Beautiful Bodacious Babbling Blogging Babes

American Honor, American Disgrace

2011-05-28T09:46:00.001-06:00

Last Saturday, May 21st, I participated in the most awesome light ceremony at Mount Rushmore. The Veterans of the crowd were asked to come down and retire the flag for the evening. I have never been so honored in all of my life. To be at such a remarkable place...a symbol of what America should be...and participate in the sacred act of reverencing our Flag was an incredible experience.

Fast forward to yesterday, May 27th. I was never so ashamed or embarrassed in my fellow man. I walked into Rexall Drug in Montpelier, Idaho. This business had a sign in its window stating "We Support Our Troops". I purchased nearly $100 in books and asked if the business gave military discounts. The cashier went to ask the owner. I was scolded for asking for this discount. Who is the military that they should get special discounts. Between government taxes and high prices no one could afford to give out discounts. His son was military and he didn't get discounts. I calmly explained that many businesses gave discounts to military personnel. I also stated that all I did was ask. I then turned my attention back to the cashier and asked how exactly did that establishment support the troops.

Come check out my week of giveaways!

2010-06-21T11:04:00.001-06:00

To celebrate the release of my book Rebound, I've put together a whole bunch of giveaways this week. I've got ten books to mail out and a Scrapmabob. Each day I'll give away a couple of books, so come check it out and take a chance to win some great prizes and help me spread the word!

Chasing Twilight Contest

2010-05-31T09:44:00.004-06:00

Hi, Bloggin' Babes.

I'm running a Twilight-themed contest on my blog through the month of June.

There will be daily prizes, trivia, and a virtual road trip to Forks.

I have some spaces available for sponsors, if you're interested. You need to provide and ship a Twilight-related prize.

Or, you can just come play!

Wow Life Gets Crazy

2010-04-09T18:32:00.004-06:00

Seems like forever since I've been on this blog. With starting my own business (Valor Publishing Group) and being politically active (too much to mention) and being fully ensnared by my sister's performance group, (Twist & Shout) I scarcely have a second to myself anymore.

Donna Goff, one of our blogger babes, thought it would be a great idea to create a Facebook group for us, feeling that it would be an easier way to communicate. She's going to create the group tonight and then we'll get invites out to all of you.

In the meantime, spring has finally come to Utah, hallelujah, and I hope I start to see flowers blooming soon. Fingers crossed anyway.

Happy Spring everyone. We need to get together soon again. It's been far too long.

So please join us Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=112640212094535

Lots of giveaways this week on my other blog

2009-11-30T12:14:00.001-07:00

In celebration of my book's release, The Ball's in Her Court, the order of the second printing, and just because I can, I'm doing a big series of giveaways on my blog this week. There are books, and gift certificates for lots of lucky winners! Stop by my blog and find out how to win!
http://tinyurl.com/yc4pds9

Books, Babble & Barter

2009-11-13T10:06:00.004-07:00

Okay, lame name. Sorry. But. . . Finally, a Bloggin' Babe event!

Thursday, November 19
7:00 p.m.
Karlene's house
(E-MAIL for address & directions)

Come prepared to talk about some of the best books you've read this year. (Bring pen & paper to take notes on titles you might want to read yourself.)
Bring books to swap. Get rid of books you don't want anymore; take home titles you haven't read yet.
Bring a snack to share—whatever you want, healthy or not. Karlene will provide drinks.
Bring your calendar. We'll be scheduling the next few B5 get togethers, deciding if we want to do a monthly book chat & swap, etc. etc. etc.

I know this is short notice, but I was waiting for my schedule to clear and then I realized Thanksgiving was almost here. Hope most of you can make it.

Please let me know if you're coming so I'll have enough chairs—although if you can come at the last minute, COME!

My book trailer is out!

2009-10-23T14:26:00.000-06:00

Just had to share. This has been several months in the planning and creating stages so I'm totally excited to see it. A big thanks to Stephanie Fowers for filming and compiling the video, and the Kevin Mathie who wrote the music (isn't it gorgeous?).

In other news I've had an interview and a couple of book reviews this week.

Cindy Williams interviewed me for her blog Writer's Mirror on Wednesday.

Danyelle Ferguson at Queen of the Clan blog reviewed my book. Danyelle has a non-fiction book coming out next summer which I'm totally excited about.

Tristi Pinkston, author and reviewer of many fine books, reviewed my book on her blog.

A big thanks to all of these ladies! My big local launch party is happening at the Fillmore, Utah library tomorrow from 10 AM to 1 PM if you or anyone you know lives in the area, invite them over.

Ginormous Book Sale — August 29th!

2009-08-27T11:12:00.000-06:00

Ginormous Book Sale
& some other stuff too

August 29th, 8:00 a.m. till noon

622 E 700 N
Pleasant Grove, UT

426 Titles & Counting!

Click HERE for details.

The FINAL UB Make & Takes

2009-07-04T09:38:00.000-06:00

Urban Botanic is closing its doors.

I know. I know. I cried, too.

But the good news is, I stocked up and I've got two final Make & Takes scheduled.

Friday, July 10, 2009

6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

and

Saturday, July 18, 2009

1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Open House Format—come and go any time during the workshop hours.

Everyone gets 25% off everything they purchase at the workshop.

Bring a friend and both you and your friend receive a free gift.

This is your LAST CHANCE to get your favorite fragrances or to create a new one.

Products are on a first come, first served basis. Come early to be sure I've still got the products and oils you want.

E-mail me for location.

Can't make it to these two workshops? Send me an E-MAIL to place an order or to schedule a time for a one-on-one appointment.

*If by some very slim chance I do not sell out of product at these two Make & Takes, I MIGHT consider doing another one.

It's Time for a Tea Party

2009-06-30T09:17:00.001-06:00

This Saturday is July 4th, America's Birthday. The Patriot's Day Tea Party is a gathering of Americans from all walks of life, from all parties, all organizations, all with one goal...the restoration of the Republic and the Constitution reinstated as the rule of law. We are speaking up for America. Americans uniting in a single voice in defense of our nation.

Yes, we have great speakers, great music, great food and fun planned for this tea party. But at its heart is the desire of each person attending to restore America to her full glory. May I issue each of you a solemn promise: America will not fall. We can and will save her. But it will take each of us talking to family, friends, neighbors and peers, encouraging them to stand up for truth, stand up for America.

This Saturday, those attending the Orem tea party will be joining over 1,331 other tea parties and millions of Americans across the nation as we unite in this great cause. As I have stated over and over, there is no greater way to celebrate the birth of America by fighting for our liberty and our Constitution on our Independence Day.

Have a wonderful week everyone. See you on Saturday, 10:00 a.m. sharp!

Lakeridge Junior High Football Field
951 South 400 West
Orem, UT
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Park in the UVU (Utah Valley University) parking lots H & J right across the street (behind the trees).

The parking lot to the north of Lakeridge Junior High is reserved for the disabled and elderly who are limited in their physical capabilities.

Remember that Rubios, Wallabys, Hot Dog King, Flour Girls & Dough Boys as well as SubZero Ice Cream will all be there selling food.

Also, Veterans of Foreign Wars will be selling drinks, the proceeds of which will go to the Veterans Administration in order to purchase a van to transport soldiers and veterans to and from their appointments.

I look forward to seeing you all there. Join us in the morning and early afternoon and then you're off for family celebrations and Freedom Festival festivities.

Speakers: Candace E. Salima, AG Mark Shurtleff, Rep. Brad Daw, Jean-Claude Wicks, Scott Bishop, Jennifer Kindrick, Doug Osmond, Denise (Letters to Soldiers), Sgt. Kraig A. Thorne

Musicians: Shaun Barrowes, Doug Osmond, Jill Camp Swensen, Drew Reese, Heather Andrews, Angela Winston and the One Voice Children's Choir

May God bless each of you and America,
Candace E. Salima

More details at: Tea Party Utah Blog
Facebook Event: Patriot Day July 4th Tea Party - Orem

B5 Blogger Babes Update

2009-05-15T09:30:00.003-06:00

Hi Ladies! We're making some changes around here, trying to get our info updated and get our group going again.

I sent most of you an e-mail this morning. Please take that survey as soon as you can.

If you didn't get the email, CLICK HERE.

I have emails for some of you ladies, but your blog isn't listed in our "B to the 5 Blogs" list.

Others of you are on that list, but I have no email address for you.

If you'd like to update your info, SEND ME AN EMAIL. Include the email address you'd prefer we use when we send out announcements about our meetings. Also include the URL to your main blog (the one you'd like listed in the sidebar.)

Thanks a bunch.
Karlene

There's a Whole Lot of Tristi Going On ...

2009-05-06T12:24:00.003-06:00

Hey, Babes!!

May is turning out to be a pretty awesome month for me. I'd like to fill you in on some of the things that are happening.

First off, my new book "Agent in Old Lace" is being released. Woohoo! To celebrate, I'm having a launch party at Provident Book in Pleasant Grove (661 W State Street) on May 16th from 3-5. Get a free sample of the perfume I designed to go along with the book with each purchase of said book. Eat cookies, visit, win door prizes ... you'll have a great time.

Second, I'm holding a contest on my blog right now. Hunt the Internet for clues, solve them, send me the answer, and you'll be entered in a drawing for a fabulous prize. Click here for more information.

If you're not able to attend the book launch and you would still like to own a copy of "Agent in Old Lace," preorders are currently being taken here.

Take care!

Tristi Pinkston Book Launch Party

2009-05-06T09:56:00.004-06:00

Come support one of our B5 Babes at the Launch Party for

Agent in Old Lace

by Tristi Pinkston

Saturday,
May 16, 2009

3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Lots of fun, games & door prizes!

Shannon Tanner has it all, a perfect family, perfect job, perfect boyfriend—or so she thinks. What Shannon doesn't know is that her boyfriend, Mark, is stealing money from her father and making millions doing it. When Shannon learns Mark's secret, he turns on her, and Shannon's life abruptly goes from perfect to perilous.

In an effort to protect Shannon, the FBI assigns their only female agent to go undercover as her personal bodyguard. But when the agent falls ill the day before the assignment, they turn to the next best thing: their top agent, Rick Holden—in a dress.

