Sometimes I wonder what people who lived even two hundred years ago would think of the world we live in right now. The cars we drive, the cable TV, the MacBooks, the flameless LED candles.

Amongst other things.

Like, for instance, the e-book. I have a confession to make: When the Kindle first released, I swore I would never in a million years read a book on one because I really love the feeling of holding a book and turning actual, touchable pages.

But then I got an iPhone and I downloaded the Kindle app and found ALL MANNER of free and very low cost books for instant download. And when I was nursing in the middle of the night? Instant, lit-up book.

I changed my views on the Kindle right then and there.

With the future of books looking more and more like it will continue swinging to the digitalized side, it’s important for authors and would-be authors to keep this in mind.

Which is why I’d like you to meet my friend Diana Prusik! Diana and I have a very weird story on how we met – her daughter’s grandmother-in-law is very good friends with my grandmother and gave her my books. So fun!

Diana is a mom, grandma, gifted photographer and a Tyndale author! Her novel, Delivery, is part of a new Tyndale Digital First e-book initiative. Very cool! Diana has an AMAZING story on how she became a writer, so I’ll let her take over now!

Erynn: Okay, Diana. Big question. What’s your favorite kind of cheesecake?

Diana: Since I’m all about simplicity, topping-free New York style is my first choice. If you drizzle a little caramel on top, I won’t complain. Add a little fudge? Still not complaining. I rarely complain about these things as well. Particularly if it involves cheesecake AND fudge. So, you have a great story! Care to share with us a little bit about how you got started writing? I have no short explanation, but I can point you to this recent guest blog entry, now Spire Reviews’ most popular post, that describes my blessing-filled journey: http://spirereviews.blogspot.com/2011/09/debut-author-spotlight-diana-prusik.html. Wow! That’s an incredible story! A little less of an incredible question now: Chocolate Chip or Oatmeal Raisin cookie?

One of each? Okay. If I’m forced to choose, soft and chewy oatmeal raisin wins. Or wait! Maybe chocolate chip . . . . See, usually I would be indecisive about food, but my mind gets made up the second I hear the word “chocolate”. Any new books coming out or in the process of coming out? Characters follow me wherever I go, tapping on my shoulder, whispering in my ear, disturbing my sleep. I’m taking notes of tales they share, and I’m devouring all the information on writing I can find. I recently attended the American Christian Fiction Writers conference in St. Louis, which set me on fire with new ideas. Next month, I’ll attend the Story Masters Workshop in Houston to learn from experts like Chris Vogle, Donald Maass, and James Scott Bell. When I get home from Texas, my keyboard will be smoking! I love, love, LOVE the high that comes from attending writing conferences! Highly, highly recommended if you are hoping to become a writer! So, what’s your least favorite part of writing?

My heart aches when the story comes to a close. By the time I wrote the final chapter of Delivery, I loved the Wilson’s Florist gang as if they were my dearest friends. While I typed those final sentences, I grieved that our journey together had come to an end. The florist shop was such a great setting for your story! Made me want to start arranging flowers, something I have no talent for. Tell us a little about the genre you write in. Why did you pick that route? Experts often advise, “Write what you know.” I know small town life. I know strong yet wacky girlfriends. I know heartache. And I know God’s amazing love and mercy. So Christian contemporary fiction/women’s fiction is my niche. I write, as my website says, Small town stories. God-sized grace. I love that slogan!! Want to tell us what your favorite part of writing is? I love when the story feels so real that I forget I’m not part of it–when my characters suck me into their lives so completely that I laugh when they laugh, blush when they blush, and cry when they cry. Not going to lie. I have definitely made the same face in the mirror for much longer than I’d like to admit to just so I could try to describe it. Sort of like how I just had to try all kinds of lattes to get the taste descriptions right for the Cool Beans series. 🙂 What’s your favorite character you’ve ever written?Without a doubt, my favorite character is Mom Robinson, Delivery’s community matriarch. She takes weekly strolls down Main Street to offer gifts she receives at one business to employees she visits at the next–sharing the weekly edition from the newspaper office with customers at the bakery, pastries from the bakery with the flower shop gang, and posies from the florist with tellers at the bank. She is no stranger to heartache, but instead of becoming angry or bitter about her losses, she performs quiet acts of kindness that speak one loud message of unconditional love. When I grow up, I want to be like her. Any last advice for prospective authors?

