Recovery from the Storymakers Midwest Writers Conference

The Storymakers Midwest Writers Conference was a HUGE success!

I made lots of new friends and strengthened existing friendships. Purchased new books for my shelves - which reminds me, I must buy a 4th bookshelf. The other 3 are overflowing. Mind you, these are my shelves filled with books from author friends I personally know. Our other books are all on shelves in the play room.

I digress. Conference = awesome.

Recovery = a week of relaxation filled with day time naps and new books to read.

I've been too tired to cook, so the crock pot is once again my best friend. Today I put together a stew. One of my Facebook friends requested the recipe, so here it is:

Sweet Potato & Beef Stew

1 lb beef stew meat
1 can 14 1/2 oz beef broth
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled & cut into 2" pieces
1 lg onion, chopped
2 slices of bacon, diced
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 TB cornstarch
2 TB water

1. Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Add beef, broth, sweet potatoes, onion, bacon, salt & pepper. Cover & cook on low for 7-8 hours, or cook on high for 4-5 hours.

2. Transfer beef & veggies to a serving bowl.

3. Turn slow cooker on high. Combine cornstarch & water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir into the juices in the slow cooker.  Cook uncovered for 15 minutes or until desired thickness, stirring occassionally. Add beff & veggie back into broth. Cover & cook for 15 minutes, until veggies are warmed through.

Makes 4 servings.  *I double this recipe for my family.


And here are a few of my favorite pictures from the conference weekend. You can find more on my Facebook album.

This was my daughter's very first writers conference!

Josi Kilpack, Lisa Mangum, Danyelle Ferguson (me), my daughter, and my awesome hubby John Ferguson.

Heather Justesen, Traci Hunter Abramson, Danyelle Ferguson (me), & Laurie Lewis.

The Storymakers Midwest Writers Conference Committee: Lynn Parsons, Danyelle Ferguson, John Ferguson, Don Carey & Heather Justesen.

Storymakers Midwest Writers Conference 2012!

Karen Hoover - shooting food at my husband. She also taught my daughter how to use a laser to distract presenters.  =)

Danyelle Ferguson, Steve Westover, & Heather Justesen

The conference guys - James Blevins, Steve Westover, Don Carey & John Ferguson. Yes, four guys surrounded by 36 women. But they survived.

Barnes & Noble Authorpalooza Book Signing. It was fabulous!

Tres Leches Cupcakes Winner AND an Upcoming Booksigning!

Thank you to everyone who entered to win a copy of Josi Kilpack's new book, Tres Leches Cupcakes. Before I announce the winner, just a quick note!

I'm participating in a fabulous Authorpalooza this Friday, September 14th. If you're in the Kansas City area, please stop by, visit, and check out some awesome books! There will be a Q&A session with the authors and several prize drawings.

Oak Park Mall Barnes & Noble 
11323 W 95th Street, Overland Park, KS

Additional authors include:
Lisa Mangum
Josi Kilpack
Heather Justesen
Don Carey
Karen Hoover
Traci Hunter Abramson
L.C. Lewis
Steve Westover
Lynn Parsons
Tamara Hart Heiner
and more! 

And now, the Tres Leches Cupcakes winner is . . . 

Kathleen Brebes!

Kathleen, please email me your snail mail address and I'll get your book in the mail.

Tres Leches Cupcakes by Josi Kilpack Giveaway!

My mailman brought me some happiness today. 

For Sadie Hoffmiller, going undercover as an informant for the Bureau of Land Management on an archeological site in Santa Fe, New Mexico, seems like the perfect way to stay safe and busy while a threat against her life remains unresolved. But when recent burials are found on an ancient site, Sadie finds herself in the middle of an unexpected—and unwanted—investigation. The more she digs for the truth, the more secrets she uncovers—secrets that people would kill to keep hidden.

As a member of Josi's test kitchen, I received an extra autographed copy of TLC. That means some giveaway love for my readers. So, you want to win? You just need to do two things:

• Follow my blog
• Leave a comment 

I'll announce the winner Monday, Sept.10th.

Teaching Kids About Germs

Our theme for this week's family night was Cold and Flu Awareness. We started off the night by singing Head, Shoulder, Knees and Toes - led by Rob (8 years old). Then our 13 year old son, Isaac, was in charge of the lesson. He did a fabulous job, too! He shared some good health habit reminders.

