The best present EVER!!

Yesterday was my birthday.  I'm not a huge fan of birthdays, and even less a fan of presents.  I'm not really sure why.  Perhaps it's because one thing I hate more than anything is being the center of attention.  But this year I received the best present EVER!  My oldest daughter made me a book.  You'll see as we move further into this journey how much I love books.  But this wasn't just any kind of book.  It was a book all about me!  She titled it 100 Reasons . . .

 

 It was a list of 100 things that she loves about me.  Now, seriously, what parent of a teenager thinks their child could come up with 100 things?  That being said, my daughter is not really your typical teen.  She doesn't talk back, disobey, or be respectful.  In fact, I don't think we even got in any kind of disagreement until a couple years ago.  And even then, it wasn't severe. I won't bore you with the whole list of 100, but here are some of my favorite:

I can talk to you about anything.

You're sensitive to my being sensitive.

You help me learn to love myself.

You always remind me that everything happens for a reason.

You taught me what real beauty is.

You don't get mad when I butcher vegetables when we are making dinner.

You've shared your love of books with me.

You say sorry even when it's hard.

You've helped me learn how to be independent.

What a great kid!  She's such a blessing in my life.

   

 Now, you are probably wondering how all of this applies to you, right?  I'm sure that each of you have people in your life who give you compliments, or tell you good things about yourself.  A few months ago, I started a folder in my email titled, "Feel Good Emails." Anytime I receive something that uplifts my spirit, whether it's directed specifically at me, or just feel good information, I drop it into that folder.  I even move all my favorite text messages into it.  On days when I need a pick-me-up, I read through that folder.  Sounds kind of hokey, but it really helps!  Try it and let me know how it works.

What do you do on days when you need your spirits lifted?

Deal of the Day - 3D Photos!

Your Photos...now in 3D! 

 

Today's deal features one of the hottest trends right now...3D photo gifts from Snapily! These are not your typical greeting card. Instead, Snapily uses lenticular printing that simulate 3D effects and animated images! These products are not available anywhere else and feature two of the most unique offerings...  

1) Personalized 3D products...no glasses required. The images on the page jump out at you! 

2) Animated /Motion photo gifts...where 2 images are displayed in the space of a single picture. This is great for before /after, siblings, naughty/nice, and when you can't decide which picture you love best! 

 

This is your chance to stock up on these great products! From greeting cards, t-shirts and even ornaments and a GREAT price!   

  

 Today's Deal of the Day: $9 for $20 of products at Snapily.com 

  

*Deal will end 10/5/11 at 11:59pm MST

*Shipping not included  
*Coupon valid for 6 months from purchase date

*Limit of 3

*One coupon redeemable per transaction


What a fun way to send your Christmas cards this year!  Click here to order yours now.

The Story of My Life

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters
By Portia Nelson

Chapter 1

I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in
I am lost . . . I am helpless
It isn’t my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter 2

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in the same place.
But, it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter 3

I walk down the same street
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in . . . it’s a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

Chapter 4

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

Chapter 5

I walk down another street.

Luckily, I think I'm in Chapter 4.  I can't wait to see what Chapter 5 brings!

Book Review: The Alias

Author: Mandi Tucker Slack

Genre: Suspense

Authors' Website: http://heyyouslackers.blogspot.com/

About the Book:

Jacey Grayson is an average, young, divorced mother struggling to build a new life for her son, Blaze.  But when the FBI discloses some disturbing information about her ex-husband, Jacey's life becomes anything but average.  At the risk of losing her identity, her future, and her heart, Jacey and Blaze flee to Utah, hoping to hide and start over once again.  But no matter how far she runs or who she pretends to be, her past is always lurking nearby, bringing old fears with it.  Thrilling action and a suspenseful plot make this novel an edge-of-your-seat read.

My opinion:

I was very interested in reading The Alias.  It tackles the subject of domestic abuse, which is what my 2010 release, I'll Know You by Heart, was about.  It's always interesting to see how another author approaches a similar type of story.

The Alias is a true-to-life look at the emotions and fears that are inevitable as someone tries to escape an abusive situation.  I loved Jacey's character and found myself empathizing with her situation.  Mandi did a great job with pacing throughout this story.  The book catches your attention in the very first chapter and is hard to put down.

I appreciated the growth evident in Jacey and her son, Blaze.  Their experiences as they carved a new life for themselves were realistic and touching.  As a mother, I understood Jacey's desire to protect her son at all costs.  If you like a story that includes some heart-racing suspense as well as personal growth of the characters, I highly recommend The Alias.

To learn more about Mandi Tucker Slack, please visit her website.  The Alias is available for purchase on Amazon.  The Kindle edition is only $3.99 which is a great price for an LDS book!