CROSSING THE DEEP is up for BEST YA NOVEL at the Preditors and Editors Awards! This is the last day to vote! I can't tell you how much winning this would mean to me :)
Please, if you can, go to this link http://critters.org/predpoll/novelyoungadult.shtml and vote Crossing the Deep.
I think it would be so cool if a clean/Christian book won best YA! :)
Thanks :)
It doesn’t matter where you are in your writing career, the doubt monster will strike.
You read books by your favorite authors and decide your writing will never measure up.
While you’re in queryland, a friend lands an agent and you start questioning if that will ever be you.
While your book is out on submission, someone you know dances around and screams that she’s signed a 3-book deal with a major publisher, and you wonder if you’ll even get a one-book deal with anyone. Period.
You self publish your book and look longing at the list of NYT and USA Today bestsellers, many who are self published in your genre (NA contemporary romance authors, I’m looking at you).
Heck, you do this if your book is traditionally published, too.
You start freaking out as doubts slither in as to whether or not you’ll meet your publisher’s deadline.
As you approach your book’s launch date, you go through emotional outbursts similar to those experienced during pregnancy.
You book does better than expected, but now you worry that you’ll be a one-hit wonder and your publisher and agent will dump you after the sequel turns out to be lame.
No matter where you are on your publishing career path, the doubt monster will strike. Don’t be afraid of him. Embrace him. Let him help you push your writing to a new level.
And while you’re at it, sign up for the monthly support group hosted by Alex Cavanaugh. The Insecure Writer’s Support Group meets the first Wednesday of each month (I’ll be joining it in the fall).
And in the meantime . . .
©Stina Lindenblatt
GIVEWAY NEWS: Adventures in YA and Children’s Publishing blog is doing a HUGE giveaway (well, several actually) for both readers and writers. The giveaways run this past Saturday and Sunday and next weekend. You’ll want to check it out!
Source for quote
Today is a real treat :) I have Marsha Ward here today to talk a little about herself, how she writes, why she writes, and if she's a pantser or a planner... How did you become interested in the Civil War?
Author Robert Newton Peck once said that every historical writer has their favorite war. While his was the French and Indian War, mine turned out to be the Civil War. I don’t know what sparked my passion for it. It could have been reading some of historian Bruce Catton’s work, or Gone With the Wind, during high school. My interest certainly did not stem from a personal or family issue, since none of my relatives fought on either side. If they had, they’ve have been Union soldiers, and my characters fought for the South.
That said, my current novels actually have post-Civil War settings, dealing with the aftermath of that great struggle, so they fit more in the classification of Western Migration novels, or Settling of the West.
Very cool. Tell us about your novels.
The Man from Shenandoahbegins as Carl Owen returns from the Civil War to find the family farm destroyed, his favorite brother dead, food scarce, and his father determined to leave the Shenandoah Valley to build a cattle empire in Colorado Territory. Crossing the continent, Carl falls in love with his brother's fiancée while set to wed another girl, but he might lose everything if the murderous outlaw Berto Acosta has his way. Carl battles a band of outlaws, a prairie fire, blizzards, a trackless waterless desert, and his own brother-all for the hand of feisty Ellen Bates.
Ride to Ratoncontinues from there: after losing the heart of his fiancée to his brother, James Owen leaves home to make a new life for himself. The turbulent world of post-Civil War Colorado Territoryis fraught with danger and prejudice that increase his bitter loneliness as personal setbacks threaten to break him. Then James's journey brings him into contact with another wayfarer, beautiful young Amparo Garcés, who has come from Santa Fe to Colorado to marry a stranger. Through a twist of fate, their futures are changed forever when their lives are merged in a marriage of convenience. James and Amparo undertake a hazardous horseback trek over Raton Passto Santa Fe, battling their personal demons, a challenging language barrier, and winter's raging storms.
My third novel, Trail of Storms, goes back to tell the tale of a peripheral character from the first novel. Jessie Bingham and her family flee post-Civil War Virginia after her sister suffers a brutal attack, and together endure a perilous trek to New Mexico Territory. When she hears her former sweetheart, James Owen, has taken a wife, Jessie accepts Ned Heizer’s marriage proposal on the condition they wait until journey’s end to wed. But then Jessie encounters James again... and he isn’t married now!
Spinster’s Follyis the fourth book in the series, and tells Marie Owen’s story. Marie lives in a land that is long on rough characters and short on fitting suitors. Her desire to get married before she winds up a spinster propels her into making hasty decisions that drive her into the arms of a sweet-talking predator, landing her in unimaginable dangers.
Wow, all of those books sound like they would be great reads. How much research was necessary to make your books so historically believable and where did you conduct most of your research? Did you visit the locations where you set your novels?
I read 150 books to research my first novel. Some I bought, but most came from the library. Over the years that I’ve been writing the series, I have been able to do some on-the-ground research, and I recently took a trip back East to visit Civil War battlefields and other areas in preparation to write my next book. I’ve also been amassing books on the Civil War in the last year. Lots of books!
In the earlier years, I conducted several interviews with people familiar with the areas I wanted to learn about. Photographs were also helpful, as were the state guides produced as WPA projects during the Great Depression. I’ve found several very good online sources for research on my later books.
Are you a pantser or a planner when you write?
I definitely write by the seat of my pants, once I have an idea for a story and know who my characters will be. I’m doing more planning now than I used to, though, so I don’t spend way too much time rewriting. However, I’ll never again write a complete synopsis early-on. That doesn’t work for me, because my brain then thinks I’ve already written the book.
While I’m writing, I make various charts and spreadsheets to help me analyze the number of occurrances of different points-of-view, and events within scenes. This helps the revision process goes faster.
I now use a great writing software program called yWriter5, which allows me to focus on one scene at a time. This is important, so that I don’t become daunted by the vastness of the project. A huge upside to using it is that the software is free!
I'm a writer too, so I like to ask other writers. 'What's your writing schedule like?'
Very fragmented. I’m easily distracted, but when I’m white-hot in the initial draft, I can write for up to eight hours, broken up by short breaks. This is only possible because I live alone.
I wish I had a better schedule. Almost every writer I know wishes the same thing!
I know I do lol... actually, I wish my fingers and eyelids kept up with my brain lol. Have you held a "day job" in addition to your writing?
Yes. Through the years I mothered my children, and then worked as a journalist, an educator, and in a retail store. I’ve also volunteered with several organizations, doing websites, newsletters, and a multitude of other chores.
Something I'm always curious about... How do you promote your books?
I have a website and a couple of blogs, I’m active on Facebook and other social media venues, and I’m always looking for ways to let people know I’m an author, such as giving talks and networking with various groups. I find that word of mouth from enthusiastic readers drives the most sales, though.
Advice to anyone contemplating writing a Civil War novel?
Do thorough research, keep accessible notes, then let the fingers loose.
Finally, How would you like to be remembered?
As a kind person who could write a little.
Thank you so much, Marsha, for being on my blog today... and HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!!!!!
~*~*~*~*~
(I love that book cover!!)