• Wash your hands with warm water and soap for 30 seconds (which is the length of singing the ABC's)
• Wipe down kitchen and bathroom counters and the dining room table with disinfectant wipes.
• Cover your sneeze or cough into the crook of your arm (your elbow)
• Exercise and get plenty of sleep 
• Eat good food and drink lots of water
• Don't share your food or drink
• Use hand sanitizer 

Isaac then followed up his lesson with two short Sid the Science Kid videos. The younger kids loved them!







We ended the night by playing Wii Tennis and munching on popcorn. It was the perfect theme for the upcoming fall and winter weather.

How do you teach your kids about germs and staying healthy?

A Fun Way to Teach Flag Etiquette

My son, Rob, loves Cub Scouts. One of his Wolf achievements is to learn about the U.S. and State flag and proper flag etiquette. At home, we talked about the Pledge of Allegiance, what it means, and why it's important. When we got to the State Flag section, I thought I'd need to do some research, but Rob already knew a lot about it. He became my teacher as he told me what the symbols meant and how it's displayed. Of course, he knew it all because his awesome music teacher at school, Mr. Woodward, goes all out for Kansas Day and really gets the kids excited to learn about their state's heritage.

Rob has learned so much from his music teacher, he asked me if Mr. Woodward could teach him to fold and raise the flag, too. Mr. Woodward is the awesome kind of teacher who was willing to come to school early today to help my son. Rob was super excited to work with one of his favorite teachers and get to raise the flag for school.

Mr. Woodward taught Rob that the flag is lowered slowly while everyone else either salutes or puts their hands over their heart. Rob did a great job slowly lowering the flag. Then Mr. Woodward assisted him by unhooking first the state flag and handing it off to another student who helped. He then unhooked the U.S. Flag while Rob continued to hold the ropes, attentively listening as Mr. Woodward talked about respecting the flag, handling it carefully and not letting it touch the ground.

Next, Mr. Woodward taught Rob how to fold the flag. Together they folded the flag together twice. Then Mr. Woodward started from the red striped side and began the triangle fold. He talked with Rob about why the flag is folded in a triangle (how it looks like the hats worn during the American Revolution and shows no red). He taught Rob how to fold and tuck the end - Rob was excited to do that part!

Finally, Mr. Woodward taught Rob about unfolding the flag, how to hook it so it's right side up (because upside down is an international signal of distress!), and that when you raise the flag, you raise it briskly (the opposite of when it's lowered).  Then they did exactly that together. With a hand over my heart, I watched while my son briskly raised the U.S Flag & Kansas State Flag for his school. What a touching moment!

Mr. Woodward finished up with congratulations to Rob, signed off on some of Rob's Wolf flag requirements and I got a picture of the two together.

Today, I'm grateful for an incredible teacher who truly loves his students, an awesome son, and the opportunity to teach my children about the great country we live in. What are you thankful for?

Book Review: Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie

Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie

 No one would ever imagine a fresh-faced young woman could be robbing stage bandits of their ill-gotten fortunes. But Jennie Jones is desperate to save her family's ranch from foreclosure. And the risks seem worth it, until her upright new ranch hand offers a glimpse of how much is really at stake.

Former bounty hunter Caleb Johnson is ready for a new, clean start. With a woman like Jennie, he could build a future there in Utah territory. But only if his gentle faith can guide her in a choice between the land she's fought so hard to save and a future by his side.

 

 

 

 

My Review

 Lady Outlaw is a wonderful Love Inspired Historical novel. I enjoyed the old Midwest era and especially loved such a spunky main character! It was a fun twist that she's the one robbing stage bandits after they robbed stages. I could just imagine the surprise of a woman outsmarting the guys, just as if I were watching it on TV. Loved it! Of course, after meeting the handsome Caleb, Jennie starts to mend her ways. It was so nice to read a novel that focused on a friendship developing between the two love birds and a budding attraction that didn't push the bedroom boundaries.

If you enjoy romances that actually focus on the romance, rather than the steamy stuff, then you would love Lady Outlaw!

