moms night out

May 16, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 1 Comment

Take Time for Friends | No More Frumpy Mommy ‘Moms’ Night Out’ Challenge Day 5

Want to win $200 or tickets to see Moms’ Night Out (plus copies of Moms’ Night Out [the novelization] and Moms’ Night Out and other things i miss)? Keep reading!

This post is part of the No More Frumpy Mommy Moms’ Night Out Challenge, happening now through May 22. YOU can join, too! You might win $200 or tickets to see Moms’ Night Out if you participate! Are you participating and want to leave your link to today’s challenge? Read through this post, then link up at the bottom! Here are the other challenges:

Easy Hair by Tricia Goyer — What’s your secret to easy, no-fuss hair?
How to Get to Church on Time (with Kids) by Tricia Goyer — What tips do you have for getting your family to church on time?
A Fast Recipe that Doesn’t Include Chicken Nuggets by Kerri Pomarolli — What’s your go-to, easy recipe?
Fun Ways to Exercise with Your Kids by Tricia Goyer — How do you involve your kids in your exercise routine?
Take Time for Mom-Friends by Kerri Pomarolli — What’s your favorite way to spend time with your mom-friends?
Simple Makeup for Busy Moms by Tricia Goyer — What are your favorite tips for no-fuss makeup?
A Fast Recipe that Doesn’t Involve Fish Sticks by Tricia Goyer — Share your easy, go-to recipe for your family!
Quick Cleaning Tips by Kerri Pomarolli — What are your quick cleaning tips for busy moms?
Finding Time to Follow Your Dreams by Tricia Goyer — How do you make time to follow your dreams?

Take Time for Friends by Kerri Pomarolli

People ask me all the time why I became an actress in Hollywood. I didn’t get to sit at the “cool” lunch table in eight grade. It probably started earlier than that, my obsession with fitting in, but the most scarring moment was in the eighth grade cafeteria when Katie Mase ostracized me with deadly words: “There’s no room for you.” Me standing there with my lunch tray of nuggets and everyone staring at me afraid to speak out against their leader’s ordinance. Kerri is not welcome among us!

I, of course, did the mature thing, dropped my lunch, and ran to the girls bathroom to bawling. Katie and other cool girls decided I was not to be seen in their social circles because I was the new girl. Instead of swearing the way they did, they heard me saying ”Peachy Keen Jelly Bean” ( I learned that from Rizzo in Grease). I was fresh out of Christian school and didn’t know how to be “awesome” in their public school rules.

It was the 80s and there was a craze where everyone was wearing these “button shirts” (basically T-shirts with designer labels and buttons sewn on them). In the tradition of Molly Ringwald in Pretty in Pink, I decided to make my own button shirt from a Hanes shirt of my dad’s and buttons I found in my mother’s sewing kit. I felt really cool . . . that is until I walked into school. It was like a bad movie. People stared as I walked down the hall, and the mean girls had no problem letting me know I had made a major fashion catastrophe. I was mortified and wore a cardigan over my creation for the rest of the day. It scarred me.

I can honestly say I never did get over not “being one of the cool” kids in life. I was always different and never really accepted that until I was an adult. But I see now I had to be different to accomplish all that God had for me. No standup comedian had a”blissful childhood.” Where would we get our material?

And when I became a mom I met a group of new mommies. We played Bunco and planned play dates. The problem was the working full-time moms could never attend the play dates and the stay-at-home moms had all the time in the world. I was stuck in the middle. I tried my best to rearrange work to be there at parks and pools. But most of the time I unable to attend. So of course, I stopped getting invited. It wasn’t anyone’s fault. I would hear about it later and be crushed. I lamented to Ron about it and he was understanding. He joked and said, “So you’re upset because you’re not in with the Mommy Mafia?” But this time it was different. I called my friend Claire and talked to her about it. I totally realized that no one in that “cool crowd” was trying to exclude me. It came down to schedules.

I discovered I was better at attending” Bunco” nights without my kids and “Moms’ Night Out” than park days. I have formed some amazing friendships, and I made it work for me. Our kids see each other at preschool or ballet, and I make sure I go out of my way to invite Lucy’s friends over whenever I can. I’ve made it work for me and found peace. It’s been six years with these girls, and I know they’ll be in my life for a long time.

Lucy is my own little “button shirt” firecracker of a girl. She marches to her own drummer and is stronger than I ever was. She dresses like Punky Brewster and refuses to ever match. She’s a leader, not a follower, and I hope she never changes. She did ask me a couple years ago when she had put together one of her fabulous outfits consisting of a fur hat, tank top, and shorts: “Mom, what if the kids don’t think my outfit is cool?” I smiled and said,” Lucy you define cool! If anyone ever says you’re not, they just don’t get it.”

Lucy said, “Yeah, cause they probably need Jesus don’t they? That’s what matters right, Mommy? If they have Jesus in their heart?”

Learn from @KerriPom’s experience in finding time to meet with other moms who understand you:

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I have a few books on sale right now! Generation NeXt Marriage is $2.99. You can also get my four World War II novels in the Liberators Series for $13.99.

Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.

