Are You Ready for Meat?
There’s a great discussion going on at Your Writer’s Group Mick Silva’s blog about writing for CBA, ABA, and the untapped Christian market. Make sure you check out the comments section.
Book Meme Blog
I found this cool book meme blog.
I might be late with this meme, but here it is…
Where do you do most of your reading? Your favorite spot? (Show a picture, if you want to!)
Answer: My favorite place to read is anywhere there is peace and quiet which is usually in bed, but the place I usually read is while exercising on the elliptical machine. I have one rule when I’m exercising, that NO ONE disturbs mommy! It works great, I get a good workout and stay on longer while I’m reading. I just love multitasking!
Christians in the Media
I’m sick of the way they portray Born Again Christians on TV dramas and sitcoms. Law and Order is a great show, but they got it wrong. Then again, if they didn’t have a wack-o Born again Christian who murdered someone for religious reasons, it wouldn’t have had that Law and Order twist.
This Born Again father murdered his daughter’s teacher because he was teaching her evolution. He said it was justified because he was tryng to save his daughter from the wrath of God.
Okay, how many Born Again Christians out there believe you’ll suffer the wrath of God for the above? The God I know is patient, willing that no one perish, but the verse this “Christian” quoted was John 3:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”
And there you get the wack-o Christian, because let’s face it is there any other kind of Christian in the secular media?
So what do you think? Are you as tired of this as I am? It’s so ridiculous they way we’re portrayed Christians, it’s rather commical. That’s what I love about writing for the CBA, though some would argue CBA doesn’t depict “All/Real Christianity” at least they’re closer to the truth than Law and Order!
Dyson Vacuum Give Away
Friday Fiction Challenge
I issued a challenge to all writers at Writer…Inerrupted. It’s very easy and will take you all of five minutes to do, so head on over there and join in!
Here’s my challenge.
First three sentences of book I’m reading:
I had every reason to be peeved, and I told Carly so.
“Why didn’t you just get me a T-shirt that says, ‘I turned forty today, and all I got was the chance to poke around at a crime scene?”
“And this lousy T-shirt’. Don’t forget that part,” Carly added with a grin.
First three sentences of WIP I’m writing: (remember it’s a WIP!)
My Gucci heels clicked on the tile counting down the seconds as I rushed toward the campus television studio. The intoxicating aroma of fried pastries wafted off the buffet table, but my resolve held thanks to my churning stomach. I couldn’t even choke down a cardboard-tasting protein bar if I wanted to.
The Dinner Hour
Tonight’s dinner was LOUD as usually with me scrambling to answer questions, dish out food and pay attention to whoever called my name. When things settled down, we shared some jokes. My favorite one was told b Chris (12) and it went like this.
“There was a blonde, a brunette, and a brown headed person.”
I laughed told him brunette and brown were the same thing.
“Okay, there was a blonde, brunette and a red head and they were in front ovf a firing squad. The red head said, ‘look, tornado.’ Everyone look and she jumped over the fence. The brunette said, ‘look, a flood.’ They looked and she jumped over the fence. The blonde said, ‘Fire!’”
Pretty cute joke.
Then after dinner, Gracie was running around the kitchen in her brother’s old cleats. She was clomping around and lifting her toes. I asked her what she was doing.
She said, “I’m trying to do Heelys!”
Her three brothers bought Heelys with their Christmas money and wheel around all over the place. She thought since she was wearing her brothers cleats she could do Heely’s as well.
Innocence is adorable…sometimes!
Sharon Dunn
A little mystery, a little romance, a whole lotta fun
Sharon Dunn is mom to Jonah, Ariel, and Shannon. When she isn’t writing, she is taking kids somewhere, soaking in a hot tub trying to get ideas for writing or making pets out of all the dust bunnies under her furniture. Her latest book is called Death of a Garage Sale Newbie, the first in the Bargain Hunters mysteries.You can read more about Sharon and her books at www.sharondunnbooks.com Welcome to Portrait of a Writer!