 

About the Author

Stacy Henrie has always had an avid appetite for history, fiction and chocolate. While she had a goal to write and publish a book one day, she turned her attentions first to graduating with a bachelor's degree in public relations. Not long after, she switched from writing press releases and newsletters to writing inspirational historical romances as a stay-at-home mom. Stacy loves reading, interior decorating, romantic movies, and most of all, laughing with her husband and three kids. She appreciates the chance to live out history through her characters, while enjoying all the modern conveniences of life in the 21st century.

Stacy Henrie's Website

Lady Outlaw on Goodreads

 

Join Me for the Faithful, Fit & Fabulous 8 Week Challenge!

I am so excited! Connie Sokol is getting ready to start her next 8 week challenge that follows her Faithful, Fit & Fabulous book. I reviewed the book when it was released and was so inspired by it. I missed the last 8 week challenge and have just been waiting for another one to be announced. The info is below - and check out the awesome incentive for my blog followers!

Turn over a new leaf this fall by joining Connie Sokol's bi-yearly "Take the 8-week Challenge"! Get organized, fit and fabulous, a personal life vision and more. The first 15 people to register from this blog site will be entered to win a FREE 30-minute CoachCast in Week 1 of the Challenge!

Through the program, receive weekly online support through our podcasts, video segments, motivational posts, and surprise gifts for dedicated doers. Based on my Faithful, Fit & Fabulous book, each week you will set and achieve one goal, accomplishing a total of 8 goals that focus on 8 areas of your life.

This program works! Women have lost weight, organized their homes, strengthened relationships, created more joy in daily life and more. Here are two comments from participants:  

"Thank you so much for giving me the needed push to do something I've wanted to do for months & never completed. I got 10s on my goal reviews...that has never happened for me with goal setting. THANK YOU!" B.Bird. 

"As I've created my life vision, I've learned about who I am and what I want to do in my life. I've gained a new sense of happiness. My husband and girls have noticed the change in my attitude." C.Adams

Register today and begin making the life changes you desire by clicking here.

Who wants to join me and take this 8 week challenge?

Family Fun Night

For our weekly family night, we talked about family fun and why it's important.

Together we went through our family photo albums. We talked about playing outside together, going on vacation, silly jokes we tell each other, attending events together, etc. It was fun to look back and retell stories about the kids when they were younger. Then we talked about why all those moments were important. Here's what the kids came up with:

• Having fun together as a family helps us to be good friends.
• Having fun together helps us to later be able to talk to each other about problems we might have.
• The fun moments are important so we can share the memories later with other family members, friends, future generations, and to have happy memories of family or friends who pass away.
• Fun family activities help us love each other more.

After the lesson portion of our family night, we had a family carnival. Each family member created a game to share. I love how creative the kids are! Here are some fun pictures from the evening:

Dad set up the Angry Birds game he built.

 Rob created a spinner game. 

You earned tickets depending on if you landed on an even or odd number.

MJ put together a fairy fashion design contest.

Here are the four judges:

And the contestants:

Our friends Barbie and Sarah took 1st and 2nd place!

Anna created a matching game. She even drew all the cards - with kitty cats & puppies. So cute!

Then Mom set up a bowling game. 

Afterwards, the kids all pretended the pins were light sabers (of course!). 

PRIZES!!!

There were prizes worth 1 or 2 tickets, so everyone had to spend their tickets wisely. 

No carnival is complete without cotton candy. YUM!

What family fun activities do you enjoy?

From Distaster to Triumph - Preparation for Kindergarten

Anna Banana has been so excited for the 1st day of Kindergarten. As each of her older siblings decorated lockers, walked through school schedules and received new hair cuts, she just kept counting down. Mom trimmed her bangs, took her to buy a folder for her back pack, and even got her some new outfits.

But disaster struck the day before school started.

Our conversation about the disaster went something like this:

Mom (gasping for breath): Anna, what happened to your hair?

Anna: Nothing. It's just like it was this morning.

Mom: No, Anna. Your hair was down to your shoulders this morning and you had bangs. Did you cut it?

Anna: No, it fell out when I was jumping on the trampoline.

Mom: Honey, you're still in your pajamas and haven't been on the tramp yet today.

Anna: The magical scissors decided to make me look beautiful.

And the conversation continued. Until Mom took a picture of her to show her what her hair looked like. Oops. Thank goodness JC Penney Salons were running a free hair cuts promo. They were very kind and squeezed us in that evening.