No More Frumpy Mommy Challenge Link-Up

Link your blog post with the corresponding challenge so others can see your progress and I can stop by your blog to give you some encouragement.

To link up your blog, copy the URL of the exact post and paste it below.
To link up to your Facebook status, click on the time of your status, which will send you to your status’ URL. Then copy the URL and paste it below.
To link up a tweet, click on the tweet itself, which will send you to your tweet’s URL. Then copy the URL and paste it below.

May 15, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 7 Comments

Fun Ways to Exercise With Your Kids! | No More Frumpy Mommy ‘Moms’ Night Out’ Challenge Day 4

Want to win $200 or tickets to see Moms’ Night Out (plus copies of Moms’ Night Out [the novelization] and Moms’ Night Out and other things i miss)? Keep reading!

Easy Hair by Tricia Goyer — What’s your secret to easy, no-fuss hair?
How to Get to Church on Time (with Kids) by Tricia Goyer — What tips do you have for getting your family to church on time?
A Fast Recipe that Doesn’t Include Chicken Nuggets by Kerri Pomarolli — What’s your go-to, easy recipe?
Fun Ways to Exercise with Your Kids by Tricia Goyer — How do you involve your kids in your exercise routine?
Take Time for Mom-Friends by Kerri Pomarolli — What’s your favorite way to spend time with your mom-friends?
Simple Makeup for Busy Moms by Tricia Goyer — What are your favorite tips for no-fuss makeup?
A Fast Recipe that Doesn’t Involve Fish Sticks by Tricia Goyer — Share your easy, go-to recipe for your family!
Quick Cleaning Tips by Kerri Pomarolli — What are your quick cleaning tips for busy moms?
Finding Time to Follow Your Dreams by Tricia Goyer — How do you make time to follow your dreams?

Fun Ways to Exercise with Your Kids

Since moving to Little Rock one of our favorite things for John and me to do is bike. There are amazing bicycle trails and beautiful scenery. We biked often when Alyssa was little. She loved riding along on the back of Daddy’s bike.

Then we adopted Bella and Casey, and we couldn’t figure out how to make biking work. They were too big for a bike trailer and too small to ride beside us. (Or so we thought!)

Then, just last month, our little neighbor Presley learned to ride her bike. Not wanting to be outdone, Bella (six) learned to ride without training wheels the next day.

Not wanting to be outdone, Casey (three) learned to ride the day after that.

Not wanting to be outdone (do you see the pattern?), Alyssa (four) learned to ride without training wheels. She’s the most timid of the group, and it took her a week. But amazingly in the course of three weeks, we had three kids who were able to ride the bike trail with us!

The only problem was they needed help to “start.” The couldn’t figure out how to push off without falling. So Daddy gave them some incentive. We took them to one of our favorite bike trails to walk around.

“Once you learn to start by yourselves, we’ll bring you back here to ride,” he told them.

They were motivated!

The kids practiced and it took a few weeks for them to get they hang of it, but they were soon starting on their own. So the next Saturday we headed off to the bike trail. I love the smug look on Alyssa’s face as we prepared to head off. She felt so big!

It was so fun seeing them ride alongside Daddy. We only had a few instances where Casey rode off the trail—mostly because he was watching the other bikers who passed us instead of watching the trail!

Here is a photo of the happy kids! It’s amazing how they turned into bikers overnight!

For our family, biking is our favorite way to exercise. I asked some of my friends for their ideas for fun ways to exercise, too. Here are their ideas!

Play tennis on the Wii. —Diane
We run and bike together. —Tami
In whatever way they enjoy. If it’s a bike, great! If it’s Wii tennis, great! If it’s hiking, great! —Michael
Dancing! Turn on the tunes and boogie! Downhill skiing, scuba diving, surfing, snow shoeing, hiking, rock climbing, skateboarding, swimming, biking, JUMPROPE! —Holly
Elmo has an exercise video. We did it all the time (nine years ago . . . yikes!). —Loretta
Most of my exercise comes from activities with the kids, Just Dance on the Wii, the trampoline, wrestling, walks, and playing on the playground equipment WITH them! —April
My daughter has been participating in the Mighty Milers club at school. She has made us punch cards to run once summer vacation starts. She says when we get 40 miles in—the goal for Mighty Milers—we get an ice cream cone. She is hardcore for a kindergartner! —Alyson
Trampolining. —Catherine
We take them hiking. We wear or push the smaller ones. Or I have put them on bikes and walked fast along side them. —Martha
There are tons of videos I came across on YouTube for baby wearers. Awesome stuff. —Kristen
I meet up with a friend, and we do “gym class”-style workouts (jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups) while our kids play on the playground. Between us there are four kids between five and nine. Sometimes they exercise with us. At most we use a yoga mat and light weights. —Gretchen
The Family Time Fitness program is fun. Plus counts as PE for homeschoolers! —Teisha
Swimming is fun. They like to ride bikes or scooters while the parents walk. Skating is fun too. —Cheryl
We go biking ALL the time. We also do homeschool at the park; we’ll do a bit of school, then do something crazy like run three times around the playground or jump 100 times, then a bit of school, then lunges. It’s fun. —Erin
Play tag and then do a seven-minute dance party in the morning to Mandisa’s “Good Morning” and “Beautiful Day” by Jamie Grace. —Molly
Pick up the yard like a scavenger hunt. We see who fills their pail. It’s easy on the farm, with broken scrap pails, bits of paper, broken sandbox toys, flyaway bags, doggy shreds, sticks and branches to put over to the fire pit area, wayward toys, etc. Then a good ole game of tag. —Natalie
Geocaching. We’ve done this with our children since they were infants. They call it “treasure hunting,” and they love it! —Amanda
I found a fun way to exercise with my grandchildren when they were younger. I would play “March” music, give each if them a shaker, a bongo drum, or a tambourine, and we would line up and march around the house letting them take turns leading. They wore me out because they never wanted to stop! —Loretta

What about you? What is your favorite way to exercise with kids?

