Monday, September 29, 2008

One of these things just doesn't belong

Look at the pictures below and play this Sesame Street game with me...
Come on....sing along with me and pick which thing just doesn't belong...
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One of these things is not like the other...
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One of these things just doesn't belong...
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Can you guess which thing is not like the other...
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Before I finish my song????



















Can you guess which thing just doesn't belong???
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Did you all pick this hot weather as the thing that doesn't belong?
Well you are right!.... and... it is 101 today...uggg!
Some how this weather doesn't go with chestnuts roasting on an open fire, gingerbread or hot apple cider.
Come on Mother nature..... It is suppose to be fall......I put my decorations out.... I am ready.. cooler weather will be welcome any day now.
Thanks

Saturday, September 27, 2008

My Sunday Six on Sat. night

I am posting my Sunday Six on Saturday this week.... so I guess technically it is my Sat. six.... but I have a good reason. I usually post my Sunday Six after dinner on Sun. eve. However, today I need your prayers on behalf of my daughter Erin and her husband Patrick. I want to post this so you will see it early Sunday and pray for them.
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Erin has wanted to be a mommy since she was tiny. She didn't find and marry her Patrick until she was almost 33. Considering her age they wanted to start a family right a way. When this did not happen they went to fertility specialists but that has not seemed to work either.
After two years of trying to conceive they were illegible to apply for adoption. ... which they did.
After completing all of the paperwork, interviews, classes , home study and paying $30,000 dollars they were considered "Active" and were picked by a birth mother to get her baby girl.
We were thrilled!
We couldn't believe it !
We felt God's hand in helping the birth mother to choose Erin and Patrick.
Erin gave two weeks notice at school for the principal to find a new teacher.
They gave away the furniture in an extra bedroom and bought new baby furniture to turn it into a nursery.
They repainted the room and cleaned the carpet to get ready for this baby.
Erin's students at school gave her good bye parties and baby gifts.
We were all on cloud nine.
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Then last week the due date for the birth mother was changed from Sept. 23rd to Sept 30th or Oct. 1st. Some emergency came up at her home in Ohio and the birth mother could not be dissuaded from flying there. She left a week ago Friday and was suppose to return to Utah this evening.
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We have been on pins and needles all week. Erin and Patrick were told that they would have to pay about $12,000 more if the baby is born in Ohio because the birth mother does not have insurance there and adoption laws and requirements are different there. In short, if the baby is born in Ohio, Erin and Patrick can not afford additional fees to get this baby.
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We have prayed all week that God willing, the birth mother would return to Utah before the baby was born. She was suppose to come home today. We were all counting the minutes until she touched down..... but shortly before the plane landed, Erin got a call from the agency telling her that the birth mother did not take the flight today. They said that she got the flu and did not feel like traveling.
So we are asking for your prayers in her behalf. We are praying that God willing the birth mother will be well enough to travel tomorrow and get home before this baby is born. Erin tells it better than I do. If you want her story go to her blog.
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That brings me to my number one on my Sunday six list....
#1. I know that we are in God's hands even when it seems things are not going the way we want them to.
I hope with all my heart that this little girl will come to Erin and Patrick..... I thought for sure that our prayers would be answered and the birth mom would return home tonight.... and all would be well. We are still praying that it will..... However, if they do not get this baby, we will be sad but not bitter.... we will not feel God has abandoned us.... we will know that His will was done and it is for our good even though we don't understand it. For this knowledge I am thankful and I can smile through my tears.



#2 Going on a date with John to see South Pacific

John and I have had season tickets to Performance Riverside Civic Light Opera for years. This year's season opened with South Pacific. It was so well done. We had a great date night together....but can you believe it..... I forgot to get my camera...... I know that is inexcusable..... I always have my camera in my purse because you can never tell when a blog moment will present itself.... but I changed purses to get dressed up for my hot date.... and forgot to get the camera!!!
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So all I have to show you is the program.... but take my word for it.... I was smiling
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Judie and Bonnie clean the Relief Society roon in the following picture




#3 Working together at church
The Mormon church is made up of lay volunteers. Our clergy, teachers, librarians, choir, organists, etc. are all volunteer callings. Once a week, light custodian work is also done by volunteers. We divide up the weeks by the alphabet and each take turns keeping the building clean and ready for Sunday and weekday services. It works out that we take a turn cleaning about once every two months. It was our turn this Sat. to help.