What exactly is Spinster's Folly? Marie Owen yearns for a loving husband, but Colorado Territory is long on rough characters and short on fitting suitors, so a future of spinsterhood seems more likely than wedded bliss. Her best friend says cowboy Bill Henry is a likely candidate, but Marie knows her class-conscious father would not allow such a pairing. When she challenges her father to find her a suitable husband before she becomes a spinster, he arranges a match with a neighbor's son. Then Marie discovers Tom Morgan would be an unloving, abusive mate and his mother holds a grudge against the Owen family. Marie's mounting despair at the prospect of being trapped in such a dismal marriage drives her into the arms of a sweet-talking predator, landing her in unimaginable dangers. This fourth book in the Owen Family Saga is infused with potent heart and intense grit.
Marsha Ward is an award-winning writer and editor who has published over 900 pieces of work, including three previous novels in the Owen Family Saga, numerous newspaper articles, and sections in books on the craft of writing. She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and American Night Writers Association. Born a while ago in the sleepy little town of Phoenix, Arizona, Marsha grew up with chickens, citrus trees, and lots of room to roam. She began telling stories at a very early age, regaling neighborhood chums with her tales as they snacked on her homemade sugar cookies and drank cold milk. Visiting her cousins on their ranch and listening to her father's stories of homesteading in Old Mexico and in the Tucson area reinforced Marsha's love of 19th Century Western history. After many years in the big city, Marsha now makes her home in a tiny hamlet under Central Arizona's magnificent Mogollon Rim. When she is not writing, she loves to spoil her grandchildren, travel, give talks, meet readers, and sign books. Here are links to my author pages at Smashwords and Amazon: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/marshaward
http://www.amazon.com/Marsha-Ward/e/B003RB9P9Q/ And links to my Social Media sites: Website: http://marshaward.com
Author Blog: http://marshaward.blogspot.com
Character Blog: http://charactersinmarshashead.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormarshaward
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MarshaWard Online Book Release Event at Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/333393153425853/
"What is Love?" Bible Study
Week 8
"Why Do We Show Love?"
Verse of the Week:
1 Corinthians 13:7
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
************************************
This week, we are going to talk more about the actions of love-- how you can show love in every day life. Sometimes people don't always tell you they love you, but you know they do by their actions. That is our topic today.
Before we get into the post, I'd love for you to go back and re-read what you wrote in your notebook for your daily verses leading up to this week.
Do any stand out to you?
James 5:19-20 really stood out to me. "My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings that person back will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins."
To help bring a sinner back to the 'good side' saves that person from 'death'. I had never thought of it that way before.
How can we do that if we don't love them? If we just give up on them? Truthfully-- we can't.
Can you imagine the people who would (and have) gone to Hell because people have given up on them? That's not a great thought. That's why Paul was so big on us loving each other. People take care of those they love. If you try to love everyone, you will try to help them-- no matter what (now the ways of helping will be totally different, but the idea is the same).
So far, we have learned about what love IS-- patient, kind, keeps no record of being wronged..
And...
what love is NOT-- jealous, boastful, rude, demands its own way.
Today, we will learn more as we complete the "Love is.." portion of this chapter.
1 Cor. 13:7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Wow... that is a lot! A lot to take in-- and a lot to do!
But like we have talked about before, the point of this study is NOT to be perfect in this. It isn't going to make our heart magically grow 3 sizes and all of our actions show love toward all mankind. No. The point is to learn what love is so that we will be able to strive to show it well, and to know WHY we are showing love to others. (to encourage, to inspire, and to help to lead them to God)
Notebook Question: Have you ever had someone in your life who you always saw the best in-- but everyone else thought you were silly-- even gullible-- for thinking that? What did you say to the 'naysayers'? How did it turn out? (Even if the 'world' was right and that person did end up treating you wrong, you did the right thing by showing them love. You can only do your part!)
Paul said, "Love is always hopeful." Always hoping that today will be the day that that person gets their head out of the sand and changes. And it may never happen, we all know that. But we still have that hope.
We have some people in our lives that will call us bat crazy for thinking like that!
Paul didn't think you were crazy. He thought you were doing the right thing.
He had the right idea.
So, how in the world can we do (or attempt to do) all of these things?
Truth be told, you can't do any of these things of the "world". There is no self-help book, no Dr. Phil show, no human device that can help you learn how to do it. It is through the Holy Spirit that we even have the chance-- the shot-- the attempt-- at true love (ok, that sounded a bit redundent, but you get the idea).
I want you to think of certain situations going on in your life right now where you might need help showing love.
Keep thinking of that circumstance as we go through each point in this verse and list ways we can show love based on it. If you have any other ideas, I'd love to hear them from you. You can leave them in comments if you'd like :)
1. Love Never Gives Up. *We've talked a little about this. If we love someone, we aren't going to give up on them-- HOWEVER, sometimes we don't have to keep giving them everything. Sometimes our prayers go along way past material things.
Ideas on how to do this: *Continual prayers *Communication *Finding Available Resources to help that person
2. Love Never Loses Faith *It is so hard not to lose faith in someone, especially the 50th time they have done something to us. And the world may think we are crazy (and we might be), but Paul said that this is a part of showing love. Never losing faith-- and I'm going to add-- Never losing faith that GOD can/will change their life.
Ideas on how to do this: *Pray *Believe in Matthew 19:26 (With God all things all things are possible.) *Sending encouraging messages
3. Love is Always Hopeful *Love always looks at the bright side... the glass is half full persona.
Ideas on how to do this: *Look forward-- not backward *Never stops having faith *Be "Gullible" but not stupid
4. Love Endures through Every Circumstance *Everyone has bad days. Sometimes I feel like I'm having a bad week. We all have people in our lives that we just know that they have a gray cloud continually over their head (and it was probably put there themselves.) It is so easy not to show love to those kinds of people because (in our head) we know that it probably won't do any good. But our heart keeps enduring that hope that today will be the big turn around day. It may sound counterproductive, but it is what we are supposed to do.
Ideas for how to do this: *Not being overwhelmed (a bit hard for me personally)-- even when the task seems large. *Know that "This too shall pass." *Focus on positive rather than negative
Love can live on even through anger, bitterness, and sorrow. But it is like a seed that needs to be watered. If it is taken care of, it has strong roots that can endure strong wind storms. If its not, it will be washed away in a summer rainstorm.
Through love, we can forgive, forget, and move on (not that it is easy). We can hope for the future, trust in the now, and rejoice in the truth-- that no matter what, God is God--- and God is good!
Ok, during weeks 2-4 we studied why love was necessary-- Why we needed to love others.
Then the past 4 weeks, we have discussed the actions of love. The verbs of love, if you will.
For the remaining weeks, we will discuss the Supremacy of love. Why having and nurturing love in your heart for others is, in a word, awesome!
Next week, we will be covering 1 Corinthians 13:8-10. Those verses fit so well together that it would be counterproductive to learn them apart.
Verses to Get us Ready for Next Week
Tuesday~ John 13:34
Wednesday~ Ephesians 3:16-19
Thursday~ 1 Corinthians 13:8
Friday~ 1 Corinthians 13:9
Saturday~ 1 Corinthians 13:10
Much love and have a great week!!
Kelly
Well, I have been black headed for a grand total of 3 days now, and I've noticed somethings. 1. I'm not as confident. I thought I would be, but darn if I find myself wanting to run and hide so people don't see me, which is difficult since, well, I have black hair and it KINDA sticks out!
2. Old people do not like black hair on a young sprout. Of the 3 people who absolutely hated my hair, all of them were 45 and older. The younger people really loved it. Yay young people!