Do double duty! Find time to exercise WITH your kids with these tips from @TriciaGoyer:

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I have a few books on sale right now! Generation NeXt Marriage is $2.99. You can also get my four World War II novels in the Liberators Series for $13.99.

Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.

No More Frumpy Mommy Challenge Link-Up

Link your blog post with the corresponding challenge so others can see your progress and I can stop by your blog to give you some encouragement.

To link up your blog, copy the URL of the exact post and paste it below.
To link up to your Facebook status, click on the time of your status, which will send you to your status’ URL. Then copy the URL and paste it below.
To link up a tweet, click on the tweet itself, which will send you to your tweet’s URL. Then copy the URL and paste it below.

May 14, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 5 Comments

A Fast Recipe that Doesn’t Include Chicken Nuggets | No More Frumpy Mommy ‘Moms’ Night Out’ Challenge Day 3

Want to win $200 or tickets to see Moms’ Night Out (plus copies of Moms’ Night Out [the novelization] and Moms’ Night Out and other things i miss)? Keep reading!

This post (by my funny friend and fellow author Kerri Pomarolli) is part of the No More Frumpy Mommy Moms’ Night Out Challenge, happening now through May 22. YOU can join, too! You might win $200 or tickets to see Moms’ Night Out if you participate! Are you participating and want to leave your link to today’s challenge? Read through this post, then link up at the bottom! Here are the other challenges:

Easy Hair by Tricia Goyer — What’s your secret to easy, no-fuss hair?
How to Get to Church on Time (with Kids) by Tricia Goyer — What tips do you have for getting your family to church on time?
A Fast Recipe that Doesn’t Include Chicken Nuggets by Kerri Pomarolli — What’s your go-to, easy recipe?
Fun Ways to Exercise with Your Kids by Tricia Goyer — How do you involve your kids in your exercise routine?
Take Time for Mom-Friends by Kerri Pomarolli — What’s your favorite way to spend time with your mom-friends?
Simple Makeup for Busy Moms by Tricia Goyer — What are your favorite tips for no-fuss makeup?
A Fast Recipe that Doesn’t Involve Fish Sticks by Tricia Goyer — Share your easy, go-to recipe for your family!
Quick Cleaning Tips by Kerri Pomarolli — What are your quick cleaning tips for busy moms?
Finding Time to Follow Your Dreams by Tricia Goyer — How do you make time to follow your dreams?

A Fast Recipe that Doesn’t Include Chicken Nuggets By Kerri Pomarolli

This is a family favorite from my grandmother’s cookbook in Alabama. I don’t cook, but when my mom does everyone comes running! Maybe I’ll try this someday because it’s so yummy and I think I could actually do it! I’ve always wanted to say I made a pie.

Chocolate Pie

1 cup sugar
3 eggs
3 tbsp cornstarch or flour
2 tbsp butter
2 heaping tspoon cocoa
1 tsp.vanilla
1/3 tsp salt

Beat the eggs, sugar and salt together add cornstarch and butter,
Cook until thick and smooth.
Pour in cooked pie crust. Beat egg whites until stiff adding at least 3 tablespoons sugar. Put on top of pie and bake in slow oven until brown.

Then eat and be fabulous!

Don’t have time to cook? Think again! Check out this easy dessert recipe from @KerriPom:

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I have a few books on sale right now! Generation NeXt Marriage is $2.99. You can also get my four World War II novels in the Liberators Series for $13.99.

Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.

No More Frumpy Mommy Challenge Link-Up

Link your blog post with the corresponding challenge so others can see your progress and I can stop by your blog to give you some encouragement.

To link up your blog, copy the URL of the exact post and paste it below.
To link up to your Facebook status, click on the time of your status, which will send you to your status’ URL. Then copy the URL and paste it below.
To link up a tweet, click on the tweet itself, which will send you to your tweet’s URL. Then copy the URL and paste it below.

May 13, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 4 Comments

How to Get to Church on Time (with Kids) | No More Frumpy Mommy ‘Moms’ Night Out’ Challenge Day 2

Want to win $200 or tickets to see Moms’ Night Out (plus copies of Moms’ Night Out [the novelization] and Moms’ Night Out and other things i miss)? Keep reading!