This picture makes me smile. John and Ron fake excitement in checking off the jobs that are done just so I could take this picture. Does my hubby know my blogging picture needs or what!







With all of us working together we had all the jobs checked off and our building ready for our Sunday church services in no time. It makes me smile that we can work together to keep our building clean.

#4. I love playing in the pool with my grand kids.
O.k. I am not happy that it is still in the high 90s or hotter. I am more than ready for fall weather.....however, I do love playing with my grandchildren in the pool. We had fun swimming together today. That always makes me smile....(and if I posted a picture of me in the pool with them you would be smiling too..... or hysterically laughing!)

( Michelle, Judie, Sheryl, Dee and me....all smiling)

#5. I attended our world wide Women's Broadcast from Salt Lake City with my good friends

Tonight I went to the Women's Broadcast from our church headquarters in SLC with my friends. We heard beautiful music and uplifting messages from the Relief Society General Presidency and Pres.Uchtdorf of the first presidency. It is nice to be reminded that we are daughters of God with a divine mission as women here on earth. This broadcast was sent via satellite to Mormon chapels all over the world. How wonderful that millions of us Relief Society sisters could all receive the same messages, in our own languages no matter where we live in this world. That makes me smile.



#6. After the Women's Broadcast we were served a lovely tri-tip dinner by our husbands/priesthood holders
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Judie's Ken comes over to say hi and serve our table. Aren't they a cute couple!
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My John was not asked to come and help. I know that he was delighted not to have to put on a suit on a Sat. evening.

I think the two Kens from our ward made such handsome servers wearing a tux no less.
My blog friend Sheryl and Michelle sweetly smile for this blog picture.





We all enjoyed our tri-tip dinner served by our handsome men.
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It was a lovely evening.... which would have been perfect if I had not gotten word from Erin that their birth mother was not on the plane tonight.... oh well, it was still a very nice evening and made me smile.
So my blog friends, you can see that in spite of our tears this week, I have had much to smile about also.
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I am thankful for my blessings.
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Tell me about your week. I hope that you had lots to smile about.
Please remember Erin and Patrick and the birth mother in your prayers.
Thanks and love, Lura

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

My Wonderful Wednesday Surprise

(John took this picture of me talking to Marie. ...no makeup, in my nighty and all)
I had a wonderful surprise this morning.
Marie called me....I actually got to hear her sweet voice and have a lovely visit.
It made my day...umm...no....it made my week!
I slept in a bit later than usual today since my Austin alarm wasn't here to wake me up early. (He usually goes off about 6:00 a.m. no matter what time I put him to bed.) I woke up, read my scriptures as usual and took my time getting up. After getting up I went in to my favorite chair, got out my lap top and settled down, still in my nighty, to say good morning to some of my blog friends..... Yes I have to check in with my blog friends before getting dressed or fixing breakfast.... I know.... I'm addicted to you !
I went to my google reader and started by logging on to Marie to see what message she had for me today and what's cookin' at Oak Cottage. Before her post even came up, my phone rang..... I answered it and heard a sweet voice with a darling Canadian/English accent say...
"Hello Lura, this is Marie"
Marie???
It was my dear blogger friend, Marie calling from England.
I was speechless... I was so surprised.... What a wonderful way to start my day.
We had a lovely long visit. It was wonderful to be chatting in real life with this sweet friend that I have come to love so much through her blog and the comments that she makes on mine. I even got to say hello to her sweetheart, Todd. It was just great.
Thank you so much for calling dear Marie. It means so much to me.
After we hung up I got to thinking about how much blogging has enriched my life. I started blogging just to keep in touch with my sweet family. I was totally surprised and pleased that I met so many new blog friends that mean so much to me. I have come to really care about you. I feel like you are extended family. While I may never have the pleasure of meeting or talking to most of you like I have Marie and Holly, I consider you friends. I appreciate the way you have given me supportive comments on both my sad and happy posts. If you are the regular few that read and comment on my posts I thank you.....
I appreciate you.....I love hearing from you.
I could name all of your names but you know who you are.... It is all of you that take the time to comment on my posts..... everyone of you.
So thanks again Marie and thanks to all of my blog friends.
Blogging has broadened my world. What blogging has done for you?