Read. Learn. Write. Pray. And never, ever, EVER give up on your dreams! Amen and amen. Ok. You’ve got one minute to grab whatever you can at Target and money is no object. What do you buy? First, I’d empty the gift card rack. Then, I’d race for the greeting cards, especially the new postage-paid kind. Cards adorned with handwritten notes work wonders to brighten someone’s day. Our world could use some brightening, so I’d launch a send-a-card campaign. I’d tuck an unsigned greeting card inside each signed card I’d mail, include a gift card for each, and send instructions for the first recipient to “pay it forward” by choosing the next recipient– much like my Share the Gift Double Kindle 3G Giveaway, where the winner of the first Kindle 3G will choose the recipient of the second Kindle 3G, Mom Robinson style. And if a second or two remained, I’d snatch an Almond Joy bar on my way to the check out! Definitely going to check that contest out on your site now!! Thank you so much for hanging out with us, Diana!

So, Diana has very graciously offered to give a copy of Delivery to one lucky winner! Leave a comment on this post to enter. Remember, one comment per person and please leave some sort of identification in there. Diana’s book is an e-book, but there are lots of completely free downloads available for all kinds of computers, phones, droids and GPS systems. Just kidding about that last one.

Today’s comment question: In true s’macon fashion, what would be the most adventurous thing you would ever put on a s’more?

Today is my baby sister Cayce’s 21st birthday – what a treasure she is to me! I love you, Kiki! 🙂

Have a great night!

Hope you guys are enjoying this little series! I love learning the people behind the stories. And remembering what my writing used to be like in the olden days before I had a fifteen-month-old splashing in my toilets. I feel like I’m hosting a mini-Hallmark channel on this blog.

The Way I Used to Be – The Erynn Mangum Story.

Anyways.

Today, I get to introduce you to my friend, Jenness Walker. Jenness has a way cool story about how she got published and I’m excited that y’all get to meet her!

We’ll start with the all-important question. Favorite kind of cheesecake?

Cheesecake Factory’s 30th anniversary cheesecake!

Cheesecake Factory. Good answer. We are still friends. So, tell us a little bit about how you got started writing.

My first memory about writing is from 1st grade, where we had a class contest to see who could write and illustrate the best story. I remember thinking I was a shoo-in for the winner. (Um…I wasn’t.) So I don’t know if I’d been coming up with stories before then or if that was the beginning, but I’ve been writing ever since.

Another important one, so take a deep breath. Chocolate Chip or Oatmeal Raisin cookie?

Is that a real question? 🙂 Chocolate Chip. Of course.

Again, we’re still friends. 🙂 Any new books coming out or in the process of coming out?

I’m involved (with my coauthor Tracy Bowen) with the Bloomfield series, which is a series written by various authors and is being published by B&H. I believe the first book in the series is coming out next year. The stories all take place in the quirky small town of Bloomfield. So far it’s been a lot of fun!

What is your least favorite part of writing?

Serious rewrites. 🙂 Sometimes it’s very hard for me to rethink plot elements or scenes when they’re already written. Maybe because the story becomes so real to me, that what’s written is history, you know? You can’t change the facts. 🙂 So sometimes it takes some time beating my head against the wall to be able to get past that block.

Tell us a little about the genre you write in. Why did you pick that route?

I actually write in a few different genres. I do contemporary romance/romantic comedy with Tracy. I went that route with her because humor is something she excels at, and I needed help in that area. I mean, I thought I was funny, but… 🙂 That’s the voice that works for us as a team, and we have a lot of fun with it. It’s also a nice switch-up from my other stuff.

