You can always go home...

So a week or two ago I went to my hometown(Victoria) for the weekend. It was truly what I needed. I got to see so many people that I hadn't seen in a while and it was cool.

For starters, on Saturday morning I went to do a little networking with an old friend from high school and I found that I was very proud of her and the accomplishments that has brought to the town. It was a great start to the rest of the day.

After that I went home to pick up my daughters, so we could go to my God-daughter's birthday party at the skating rink. Little did I know, I was about to be in for a big surprise. My one year old who has never skated in her life, had the biggest fit I have ever seen. Why? Simply because she wanted to skate. Forseeing this in advance, I did have my six year old's adjustable skates with me, but she wanted to go out to the middle of the skating rink with no help.

Just let her go, Right? Well her well-prepared mommy grabbed the skates without the wheel locks so she kept falling down. This didn't stop her, she kept on crying "Skate, mama, skate!" To make matters worse, they cleared the floor for skate races so she couldn't go out at all. She was so upset that she wouldn't even come back to the table for pizza. She loves pizza! After she tried to convince all of our friends to take her to the floor, her dad was finally able to calm her down by taking her over to the video games.

Next we went home to grab coats, blankets, grandparents, and chairs to head downtown to the night parade. It was awesome and the kids had a blast. I ate from the moment I got there, almost until the time we left. Nachos, soda, fries, hot chocolate, cheese cake squares...it was all so yummy and after all it was my first time going. All of my family has been at least one other time, so I felt like I needed to catch up.

Sunday we went to my childhood church for service and a book signing. It was awesome! The pastor blessed the book and encouraged the church family to embrace the book which they did. I was so amazed with the outpouring of love and support. It was inspiring.

Later that day we stopped by my brother's house to invade his grapefruit and pecan trees. My husband was literally up in the tree, trying to grab large fruit from the top. He squeezes them to make fresh juice.

After a series of goodbyes and squeezes on my little nephew we hit the road, arriving shortly after nightfall. It was a great weekend.

Oh What a Night !

Is there a rule somewhere that limits the number of times you can officially say, "This was the best night of my life!" Although there have been many many many wonderful moments in my life, this one was good too.

So when we last left off I was on a class field trip in very cold weather with the six year old. The next day I did make it to an appointment to get my hair done for the event. What event? The pre-release party for my children's book, of course. I know, you all saw that coming but I just had to say it again.

So many family members and friends came out to share their well wishes and show their love for me and my accomplishment. I am just so thankful to know so many great people. My cup runneth over (again and again)!

My pastor blessed the book, followed by an 8 year old praise dancer, kind words were expressed by a few friends, and my dad, plus a reading of the book, as well as lots of door prizes. It was wonderful. I will be back with pictures...

For my daughter

So you would think that today would start off with a manicure, pedicure, and a massage while listening to zen music in the background. Maybe even, looking in to "my inner me" while soft music played and the sound of water trickled over a rock garden. NOT!

Yes tomorrow is the day of the pre release party, a major sign that this journey is coming full circle, but getting pampered was not as I expected it to be. For starters, the six year old asked me to go on her class field trip to Pioneer Farms. No big deal except it was 49 degrees outside(at noon). The farm, as most are, was in the middle of this gigantic field, which meant lots of walking in open spaces. The wind chill made the gusts feel like ice against your skin. Arrgh!

However it was fun. Another mother and myself made the best of it, by laughing and talking as we scurried the little ones along. My child was happy and I was content with seeing her smile.

Now when I did make it to the nail salon, the hot water in the foot spa on my frozen toes was almost unbearable. But before you think I am complaining, think again. I haven't had a pedicure or manicure in many many months. It hurt so bad, but it felt so good all at the same time. Zany, I know.

Stay posted and I will have pictures of the event in a few days. Pray God's best for our night!

Google my name...

What a difference a year makes. Last year if you typed in my name at google.com, you would have found the somewhat decent 5k results from the Galveston Island Mardis Gras Run. In my defense, my oldest daughter was only five months old. However, if you type it in now you will see that I hold places 1,2, and 4. Woohoo!

Now first and second place are thanks to all you faithful readers of the blog, so give yourselves a pat on the back. But fourth place, yes I said fourth place is thanks to this little writer from Victoria, Texas who had a dream of one day seeing her work in print. Hallelujah. I am so happy, because if you have ever googled anything, you know sometimes it requires some searching.

Although I was proud of myself back in 2002, for running around a cold and windy island to benefit a cause that I can't remember, I am extremely proud of what is happening now. So next time you stop by google, remember Ursula Wade Boudreaux, so that way when the book is officially released, I won't be hard to find. Thanks

I've learned...

I've learned to savor the moment...Last night as I sat on a pillow, (some parents were on blankets), on the hard school cafeteria floor, I was nearly overcome with emotion. Thank goodness the one year old was crawling all over me and pulling things out of her backpack, so I was distracted from the burning feeling in the back of my throat.

Anyway the six year old was in the first grade performance that sang the praises of our great nation. As her class did a spectacular rendition of God Bless the USA, I became so emotional watching her wave her little red, white and blue streamers and singing her heart out. I was proud of her, and proud of our country, it was just so overwhelming. I would not trade that moment for anything.


