Ha ha! Loved this!

Loved this Parody about Bedtime from Mercy River!

Ha ha!

(amazing-creature.blogspot.com)

The Mystery Of A Long Lost Love

My friend, author Linda Weaver Clarke travels throughout the United States, teaching people to write their family history and autobiographies.  She is the author of several historical sweet romances, a mystery/adventure series, a children's book, and a cozy mystery series.  She is excited to present her latest offering:

Most mysteries are a "who-done-it," but this cozy mystery series specializes on missing persons. Amelia Moore, founder of the Moore Detective Agency, and Rick Bonito always solve their case. Her lost Love is the fifth mystery in the Amelia Moore Detective Series, a nice blend of mystery, romance, and humor.  

Other books in the Amelia Moore Detective Series are The Bali Mystery, The Shamrock Case, The Missing Heir, and the Mysterious Doll.  For more information or to read sample chapters, visit www.lindaweaverclarke.com.

(thirtyhandmadedays.com)

Click the caption to read about it!  I'm totally doing this!

My Favorite Easy Recipe: Hot and Sweet Salsa Chicken

(image:  cookingismysport.wordpress.com)

This is my favorite go to meal when I have no time to make a meal.  Just throw it in the crockpot and leave!

HOT AND SWEET SALSA CHICKEN

3 lbs. Chicken thighs, bonless, skinless

2 cups salsa, medium

1/2 C brown sugar 

Place chicken in crockpot.  Mix sugar and salsa and pour over chicken.  Cook on low 4 hours.  Serve over rice.  Delicious!

Happy Mother's Day!

You are amazing!

Ha Ha!

(image: playbuzz.com)

Radio Fun!

(america.aljazeera.com)

I did my first radio show interview this morning about the book, Don't Put Lipstick on the Cat!   I can't believe how nervous I was!  You can listen to it here on The Bill Flynn Morning Show.  My interview is about 3/4 of the way through the show.  I love how the Bill Flynn Show really celebrated motherhood today!

BYU Women's Conference: So fun!

Last week I went to BYU Women's Conference!  Can you see me in the picture?  Just kidding.  I am in that picture somewhere, though!  I had a great time signing books and also going to the classes.  My favorite class was called, "Honestly Acknowledge Your Questions, but first Fan the Flame of Your Faith."  The rebroadcast dates are here if you want to watch it.  I hear John Bytheway was awesome too!  Also, if you have time, check out my book review on Kim Thacker's book review blog, here.  Hope you have an awesome day! 

Author Trina Boice

Today is the day that author Trina Boice's blog tour stops here!  I read her recent novel, "Base Hits and Home Run Relationships," and I loved it!  She has a wonderful witty style, and her tips are a must read for any man at any age.  From dating to marriage, this is like a manual about how to treat your woman!  It's written for men, but I think it would be such a fabulous read for a couple together!  What a wonderful way to start good relationship-building conversation!  Thanks Trina for another fabulous book!

You can find it here.

We've all got one of these!

(babyblueline.com)

Moms and Sports

(image :velcrobelly.com)

I know some moms love sports, but it's all greek to me!

Humor

(kudofoo.com)

Spring Break!

Sorry it's been a week since I've posted, but we went to Arches National Park for Spring Break.  It was so fun!  Here's a picture of the family under one of the beautiful arches.  There is some beautiful country in Moab, Utah.

Humor

What to do if You Make a Parenting Mistake

legacyproject.human.cornell.edu

You are not alone.  We all make parenting mistakes.  Often.  Don't beat yourself up.  Just learn from it.  Try to do better next time.  Forgive yourself.  You will find your children are very forgiving.  I can't count how many mistakes I have made, but when I apologize, all is forgiven, and we even laugh about it together.  Often the conversations that happen after the apology are very precious and build your relationship even stronger.  If you keep making the same mistake over and over, just keep trying.  Do not give up.  You will get stronger over time and as you get more sleep.  I remember I would sometimes get grumpy at my kids when they kept getting out of bed at night.  A short fuse from little sleep.  But all that has gone away.  I got better over time....and you will too.  Forgive yourself.  You will get stronger and your parenting skills will grow with time and experience.  I know this from my own experience.  Today I found myself not getting angry when my child made unreasonable demands in a rude voice.  I calmly told her the right way to ask me, and she immediately fixed the problem with no drama.  I thought...boy I've come a long way, to be able to do that.  And you will to.

Toddlers

Love Languages

Becoming

(Elephant meditation)

Loved this!  Reminds me of parenthood!

Author Interview on Linda Weaver Clarke's Blog

(khmerbird.com)

I got the chance to be interviewed on Linda Weaver Clark's blog for an author interview!  So fun!  You can read it here.

How to Put Surprise into your Writing!

I loved this article by A. Beckert on how to put surprise in your writing!

Getting through Hard Times

I loved this video!

Ha ha!

(pickledish.com)

Love this Quote!

(familyshare.com)

Carseat Humor

(allthingskaty.blogspot.com)

Agenda

(www.tshirtmagic.com)

1st Rule of Writing

(www.writingsisters.com)

Ha ha! Loved this one!