On my own I write romantic suspense, probably because that is the majority of what I read growing up. I’m also currently working on kind of a darker women’s fiction. I’m not certain I picked that particular route. I think it just appeared before me and said, “You’re supposed to write this story. Deal with it.”

So, I think it’s great that you are getting to write in two different genres. I think people often assume that writers can only write ONE way and that’s their branding for the rest of their lives. What’s your favorite part of writing?

It’s a tie between the very beginning—the exciting new idea and the brainstorming that follows—and the last few chapters with the rush toward the end. Both can be exhilarating.

Totally agree. My two favorite words are “the” and “end.” So, what’s your favorite character you’ve ever written?

To make answering this one a little easier, I’m going to limit this to characters from my completed manuscripts. 🙂 And that would have to be Jake. He’s the hero in the first (as of yet unpublished) romantic suspense I wrote. And rewrote. And wrote again. I guess I love him best because we spent so much time together. And because he’s one of those wounded but devastatingly sweet and heartbreakingly handsome heroes that many of us swoon over. 🙂 (Jason, if you’re reading this, don’t worry—I love you more.)

Ha! Love that. The “completed manuscripts.” Ain’t that the truth. I’ve got a couple buried in my hard drive. Got any advice for prospective authors?

The obvious things are to read and to join writers’ organizations and find a good critique group/partner. So instead of expounding on the virtues of those things, I’ll repeat something I heard from a recent workshop. Allen Arnold reminded us that we are to have no idols. We’re not to bow down to the story. “The calling should be more important than any one particular book. Your story is the fruit of the calling but should not become the focus.”

So, pre-published authors, remember why you’re writing and Who you’re writing for. Keep working toward the goal, but don’t be afraid to move on to a different story to continue to grow into the writer He wants you to be.

Perfectly said! Ok. You’ve got one minute to grab whatever you can at Target and money is no object. What do you buy?

Furniture! I heart furniture, even though I don’t have anywhere to put it. (No, seriously. My house is full, so I loan furniture to friends instead of getting rid of the surplus.) And Target has some great chairs…oh, and a desk I really like…and—wait. Do I have to carry them myself? This could be tricky…

Thank you, Jenness!! 🙂

Jenness has been WAY generous and offered to give away Bliss to one of you!! All you’ve got to do is leave a comment below. Don’t forget that every comment left during these two weeks is also entered to win the Old Navy gift card!

Also don’t forget that it’s one comment per person, please. 😉

Today’s comment question: Two hours to do whatever you want to do – where will you go, who will you see and what will you do?

I am REALLY loving all of your comments on these posts! I’m now trying to figure out how I could plan an outdoor movie marathon while watching the leaves change colors with all of us together. And we might have throw some s’mores in there too.

Or s’macons. 😉

Several years ago, I worked as an intern for my church and one of the best parts of the job was that I got to go have coffee dates with all these amazing high school girls. One of my favorite places to meet was the Borders coffee shop – I’d always show up early, find the little nookish area that was Christian Fiction, grab a novel and sit and read until the girl showed up and made me stop.

The novels I always, without fail, navigated to? Tamara Leigh’s. The novels I started buying for myself and my sister? Tamara Leigh’s. And the novel that I received in the mail for an endorsement and did the HUGEST happy dance over? Tamara Leigh’s!!

Tamara Leigh has SUCH an amazing testimony! One that I really want y’all to go read! She’s a great inspiration to me because not only are her books hilarious and very well-written, but she’s also another stay-at-home-writing-mom. I love that!

Erynn: So, I think we can all agree that this is probably the most important question I’ve been asking. What’s your favorite drink to order at Starbucks?

Tamara: I especially enjoy the fall and winter drinks—pumpkin spice latte, gingerbread latte, and salted hot chocolate—but I always come back to Caramel Macchiato. I like it hot, but in the summer nothing beats an iced one.