I've also learned that while trying to teach my children (and others, through this book) to have faith, I have learned to have more and to also be trusting of that faith(in God). You see we won't always be able to understand everything in life or even understand peoples actions, but if we let our lights shine and try to be the best person we can be, that's all that matters. Yes we will continue to make mistakes, but strive to do your best in every arena.


Everybody is so busy with the distractions of life, which causes us to take people and things for granted. So just for today, challenge yourself to appreciate something or someone...the feeling you get out of it is priceless.



http://flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/sets/72157608716313371/show/with/3009094952/

More about last week...

I also forgot to mention that my friends at UPS stopped by the house about three times last week, well actually three days in a row. First, the shoes that I order from Zappos.com came a day and a half later. A day and a half, plus they have free shipping. You can't beat it! I am impressed.


Then the boxes carrying my new posters, business cards, and post cards for the book came. That is when I felt official. I felt like I had arrived. Where? Wherever it is that real writer's go. I plan to frame and hang one of the posters here in the house, as a reminder that dreams(and goals) are attainable. It's funny when my husband asked, "Where ya gonna hang your poster?" I was secretly glad that he was thinking the same thing, so that way I knew I wasn't just being full of myself. HEE! HEE!

So the posters and the website combined had me on cloud nine all week long. To make it even better, my six year old is very proud of her mommy. That alone is worth all that has happened with this journey. Before I forget to mention it; her last soccer game was Saturday. Before we left home we gave her the normal pep talk. "Have fun! Play hard." Well she took the play hard to the extreme.

My little star scored three goals and hustled pretty much the whole time she played. We had a family friend with us, and she was truly impressed. In fact, the whole team played well. They only lost one game the whole season.

It was a great week.

Week in review!

Okay, it is 12:04 a.m. and I am wide awake. How bad it is gonna hurt in the morning when the alarm clock goes off, or when the one year old starts to call my name in that sing-songy voice around 2:45 a.m. like clockwork. If her dad goes in there(he does 2-3 nights a week) she sometimes will lay back down, if I go in there she already has her arms out so she can come to our bed. Sometimes a snuggle and cuddle is cool, that is until a foot sticks you in the rib. For the life of me I can't understand why she has to sleep sideways.

Anyway this past week has been about as blessed as they come. Each day it was something new and wonderful. Barack Obama has become president. No more excuses! Lift him up in prayer every chance you get. My marketing representative surprised me by nonchalantly mentioning(in email form) that she posted my book online at the Publisher's website. Uh hello this is big. Now although I am sure she will say she is just doing her job, I will disagree and say she made my dream manifest right before my eyes. Thanks A.S.

Then the well wishes just started pouring in. I know I was following my dream all along by writing this book, but I didn't realize the fact that everybody doesn't automatically do the same. Now I know I mentioned this several posts ago, but never ever give up on your dream no matter what it is. Encourage yourself when no one else will. Throw out every excuse! Cast out negative influences. Just don't give up.

Take out a tablet in your spare time and start with the sentence "I started dreaming again today..." and see where that takes you.

Vote!

Did you vote today? You should have. It's your right. If you didn't, log off and get to the polls now.

Marketing

It's Sunday morning and the house is quiet. My husband is at the store, the 6 year old is in the game room playing with Sparkles( the purple dress up poodle) and a pair of fairy wings, while the one year old is fast asleep. Her temperature keeps spiking up so some of us have had very little sleep. However in my waken state I have had plenty of time to brainstorm and plan the pre-release party.

I have narrowed down a date, a short program, and perks for the attendees, I just have to pinpoint the location, which I hope to have completed by tomorrow evening. Wow! This is all a lot to take in. In the past few days I have ordered copies of the book, posters, book marks, and business cards. I actually have my own marketing representative, makes me feel special. I am also trying to prep Chef Boudreaux, so for those of you who haven't had his food yet, you will be in for a treat.

The book itself will be released during the second week of February, however I will have copies in a few weeks, so if you are anxious or just want to have your copies for the holiday season, just let me know. You will also be able to order directly from the publishers website.

Thank you all for following this journey with me. Stay tuned because the best is yet to come.

Proof

This morning I woke up, said a prayer on the way to the shower and then bumbled around in the bathroom for another 10 minutes. I helped the 6 year old get dressed and left her in the loving care of her father as I dashed out the door to an appointment.

Then, the party got started. I turned up the volume on my praise and worship CD that I made, yes I burned it on my laptop(WRONG!!!), forgive me. But the point is, after my appointment was done, I went to the post office to mail THE FINAL PROOF OF THE MANUSCRIPT. I AM GOING TO PRINT!!!! I sang, I praised, (carefully) lifting my hands while I was driving, I was in the zone.

Whenever I speak of singing and praising, my sister-in-law, who shall remain nameless, finds this a little humorous, because I don't sing well and tend to be a little reserved with my public praise. She has a way of asking, "Were you praising, Urs?" It's actually her way of teasing because she has witnessed my transformation. I usually sing in the car, in the shower, to the 19 month old, etc. However, lately I haven't cared who hears me, because when you reach a certain point and the blessings start to flow, it doesn't matter who is listening or how it sounds. It's genuine.

Yes I know that trials may still arise, but it is how you deal with them that counts. And just like the song says "an incredible God deserves incredible praise.

Phillipians 4:12 (amplified bible)
12I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want.
13I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who [g]infuses inner strength into me; I am [h]self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].