Books Everyone Should Read

There are so many books out there that it can get overwhelming when you are looking for a new read. Well, I will throw my favorites out there for you to go over, and maybe you will find a title that grabs your attention.

1. Anything by Tim Flanagan
2. The Living by Matt De La Pena
3. Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
4. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
5. The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
6. Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin
7. Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser
8. Blood On My Hands by Todd Strasser
9. Kill You Last by Todd Strasser
10. Can't Get There From Here by Todd Strasser
11. The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove by Lauren Kate
12. Hate List by Jennifer Brown
13. The Uglies Series by Scott Westerfeld
14. Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler
15. The Midnighters Series by Scott Westerfeld
16. Tales of Aradia The Last Witch by L.A. Jones
17. Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey
18. Glass Heart by Amy Garvey
19. Anything by Alyson Noel
20. No Safety in Numbers Series by Dayna Lorentz

I hope this list helps you find something good to read. Getting lost in the pages of a book is the best!

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!

My Favorites!!!!

I wanted to help you get to know me better by sharing some of my favorite things in the UNIVERSE with you!

I love my little family with my whole heart. I gave my heart to my husband when I was sixteen, and he has cared for it ever since. I never want it back. Our son is and has always been a wonder and joy to us. He is a gift from Heavenly Father that I will forever cherish.

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I am grateful for my testimony of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. I am also grateful for the role of families in His plan for us.

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I love books-

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Writing is my favorite thing to do.

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I love birds. There is a lilac tree by our neighbor's house and I saw the two cutest birds in it yesterday. It was an aaaawwww moment.

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I love cats. We only have one, my little Emily, and she is so adorable and dorky. I love that kitty!

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I love babies, but they always seem to be leaking somewhere. I don't get that part, but little baby feet and bellies are the cutest!

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Music is a must have in my life! I love all kinds except opera, and most classical music.

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I love that my parents live so close to us. I love that I get to see them all of the time, and that they have been such an important part of Tyler's life.

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I love bacon, but if I didn't I would be just plain crazy.

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I love that I got to see an angel on earth through Ben Orton. That boy is so sweet, and is missed.

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I love that our family is filled with love.

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I love that I have an "adopted" son, and that he is such a good person!

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We read as a family every night. We have shared so many good books together.

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I love Christmas and Thanksgiving!

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I love berries.

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I love twinkle lights!

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I want to snuggle with a polar bear, panda bear, and grizzly bear, but I don't see that happening anytime soon :)

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I love to laugh.

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I love journaling, when I remember to do it ;)

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I love all animals! They are so sweet.

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I love hugs.

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I love the ocean.

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I want to go to Ireland, and stay for a couple of months.

That's just a sampling of the things I love. I'm sure there are a lot more, but that's it for now. Love and Hugs!!!!

Um...Yeah...It's Kinda Like That

I write, read, and I have to have my music. Right now I am listening to Alanis Morissette. She is so raw. I love her vocals and passion. Right now I am in a cleansing mood. I tend to bottle everything up inside, and it's not until I write that I have my cathartic cleansing experience. I don't like phones. I prefer email, Facebook, journaling, and Blogging. My hubby and son are the only ones I like talking to. No offense to anyone reading this. It's just who I am.

I was the kid in school that liked homework. I loved English, Reading, and Writing. I took an extra class that was devoted to writing. When it came to Science and Math...yeah...not so great there.

My favorite thing is to be able to sit at my lappy, and just write. When I catch that hook, wow...complete Zen moments! Amazing!!!

I've noticed lately, that with all of the stress we've been going through, my Zen moments are fewer. Somehow I have to get that me sitting and freaking out isn't going to change anything. I just have to let myself get lost in writing. That's how I deal, and it's okay.

Alanis says it best:

You live you learn

You love you learn

You cry you learn

You lose you learn

You bleed you learn

You scream you learn

You grieve you learn

You choke you learn

You laugh you learn

You choose you learn

You pray you learn

You ask you learn

You live you learn

Family Tradition

I see sick people! Tyler has a stomach bug, my doctor raised my dose of meds for my migraine symptoms, and Adam has been having his migraine issues.

Anyhoo, yesterday was a good day. I helped my parents, went grocery shopping, and I was able to spend time with my hubby and son. We have a tradition where I read to them. We have created so many great memories doing this.

We started this tradition with the last Harry Potter book, and carried it through the Twilight series, Midnighter series, Gone, Hunger, and now the Uglies series. We have so many more to go through. We all love it.

I have to say that probably my favorite author right now is Scott Westerfeld. This man's imagination and writing style just blows my mind! I also love Jay Asher's book, 13 Reasons Why. I think it's a must read for parents.