This post is part of the No More Frumpy Mommy Moms’ Night Out Challenge, happening now through May 22. YOU can join, too! You might win $200 or tickets to see Moms’ Night Out if you participate! Are you participating and want to leave your link to today’s challenge? Read through this post, then link up at the bottom! Here are the challenges:

Easy Hair by Tricia Goyer — What’s your secret to easy, no-fuss hair?
How to Get to Church on Time (with Kids) by Tricia Goyer — What tips do you have for getting your family to church on time?
A Fast Recipe that Doesn’t Include Chicken Nuggets by Kerri Pomarolli — What’s your go-to, easy recipe?
Fun Ways to Exercise with Your Kids by Tricia Goyer — How do you involve your kids in your exercise routine?
Take Time for Mom-Friends by Kerri Pomarolli — What’s your favorite way to spend time with your mom-friends?
Simple Makeup for Busy Moms by Tricia Goyer — What are your favorite tips for no-fuss makeup?
A Fast Recipe that Doesn’t Involve Fish Sticks by Tricia Goyer — Share your easy, go-to recipe for your family!
Quick Cleaning Tips by Kerri Pomarolli — What are your quick cleaning tips for busy moms?
Finding Time to Follow Your Dreams by Tricia Goyer — How do you make time to follow your dreams?

How to Get to Church on Time . . . with Kids

I don’t know about you but Sundays are always a struggle for me. It’s hard to get to church . . . on time.

Currently, I’m not only getting myself ready. I have three little kids ages six, four, and three, and then there’s my grandma to help, too. Why are we late? I underestimate the time it takes to get everyone ready. (And I won’t comment about my husband and young adult son who we need to get into the car, too. A-hem.)

So, I decided to ask some of my friends to give me their best advice. Here are 17 tips!

1. I’ve had this conversation before with friends. Why is it we make sure we get the kids to school on time or can wake up super early and be excited for a flight or getting into Disneyland early? We should be just as excited for church. But yes, I get myself ready first and then the kids get up. My husband is usually already gone as he helps in the children’s ministry and if we ever have to the kids eat in the car. It’s a twenty-minute drive. —Crystal

2. Prioritize it! Get to bed early and prep the clothes and breakfast in advance. —Gabrielle

3. Wake up early, get yourself ready, start waking everyone else up, begin breakfast—then fix the children’s hair! —Linda

4. Get up earlier than you think you need to. —Stephanie

5. Go to the late service. Ours is at 1:00 p.m. —Debbie

6. Plan an extra hour for getting ready, just in case of diaper blowouts and big kid meltdowns. —Kathryn

7. Lay clothes out the night before and use prepared breakfast (like bags or bowls of cereal already fixed/and/or crockpot breakfasts). Make sure Bibles are laid out and whatever else is needed for ministry, etc. OR even go ahead and put them in the car the evening before. Shower the night before so that the only things you need to do are eat breakfast and dress. No TV, no electronics, etc. Make sure you let the kids take ownership in this. As long as they have ownership, they are more likely to participate and participate joyfully! —Laura

8. Dry cereal for breakfast in a snack trap, and I get myself ready first. Daddy brushes girls’ hair and I fix it. I pick out the clothes and he helps dress them. Teamwork! —Sarah

9. Getting everything together the night before, even trying clothes on to make sure they still fit. For some reason kids grow fast from one Sunday to the next, leaving you with high-water pants if you are not careful! —Sharla

10. Watch Moms’ Night Out‘!!! There is no such thing, something will mess it up. Loved that movie. —Anita

11. I’ll share the funniest tip I ever heard. Years ago I was a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) leader. One mom had three sons under five and attended our church. Her boys were always picture-perfect every Sunday. I had three boys, too, who were a bit older, but we always managed to arrive without someone’s shoes or breakfast on a least one shirt. Her secret? She proudly informed us, “I put them all in the dry tub naked, give them dry bowls of sugar sweetened ‘Sunday cereal’ so they don’t drop a bit, and then dress them one by one and load them straight into the car.” A bit extreme for me, but then it did seem to work! —Allison

12. A pastor’s wife told me one time she would let her little ones sleep in their clothes. —Gwyn

13. There were four of us girls to get ready—and I remember Mama setting out everything the night before—even tucked our offering envelopes into those white patent shoes. —Mitzi

14. Clothes picked out the day or night before, tote bags with Bible ready by the door, even having part of breakfast ready the night before (i.e. cereal already decided upon and in the bowl, breakfast table already set, muffins already made, etc.), showered and bathed before bed (even if you are in the habit of doing it in the morning, this one day will be the exception), and one of the biggest things that helped us in our household . . . early bedtimes. Friday nights were the only nights they were allowed to stay up late. —Diana

15. I pick out clothes the night before. Since we have food allergies, when I’m on top of it, I also get their snacks ready the night before. —Jenny

16. We used to try to be ready early so we could sit around the living room discussing last week’s sermon and singing some hymns together. —Jill

17. Bribery works well. Get ready on time, and we’ll go to the donut shop. –Cheri

I love these and I have some new ideas for Sunday! What about you? What’s your best advice?

Have trouble getting your family to church on time? Here are 17 tips from @TriciaGoyer and friends:

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I have a few books on sale right now! Generation NeXt Marriage is $2.99. You can also get my four World War II novels in the Liberators Series for $13.99.

Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.