Sharon, tell us a little about your family and your call to write.
I am the daughter of a phosphate miner and I am still anticipating when
I started writing sort of by default. I had always done theater as a creative outlet, but after our first son was born and a stage managed a church play while my husband spend a month of evenings at home with our little one, I realized theater wasn’t going to work with having a family. I had the sense that I could write, but didn’t consider it for a creative outlet until after I had kids.
How did you get your first “writing break?”
I got a red ribbon at the county fair for some poems I wrote when I was in the second grade. I’m still waiting for my big break, the one where a big time publisher knocks on my door (without any work on my part) and offers me a six figure advance and a movie deal. In the event that fantasy never happens, I am simply working at improving my craft, putting my time in each day.
As far as getting a break with book publication, Kregel published my first three books in the Ruby Taylor mystery series. The first book Romance Rustlers and Thunderbird Thieves was published in 2003. That was after three or four years of writing it and about two years of sending it out to publishers. You work for your breaks in this business.
What do you write and why this genre?
I write mysteries that usually have a thread of romance. It really is true that you need to write what you love to read. I got hooked on Agatha Christie in college and went on to read Sue Grafton and Sharyn McCrumb. Now I read mostly Christian fiction. I really like Brandilyn Collins. I have tried other genres and what I find is that I can’t get a plot rolling until a body drops.
Do you have any recent contracts and up coming releases?
I’m really excited about my new series Bargain Hunters mysteries coming out the end of March. The taglines is that it is four women who are bonded together by the need to clip coupons and be first in line at doorbuster sales get drawn into a mystery when one of the Bargain Hunters is missing. The first book is called Death of a Garage Sale Newbie.
What do you hope to accomplish through your novels?
Most of all, I want to create a fun, follow the clues mystery that entertains readers and keeps them turning pages without fear that they will have to wade through sex and gore to find the mystery. On another level, I really strive to represent the Christian journey honestly, so I have less than perfect character that readers can relate to. This new Bargain Hunters series has a theme of how we as Christians think about money and finances. Some of the spiritual lessons my characters learn mirror my own.
And now for the tough questions… How do you balance being a mom, wife, and writer?
I don’t think it is possible to balance everything. The “to do” for all those roles just keeps getting things added to it. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and sometimes I do. When that happens, I ask God what is the “one” next thing I am supposed to do. After that one thing is done, I do the next thing after that.
Do you think it’s possible to give yourself fully to raising children, writing, working full time, and keeping in shape? If not, which one for you has to take a back seat?
Yeah, sure you can do all that, for like one day and then after that, you’ll fall over dead from exhaustion. I gave up keeping in shape a while ago. Also, I made a deliberate choice that having a spotless, magazine perfect house wasn’t a priority, writing nourished me more. Since the writing has become more intense, I’ve given up sewing. There are sacrifices. We don’t entertain that often and it takes three days to get the house presentable before one of the kids’ birthdays, but something has to give and I don’t want it to be my kids or my hubby.
When do you find the time to write, and do you ever feel like you’re neglecting your children when you write?
I have my moments and I always got to pray through it. Cause sometimes it is just the enemy trying to kill my dream hitting me in my vulnerable place. Sometimes, though I am using the writing to escape and not deal with the hard work of being a parent.
How do you handle interruptions in your writing life?
One of my novels, I think it was my third Ruby Taylor, Cow Crimes and the Mustang Menace was written at the kitchen table with the kids running through and coming to me for snacks and conflict resolution. I started writing when my kids were babies, so sometime they were playing at my feet while I tapping on the keyboard. Interruption is a way of life when you have kids, so you just accept that it will happen.
Now that my kids are a little older, we have a rule, you don’t interrupt mama unless the house is on fire or someone is bleeding. That works most of the time, but when the interruptions happen, I just have to accept that I will have to get up from my keyboard.
How do you get back into the flow of writing after you’ve been interrupted?