You are my new favorite person. We have the same favorite drinks! Tell us a little bit about how you got started writing.

A couple years after graduating with a master’s degree in speech and language pathology, my husband and I decided it was time to have children. Long story short, wanting to find a way to stay at home and raise our children, I took a chance on my love of writing and medieval romances. After completing Warrior Bride, I signed with an agent, made the changes she suggested, and suddenly had several publishers offering on the book. That was the easiest and most exciting publishing road I’ve ever traveled. But though writing as a career can be difficult, the journey has been worth it.

That’s so amazing! What a dream come true! So, summer or winter—which one do you prefer?

You had to make that one hard, didn’t you? I don’t like any extreme weather and, in Tennessee, summer is definitely extreme when you factor in the humidity—especially when it’s the year of the cicada. As for winter, it’s definitely mild here compared to when I lived in the Lake Tahoe area, but I really don’t like the cold. So…it’s a draw.

Ick. I don’t like humidity at all. Love snow, though! Any new books out or in the process of coming out?

This past July, the final book in my Southern Discomfort series, Restless in Carolina, was released (I’m still going through withdrawal from the Pickwick family). Currently, I’m revisiting the medieval romance genre that gave me my start in the publishing world in 1994. When I was transitioning from the secular to the inspirational market in 2005, I was told medievals don’t do well with readers of Christian fiction, but I think I might give it another go.

I love that you’re writing what you feel called to write – regardless of what is currently “being published”. I think that’s the best way to write. Write what’s on your heart, the story that God has given you. If He wants it published, He’ll find a way. So, what is your least favorite part of writing?

My least favorite part of writing has little to do with the actual creation of stories, but what, increasingly, goes hand in hand with it: promotion. I know it’s necessary, but it’s so hard to let go of a scene or the development of a character or a wonderful romantic twist and re-enter the non-fiction world.

Tell us a little about the genre you write in. Why did you pick that route?

All seven of my inspirational novels have been in the contemporary romance genre. When I was unable to bring my medieval romances into the Christian market, my agent asked for something “different.” How much more different can one get from twelfth century England than twenty-first century United States? As I enjoyed lighthearted romances, it seemed the natural choice.

I love your novels! They’re so fun and relaxing to read! What is your favorite part of writing?

There is nothing like a scene in motion, discovering a character’s depth, and bringing together two people who were meant for each other even though they certainly didn’t believe it in the beginning.

I love that part – matchmaking people in stories is a personal favorite. 😉 Speaking of favorites, care to share your most favorite character you’ve ever written?

They’re all dear to me. If I had to choose, medieval wise, I’d pick Lady Lizanne of Warrior Bride, my first novel published with Bantam. Inspirational-wise, I’d go with Adda of Stealing Adda, my first novel for the inspirational market. Why? I’m not sure, though it might have something to do with each being the start of something good. 🙂

Adda was awesome!! Got any advice for prospective authors?

Write, write, write, read in your chosen genre and on the craft and business of writing, and connect with local and online writing organizations such as ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and RWA (Romance Writers of America).

Last question and it’s a big one. You have an entire day with nothing planned—what would you do if money was no object?

Every day I’m surrounded by my wonderful guys—hubby and sons—so I’d probably want to spend a day with my mother and sisters who live out west. Since you’re only giving me one day, I’d fly them nonstop to Tennessee. And what a day we’d make of it! Obviously, I see them way too little.

Well, I hope you get to see them soon!! Thank you so much, Tamara!!

Tamara has SO generously offered her latest novel, Restless in Carolina, for a giveaway!! YAY!! I just know you’ll absolutely love this hilarious series!

Y’all know the rules by now – one comment per person per post, please leave your name or some way of identification in the comment (Starbucks drink orders do not count, regardless of how distinctive they are), etc., etc. Don’t forget – every comment during Fall Fiction Frenzy not only enters you in a chance to win the book, but also a chance to win an Old Navy gift card! I’ll draw all of the winners on November 4th!