Sunday, September 21, 2008

This Weeks Sunday Six

Each Sunday I want to tell you about some of the things that have blessed my life during the past week....things that I am thankful for..... things that make me smile... here is this week's list.
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1. My grandson Johnny was ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood

In our church when a young man turns 12 and has prepared himself to do so, he is ordained to the office of Deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood. He then has the sacred responsibility of passing the sacrament each week in our Sunday service.... as well as other responsibilities....
Our sweet Johnny was ordained last Sunday. We had planned to go to Utah be there to share that wonderful day with him but something came up that made us postpone our trip. We hope that we will be able to come up in a week or two Johnny. I can hardly wait to have you pass the sacrament to us. It makes me smile to know that you love the Lord and are willing to serve him and honor the priesthood that you now hold.
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#2 BYU beat Wyoming 44 to 0
What can I say..... BYU rocks this year... two shut outs in a row..... Go Cougars!
It makes me smile that they won but I smile even more watching how excited John is... fun stuff
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#3 The Elders came to our house for dinner today
This is Elder Branham from Keller Texas and Elder Peaden from West Jordan, Utah.
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These are two of the thousands of young men and woman in our church that give up two years of their time, in their young lives, to serve the Lord as full time as Mormon missionaries.
They get no pay or compensation for their labors... in fact their families must support them financially as they serve. However, what they gain on their missions will bless them all of their lives. They are just 19 year old kids as they leave their homes and go out into the world.....but as they study the scriptures, work and serve their fellow men ,they gain in faith and ability. As they teach of our Heavenly Father's plan for us and our Saviour, Jesus Christ their own testimonies grow strong and sure.
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My son ,David ,served his mission in Argentina. My daughter, Erin, served a sign language mission to the deaf. Both of them learned to work hard, pray sincerely and listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit while they served. These qualities continue to bless their lives to this day.
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So, where ever you live in this world, you will probably see our missionaries serving in your area. They work hard to learn about the scriptures, often learning a new language so they can share a wonderful message with you.... Even if you do not care to listen to their message, I hope that you will give them a smile and be nice to them..... just remember that they have a mom at home praying for her son or daughter with all of her heart and asking God to bless and keep them until they return back to her arms.
Seeing these young missionaries dedicating 2 years of their lives to serve the Lord makes me smile.

# 4 My rolls turned out perfect.....

.... just kidding..... that is not the only reason I am smiling..... I am happy because I like to cook and it is easy for me.


I realize after years of teaching Food and Nutrition cooking classes not everyone has a knack or feel for cooking. I do ...and... I realize that it is a gift and I should be grateful for it.... so I am.



#5. Sunday Dinner makes me smile.
Every Sunday we have dinner with Mindy and her family.... one week they come to our house and the next week we go to theirs. It is a wonderful tradition that is one of the highlights of my week. What a blessing it is to live close enough to this dear daughter and her family that we can be a part of their everyday life. Tonight's dinner was especially nice since we could share it with the missionaries. I was really smiling.

# 6...Shoes on the floor, remotes on the table and messed up sofa pillows...

I am forever picking up John's shoes in the family room, putting the remotes back into their box and straightening the pillows on the sofa.

It usually makes me smile ....(not always...when the doorbell rings and I am scurrying to pick up before I answer it... I may not be smiling)...

... but usually this task makes me smile.
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You might wonder why this is smile material for me..... well...


..it is because that means that my sweetheart has been there.

How I treasure this retirement time we are blessed to share together.
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I recently got a comment from Oma. She is a sweet lady who lost her husband not long ago. Her posts are so touching as she tells about her days without him and how she is carrying on and is able to find joy in spite of her heartache and loss. I'm sure that if you go to her post you will be touched too.
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Reading her posts make me realize even more how lucky I am to have my John and share this wonderful retirement time together with him. I long ago got over being mad about shoes being left in the family room or pillows messed up. Life is too fragile and too short to spend it being upset with a loved one over little things that don't even matter.
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Now tell me what blessed your life this passed week? What made you smile? I hope that you had many things that made you smile and that the coming week will be even better.
By the way, my blog friend Marlene has a great blog and is having a giveaway of cute fall placemats that she has made. Drop over to her blog and say hi.
Hugs to all, Grammy Lura

Sunday, September 14, 2008

My Sunday Six

My friends Kris and Nancy have set a good blog example for me. Each Sunday they post their "Sunday Six" where they list 6 things that they are thankful for that happened during the past week. Six things that they appreciate or that made them smile. Isn't that a good idea!