No More Frumpy Mommy Challenge Link-Up

Link your blog post with the corresponding challenge so others can see your progress and I can stop by your blog to give you some encouragement.

To link up your blog, copy the URL of the exact post and paste it below.
To link up to your Facebook status, click on the time of your status, which will send you to your status’ URL. Then copy the URL and paste it below.
To link up a tweet, click on the tweet itself, which will send you to your tweet’s URL. Then copy the URL and paste it below.

May 7, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 33 Comments

5 Things I Learned from Writing ‘Moms’ Night Out’

Do you have a dream that you don’t dwell on long because the idea of it coming true seems so unattainable? I’ve had a dream like that. It’s seeing one of my novels make it to the big screen, and on May 9th that’ll be happening!

Well, to clarify, I wrote the novelization of Moms’ Night Out. That means they sent me an “almost complete” copy of the movie, and I wrote a novel from it. Yet even though I didn’t come up with the concept, there so much of “me” in this book. And more that what I gave to the project, I’m blessed by what I was given, too.

Here are 5 Things I Learned from Writing Moms’ Night Out

1. Sometimes God gives you the desires of your heart even when they don’t look like what you think they do. Writing this book made me feel special. It’s as if God knew how much I’d love this project, and He honored me with it. He showed me He knows my heart even better than I do. He knew what would bring me great joy.

2. Sometimes God uses past struggles to encourage people we’ll never meet. The main characters of Moms’ Night Out are a teen mom, a ministry mom, and an overwhelmed mom. I’ve been all three! How crazy that I was able to share the struggles and journeys of each of these characters, mainly because they were my story, too.

3. Sometimes fictional stories hit our hearts deep. I’m not too proud to admit that I cried in this movie a number of times. Yes, it’s a comedy, but there are also heart messages that hit deep. The most important one is, “Mom, you are enough.” I’m getting teared up just thinking about it.

4. Sometimes you think a project is about one thing, but it’s actually about something else. Yes, I loved working on this book, but the new friends I’ve made along the way are amazing! Because of working on this project I’ve found heart-friends that I won’t trade for anything. (I’m pointing at YOU, Kerri Pomarolli!) I’ve often found that the people I get to work with are a bonus beyond the projects! Have you found the same?

5. Sometimes moms need a break . . . and they just need someone to get the ball rolling for the fun to start. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve just gone out with mom-friends. After watching this movie, I realized I needed to do this more. I might have gone a little over the top because I’ve rented a whole theater for my girlfriends to watch Moms’ Night Out with me. (A little over the top.) All I can say is that it’ll be great to be surrounded by 148 dear ladies (and a few brave gentlemen). And no popcorn fights, please!

What about you? Do you need time out with friends? I highly recommend Moms’ Night Out, to be released on May 9. (Find a theater near you, here.)

Also, friend, don’t be afraid to talk to God about the desires of your heart. Yes, there are some things that seem over-the-top, but I’m discover a God who loves to bless His daughters. Turn to Him with your desires and see what HE can do!

What did @TriciaGoyer learn from writing the novelization of @MNOMovie? Find out!

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Read the original post, plus other awesome posts, over on The Better Mom!

Leave a comment below and tell me about what you’d like to do during a time out with your mom-friends, and I’ll give one person a copy of my new book, Moms’ Night Out!

Steps You Can Take

Take a few minutes to call, text, or email your mom-friends!
Set a date for your own moms’ night out.
Bonus points if you make it to the weekend opening of Moms’ Night Out!

Daily Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for placing in my heart these desires; I know that wanting to spend time away from my children does not make me a bad mom. It just means I need some time to refresh and recharge. Help me to make time to do this.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Resources You Might Like:

Moms’ Night Out by Tricia Goyer
Moms’ Night Out and Other Things I Miss: Devotions to Help You Survive by Kerri Pomarolli

I have a few books on sale right now! Generation NeXt Marriage is $2.99. You can also get my four World War II novels in the Liberators Series for $13.99.

Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.

May 6, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 2 Comments

Behind the Scenes of the Moms’ Night Out ~ AFTER PARTY!

Ever want to know what happens behind the scenes at a movie premiere? A few days ago I got to experience just that!

If you missed Part 1 of Behind the Scenes of the Moms’ Night Out Premiere, you can read it here.

Part 2 is here. Part 3 is here.

So how did I get asked to be part of a Hollywood premiere?

In December I was asked to write the novelization of Moms’ Night Out. Here is the book with, like, the best cover ever! —> And take note of my name on the front!

I’ve been eager to tell you about the after party. When I got the invitation and saw that there was going to be one I literally squealed. It seemed so cool and “Hollywood” … something my everyday life is NOT!

Before I go into details, though, I have to tell you that I’m a novelist at heart. My fiction-writing self took it ALL in–the gathering at the Roosevelt, the car ride, the red carpet, the emotions coursing through me at the premiere itself. And I was especially taking notes as the movie ended and the movement to the after party began.

5 Things that Stick in My Thoughts

+ My 3 Favorite People

Things I remember …

1. Our “handler” was there, guiding is the right way. I’m so glad there was someone to tell me where to go and what to do!

