I recommend this blogger page on author Staci Stallings.

http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/2012/05/24/interview-and-giveaway-with-author-staci-stallings

She sounds like a really good, honest writer.
I'm always looking for authors who are family friendly, as well as the story being interesting.
You can find out more about Staci at one of these sites:
 Christian living blog, Spirit Light Books is at:  http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com
My Christian Romance Novel site (where you can read the first chapter, an excerpt, and reviews for all of my books):  http://ebookromancestories.com
All of my books can be found at:  http://stacistallings.wordpress.com
Twitter:  @StaciStallings
Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirit-Light-Author-Staci-Stallings/266593276699576


I think you'll like her writing =)

Love and Blesssings,
Lori LC

Mother's day =)

Family gathering at my Mom's about 1992

 Since there are so many blogs and articles about Mother's day, I wasn't going to write one here. As you can see, I changed my mind. I realize that most mothers are the ones who shape the family and keep it running, although-not always as smooth as we would like it to be.
My Mom was raised in a home with a stay at home Mom and a hard working Dad. They stayed married through many trials and triumphs. Family gatherings were always held at their home, and we knew when it was cramped, it meant the food was ready :) We were taught to have respect for our elders, to have manners and to let the adults have all the good seats around the food table.
  My Mom brought us up as mostly a single, hard working parent. My two brothers, sister and I grew up knowing things were tight and yet we always had Christmas and big birthday celebrations. Mom always celebrated our birthdays with cake, ice cream and a special cake =)
   My Mom's parents were from two very different backgrounds. Grandma was English,her maiden name was Winsor(the 'd' was dropped when they emigrated) and she was Protestant. Grandpa's last name was Larue, and was from a very French background. They spoke only French when my Mom was young and had to learn English as they grew up. He was  Catholic, but he let his wife do all the religious duties in the house. She was very tall and blond, he was very short and had very dark hair.slicked back with some sort of sticky stuff.It's funny how opposites really do attract. One thing we all knew, they loved each other very much and told each other each and every day <3

an impromptu web cam pic <3

Mom tried being fair and didn't show favoritism, (much) I also have tried being fair, which doesn't really matter anyway. No matter how equally you cut the cake, someone is going to complain they got the smallest piece. My motto has been 'Stay cool and calm', 'Unflappable'. When the kids went out the door, I usually said,"Have fun, and be safe. I love you." I tried welcoming them home when they got back and let them know I'm glad they're here. I tried keeping dialogue open by asking questions about there day, or commenting about my own. They often replied with,nothing. or, a really brief reply. When it was time for them to go to bed, I tried giving them a hug and told them I love them. But, I almost always said,"Sweet sleep. Love ya." and kissed them on the cheek.
 My oldest daughter loved it when I sang lullabies and prayed together. My second liked it when I sang, but preferred it when I read a story, such as The Cat in the Hat, or The Three Bears. My son never liked my singing and occasionally liked me to read a story. He just wanted me to rest with him , tuck him in and give him a kiss on the cheek. I always pray for them but usually by myself.

we surprised middle child with an early birthday party =)

I absolutely love being a Mom and celebrate my kids on Mother's Day. Even on the toughest day, I know the trial will pass and it will be the way we get through it that they will remember and treat their own family. No argument is worth tearing the family apart. I always try to use kind words and avoid the trap of accusations. The times I get into it, it's hard to get out.
  I still call my Mom on Mother's day and other times just to say I'm thinking of her. Even just a few minutes talking to her is nice. I know there will come a day I won't have the opportunity to tell her I love her, so I take the time to do it now. My Grandma used to say,I'd rather get one flower when I'm alive than a truck full when I'm dead. She knew the importance of seizing the day.
  That is becoming my motto,too =)
I hope you have a great day, and try telling someone in your family that you care about them, then show it by being extra kind. as it is written, Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.Mark 10:45

Love and blessings,
Lori LC

May is Here =)

Dandelion dreamer

   With the arrival of May, I can't help but smile at the thought that Spring has finally made it to New Hampshire. Even though it rained all day, I heard sun is in the forecast :)  Flowers have already begun to bloom and insects arrived early due to the burst of warm weather we had briefly a few weeks ago. Where we usually have patches of ice in the yard,there is already grass and dandelions.
   There are about thirty days of school to get through, then we count the days til the kids are back in school.lol. I work in an elementary school and have seen that the kids and staff already are looking ahead to June 18th,when we get out. We're already planning to send my son to camp and are looking forward to my daughter visiting in July. I'm considering tutoring a few days a week for the summer, I would enjoy that.
   I have been sneezing so much lately, so much pollen and dust in the air. The rain helped a little, but the plants and grass are blossoming and, as beautiful as they are, my sinuses think they are bad :/
Taking a dose of children's allergy med helps relieve the symptoms, but sometimes makes my too drowsy to take during the day. I thought my daughter had allergies when she complained of a sore throat, but when she had me look a second time a few days later, the redness and white blotches confirmed her thoughts of having strep-again. poor kid, but she's over it now and feels better.
My husband is the one who is dying of a cold now. He really drags it out, hacking and sneezing all over the place. I go around the house when he's in bed and sanitize everything. He whines worse than the kids and is wicked clingy when he doesn't feel well. I appease him by asking if there is anything I can do and hope he needs me to go to the store for something so I can get out without feeling guilty for leaving him home sick. He'll be better soon, I hope the whining goes with the sickness.
   My son will be seven next month. just when I thought I was done having birthday parties, sleepovers, school concerts, homework battles, report cards, dating rules, making kids get up for school, paying for school events, making lunches, and every other thing a parent does for their school age child. I am nearly one year down and 11 more (or so) to go...He is due to graduate in 2023, 17 years after my first child graduated, and 12 after my second graduated. I love nearly everything about being a parent, except dealing with homework. or friendship heartaches. most everything else is what makes being a mom so special, no one else can take the place of what I love doing most, loving my kids <3
   My oldest is about to celebrate their second wedding anniversary. She has an awesome husband and terrific in-laws who really care about her. I just with they lived closer to NH than SC,but, they are happy and blessed and that's what a parent wants for their grown children in life. They are waiting for the big step of parenthood, and when it happens, I know they'll be great! My second child is currently working more hours than me and doesn't complain about it. She also takes classes three nights a week and is doing well at that. I'm really proud of her =)
   Life in general is really good right now, and God is awesome, no matter what.
I hope you are also well, you are cared about <3
Love and blessings,
 Happy May!!
Lori LC