That’s not the best part of what happened though.Ī couple of weeks later I could not find my doll anywhere. Christmas morning arrived, and there was my doll. I’m sure Mother reminded me frequently of my promise to Santa. And I tried as hard as my four-year-old self could try. It had a pull string and said five or six phrases. I don’t remember the conversation well, but I do remember asking him for a Chatty Patty. You know that pillow that says, “Dear Santa, I can explain…” That was me at that moment. The phone rang and Mother said that Santa Clause was on the phone. One morning, my brother and I were being particularly ornery. We were very poor, and I don’t know how my mother managed to provide for us, let alone purchase Christmas gifts. LDSWBR: What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?īETSY: When I was four, my mother was divorced and we lived with my Aunt Betty in the house my grandfather built. (I’d like the whole set, but if it could only be one book, then this would be it.) LDSWBR: If you could find one book under the tree this year, what would it be?īETSY: The Book of Mormon for Latter-Day Saint Families. I think I just have the plot for my Christmas story! I have great singers in my family, just getting them to sing together–well, one can still dream. Okay, it’s probably more of a fantasy than reality. But since we know that authors don’t make a whole lot, then I’d like to visit every house on my street bearing a Christmas goody and sing a well harmonized Christmas Carol.

LDSWBR: What Christmas-related activity would you like to do this year that you have never done before?īETSY: If money were no object, I’d love to travel with my family to the Holy Land to see the birthplace of my Savior. You can always email her with feedback at with Betsy: Writing BLOG | Identity BLOG | Journaling BLOG | Soulfire BLOG | Twitter | Facebook She is the proud grandmother of 14 of the most adorable grandkids anywhere. Her greatest inspiration and cheerleader is her husband of almost 35 years. As a former high school English/theater teacher, Betsy uses her knowledge of writing and drama to create tales for both youth and adults. If she’s not at her keyboard pounding out her latest story, she is plotting her next one, or in deep conversation with one of her characters. After all, she did raise 8 teenagers, no small task when you consider most of them were rowdy boys. Don’t ever tell this Pioneer descendant it can’t be done, or she just may try to prove you wrong–provided she’s not too tired. Betsy Love is a stubborn gal from a long line of stubborn women.

That's The Spirit by Lani Woodland