3. The hair has now changed to an interesting chocolate brown color. I'm liking it more and more as it goes away from gothic black. I'm a closet goth... ok, I'm not. I have no idea how to be a 'goth'. I don't really want to be. I do, however, tend to wear a lot of black and not have dark hair... so whatever that means. Maybe it was yet another phase I didn't live out in my teen years.
Ok, now to other things... it can't all be about my hair.
I said yesterday that the OC ff fans are the best in the world, and they are. I love them all, especially those who write replies... BUT there is another group of ff fans I love.. the TWILIGHTERS!!! I have been nominated for a twilight award for a story I wrote called Shades of Gray. NOW, If you are one of those people who laugh and mock FF writers, then go ahead... we do too. I sometimes find myself sitting in my chair when the kids are asleep writing about Ryan and Taylor or Bella and Edward and thing to myself, "Self, you are in idiot for writing something like this when you could be doing something important with your time." My reply to myself? "I work all day. Come home and take care of 2 kids and a DH, I deserve some me time and if it's writing a sex scene with Ryan Atwood then so be it." I have yet to write said sex scene, but you get my drift.
OH, here is the link to the Twilight Awards http://fallingstarr-mora.blogspot.com/ I'm nominated in the first catagory and like I said, the story is Shades of Gray.
**I plan on writing a whole thing sometime about how I'm going to vote in the election... but not right now. Now I'm worrying about driving to the 'big city' 60 miles away to an inservice tomorrow and I have no idea how to get there... I have my trusty map quest and that's about it. Wish me luck. I may never be back to update this blog... I may disappear and a body might wash up in the river in 3-4 years... the only way to identify it? It's unnaturally black hair!
Well, I just happened to remember I had this, so I thought I'd use it for it's purpose... to talk about me. I figure I'd write all of the things I would normally write in to my friends on a message board, but most of it is very random and well, this way they don't have to read it if they don't want.
Today's thoughts:
1. The O.C. fanfiction people are the best in the world!!! And I truly believe that. They read, give feedback, are friendly, etc... and some of the stories they write are amazing. I love it. If you want to check it out, go to fanfiction.net and find OC stories. Now, if you don't like the OC, you probaby won't get any enjoyment out of it. But if you are new to it like me, then you'll probably love it. You will learn, if anyone ever reads this, that I tend to be about 3-4 years behind on what's 'in'.
2. Never go to Wal-mart to get your hair colored. You go in for brown and come out with jet black. Not fun. If I make it through tomorrow at school, then I'll be all set.. but man my eyes look pretty. They have never looked green before.
3. It's not right when your 2 kids wake you up at 3:45 am because one has peed in her bed and one has lost her fooler. It's not a fun way to start a day... especially when you've got newly black hair.
So you see basically what this will be is a place where I can write random stuff. I hope you like random LOL.
Does anyone know where the quote in this post title came from? I'll give you a hint... it's from the best Keanu-Reeves-Bomb-on-a-bus Mega Movie EVER!
That's right... the most awesome movie of the 90s Speed. The scene I'm referring to is the one where 'The Bomber' is taunting Jack after he has killed Harry. (Sorry, spoilers if you haven't seen it, but really... it came out in 1994 so you SHOULD have watched it by now... just saying ;)). Ok, so 'The Bomber' (Howard Payne) is talking to Jack and says...
"A bomb is made to explode. That's it's meaning. It's purpose. Your life is empty because you spend it trying to stop the bomb from becoming. And for who? For what? You know what a bomb is, Jack, that doesn't explode? It's a cheap gold watch, buddy."
Now PLEASE don't call the cops on me because I'm NOT thinking of bombing anyone or anything (just thought I'd get that out there), but for some reason, that quote has been on my mind a LOT lately. And it relates to kids.
Why? And HOW would a quote from Speed relate to kids? Well, here is my take on it. My kids are live wires as all kids are. They are loud. They play. They make messes. They are KIDS. However, *I* feel like my life is spent trying to 'stop the bomb from exploding'. I constantly say, "You can't be so loud. Daddy is sleeping." or "Don't jump on the couch, you could get hurt." or "Ok, time to stop running. Time for the baby to go to bed... "
I mean GAH!
"Stop... " this and "Quit" that... what kind of a life is that for me OR my kids... so maybe MY life is 'empty' (for lack of a much better word) because I'm trying to keep the 'bomb from exploding' aka trying to keep my 'kids from being loud'. Maybe I should just 'let' them be kids and stop worrying about it SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much.
But how do I do that?
I'm terrified of everything. I'm afraid I will do or won't do something and my kids will get hurt (or worse) because of it and it terrifies me. That's why I try so hard to keep them in line... to try not to let them get hurt... to do what's 'right'... but what kind of life is that for my girls?
Am I doing right by trying to protect them or will they grow to resent me when they get older?
Sorry for the downer post. I've just been really thinking about this a lot lately. I keep telling my husband that I'm SOOOOOOO ready for that parenting manual to show up in my mailbox. I'm the type of person who wants to know I'm doing the right thing (at home, at school, in life), but 'in life' that's not really possible.
Anyway, that's today's ramblings. I was going to post my awesome couponing (well awesome to me) deal I got yesterday, but this wouldn't let me... hopefully I'll get to tomorrow or Friday. It was the best haul I've gotten.
Much love,
Kelly
Here are my results of this week's quest... yes, I actually did it :) I enlisted the help of my girls... actually turned off the tv (I KNOW! It was strange without PBS kids for 2 hours)... and we cleaned. And had a GREAT TIME. I'm going to miss this when they get older and cleaning isn't as fun for them. Oh well... no sadness today... Ok.
Here is how our morning went...
THIS...
Is what their closet looked like. This is what he has honestly looked like for years. I haven't hung clothes in there... well, in about 4 years when the clothes rod fell and I just never put it back up (lazy much!). Their clothes are all in another room (dresses anyway). And this closet just ended up being a catch all for... well... everything. You can see there are 3 backpacks (2 are mine from about 9 years ago and 1 from my oldest daughter, our christmas tree (yes, our Christmas tree is a 4 foot, white, pre-lit tree... Don't judge), a carseat, some big toys, a train set (my grandfathers), just a jumbled mess of messiness.
Not a room fitting 2 little ladies.
And a waste of space. Nothing was being played with. Just being a big, messy, unusable eyesore.
Finally, with the girls help we got...
This..
.
.
And
This..
ACTUAL dresses hanging from their ACTUAL closet.
I could do a happy dance...
And kick myself for not doing it sooner (sorry girls).
I know the walls aren't all that. I'll get to them someday. Maybe cleaning them up will be one of NEXT years Quests (because I KNOW you all are looking forward to next year ;))
Here is the final product (or at least, how I'm leaving it today..)
I think there is a big difference. I can't store the train or the tree anywhere else because I just don't have the space. I have another closet that I 'may' try to put them in later, but for right now, they are fitting ok in there. I know it's not 'perfect', but at least it's usuable.
However, today's confession is that... my kid have a lot of stuff. I didn't get a good before picture of their room previously, but lets say that we haven't been tidying it as we should this summer. It wasn't 'messy', just full of stuff. It's the catch all for all of my kids toys.
Here is an example of how much stuff they have in there...