Life seems safe again for Shannon with Rick by her side and Mark apparently gone for good. Then Shannon gets word that her best friend has been kidnapped, and it becomes clear that Mark isn't going to stop any time soon. Shannon realizes the only way to save herself and her friend—and stop Mark once and for all—is by sending Rick, her only source of protection, away. Can Rick save Shannon before it's too late?

Help spread the word by adding her event button in your sidebar!

Copy the code from the box below and paste it into an HTML widget in your sidebar.

Note: This will be our very last Provident Ladies Book Club event as Provident Book is closing its doors on May 23rd. In addition to all of Tristi's books, we'll have many other items in the store marked down.

Book Club

2009-04-28T13:02:00.004-06:00

Hi, It's me, long long lost Shellie, the disappearing babe. I have not done much blogging at all this year, but am starting to get back into it again. I'll have to hop around and see how all of you are doing. Meanwhile, if you are interested in making the world a better place and would like to discuss it with other moms, think about joining my virtual book club. We will read books and articles on different social issues and think of ways to improve them. Our humble mission is to save the world. My first book is called Moral Courage by Rushworth M. Kidder. It is a book about ethics, something that is fading fast in our society and needs a serious comeback. Try to get your hands on a copy and read it, or at least stop by for my reviews and then give your feedback on what you think and things we all can do to spread better ethics. The blog is here. Stop by any time and invite everyone you know, the more heads put together, the better!

Book Swap

2009-04-20T13:18:00.005-06:00

We're opening a gently-used book swap section at Provident Book.

For details, click HERE.

For a half-price book swap deal, click HERE.

We also have a Toy Clearance going on—all our toys, games and puzzles are 15% off through the end of this month.

Come Meet Josi S. Kilpack

2009-04-20T13:16:00.000-06:00

Lemon Tart
by Josi S. Kilpack

Meet Josi Kilpack

Thursday, April 23, 2009

6:00 to 7:00 p.m.*

A Recipe for Murder: 5 families living on Peregrine Circle, 1 flowered curtain tieback, 1 missing child, 1 body in th field. Mix with a long list of suspects and top with two very different detectives. Increase heat until only the truth remains.

Cooking aficionado turned amateur detective Sadie Hoffmiller tries to solve the murder of Anne Lemmon, her beautiful young neighbor–a single mother who was mysteriously killed while a lemon tart was baking in her oven. At the heart of Sadie's search is the woman's missing two year-old son, Trevor. Whoever took the child must be the murderer, but Sadie is certain that the police are looking at all the wrong suspects—including her!

Armed with a handful of her very best culinary masterpieces, Sadie is determined to bake her way to proving her innocence, rescuing Trevor, and finding out exactly who had a motive for murder.

Josi S. Kilpack was born and raised in Salt Lake City, the third of nine children, and accounts much of her success to her mother always making oatmeal for breakfast. In 1993 Josi married her high-school sweetheart, Lee Kilpack, and went on to raise her own children in Salt Lake and then Willard Utah where she currently lives. She loves to read and write, is the author of eight novels, the baker of many a delicious confection, and the hobby farmer of a varying number of unfortunate chickens. In her spare time she likes to overwhelm herself a multitude of projects and then complain that she never has any spare time; in this way she is rather masochistic. She also enjoys traveling, cheering on her children, and sleeping in when the occasion presents itself.

*We're meeting an hour earlier this month!

Click here for information on joining the Provident Ladies Fiction Book Club.

March UB Make & Take Workshop

2009-02-28T12:41:00.003-07:00

Spring is just around the corner. Come make a new fragrance just for you!

It's time for another Urban Botanic Make & Take workshop.

Come make a new fragrance that is fresh, fun and totally you! Or make a fragrance using the new Scent of the Month blends:

Flirt—Peach, mango and orange twisted up with a kiss of sweet cream frosting!

Citrus White—Alluringly clean white flowers lightly citrused with oranges and pink grapefruit on a backdrop of sophisticated musk.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

E-mail me for location. Also, please let me know which bath & body products you think you'll be making so I'll be sure to have enough products in stock.

Open House Format

Everyone gets 10% off their order placed at the workshop.

Bring a friend who's new to Urban Botanic and both you and your friend receive a free gift.

See you on Saturday!

Click HERE for information about Urban Botanic.

*Promotional pricing and discounts only available at the Make and Take workshop.

Come Meet H.B. Moore!

2009-02-25T09:49:00.002-07:00

Meet Heather Moore
Thursday, February 26, 2009
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Provident Book, 661 W State, Pleasant Grove

Raquel has a secret. As the daughter of one of King Noah’s priests, she enjoys a luxurious life and the admiration of powerful men. But her heart belongs to a commoner, a man with no earthly wealth but rich heavenly gifts. When King Noah demands that Raquel join his harem, she flees the only life she has known and marries her secret love. His name is Abinadi. The couple finds abundant joy in their community of believers and in their firstborn son. But when the Lord calls Abinadi as His prophet, their faith is tested to the outermost limits. Abinadi’s commitment to the Lord requires them both to give their all—even unto death. Yet if Alma, the newest priest in King Noah’s court, chooses to overcome his troubled past and cleave unto the truth, their sacrifice may yield rich fruit. With vivid detail and poignant emotion, this historical novel pulls readers into a fiery tale of love, courage, and faith that is difficult to put down and impossible to forget.

Heather Moore was born in Providence, Rhode Island, but spent most of her childhood in Orem, Utah. During these years, her family traveled back and forth between the Middle East and Utah. At the age of eight, while living in Egypt, she was baptized in the Red Sea. Heather attended the Anglican School of Jerusalem from 1987-88, and returned again to Jerusalem with her husband in 1994.

Heather graduated from Brigham Young University with a major in Fashion Merchandising and minor in Business Management. This has nothing to do with writing books, but at least she can color-coordinate her kids school clothes and balance a mean checkbook.

Heather is a member of the League of Utah Writers and LDStorymakers.

Click here for information on joining the Provident Ladies Fiction Book Club.

Abinadi is on sale through February 26, 2009 at 20% off, only $13.56.

Sidebar 5 B Announcements

2009-02-25T05:14:00.002-07:00

Somehow I missed the January event for 5B thinking the book club was it. The side bar was confusing.

October's B to 5 Get-Together Thursday - 22 January, 2009

Dinner at 5:00 p.m.

Los Hermanos
395 North State
Lindon, UT

Notice that the heading says October and the text beneath says January. I read the heading and did not realize that there was a January event announced. So we should change the title for February, or March if it is too late for February to read:
February's B to the 5 Get Together or March's B to the 5 Get Together.

So are we doing a February? I would like to host one in my secret garden in May, on a day when we can invite husbands or families to a BBQ. Your thoughts? Perhaps if we plan a few months in advance, we could all mark our calendars. Perhaps short month Luncheons on the same day of the month, like 3rd Thursday, and long month couples or family activities on the 3rd Friday/Saturday. Also, do we want to continue meeting at public eateries because of the ease, convenience, (and business deduction for some) or with the economy becoming what it is do we want to consider pot luck at someone's house?
Suggested Consistency ... (short month Thursday Luncheons, Long Months Friday or Saturday couple/family activity)
26 February Thursday Luncheon
21 March Friday Date Night
16 April Thursday Luncheon
16 May Saturday Family BBQ
18 June Thursday Luncheon
17/18 July couples or family activity
14/15 August couples date night, maybe a romantic couples picnic up Provo Canyon?
17 September Thursday Luncheon
16/17 October couples date night
19 November Thursday Luncheon
18/19 December Couples Date night or B to the 5 Family Christmas Party?

The above are not fixed in concrete, only a suggestion. What say ye? Also, do we want to do themes or topics of any kind? I like the spotlight idea, even the basket we used to do. Once upon a time theme or focused luncheons were suggested. What kind of topics could we cover?
Getting Branded?
Blogging for business?
The importance of a business plan and team?
Writing for profit?
Sharing your Bliss? (sharing your business)
Secure not stressed-overcoming sidetrackness and procrastination?
Creating a love of learning for your children or even home schooling?
How can less be more?

The above were just brainstorms. Do we want a Thursday theme? What do you want this experience to be? Just social? A way to encourage each other and move us forward? What are your thoughts?

Another Great Book & Book Signing at Provident

2009-01-29T15:19:00.002-07:00

Hi ladies. Wanted to let you know about another great book. I loved this one.

Life in the Pit by Kristen Landon

Kristen is in my writers group, so I read the book a few years ago—and loved it! I wanted to publish it but my company was too small to do the book justice. Fortunately, it was snapped up by Bloomingtree Press and it was released just before Christmas.

Here's the backliner:

Brittany sees her life reflected in her high school’s musical production. Her best friend, Amanda, shines on stage as the star of the play, while Brittany is an invisible member of the pit orchestra.

Amanda has a new boyfriend every week, while Brittany doesn’t date much at all. Brittany believes the only time guys talk to her is when they are using her to get closer to Amanda. When the male star of the play starts to pay attention to Brittany, she has difficulty accepting that he is sincere.

Meanwhile, an anonymous note-writer threatens to destroy the play, Amanda and Brittany. Brittany is determined to save the production, her friend and her love life.

What I like about this book is that there's a mystery to solve—it's not just a story about a love-struck teenager. The story line is great and you'll be hard-pressed to figure out who's behind the threatening notes. The characterizations are wonderful. The teenagers sound and act like teenagers, but "good" teenagers—no swearing, no inappropriate intimacy. Parents won't mind their tweens and teens using the main character as a role model—she is no goody two-shoes, but she's also not depressed, suicidal or self-destructive. This is a fun story that will be enjoyed by girls, ages 12 to 16, and us more mature girls who like to read YA.

For this genre, it gets a 5 out of 5 from me. Loved it.

We're hosting a book signing THIS SATURDAY! Come. Bring your teenage daughter. We'll have door prizes for two lucky visitors, a Humdinger Club Discount card for everyone who comes, and lots and lots of fun.

Meet Kristen Landon
Saturday, January 31, 2009
2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Provident Book (map)

Be there or be square.

If you can't make it to the book signing, come in ahead of time to get it for 20$ off. Or you can order the book online and have it shipped anywhere in the US from our website.

