Option B

Thank you, Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant, for sharing this well-written, engaging book. It is a treasure for anyone who has faced adversity, loss, change, grief, or disappointment in life.  Rising after adversity and feeling joy in life is possible and Option B was a reminder of this truth.

If you, or someone you know and love, has faced challenges in life,                 read Option B and apply the principles taught. Everyone can benefit, at some level, from the messages in Option B .  Everyone, regardless of the best made life plans, will need to select, "Option B", either in a small way or in a life-changing, gut-wrenching monumental way.

I have gained insight for not only my own life, but for my interactions and  relationships with others. I am living parts of my life differently as a result of this book. I am definitely feeling more joy in my daily  life as I apply the principles shared in Option B.

This was easy to read, well-written, and a book with messages I have already referred to as I teach and speak. This book is not just a "summer read" that will soon be forgotten. Option B will be quoted and referred to for many years to come.

Sheryl Sandberg is a beautiful example of using her paralyzing tragedy and grief to lift others. Adam Grant is spot on in his counsel and perspective. Together, they are a "Dream Team".  Thank you for sharing this important message.

The Help

Loved This Book!
The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Generally, I don't rush out in search of the latest, greatest, "popular" books. However, this one just called my name and I am glad I listened.
The story is very well written.
It is definitely a "chick" book, but men may enjoy it as well.
Very thought provoking.
In many ways, our culture has moved so far beyond the days of racial segregation, discrimination, etc., and in many ways, we still have work to do when it comes to treating others with kindness and respect regardless of who they are or where they come from.
Maybe my view is different because of where I live and many of my friends are literally, "The Help" in Palm Beach County. (Oh....the books THEY could write!)

This would be GREAT for a Book Club discussion!

I WISH I were in a Book Club...

A Winner

I Picked A Winner...Make That A WINNER...
This Book Is Incredible
Don't you love it when you pick out a book, just on your own, with no prior recommendations, input, reviews, etc., and it is fabulous? That is how I feel about this book....
Before You Get To Heaven: 8 Mighty Changes God Wants For You
by D Kelly Ogden
available HERE. Yes, with a click of your mouse...this amazing book can land in your mailbox!
I bought this the last time I was roaming the aisles of Deseret Book. I had NEVER heard of this book, nor the author, D Kelly Ogden. After a quick glance, I decided it was worth a try. Rarely do I purchase a random book, however, this time...it paid dividends.
The book is well written and organized. It is easy to follow and packed full of inspirational messages on subjects from, How to Have Mighty Scripture Study to How To Obtain The Love of Christ to How To Get Rid of Pride. It is easy to skip around from topic to topic or read straight through.

Do you have this book?

Have you read this book?

Get this Book...Read this Book....more than once.

Here is a quote from the first page:

If Elder Bruce R Mc Conkie were asked, "How do you know so much about the scriptures?" he would answer, "I Read Them."

Put This On Your List

To Read or Re-Read
(Finished Today)
The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom
Most anything I write will not do justice to the power of this timeless message of love, forgiveness, and healing.
Corrie ten Boom was a Christian woman who was sent to Nazi prison/concentration Camps during the Holocaust. Her faith in Jesus Christ literally saved her live and helped bring many people to healing after the war.
After experiencing and witnessing every brutality possible, she was still able to declare:
"Jesus Can Turn Loss Into Glory"
and
"...To Give Thanks In All Circumstances...even for the fleas."
The fleas protected them from the guards wanting to enter their prison barracks and commit further abuse.
She also asked,
"How should a Christian act when evil was in power?", which makes me think about the many evils pounding away around me and my family. Standing up to the the evil and remaining focused toward Jesus Christ is becoming less and less the norm.
I truly believe this in not a "read it one time" book. This would be a great "read together" book for parents and children, husbands and wives, Book Groups, etc. Summer reading...here we come!

Have you read this amazing book?

If so, what are your thoughts?

I Won!

Thank You Segullah Girls!
The Mother In Me,
Real-World Reflections on Growing into Motherhood,
Edited by Kathryn Lynard Soper

This amazing work is a collection of over forty essays and poems, each one offering a personal view of Motherhood. The Good, The Not-So-Good, and The Truth....not sugar coated stories told with a painted on smile.

This book has been on my "Want To Purchase...Want To Read" List, however, when Blog Segullah hosted a Giveaway,
I was there with my fingers and toes crossed, and it worked.
I Won!