Today’s comment question: Music can be energizing, cathartic, deafening and make you want to put your head in the freezer (John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt, I’m looking at you). If you had to pick a song that would be YOU set to music, what would it be?

See you soon!

So, there are days when all I want to do is lay around in my pajamas, eating chocolate chip pumpkin bread and reading something light and funny. Preferably with snow falling gently outside.

While my friend Jenny Jones can’t really provide the pajamas, the pumpkin bread or the snow gently falling (or the time to do it, unless Jen’s now offering babysitting services), she can and does provide the light and funny reading.

So. Thank you, Jenny.

I’m so excited to introduce you to my friend, Jenny B. Jones! She’s a full-time high school teacher, loves to travel, and somehow still finds the time to get a ton of books written. How she does she do all this? Teach me, Obi Wan Kenobi.

Erynn: All-righty. Time for the Most Important Question I have for you: What is your favorite kind of cheesecake?

Jenny: Almost any kind besides pumpkin or raspberry. I don’t eat gourds or raspberries. I used to hate cheesecake, but as an adult, I grew to love it. Why can’t I have that experience with peas and carrots?

Lost some respect for you there, friend. I’ll make you some of my famous chocolate chip pumpkin bread. It’s spoken of on a daily basis by at least one person. Tell us a little bit about how you got started writing.

I have told this story a bunch, so forgive me if you’ve heard it. But I went to a writing conference in ’05 with 20 whole pages. To make a long story short, God turned the impossible into possible, and six months later I got a contract through divine appointments at this conference. Those twenty pages turned into In Between, my first book. I can’t recommend writing conferences enough.

Amen. Chocolate Chip or Oatmeal Raisin cookie?

Oh, gosh. I love both. How about oatmeal chocolate chip?

I guess that would be okay. Any new books coming out or in the process of coming out?

There You’ll Find Me just came out a few weeks ago. It’s a YA that’s a spinoff of my women’s romance, Save the Date.

The story is about eighteen year old Finley Sinclair, who books her trip to Ireland as a foreign exchange student, where all she wants to do is let her heart heal, see the sights in her brother’s favorite country, and work on her college audition piece for a prestigious music conservatory. She plans to use her brother’s journal from his time in the Emerald Isle as her guide during her stay, yet from the moment she boards the plane and sits next to Beckett Rush, teen star of the hottest vampire flicks, nothing goes according to her well-ordered plan.

The peace and beauty of the Irish village are no match for the chaos that soon becomes her life. When she gets roped into working as Beckett Rush’s personal assistant, she finds this famous wild child is not quite what he seems. And as she grows closer to the mysterious actor, her own secrets refuse to stay put.

And, it looks like I’ll be doing some downloading to my Kindle app tonight. What is your least favorite part of writing?

Sitting. Sitting. And sitting. I really dislike that part of it a lot. There is nothing more exhausting and hard on the body than being immobile.

My son would agree with you. Tell us a little about the genre you write in. Why did you pick that route?

I write YA romance and romantic comedies for women. I work with teenagers all day and have always been plugged in to that culture. But when my publisher suggested I write a romance for women, I was intrigued. I enjoy both a lot.

So, what’s your favorite part of writing?

Readers. Getting feedback and hearing that your book touched a heart or made someone laugh. I love nothing better than making someone laugh.

Love that! Favorite character you’ve ever written?

Maxine from the Katie Parker Production series. She’s stylish, bossy, outrageous, and says whatever she wants. She was the most fun I’ve ever had in writing. If I could put her in every book, I would.

She was a great character! Got any advice for prospective authors?

Read a lot. Read wide. Don’t just read in the little category you’re most interested in. And don’t wait til a full idea settles in your head or inspiration strikes to write. I rarely have a full plot or inspiration. So don’t think just because you don’t have 90 thousand words spinning in your head, you’re not a writer. Take it a chapter at a time.

