I Found It!!!

Yahoo is all I can say. Yesterday, while at Walmart to purchase some socks for the girly girls, I found the perfect pair of shoes for Sammy's new DAFOs! They fit over her braces and they are just really cute -- black with a thick white sole and white stitching. I think they are actually boy shoes, but who cares? They are cute. Yippee. No more HUGE pink slippers. If I had a camera, I would certainly take a picture of her in her new black tennis shoes. But, until we get that camera, this old picture will have to do.

Love That Dog

If you haven't read Love That Dog by Sharon Creech, do. Go to the library. Don't even take the time to check it out. Sit down in the aisle and read it. It takes about 15-20 minutes. Sure it's 86 pages long, but the format is a quick read. QUICK.

A friend of mine (thanks Brittney) gave me her copy to read. When I saw her tonight, she asked if I had read it. She so enthusiastically asked me, that I felt a little sheepish when I replied, "No, I haven't yet. But I really want to." Well, when I got home, I put Callie to bed and got her book out. Like I said, it was a quick read, but it was so great. Really great. I even teared up.

Love That Dog is written in the voice of a young boy -- I would say an elementary school aged boy. He writes in his school journal responses to poetry that his teacher introduces and reads to the class. Along the way, he writes some of his own and learns that not only can he write poetry, but he enjoys it. I was surprised that in such few words, I was able to really love this young boy. I think it's because his character is a reflection of most all kids -- his attitudes, his discoveries, and his love for his dog. I also loved this book because it is yet another example of how a writer can pack so much in to such a small amount of space. Perfect word choice is what makes a good book great. Love that book!

Free Subs

I know you've probably all heard already, but if you haven't...Quiznos is giving away free subs. Click here to get your free coupon emailed to you. (You must use it within 5 days.)

Maybe That's Why

I just figured out the following:

If an average month has 30 days, minus Saturday and Sunday -- making 22 working days....

I take Samantha to 20-22 therapy sessions a month.

Maybe that's why I'm a little tired and stressed.

Funny Kids

One thing I love about kids, and my kids in particular, are all the little facial expressions you get from them.

In picture #1, we have our little precocious Callie.
Picture #2, joyful and goofy Callie as she tries to make the "th" sound.
Picture #3 we find Sammy not just joyful, but overjoyed that she has my keys.
And finally, picture #4, nervous contentment -- as if she's thinking "I'm perfectly happy and think it's ok to be eating Mommy's keys. But does she think it's ok?"

The Worst Possible Scenario

Some of you know that I love writing. Last year I attended the BYU Writer's Conference and that was incredible. I loved every minute of it, and if I can swing it, I'd love to go again this year. I've started about 6 novels. Started. Finished? Nope, I said "started." I'm not sure how to finish them. Mainly, I have a good idea, but I then I don't really know where to go with it...things change. I've lost my vision too many times. So, I pose this question and earnestly seek any suggestions:

* What is the worst possible scenario that you can imagine for a teenager?
* What is a teenager's biggest fear?
* What is the worst thing that could ever happen for a high school kid?

It can be funny or sad or scary or whatever. I have had some thoughts, like I said, I've started about 6 novels, but it's not getting me anywhere. So, tell me. Think back. It could be something you experienced, or a friend, or completely hypothetical. And hey, if your idea sparks something and I get published, I'll dedicate it to you. And, if a movie is made from the book, you can walk the red carpet with me! (Didn't I just post about big dreams the other day? Well, a girl can't just have one. And if I do win that house in Sonoma, I need to have the big bucks to pay for living expenses...so a movie made after my book is actually quite appropriate considering the current situation of dreams.)

Is It Too Much To Ask?

I want to win the HGTV Home Giveaway! Sonoma, CA -- in the middle of wine country. Sure I don't drink the wine, but living in a really really nice area wouldn't be so bad, would it? Plus, Ted and Peggy (bro. and sis-in-law) live in CA now too, and of course most of Marcus's family. And who can complain about the weather there? hmmm?

Marcus knows that one of the components of my dream home is to have a nice porch with a swing. Check out this porch. Very swing worthy. The perfect porch in fact.

I love the detail on the house. Ah, it is gorgeous -- completely my style. I love this back patio too. I love being outside. And when we have friends and family over, I'd love to entertain in the back yard...but not just any backyard. This backyard!:) Well, we'll see. But isn't it cute? A little room to run around (not enough room to run around if you ask me...but there's enough), a nice table to sit, eat, and chat, and check out the BBQ! I'm definitely the BBQ cook in our home. I love to BBQ! I guess my dad really rubbed off on me on that one. And then there's the grapevines. Nice touch being in Sonoma and all. But really, I'd want to downsize the grapes -- though I would definitely keep some -- and use part of that plot for a real vegetable garden. I can't wait to have my own garden one day -- green peppers, cucumber, watermelon, green beans, mmmm.

Oh, if only I could win this house. Wouldn't that be just fabulous though? Really! Of the millions and millions of people who send in their name, hoping to win, what if I won? Wow. What a dream!