Interruptions are hard because you are pulled out of the world of story telling and back into the world of dust bunnies and grocery lists. I have tried different things. For a while I had headphones with musical soundtracks to help block noises out to get back into the flow of writing if I did get interrupted. Also, my desk is faced so it is in a corner without much visual distraction. Sometimes the best thing to do is to just reread what I just wrote and try to get back into the rhythm that way. When the kids are home in the summer and on weekends, I find that if I don’t do the writing first thing, it won’t get done. I have my coffee and sit down to write. If I am in my chair by eight, I can write until about eleven when I get the kids lunch and then we can do something fun. The kids are pretty good about getting up and getting a granola bar and reading or watching cartoons. When they were little, I had to wait for a time when they were napping or my hubby could watch them.
How do you position yourself to HEAR God’s voice when all the noises of life are swirling around you? I don’t know if I have mastered that. I go on walks in the summer so I can pray then and I take a long soak in a bath most nights. I have pretty much lived in the psalms since my kids were born. It’s possible to read a section of a psalm and get a little nourishment that way. I have always struggled with hearing God’s voice even before I had kids. I’m so glad I have a God who is faithful and patient.
If you do feel your priorities slipping, what do you do to get back on track?
I got to tell you there are times when I get depressed because it doesn’t feel like I am moving forward. There are tasks that don’t get done for months…or ever. For example, I have hefty bags full of stuff I want to take the thrift store for donation in my bedroom. They have been there for at least eight months. My priorities slip when I fixate on and get overwhelmed by tasks like the hefty bags. I have to remind myself of what has eternal consequence. What I invest in my children, the time we have together is what matter. My writing will still be here after I am gone, that matters.
I think it is important for my kids to learn a little independence and that Mom gets to have dreams too. But I know my priorities are slipping when the kids start fighting with each other, that is usually the red flag that tells me I’m spending too much time at the keyboard.
Has there ever been a time God told you to set aside your writing to focus on other areas of your life? If so, how did you handle that?
I’ve never had long periods of time where I felt like God was asking me set the writing aside, but there have been days when the kids were sick or we needed to spend a day shoveling out a room or whatever. On those days, I knew I wouldn’t be able to write that day. When that happens, all I have control over his my attitude. I can be upset because my plans got messed up or I can enjoy the time with my kids.
Did you ever feel like you’ve “missed” God in regards to writing, that maybe you should be doing something else?
Writing is so nourishing to me, I don’t know what else I would do. Even if I wasn’t writing for publication, I would set aside time to journal. The voice that I have to shut out is the one I hear after a writing failure or rejection then I hear that voice that says “why are you wasting your time with this writing. Why don’t you spend time cleaning your house. You are not a good mom.” I have to make a deliberate choice not to listen to that voice.
What advice would you give to writing moms who are have their hearts set on publication?
Take small steps and set incremental goals. I started writing when I was pregnant with my oldest son. At that time, I didn’t even think I could do a novel. I did articles and short stories. I sent stuff to contests. Byline magazine has some great ones. Sometimes my only goal was to have two or three pages of something ready to show my critique group.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I just want all writing moms to know that in the course of filling out this interview, I had to do it in at least three segments (I kind of lost count). I dealt with a conflict between my nine and twelve year old about an i-pod. I talked to my oldest son’s math teacher about his grade. My husband called from work to remind me to call the auto shop about our car. I stopped to give my youngest son a snack and have a conversation about financial management (he is trying to save his allowance for a game boy sp and not spend his money impulsively).
I think the most important thing about writing and having kids is that you shouldn’t hold out for the ideal circumstances for writing (silence and a big block of time) because that isn’t going to happen too often. I have found that the job tends to expand to the amount of time allotted for it. When the kids were little and hubby would watch them for an hour, I was very focused and got a lot done. Now that I have a little more time, I don’t know that I am that much more productive. Use whatever time God provides.
Thank you so much for sharing with us here at Portrait of a Writer. God bless you and your family as you write and raise your children.