Ok. You’ve got one minute to grab whatever you can at Target and money is no object. What do you buy?

Target cards. I worship and adore Target. Love their home stuff. I could write poetry about Target. Except nothing rhymes with it. . .

Ha! Thanks so much, Jenny!!

Jenny has been SO gracious and offered to giveaway one of her novels! Leave a comment on this post to automatically be entered to win. And don’t forget, every comment during Fall Fiction Frenzy enters you in the contest to win the Old Navy gift card! Please, guys, only one comment per person. 🙂 And be sure to leave your name or sign into your Blogger account for the drawing!

Today’s comment question: They say the best things in life are free (unfortunately, I have not found this to be the case at Starbucks). What is your favorite free activity to do this time of year?

See you guys tomorrow!

It’s our first edition of Fall Fiction Frenzy!

I’m SO excited to introduce y’all to one of my dearest writing friends – and here’s the kicker – we’ve never actually met in real life! 🙁 Someday!! I love this girl SO much – she has just been the best encouragement on days when I needed it the most (and not just about writing), she’s been the kick in the pants I needed on deadline days and such a sweet sister in Christ!

Meet Betsy St. Amant!

Betsy just released a new novel, Fireman Dad, which I found in my Walmart here recently (GO BETSY!). She’s married to – oddly enough – a fireman and they have a gorgeous little girl. And she’s one of my co-conspirators on Scribble Chicks.

All important question first. What’s your favorite drink to order at Starbucks?

Mmmm this is easy. And now I’m hungry. Grande, non-fat, white chocolate mocha with no whip (unless it’s a booksigning, then I splurge)

What are the odds??! We have the same order, if you change out the non-fat for fat and the white chocolate mocha for a caramel macchiato. 🙂 Tell us a little bit about how you got started writing.

I knew I wanted to be a writer since I was 7! I was always pecking away at our first home computer, trying to write Baby Sitter’s Club books (hello, Fan Fiction! haha) or making up my own characters, usually a girl with a dog and zero plot. ::grin:: I’ve been a character driven writer even since childhood! haha. I got serious about publication when I turned 18 and started attending writers conferences and trying to network and figure out how this whole thing worked. Gayle Roper introduced me to the ACFW and the rest is history! I’ve been a member there for 7+ years and it’s amazing. Their website is www.acfw.com – highly recommend.

So fun – I love how similar our stories are. Summer or winter – which one do you prefer?

Winter! I love sweatshirts and hot chocolate and blankets and not worrying about being tan. LOL. One brush with melanoma and tanning beds are officially a thing of my past. Hello, Jergen’s Glow Lotion.

Well. We all know my feelings on winter. Any new books out or in the process of coming out?

My latest release was Fireman Dad, August 1st via Love Inspired. My next release is Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK coming via Barbour Books in January, 2012. Can’t wait!

Me either! Though, I have to tell you. I told Jon the title of your new book and he said, “Confessions of a place kicker? She’s a football fan?” It’s fall, I guess. 🙂 So, what’s your least favorite part of writing?

The waiting game! It never ends. First you wait to finish a story then you submit and wait to hear from an agent, then you get an agent and they submit to editors and you wait to hear from them. Then you wait to hear from committee and then you wait to get your line edits and then you wait to get your cover art and then you wait to get your author copies and then you wait for your release date and then you wait for reviews and then you start the process all over 🙂 Writers can’t be impatient. They’d go insane. I think the waiting does get easier but man, at the beginning, when I was new to the industry, it was brutal!

Preach it, sister! Tell us a little about the genre you write in. Why did you pick that route?