2. We were given wrist bands to wear. I thought they were for admittance to the after party. NOT! They were admittance into the VIP area.

3. There is a secret passageway between the TCL Theatre and Lucky Strikes bowling alley where the after party was held. It was guarded by men in suits. (I’m NOT making this up!) As I walked those halls I was wondering who else had walked that same secret hallway. My mind was racing at the thought.

4. It’s hard hanging out in a VIP area when you don’t know most of the people. The actors and producers and such knew each other. People often looked at us as if to say, “Who are you?” Everyone got super excited when I talked about the novelization, though, and John and I had some nice conversations.

5. The VIP area was PACKED! And loud. And one could hardly move. It was literally “rubbing elbows” with famous people.

I did have a few favorite people I talked to though.

Favorite Person #1 Manwell Reyes. Manwell plays “tattoo parlor guy” in the movie, and I have to admit he’s one of my favorite characters. Mostly because he is GENIUS. How do I know? I had the script & I watched the movie, and nothing he said/did is in the script. I asked him about it.

Me: I wanted to meet you because what you did on film was amazing. I know what’s in the script, and all that was all YOU.

Manwell: Yeah, they let me just do my thing, man. It was cool. We had a fun time. I’m thankful they let me do that.

The premiere was the first time Manwell got to see the whole movie, and he loved it! We chatted with Manwell for a while, and later he helped John in the food line as John was trying to balance two plates. And before he left Manwell came over and shook our hands, telling us he enjoyed meeting us. An outstanding guy. And, yes, I did by this Group 1 Crew album.

Manwell is part of Group 1 Crew, and you can read about that here. He’s married to Angelah Johnson who also plays a fantastic part in the movie! Here is Angelah and Manwell on the Red Carpet.

Favorite Person #2 Sheila Erwin

While standing in line, waiting for my ride to the theater I overheard someone pointing out a a woman who walked by, “That’s Jon and Andy’s mom.” Jon and Andy Erwin are the brothers who directed Moms’ Night Out. Jon also co-write the movie.

The week prior I’d read an interview with Jon and I knew that Sheila Erwin had homeschooled her sons. I made a mental note to introduce myself if I had the chance.

The chance came when I was in the VIP section of the after party.

“From one homeschooling mom to another I just have to tell you how much of an inspiration you are to me,” I said. (Okay, the truth is I’m pretty sure I gushed.)

The Erwin brothers are a perfect example of the type of men we homeschooling mamas want to raise up. Men who will use their talents to impact their world for the glory of God. I’m so thankful that Sheila homeschooled in a time when it wasn’t very popular … which made her one of my favorite people.

Favorite Person #3 Mandii Erwin

Also in the VIP room I had a chance to talk to Mandii Ervin, Andy’s wife. Even before I met her in person I knew I wanted to. Why? Because behind every great man is a great woman. I have no doubt that her influence is in every part of this movie.

Moms’ Night Out happened because of the real-life moms in these men’s lives. And it also happened because of wives who believed in their men–an inspiration to us all!

I’m bummed that Mandii and I didn’t get a photo together, but isn’t she pretty?

I also had a chance to talk to some of my favorite blogger/author friends … but I’ll save that for the next post!

How about you? Who have you been thankful to meet recently?

May 5, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 14 Comments

Behind the Scenes of the Moms’ Night Out Premiere, Part 3

Ever want to know what happens behind the scenes at a movie premiere? A few days ago I got to experience just that!

If you missed Part 1 of Behind the Scenes of the Moms’ Night Out Premiere, you can read it here.

If you missed Part 2, read it here.

So how did I get asked to be part of a Hollywood premiere?

In December I was asked to write the novelization of Moms’ Night Out. Here is the book with, like, the best cover ever! —> And take note of my name on the front!

John and I have been to the TCL Chinese theater before. We went on vacation in 2009, but never would I have dreamed that five years later I would have been there for a movie premiere.

When we entered we were given tickets to assigned seats and we were ushered to the counter where sodas and popcorn was waiting. “Is this free?” I asked. It was!

We found out seats, and then the stars started trickling in. It’s something crazy when Trace Atkins pauses to have his photo taken three feet away.

I had many friends who were attending, so once we knew where our seats were we went to find them.

This is a photo of my friends Guy and Amber Lia. They have a production company, Storehouse Media, and have optioned many of my books. (ie They are trying to get them made into movies!) Guy, Amber, and I actually had a meeting with Hallmark earlier in the day, but that’s for another blog.

Aren’t they gorgeous?!

Guy, Amber, and I also connected with Logan Wolfram and Sarah Mae! Here we are chatting. (Girls, we totally should have posed!)

This is what it looked like inside the theater. If you follow that walkway around then John and I were sitting in the first, far row next to the stairs.

After a while the empty seat next to me was filled. By him:

Harry Shum Jr. plays Joey in Moms’ Night Out. I love his character! Here he is performing on Glee!

But I didn’t get to chat with Harry long. He and his fiance were taken to new seats. Hmm, who is going to really sit there? Two sodas and a popcorn were put there, and we were told, “Don’t let anyone sit there.”

I knew it had to be a special guest. It was! It was this guy: Alex Kendrick and his lovely daughter!

