For the Children

So how do you begin a post about such a controversial individual? The music industry has lost a talented icon, while 3 little children have lost a father. I can't explain the emotion that I feel, but the faces (sometimes disguised) of the children continue to cross my mind.

I understand that there were those out there who despised the very ground that he moon-walked on, but the media has no regard for the pain that his children may be in right now. I just happened to catch a news story about a week and a half ago where he was out with his children and for a change they were unveiled. I immediately thought maybe these kids have a chance at normalcy.


Regardless of which side you fall on Guilty/Innocent, it is a life lost, with a tragic ending to go with it. I am not asking anyone to change their mind, but as a parent, please pray for the children of MJ.

Barnes and Noble is today...to be continued

http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/author-events/Ursula-Wade-Boudreaux/2095481

Summer

Well school is out and the girls are full of energy. We successfully finished the Spring season of soccer, which was quite an adventure because my husband coached the 6 year old's team, and they were busy. She played really well and he was really proud(me too). She is on her way to second grade, and has big plans to run a lemonade stand on Saturday mornings this summer. As we speak she is working on a picture of the model stand. It's actually quite creative.

The 2 year old is running around trying to do everything her big sister does, including jumping from the wall into the swimming pool. When we first got there she didn't even want to get in, then 10 minutes later she was all over the pool in chest deep water. I am amazed at how fast she is growing and how fiercely independent she tries to be. She asks, "What you do-an (doing)?" at least 10 times and hour, even if she knows. She also rides a mean tricycle.

For the month of June we have a laundry list of birthdays and parties, husband, 2 brothers, niece, god-daughter, 3 friends, lions, tigers, bears, oh my! Needless to say I haven't had much time to make plans for myself.

However, I am very proud to say that I will be at Barnes and Noble in La Frontera on the 27th of this month, so I am more than excited. The book signings have turned out to be an awesome way to meet people whose path I would probably not have crossed. The phrase everybody has a story is so true. So many people openly share stories about their faith as soon as they find out the story is faith based.

Stay tuned throughout the next few weeks, I plan to post more and include pictures from some of the signings. Have a safe and blessed summer!

Caught off guard!

It was a really busy weekend for the Boudreaux family with 2 soccer games for the six year old, a play date and two book signings. Oh I forgot to mention the two year old was having a major health challenge. Well we pulled it all off with the help of family and friends. It was truly a lot of creative juggling going on.

On Saturday I was at Hastings and the end of my signing the manager offered to put my book on an end-cap display. I wanted to run allover the store doing cartwheels, in my high heels. Instead I calmly mentioned that I would love that and I appreciated his support.

The real shocker took place on Sunday. My husband and the six year old went with me to the church where I was scheduled to speak and when my time came the pastor invited all three of us up there to stand together. So as I was speaking, I became overwhelmed with emotion as if I was about to cry. I had to pause, because this truly caught me off guard. I realized in that moment how God was using me as a vessel for His works.

I quickly regained composure, but the joy I felt(and still feel as I write this) was unexplainable. The church was so warm and friendly, I truly enjoyed the experience. Well everybody have a blessed week and take time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Rites of Passage

The six year old is growing up so fast and coming into her own. She is getting so tall and has a beautiful free spirit about her, so much so that I am often in awe. We talk about so much on a daily basis that sometimes my husband just looks at me because he knows when I am fighting back tears. He gently reminds me that she is just growing up.

Last Friday we decided to let her get her first relaxer aka perm or chemically straightened. It is so cute, she looks like such a big girl. A true right of passage. Stick with me, I am taking the long way around to get to the point. Well after talking about how much she is growing and all we tell her it's time to part with the booster seat in the truck. Get this! She doesn't want too.

Underneath this big girl exterior lies my beautiful baby girl. On one hand I want to say, "Girl get out of that seat!" Then on the other hand I want her to feel comfortable in making her own decision when it comes to this. She has said before that she doesn't feel safe without it. However that was about 4 months ago, when she was significantly smaller.

The joys of motherhood. Letting them grow up is so hard, but it is so awesome to see it happen. I thank God that he picked her for me.

Learning to take a compliment...again.

