredible family, I really mean that I have an incredible family.

When I sayu that the bottom fell out of my world the day my dad died, I really mean it.

When I say that I miss him so much I can hardly breathe at times, I mean it.

When I tell you that my faith keeps me going, I really mean it.

When I tell you that my Father in Heaven holds me together, I really mean it.

When I tell you that the Savior makes all things possible, I really mean it.

When I tell you that the Holy Ghost comforts me, I really mean it.

When I tell you that Green Eggs and Ham is one of the best books ever written, I really mean it.

When I tell you that my two sons are amazing, I mean it.

When I tell you that I want to float in a pool of chocolate and caramel, I really mean it.

When I tell you that hope means a lot to me, I really mean it.

When I tell you that I will make my dreams come true, I REALLY MEAN IT!

True Love

Have you ever wondered what true love is? I know what it is. I have it every single day.
My dear husband is selfless, honest, caring, faithful, he looks at me in the morning, before I have even gotten dressed, and tells me how beautiful I am. He puts me first, always. He is the epitome of true love.
I adore this man with my whole heart. I think our relationship works so well because we are always trying to be good to each other. We didn't have a self help book for this, except for the teachings of Christ. We try to show each other the kind of selfless love that Christ has shown. That is true love. When you put the other person first, and show your love, communicate in a loving way, your relationship will improve.

I know what true love is, thanks to my dear husband.

Sassy Pants!

I have had my sassy pants on for a few days. I have some more sass that I want to get off of my chest.

First Thing! I can't stand it when someone (who shall remain nameless) publishes a couple of books (2 in fact), and then thinks he's too good to speak to aspiring authors. Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelt of elderberries!
This is what I picture the attitude as:

"If I run into you, If I run into you
Yeah here's what I'd do
I'd say, "Listen I'm having a really crazy week
and I can't talk right now,"

Second Thing! It drives me nuts that people put others down that write, paint, dance, etc. These are real jobs, and we work so hard to put our creativity to work. So, just because we may be at home, at a dance studio, or an art studio does not mean that we are not working.

Third Thing! Don't judge myself or my family. I know to some, it may seem like we aren't active in church, that we have fallen away, but I assure you that is not the case. We've been very ill. Yes, all three of us, and it's been hard. My Visiting Teachers Have Never Been Here! That sucks, but we have Family Home Evening every single week, we have daily private and family prayer, my son and husband are faithful priesthood holders, we have family and personal scripture study. Sorry to disappoint anyone who has had their tongue wagging about us!

Fourth Thing! It drives me crazy when people have the nerve to act like my husband and I are bad parents because our son has health issues. We all have health issues, and just because he didn't make Eagle Scout doesn't mean he is destined to a life of inactivity. He has incredible faith, and a strong testimony.

No Longer A Chicken!!!

Now I Am A Warrior Princess!!!!

I Am No Longer A Chicken!

There is something that I have been learning how to do, and that is creating boundaries. I have always let people in my life whether they were nice to me or not. I always felt that I deserved to be treated badly I guess.
I've had supposed friends treat me like I was a bad mother, family members that acted as if my home wasn't good enough, I always felt less than. Less than what I should be, less that what people expected of me, I always felt as if I were my family and friends last choice. That no one really wanted me around.
I've had things that have happened to me to make me feel horrid about myself: strangers laughing at me, an old friend looking at me and exclaiming about how fat I was, someone asking me about how I don't have a lap (actually I do), someone singing a weight loss song to me in the store, a family member saying something rude about our home, and many other things.
I have cut the people that I can out of my life that have been hurting me, and I've set boundaries so that no one that enters my life will have the power to make me feel badly about myself. I have had to say goodbye to some family, and friends that were never really friends to begin with.
I am a good person!
I deserve to be happy!
I deserve to have the wonderful husband and son that I have!
If you would try to bring me down-see ya!

Full Heart

There are many people that seem to be unhappy, or constantly complaining about their lives when they have so much to be grateful for.
My heart is full of gratitude for the blessings in my life. I have a home, that to some, may seem to be humble, but to me it is a palace.
Our health may not be wonderful, but our home is full of love, and with that love we help each other every day.
Even in a time of mourning, I have peace and comfort in the Gospel. I know that through the Savior my family can be together forever.
That brings me to my family. I have a wonderful husband that I love with all of my heart. We stand by each other through the good times and the bad times. He is a wonderful, faithful priesthood holder that exercises his duties with faith and love. He has no idea what a great man he is. I just wish he could see himself as I see him.
Our son Tyler, has lived with years of chronic pain, yet he is a young man filled with love and faith. His heart is big, and his sweet spirit is generous and  kind. He has so many amazing qualities. Being a faithful priesthood holder among them. He is honest, compassionate, and always willing to help. He is an excellent example in so many ways.
Our son, David, is a blessing as well. He has a big heart, he's sweet, funny, and compassionate. He is an amazingly hard worker, and he knows what he wants from life. He is talented, and giving. There are so many ways that he has blessed our lives and the lives of others.
I also have many sweet friends that I look forward to speaking with daily: Gail, Tiffani, Shoan, Jackie, Kasi, Amy Lynn, Sianee, Megan, Ed, Elizabeth, Susan, Brian, Melissa, Kierra, and so many others! They all have a special place in my heart.
Then there are my hobbies that I am grateful for. I love writing, reading, and doing my book reviews. I am so grateful that I have these in my life.

I think that everything comes down to gratitude and looking for the blessings that are all around us. Heavenly Father has blessed each of us in so many ways. Instead of having an attitude of pessimism, have an attitude of gratitude for what we do have.

Busy Bee!

I have been a busy bee! I am involved in my own writings, working on several books. I also decided one day last week to start a Facebook page devoted to reviewing books. I am also reviewing unpublished works as well.
I had no idea that it would take off the way it has! I have had several books emailed to me as well as hard copies to review as well. I LOVE IT!!! It is amazing to see the inspiration and raw talent that so many possess.
I love writing myself, anyone that has known me for a few minutes knows that writing and reading are passions of mine. I look forward to the time that I can send my own books out for review.
I think the greatest honor that I have had was receiving an autographed copy of The Unwilling by C. David Belt. I knew he was sending me a copy of his book to review, but when I opened it and saw the sweet note and his autograph, I just about jumped out of my skin! I will be forever grateful for that little kindness.
That brings me to another thought. You never know what a simple kindness can do to help lift a person's spirits. A smile, hug, kind words, even just a hello can make a happy day for somebody. So go out and do some good this day!