I Have to Wear What?!

2009-01-22T13:22:00.003-07:00

So, my sister has convinced me to participate in her upcoming Twist 'n Shout Spring Concert. This is my sister's company and I'm so proud of her and I just couldn't say no. Especially since this number was my idea.

Hey, I'm a Mama Mia fan, what can I say. Loved the movie. Loved the music. So I opened my big mouth and told my sister she HAD to have the Super Trouper number at her next concert. That came back to bite me on my proverbial bottom!

She asked if I'd sing the numbers, oh yeah, she threw in Dancing Queen, with her and another woman. I was worried, but I went ahead and said yes. I haven't sung in public in over 10 years . . . well, I sang with my siblings at my father's funeral, but I'm pretty sure that was it! I was worried about that until I saw the costume! Holy crud! Silver lame (lamay), bell bottoms, oh the horror! Me and my big mouth!

I checked out a few products that are supposed to help you lose weight and decided that it would be better to leave those things alone. Besides, some of them taste really nasty!

Diet and exercise are my bywords for the next five months. I WILL be in shape before I have to wear that costume in public. I will. I will. I will.

So what am I going to do?

Cut out the sweets. All of them. No more cookies. No more cakes. No more pies. And most of all . . . no more Dr. Pepper! Good thing I actually like salads. Vanity, thy name is Candace. Once a week I will allow myself a small treat, but not in excess. Vitamin water and filtered water will be my main drinks with my one glass of milk every night which enables me to have a solid nights rest.

Exercise? Almost all cardio. Treadmill, elliptical, swimming, daily crunchless abs exercises and light weights. I will be working out every day, but lifting weights only 3 times a week. Yes, 5:00 a.m. will begin seeing my face once again. Humiliation creates a lot of incentive. Trust me!

Why have I chosen this path? I've been wanting to get back in shape for a long time. I used to be model beautiful (not anorexic, cocaine snorting thin, but thin and beautiful) . . . and then I got married. (Alvin really hates it when I say that.) Somewhere along my 30's I started to thicken up and put on weight. During events over the last three years I've let my eating and DP habit get out of control. So I'm heading back to the diet and exercise of my 20's and early 30's.

I've had occasion to think about how I used to eat and take care of myself and I realized today, I miss it! I liked feeling strong, healthy and full of energy. I enjoyed looking good in my clothes. That was a good time. I'm getting it back!

So in case you can't remember what those costumes looked like? Picture something along these lines in silver lame (lamay) and no flounces on the sleeves to hide things!

Oh yeah, I will be ever diligent! Wish me luck . . . believe me, I'm going to need it! May 30th is D-Day . . . in other words, that is performance day. Oh boy!

Oh yeah, and you're all invited. Unless you hate me and then really, don't bother. Really.

Purchase tickets by emailing me.

Where: American Leadership Academy
1172 Del Monte Rd
Spanish Fork, Ut

When: May 30th - 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Why: Just for the sheer fun of it, of course!
Who: Twist 'n Shout Performance Company

Update: Tickets for the May 30th Twist 'n Shout concert are now available. Please email me with Twist 'n Shout in the Subject line. I'll respond and we'll work the details out. There are 535 seats, with 500 seats currently available, as the tickets are just now going on sale. Don't wait until the last minute!

What I'm doing right now: Practicing the first four notes of Super Trouper over and over.
What I'm listening to: Super Trouper, natch!

Sick of Snow Urban Botanic Make & Take

2009-01-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

Shake off the winter blahs and make a new fragrance just for you!

Hi ladies! It's time for another Urban Botanic Make & Take workshop. When it's gray and icky outside, a new fragrance can add a spark to your life and remind you that spring is not that far away. Come make a new fragrance to get you through the winter blues, or smell the absolutely yummy new fragrance blends from the Scent of the Month.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

E-mail me for location. Also, please let me know which bath & body products you think you'll be making so I'll be sure to have enough products in stock.

Open House Format

Everyone gets 10% off their order placed at the workshop.

Bring a friend who's new to Urban Botanic and both you and your friend receive a free gift.

See you on Saturday!

Click HERE for information about Urban Botanic.

*Promotional pricing and discounts only available at the Make and Take workshop.

I'm getting married!!!!

2009-01-14T22:53:00.005-07:00

I wanted to announce to all my sister bloggers that I am getting married!!!

For those who want more details, I invite you to read my new blog: roryandjulia.blogspot.com. I'll be posting on it periodically from now on.

Lastly, for those who would like to receive an invitation, please e-mail me your address (send it to sistergoff@gmail.com) ASAP (that is if you have not already done so). For I would dearly love to share this most joyous event with all of you.

Provident Ladies Book Club

2009-01-09T11:37:00.002-07:00

Come join the Provident Ladies Fiction Book Club, sponsored by Provident Book!

Each month, a popular fiction title by an LDS author is chosen for book club members to read. Provident Book wants your input, so please leave a comment suggesting books to read and authors that you'd like to meet at the above link.

During the month, the book club will read the selected LDS fiction book, then meet with the author on book club night! The author will give a short presentation, then the book will be discussed, ask questions of the author, and have lots of fun! Oh, and did I mention door prizes? There will be a door prize for one lucky book club member (must be present to win)!

The Provident Ladies Book Club will meet at Provident Book on the fourth Thursday of every month from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. This month's meeting, the first one, is January 22nd. So be there because I'll be there front and center!

Provident Book and Humdinger Toys
661 West State, Suite A
Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
801-785-0733

This month's selection is N.C. Allen's Isabelle Webb: Legend of the Jewel.

Former Pinkerton spy Isabelle Webb needs a vacation. The broken leg she suffered while trying to warn President Lincoln of his impending assassination has mended a little, but her grief over his death has not. She and her young charge, Sally Rhodes, have an open itinerary when they board a steamer ship to Bombay. But upon meeting Utah blacksmith James Ashby, the two women opt to join the search for his younger brother Phillip, who’s traveling abroad with the ill-reputed Thaddeus Sparks in search of a mystical treasure.

Upon arrival in India, other passengers are also interested in taking up the search. But the seeming good will of some soon turns dark on the streets of Bombay. As murder and kidnapping tears the group apart, James and Isabelle race to uncover the hidden motives and harrowing connections that threaten not only Phillip’s life, but also their own.

N.C. Allen is an LDS historical fiction writer, with nine novels to her credit. She wrote the popular Faith of Our Fathers series, set during the Civil War. Isabelle Webb picks up where that series left off and is fast becoming another favorite of readers everywhere.

To become a member of the Provident Ladies Book Club, simply sign up for the book club newsletter at any book club meeting or use the "Join Our Email List" widget at the top of the sidebar at the above link. Enter your e-mail address. Be sure to check the box by "Provident Ladies Fiction Book Club." The Provident Ladies Book Club will send you an e-mail each month telling you about the book and the author selected for that month.

What are the advantages to being a Provident Ladies Book Club Member? Well let me share!

Read LDS fiction that has been selected based on popularity and quality of story and writing.
Receive a discount on the featured book of the month.
Meet a popular LDS author face-to-face, in a small and intimate setting.
Get a night out with new friends who share your interests in books and your love of reading.
Receive advance notice of author signings and other store events.
Receive a Provident Ladies Book Club Bonus Card.
Receive special discounts and coupons for Book Club members only!

All in all, this is my favorite new store and I'm am thrilled about this new book club. Provident has a wonderful setting and perfect layout for book club meetings. So ladies, meet me there, it will be way too much fun! Besides, N.C. Allen is a great writer and a fun lady.

Have I already mentioned that this bookstore has quickly become my absolute favorite? I think it would be a fun thing for the Beautiful Bodacious Babbling Blogging Babes to be involved in. What do you think ladies? Sound like fun? We could meet for dinner beforehand and then go this book club?

New Book--New Contest--Win Prizes!

2008-11-22T12:38:00.003-07:00

Hey Ladies, I have a book coming out in December with Bonneville Books (aka Cedar Fort) called Where Hearts Prosper, and I'm holding a contest to help spread the word. Just post this picture on your blog, along with a link to my website: www.suzannevreese.com. Send me the link at contest @ suzannevreese, then I'll enter you in a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card! There are even bigger prizes if you read and recommend the book!

Thanks for your support!

News From Tristi

2008-11-06T21:34:00.001-07:00

Hey Babes,

I just wanted to let you know that this last month I signed a contract with Cedar Fort to publish my new mystery series. The first book will be coming out in May and is called "Secret Sisters." I'm pretty stoked!

The Best Laid Plans. . .

2008-11-06T11:29:00.001-07:00

Opening a new store is so much fun—and so much more work than I ever expected. We laid our plans, had all our ducks in a row, and then. . . several of our product shipments were delayed, including books for the author signings.

So rather than have our wonderful authors sitting at our store with no books to sign, we've decided to push back our Grand Opening by one week, to November 15th.

We will still be open this Saturday, November 8th, and the 25% off coupon is still good—and we'd love to have all of you drop by and shop. But our authors and the drawings for cool stuff won't happen until Saturday, the 15th.

Grand Opening of
Provident Book/Humdinger Toys & Games
changed to
Saturday, November 15th.

For those of you who've sent out email blasts and posted on your blogs, please update this information. There will most likely be updates and changes to the Author Signing schedule as well. Stay tuned.

I most sincerely apologize to everyone for this inconvenience.

*No, we won't have Christensen art in our store, at least not right now. But you can purchase it HERE.

New Bookstore Opening in Pleasant Grove, UT

2008-11-05T09:25:00.003-07:00

Hi ladies. Some of you already know this, but for those of you who don't, I'm the assistant manager of a new bookstore that's opening in Pleasant Grove this weekend.

Here's the coupon for 25% off any one item (see examples of items here) at our new store, Provident Books/Humdinger Toys at 661 W State, Pleasant Grove, UT.

To print the coupon, click on the image to enlarge it. Then select Print from your browser menu. Depending on your printer set-up, it may cut off the bottom of the ad, but that's okay. It will still be valid.

Then bring the coupon into the store on our Grand Opening (or if you can't make it then, coupon is valid through November 15, 2008.)