I’ve written 6 contemporary romances for Harlequin Love Inspired, but now I’m starting to branch out into YA, and actually, that genre picked me. Or rather God directed me to it. It all started when I pitched a contemporary romance to an editor at the 2009 ACFW Conference in Denver. When she reviewed it later, she told me it wasn’t quite what they were looking for at the time, but she liked my style, and did I happen to have a YA? I was like, uh….if you want one, I’ve got one! ha. So I realized that I had a story I’d already started, a “secret story” if you will, that was just for me, a “vent” book for expression. And it was a YA. So I brainstormed with a friend, fleshed it out, put it into proposal form, and Addison Blakely, Confessions of a PK, was officially born. It ended up being rejected at committee level at that house, but then we sold it to Barbour a few weeks later. You’ll get to meet Addison on January 1st ::grin:: God’s ways are so much higher than ours! I would have never thought I’d go that genre route but now, I can’t imagine NOT writing YA. I have a head full of new ideas eager to come out for teenagers. It’s becoming my new passion from the Lord.

Yay! What is your favorite part of writing?

The blank document screen of a new story waiting to be written. It’s an incredibly intimidating, incredibly inspiring (wow, how’s that for alliteration? lol) moment when anything is possible, when the story is fresh in your fingertips, waiting to be released. The opportunities are endless. It’s scary and awesome all at once. ::grin::

It’s totally scary and exciting! So, what’s your favorite character you’ve ever written?

That’s like asking to choose between my kids. LOL Thankfully I only have one kid right now, so Little Miss wins that category ::wink:: But in fiction…Wow. I guess if I MUST pick, I’d have to say Addison Blakley. She’s the heroine in my new YA coming out in January and she was so fun to write, probably because of the first person style. She’s quite snarky and witty but honest and relatable. She taught me a lot.

I have a favorite child too. 😉 Any advice for prospective authors?

DON’T GIVE UP! So many writers get discouraged after their fifth rejection or their tenth or their twentieth. But if you stop writing, stop submitting, stop trying, then you are guaranteed not to ever be published. You truly never know what door God is opening just around the corner. You have to keep moving to get there.

You have an entire day with nothing planned – what would you do if money was no object?

Oh great question! There’d be Starbucks, there’d be writing, there’d be new books from Barnes & Noble, there’d be dance lessons, and of course, there’d be shoe shopping. If $ is truly no object, then I’m going for the Jimmy Choos and the VENTI mocha. hehehe.

Ha! Great answers, Betsy!! You can find out more about my friend on her website, www.betsystamant.com. And, yay for this one, Betsy has very generously agreed to give a copy of Fireman Dad away!!

Every comment counts as an entry into the contest. Sorry guys – this contest is only open to folks in the continental U.S. One comment per person, please! And remember – every comment over the next two weeks enters you into the drawing for the Old Navy gift card! Time to stock up on those winter sweaters Betsy and I love!

Today’s comment question: If you had to watch the same movie 50 times in a row, what movie would it be and why?

I have a super special surprise for you all!!

Starting later tonight, I will be doing a two week long series filled with giveaways, interviews and much more!! 🙂

I’m SO excited! I have some AMAZING women lined up for you guys to meet – all fabulous authors and all wonderful women of God!

But the best part?? Every comment left during this two week period – on any post – automatically enters you to win an Old Navy gift card!! Anyone in need of some super cute fall sweaters?

You can enter once a day, but please don’t enter more than once! Also, several of the authors are giving away a copy of one of their novels!!

So… anyone excited?? Look for the first post tonight!!

Yay!!

Yesterday, Mom turned 50, so of course, we had to make a big celebration of it!

Bryant flew back in town from Austin and brought a friend of his, Nick. We had so much fun hanging out with them!

We went out to eat at one of our favorite Mexican food places on Friday night for her birthday and Jon got in major trouble for telling the restaurant manager that it was her birthday. The mariachi band came over and played “Happy Birthday” and then all the waiters and waitresses came over and sang again. Ha!

One side of the table! Nick, Bryant, Caleb and Caleb’s girlfriend, Ali.