We only had 30 seconds to chat with Alex before the movie started, but he was kind and genuine. Just as I expected him to be.

I have to admit I was nervous sitting next to him during the movie … a real star! 🙂 But it was a blast watching the movie with all those who’ve invested so much in it. I felt so honored to be part of that group of talented, godly people.

It was also awesome to see the movie in its final, edited version. I’d spent a lot of time watching an earlier copy, and the final version looks amazing!

As the movie ended, I got a nervous feeling in my stomach, and I wondered if my name was going to be on the screen in the credits. It was!! I was so excited that I forgot to take a photo, but watch for it!

Overall, I’d say being part of that premiere is one of the highlights of my career. The people who worked on this project love God and have a passion for family-friendly media. Their hearts really shine. I’m praying even more that this movie will be a success so that others like it will be able to follow!

As a bonus, here’s a short video clip from the Premiere!

Post by Moms’ Night Out.

What about you? Who would you want to sit next to at a movie?

May 2, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 15 Comments

Behind the Scenes of the Moms’ Night Out Premiere (Part 2)

Ever want to know what happens behind the scenes at a movie premiere? Just a few days ago I got to experience just that!

If you missed the Part 1 of Behind the Scenes of the Moms’ Night Out Premiere, you can read it here.

So how did I get asked to be part of a Hollywood Premiere?

In December I was asked to write the novelization of Moms’ Night Out. What’s a novelization? Basically, I watched the movie (over and over again) and turned it into a book! It was such a great movie that I loved every minute of it.

Here is the book with, like, the best cover ever! —> And take note of my name on the front!

I couldn’t have been more pleased to share a ride to the TCL Chinese Theater with the screenwriter of Moms’ Night Out Andrea Nasfell.

Here is a photo of me and Andrea:

OK, that might be jumping a little ahead of ourselves.

Here is a photo of me and Andrea on the way to the premiere of Moms’ Night Out:

I’ve connected with Andrea a little over Facebook and Twitter, and she’s amazing! I can’t wait to see what she’s working on next!

When we got to the Red Carpet (<–deserves to be capitalized) there was what my husband called our “handler” waiting. Albert was there to lead me down the Red Carpet, and he did a fine job!

I posed for photographers, and I’m trying to get the “official” photos for those.

(They have this sweet girl labeled as Tricia Goyer. Maybe if I found the fountain of youth!!)

I posed for my husband, too. (That is my “handler” on the left.)

Then Albert took a photo of John and me!

Then I thought I was done, but no. Instead, I was interviewed!! I wasn’t expecting this, but it was fun. I talked about the novelization and what it was like writing it. Interviewers asked me about my other books and my kids. It was so easy to talk about all of it!

Everything was such a blur, but I was interviewed by 6–8 people with microphones and video cameras. I wished I would have paid better attention to who was interviewing me. John said one of the was CNN! (I also wish I could find a video clip online—let me know if you find one!)

Thankfully, my dear friend Tracey Eyster captured a shot!

Oh, there is so much more to tell! I’m just getting started!

Here are a few more things that I’ll share on upcoming blogs:

The inside of the theater and WHO I sat next to.
The after party at Lucky Strikes.
The privileges of a VIP Guest.
The three favorite people I met! (The list may surprise you.)
Red Carpet fashion
and more . . .

But until I can get to that, here are some more Red Carpet photos for you to enjoy! (These are taken from the Moms’ Night Out Facebook page. If you have not LIKED the page, please do!)

What about you? Which one of these actors would you like to meet? Leave a comment!

May 1, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 24 Comments

Behind the Scenes of the Moms’ Night Out Premiere (Part 1)

In December I was asked to write the novelization of Moms’ Night Out. What’s a novelization? Basically, I watched the movie (over and over again) and turned it into a book! It was such a great movie that I loved every minute of it. (Don’t tell my editor, Dawn, but it almost didn’t feel like work.)

Here is the book with, like, the best cover ever! —> And take note of my name on the front!

And, because I had a chance to write the novelization, I also got invited to WALK THE RED CARPET for the premiere. (Yes, those words do deserve all caps!)

To say the Moms’ Night Out Premiere was a dream come true isn’t really accurate, because honestly I never really dreamed that BIG. Even in the weeks leading up to the event I did poorly when it came to my expectations.

What did I expect?

1. To find a friend to drive John and I to the red carpet.

2. To get out. To have people say, “Who is she?” To snap one photo, and then to usher me inside.

3. To see some of the stars from afar.

4. To spend most of the time chatting with some awesome blogger mamas who I knew would be there. (Which I was REALLY looking forward to.)

5. To go to the After Party and continue to watch the actors from afar.

6. To go home completely happy.

What did I get? SOOOOO much more!

The Big Deal

A few days before I left for Hollywood I received a detailed account of how the Red Carpet would play out. It was timed in great detail. I was impressed! Here is a glimpse of that:

Yes, my name is listed among the likes of Patricia Heaton, David Hunt, Sarah Drew, Sean Astin, Alex Kendrick, and Kevin Downes. Um, just a little giddy over that.

Farther down in the email was a list of all the talent would would be there:

The list went on.