Bloggy friends—Help me spread the news and win a prize. Here's how:

Post about this on your blog—be sure to include the store's address (in bold above).

Link to this post.

E-mail the link to this post to your non-blogreading friends who live in Utah County, Utah (Springville, Provo, Orem, Lindon, Pleasant Grove, American Fork, Lehi, Alpine, Highland, Eagle Mountain, Cedar Hills).

Then come back to this post and tell me what you've done to help spread the word.

On Monday, November 10th, I will select a winner from those who've helped spread the word and you will win . . . your choice of something from the new store (valued up to $10).

Sorry, but you must live in the U.S. to claim this prize.

*If you're helping to spread the news, you can link and comment here or at my personal blog. I will combine them both into one drawing.

Why Must We Fight for California's Proposition 8

2008-10-15T20:03:00.001-06:00

Many people have asked me, Candace Salima, for my opinion on California's Proposition 8 which threatens marriage and family as we know it today. I emphatically state that I strongly support Proposition 8. The reasons are wide and varied, some of which are details in an email I received today:

I don't know if you're aware of what's going on politically here in California right now but for the first time in my life I've seen the church take a stand on a political issue to the extent that we've had Ward gatherings for the past three weeks to physically canvas neighborhoods and make phone calls to registered voters to educate them about the language and affects of Proposition 8. I guess I was kind of oblivious to the wider reaching affects that this could have on all church members but found this informative e-mail interesting and decided to forward it on to you.

In a recent LDS Sacrament meeting in California, the focus was on Amendment 8 (The gay marriage issue). One of the speakers who, was an LDS judge in the area, had statistics that were 'mind blowing.'

For example, in Boston, MA (where gay marriages are now legal,) the Catholic Charities have closed their doors because the state has required them to allow adoptions to same sex couples, and they refused. They are a large and worthwhile charity with great power in the state and they were overruled.

A Methodist church has lost their tax exempt status because the minister refused to perform a marriage of a same sex couple (they were not of his congregation).

A physician who refused to do fertility treatments on a same sex couple because of religious reasons was sued, lost and the state is requiring him to treat everyone as equals.

Our schools will be required to teach, starting in kindergarten, that marriages make up many different combinations. The consequences are horrible.

Directly tied into ALL of this is our right to continue to go to the Temple. If Gay Marriage is supported by the government, then those who are same-sex married, who are 'LDS' and legally recognized as married by the government, can sue to be married in the temple.&nbs p; It is my opinion that the church will not bend on this issue, and our rights to go to the temple will be in jeopardy.

AND goodbye to those religious tax-deductions. Tithing, fast offerings, etc. We will lose our tax-exemption status if the government legally forces the church to support same-sex marriage'

These effects are far-reaching! I hope no one is upset by this Email, I would not want to offend anyone, but I believe this issue is not a political issue at all, but a moral issue that affects all of society.

The Proclamation on the family clearly gives a warning voice on this matter. I pray that this issue on the ballots will overturn the gay marriages occurring right now in that state, and help prevent other states from adopting this stance. I believe that it is important to support and defend traditional marriage, home and family.

Another friend says that her relatives in Sweden are even watching what goes on in California. Friends in Canada are watching. The whole world is watching to see what happens.

Let me make this as clear as I know how. All who follow the teachings of the Holy Bible will outlaws unless we accept and support homosexuality. We will not be allowed to emphatically state that we believe homosexual behavior to be a sin, witness the preacher in Canada who ran into this same problem. The statements listed in the email are very real possibilities.

Are Latter-day Saints ready to have the temple doors shut against us because freedom of religion and all the constitutional rights which come with that, will be gone? I am not. I treasure my time in the temple and would be lost if I could not attend. But what else would God do? He cannot bend on His own dictates on the matter and neither can His Church. The prophet would have no choice but to close the doors of the temple rather than sanction an abomination such as same sex marriages.

The proclamation on the family issued by the First Presidency, under President Gordon B. Hinckley, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints clearly states:

The Family: A Proclamation to the World
© 1995, 2008 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
English approval: 5/08. 35602

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

All Latter-day Saints must stand, shoulder to shoulder, and support the Church in this fight against what could surely be the end of temple marriages for all, if Proposition 8 is NOT passed on November 4th. Fight for all your worth, for God will not be mocked.

See The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stance on Prop 8.

Alex Boye Concert in Orem, UT

2008-10-03T10:38:00.000-06:00

There is a fantastic concert coming up and it's happening right in Orem, Utah on Wednesday, October 8th. Alvin and I are very excited about it and plan on being front and center to enjoy the music.

Alex Boye' is coming in concert and he's bringing his friends with him. Let me share a little bit with you about Alex. I went straight to his website because I happen to LOVE his voice. I mean really, this man can sing. Wait until you read his bio!

Alex Boye' was born and raised in London, England. He joined the church at the age of 16 and later served an LDS Mission to England Bristol. Alex sang regularly on his mission, and from the encouragement of his Mission President, pursued a career in music when he got home.

Alex became the lead singer in the European Boy band "Awesome", and signed a recording contract with Universal Records in 1996. The band had hits in over 15 countries, selling over half a million CD's and performed alongside such groups as N'SYNC, The Backstreet Boys, Missy Elliott, Bryan Adams, Mary. J.Blige, The Smashing Pumpkins, and George Michael to name a few.

Despite the fame, glory and fortune, Alex felt emptiness in his life that none of these worldly accolades could sufficiently fill. He explains, "I was climbing the ladder of success but when I got to the top, I found myself leaning on the wrong side of the wall". In 2000', Alex felt compelled to move to Utah, to pursue a career in gospel music, and is currently signed to Deseret Books' Shadow Mountain Label. Alex has since received the 2005 Male Artists Listener Award by the LDS Booksellers Association for his sacred Album entitled 'Testimony', and also received the "2006 Spirit of Heritage Award", for his notable work with the youth, an honor given to Senator Hatch, NBA star Thurl Bailey and Elizabeth Smart in previous years. Alex has been nominated this year for three Pearl awards by the Faith Centered Music Association.

Alex continues to have wonderful experiences in the Arts. In theatre, he has performed 'Smokey Joe's cafe'" at BYU, "Big River" at the Hale Center Theatre, and played Frederick Douglass in Frank Wildhorn's "The Civil War".

In music, Alex has had music featured in several LDS movie Soundtracks including Charly, The Dance, Baptist at the Barbecue,Suits on the Loose, and Church ball.

In acting, Alex played 'Abinadab' in The successful Lightsone Films production of 'David and Goliath' which has won a 'Dove Award', and is shown regularly on 'TBN' channel that has gone out to millions of Christians worldwide.

Alex has found much joy and purpose utilizing his personal experiences in the entertainment industry to educate and warn the youth through his powerful and engaging firesides on some of the dangers and perils of today's media and entertainment, and how they can affect our thoughts personalities, character, and spirituality.

Alex simply refers to himself as the "Token Black Guy in Utah". He loves to laugh, and says some of the highlights in his life have been giving a Book of Mormon to Prince Charles, recently joining the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and marrying his wonderful wife in the Salt Lake Temple.

He is a captivating entertainer who will be joined by a five-piece band and special guests Mindy Gledhill, Nicole Sheahan, Ryan Innes and Matt Abernathy for a night of pop, rock, soul, contemporary and inspirational music.

So come join us! It's going to be a wonderful night in Orem. Bring your families and friends, you won't want to miss this!

Alex Boye and Friends
Time: October 8, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Location: Scera Center: Showhouse II
Street: 745 South State Street
City/Town: Orem
Website: http://www.scera.org/events/view/94.
Contact Info: 801-225-ARTS

September Meeting?

2008-09-06T09:11:00.003-06:00

Hey ladies! Let's get together this month for a luncheon—or brunch or breakfast, or SOMETHING!

I can do it any Saturday but the 27th (which is a UB make & take at my house, if you want to come).

I can also do weekdays--Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays.

What is good for you?

And do we want to do it at someone's home? Or at a restaurant?

Karlene votes restaurant, because I hate to cook. But I'll force myself to go along with the group consensus.

Thanks!

2008-07-27T21:12:00.002-06:00

I just have to say thanks, ladies, for all the support you've been! I can't tell you how much your comments on my Wendsdays Child blog have meant to me. Thanks!

Happy Birthday!

2008-07-26T17:24:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday to

Candace!!!

Twilight Fun with Prizes and Affiliate Programs

2008-07-26T10:49:00.009-06:00

I just wanted to let you know some of the blogging things that I'm doing this summer. Just in case you don't visit my blog.

I decided to take advantage of the Twilight craze and the upcoming release of Breaking Dawn on Aug 2nd, and try to do some marketing. I wish I'd had the idea two months earlier because it takes some time to build up steam. If any of you are willing to help me spread the word, via images and links in your sidebars, I have some affiliate programs and prizes set up.

Twilight Trivia
First, I have a Twilight Trivia blog. Each day between now and the release of Breaking Dawn, I'm posting about a dozen or more trivia questions about the Twilight series. By the time it's done, it will be the largest collection of Twilight trivia on the Internet. I know because I've searched and searched and there's nothing out there like this. This blog has two promotions right now:

1. For blog readers, they can try to guess the context of the daily Breaking Dawn quotes that I'm taking from Stephenie Meyer's website. Every correct guess equals an entry into a drawing for a parfum spray in the Twilight inspired fragrance of your choice (sponsored by CustomScentsOnline.com)

2. For those who help me spread the word: Put the Twilight Trivia image and link in your sidebar (instructions here), and each month I choose someone at random to receive a Twilight inspired parfum spray.

Twilight Bracelets
Next, I have a Twilight Bracelet site where you can order charms, bracelets, pins and bookmarks that are connected to the Twilight series. Each charm on the site comes from information found in the books.

You can order a bracelet similar to the one Bella has with a wolf charm and a "crystal" heart charm for less than half the price of the bracelet at Twilight Teez.

All of the charms and bracelets are sterling silver. They make a cute, fun gift for any Twilight lover.

I have this site set up with affiliate capabilities. If you're interested, you can follow the instructions to enroll as an affiliate and earn 5% of all sales that come through your blog.

I also have it set up so you can offer free shipping to your blog readers, if they enter a special code. Contact me if you're interested in that.