While we all may face difficult or stressful times throughout our week, we all are also blessed in many ways. I want to follow my blog friends examples and share my Sunday six with you.


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#1 Erin and Patrick became ACTIVE.


Erin and Patrick have wanted to start a family since the day they got married 2 years ago. Since the stork has been slow in visiting them they decided to apply for adoption which is a long difficult process.... but they have completed all of the paperwork and requirements and are now on the "active" list.... so... they could be blessed with a baby any time now. That makes me smile for sure!


#2 I felt better last week.

I have IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) which is more info than you probably want to know. It makes me pretty sick part of the time. Two weeks ago I was down sick most of the week but I've been better this past week. One thing about being sick quite often is it really makes me appreciate the good days. Feeling better last week made me smile.



#3 I took Austin to Knott's Berry Farm

Since I was feeling better I took Austin to his favorite place....Knott's. Just the two of us had a fun time there together. He got brave and rode the airplanes for the first time. Up until recently the trains and trucks were the only rides he would go on. A few weeks ago he added the "Huff and Puff" to his list and now the airplanes. If our season tickets weren't expiring he might get brave enough to try all the Camp Snoopy rides....
maybe I'll have to renew the passes?????

#4 Watching Mindy and Claire perform. We got to go to a concert where Claire sang a solo and Mindy played her flute. They both did a beautiful job. I'm sure that everyone in the audience knew I was the mom/grammy by the huge smile plastered on my face.... and the camera clicking every 10 seconds.



#5 Spending all Sat. with church friends


We had one activity after the other with our friends from church yesterday. It started out with a nice pancake breakfast at the church.



Then our bishop and several other friends came over for a swim and b-b-q potluck















After swimming and eating we all settled down in front of the TV to watch the BYU/UCLA football game






We were all smiling when BYU won 59 to 0.

Can you believe that score!
Go Cougars!

After the game we went to a High Priest party for dinner.... What a fun day spent with fun friends.

Breakfast...lunch ...and dinner....and a BYU game... you can't beat that... I was smiling all day.


#6 Grandma B is back!

I am so happy. Grandma B had a wonderful blog full of poems and pictures and good stuff. She has been gone for a while but now she is back. That makes me smile.

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These are 6 of the things that made me smile last week. They blessed my life and I am thankful.


Now tell me what made you smile last week? I'd love to hear from you.

I hope that this coming week has lots to make you smile too.....

...and...p.s...

...Wendi, Julie,Jamie and Angie there is an award waiting for you on my last post (9/10). I love your blogs and want you to have the award that says so. Don't be shy....go ahead and pick it up.