My name was a little lower on the list …

But I’m not complaining! I’m listed as TALENT!

Our instructions were to gather at the Roosevelt Hotel. (I hope I’m not giving away an industry secrets by sharing this information!!)

John and I were earlier because we were so worried about traffic and being late. When we entered the first one we can was Trace Atkins and others striding through the lobby. He’s so tall, and the excitement of the day was starting to hit me. Maybe my heartbeat quickened just a little. Later, I saw him taking photos with the contest winners:

In the lobby familiar faces began showing up. In addition to Trace, we saw the cute kids who played Brandon and Bailey with their moms. Little “Bailey” squealed as she twirled in her pretty pink dress. “This is my first time wearing high heels.” (I tried to get a photo of them, but they were bouncing around and the shot is blurry.)

John and I chatted with some of those gathered. And then some of the “big names” showed up, and the “vibe” of the room changed. Even though no one was staring, glances were being shot at actors like Sarah Drew, Kevin Downes, and Abbie Cobb who were walking around. And, of course, the energy “pumped” up when Andy and Jon Erwin showed up! It’s funny, but when you’re in a room like that you “know” where everyone is and who everyone is talking to even if you’re not gawking or staring. (I tried not to do either!)

As we talked with some of the actors and producers, I didn’t want to be one of “those people” so I didn’t take any photos. So here are their faces … just picture them mingling, all dressed up. (Don’t worry, I did get some photos at the After Party!)

Are these cool folks, or what?!

Finally, it was my turn to ride over to the Red Carpet. The photo at the top of this post is me right as I was climbing into the car that would take us to the Red Carpet. Do I look a little happy here?

Tomorrow, I’ll share more of what it was like on the Red Carpet itself. Leave it to a novelist to turn this event into a saga!

What would you find most exciting about a Red Carpet event?

If you want to read Part 2 of my adventures, go here.

April 12, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 2 Comments

Life in the Midst of Writing a Novelization

We are two weeks away from release day for the novelization of Moms’ Night Out, available April 22!

People ask me how books are written. Well . . . the novelization for Moms’ Night Out was written as I sat in the front of a twelve-passenger van WITH my whole family inside, as we headed for a research trip to Amish country and Disneyworld!

No, I don’t normally write books from the front seat of a twelve-passenger van. (I have written books on other long trips before!) But for Christmas, we decided that instead of giving everyone a ton of gifts, we’d go to Disneyworld. EVERYONE meant:

My married son, my lovely daughter-in-law, and my two grandkids ages two and four months,
My missionary daughter, on home for Christmas from the Czech Republic,
My college-age son,
Our three little kids ages six, three, and three at the time,
My husband and me!

The life of a #writer: a 12-passenger van, vacation, and a novelization! @TriciaGoyer

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Yes, you have that right . . . I wrote a book about being an overwhelmed mom while driving twenty hours in a van with FIVE children ages six and under! Why this worked:

I didn’t have to be “in the mood” for the book. I was an overwhelmed mom!
I was in the front seat. And I put in my earbuds to watch the movie. (Peace!)
I didn’t have to worry about the dishes, laundry, dog, my Grandma, cooking dinner, getting the mail, going to the store, putting away decorations.
It is an amazing movie and so FUN!

If I were to write a movie about our trip, there were a few “scenes” that stood out:

Find out what scenes I’d write a movie about from our trip by clicking HERE.

I have a few books on sale right now! The Swiss Courier and Chasing Mona Lisa are only $1.99! The Promise Box is only $3.99! And Generation NeXt Marriage is $2.99. You can also get my four World War II novels in the Liberators Series for $13.99.

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April 4, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 4 Comments

Writing a Novelization: Behind the Scenes from “Movie to Book”

In December I received an unexpected phone call from my agent. Would I be interested in writing a novelization of a movie?

“What movie?” I asked.

“Moms’ Night Out.” I could hear the smile in her voice.

“Moms’ Night Out? Really?!” I was just a little excited. I’d seen the trailer at a recent blogger conference, and it looked really good.

Trailer:

I liked the concept of the movie, mostly because it reminded me of my life.

Moms’ Night Out is an endearing true-to-life family comedy that celebrates the beautiful mess called parenting. The movie stars Sarah Drew, Sean Astin, Patricia Heaton, and Trace Adkins. It opens in theaters May 9.

It’s about mothering. It’s about the mess of mothering. It’s about friendships and relationships. It’s about life—my life.

Obstacles

Of course I wanted to work on this project but there were just a few obstacles:

I had a non-fiction book for teen moms I needed to finish.
Christmas.
A family vacation to DisneyWorld.

I wanted to write the novelization, but I was worried I wouldn’t have enough time. Yet as John and I both prayed, we felt that God would make a way. We both had a sense that this was a project I had to do. So I said, “Yes.”

What’s it like to write the novelization of a movie? @TriciaGoyer shares her experience!

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The Process

I fell in love with the movie the first time I saw it. It was great. Really great! Then I got to work. How?

Read the rest of this post on Writes of Passage!

I have a few books on sale right now! Chasing Mona Lisa is only $1.99! The Promise Box is only $3.99! My Big Sky series is also on sale for $6 (each book is $1.99)!

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