Mom and Cayce! 🙂

Nathan loved it there. He danced and danced to the music! I thought he looked adorable all dressed up for dinner. 🙂

We ended up being there for two hours, so he definitely did not make it the whole time in his high chair. Pops was very sweet to walk around the restaurant with him and watch the mariachi band play. I think this picture is hilarious – they both have the same expression!

Afterward, we went back to my parents’ house and put Nathan in bed. Then Mom opened her presents and we played games until WAY too late. We also tried something new this weekend: S’macons! S’mores with bacon! 🙂

Such a great weekend! I’m SO blessed to have such a wonderful mother. She is someone I want to be more like and one of my best friends. I think I love her even more now that I have my own baby – being a mom has given me a whole new set of eyes when it comes to my mom. What an incredible blessing she is! I love you so much, Mom!

This last week, my mom, sister, me and Nathan all went to Disney World for a little girls-plus-Nathan trip.

We had SO MUCH FUN.

We park hopped, we rode whatever ride we wanted to that day, we took Nathan on a few rides that he absolutely adored and we celebrated a little ahead of time for Mom’s 50th birthday.

I love this picture of my mom and sister in Animal Kingdom!! 🙂 We had such great girl time while we were there! We’d put Nathan down and then just whisper for the next little bit. It was SO needed. 🙂

Nathan loved it. Absolutely, positively LOVED Disney World! He danced and laughed and yelled and sang. His favorite rides were the carousel, the Mexican Small World (in Epcot. Ha!!) and he loved the Festival of the Lion King show in Animal Kingdom – loved it so much that I felt bad for the people sitting around us. My boy can be a little bit animated. 😉

He also learned a few new things while we were out there. You can now ask him what a cow, lion, duck or sheep says and he’ll respond with the sound they make. 🙂 It’s REALLY cute.

Have to confess though, that I do not ever want to fly on a plane with him again! It’s a little over a three and a half hour flight one way and he screamed and cried and threw a fit for at least two hours (the first flight was more) both going and coming home. I felt SO bad. I did everything I could think of to get him to be quiet and nothing worked. 🙁 There were definitely points on both flights were I wanted to just burst into tears too. I hate having people get frustrated with me or Nathan. It’s hard to not know what to do to make your child behave.

The good news is, he slept GREAT while we were there which was a big concern of mine since we were all in the same hotel room! Huge prayers of thanks were said! And he was very well-behaved in the parks – fits were few and naps were taken. Yay!

All in all, we had a great trip! We came home exhausted from all the fun and Nathan is just now back on this time zone, which is why it’s taken me so long to catch up on here! 🙂

Thanks so much for the fabulous trip, Cayce and Mom!!

We’ll see how long I actually stick with this, but I’d like to have a list of what my current favorites are – maybe not every week, but every so often.

And here we go!

1. Homemade Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

This tiny corner was all that was left for my breakfast – and the picture. 🙂 If there was anything I was going to stockpile, it would be canned pumpkin and chocolate chips so I would never have to be without this bread. I zap it in the microwave for about 20 seconds before eating it the next day and oh. the. goodness. Fall in bread form.

2. Downy Wrinkle Releaser

Because I am as good at ironing as I am at square dancing. And we’ve already gone over what happens when I am around objects of great heat.

3. Tazo Decaf Chai

Hands down the best Chai tea bags in the world. And I appreciate the decaf because then I can drink it late at night. And I just realized I sounded exactly like the “old people” at our community groups who always complained about the caffeinated coffee late at night.

Oh my.

4. Mossimo Juniors Jeans

Can I get an Amen for cheap juniors’ jeans that actually have the option for long length?

5. Mrs. Mays Fruit Chips

Delicious, easy to carry with me and healthy for Nathan. Check, check, check.

And now it’s your turn! What are your favorites this week??

I seriously cannot get over what a big boy he is now!!

He’s such a little ham – always ready to dance or do any of his “tricks” to make us laugh.

I love, love, love my little bean.