Love, Grammy Lura

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Wed. awards and wonderings


I know that it is not the first Wednesday of the month which is my award day, but I just received this "I love your blog" award from Krystyn. I've seen it on other blogs and thought it was so nice.
I am thrilled to receive it.
Thank you so much Krystyn.
Krystyn is young mother of a 2 year old, a chemistry teacher and is expecting # 2 in 35 days. She is having complications with her pregnancy because her platelet count has dropped really low. If the platelet level does not come up it will cause complications with her delivery.
She asked for us to pray for her.... so please keep her in your prayers. Drop by her blog, and give her some bloggy encouragement.
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Now, the hard part is passing this award on to only 7 others because I really do love all of your blogs. Luckily for me, several of you that I read and love have already received it.... so no matter who gave it to you consider that it is from me too.
The rules for getting this award are:
1. post it in your sidebar with a link to the person who sent it to you
2. give it out to 7 people who's blog you love and link to them
3. Tell your awardees that you gave them the award
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Drum roll please....
My picks for today are:...
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Megan from Georgia. Megan amazes me. She is a young mother that is full of wisdom and good advice. I wish that I had had her as a resource when I was teaching.
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Wendi from North Carolina. Wendi's blog is so much fun. She has a wonderful writing style and view on life. I know that I just gave her my "Blog smile" award but I do love her blog so I have to pass this one on to her too.
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Julie from Connecticut . Julie is a young mom of 3 girls and a boy (just like my gang). Her blog is funny and touching at the same time. She happens to be married to my almost son, Adam (my son David's life long friend), but that does not bias me.
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Jamie from Georgia . Jamie is full of faith. She loves the Lord and bears testimony of Him often in her posts. She is an inspiration to me and many others.
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Holly from Texas . She is a sweet mom and a really fun gal. If you link up with her you can also meet her neat family that are regular blogger and fun to read too.Holly just found that her pregnancy was not to be and had a D & C. Send her some love.
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Linda from New England . Take a look at Linda's beautifully decorated home. You will think that you have gone to "Better Homes and Gardens"
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Angie from "old" England . Hop over the pond and say hi to this sweet lady... She is deaf and crippled but she has a great outlook on life. She is recovering from an accident where her motorized wheel chair ran over her and broke bones. Go and wish her well.
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Chelsea from Ca . Chelsea loves animals and has a heart of gold. I love her and her blog.
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Now that my difficult award giving task is completed..... (I just realized I gave out 8 instead of 7....oh well.... they all deserve it.)
Anyway.....I've been wondering....
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1. How is Marie in England doing today? She works so hard and brings so much joy into my life.
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2. How are things going for Gloria in Chile? Is her adopted daughter feeling better. I hope so.
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3. How is Cinderelen doing in Greece? I haven't heard from her in a while. I hope all is going well as she starts going to college.
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4. How is Kristen recovering in Australia? I am thankful that her tumor was benign. I hope that she is gaining her strength after her surgery. It is not easy being down when you have 4 little boys at home to take care of.
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5. How is Jan from Colorado feeling? How much time has she got left? It touches my life to read how she is filling her last days caring for her little great niece that she adores instead of feeling bitter or sorry for herself.
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6. Are Patty and my other Texas blog friends safe from the hurricane Ike headed their way?
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7. How is Marlene in Arkansas doing? Is that menopause witch still giving her trouble? Is she going to have this weeks project "Finished by Friday"?
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8. Where are you Grandma B? I miss you a lot! I hope you will be back soon.
And...
9. How did I EVER MANAGE before I met all of you blog friends? You have broadened my world and enriched my life. Thank you!
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Now it is your turn..... Please leave a comment and tell me...
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1. How did you get into blogging?
2. What does blogging mean to you?
Have a great day. Love and hugs, Grammy Staffy

Friday, September 5, 2008

Meet some new folks...Bloggers and Vampires

I want to introduce you to some new vampires. I know that many of you are in love with Edward..... but come on ladies....he is already taken by Bella. Besides there is always room for other handsome, "warm hearted" vampires.... wait....Vampires don't have hearts do they???... at least not ones that beat..... well anyway, you know what I mean. If you get to know these new Vampires you will be glad that you did..... but.... before I introduce you to my "undead" friends, I'd like you to meet some of my new blog buddies.

I have some new blogs to introduce you to..... these are friends of mine.... neat bloggers...some are new bloggers..... some had blogs but I just found them. Drop by their blogs, say "hi" and encourage them by giving them some blog love. Tell them I sent you.

Come on....

You can take out just a minute to say "hello"

You will be glad that you did.
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http://shebasmommy.blogspot.com/ Chelsea of Sheba's mommy
Chelsea studies sign language and works at the deaf school. She loves animals and has practically adopted my German Shepard, Heidi. She is a really sweet gal and I'm sure you'll enjoy meeting her.
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http://grandmajournal.blogspot.com/ Kris of Grandma's Journal
Kris has been a friend of mine for over 20 years. Her sweet spirit and love of life shows in her blog. You will find it uplifting.
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http://jananddarien.blogspot.com/ Jan of The short track
Kris introduced me to Jan. Jan calls her blog "The short track" because she is dying....but even though she only has a short time to live she is filling her life with service. She takes care of her darling little great niece, Darien. Her journey will touch your heart.
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http://cougarnana.blogspot.com/ Nancy of Just a Little Blog
Nancy is an old friend of mine that moved away from CA several years ago. I just found out she was blogging. I am happy to get get in touch with her again.... you will find her fun to know.
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O.K. Have you already clicked on their blogs? No???? You want to meet the vampires first.... well, o.k. but be sure to say "Hi" to them after you meet my dark friends listed below..

Amanda Ashley's Night Series

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Let me give you a little back ground first.... I know you are anxious to meet the vamps...but just give me a minute......

Mandy is my visiting teacher. For those of you who don't know, being a visiting teacher is a calling that all of us ladies have in the Mormon church. We each get a list of ladies that we visit once or more a month. We take them a spiritual message and check to see if they need any help or service rendered that month. Since no leadership position is paid in our congregation and our Bishop and other leaders must work to support themselves, it is impossible for them to contact every member every month.... so we have visiting teachers representing our Relief Society (the ladies organization ) and home teachers who are men representing the priesthood that contact each of us every month.