(Um... no. Those toys aren't normally on their beds lol. I had the ladies put them on their beds so the baby could be in the room and not eat any of them. Those blocks there were what she played with.)
They have a LOT Of stuff.
I gave them 3 choices on all of it... keep, toss, yard sale.
And here are our results...
Much better :)
HOWEVER, I'd be a big liar if I didn't show you the reverse of this shot.
That's all of their stuff that we didn't want to give away or sell. I'm not entirely sure what to do with it. I mean... Hmmmmmmm... Any ideas from you awesomely organized Mamas?
So, there you have it :) The end of week 6 for me. YOU still have until Saturday to get your closet finished. Remember, you can pick which ever closet you want. This closet has been my nemesis all summer lol.
OH, and I just remembered that I said "Cleaning Was FUN!" And I meant it. My ladies had the best time playing with the toys that hadn't seen the light of day in years.
Especially...
We found this in the 'non used' closet. Now, to you and me this might look like some little baby toy. Not to my oldest 2 ladies. THEY decided it was a rocket ship. So all 4 of us (the baby included) spent a good hunk of time flying in outer space. We zipped. We zagged. We ducked (the 11 month old thought we were all silly doing that... ). We whirled. And my oldest daughter went all Dora on us because we had to listen and match the correct instrument to the correct sound... so the mole aliens wouldn't get us. (THANKFULLY, we knew what a drum, a trumpet, and a guitar sounded like! Shew!)
They have already made plans for our return trip tomorrow. I can't wait.
So, there you have it, ladies. Cleaning IS fun... especially when you find a really cool rocketship in your closet.
Much Love,
Kelly
(Linked with: The High-Heeled Housewife--Homemaking Link-Up
I saved $33.22 today at Walmart using coupons :) I DID end up paying 90.09 so it wasn't one of those huge percents of savings... but still. It was the best I've ever done.
I didn't take a picture (honestly between shopping with the ladies and the hubs, I was just ready to put it all up lol). But I did save my receipt so I can tell you what I got... well, some of it.
**The = is after coupons...
Pantene ($3.00 off 2)= $3.78 for one, $0.78 for the second
Gold Bond Hand Santizer ($2.00 off 1)= $1.97 each (bought 3)
Dove Men's bar soap ($4.00 off 1)= $1.97 each (bought 2)
Schick 4ct razors (Buy one Get one Free)= $5.97 for one (got other free)
Lysol Wipes ($1.00 off 2)= $1.98 each + 2 free (bundle packs)
Those were the good ones. I had several $0.50 and $1.00 off ones.
All in all... it was a good trip :) The paper was well worth it this week... :)
How about you? Did you find any really good deals?
Much Love, Kelly
Ah... the Lord works in mysterious ways.
We've all heard it, but sometimes He smacks us right up side the head with it! Those are the fun times... well if you count oral surgery 'fun', but I guess you need to know the beginning of the story.
Yesterday, I had surgery to remove my 4 wisdom teeth. Now, I only got 2 out because one of them was worse than the doctor thought and I only had 20% left on my knock out meds so I have to go back and do it all again... oh joy. Naw... it worked out for the best. I won't be as scared the next time, and I'll have time for this one side to heal before I have to have it done again. AND I can chew on that side of my mouth which is awesome since I'm STARVING...
BUT, that has nothing to do with my Brag on God Friday. I know... you are wanting me to get to it.
I had the surgery Wednesday... TUESDAY I WASN'T going to! I had talked myself out if it. I sent my sister (my poor sister) lots of texts explaining all of this too her. I was too busy to be 'out of commission' for as long as I thought I was going to be (that's my 3rd out of 3 posts about what I learned in the dentists chair... stay tuned... dun... dun... dun!). I told her I should wait until my kids got older... I told her lots of things. I was a bit freaked.
And my sister... my poor sister... gave me this advice, "Do what you always say do. Pray about it."
WELL, whollop ole Kelly upside the head!
To be fair, I HAD prayed about it. I had prayed about it in great length, but it was all about how *I* didn't *WANT* to have it done and all the reasons why. I was trying to make Him see things MY way (and yeah, we all know how well THAT goes!).
So, finally, right before I went to bed, I had this thought. My alarm clock doens't work all the time. I have to set my phone alarm as a back up during the school year because my alarm clock isn't reliable (can you see where my wheels were rolling??) In my great wisdom, I DIDN'T set my phone alarm... only my unreliable alarm clock.
Before I shut my eyes for the night, I prayed, "God, I'm leaving this all up to you. If you wake me up in time tomorrow, I'll go get the surgery. If not, I won't." And I went to sleep.
Now, I know you aren't supposed to test God, but it was all I could think to do at the time. I was giving God the choice...because if it was up to me, I was running for the hills!
I have 3 small kids (the reasons, I kept telling myself, as to WHY I shouldn't have the surgery). My kids are 5, 4 and 11 months. They are VERY good sleepers. They go to bed at 7 pm and wake no earlier than 6:30 am. EVERY DAY...
5:45 am... Me, sleeping peacefully because I KNOW I'm not going to have to go have surgery...
Then I hear it..
Whhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Yeap, the baby woke up 1 hr and 15 minutes earlier than she usually does. I went in, got her, and asked her if an angel had kissed her awake (she just laughed and smiled and gooed lol). So I fixed her a bottle and, defeatedly, went to take a shower to get ready for my surgery.
God works in mysterious ways.
The baby slept until 7 am today. She hasn't woken up earlier than 6:45 all summer.. yet 'somehow' (yeah I know how) she woke up on the exact same day I needed her too... I prayed for it.
Of course, I had to laugh. I thanked God for the 'sign' and I had my surgery.
That's not the only thing I have to 'brag on God' on this week!
God has answered so many of my prayers! More than I could ever even dream of for one week. He answered some of them I had for my husband, my sisters, and my daughter. My 5 year old told me today that she asked Jesus to come live in her heart :) I'm not entirely sure she knows what that means, but I DO know that her and her sister were playing today and she was telling her sister how to get Jesus into HER heart. Some kids play Barbies.. my kids play church. I'm ok with that :) (they play restaurant too lol).
It has been a really big week of blessings at my house. I learned that the spot that the doctor was 'pretty sure' was cancer... wasn't. I braved oral surgery. The hubs and I had a big, long, awesome heart to heart. My kids know about Jesus.
And I'm not saying all of this to brag about MY family. We are nothing special (well, we are special to ME, but we aren't special in any big sense... we blend really well). But God has just been right with us this week (as every week, but I guess I'm just seeing it more now). I truly, truly thank him for all he's done!
I have another blog. It's called http://www.365daysofbiblicalencouragement.blogspot.com/. Its only been up for 5 days. God has blessed me so much writing that. If it was only *me* reading it, it would be a blessing, but I'm so grateful that others are reading it and being blessed.
Much love and HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!
Kelly
This week, we are tackling baseboards. I'm actually pretty excited about this one. Now, I'm not getting all crazy and moving furniture.. but I am going to do all of my rooms. My baseboard really need it!
There will probably not be any pics (I don't know, I might take a few... who knows)
I hope you go on this Quest with me!
This should be our 'easy' week... Quest #6 (if it stays the same as I plan) will be the doozie!
Good luck... and PLEASE do this with me (I can beg with the best of them). Motivation and encouragment are very much key when trying to reach any goal. We have 4 more quests after this... WE CAN DO IT!!!