Twilight Fragrances

Last, I've created some Twilight inspired fragrances that I sell from my CustomScentsOnline.com site. Those of you who came to the Bloggin' Babe perfume party at my house a few months ago received a free sample of some of these fragrances.

I've redone the Bella fragrance since re-reading the books because I found a spot in Twilight where Edward tells Bella she smells like lavender or freesia. I also have a new fragrance called Bitten, with the assumption that Bella will become a vampire in Breaking Dawn.

I'll be adding fragrances for Rosalie, Emmett and Jasper soon (like later today).

As with the bracelets, I have this site set up with affiliate capabilities. If you're interested, you can follow the instructions to enroll as an affiliate and earn 5% of all sales that come through your blog.

CustomScentsOnline and Twilight Bracelets are both sponsoring some Twilight related contests. For example, I'm sponsoring a contest over at Twilight-Fans that runs through July 30th. Commenters on that post could win a Twilight inspired parfum spray, (Go comment!) I also have some contests with parfum spray and bookmarks coming up, but they haven't been posted yet so I can't link to them. If you go to CustomScentsOnline and Twilight Bracelets, I'll have a links list that goes to all the current contests I'm sponsoring, so you can enter if you want.

Also, if you're a big Twilight fan and you're looking for sponsors for a Twilight contest of your own, contact me.

July 16 Get Together

2008-07-26T09:38:00.004-06:00

I finally got my daughter to use her magic photoshop skills to lighten up the pictures I took at our July get together. There were only three of us there, Ali, Candace and Sandra. We met up Provo Canyon at South Fork Park and had a blast. We had good food, good friends, new friends, and fun.

Candace

Candace, Ali and her sons

Ali and her boys

We failed to get a picture of me with Ali and Candace, but I promise, I was there as were two of my children. Jacob was kinda bored and watched a movie on my i-Pod most of the time. Ali's boys and my daughter, Brandi, however had a blast running and playing and wading in the river. It was cold water but they were soaked none-the-less.

2008-07-18T21:52:00.002-06:00

Hey ladies - so sorry I missed the get together. Since I read how life is for you, I know you understand that feeling of being put in the "blender" of life and having it turned on. That is my life right now. I feel like the finger of life chose the "puree" button and left on for about a month!

Hopefully things will settle back down soon. Love you guys!

Donna Update

2008-07-17T18:44:00.003-06:00

Mary and I had planned to head to the park yesterday to join you all. Mary is enjoying being the one of the youngest Blogger Babes. Julia is in California. Well, we finally worked out an agreement with the sellers in Monticello. They accepted our offer on Tuesday. We drove down to finalize that offer and pay our earnest money, on Wednesday. Now to sell our house!

My thesis is due 20 August. My orals are 11 September, and we have until 12 December to sell our home and close in Monticello.Sorry we missed the fun. When our house sells, we need to pack and move. Busy, no, just lots going on.

Snickerdoodles

2008-07-16T16:36:00.002-06:00

Today we had the B-5 luncheon at South Fork Picnic grounds up Provo canyon. I brought some Snickerdoodles for dessert. Ali had never had a snickerdoodle. These were store bought and not the best I have tasted so I told her that I would post my recipe. Candace said she would post hers as well. I know that Candace uses nutmeg in hers, mine doesn't have nutmeg so you will have two to choose from.

Snickerdoodles

1 cup butter

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 eggs

2 3/4 cups flout

2 tsp cream of tartar

1 tsp soda

1/4 tsp salt

2 TBS sugar mxed with 2 Tbsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400*F

Cream butter and sugar with a spoon. Add eggs. Add flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt. Mix thoroughly. Shape dough into 1" balls. Roll in cinnamon sugar. Place 2" apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes. Cookies will puff up and then flaten out. Makes about 6 doz.

Updates on Tristi's Life

2008-07-10T15:52:00.002-06:00

I haven't posted for a little while . . . not because there's nothing to write about, but because it's just been crazy busy!

My mom had a fall and came home for two months on medical leave from her mission. She's been reassigned and will be going to Houston next week.

I'm working now on my eighth novel and having a lot of fun with it.

I'm still editing, although I did try to step away from it and it keeps calling me back. I think that's probably what I'm going to spend most of my professional time doing, is helping others with their books. I'm still writing, of course, but that's not making me any money yet!! :) I do have a manuscript in with a publisher right now but they haven't made any decisions yet, although I'm very close to that point.

Kids are all healthy -- my daughter's at girls' camp right now and I miss her a lot, but so far I've been a big girl.

Still doing media reviews for Families.com, as well as movie reviews and essays about being LDS.

I've recently started a new blog about going low-sodium which you can read here.

And I think that about covers it for now! And yes, I am as sleep-deprived as I sound. :)

2008-07-09T19:16:00.003-06:00

OOOOPSY!! Ladies, I apologize for all the look-alike posts! I was trying to post them directly to my blog and didn't remember that I can't do that since I have more than one!
You were so sweet to comment though....And yes, I think looking like Lynda Carter is awesome too!
And, I am sorry to say that I will once again not be able to come to the Blogger Babe luncheon. I just can't justify spending $$$$$ on the gas to get me from Davis County to Provo. SORRY!!! I have wanted to come to every one of the gatherings and have been bummed out that it hasn't worked for me to come. I think you all are super-duper awesome ladies and am glad to be a part of your group.
Big Big hug to all of you!

Look-alike Meter

2008-07-09T13:06:00.001-06:00

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Family history - Roots

My celebrity matches

2008-07-09T12:52:00.001-06:00

MyHeritage: Celebrity Collage - Pedigree chart - Free genealogy

Mike's celebrity matches

2008-07-09T12:49:00.001-06:00

MyHeritage: Celebrity Collage - Genealogy tree - Geneology

Gee, Kids, Did I Kill It?

2008-07-07T21:40:00.002-06:00

Wow - no posts since mine?

Was it something I said?

A New Blog -

2008-06-09T00:00:00.002-06:00

I have a new blog that I have just started up. I am journaling what my husband and I are experiencing as we try to adopt a special little boy.

I've never been a Mommy before, but I've just been shoved into the deep end of the pool - head first. Not only do we now have a four year old, we have one with special challenges. Any and all comments and suggestions on the blog about motherhood, in general and in abstract, will be more than appreciated!

I'm probably nuts. . .

2008-06-04T20:55:00.004-06:00

. . . but I'm doing a Summer Road Trip Extravaganza with my daughter. It is a rush trip. I had made plans to have a car shipped out to me from KY, then on Saturday the shippers called and said they couldn't do it. After a long debate (about 15 minutes), Megan and I decided to fly out there this coming Monday and drive the car back to Utah. Which is why I won't be making it to the luncheon next Saturday. I'll probably be somewhere in Colorado around then.

Anyway, we decided to make it a really fun adventure and turn it into a bloggy sideshow. I hope you'll come to my blog and read about it, leave comments and suggestions. We'll be posting about our trip every step of the way and giving away lots of prizes. In fact, some of the contests for prizes have already started. . .

Summer Book Trek 2008

2008-06-03T12:31:00.000-06:00

I know lots of you are big readers so I wanted to let you know about a summer reading challenge featuring LDS fiction.

It's hosted by LDS Publisher on the LDS Fiction Blog.

This is the intro post. It has a link to the sign up page.

It's super easy—you only have to read and post about one book. And you can use a book(s) you're already reading for other challenges.

I'm doing it. (I'll also be hosting my usual Summer Reading Thing beginning on June 20th, the first day of summer. You can use the same books for it too. Let you know more about that one later.)

Hope you'll join me for this challenge and mine later this month.

Karlene

Interview with Candace E. Salima

2008-05-31T14:12:00.001-06:00

Hey Everyone, I'm so excited about this interview. I thought Steve Enfield with Reel Line Productions did a great job. He interviewed me about my book Forged in the Refiner's Fire.

I had to share!

UB Make & Take Workshop

2008-05-21T11:25:00.000-06:00

I know this is Memorial Day weekend coming up and a some of you will be off camping or whatever. It's also very short notice, but I'm just lucky I'm posting this today and not Friday. But anyway, I'm doing one of my fabulously fun Urban Botanic Make and Take Workshops on Saturday.

Come create a new fragrance for summer!

Saturday, May 24, 2008

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Drop in any time)

Location: Pleasant Grove ( e-mail for directions)

If you live in (or will be visiting) Utah County this weekend, come make something fun and yummy at my Make and Take Party!

Drench yourself in lilac or honeysuckle

Choose one of our three magnificent musks to create something for a hot summer night

Or try one of several new recipes, like Sunshine and Pomegranate (aka I Died and Went to Heaven!)

10% off all orders placed at the Make and Take workshop

Bring a friend who's new to Urban Botanic and both you and your friend receive a free gift!

Questions? Send me an e-mail.

See the new Home Collections HERE.

See the new unscented product packages HERE.

Take the personality test HERE.

*Promotional pricing and discounts only available at the Make and Take workshop.

*Due to changes in the new Urban Botanic party format, I will no longer be doing Make & Take workshops outside my home.

June 2008 Blogger Babe Luncheon

2008-05-17T19:08:00.006-06:00

You Beautiful, Bodacious, Babbling, Blogger Babes of Utah are invited to a Pot Luck Garden Luncheon at my home.

Where: The Goff Residence 320 South 1065 West Orem in The Secret Garden
(If we have inclement weather we will move inside)
When: Saturday, 14 June 2008
Time: 1100 am
Potluck Luncheon

We will be having the luncheon outside in the secret Garden.

Our home is for sale and if we have a buyer before then and are in the midst of a move, the back up place will be Brick Oven.

Everyone please email Candace with the item you are bringing to the Potluck lunch. Like before, she will post who is bringing what in the sidebar so we don't get 15 salads, which would healthy but not much fun.

Tristi Goes on a Virtual Book Tour

2008-04-29T22:36:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone,

I'm trying something new for book promotion. I'm going on a virtual book tour, meaning that over thirty websites all over the Internet will be interviewing me, doing book reviews, and in all other ways talking about Tristi during the month of May. I'm pretty excited about it. All the stops are listed on my sidebar, if you'd like to check it out and see what they're saying about me.