Many of the contributors to Blog Segullah are featured in this delightful book. Blog Segullah is one of my favorite stops in the Blogosphere.

This would be an ideal gift for a new mom, Mothers Day, or for no reason other than its celebration of the divinely-appointed role of motherhood. Order it from Deseret Book today!

Again, Thank you for MY very OWN copy (signed by Kathryn Soper), and, most of all...Thank You for putting your heart into this great work!

The Christmas Sweater

The Christmas Sweater
By Glenn Beck
Buy It...Read It...Pour The Message Into Your Heart....
Change Your Life....Gife this as a gift this season...

As much as I love Glenn Beck, I was skeptical about a novel written by him and wondered if this was "just a seasonal marketing tool" to promote is tour. I EAT MY WORDS AND THOUGHTS! I loved every inch of this story with Forgiveness, The Atonement, and Redemption as main themes. I read the entire book in one day and could not put it down. Glenn was able to capture in words so many of my thoughts and feelings. I took pages and pages of notes.
Quote after quote had me writing and writing my thoughts and feelings.
When time allows, I will return with an in depth post on this book. If you miss reading this book at Christmas....read in ANY TIME OF THE YEAR. There are so many individuals and families who need to apply the message of this book. Including ME, ME, and ME! (Add this to your Book Review Club Lists!)

Now more than ever, I want to invite Glenn Beck, his wife, Tania, and their children over for dinner. What fun we could have. Glenn and I with our dramatic conversation styles and our calm spouses, Ron and Tania, standing by keeping us grounded. An then there would be Andrew loving life if the oldest Beck daughters would join us.

Here is an invitation....Glenn, Tania, and family....it is warm here in South Florida during the winter, let me know when you can make it for Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Dessert, you name it. The discussions we could have while sitting around playing "Apples To Apples".... For those of you who know me....you are smiling as you know I am serious about this invitation. The Beck Family is on my list of "Who I Want To Invite Over For Dinner" (Yes, I really do have one of those lists!)

Are any of you planning to see The Christmas Sweater show with Glenn Beck? It is SOLD out any where remotely near me, so I will have to settle for the fact that It is playing in my local theater on December 17...I feel a date night coming on.

Read The Christmas Sweater Reviews HERE at AMAZON

The Secret Life of Bees

by Sue Monk Kidd

Forgiveness, Healing, , Love, and Wholeness

Read this NOW. If you are a mother, daughter, sister...Read this life changing book! This is a powerful story that should be read and discussed by women from all walks of life. Put this on this list for your Book Discussion Group. My copy has a wonderful section designed for discussion groups. I used the questions to help me further digest and contemplate the words, the story, and their application to my life.

Sue Monk Kidd is a brilliant author.

Here are some of my favorite excerpts:

"People, in general, would rather die than forgive. It's that hard. If God said in plain language, "I'm giving you a choice, forgive or die,", a lot of people would go ahead and order their coffin."

"People can start out one way, and by the time life gets through with them they end up completely different."

"If you need something from somebody, always give that person a way to hand it to you."

"You have to find a mother inside yourself. We all do. Even if we already have a mother, we still have to find this part of ourselves inside."

Speaking of The Virgin Mother Mary (She was at the center of the worship in this book. This wisdom applies to the power of God, our Heavenly Father and his son, Jesus Christ)

"When you are unsure of yourself.....when you start pulling back in doubt and small living, she's the one inside saying, "Get up from there and live like the glorious girl you are. She's the power inside you, you understand?"

"And whatever it is that keeps widening your heart, that's Mary, too, not only the power inside you but the love. And when you get down to it, Lily, that's the only purpose grand enough for a human life. Not just to love--but to persist in love."

"She will suddenly rise, and when she does, she does not go up, up into the sky, but further and further inside me. August says she goes into the holes life has gouged out of us." (Speaking of the Assumption of Mary)

"She is a muscle of love, this Mary."

Speaking of meeting her mother (who died when she was 4 I don't want to give too much of the story away)

"The next ten thousand years she would fix my hair. She would brush it into such at tower of beauty, people all over heaven would drop their hard just to admire it. You can tell which girls lack mothers by the look of their hair."

I will be forever grateful for the day last week when this book jumped off the shelf at me. It was practically screaming... READ ME TODAY, and that is what I did as we travelled to and from Gainesville.I have had it on my "to read" list for months.