Since the beginning of time, or at least my time, I have never had trouble accepting compliments. At least not according to my mom, who used to say I fished for them. Well something has happened along the way. I found myself surprised at the last two book signings when people piled on the kudos.

Why? I don't know. That has never been an issue for me, but as I survey the past few months I see a pattern. Well...timeout for that. I have worked hard, stayed up late, gotten up early, neglected friends and made all around sacrifices to make this book happen. I am so proud to say that today I am learning to take compliments in style.

No this is not where the "big headed-ness" starts, but I do believe in self fulfilling prophecy. If I tear myself down, nobody else has to do it for me. This has been such a wonderful journey and I want my daily life to reflect that too.

March came and went...

The month of March has passed me by and I have barely made any posts. I went from having too much time on my hands to being rather busy.

One of the sweetest and awe inspiring things that happened was watching the power of God at work with my child. On fifth Sunday's we don't have children's church, so they come inside the main sanctuary with us. Well toward the end of the sermon the pastor makes 4 appeals to the congregation...as I briefly opened my eyes I saw the six year old put her hand up for the first appeal(to receive salvation). Initially I thought what is she doing? And then she put her hand up for the third appeal(to be filled with the Holy Spirit).

By this time I knew she knew exactly what she was doing. I went up with her and she boldly stood there before the pastor to stake her claim. I was so emotional that the tears instantly started to flow. Which also set off the six year old's water works, but she showed extreme bravery and spiritual maturity that seemed beyond her age. God is good!!!!!!!!!!!

I also had my first book signing this past weekend in San Marcos. It was great. I was a little nervous at first but I was able to shake it off. My husband walked around the bookstore trying to corral customers, I was so proud. I had fun, it was truly a learning experience and I feel better prepared for the next few signings.

Georgetown, Texas has an event call Market Days on the second Saturday of each month where vendors set up their booths and sell different crafts and food items. I will be at the Hill Country bookstore, so bring out the whole family for food, fun, and books.

Mark your calendars!

Big things are happening. First, the baby officially crossed over into the toddler realm, she is now two years old. It was a bittersweet weekend, because although I am so happy that she is becoming a big girl I couldn't help but reminisce on her birth two years ago. She came in kicking and screaming, and not much has changed to this day.

We had a small intimate gathering, which is a change from how we normally do parties. Just a couple of family members and a very windy day at the park. She was very happy and so were her parents.

Also I have received a list for book signing dates and locations. Keep a look out for that posting and come out to any or all of the signings. I truly appreciate all of the support.

Just Breathe

I have waited all my life for this moment to arrive...

Tomorrow, February 10, 2009 my book will be available to everyone. All the websites that have it listed will be authorized to sell it. All the stores who choose to carry it, will have it in stock. If you see someone who doesn't know anything about the book, tomorrow will be a good day to tell them. Lord you are good!!!!!!!!!!! Yes I am shouting that.

I am brimming with joy, excitement, anticipation, thanksgiving, reverence, appreciation, hope, and most of all a renewed faith. I can't praise HIM enough right now.

I appreciate my Senior pastor for always teaching us to strive for prosperity not only for finances, but most importantly EVERY area of our lives. My local pastor, for always telling us to follow our dreams, and confess our faith. I would love to say I am their biggest cheerleaders, but I know there are hundreds of other church members who believe they are too.

I am thankful to my husband for being patient as I pursue this dream. I am thankful for my parents unconditional love and encouragement. Oh Jesus, you are awesome.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yVXaw8yufY

Royalty Check

Woo hoo! I received my first royalty check. It was a great feeling and it made me feel as if the first level of this journey is complete. Time to move on to the next. The official countdown for the release date is on, we are merely days away.

I have to bring as much awareness to the public as possible. I spent much of last week doing just that. Making contacts, doing mass mail outs, I even got the manager at a local Chic-fil-a restaurant to put my bookmarks in the kids meal bags. WOW!!!

Next weekend I will be at a black history month celebration in my hometown. My husband and I will have a booth, where he will serve his delicious gumbo and teacakes, and I will sign books. We are both really excited about branching out with the business.

Feel free to encourage someone new to read the blog and share their thoughts about the book. Thank you to everyone who has already bought it and continues to give me your thoughts about all of it.