Blogging Babes Become Fragrance Designers!

2008-04-15T18:25:00.007-06:00

We had such a great time on Saturday at our Blogging Babes luncheon. At least, I did. It was a blast. There were 8 of us at my house, Shellie, Lori, Tristi, Jeri, Candace, Karen, Sandra and Karlene.

We started at 10:00 a.m. with a bruncheon. Karen brought the yummiest chicken enchiladas with all the fixin's. (Don't forget you promised to send the recipe.) Sandra brought chicken legs in the crockpot. Tristi made those wonderful sour cream potatoes (we call them "funeral potatoes" around here). Candace brought 7 layer dip and chips. Lori and Shellie brought meat, cheese & crackers. And Jeri brought the most amazing Razzamatz Dessert, made with berries and cream. It was all delicious. Thanks everyone.

Lori, Tristi (left, front to back);
Karlene, Jeri, Candace (right, back to front)

After lunch, Karlene told us about her Urban Botanic business where you can make your own customized fragrances for bath, body and home. Everyone designed at least one custom fragrance that they were happy with. Tristi made two—one for her and one for her Season of Sacrifice book. Candace also made two—one for her and one for her hubby, Alvin. Jeri made two as well—her own, and then she made some lotion from Shellie's recipe.

Shellie, Lori, Tristi

Karlene talked a bit about networking and said that anyone who wanted to blog about the experience and product, and include a button on their sidebar could have their recipe listed on her website, CustomScentsOnline.com and she'd give them a percentage of the sales of their fragrance. If you'd like to do this but weren't able to make it to the luncheon, just contact Karlene and she'll fill you in on the details.

Shellie (left), Sandra (front), Karen, Candace, Jeri (right)

May's luncheon will be on Saturday, the 17th, location to be announced later. Hope to see everyone there.

One of Me

2008-04-11T07:52:00.003-06:00

I will miss you all tomorrow. I wanted to go to Karlene's, I wanted to be with you all, I soooooo wanted to learn about blogging for business. Will you catch me up. I know, you snooze you lose. But if you can bring me up to speed, I would so appreciate it.

I am one of the happiest mothers in the world. I have one of the "awesomest" son-in-laws ever. In fact, he will not even let us use the term in-law, as they do not believe in it. They are meant for each other. Besides being gentle, attentive, and chivalrous, I have felt the strength of his spirit, as he laid hands on my head, with my husband, to give me a blessing. Yes, though the engagement was brief, I know he will take good care of my daughter and the children that will come to them.

Here is their announcement, the picture taken the day they married in the Mt. Timpanogas Temple. The only address I have for most of you is your email. So, this is the invitation to our loacl Blogger Babes group, invitation to join us in celebrating this wonderful blessing, the marriage of Alan and Jennifer.

In my earlier post I mentioned it was a brief engagement. Well, once they fasted (each without the other knowing so) and had their answer about each other, they got engaged. They came home that night to tell us and ask her father for her hand. The next evening they prayed about all the dates between February and the end of May. They called us during family home evening to tell us that they had set the date, and that the Spirit had confirmed it. They were to be sealed that Friday, just 3.5 days away. So, there was a lot to do and a short time to do it in. His grandfather sought and received permission from the first Presidency, to fly in from Nauvoo and seal them. She was sealed in her temple dress. The dress she is wearing in the wedding pictures is the dress she wore that Sabbath Day that he proposed to her on the way to church. Those, at the temple responsible for preparing brides for their big day, are counseling brides to marry in their temple dress and save the bridal gown for pictures and the reception, if a young lady wants to wear one.

She had no time to find a bridal gown though she found one she liked, only it was the wrong size. She had prayed and was reassured that she would find a gown before the reception. She did in deed find one this week. Our camera died before Christmas. So, we got a new one this week. I will try to post pictures from the reception.

We get to prepare the reception around a funeral tomorrow. We will have two hours to set up. No stress. The first half of the reception will be a reception line. The second half, my daughter and her husband invite us to dance and mingle. Jon us if you can. The building is just off Center Street in Orem, just behind Mountain View Seminary, west of Mountain View High School.

Alvin's Kidney Transplant

2008-04-11T07:14:00.002-06:00

I'm sure everybody's heard by now, but I thought I'd post it here as an FYI.

Alvin is getting his kidney transplant on Tuesday -- yup, Tax Day. April 15th will forever be "life" day for us. Anyway, I'll not be sending out any emails this time around. But will be chronicling everything on my personal blog: http://candacesalima.blogspot.com. So check there for any updates.

We check into the hospital at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning. It will be an hour so before he actually goes into surgery and then 6 to 8 hours before it is completed. Yeah, I'll have a laptop and will undoubtedly be cruising blogland, oh yeah, and writing and working, while I wait. We're excited, but scared.

The cool part? We get to test drive the flagship of the Intermountain Health Care hospitals. Yeah, we'll be chillin' and recovering in the stylin' hospital rooms of the Intermountain Medical Center off 53rd South in Murray. I'm looking forward to that plasma t.v.

Pot Luck Lunch April 12th

2008-04-07T10:11:00.001-06:00

You all remember our April date, right!? Here's a reminder with more info at the bottom!

All Beautiful Bodacious Babbling Blogging Babes
are invited to a fun-filled potluck luncheon in April!

Date:
Saturday, April 12, 2008

Time:
10:00 a.m. – Noon (we may go a little longer...)

Where:
Karlene's place (Inksplasher)
622 E 700 N, Pleasant Grove
Map here

Menu:
Bring a potluck dish to share. We'll make a meal out of whatever shows up.
(Karlene will provide drinks, plates, utensils, etc.)

Topic:
Building Your Business through Blogs

Activity:
You'll create an Urban Botanic signature fragrance to
reflect your blog/personality—absolutely free!

Learn how to use your fragrance to earn a
little extra income—absolutely free!

Several chances to win prizes—absolutely free!

(Did I remember to say, absolutely free, no commitment at all?)

Need more info? E-mail me.

Take the UB personality test before you come.

*Creating your custom fragrance recipe is absolutely free.
If you'd like to mix your fragrance into one of our UB bath and body products,
I will be offering 20% off the regluar UB prices.

I created the most heavenly scents when I went to Karlene's parties in the past. It is so much fun! I'll admit, I wasn't very excited for the first one. But it only took about 15 minutes I was so into it that my husband called to see if I was coming home any time soon! Ladies you are going to love it, I promise. Cool part was . . . people that are usually allergic to scents didn't have a problem. One woman had a problem with the musks so she stayed away from those. But other than that, it was completely good.

Good friends, good food, fun activity, fun tips . . . let's all make the effort to be there.

Now, in order to have a potluck we have to have more than seven layer dip and sour cream & onion potatoes . . . dang, I'm hungry. I need everyone to drop me an email confirm your attendance and tell me what you'll be bringing. I'm craving enchiladas . . . anyone?

Thus far we have:

Karlene: Drink, plates, cups and utensils
Candace: 7-Layer Dip & Tortilla Chips
Tristi: Sour Cream & Onion Potatoes
Sandra: Oven Fried Chicken Legs
Lori: Contemplating
Jeri: Razzamatz Dessert

Anyone? Anyone?

Daughter Marries

2008-03-24T13:53:00.002-06:00

Some of you have been reading my blog and know my almost 19 (19 in May) old daughter, Jennifer, married in the temple after a brief engagement, in February. They are back from their 3 week honeymoon, and have announced that after praying about several dates for their reception, they have chosen the afternoon of 12 April. Yes, fixed firmly in concrete.

I already had the Blogger Babe lunch and a ward High Priest dinner and fireside that night:) Anyway, life just got simpler for me. After running on adrenals for who knows how long, my body is reminding me that I cannot do it all. Not yet failure, but if I do not heed I see the road out ahead. I am mother of the bride, which makes me the hostess for the reception. Thank goodness I have a 25 year old daughter who is quite capable and experienced in helping me with catering weddings, to assist me with her younger sister's. I now only have one thing for that day, the reception. I am removing all other deadlines.

Sorry ladies. I was really looking forward to this luncheon. However, even though I really enjoy our luncheons, and no matter how much I would like to hear Joseph Fielding McConkie, my family comes first, after my health. Enjoy the luncheon. I will miss you all.

Donna

An Interview with Tristi

2008-03-17T09:50:00.002-06:00

Marsha Ward at Writer in the Pines just posted an interview with me on her blog. Go check it out!

Tristi Pinkston's New Book is Here!

2008-03-17T07:43:00.004-06:00

Sarah Williams is a young Welsh immigrant, coming to Utah to join her sister Mary Ann Perkins. When the Perkins are asked to join the San Juan mission to pioneer a trail through Southern Utah, they take Sarah along to help care for the children. But a six-week journey turns into six agonizing months of hard work and toil as the Saints blast their way through a cliff to bring their wagons through what would become the famous Utah landmark “Hole-in-the-Rock.”

Finally settled in the San Juan, Sarah’s true hardship begins when Ben Perkins asks her to be his second wife. With their faith and testimonies challenged to the core, both Sarah and Mary Ann struggle to find the true meaning of Christ-like love and obedience. Will they make it through?

This is a fantastic book. I was able to read it when it was still in manuscript form and absolutely loved it. Tristi has this book for sale on her website and it is a must own!

This book is about her great-grandparents. He became well-known in Utah history by being the man who engineered the entire journey through the blasting and traveling through "Hole in the Rock." Truly a man of tremendous talent as well as honor.

Tristi has skillfully woven the accurate account of her ancestors into a fascinating story which will quickly become a favorite across the world.

I'm so proud of her! Click here to purchase your copy of her latest book. She's done it again!

Parallel Testimonies

2008-03-07T19:24:00.006-07:00

In Country Weekly dated March 10, 2008, is an article about Josh Turner. As you have previously read, I this new country singer and plan on following his career. I just had to buy the magazine to read the article. His story starts on page 28, but the part I would like to discuss today is on page 29, first column, half-way down.

"I was bout 9 years old," he recalls. "One night it was dark, and Daddy had to take the trash off and so I went with him. It wasn't an overcast night at all, and there was just kind of a glow that night.