What appears to be a simple story told by a fourteen year old girl, Lily, is a powerful message. The pages are filled with wisdom, healing, and depth.

Keep a pencil, highlighter, and/or journal close by as you read, you will want to make notes or mark the areas of impact and interest to you!

Ask a friend or a group to read it with you and then set aside a large chunk of time for discussion. (A Box of tissues should accompany you to the discussion)

Have you read this book?

If so, did you enjoy it?

Did you see the movie?

What are some of your favorite books?

Asperger/Autism Resource

"The Social Skills Picture Book"

and

"The Social Skills Picture Book For High School And Beyond"

by Dr. Jed Baker

You can purchase them HERE.

Fabulous...For EVERYONE!

Katherine's Doctor recommended these books and so do I.

However, my recommendation is not limited to those who have

Asperger or Autism and those who love them.

EVERYONE can benefit from these books.

Not just those with Asperger/Autism have difficulty in Social Situations.

Let's face it, conversations and communication can be

totally awkward and uncomfortable at times.

These books clearly show

how to have an engaging, appropriate conversation in a variety

of circumstances and a variety of subjects.

Teens, Adults, and children of any age will benefit from the

information so well presented in each book.

At school, Katherine attends a weekly Social Skills group

with other Asperger children. In just these few short months,

I have noticed a positive difference in the way she communicates.

The once a week group is a wonderful support, however, Katherine,

as with most Asperger children, needs daily practice and

reinforcement. She will need this practice for life, and not just

a few times on a subject and then we are done.

It is repeat, practice, repeat, practice, repeat.....

I am planning to use the High School Book for our own "at home"

Social Skills practice...a sort of "textbook" Up until now, I have been

creating scenarios for her to practice and review. These books

cover so many areas that I would have never thought to include.

Perhaps you are blessed to not struggle in the Social Skills department. ( I think we all struggle in our own way) And you very well may not. However, reading these books gives a glimpse in to the difficulty others may have in very every day common interactions. The situations presented on the pages of these books seem so simple and basic for the "average" person. I thought I was compassionate and understanding to those with Aspergers, yet I am even more aware of the need to be patient and supportive with those who struggle in very simple Social situations. The more I know, the more support and compassion I can give to those in need.

Friday Night At The Movies

"Bringing Down The House"

by Ben Mezrich

I read this book a few years ago and was

excited to finally see the movie based on the true

story in this book....

"21" The Movie

The movie was great, however, I enjoyed the book much more.

The story is based on M.I.T Students who make millions of

dollars counting cards in Las Vegas. I saw a Documentary

on The History Channel with some of the actual participants

of the M.I.T Card Counting Teams. It was fascinating to me, making

me want to read the book and see the movie when it finally came out.

Being that I am not a gambler or even card player at all....I still

totally enjoyed learning about the M.I.T Card Counting Black Jack

Teams. I loved the way the movie, 21, ended.

Have you seen this movie or read the book?

Read This

The Miraculous Journey Of

Edward Tulane

by Kate DiCamillo

Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline

My girls and I read this together.....

Read it with your children. Read it alone...Just read it!

Along the way...enjoy the amazing illustrations!

The amazing art matches this beautiful story!

Loving...Being Loved...Wanting to Love...Wanting to Be

Loved...Loving so deeply it hurts...Wanting to be Loved

so badly it hurts...Having been loved and then Hurt...Loving and

Being Hurt....Closing Your Heart...Opening Your Heart...

Trusting...Truly learning to Love and be Loved....

Acceptance...Humility...Second Chances....Miracles

It is all in this sweet, sweet story.

Edward Tulane's Journey

gives many opportunities to discuss Loving and being Loved

by others and The Pure Love of God.

Enjoy! I know you will!

This is not just for children.

I am happy we own this book, it will be one of our favorites

over the years.

Is It Just Me?

This Book Is Just Not

Calling My Name.... And I Want It To

The Host by Stephanie Meyer

I've tried... I am trying... but so far...no go.

I am in Chapter 7. I'm giving her until

Chapter 10 to pull me in and not be so darn confusing.

Every time I think I have a handle

on what is happening....there are more totally confusing details.

Maybe I need a pep talk..... Help me out, all you who have read it.

Maybe you can explain a few things...

without giving away the rest of the book?

Unite my reading friends in the Blog World...

help me out...am I the only

one who struggles with getting in to this book??????

Maybe I should just move on to another summer read or will I

regret not pushing through?