***
Windows to the Soul
I was explaining to my 12 year old about baptism, and asking if he wanted to be baptized this Easter Sunday, when I saw that look in his eyes. The look that’s not particularly interested in things spiritual. When he was younger he wanted to be baptized, I’m not sure he’s ready now. I’m not even sure where his relationship with Jesus is. And it scares me. He says he wants to be baptized to let others know he’s a Christian, but he really could’t elaborate on what it means to be a Christian and surrender his life to Jesus.
I know he loves Jesus. But does he think he needs Jesus? Does he have a desire to serve Jesus wholeheartedly? He’s almost 13 and I don’t think the answer is yes. And it scares me.
He’s all about fun and games. If he’s not happy, everyone else around him is miserable. His life is pretty good (though I’m sure he’d disagree especially when I take away PS2) so where’s the pull to run to Jesus? At his age I needed Jesus. I was alone, lonely and sad. Jesus was my best friend. But will Jesus be that real to my son?
He said something that made me think. I can’t remember what I had asked him, but he said something like “Well, they’ve had rough lives and that’s when they knew they needed Jesus.” He needs Jesus so much in his life, yet he doesn’t see it.
He also gave me a look that broke my heart. The look that said, “you’re not living your life for Jesus. You’re just a hypocrite.” I know I shouldn’t hold it against him. I know he thinks that being a Christian means you should always do what’s right, and not lose your temper, and get angry. If he could only see my heart. How much I want to do right? How I don’t really know how to parent this child of mine.
If he could only see past my eyes, into the windows of my soul. Then he would know. Then he would see Jesus and maybe want to know Him a little better.
Anthology Project Finished
I turned in my chapter one to my mystery anthology partners and now it’s out of my hands! I really loved working on this project with these ladies. It was an answer to a long awaited prayer and a part of me is sad to see this part of it ending.
The next thing to do is pray and wait. When/if we get the call, I’m pretty good to g. I’ve got the first draft written and it will be fun to awaken my characters from their slumber.
Right now I’m working on my Genesis entry which is a cozy mystery I’m targeting to Heartsongs Mystery presents. There so much I’m learning about writing a cozy. first of all, it’s not as easy as it seems. There’s so much you can’t show, but still the clues have to be in place. Whatever happens with this WIP, I’ve got great mentors and I’m learning a lot and having fun in the process.
So, I guess it’s back to work! My characters await!
Scrapbooking Goals Accomplished
Thanks to my wonderful hubby who took the day off to be with the kids, I completed my scrapbooking goals (though I do have some journaling to do.)
I arrived at the crop at about 11:30 am and finished up at midnight. I thought I’d have to return on Saturday to finish up, but I don’t have to. Won’t hubby be happy!
Now I can sleep in, relax and hang out with the kids! And maybe even tackle some of my writing goals as well.
Guilty as Charged at Generation NeXt Today
If just might make you feel better about your own parenting skills!
A Valley of Betrayal by Tricia Goyer
When Tricia Goyer writes, history come alive. I know I’m always in for an exciting adventure with dynamic characters when Tricia’s historical hit the book shelves. Valley of Betrayal, set during the Spanish Civil War is her latest novel and I’ve already started on this journey and can’t wait to fully emerge myself in the story which has already started
with a bang, literally and figuratively.
Here’s a brief synopsis of the book (courtesy of
Christianbook.com):
Brimming with thrilling scenes and historic details, Goyer’s new series is set in the Spanish Civil war of the 1930s–where Sophie finds herself hurled into escalating battles between fascist soldiers and national patriots. When every road out is blocked, she manages to take refuge with international compatriots–but how will she get her story out to the world
The Story Behind the Novel:
A few years ago when I was researching for my fourth World War II novel, Arms of Deliverance, I came across a unique autobiography. One B-17 crew member I read about claimed to make it out of German-occupied Belgium after a plane crash due, in part, to his skills he picked up as a veteran of The Spanish Civil War. Reading that bit of information, I had to scratch my head. First of all, I had never heard of the war. And second, what was an American doing fighting in Spain in the late 1930s? Before I knew it, I uncovered a fascinating time in history—one that I soon discovered many people know little about. This is what I learned:
Nazi tanks rolled across the hillsides and German bombers roared overhead, dropping bombs on helpless citizens. Italian troops fought alongside the Germans, and their opponents attempted to stand strong—Americans, British, Irishmen, and others—in unison with other volunteers from many countries. And their battleground? The beautiful Spanish countryside.