"On the way back, I noticed there was this light reflectin' off the hood of the car. And I thought, 'I don't remember the moon (when we were) goin'.' And I felt somethin' pull my upper body up into the seat to look through the windshield to see where the light was comin' from.

"And when I looked up in the sky there was a single cloud and it was kind of lit up a little bit, as if a light was shinin' through it. And on the cloud was this lighted figure of this m an holdin' his arms out. And I was just fixated on this for what seemed to be an eternity.

"But I realized what I was seein' was real - and it was Jesus, or at least a portrayal of Him. All of a sudden, I felt somethin' pull me back into the seat and then I saw the light just fade away."

Let me pause here a moment and recount the story of another boy at the age of 14. He went to the Lord in humble supplication for an answer as to which church he should join.

"It was the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty. It was the first time in my life that I had made such an attempt... to pray vocally. I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me...When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air." (Joseph Smith History 1: 14, 16 - 17 (paraphrased) To be referred to as JSH.)

Back to Josh and Country Weekly page 29, top of the second column, second paragraph:

"Josh waited a week or two before telling anyone about it, because he was trying to process it all.

"I was askin' questions, I was prayin',' he declares. "I was like, 'Lord, why did you let me see this? What was the reason behind it? Was what I saw real?'

"I finally sat my parents down and told them what I had seen. They completely supported me, they believed me. They agreed that I had seen Jesus right there in the sky like that."

Josh later shared his story with his Sunday school class and, eventually, with the entire church.

Joseph Smith's account continued:

"No sooner,...did I get possession of myself,...than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the (churches) was right."

"Some few days after I had this vision, I happened to be in company with one of the Methodist preachers, and, conversing with him on the subject of religion , I took occasion to give him an account of the vision which I had had." (JSH 1: 18, 21 (paraphrased))

Let's stop here a moment. Here we are reading two stories with a great many similarities between the two. Josh at the time did not know why he had been blessed to see what he had seen, and Joseph who went in search of answers to his questions. Both testify that they saw Heavenly Personages, both talked to religious officials about their experiences, but here is where the differences really begin.

Josh talks of the acceptance of his parents, his peers and his congregation. Joseph had the support of his parents, but let's read what happened to Joseph when he shared his experience with a minister.

"I was greatly surprised at his behavior; he treated my communication not only lightly, but with great contempt, saying it was all of the devil, that there were no such things as visions or revelations in these days; that all such things had ceased with the apostles, and that there would never be any more of them. I soon found, however, that my telling the story had excited a great deal of prejudice against me among professors of religion, and was thh cause of great persecution, which continued to increase; and though I was an obscure boy, only between fourteen and fifteen years of age, and my circumstances in life such as to make a boy of no consequence in the world, yet men of high standing would take notice sufficient to excite the public mind against me, and create a bitter persecution, and this was common among all the (churches) - all united to persecute me." (JSH 1: 21 - 22)

What a difference!!!! Country Weekly goes on to quote Josh Turner as saying "I'm here to bring people hope and a sense of joy." The same can be said of Joseph Smith. Both men desire only to do the will of God and fulfill their divine mission.

Do I believe Josh Turner's story? Absolutely. Does his story reconfirm my testimony of Joseph Smith? Absolutely again. I do have to wonder about the public difference in the acceptance of both testimonies. Joseph himself asked:

"Why persecute me for telling the truth?"

"It seems as though the adversary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom; else why should the powers of darkness combine against me? Why the opposition and persecution that arose against me, almost in my infancy?" (JSH 1: 20)

Joseph's mission from our Heavenly Father was for the salvation and exaltation of mankind. Satan wants others to be miserable like unto him. Joseph's mission was to be for the eternal welfare of man through the ages. Josh's mission is for the temporal relief and uplifting of man's spirit for their walk in mortality. Joseph's mission has great eternal promise. This is why the very jaws hell itself were open wide against him.

Where does that leave me? With a stronger testimony of the divine calling of a prophet of God and a sweeter spirit of hope to get me through the day.

Intellectual Property Attorney

2008-02-22T09:14:00.003-07:00

I was somewhere recently, in a group setting, where someone said they knew an attorney who specialized in intellectual property. Was that at our luncheon? Who said that? And who is the attorney? I have some questions for him/her.

Karlene

Spiritual Adoption

2008-02-17T14:54:00.007-07:00

We've all heard the stories about adoptive children looking for their birth parents or orphans trying to reconnect with siblings. These searches take years some time. Closed files are opened, clues are unraveled and some times in the end a child finally finds his origins. The research and the fervor of the investigation can be massive. Dedication to the cause can become an obsession. It usually stems from a compulsion so strong within an individual.

When the prize is in view, a mixture of emotions can surface. Confusion, hurt, anxiety are but a few. The journey may have exhausted the individual. Emotions could have been hinged on what the mind developed as a scenario. Individuals going through this cycle have two likely end results. Disappointment or joy, but they all tend to agree that the years searching to find out who they are and where they came from was worth every minute of every day.

We all should be seeking with the same zeal to find out who we are and where we came from spiritually. It is the natural order of the Spirit within us to want to reconnect with the heavens above. We have records that are available to all of us. The Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Prayers are the tools to unlock the clues as to who we are.

Unlike adoption stories we don't need to worry about the outcome. We learn that we are loved and will be welcomed back into loving arms. Just as some children were given to adoption agencies for the betterment of the child, so did God give us mortality. Are we strenuously seeking to reconnect with our Heavenly ties? Do we spend years looking for the connection? Are we fully committed to the cause?

Our Spiritual Adoption needs to be sought after more diligently that any other pursuit we have in life. Eternal joys will far out weigh any happiness we have found here if we seek and obey the Master.

Fast Response Needed!

2008-02-14T12:45:00.005-07:00

Does anyone who lives between Provo and Lehi have the following titles that I could borrow THIS WEEKEND? I will come pick them up and I promise I'll take really, really good care of them and have them back to you by next Friday.

Loyalty's Web by Joyce DiPastena

How to Take the Ex Out of Ex-boyfriend by Janette Rallison

Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George

Rise of the Evening Star (Fablehaven #2) by Brandon Mull [thanks, Sandra]

If you do have them and are willing to loan them to me, please e-mail me ASAP!

Thanks,
Karlene

For My Valentine

2008-02-14T08:12:00.003-07:00

The phrase "In Love With You" conjures up images of youthful feelings. The anticipation of phone calls, giggling with the girls, sharing every conversation and speculating on what it may or may not mean. Spring flowers and temporary relationships. Hormonal spikes with unknown outcomes. Walking on air and having your head in the clouds. A temporary relationship.

However the phrase "I Love You" conjures up images of maturity. Walks in the park, security, winter nights before a fire. Knowing my companion is there forever despite the stupidity of the day or the decline of years. It is the rocking chair image of the twilight years. It is the knowledge of the other person's thoughts and heart. Rarely are there surprises or concerns because the shoe is no longer new, it is comfortable and desired. Instead of the fire raging within, there are embers that give both heat and light.

I choose "I Love You". I no longer have the energy of youth but rather the wisdom and maturity of age. I choose stability and predictable outcomes with my lifelong companion and friend. I choose solidity over possibilities.

I choose a love that will endure the worst life has to offer and a love that quietly celebrates the smallest of joys. A love with a great foundation even if the walls were to tumble and fall.

I Love You Valentine.

Hopefully back in the game

2008-02-14T00:50:00.004-07:00

I know I've been MIA over the past couple of months, but now I've completed my EMT class and nearly finished putting my office to rights--I spent most of January painting and laying tile so I could organize my things--I'm hoping to get back to my writing again, including my blogging.

Anyone else planning to submit to the first chapter contest at the Storymaker's conference? I admit, the first chapter is the very hardest part for me. I don't mean when I write my first draft, that's usually a cinch, but to go back and give it the weight it needs after the fact: where and when do I start, what does the scene say about my character, how does it prepare my reader for what's to come? I'm about ready to tug at my hair. I promise to update later.

Alvin in Hospital

2008-02-11T22:30:00.006-07:00

Personal Note: Alvin is still in the hospital. On Friday afternoon he spiked a temperature of 103 and became delirious and weak. I called his doctor and then raced him to the ER. 5 1/2 hours in the ER did not stabilize him and he was transferred to ICU. His vitals dropped, finally bottoming out at a heart rate of 36 (80 to 100 is a resting heartrate.) They started him on vancomiacine and then promaxin on Sunday.

By Sunday morning, 4:00 a.m., Alvin took a turn for the better and started to improve. By Sunday, late afternoon, he was transferred out of ICU to a regular hospital room . . . well, as regular as a kidney failure patient can get.

This morning they created a new fistula and put a perma cath in his chest. Dialysis will be done through the perma cath for the next two to three months while the fistula fully develops or he gets a transplant, whichever happens first.

As to the kidney transplant, we had great hopes with one donor but her husband forbad her to continue the process, so we're back to square one. We do have three or four people who are O+ or O- who are being tested to see if they are match. But it has set us back quite a bit. We were shaken, emotionally, but Mitt Romney dropping out and this hospital stay has put things back in perspective. We just do what we can and leave the rest to the Lord. Not as easy to do as it sounds, but there you have it.

Alvin is still in the hospital and it is unknown when he will be released. They have been unable to determine the source of the infection or identify the infection. With everything going on they are unwilling to release him at this time. He mad, frustrated and ready to go AMA and leave, except I won't let him. Yeah, we're really happy right now. Not. But he's alive, which was a state in question over the weekend. So he's holding his own and feeling better every day. Whew!

April's Blogging Babes Luncheon

2008-02-07T12:57:00.000-07:00

Goodbye!

2008-02-05T19:12:00.000-07:00

Since the Beautiful Bodacious Babbling Blogging Babes are all in Utah, I know we've all been thinking about President Hinckley and I figured why not post this here on our site too; especially on Super Tuesday when people need to lighten up a bit and get back to something more peaceful :).

