I get a rush when I can run two miles. I know that sounds wimpy, but seriously, that’s a big deal for me.
I get a rush when I can single-handedly tuck all five kids in bed and stay upbeat the whole time, noticing the little things I love about each of them as I snuggle their little bodies close to me and savor our night-time talks.
I get a rush when I finish five loads of laundry, get them folded and put away all in the same morning.
Or when I beat Dave at his new Boggle game on his iphone.
So I must say I get a big rush when I see my name printed as an author on a book that is published.
Serious rush.
You see, my Mom and I wrote a book last summer. A book on motherhood.
Man oh man I’ll be honest and tell you it was no small feat with all the other stuff we had going on!
We hadn’t planned on cramming all the work into one summer but we had to work with some unexpected deadlines to have a Mother’s Day 2009 release date, and we happened to be together at Bear Lake in July anyway.
I wrote down what happened on the morning we were trying to turn in our first official draft of the manuscript to the publisher, mainly because we were cracking up at the comedy of events whirling around us as we tried to tie up some loose ends:
Elle was pounding on the piano.
Max was stomping around mad as a hornet that I was going to make him practice too.
Lucy fell off a bench on her head.
My Dad got shocked so bad by the electric horse wire that it knocked him off his feet…literally.
My Mom was trying to figure out logistics to get the life-size cardboard cutout of my sister (who’s on a mission) up to the lake for the family reunion since she (the sister) had just written a letter to tell us we better include “her” in everything up there.
Lucy beat all records of stinkiness, twice. (And the second time I didn’t have another extra diaper at that house to change her.)
Lucy was also in her clingy stage and was magnetized to my lap most of the time doing acrobatics over my arms as I was trying to type.
Oh boy it turned out to be pretty funny.
And man oh man it was a rush to send in that manuscript the last time after tons of revisions and re-working that had to be done this Fall.
BUT, in hindsight all the craziness was worth it a hundred times over. It’s been so fun to work with my amazing Mother and I’m so thankful for such a great opportunity and excited about it all. It made for an extra full summer and Fall, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Sooooo, I figured it was time to get the word out.
The book includes 40 really short little “secrets” we’ve learned in motherhood. My Mom writes from her perspective incorporating all her ideas and experience having raised nine kids. My “secrets” are what I’m learning from my perspective “in the trenches.” There are also about 40 pictures from SEP photography included in there.
What I’m saying, I guess, is that I think you’re gonna like this book (especially for the stuff from my mom because let’s be honest, she’s the real writer here)…and maybe your mom, or daughter, or cousin, or sister, or friend would like it too.
Click here for the link with more info.
Bottom line is, I’m SO excited!
I can’t wait to get my hands on this book. I’m so excited. Thank you for your endurance in getting it done for all of us mommies out there to enjoy.
Just ordered it and can’t wait…and so impressed!
Love it!!! Just ordered mine and can’t wait to read it! You constantly inspire me to be a better mother and I can’t thank you enough for that.
I am sooo thrilled!!!!! I can’t wait to order many copies for my family and friends. Shawni — way to go. What a rush!!!!
How exciting! I can’t wait to check out out!
Is there anything you can’t do? I cannot wait to receive my book. I can’t think of anyone better I would like to have advice from.
Thanks! You are amazing!
BTW….would you be willing to sign the ones I purchased?
NO WAY Shawni!! I’m SO impressed and can’t wait to read it. I love all of your parents’ books and can’t wait to have one with YOUR NAME on it. Congrats!! (and hope to see you next week!) Darcy
That is so cool Shawni! How awesome!
Can’t wait to pick it up!
Wahoo! That is awesome. Cant wait to read it and get inspired.
So excited for you…and ME!
more confirmation…your amazing
I have been awaiting this book as well!!! I am so excited!
Love the log of activities while you were preparing the book — absolutely perfect.
Congratulations to you and your mom! Exciting! I’m excited to read it!
that’s so cool shawni! Congatulations!
We’re so excited for you! Can’t wait to read it.
I’m so excited for you! You and your mother are remarkable women. I’m going to need a signed copy! Hopefully that can be arranged. Meet you at the park?
Wow! Is there anything you don’t do??? Thanks for the comment on my blog. I seriously feel honored cause I admire you so much! I am going to march on down to the rexburg deseret book and get me a copy! I can’t wait to read it. I am sure it will be amazing cause you definitely know how to tell a story (you have a knack for writing) and your pictures are beautiful! Someday I hope you’ll take our next canvas photo!
Shawni that is so awesome! Congratulations! I will have to order it!
Your trip to Utah looked like a lot of fun too! Loved the skiing pics!
where do you find the time…i can’t wait to get mine, i’ll have to wait until May for my birthday gift tho. Yippee. Can’t wait.
Congratulations to you! You should be excited!
Perfect timing for Mother’s Day! I’ll go get one for the mother and mother in law..extra surprise…their grandson is in it!!!! Shhhh I won’t tell them and let them figure it out when they see it. Thanks Shawni.
Are you lucky to have all these loyal friends or what? I am so blessed to have been able to pull this off with you. That was one crazy summer! FUN! I do have to say that your spectacular stories and fabulous photography really make the book!
Love you! Mom
OH how exciting!!!!!!
🙂
Shawni, I am finally getting around to checking in on a few of my favorite blogs and loved catching up on your never-ending action! What a lot you have going on in your life! All great stuff with loads of opportunities to grow. Cool about your book! Three cheers for you and your cute mom! Darcie
What a huge accomplishment. I hope one of your “secrets” is how to squeeze 30 hours of work into 24hours in a day. You are amazing and inspire us all.
I’m excited to read it!
Thank you for taking a minute to read about our special needs kiddo, Cole. I know you are one busy lady so thanks!
Very cool — I just ordered one! Congratulations — I’d get a rush if I were you, too!
It’s one of my secret dreams…..to see my name in print. Until then, I’ll live vicariously through you.
Congrats! Can’t wait to check it out!
Congratulations! It looks beautiful and I can’t wait to get a copy!
can’t wait to get my hands on this little beauty- great mother’s day gifts- just ordered a bunch! What DON’T you do girl? You continue to amaze we with all you juggle in your life. Keep inspiring me with your talents.
Man oh man and boy howdy that’s awesome. I’m one of the lucky ones who have already seen it, and it’s BEAUTIFUL!
I am sure I will love it – I can’t wait to see it in real life. That is pretty fast to have just started writing it last summer!