From July 17, 1936-April 1, 1939, well before America was involved in World War II, another battle was fought on the hillsides of Spain. On one side were the Spanish Republicans, joined by the Soviet Union and The International Brigade—men and women from all over the world who have volunteered to fight Fascism. Opposing them, Franco and his Fascist military leaders, supported with troops, machinery, and weapons from Hitler and Mussolini. The Spanish Civil War, considered the “training ground” for the war to come, boasted of thousands of American volunteers who joined to fight on the Republican side, half of which never returned home.
Unlike World War II, there is no clear line between white and black, good and evil. Both sides committed atrocities. Both sides had deep convictions they felt worth fighting and dying for.
Loyalists—also know as the Republicans were aided by the Soviet Union, the Communist movement, and the International Brigades. If not for the weapons and volunteers from these sources their fight would have ended in weeks rather than years. While many men fought side by side, their political views included that of liberal democracy, communism and socialism. The Catholic Basque Country also sided with the Republic, mainly because it sought independence from the central government and was promised this by Republican leaders in Madrid.
Nationalists—or Francoists were aided mainly by Germany and Italy. The Nationalist opposed an independent Basque state. Their main supporters were those who believed in a monarchist state and fascist interests. The Nationalist wished for Spain to continue on as it had for years, with rich landowners, the military, and the church running the country. Most of the Roman Catholic clergy supported the Nationalists, except those in the Basque region.
During the Spanish Civil war, terror tactics against civilians were common. And while history books discuss the estimated one million people who lost their lives during the conflict, we must not forget that each of those who fought, who died, had their own tales. From visitors to Spain who found themselves caught in the conflict, to the communist supporters, Basque priests, and Nazi airmen . . . each saw this war in a different light. These are the stories behind A Valley of Betrayal.
Interview:
Share anything else that you think is important about this book.
This book was very challenging because I knew nothing about The Spanish Civil War before I started. Yet, I felt sure that God was leading me to write these books, and God (again) taught me to trust Him. When He gives me an idea for a novel it is so BIG. I mean there is so much to pull together. Yet, God has shown me time and time again that He is faithful. He gives me ideas, leads me to the right research books, and even brings people into my life to help me!
One example with this book is that God brought someone also to help. A man named Norm Goyer contacted me because his was working on his family tree and he wanted to know if we were related. We weren’t related, but Norm ended up being a airplane expert and consultant for movies. Norm ended up helping me with research on my German pilot in Spain. I think it was an awesome gift from God! This again shows me that what ever God brings before me, He also has the power to help me succeed.
What themes exist in Valley of Betrayal that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren’t overt but developed as the story progressed?
“The main theme is one of God’s Providence. We think we’re doing someone for one reason, but then later we discover that God’s plan was even bigger! There are no coincidences with God. Also, the theme of discovered strength. I love the verse that talks about, In my weakness God’s strength is complete. Only when we are weak can God’s strength truly shine through us.
What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?
The most difficult parts are those dealing with the political climates of that time. One of my characters, Deion, is part of the Communist party. Today’s reader has one view of what that means, but in the 1930s there was hope found there. In a country that was still segregated, the idea of equality of men was a huge draw, especially for African Americans.My favorite parts dealt with the Spanish culture, the bullfights and the flamenco dancing. The attitudes and the beliefs. Fascinating. Oh, and I love getting swept away with my characters. They always surprise me! In fact, at the beginning of the book I added a minor character because my girl, Sophie, needed a ride across the border. As it turns out her driver ends up being one of the major players in the book. Who knew?
When is your next book coming out and what is the story?