Daddy thinks Anna Banana now looks like Peter Pan. When she got up this morning, she looked like a little rascal with her hair sticking up all over the place! But with some help of a water bottle, cute headband, and pretty flowers, Anna was a little sweetheart ready for her first day of Kindergarten.

Doesn't she look devious? All I can say is good luck Mrs. Deets!

Here are a few pictures from school drop off.

Happy first day of Kindergarten, Anna!

My 11 Year Old's Book Review of The Kindling by Braden Bell

The Kindling by Braden Bell

All thirteen-year-old Connor Dell wants to do is pass pre-algebra, play lacrosse, and possibly kiss Melanie Stephens. He didn’t mean to set anyone’s gym shorts on fire or make school lunches explode. But now that the strange powers inside him have been ignited, Connor’s normal teenage life is about to go up in flames!

Homework? Of course. Crushes? Sure. But who knew seventh grade included superpowers?



MJ's Review

I really liked The Kindling. It was one of the best books I read this summer. The author was really good a writing the book. I couldn't put it down. I just wanted to keep reading and reading. My favorite character was Lexa because I could relate to her life. Her brother plays jokes on her and picks on her - which happens to me at home too. My favorite part was . . . well, I really liked the whole book. I can't pick just one scene that was the best. But a really funny part was at the end when Connor asks, "I wonder what happened to all those pizzas?"  If you want to know why that's funny, then you'll just have to read the book!

I definitely recommend this book to other kids my age!




Purchase The Kindling by Braden Bell

You can buy a copy of The Kindling at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local book store.




You can even stop by Braden's website and order an autographed copy of The Kindling AND it's less expensive then ordering from Amazon. This, my friends, is the awesomeness of author discounts. Be sure to order from Braden soon, because the fabulous pricing on his website only runs through his blog tour.

Kansas City Temple Photography Fun

To kick off our family vacation, we went to the Independence Visitors Center and toured the Pioneer home and printing press. The kids really enjoyed it. Before heading back home, we decided to drive to the Kansas City temple and walk around. We haven't been there since the open house. It was a wonderful experience . . . that led to some photography fun.






I love all the photo editing the updated Picasa program has.

This is my original temple picture . . .

And here's some fun stuff I did with it . . .

Cinematography Muted

Cinematography Boosted

Funky Filtered B&W

Original Boosted

Two-Toned Pink

Two-Toned Turquoise

I'm planning to make some funky blocks for my kids bedrooms with the two-toned pictures. Then I'm going to make some magnets for my middle school kids' lockers. I'll let them choose their fave pictures for those.  I'll post again when they're finished.


Do you enjoy photography? What are some of your favorite editing tools?

Dunkin' Donuts + The Ferguson Family = Sweet Harmony

Dunkin' Donuts is one of my all time fave, fave, fave donut shops. The only place that tops them, IMO, is the Haven Bake Shoppe in Lock Haven, PA. But sadly, they are no longer open. So DD reigns as my #1 donut bakery.

Dunkin' Donuts has a fond place in my heart. A few times a year, my mom would treat our family to a dozen of their delicious confections. It was such yummy bliss! Now that there's a Dunkin' Donuts in my Kansas hometown, I've continued the tradition. A few times a year, we grab two dozen donuts and my whole family is super happy.

Today is one of those days. Why? Because we're on family vacation. One day during vacation, we nab some delicious donuts for snacks. It's a meticulous operation. First, we head out to the website and check out the donut poster. Each of the kids get to choose 4 donuts (2 for today, 2 for tomorrow). Mom or Dad takes careful notes, including what donuts they want as substitutes just in case DD is out of one of their faves. When the donuts arrive, we gather around the table with milk and orange juice, then talk, tell silly jokes, and laugh together - all with a wonderful sugar high.

I know, I know - donuts aren't healthy. But like I said, we only do this a few times a year - usually one day during school breaks (Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Break). Sometimes, my son who doesn't like cake asks for a donut tower to celebrate his birthday, but that's it. So, while donuts aren't a good idea to eat every day (or even every week), I feel that special treats a few times a year (no matter how crazy the calorie count is), are just fine to indulge in.

What special treat does your family indulge in?