Much love... Happy Cleaning!!!!
Kelly
Sunday is Father's Day. To celebrate, I'm going to talk a bit about my husband.
What? What?! You have a husband?
Yes, Dear Reader. *I* have a husband. I don't talk about him much because, well, I kinda told him I wouldn't (long story)... but I DID tell him I was doing this, and he was ok about it. Who doesn't like be bragged on sometimes?
Anyway, I thought I'd get all of my husband's awesomeness out in one post... well... the majority of his awesomeness. I could probably think of more if given the opportunity.
Backstory: The hubs (Brandon) and I have been married for 8 years. We dated a grand total of 2 months before we tied the knot... so, yeah-- we knew so much about each other going into this.
Over the past 8 years, we have had to figure each other out... what makes the other person tick... learn how to live with each other's faults (me more than him... Ok, so *maybe* I had some faults along the way myself... *maybe*).
AND we have 3 little ladies! (2 of which are TOTAL Daddy's girls... Apparently they don't realize that Mama carried and birthed them... but whatever, right... hehe)
We have a nice routine now... well, sometimes it's nice. It's hard. We don't work the same shift so it does get lonely at times... I'm not going to lie. But we try to make it work as best we can. Some days its only a brief kiss and a 5 minute conversation. I truly admire military families who don't even have that daily.
I've thought how best to descrive his awesomeness. I didn't want to get all mushy because we aren't mushy people. So then I decided that ye ole 'Top 5 List' would be the best way to go.
So...
Without further ado...
The Top 5 Reasons My Husband Rocks
1. He cleans out the mouse traps.
Wait!!! Whoa! Stop the train, Nelly-Bell. You mean to tell me 'That's' your number ONE? What about because you love him... or what about how the awesomeness of his being a father? Mouse traps are your number ONE???? (See how cleaverly I can read your mind... )
Well... yes... THAT is my number one and there is a very good reason why... ALL of that other stuff, the love, the awesomeness of being a father... THAT is a given. I wouldn't have married him if Ididn't love him (no shotguns were required... ). I wouldn't have had a baby with him if I hadn't thought he would be a good father...
And I wouldn't have had 2 more if he wasn't one.
All of those things are 'givens'. My top 5 are things he does that make me appreciate him more...
WHICH leads us back to He cleans out mouse traps.
I hate mice... I hate mice with a fiery passion. I'm not entirely sure if I'd rather see a dead mouse or a live mouse. All mice pretty much freak me out... Thankfully, the hubs takes care of those rather nasty creatures (sorry nasty creatures for putting you in the company of mice... I'm sure mice have their purpose.. just not in my house!). So score one for the husband!
2. He holds my hand when I'm scared...
Even when its a scary movie... in which case he might laugh at me while he's doing it, but it's the thought that counts, right???
3. Sometimes he says the right thing--- and I don't even have to tell him what it is.
I feel bad for my husband at times. I'll be upset over something and honestly I won't know why I'm upset and he doesn't either. But he does try to listen. He's not perfect of course--but he does try to make me feel better. Can't ask for much more than that.
4.He loves to cook--- and is much better at it than I am.
I'm not a cook. I've never been able to cook well... I can cook tolerable (ie, it's edible). But my husband is a terrific cook. That man can throw something together that you think would be nasty (or I would), but it's really really good when he's finished. My kids have a treat when Daddy cooks. I know he would more if he had the time. Time is a fleeting thing sometimes.
5. He is really good at decorating.
Ok, that one kinda irks me.. only because I'm SO jealous of it! I wish I could just look at something and 'make it work'.
In preparing this post, I asked my ladies why their daddy rocked.
They said:
The 5 year old: "Because he plays monster with us!"
The 4 year old: "Because he is happy."
The 11 month old can't talk (well she can, but... you know what I mean), but she is a TOTAL Daddy's girl--Never saw a girl's eyes light up so much when she saw her Daddy like E's (thanks kid... )
There are many other reasons why he rocks... like he knows exactly how to kiss me and make me swoon--even after 8 years.
... like how much he loves God--even if his work keeps him from church sometimes.
... like how sometimes he stays awake over 24 hours to do something with us.
You get the idea.
So, that's it. Now you know there is an actual "Mr." in this home, and that he's a pretty special guy.
Much love-- and don't forget Quest #4 is due tomorrow!!! :)
Kelly (aka... 'The Mrs.')
(P.S. I'm entering this into the "My Husband Rocks" writing contest linked above, however, I had already thought about writing something like this for a while. I just needed a bit of... what is that word????? Ah... MOTIVATION
First, I’d like to give a big thank you to Kelly for allowing me to host her blog! I truly appreciate her sharing her readers with me as I celebrate the release of my debut novel. Along the Way Home.
How a Stinging Rejection Led to a Book Contract Signing with Astraea Press wasn't a decision I took lightly. At the time the contract was offered (on my birthday!!!!!) I had six agents and three editors (Medallion Press, Tor/Forge, and a small press) reviewing requested partials/fulls, an R&R offer from an agent, and an offer pending from another small press.
I happily walked away from all of the above because I believe so strongly in Astraea Press, and the niche they’ve carved out for themselves in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
What does that mean? Let me backtrack a bit and reveal something that happened in January of 2013 that perfectly illustrates why I chose to go with Astraea.
I was rejected by an agent who called my book lovely and sweet, raved about my writing and the storyline, but ended with the statement, “…let your characters engage in sex and describe the sex. As it stands, I’ll pass. Put the sex in and I’ll take another look.”
I assure you, I have thick skin when it comes to rejections. I’ve racked up my fair share since I began querying, and normally take them with a grain of salt (and chocolate—lots of chocolate), but this one really bothered me. I understand if a rejection is based upon my writing style, the likability of my characters, or a flaw in the storyline—but to be rejected solely on the basis that I choose NOT to include sex? That one didn't go over well.
So much so that I finally decided it was time to query the one publisher I’d had my eye on for months. A publisher that cares not only for the authors, but for the kind of work they attach their name to. I'd discovered Astraea Press before I started querying in September and really liked the stance the owner, Stephanie Taylor, took against unnecessary sex.
Bottom line, I’m proud to have my book published with Astraea Press!
I’d love to hear from you. What is a dream you never gave up on?
They lost everything but their dreams on the Oregon Trail…
Kate Davis is intrigued when her father reveals his dream of starting a horse ranch in Oregon Territory. Settlers out west value a strong woman, and though she manages the financials of her father’s mercantile her competence earns her ridicule, not respect, from Virginia’s elite society.
Jake Fitzpatrick, an experienced trail guide, wants land out west to raise cattle and crops. But dreams require money and he’s eating dandelion greens for dinner. So when a wealthy businessman offers double wages to guide his family across the Oregon Trail, Jake accepts with one stipulation—he is in complete control.
Departure day finds Kate clinging to her possessions as Jake demands she abandon all he deems frivolous, including her deceased mother’s heirlooms. Jake stands firm, refusing to let the whims of a headstrong woman jeopardize the wages he so desperately needs—even a beautiful one with fiery green eyes and a temper to match.
Trail life is a battle of wills between them until tragedy strikes, leaving Jake with an honor-bound promise to protect her from harm and Kate with a monumental choice—go back to everything she’s ever known or toward everything she’s ever wanted?
