Rebecca Talley's Blog, page 28

Growing Up Gracie by Maggie Fechner

From the back cover:
As the fifth of six kids, it's sometimes hard for Gracie Fremont to see what makes her special. But with the help of friends, family, and her faith, Gracie discovers that even the most ordinary girl can do extraordinary things. Told with sweetness, humor, and heart, this unique coming-of-age story will resonate with readers of all ages.


Maggie Fechner wrote her first book in First Grade for the Young Author's program. She received a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and has worked as a reporter for several newspapers.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a warm and humorous look at the life of Gracie as she grows from a girl into a young woman. I loved the descriptions and I loved how the relationship built between Gracie and  . . . . well, I don't want to include any spoilers. Suffice it to say that Fechner has created realistic characters and a voice that made me feel like she was sitting next to me sharing this story as her own. I could relate to many of Gracie's experiences in the book and I found her to be a very honest, endearing character.I'd compare this book to comfort food--it makes you feel good and all warm inside.

I recommend it! And, it's been nominate for a Whitney Award.

You can purchase Growing up Gracie at Amazon.

(I did receive this book as a review copy but it did not influence my review. My opinions are my own).

Signing for The Upside of Down

I'm doing my first book signing for The Upside of Down on Saturday, January 15th. I'll be joining authors Tristi Pinkston, Daron Fraley, and Don Carey for the signing. We'll be in Logan at The Book Table,  29 South Main Street, 11:00-1:00 and then we'll head over to Ogden to Wisebird Bookery, 4850 Harrison Blvd # 5, and be signing there 3:00-5:00. If you're in the area and have time, please stop by. I'd love to meet you and Tristi, Daron, and Don are super fun so we'll be having a great time.

2011 Goals

Happy New Year! Every year on this day I find it hard to believe a new year has begun. Time flies by so fast, it's a blur.

December was certainly a blur for me. We spent the first week in Florida at Disney World and came home in time for all the Christmas shopping, wrapping, making goodies, singing carols, sending out cards rush. It was a whirlwind. We've spent the last few days celebrating Second Christmas because all of my kids are home.

Now it's a fresh new year with all sorts of possibilities. I make yearly goals, but I also make monthly and weekly goals. In fact, I make daily goals. I'm a list person. If I don't write something down, I'll forget and I won't get it done. I'm a little stressed right now because I forgot to get a new daytimer so until I go to town next week, I'll have to use loose paper to write my daily goals.

General goals:
Repaint/redecorate bathroom upstairs
Reorganize and repaint master bedroom
Clean carpet upstairs
Organize basement to utilize space better, including food storage
Return to exercise schedule 5 days a week. My honey bought me Zumba and lots of Wii dance games to help me.
Return to proper eating habits and lose the weight I've gained in December. I'll be doing South Beach.

Writing goals:
Complete a full first draft of YA paranormal "Glow"
Revise and submit "Glow" to publisher
Revise, format, and have available eBook on first chapters
Market "The Upside of Down" and hope to sell through first printing
Outline next novel
Make my blog better

That's a good start. How about you? Goals? Want to share? Remember, a goal not written down is merely a wish.

Why I Love the UPS Guy

Well, I don't actually love him, but he is one of my favorite people for delivering this:

Super cool or what? Woo hoo!!

It's quite the surreal experience to hold my book in my hands. Even though this is my third novel, fourth book, it's still so amazing. To physically hold my words, my thoughts, my story in my hands is just incredible. The box was even delivered during a snowstorm so it was just like Christmas for me.

Excuse me while I go do the happy dance!

Wii Games for Christmas

We received Wii games for Christmas. I love doing Wii games with the family.
One of the games we received was Just Dance 2. Very fun game. Lots of new songs and much more difficult than the original game. We love it. I don't know all the songs, but I'm looking forward to playing it a lot.
We also now have Just Dance for Kids. I actually love this game. I know almost all of the songs, the dance steps aren't too difficult, but can be challenging, and it's just so much fun to play. My middle daughters love this game. 
My husband loves Beatles Rock Band. I really like this one because I recognize so many songs. I also think these songs are easier to sing than the ones on Rock Band because they're so familiar, at least to me. If only I were a singer . . . 
My sons really like Lego Rock Band. They know more songs and they love the Lego characters.
My husband gave me Zumba for the Wii. I've already tried a workout and it really works you. I love it. I can't wait to do it each day. I'm still learning about it, but I'm hoping I can become good enough to get all the moves. I'm excited about it.
But, my ultimate fav-o-rite is The Michael Jackson Experiment. Man, what a fun game. I love the songs. I love the choreography. I love the memories of dancing, back in the day, to Michael's songs. Yes, it is difficult, but so much fun, And my favorite song is Thriller. I remember the world premiere of that music video and I've always loved it. It is totally fun.Of course, it's a new way to market his music, but what better idea than to have a Michael Jackson, the king of pop and dance, dancing game.
We danced for over 5 hours on Christmas day. It's fun for the whole family and the dance games really give you a workout. .