That is how I met Mandy. I had noticed a pretty lady in the congregation but didn't know her until she became my visiting teacher.

As she visited me from month to month we got to know each other. She asked me about my job and I told her all about my teaching experiences in both my high school and college classes. She seemed impressed with my accomplishments. I was flattered. She told me that she was a stay at home grandmom. I thought... that's nice.

Time went by.... one day she mentioned that she could only visit me a short while because she had to get home and work on a book she was writing.... again I thought.... how nice.... she was writing a book.

Oh, I said, you like to write?

Oh, yes she answered.

What are you writing I said, thinking I would give her encouragement.

Romance novels she said.

How fun..... are you going to try to get it published?

I already sold it she said.

I was excited...... You sold it!!! How great!!! When will it be published?

Uhh, I think it will come out next July... after the other two.

Other two????

You've written 2 other books????

Yes, so far this year.

So far this year!!! How many books have you written???

Umm, I think this is number 54.....

That is how I learned Mandy was the New York best selling author who writes under the name Amanda Ashley for her vampire series and Madeline Baker for her western series. (Did I feel dumb or what!!!)

Her books are shorter than Stephanie Meyers' Twilight books. Mandy's are usually around 365 pages. They are published in paperback and cost around $6.99. I like them because her stories move quickly without a lot of filler. Her vampires, like Edward, are handsome, sexy, have amazing powers and are not killers. However her vamps are not hard and cold like Edward. They are very likable.

Why don't you meet them? If you like the Twilight books I am pretty sure you will like Mandy's vampires as well as Edward or better. Try them out.

Night's Kiss is the first of the 3 Night series books.
Night's Touch is number 2. Ever wonder how vampires could raise an adopted daughter? Read this book and you will find out.
Night's Master is the last in this series. It will be out in Oct. Mandy gave me an advanced copy and I'm about half way through it. It has vampires and werewolves coexisting in a small town.... of course a human girl is in the middle.

She has many other Vampire books out. I've read several. They are entertaining.
I also like her western romance novels.
If you would like to read more about Mandy you can use either of these web sites.
http://vampirewriter.blogspot.com/
http://amandaashley.com/work6.htm
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I've got to stop blogging and go read another chapter.

Happy reading.... and go visit my new blog friends.

Have a good day.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

1st Wednesday Awards

In July I got this lovely award given to me by my dear blog friend, Marie, from http://www.ayearatoakcottage.blogspot.com/
Marie is a chef who lives in England. She publishes wonderful, inspirational, provoking thoughts each day and gives us a great recipe as well. Go to her blog if you don't already. I tried to take this award and pass it on but my computer would not let me upload it. I tried over and over to no avail. Now I can upload it but I can't remember who I was going to pass it on to in July. (I guess I'm having a "senior moment"...I have those more and more lately...) So, I will have to give it out all over again.



This award is for those bloggers who are nice people, good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also, for those who have a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you’ve been awarded, please pass on to others who you feel are deserving of this award!”


I would like to pass this on to two of my daughters,


Erin of http://mcgibbon-family.blogspot.com/ and Lynell of http://jacobsondaly.blogspot.com/ . I know that I am biased towards them but they really do have sweet posts that uplift and inspire. Check out their blogs.


I would also like to give it to Kris at http://grandmajournal.blogspot.com/ . Kris is my sweet friend and her love of family, friends and her Heavenly Father shows in her posts.


This is my Blog Smile award.

This award goes to blogs that bring joy and put a smile on your face.

Tonight I would like to pass this one on to Wendi at http://www.becausewendisaidso.blogspot.com/ . Wendi is a fun writer with a great style. She has more awards than she knows what to do with.... and she deserves them all.

and

Marlene at http://stitchinbythelake.blogspot.com/ Marlene is an amazing quilt making grandmother. She inspires me to get busy in my sewing room and start being creative again. She also shares with us her fight with the menopause witch. She cracks me up.

Drop by both of these blogs. I guarantee you will enjoy them and leave with a smile on your face.

Congrats to my five award winners. Please post them on your sidebar and then pass them on. Please link my blog address to my smile award and let me know who it is passed on to. I would like to follow it around the blog world.

I get so much joy from reading all of your blogs. You all are first rate to me. I will be passing out more awards next month on the first Wednesday. Thanks to all of you.