Advance Praise for Along the Way Home …author Christi Corbett unfurls an unforgettable epic romance inside of an epic Western adventure. Beautifully crafted, this debut novel is a tender journey of the heart as well as a treacherous journey of many miles. Eve Paludan, author of Taking Back Tara (Ranch Lovers Romance series)
A breathtaking account of courage and adventure along the Oregon Trail. Jillian Kent, author of The Ravensmoore Chronicles.
A dash of action! A touch of intrigue! Loads of sweet, clean romantic promise… Reid Lance Rosenthal, Winner of 15 National Awards, #1 Best Selling Author of the Threads West, An American Sagaseries.
BUY LINKS:
AMAZON
BARNES AND NOBLE
ASTRAEA PRESS
About Christi
I’m addicted to coffee, sticky notes, and the Oxford Comma. I live in a small town in Oregon with my husband and our twins. Our home’s location is especially inspiring because the view from the back door is a hill travelers looked upon years ago as they explored the Oregon Territoryand beyond.
Along the Way Home is a Sweet Historical Romance. It released in ebook format on June 11, 2013 and will be available in print July of 2013. It is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Astraea Press (my publisher) and several other retailers.
When I’m not writing I love chatting with readers and writers alike. You can find me in one of the following locations: Email: christicorbett@gmail.com Blog: http://christicorbett.wordpress.com Twitter: @ChristiCorbett
Facebook: Christi Corbett—Author
I tell ya... the girls' little devotional book is at it again... If you didn't read it before, we are reading the 365 Very Veggie Devos for Kids that I talked about here before bed every night. Some of them, I think, are hitting me more than them lol. Maybe I'm just older, and they mean more to me. Or maybe God marked this book 50% off (so the ole stingy Mama would buy it) for a reason... hmmmmmm...
Tonight's devotional is about Thinking Before you Speak...
OH MAN!
I am trying so hard with this one. I promise I am. I've gotten to the point where I say, "Now, I know I shouldn't be saying this... but... " I had a Sunday School teacher tell us once that it was always what was AFTER the 'but' that people truly meant. You've been around people (I'm SURE you have if you live in the South) who say, "Oh, bless their heart, but that girl is as loose as a goose!" If you take the 'disclaimer' out of "Bless her heart" well, it's not the best sentence in the world, is it?
My big one, like I said, is "Now, I know I shouldn't be saying this... but... "
Well, foot, if I KNOW I'm not supposed to be saying it.. then why say it? (Because I'm human and my mouth likes to jabber lol)
Did your Mama ever say "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." Yeah...
Yet something else to work on...
Now, I have to admit, I got kinda discouraged about that. Something *else* to be thinking about. Don't gossip, say nice words, let my actions speak more than my words... that's a LOT to think about, and that's not even the half of what we are 'supposed' to do... but God knows I'm not perfect (Thank goodness!). He knows that I make mistakes. He knows that as much as I try, my mouth jabbers sometimes before I can stop it (I really need to take more time before I speak sometimes.. probably would keep me out of some situations... ). The great thing about God is that you can just ask for forgiveness... and if you are saved, then you get it (or as my kids say, "God's happy again.")
Sorry, I've been posting so much lately. I have a lot going on here lately (well, a lot for me), and when I'm a bit nervous, I ramble (but the good thing about blogging is that I have the backspace to keep me from saying too much lol)
On that note, much love, happy cleaning, and think before you speak... or blog... or facebook... or twitter... And if when you mess up, ask for forgiveness. (Ok, today's little kiddy devo divine 'beating' wasn't as bad as some of the others lol)
Kelly
P.S. if you want you can buy the little 365 Very Veggie Devos for Kids book (that likes to whack me upside my spiritual head) here. It really is a good little book.
Don't forget to enter to win one of five free advanced review copies of, THE DECEPTION OF DEVIN MILLER. CLICK HERE for details...
During her junior year, sixteen-year-old Maggie Reynolds expected to shop for prom dresses not maternity clothes. Now, instead of studying for the SATs, she’s reading, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Maggie’s ‘Mother Dearest’ lives in fear that Maggie will somehow taint the family name, so Maggie can’t turn to her for help. Meanwhile, her father is oblivious to anything but his 9-9 job. And her boyfriend, Justin? She’s pretty sure he’ll stay by her side. While Maggie wrestles with her options, Justin offers a solution: abortion. It would solve all her problems quickly, easily, and effectively. And her parents would never know, which means they won’t throw her out and cut her off like they’d always threatened if she got herself knocked up. But an easy decision becomes difficult when Maggie’s aunt discovers her secret and sets out on a mission to stop the abortion, putting a kink in Maggie’s plan. Now Maggie must decide which choice she can live with: abortion or teenage motherhood. Either way, it’ll be a tough road to travel.
*Young Adult RONE finalist award and the USA Best Book Award finalist in Youth Issues
* Special Note: At What Cost can be purchased for 99 cents at Amazon and Barnes& Noble for this week only!
Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Astraea Press | Kobo | Smashwords | Audible
EXCERPT:
“You’re pregnant?” It was a harsh half statement, half question punctuated with clenched teeth.
“Wha—?” Maggie was too shocked to realize what had happened, but when she looked back to where she stood, she spotted a sheepish looking Lauren mouthing the words, “I’m sorry.” “Ugh.” “Well, are you?”
His grip on her tightened. “Justin, you’re hurting my arm.”
He let go and motioned for her to sit with a quick thrust of his hand toward the table, but his eyes revealed his anger. He was furious, but then she saw a hint of fear hidden behind his golden irises. In those moments, she was five years old again, the day she’d broken her mother’s favorite vase. Her mother had loomed over her, drilling her for information. Pointed and yelled.
This time, it was Justin. “Are you, or aren’t you?” His eyes crinkled, his brow furrowed, and a deep crease appeared on his forehead.
Trying to control his reactions proved to be impossible, and soon, his leg bounced under the table, and he wiped the nervous sweat on his palms off on his jeans. This still wasn’t the place to talk. The cement walls of the school were beginning to feel like a jail cell; anywhere she went, Maggie felt trapped.
“Can we talk about this after school?” Maggie said, trying to be assertive. His knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists.
“No, we can’t. If you’re pregnant, I need to know.”
This wasn’t how she had pictured it. She was supposed to plan the conversation and the place. Definitely not in the corner of the cafeteria with people walking by who might hear her secret, a secret she hadn’t decided how to handle. Thank you so much, Lauren!
Justin grabbed her wrists from across the table. “Maggie, it’s a simple yes or no question. Are. You. Pregnant?”
She could feel the rage rolling off him in waves, and she knew stalling was not an option.
“Yes.”
The silence grew louder, and Justin didn’t move. He stared at her, his eyes shifting across her eyes in a quick staccato. She didn’t know she could feel so uncomfortable, so she tried to ease that discomfort by looking away. When she met his gaze again, he glared at her, not saying a word. He never spoke. Not when he let go of her wrists, not when he got up from the seat across from her, not when he left the room. Not a single word.
Author Info: Jessie Andersen lives in a small town in Western New York with her husband and three kids. A former English teacher, she now spends her time writing while the kids are at school and the baby is sleeping. She volunteers at the local library and sings in the church band. You can find information about her books at her website, and you can follow her blogs at her personal blog and her book blog. You can also follow her on Twitter and on Facebook.
