July 11, 2013

The Vacation Had to End Sometime

My family and I returned from a two-week vacation on Tuesday. It was, in a word, heavenly. Getting to spend all day long without my husband going to work? Awesome. Getting to see how much my girlies love their daddy. Love it. Getting to go to Arches National Park and seeing the incredible landscape there was worth all the stress that packing myself and three little people can induce. If you've never been, it's worth the trip. We hiked to Delicate Arch with the baby strapped to me (in the 95 degree weather I ended up being just a tad sweaty), my five-year-old walking, and our three-year-old in the jogging stroller. It's a Jeep so we figured, "Hey, why not." Luckily I have a strong, tough husband who lugged that thing there and back again. I don't think it'll ever be the same.

Then we headed to cooler weather and stayed with my sister in Colorado. We ate too much ice cream, fished, picked cherries, watched fireworks, and swam.

Now I'm back in the 100+ degree weather, but hunkering down under the A/C and the ceiling fan and typing. Why? I'm trying my darndest to get The Reaping out before the end of the year.

May 16, 2013

They Grow Up So Fast

Sorry I haven't been posting much of anything on here lately. Life has been calling and has been beautifully busy. I'm not going to complain about that--taking care of cute girls is fun (and frustrating) and being their mom is the best job in the world. So writing doesn't always get done the way I'd like it to.

My oldest girlie had her preschool graduation today. I can't believe she's going to start kindergarten in two months. I don't think I'll be one of those moms that cry when their child goes off to school, but I could surprise myself. I'll let you know :)

So now with her school done, we're officially into summer and I'm determined to get more writing squeezed in when my babe's taking her nap and the other two are having "quiet" time in their room. Which is rarely ever quiet and rarely stays in their room, but whatever. I'll work with what I can get!

April 25, 2013

It's Getting Hot

Summer is slowly but surely descending down on us. We've had some 90+ degree days, and I'm already missing the cooler weather. Our air conditioner is running regularly in the afternoon now, and I'm dreading the high utility bills that will start coming up.

On the plus side, that means we're not outside as much, and I've spent more time writing. I'm plugging away, and Terra's final story is starting to come together. It's been bittersweet, especially since I've known the end from the beginning. It's just interesting to see the twists and turns along the way. Terra is really growing up, and even now I feel like I'm going to miss her once this is all done.

I've also been able to get some reading squeezed in here and there. Before I had kids, I could sit down and read for hours on end. That rarely happens these days, so I've been trying to make time for more reading. After all, reading is one of the best ways to become a better writer. What have I read in the past month? Life of Pi (I forgot how much I love the ending), The Amulet of Samarkand (Bartimeaus is a great character), and Beautiful Creatures (I hope I don't offend any Twihards by saying the angst is just so much better written!). I just started Beautiful Darkness last night, and Days of Blood and Starlight (I loved Daughter of Smoke and Bone, so I have high expectations for this one) is next in line.

Have you read anything good lately?

April 15, 2013

Family Time

I didn't get very much writing done over the past week or so because my parents were here visiting me. We live 700 miles apart, and that usually feels like 700 miles too many. My three girls love their grandma and grandpa, and let's face it...sometimes a girl just needs her mom and dad!

We almost never do anything exciting. We hung out, ran errands, had a picnic, and ate way too many treats. My dad went to fill up the car and get a car wash the day before they left. As soon as he was out the door, I turned to my mom and said, "What are the odds are that he comes back with a treat?" She smiled and said, "Pretty good." Yup, he came back with donuts.

One of the things I love about my parents is how supportive they are. Dad asked me, "So how is the next book coming?" I sheepishly smiled and said, "Slowly but surely. Life's pretty busy right now." And he just smiled and nodded. No judging, just love. And lots of spoiling of my girls.

I can't wait until they come back again.


March 29, 2013

Happy Easter!

Easter is one of my favorite holidays because of the hope it brings to my life--for me it's a time of renewal and faith. I just wanted to wish all of you a very happy Easter weekend. I hope you spend it with family and friends.