My next novel, A Shadow of Treason, picks off where A Valley of Betrayal leaves off. It starts THE DAY the first book ends. It continues on in “Spain in the lives of these characters, and … well, soon they discover that more is at stake than what any of them originally thought. It’s also published by Moody and it will hit store shelves September 1, 2007.
What aspects of your work \ndo you enjoy the most?
I LOVE researching. In fact, next week I’ll start to research for my upcoming three book series on The Spanish Civil War. I can’t wait! I enjoy learning about a new time in history and weaving a plot amongst the true events. Of course, I love the “push” of seeing the story form on the page. I research, research, research, and then spend the last two months before deadline actually writing the story. In fact, I began to write when I’m “there” and most of the plot and characters are clear in my mind. There are always minor things that change as I write, but for the most part the \nstory is already birthed in my mind and I just work to get it on the page.
What do you like to do when you aren’t writing or researching your next book?
I like to hang out with my family. We travel A LOT during high \nschool basketball season–on the road nearly every weekend from November to \Feb. We watch TV shows together, watch movies, play board games, and DDR (Dance,dance revolution). In between books I try to get up house organized and catch up on what fell behind during deadline, but it doesn’t work too well because I get lot of new ideas when I’m cleaning and organizing, and I end up back at the keyboard! I also go to lunch with friends and take my grandma shopping,
What aspects of your work do you enjoy the most?
I LOVE researching. In fact, next week I’ll start to research for my upcoming three book series on The Spanish Civil War. I can’t wait! I enjoy learning about a new time in history and weaving a plot amongst the true events. Of course, I love the “push” of seeing the story form on the page. I research, research, research, and then spend the last two months before deadline actually writing the story. In fact, I began to write when I’m “there” and most of the plot and characters are clear in my mind. There are always minor things that change as I write, but for the most part the story is already birthed in my mind and I just work to get it on the page.
What do you like to do when you aren’t writing or researching your next book? You can’t say reading. All writers say that one.
I like to hang out with my family. We travel A LOT during high school basketball season–on the road nearly every weekend from November to Feb. We watch TV shows together, watch movies, play board games, and DDR (Dance, dance revolution). In between books I try to get up house organized and catch up on what fell behind during deadline, but it doesn’t work too well because I get a lot of new ideas when I’m cleaning and organizing, and I end up back at the keyboard! I also go to lunch with friends and take my grandma shopping, which she loves.
Prayer Requests
So many people I know right now are battling breast cancer or some strange sickness, I don’t know if I could possibly list them all.
But some of the most urgent ones are following:
Margaret’s mother Susan
Her blood pressure is high, her blood sugar is high and so is her heart rate. If she continues on this course, the doctors say she will not make it very long. She also has not eaten in a week and they found she has a uninary tract infection. She is not waking up or responding, but she is not in a coma. We are urgently asking for prayer and for healing for Susan at this time. All your prayers are very much appreciated.
Rebekah’s mother Paula Batchelor is VERY sick with flu like symptoms, numbness, weakness, a temperature, and many other symptoms. Please Send this through any prayer chains you have.
Heather: Headaches and pain
Breast Cancer:
Lisa B.
Michael’s mom
Theresa
Dionna’s Daughter for fainting and seizures
Leah our Babysitter:
Stress, heart related issues
My Mom: For gall bladder palips and pain
My Dad: Heart related
Step-Mom: Back problems
I hope I’m not missing a recent prayer request, but if I am, God knows who they are. If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comment section!
Lord, I ask you to touch these bodies, minds and souls. Correct what is wrong and make it right, for your glory. Help the doctors give the right diagnosis, the right treatment and surround these people with love and faith. Lord, hold your children in your healing hands, and make them whole and healthy so they can finish out the remainder of this life surving you and living life to the fullest.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
ShoutLife
Just found a boat load of people I know on ShoutLife. So what’s up with that? Anyone want explain?
Spring Break Goals
Hubby sidetracked my goals by getting sick on Sunday with a stomach bug! But I let him sleep all day and he’s almost 100%. Then Joey threw in a bunch of birthday requests including breakfast in bed and a rollerskating party in the garage with a homemade rollerskate birthday cake.