I started singing this song out of the blue in the kitchen tonight... and had to laugh.
Do you know the song?
Our piano player, Faye, used to play it at church when I was younger. I sing it sometimes when it pops in my head.. wonder if that's random???? (Nah, I don't think so either.)
So, if you have never heard the song it goes...
He's still working on me.
To make me what I ought to be.
It took Him just a week to make the moon and the stars
The sun and the Earth and Jupiter and Mars.
How loving and patient He must be...
He's still working on me.
The 'He' of course is referring to God.
So, I have sung that song for years and years... never really thought much of it. But tonight I started singing it out of the blue and started just laughing. Not crazy laughter (because that would be weird lol), but more like "How did I not see this before???" laughing. I'm a bit slow...
Ok, follow me here... It only took God a week to make the Moon... the Stars... the Sun... the Earth... Jupiter... and Mars...
BUT He' s STILL working on me...
Think about it.. It only taken Him a week to make the other things.. but he's been working on me for the past 30 years (and hopefully 80 more to knock some sense into me... ).
So, the sun, the moon, huge planets, solar systems... GALAXIES... THEY were the easy part for God. They only took a week!
But the people... OH the people... they take constant work, correction, love, kindness, and sometimes a kick in the pants. Just like our own kids. Making a home is the easy part. Four walls, a bed, toys, and food and you have the basics (of course us, like God, want our kids to have the best so we have those 'Glow in the Dark' stars in their rooms and 'Ocean Wonder' night lights so they can go to sleep watching fishies swimming on their ceiling... ). But if you are a parent.. or if you've been around kids... you know that *THAT* is the easy part.
God has more kids than Jim Bob Duggar (and I so love the Duggars), and He cares for, provides, and loves all of us. No favorites... none barely scraping by. And He loves us so much that as HARD as he worked to give us everything (and lets face it.. sometimes we aren't very appreciative), He STILL makes time for each of us.
I have a hard enough time making time for THREE kids... how about billions???? (That's why I'm glad it's God's job and not mine.. have no desire to be Evan Almighty... I liked that one better than Bruce Almighty, but I digress)
Anyway, just some thoughts that made me laugh with "Well, duh Kelly, it only took you 15 years to figure that song out." tonight. I wanted to share them with you... so it wouldn't take you as long lol.
Now, go sing that song... WATCH THIS VIDEO! You can't deny a song sung by a sweet little 6 year old (I don't know this kid, but thought it was cute.) Watch it a few times and get it stuck in your head...
Much Love,
Kelly
I'll be the first to admit that I have never been a fan of the Behavior Chart. I've used quite a few at school and it just never seemed to work. Either the kids would get tired of it or I would... I'd spend much more time giving stickers than actually teaching. Things would get unruly while I was handing out 'Good' Sticker. Ug.
I've tried them as a class... I've tried them individually... I've just never liked them...
Ever...
Until now.
Yeap, ole Kelly has had a change of heart (Imagine that... seems to be the norm now days for me lol)
Backstory:
My middle child, C, has always been a bit of a handfull. She marches to her own drummer sometimes as it were. She's as sweet as can be, and I definitely wouldn't know what to do without her. However, sometimes, she can be handful (as all kids can be). My oldest daughter is 5. As all kids are, they aren't perfect (Imagine that!).
We have always had issues with discipline because time outs didn't work all the time, and I absolutely hate to spank them... not saying that I haven't on the rare occassion when I was at my wits end and unsure what else to do... but it never left me with a great feeling inside. I thought there HAD to be something better.
Cue Internet Search (where I find all my awesome ideas!)
I can't even remember what I was looking up, but one of the searches came up "Behavior Charts" and this light bulb went off in my head.
A "Duh" if you will...
C LOVES charts. She loves lists and knowing exactly what is coming next (a bit like her mother in that regard... ). She has an afternoon/bedtime chart on the refrigerator which has cut down on bedtime meltdowns. It has been a lifesaver (both for me and my ears!!). K also loves working toward rewards (who doesn't)... and well, I had to throw my hat in the ring too because I, too, need lots of improvements (Didn't see that coming, did you???? ;) )
Anyway, I found that there was ONE piece that I had been missing before... ONE TINY piece of the puzzle that IMO caused my previous Behavior Charts to fail in the past... a Behavior Contract !
A Behavior Contract is an individual contract with each person on things they will do/not do to reach a certain goal...
Did that make any sense?
This is the one I use...
http://www.freebehaviorcontracts.com/Behavior-Contract.pdf
(Please know that I don't own these and no copyright infringement is intended. I'm not making any money off of these... sadly... )
It has honestly been the best thing I could have ever asked for! The first night, my kids and I sat down and they picked the 3 things they wanted to be responsible for the rest of the week. Click on the link to see exactly what I'm talking about. For example, K's choices were "I will pick up after myself." "I will not fuss." and "I will listen to Mama." All goals she got to pick herself with a *little* help from Mama. Then we went and wrote down the Expectations of each goal. ***Important! Only make at most 3-5 goals. They don't have to be perfect... they just have to try REALLY hard not to do that thing that annoys you the most (and you all know what it is that *your* kid needs to work on). If you give too many then failure is inevitable, and that defeats the entire purpose of the Contract.
At the end, we wrote the privilage/reward and the consequences.
K's Privilage is that if she connects 7 dots (I'll show that sheet later) then she gets a new crown.
C's Privilage is that if she connects 7 dots, then she gets new bubbles
MY privilage is that if I connect 7 dots, then I get a new book (I'm VERY motivated let me tell ya lol).
After that, I taped them on their bedroom door ala:
If you squint REALLY hard you can see my goals... 1. I will avoid whining. 2. I will avoid saying bad words (I don't say them in front of the girls, but I do let one slip sometimes when they aren't around and I'd like to stop that) and 3. I will pick up after myself. See, I need work too...
Anyway, in the picture, do you see those sheets of the princesses and the castle?
Those can be found here: http://www.freebehaviorcharts.com/category/free-behavior-charts/ (Again, I don't own them... but I do wish I knew how to upload sheets... I have a few I'd like to offer for free... but that's neither here nor there).
This is a small sample of the sheet:
It's the actual Behavior Chart. Every day at naptime and at bedtime (because we can't be good all day lol), we sit down at the door, we each go over our goals and whether or not we met them. If so, we take a highlighter and connect the dot to the next number...
I am happy to say that we are ALL on number 6 and if I can avoid cussing tomorrow... I mean... if the kids do all of their goals tomorrow... we get to get to number 7 and you KNOW what that means!!! Bubbles, and Crowns, and Books OH MY! *They* are a bit excited about it (whistles innocently).
If they are acting up or fussing or whatnot, I'll just say, "Remember your numbers" and they stop. It's been awesome :)
I never did say what the Consequences were on the chart. K and C's are time-out/delay in prize. Mine is delay in prize (because time out might be a privilage for me lol).
The 2 charts/contracts I posted are free to use on the individual websites. However, if you want to go all out, http://www.etsy.com/ has some stores with behavior charts (because lets face it, etsy has EVERYTHING!!). My buddy Ella from http://www.finchfound.com/ found these and suggested I post them.