Talking about Tough Topics

(www.lds.org)

This is the best article I've ever read about how to parent well.  I LOVED it.  I wish everyone in the world could read it.  Click the caption to go there.

Life Hacks

(How to Nest for Less)

As a mom, I'm totally obsessed with these life hacks that I see all over the internet!  Where have you been all my life?  Click the caption to see them all!

Blog Tour

Lindsay Weldon reviewed my book on her blog today!  Check it out here!

Courage

I feel like Mothers show courage like this every day....every hour.  You are amazing!

Humor :-)

(Picture from Velvet d'amour official fan page)

Why your plot problems need to be life or death

(churchleaders.com)

I was reading a book recently and realized I was really bored with it.  This sparked me into trying to figure out why I get bored with particular books, and I came to the realization that it all comes down to the plot not having a big enough crisis.  The main plot problem in your writing needs to be a life or death situation, or it won't be compelling enough to keep reader's attention.  The crisis can't be that your aunt will lose all her inheritance if you don't find a certain locket.  It also can't be that your girlfriend kidnapped your dog and you have to get him back.  These things won't be compelling unless there is some worry that someone will die because of the problem.  I don't know why this is.  I just know that whenever I'm bored with a book, it's because the crisis isn't life or death.  So next time you're working on the plot of your next big novel....keep that in mind.  Give your characters some life or death problems to overcome.  Your readers will thank you!

Love

(Author Debbie Macomber's facebook page)

I love this!  See the good in your children and your husband.  That's the recipe for a happy family!

Easter on a Budget

(how to nest for less)

I loved these low cost ideas to make the Easter table special for the kids!  Click the caption to go there.

It's finally here!

It's finally here!  My new humor book is now available on Amazon!  I'm so excitied!  Click here to get your copy!

Picture of me on the family ski vacation

Not the best skier in the family....

Toddler and Family Dog

dumpadaycom

Why I love Dogs

(funny-pictures-blog.com)

6 Ways to Laugh with your Kids

(bestwallfun.com)

It's important to laugh with your kids.  It teaches them how to have a healthy perspective, to not take themselves too seriously, and to have fun.  It's also really great bonding time and is a great way to break up tense moments, and it can help a child lower their guard, so that he feels safe confiding in you.  Here are 6 ways we like to laugh together.

1. Tell your "Best, Worst, and Wierdest" moments of the day during dinner

2. Watch hilarious Youtube videos together.

3. Watch funny clean humor shows like Studio C.

4. Read comics like Calvin and Hobbes together.

5. Email each other funny internet pictures like the one above.

6. On Sunday nights, we like to read aloud from funny authors like Dave Barry or Patrick McMannus.

What are your favorite ways to share humor with your family?

More Winter Humor

(bookworksbookshelf.blogspot.com)

Funny!

(leewardreporter.com)

It's all about the Marketing

(learnit2earnitwithlynn.com)

When I first thought about writing a book, I had a lot of romantic visions.  I thought, if I write it well, publishers and readers will be bowled over, and clamour for more.  I found out that this was a complete fantasy.  It's not about the writing (although your writing has to be really good).  It's all about your marketing saavy.  If you want publishers to publish your book, you have to have a marketing plan before you even start on your project.  Who will your readers be, how will you reach them, what kinds of special marketing skills do you posess that would allow you to sell your book to many many readers?  Are you a good speaker, a fantastic cook?  Can you use this to your advantage?  Or are you good at one on one conversations, such as in a book signing?  Maybe you're an amazing blogger.

Publishers don't just want you to be able to write the book.  They want you to be able to sell the book.  So when you write your book proposal to publishers and agents, they will want to know your marketing skills and willingness to get out there and sell.  Unfortunately, most authors are introverts, so this presents a problem.  Luckily, a lot of marketing today is online through social media and blogs (i.e. blog tours), and that is one solution for authors who have trouble speaking in front of large groups.

Here is a great article about 3 Questions you should answer when writing a book proposal, which should help.  And don't worry if you're not saavy about marketing yet.  There are lots of articles online about how to market your book.  It's pretty easy once you get started.  One last word of advice...join an author group.  They will help you with the ins and outs of book marketing and also be willing to promote you on their blogs, once your book is published.  It's a great first step, and one you can tell your publishers about when you propose your book to them.  Good luck!

True

(Purple Clover)

Future Plans

Our Dog

(debscupboard.com)

Totally Me!

(itunes.apple.com)

Our Cat

Ha Ha!  This is totally our cat!  You can see why if you look at the title of my next book on the right!

Humor

(inkyanticsrubberstamps.blogspot.com)

Ideas For Playing with Your Kids!

(babbledabbledo.com)

(scienceexperimentsforkids.com)

Need fun ideas for teaching and playing with your kids?  (Or for giving them the gift of "Time" with mom or dad?)  I've pinned almost a thousand pins on fun activities to do with your children.  Follow my "Kids" pinterest board here. 

Agent Query Letters

(www.writersrelief.com)

Loved this Article!  I wanted to share it.  Click the caption to go there!

Where to Put All Your Books!

(Buzzfeed.com)

How cool is THIS?  I NEED a place for all my books!  Click the caption to find out 35 amazing places to put your books!

Children Need to Know

(Joshshipp.com)