Soooo here are the things I’d like to get done this week.
Homemaking/Chores
Change out all the clothes in attic and get them put away!
Tag and iron clothes for the big consignment sale in April. (hubby usually helps with ironing!)
Tag all toys for the sale.
Keep up with Laundry
DeCluttering
Clean my writing desk
Clean my kitchen desk
Scrapbooking
Organize Birthday photos for weekend crop
Finish Birthday book
Organize Scrapbooking desk
Writing
Finish and turn in Chapter One and Synopsis for my mystery anthology
Finish writing my Genesis entry
Plot out my cozy mystery
Homeschool
Attend Trisims meeting
Review what I want to accomplish this last few months
Grade all work
Fun
Movies with dad
Spring Party with friends on Wednesday
Fun outings to zoo, park,etc.
Get nails done
Too ambitious? Probably. Impossible? Maybe. But if I don’t write it down, it probably won’t get done!
A New SpringThing!
Since I’ve had kids, I’ve been trying to make Easter more about Christ’s resurrection than the Easter Bunny. But in today’s materialistic society where retailers want to make money, it hasn’t been easy. Though we’ve technically never told our children the Easter Bunny, baskets of goodies were waiting for them after church, eggs were hidden and then found over and over again, and of course who could resist the claymation video, The Easter Bunny is Coming to Town.
But this year we’re trying something different. It’s not that I’m apposed to bunnies, or egg hunts, it’s just that sometimes Jesus gets lost in the hype. So I was thrilled when I found a great way to separate the two and still have all the fun.
Instead of adding all the bunnies and egg hunts to our Easter festivities, we’ll be celebrating the first day of spring, this Wednesday the 21st, with baskets, bunnies and egg hunts. It will also be a great opportunity to learn about nature and the awakening of life after a long winter’s rest. There are so many great possibilities!
I haven’t ironed out all the details, so if you want more information you’ll have to hop over to my blog early next week.
I’m already excited about this new tradition, especially since my kids won’t be going to Easter morning service with dye on their fingers. 
We already have some wonderful Easter traditions in place and now I won’t feel stressed to crame all the festivities in one weekend. When Easter Sunday rolls around it’ll be all about Jesus. We’ll have our traditional Christian Seder, do our Resurrection eggs, and focus real meaning of the holiday. Christ’s resurrection!
How do you reconcile these two traditions? What are some of your favorite ways of keeping Christ in Easter?
I’ll be posting more on our Spring Celebration later in the week!
Joey’s Got Big Plans Tomorrow…
for his tenth birthday.
Since we’re not having his official party until the end of the month (after spring break when all his friends will be home), I wasn’t planning on doing more than our usual cake with the neighbors, and mom and dad’s special dinner with just the birthday boy, but he’s go it all figured out.
Instead of a birthday dinner, he wants a birthday breakfast to the favored Golden Corral breakfast buffet. But he doesn’t want to go tomorrow because he wants breakfast in bed! So we’ll be going Tuesday for his birthday breakfast with mom and dad.
Cake with the neighbors has turned into a rollerskating/karaoke party in honor of the new Heely’s Timmy got yesterday with dad. But we need to go and find Chris a pair of Heely’s tomorrow because he doesn’t have any skates that fit and he was really the one who wanted Heely’s but they weren’t in his size.
Oh, and Joey, wants to decorate his own party. In his words, “What fun is it to walk downstairs to a decorated room when I’m a crafty guy!”
So he’s decorating the garage where he’s going to have the skate party. Finally getting into a festive mood, I broke out the creative cakes book and found a skate cake and then told Joey we can go to the store and get some balloons and more cake mix. He’s going to help make the cake.
He still wants pancakes and eggs in bed, but decided he’d sleep in! Thank goodness! And I thought the first day of spring break was going to be relaxing.
But after all, it’s his double-digit birthday. he goes from 9 to 10, and I remember as a kid what a big deal that was!
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