And I though Bella was annoying......At least I could understand

The Twilight Series Books by the same author, Stephanie Meyer.

You Can Win!

Have You Entered My First

Summer of 2008 Giveaway?

You can win ONE of these two books by simply leaving a guess/comment

HERE

Or You can scroll down a few posts to find the Giveaway Information.

This is the first of my Summer Giveaways.

Yes, I know it isn't officially summer, however, I live in South Florida,

and trust me, it is summer right now!

Read more about the Summer Giveaways at the end of this post.

Jeffrey and Alison (aka, soon to be newlyweds)

gave this book to me for Mother's Day.

I must say, it is simply one of my new favorites.

No, you are not getting MY copy!

This is one of those books you want to have with you at

restaurants, grocery stores, in your car, etc.

It has made me re-think some of the things I thought were healthy eating choices.

Thank you Golden Couple!!!!

The lucky guessing winner will get to choose between these two awesome books.
Why the Giveaways?
Because I have won a few at other blogs lately and it is so fun to be a winner.
Don't you love winning? Especially FREE stuff. Yes, I thought you did!
I will host at least one per week all summer long.
The items will be random, however, I will say.. lots of books are in the pile.
I have won at Love Boxes. Design Mom, and most recently, from the Etsy Shop
Kennedy Grace.
Kennedy Grace is hosted my my friend Cathi C., who lives in California.
You must see her products to believe how incredible they are.
I won the incredible Photo Note Cards (trust me...buy them!!!).
Not only are these cards amazing, they come packed so beautifully and professionally.
The labels, tags, and wrapping are as beautiful as the product inside!!!
Then the day of Alison's Shower, a package came for her.

It was a set of a Monogrammed Linen Dinner Napkins!!!

Oh, my!!! They are gorgeous!!! And once again, the presentation is amazing!!!!

You would be proud to give any of these items as a gift or

keep them to use for your own enjoyment.
Thank you Cathi and Kennedy Grace.
Now.... Go Make a Lemonhead Guess Before Midnight (EST) tomorrow Wednesday, May 21

Mother Of The Year! She Has My Vote!

ESCAPE!!!
By Carolyn Jessop with Laura Palmer

Every time I see Carolyn Jessop interviewed on TV, I am impressed with the way she handles herself, the information she provides, and HER STORY!!!!!
I wish the interviewers would STOP interupting her as they switch the the "experts". She is THE EXPERT!!!!
She has my vote for Mother of The Year this Mother's Day Season.
Carolyn Jessop, 4th wife of Polygamist, Merrill Jessop, is the first woman to successfully escape the FLDS Polygamist Community WITH her 8 children and then be awarded custody of them. Every odd was against her, yet she pushed forward and literally fought for her life and the lives of her children.
Her story is amazing and well written. The information she shares is the key to helping many others escape the oppression and abuse of the FLDS Community. Rather than write in a bitter, expose' style, she share the facts about her day to day life as a Polygamist wife of one of the most powerful men in the FLDS Community. I was riveted at each page. When I completed the book, it left me wanting more! I am hoping she will write a follow up in the years to come.
Read this book!!!! Order it here today!!!!