Second Christmas

My son and his wife have been living in Orlando, FL working for Disney World. One of the drawbacks of working during the fall semester of the college program is that they couldn't come home to celebrate Christmas. Fortunately, my daughter-in-law's family went to FL for Christmas so they were all together on Christmas day. They went to EPCOT, a totally cool place, that day, but for my son it wasn't the usual Christmas celebration so he was a little sad. I think it may even be possible he misses his mommy :).

Following the lead of Fellowship of the Rings with its second breakfast and so that we could all be together to celebrate Christmas, we decided to create a new holiday, "Second Christmas." We'll be picking up my son and daughter-in-law on Thursday from the airport and that night will be "Second Christmas Eve." We'll do our family traditions (again). The kids will all sleep in the same room that night (again) and will wake up early (again) on Friday morning so we can celebrate Christmas together. We'll spend all day Friday eating, listening to Christmas music, watching Christmas shows, and enjoying each other's company.

Now that we have older kids and will have new in-laws in coming years, my husband and I think we'll institute a new family tradition of Second Christmas so that the kids who can be with us for the 25th can celebrate and those who need to spend it with in-laws can come for the second celebration and then we can all be together. It's a win/win proposition because spending it with family is far more important to me than the actual date.

So, come the end of the week, I'll be cooking another big turkey dinner with all the fixin's, there will be a few more gifts under the tree, and we can do our family traditions with the whole family. We're all excited!

Merry Christmas

I hope everyone will have a peaceful and blessed Christmas!

I think Christmas has become so commercialized. We have a local radio station that plays Christmas songs throughout the month of December. For every hour's worth of music, it plays 2-3 songs about Jesus. The rest of the songs are about Santa, Rudolph, and toys. Don't get me wrong, I love Santa. I love gift giving, I love trying to find the perfect gift. And I love to surprise people with gifts they didn't expect. For me, the gift buying and giving is far more fun than the receiving. I decorate my tree the day after Thanksgiving and even sneak in Christmas music in October. I LOVE Christmas.

Yet, I think I get so caught up in what needs to be done, especially with so many kids, that I forget to take time to enjoy the true reason for the celebration. I don't get caught up in the commercialization as much as all of the "things" that need to happen--Christmas cards, wrapping, decorating, making gifts, shopping, concerts, parties, etc. For me, I need to take time to remember my Savior. I need to think about that small baby born so many years ago amongst the animals. The baby whose life will make it possible for me to not only be with my loved ones again, but also with my Heavenly Father. His birth is the most important event of mortality.

I don't pretend to understand how it all works--how He could take upon Him all of our sins or atone for each of us, but I know that I am so very grateful He did. I am so thankful that He was born to a young mother in lowly circumstances. That He spent His life teaching and helping others. That when the time came He did not falter, He willingly gave His life for me. And it all began with His birth. His wonderful, sacred birth.

I an so blessed to have the gospel in my life. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family. I am so blessed. I am very grateful for this time of year and for my Savior .

Merry Christmas!

Magic Kingdom

I grew up in CA, about 2 hours away from Disneyland. We used to go to Disneyland all the time. I remember, back in the day, when we had ticket books and there were only a couple of tickets for the best rides, including the Matterhorn. The rest of the tickets were for kiddie rides. I remember Disneyland long before Space Mountain or Splash Mountain. I remember when it was this totally magical place and, as a kid, there was just no other place like it. I still have a strong connection to Disneyland and all the childhood memories it holds for me. Even after going to Disney World, I still have to say that Disneyland is my favorite.


Magic Kingdom is much like Disneyland. It's laid out about the same and I can find my way around pretty easily. It has most of the same rides as Disneyland.









The best part of Magic Kingdom this visit was watching my son as the skipper of the Jungle Cruise. He was definitely in his element telling corny jokes and trying to make people laugh. I loved seeing him perform again.















One of the highlights was seeing the fireworks display and watching Tinkerbell fly across the night sky. Tinkerbell used to fly across Disneyland when I was a kid. This Tinkerbell was all lit up as she flew above us. I loved the combination of the music, the narration, and the fireworks. The castle lit up in different color combinations and it was gorgeous.

















Of course, we went on all of the rides, including Space Mountain and even Splash Mountain (it was cold so I volunteered to stay and watch my youngest son who was too small to ride). We also went on the Haunted Mansion, It's a Small World (my 9-year-old did not enjoy this ride at all), Teacups, Aladdin's Magic Carpet ride, the Tiki Room (my grandma loved this attraction and I always think of her when we go), the Carousel, Peter Pan, Snow white, Dumbo, Pirates, Buzz, and many more.

















I think these photos of my youngest on the carousel are absolutely adorable so I'm sharing them. He looks like a little angel.



We had a blast and loved every minute of our trip.