Here's.....Caleb

2008-02-04T14:12:00.000-07:00

(In hospital - 1 day old)

I know many of you have already read all about Caleb's birth on my blog, but as an official Blogging Babe, I wanted to post this 'official blogger babe's baby's birth announcement.' (and I had to wait until we found our digital camera and got a picture of him smiling, of course)

So fellow 'babes' - without further ado... This is my beautiful son Caleb Jonathan. He was born December 17, at 1:10 pm. He weighed 8.4 and was 19 1/2 inches long. I may be just a tad bit prejudice, bit I think he is absolutely adorable (pictures never quite do justice) and he is a wonderful baby!
Tristi said, "There's just something about a sweet, snuggly little baby that just makes me feel right with the world again." Amen to that!

(Last week - 6 weeks old)

Dinner is on the table

2008-02-02T18:46:00.000-07:00

'Twas Brillig and Candace at today's Blogging Babe luncheon. Come on ladies, tell us the scoop on this one. And I must say, it does NOT involve Candace receiving revelation.

Donna, Karlene, Tristi, Sandra, Jeri, Twas Brillig and Candace were all there. We ate, we laughed we ate some more and laughed and had a great time. In fact we were having such a great time that we didn't leave until 4 pm!

Today's the Day!

2008-02-02T06:29:00.000-07:00

Today's the day, Blogger Babes! Meet at

Golden Corral
225 West University Parkway
Orem, UT 84058-7301
801-225-6299

1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Join us ladies! We're excited to see you all.

We won't be meeting in March - it's an insane month for all of us who were there for January's lunch. So mark your calendars for Saturday, April 12th. We're going to do an Urban Botanics party at Karlene's house. You'll get to design your own fragrance and we're doing a potluck lunch too. More details in an upcoming email. Mark it on your calendars now! So drop me an email now and let me know if you'll be joining us in April for our fun get together.

Contest

2008-01-30T11:24:00.001-07:00

I thought I would let everyone know that I am having a contest over at my blog.

All is Well ...

2008-01-16T21:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you for thinking of us! David is home and doing well. They say it will take at least a month before he even begins to feel better, but in the meantime he is being well monitored and looked after. He'll be all right.

Thank you again for your prayers and words of encouragement!

Ali & David Cross In Need Of Our Prayers

2008-01-13T16:55:00.000-07:00

I pulled this off Ali's blog today . . . thought it'd be nice if we could all include her in our prayers.

***
Saturday morning Update ...

I'm partially frustrated because the plan keeps changing, but this morning's plan makes sense and is a lot less invasive, which is good. NOW the doctors are thinking he has pneumonia and so they are going to treat him for that. The blood around his heart is, they think, simply that collection that occurs during a heart surgery and though his was four years ago, they say this is normal. That fluid never does get reabsorbed by the body and unless it becomes infected is not typically problematic.

The coughing, weight loss, general feeling of 'unwellness' and such can all be attributed to pneumonia. The speeding heart rate, wild arythmias can mostly be attributed to his extremely low potassium levels.

So for now, they are scrapping the idea of the chest cavity aspiration scheduled for Monday and instead administering antibiotics and potassium to treat the possible pneumonia and mineral levels.

David is starting to feel like a trapped bird and wants nothing more than to get out of there. I, however, am very grateful that they are treating him and looking for causes for all his concerns. I'll be excited is pneumonia is all it is, he can be treated and home without any more scary surgeries.

Thanks for your hugs and words of encouragement!

***

Some of my friends know that David has been in declining health for the last few months and that things reached something of a crisis level this week. Today he went in for some tests, a follow-up from an ER visit on Monday. He just called to let me know they are admitting him to UofU Hospital.

I'm going to feed the boys, then take them to a friends for the night and I'm heading up to the hospital. Please say a prayer for my dear husband.

***
very early Friday morning ...

When I finally got the boys shipped out and the dog squared away and headed up to the hospital I heard more from David ... he was going to have surgery first thing in the morning to repair his heart valve. I have to admit, I was freaking scared driving up there. I thought he made it through that surgery once, but could he do it again?

But once at the hospital (they have him in the medical critical care unit - a sort of step down from ICU but not on the regular floor either), I was able to talk with his surgeon and doctor (who is the Director of Cardio Thoracic Surgery at the University of Utah so he's the top dog, doesn't get any better than him) and he has decided to hold off on surgery just yet.

First, they are starting him on a course of antibiotics to see if it's an infection in his chest cavity. IF it's an infection, either the antibiotics will begin to take effect OR they'll need to operate to remove the source of infection AND/OR they will insert a syringe type thing to drain the fluid.

If it's not an infection, the course of action becomes a bit more vague. Though blood work has denied the possibility of endocarditis (infection of the heart) all symptoms point to that - a result, likely, of the infected tooth root from September. IF it's that, he may need another heart valve replacement and/or aortic root repair. Doc seems to think endocarditis is still a possibility regardless of blood work - the infection could be hiding. OR it could not exist at all.

Turns out he's lost close to fifteen pounds since September. So they are very concerned about that coupled with his symptoms. They are planning on keeping him for a 'few days' and running any number of tests on him to determine once, and for all what the heck is going on. Like I said, our possible options for courses of actions range from something as benign as IV antibiotics to open heart surgery again to repair/replace his valve and such.

I don't know what the heck is going on or what is going to happen. I was going to spend the night with him (boys are farmed out), but after hearing they were not going to operate David was a bit more relaxed and we decided I should come home and get some rest because we don't know what the next few days may hold for us. Guess I should try and get some of that rest now, eh?

I'll post as soon as I know anything worth telling.

Tristi Announces New Book Release

2008-01-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Tristi Pinkston, author of "Nothing to Regret" and "Strength to Endure," announces the release of her third published novel, "Season of Sacrifice." The true story of her great-great-grandfather Benjamin Perkins who engineered the passage through the Hole in the Rock in southern Utah, this novel shows the depth of courage and committment shown by these intrepid pioneers and the sacrifices they made to show their devotion to Heavenly Father.

This book is produced by Golden Wings and will be available mid-March. For more information, click here.

Thursday, January 10th Lunch at Brick Oven

2008-01-11T06:02:00.000-07:00

At the top of this blog is the official logo of the Utah Chapter of the Beautiful Bodacious Babbling Blogging Babes.

Well, lunch rocked once again. And this time we have pictures! Utah's B to 5 (which is what Alvin says we should call ourselves) met at Brick Oven today. We had a delightful time getting to know one another again and meeting those of us who arrived for the first time. We missed everyone who couldn't make it! Serious bummer!

Here are some of the pictures from our lunch. They let us have the Party Room at Brick Oven, which was a shock because I wasn't willing to pay $5.00 a head for everyone who didn't show up under the number of 12. We had a little mix up with the check, but it all turned out okay. I don't think we'll be taking our party back there again, though. Servers were great. Food was great. But the reservationist was rude and didn't make note that I canceled the reservation for the room and asked for a table in the main dining room. Budgeting and all, I couldn't spring for the $5.00 a head.

Donna over at Donna's Journey at Julia and Where Oh Where Has My Mind Gone, mother and daughter, presented the door prize today. That amazing mug you see is designed with our official logo.

Karlene Browning over at Inksplasher won the door prize. And she was as thrilled as I to receive it.

Donna and her husband make all kinds of wonderful items in their business, including these mugs. You can check them out at www.remembermymug.com.

All in all, I thought it was very cool! Donna says any of the Blogging Babes can order one of the mugs for $15.00. It's rockin' . . . I have one myself. Courtesy of Donna and Julia, which was unnecessary but exceedingly sweet. Here's a closeup of the mug:

How much does that seriously rock! I feel so official!

So we met, we visited, we laughed, we took pictures (thank you to Jarel, one of my missionary sons who gave me a digital camera for Christmas) and we ate. A lot. And then Ali over at Girl in a Whirl helped me eat my hot fudge brownie sundae literally swimming in hot fudge and caramel. Oh my gosh, it gives me shivers just thinking about it. I can't have another one until July 26th . . . one a year, although the one I had today I've been trying to have since last July 26th . . . so I guess I'm getting two this year.

So, here's who showed up . . .

Ali at Girl in a Whirl
Julia at Where Oh Where Has My Mind Gone
Tristi at Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author
Heather at Heather Justesen
Karlene at Inksplasher
Donna at Donna's Journey

. . . and

Me. We really, really missed everyone else. Here are some pictures of the gang.

Julia and Karlene

Tristi and Ali

Patented Tristi pose . . . check out www.ldstorymakers.com if you don't believe me.

Here's Heather!

Donna and Ali

And finally, Heather, me, Karlene and Julia

And that's everyone who showed up. I realize my camera skills leave a lot to be desired, but hey, I haven't had a camera in over a decade. I'm still getting my skills, what little there were, back.

Next month it will be the first Saturday in February 2nd at 1:00 p.m. at Golden Corral in Orem. Check my right-hand column for updated details.

We had a complete blast and we're looking forward to getting together next month. We have varied interests, talents and experiences, it was a blast to to get together and visit, chat and get to know a little more about Donna and Julia.

Rock on!

And here we are!

2008-01-10T22:48:00.001-07:00

This is the official blogspot for the Utah Chapter of the Beautiful Bodacious Babbling Blogging Babes . . . our official logo is the header, and our group is as follows:

Ali at Girl in a Whirl
Anne at Not Entirely British
Anne at Twas Brillig
Annette at The Lyon's Tale
Donna at Donna's Journey
Candace at Dream a little dream . . .
Heather at My Writer's Lair
Heather at Heather Justesen
Jana at Mom Interrupted
Janet at Janet's Blog
Jen at Lords of the Manor
Jennifer at Confessions of a Lifelong Bookworm
Jeri at A Fickle Pickle
Jill at Mental Tesserae
Julia at Where oh where has my mind gone
Karen at A Writer's Ramblings
Karlene at Inksplasher
Linda at I Knew I Could Fly
Lori at Scott Smith Photography
Michele Holmes at My Paige
Sandra at The Dance
Shellie at Little But Loud
Stephanie at Stephanie Fowers
Suzanne at Chocolate Daydreams
Tristi at Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author
Wendy at Interrugnum

Whew . . . I think that's everyone. I'll be sending out invitations and this will be our main meeting spot to catch up on every one, announce babies, engagements, marriages, new businesses, new books, movies, etc. Whatever is new in our lives, this will be the place to grab it.

Check back often!