That being said, with the FLDS Texas raid in the news, I have had many opportunities to explain that I, a Mormon (Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints), have absolutely NO AFFILIATION with the FLDS. Regardless of what they may say or how the MEDIA does not draw the line. NO AFFILIATION....Hello....why do they insist on broadcasting the polygamy stories with the LDS Salt Lake Temple in the background? Get it right!!!!!
Here are some examples of some of the discussions I have had recently:
1) I walked in to the gym to do my routine exercise. Within minutes, my friend, the local Jewish Rabbi, was next to me. He was paying me a compliment as he said..... I know YOU are a REAL MORMON, not like those on TV. He went on to tell me that he used me as an example to explain to people that the Mormon Church has no affiliation with those Polygamists and that he defended me and my people (The Church) at every turn. Wow! I did not know he was watching out for me like that!
2) A few weeks ago, I entered the Hair Salon for my regular appointment. Within minutes of me sitting down, the salon became silent as everyone gathered around me (all the clients listening, but pretending NOT to be listening) I was able to explain why we are not affiliated with the FLDS, what the confusion is, why we don't practice Polygamy, etc.
Just to sprinkle the moment with some light heartedness, I told them I was headed to Utah that next week and asked them, if any of them would like for me to bring home a Polygamist Prairie Dress as a souvenir....the all laughed and said..."YES....One in every color!"
I was able to use this line with a few other friends as I was headed to Utah in April. They were amused that I had actually seen these people in "real life" out and about in various Utah communities.
My hair stylist also laughed when I told her I wanted my hair done up in a bun on the top of my head. I think the fact that I could be light hearted, helped them feel comfortable asking me what felt like hundreds of questions.
It is a great pressure for me to feel as though I am the "spokesperson" for my faith. It happens at times I least expect it, yet I am always interested to hear what people think I actually believe. The opportunity to clarify, teach, and defend always ends up being a positive experience, generally opening up a dialogue for future discussions.
Over the years, as I have seen various Polygamist groups, I would just turn my back (like everyone else) and think.. oh that is just them. Never did I consider the abuses and oppression of women and children that take place in this community. This absolutely has to stop. The abuse and oppression cannot be continued in the name of Religion.
I remember working at JCPenney (imagine that, I worked for JC Penney) in downtown Salt Lake City while I was at College.It was not uncommon to see several women enter the store with 20+ young children. They would all walk in a line according to height.....always silent and very well behaved. They would go to the shoe department and all sit down to be sized for shoes. It was always very orderly. They were in and out. Of course, I wanted to stare at the way they were dressed, but as I said, I did not give much thought to the fact that life for them was, perhaps, a living hell on earth. The fact that the children were so well-behaved, I did not associate with the fact that they would be severely beaten or punished if they "stepped out of line".
Hooray for Texas for having the courage to hit this issue head on! Come on Utah, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, etc..... it is time you attack this issue head on!
Thank you, Carolyn Jessop for being an absolute hero. She is the goldmine authorities need as they move toward protecting thousands of innocent victims.
I am so happy I purchased this book and that she may benefit financially from my purchase. Carolyn is simply amazing! You will marvel at her strength and tenacity!!!!

Obviously, I could go on and on about this subject. There are so many issues to explore and address. So many people who need to be protected. So many people (mostly men, but some women are abusers of the children and each other) who need to be brought to justice. Warren Jeffs is the tip of the iceberg.

Have you read this book?

Do you plan to read this book?

What is your opinion on the FLDS Texas raid, community,etc.?

Have you been following this story?

I stay as informed as possible on anything associated with this subject.

Fun Books

Megan The Reading Machine...

Dont take my word for it...

Megan gives a first hand review of these fun books...Here

She has turned in to a Lean-Mean-Huge-Chapter-Books- Reading Machine....

You will note that in her recent posts.

While reading the above (which took her only one day), I could hear Megan laughing from every corner of the house.

I Got On The Twilight Bandwagon

The Twilight Series...

Generally, I am a few years off when it comes to current books, movies, etc. Call me a late bloomer. With the Harry Potter books, I started reading #1 when #4 came out and I usually see a movie when it is released to DVD after about a year. Why, then did I jump on this book series bandwagon... I have no idea. I was hesitant to read this book even though I have heard great reviews, because I did not want to read a book just because the author and I happen to be the same religion (we are both LDS-Mormon) It is sort of like wanting the make sure I support Mitt Romney because he is brilliant and capable of being President (which he is), not because he is a Mormon. That is just one of my little quirks... not jumping on a bandwagon for the wrong reasons.

On Wednesday, I completed this book....

Then I went searching for the next book in the series....New Moon

Curt and Carmen were leaving for Utah that day and Carmen wanted to read Twilight on the trip home. They headed out to Barnes and Noble to purchase their own copy, yet when it came to finding a copy of New Moon, they were striking out. Since they had already eliminated a few of the locations for me to not go searching, after a few more strikes out, I did what I should have done in the first place....Amazon.com!!! Standard Shipping, Ordered on Wednesday, Arrived on Saturday.....
Look What showed up on my doorstep today......Hooray!

Along with.....
As far as my opinion on Twilight, once I got through the beginning, which, in my opinion, dragged on and on, I enjoyed it and could not put it down. I must say, the entire first half did not "grab" me and I was thinking that I would just finish this book and not bother with the others. Thankfully, the twists and turns pulled me in and had me on the edge of my seat. So much so that tonight, when the little girls go down, I will put the final touches on my Young Women Lesson and then I am off.......to Forks, Washington while Ron is in Gainesville at The Univerisity of Florida Game!