EPCOT: World Showcase

I love this part of EPCOT. It's a big circle with all the countries surrounding a large lake. I'd guess it's over a mile from start to finish. You walk the loop going from country to country.

It's so interesting to visit each place and learn a little about that country. We watched a movie about Canada in a 360 degree/surround theater. It was breathtaking. I had no idea Canada was so beautiful. It made me want to visit.


In order to accommodate the crowds at EPCOT, there are no seats in the theater. Everyone must stand. My daughter assumed this to mean that Canadian theaters have no seats. She asked one of the Canadian workers, "So do Canadian theaters have no seats?"

The worker looked at her and said, "In Canada, we all pull out our sleeping bags, go into the forest, and watch movies on a sheet spread between trees." Then she walked off leaving my daughter to wonder if she were serious. Of course, none of us gave my daughter a hard time for asking that question :).

My son loved showing us Italy because that's where he spent 2 years on his mission. He said Disney did a fantastic job replicating the look of Italy. He said they always have a patron saint that watches over the city.

I loved  eating in Germany--delicious food. We ate a buffet with red cabbage, different meats, German salads, and lots of delectable desserts. I also loved eating at Morocco. Very different food. Some of the kids didn't enjoy it much but they were good sports and ate it anyway.



I must, however, complain about the reservation policy. None of the restaurants wanted to give us reservations because we had 13 people. They gave us such a hard time and we ended up having to wait a long time and/or eating very late at night. I would guess from their reactions and unwillingness to give us reservations that we are the only large group to ever go to Disney World. And, the guy in Italy was just rude about it.









We watched the Candlelight Procession which included a choir singing religious songs and a reading by Susan Lucci of All My Children fame. Beautiful program.



The fireworks display was awesome. Every night at closing EPCOT hosts a fantastic fireworks show including a large replica of the earth that was brought out to the middle of the lake. At the end of the show fire comes out of  the earth.





I also enjoyed going to Norway and learning about the Vikings--some nasty dudes. From what I read, seems like they were Norwegian pirates. This is photo of my daughters with an infamous Norwegian troll.



EPCOT isn't filled with rides, it's more of a learning experience and you can't do it all in one day. We went back a few times to see what we'd missed. Growing up in CA, we went to Disneyland all the time, but EPCOT is like nothing else. It's really an adventure and I'm glad we could take the kids and expose them to it.

EPCOT: Future World

EPCOT is an acronym for Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow, the brainchild of Walt Disney (I learned this in a museum-type area in Hollywood Studios). Unfortunately, Disney never lived to see his dream of EPCOT take place. Fortunately, we can all enjoy it.


I love EPCOT. When you first enter, the whole area is dedicated to the future. One of the coolest features was the design-your-own roller coaster/jet ride/snowmobile. It's a virtual ride. You choose which kind of ride you want from mild to ride. You touch a screen with all the elements of the ride--speed, twists, turns, loops--and the screen tell you if your speed is too slow or too fast for each particular element. You finish your design and then wait until it's your turn to get in the machine. You sit in a chair and a top comes over you with a screen in front of you. You watch the graphics that "create" your ride and the machine mimics going upside down and to the side. It's a large machine, but I wouldn't be surprised if a few years down the road they aren't made small enough to fit in a game room and marketed as the ultimate gaming console. Our ride was pretty fun for a virtual ride.

We also went on Mission to Mars. Oh. My. Goodness. What a ride. Wow. It mimics taking off in a rocket and going to Mars which is accomplished by spinning you around at about 100 mph. You sit in a seat alongside your "crew" in front of a screen. The flight commander tells you all about your mission and then it's time. You start spinning around, similar to a merry-go-round, until you get going so fast you feel weightless. My stomach knew it was getting all dizzy, but it was super cool. I was afraid I'd get barfy, but I didn't and the sensation was very weird but fun. My oldest son enjoyed my reaction.

We were able to experience a simulation of a tornado. Very odd. I kept jumping when anything flew at the screen because it seemed so realistic.

We explored an area dedicated to land. We saw an hydroponic green house that was growing lettuce and all sorts of food. They use what they produce in their restaurants. It was very interesting to see all they were growing. My husband is now researching how we might grow some things this way.

I enjoyed the area dedicated to the seas. There was a cute little ride with Nemo.











I loved seeing all the fish, including sea horses. I love sea horses. Supposedly, they choose mates for life. We watched a sea horse swim over to another one and wrap its tail around the first one as if they were holding hands. So cute!

We also saw a manatee, a dolphin, and lots of fish in the super huge aquarium. My youngest was mesmerized watching all the fish.









We rode the ride that goes up in the big silver ball that's so famous. It's a ride about communications. The "people" looked so realistic. They take your photo while you're riding and then impose your face on cartoon figures in the future, It was pretty funny to watch each of us in the cartoon future world.


















We had fun on Test Track which simulates testing vehicles on rough rodes, braking, and driving really fast.


















It took us about 5 hours or so to see everything in Future World.