The first is: http://www.etsy.com/listing/61323030/006-i-did-a-good-job?ref=v1_other_2
It's $7.00 USD, but its sent to your email and you never have to buy it again.
The second is: http://www.etsy.com/listing/57489500/custom-listing-personalized-garden-happy?ref=sr_gallery_38&ga_search_query=chore+chart&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade
It's a little more expensive at $21.50. but looks really cool and I actually would love it (if I had paypal... or a credit card... or $21.50.) I think my kids at school would really love it.
So there it is... my endorsement of Behavior Charts (Man I never thought I'd say that!). IF IF IF You use one, PLEASE use a behavior contract along with it. It will make your life 10x easier. My girls give the contracts/chart a glowing recommendation, and I do too. I'm even thinking of using a modified version of one in my classroom next year.
Remember tomorrow is the deadline for Quest #1 (Organize your Shoes). I'm going to post my progress and I hope you do as well (KathiAnn has already bet us all to the punch.. WTG again!!!!)
In the meantime, Much love :)
Kelly
You have until tonight at midnight (central time) to enter to win a free book from either NYT Bestselling author, Rachel Van Dyken, or me (I'm giving away 2 free ebooks, one of hers and one of mine. Both will be your choice of which you want :) )
(plus a ton more to choose from)
And mine..
To enter, either leave a comment on this post or the original post **HERE**
Good Luck :)
~Kelly
Beyond A Doubt, The Renaissance Hearts Series, Book Four
The end is finally here…
The final chapter has been written for The Renaissance Hearts Series. What began with Sarra and Cedric in There Your Heart Will Be Also concludes with Bryce and Lucy in Beyond A Doubt. Set in the turbulent times of Mary I of England, or Bloody Mary, and Henry II of France, the fight for religious freedom abounds. Intrigue, loss of property, and loss of life rule the day. Follow the epic ending of a family’s struggle.
Buy it Now on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/c285w6u
Buy it Now on B&N: http://tinyurl.com/d429lom
SUMMARY
Bryce Cameron is finally going home. Years spent away have him longing for the craggy landscapes from his childhood.
Lucy Lombard is on a mission. The mantel she carries was never meant for her possession yet it has been passed to her anyway. Alone and in danger, Lucy stumbles onto her greatest find.
Rescuing Bryce is either a blessing or a curse but regardless time is running out. With Bryce's help can Lucy fulfill her mission or will she be too late?
**** See what others have said about the Renaissance Hearts Series.
“I really enjoyed this book. I do not typically favor historical romance, but the romance was not too mushy, and the historical was not too heavy! This was an enjoyable, delightful read!!!.” Taken from Rachel’s Amazon review on There Your Heart Will Be Also, Book One.
“If you are in for a good mystery with plenty of adventure, suspense & romance, you have come to the right place for this recommended novel because "By God's Grace" will give it all to you.” Taken from Arlena’s Amazon review of By God’s Grace, Book Two.
“Okay have to say this is my fav book so far in The Renaissance Heart Series! Felicia Rogers just gets better!” Taken from Danielle William’s Amazon review of Labor of Love, Book Three.
Buy Beyond A Doubt on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/c285w6u
Buy Beyond A Doubt on B&N: http://tinyurl.com/d429lom
Don’t forget the other books in the series. Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Astraea Press. ~There Your Heart Will Be Also, Book One ~By God’s Grace, Book Two ~Labor of Love, Book Three
ROMANCE AUTHOR Felicia Rogers
Felicia Rogers is an author of six novels and three novellas. When she's not writing, Felicia volunteers with the Girl Scouts of America, teaches at a local homeschooling group, hikes, and spends time with her family.
To find out more information about Felicia Rogersvisit the sites below. She loves hearing from readers.
Website: http://www.feliciarogersauthor.weebly.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeliciaRogersAuthor Email: feliciarogersauthor@yahoo.com Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4412925.Felicia_Rogers
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Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift card to celebrate the release of my (Kelly's) new book Saint Sloan.. CLICK HERE.. ALSO, check out THIS post to win one of 2 free ebooks from NYT bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken (well, one from her... one from me ;) )
You still have time to enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card to celebrate the release of my new book, SAINT SLOAN. CLICK here to enter!
First of all... I chose this dress--- >
You know... from my 'What if the Grace Awards were like the Oscars' post? CLICK HERE for a Refresher...
Well, they were announced a little late, but CROSSING THE DEEP WON!!!!
Here's the link if you don't believe me... I know, it's hard to believe...
So... *IF* this was like the Academy Awards, I'd get to make a speech right about now. Since this *is* my Oscars, here we go...
" I want to thank, first and foremost, God because He put me on this wild ride. To Charlotte Kaufman for filling me in on what 'Nanowrimo' was. To the July '10 Mamas for all the encouragement! You kept me going. To the Feb. '07 Mamas for being so supportive. To Stephanie Taylor and Astraea Press. Thanks for taking a chance on me. To my family for putting up with my writing and the time it takes. I know it's not easy on you. To my sister Karen and my Mama for loving Crossing the Deep and being so excited for me. To my daddy... I wish he could have been here to see it. To K. Victoria Chase for being such a good friend to me all through this. To Megan Wille for pushing me. To Jan Christiansen for giving me priceless advice (both in writing and in life). To Wendy Knight for being such an awesome, pick me up when I'm feeling down, friend.
And to my sister, Kathy, who has read every draft of Crossing the Deep and was my biggest supporter and encourager. If it wasn't for her saying I could do it, I never would have. Thank you all!" Cue the orchestra.
I have other things on my mind besides winning the Grace Award (I still think it's pretty cool to say that... )
In no particular order, here are the top 3 things I'm wondering about right this second...
1. Contemporary 'Civil War' Zombies (See my facebook page for more information on what the heck that is about... https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelly-Martin-Author/136506059763138 )
2. If I really can get 2,000 Twitter followers (See my twitter account to help out... https://twitter.com/martieKay )
and... 3. How cool it is that I 'know' Rachel Van Dyken! Ok... I don't know her, know her. When I signed with Astraea Press, Rachel was one of the people who wrote 'welcome' on my 'official' first thread. I was star struck, let me tell you. I knew who she was and most of all, how successful she was as a writer. I was all like, "Rachel Van Dyken talked to me... " BUT, once you get to know her, you realize, that's her. She talks to everyone... and has never once acted like she was higher on the hog (Southern reference for ya... ) than the rest of us. Plus, she's an awesome writer! My mother loves her regencies, and I very much like her New Adult line. A few days ago, Rachel signed a big ole contract with a big publishing company-- livin' the dream as it were... and she's still just as sweet as ever. Here are a few of her books if you are one of the two or three people in the world who haven't bought a copy ;)
... just to name a few.
I'm so proud of Rachel and am very honored to be able to help her celebrate her success :)
SO... to celebrate Rachel's contract and CROSSING THE DEEP winning Best Young Adult Christian Novel at the Grace Awards, I've decided to do a giveaway.
Two (2) random people will be chosen from the comments of this blog. One (1) will receive one of Rachel's books (you choose) via Nook or Kindle... And one (1) will receive either of my books (Crossing the Deep or Saint Sloan) via Nook or Kindle... your choice
What should you comment? Doesn't matter. All comments are eligible to win, just please put your email address in your reply.
Ready? Let the games begin :)
Linked with: Rachel Got The Contract Blog Hop
