Writing about life, motherhood, disability advocacy and more.

Children’s Book Cover Reveal!

Monday, July 16, 2018

You guys, I’m so excited to get to share a little sneak peek of the book with you today. For those of you who are new here, I wrote a children’s book and it is getting published by the wonderful Beaming Books! The book is set to be released March 2019. Are you ready? Not only do you...

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MCJuly 16, 2018 - 2:44 pm
SO COOLReplyCancel
- MigonJuly 16, 2018 - 4:47 pm
  I think so too!ReplyCancel
Kirsten LoveJuly 16, 2018 - 3:56 pm
Love, love, love it! Retro/modern, clean style… perfection! Can’t wait to buy it for my kids and all the nieces and nephews. ReplyCancel
- MigonJuly 16, 2018 - 4:48 pm
  Yes! That's what I love about it as well…modern, but with that retro vibe. (How does she do that?) Thanks for the love. ReplyCancel
AllisonJuly 16, 2018 - 5:36 pm
this is so exciting! cant wait to buy it! congrats!!!
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- MigonJuly 16, 2018 - 5:56 pm
  I can't wait for you to buy it either! hahaReplyCancel
Rebekah TaussigJuly 16, 2018 - 5:37 pm
This is amazing!!! I love it more than I knew I could (and I expected to love it a lot)! The title, the artwork, the little smiles on each kids’ face, the ease with which each seems to inhabit their own bodies — stunning!! This feels so right and good 🙂 🙂 <3ReplyCancel
- MigonJuly 16, 2018 - 5:56 pm
  Thank you Rebekah! That means a lot to me.
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UnknownJuly 16, 2018 - 5:54 pm
I'm so so so so so so excited for you. The cover is beautiful and perfect. ReplyCancel
- UnknownJuly 16, 2018 - 5:55 pm
  (It's Jen from Born Just Right BTW)ReplyCancel
- MigonJuly 16, 2018 - 5:56 pm
  Thanks Friend!!
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~Dawn~July 16, 2018 - 6:16 pm
I've been waiting all weekend to see this! It's absolute perfection. Can't wait to buy it!ReplyCancel
AnonymousJuly 16, 2018 - 7:18 pm
This is awesome. I have been following you for many years. So happy for you (Keri)ReplyCancel
Spencer ArntsenJuly 16, 2018 - 9:09 pm
RadReplyCancel
C-DEEZYJuly 16, 2018 - 9:19 pm
Absolutely in love!! It took me a minute to realize that was your real name! I typically used to look for familiar children's books to what I had growing up. But, with so many new authors and titles, I am leaning on more diverse and books that teach inclusion and kindness, things that go with our moral standards. ReplyCancel
KerriJuly 16, 2018 - 11:01 pm
SO beautiful! Hmm… when choosing childrens books I think the illustration usually catches my eye immediately. I’m always 100% on board with messages being taught about acceptance, kindness, service, love etc. I love when the illustrations and the story work together to portray the message and feelings of the story. My older girls will read out loud to their younger sister who isn’t reading words just yet. She will spend time studying the pictures very intently though. For now she associates the pictures with the words and it is one of the ways her language is progressing. Thank you for thinking with such an inclusive and diverse mind. Way to make the world a better place! ReplyCancel
MelJuly 17, 2018 - 3:48 am
I love the look, too. Perhaps the first of many more to come in your career as an author???ReplyCancel
AnonymousJuly 17, 2018 - 10:20 am
Congratulations! What a beautiful book cover. I think it's appealing to both kids and parents. Very excited for you, Miggy!ReplyCancel
AnonymousJuly 17, 2018 - 2:35 pm
Wow! Congratulations! So beautiful and sweet! Cannot wait to buy it!

To answer your question re childrens' books: a good moral/themes are my number one consideration. The best books often have beautiful illustrations that reinforce the moral and themes. I've actually returned books if/when I've found the story lacking on this front and/or actively teaching an idea or theme I don't want for my kids (e.g. I once got my son a Golden Books Monster Truck book and the main character was a little jerk! So I returned it. Like a weirdo :).

So happy for you!

-RoxanaReplyCancel
May!July 18, 2018 - 1:20 pm
Very exciting news! I love the cover and all the white space – the eyes go where they're supposed to. The colors, the style: everything is perfect. Can't wait to see the rest of it. I'm also curious about any insights Merrilee may have gained in her process illustrating your book. I imagine this was a purposeful, love-infused passion project all the way around.

Congrats, Amy! ReplyCancel
ManuelaJuly 19, 2018 - 9:03 am
I'm absolutely in love with this cover! If I would see this book in a store I would notice it immediately because of the beautiful retro/modern cover. I can't wait 'till I can buy it.

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- CKronJuly 19, 2018 - 3:42 pm
  Absolutely beautiful! I love the style! (and I’m a graphic designer!)
  
  I really prefer good moral/value lessons in books for my two girls – can't wait for yours!!ReplyCancel

Special Needs Spotlight || Laina

Friday, July 13, 2018

Hi, my name is Tori and my husband’s name is Matt. We currently live in Logan, Utah with our two spunky little girls, Laina (4) and Mara (2), and are anxiously waiting for our little boy to join us (due in a couple weeks! Hallelujah!) Our oldest daughter, Laina, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy due...

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Favorite Dog Stuff Round Up + 2 Surprising Things as a Dog Mom

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

This post is in partnership with Backup Design. Thank you for supporting sponsors here on TLM so I can keep bringing you great content. It’s been about 3 months now that we welcomed our August boy into our family. Today I’m sharing round up of some of my favorite dog products as well as 2...

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ChristyJuly 12, 2018 - 2:56 am
I am not a huge pet person, growing up we had a cat and dog but I was always ambivalent. I kind of assumed we would get a furry pet at some point, but we just moved to Northern Califronia and people are crazy about dogs. Someone even had theirs in Trader Joe's! (No it wasn't a service animal). They crazy dog culture here is putting me firmly in the no dog camp cause it annoys me so much. Although a poodle is what I would get.ReplyCancel
- MigonJuly 12, 2018 - 1:43 pm
  Yes, my husband is very much "I like our dog, I don't love him. I love our kids." And I get that. That being said, I can see how some people feel much more attached to their pets….my aunt and uncle couldn't have children. They eventually adopted a daughter, but this was after nearly 20 years of being married without children. In that time my aunt, who is a huge animal lover to begin with, had many dogs and I know they held a place in her heart that was very special to her. I'm not sure it entirely had to do with not being able to have children, but I think that played a part. ReplyCancel
S JadenAugust 12, 2018 - 10:55 am
All things considered, it is a puppy by the day's end. You don't need it possessing a scent like grime and pee, yet at the time you don't need it unnaturally perfect. dog leg injury
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Harry JackOctober 14, 2018 - 11:42 am
There is a ton to say in regards to the speculations of why dogs and people act the manner in which they do, yet I will return to the commonsense things to search for while washing your very own dog. flea spray for dogs
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royOctober 29, 2018 - 10:11 am
If you are washing your small dog, it is good to have a Shampoo specially designed for dogs, so that you Rivet irritating to the eyes of the soft skin. Always dry a dog well after washing, so that you get the Rivet of a cold.craigslist
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Mk SoomroOctober 30, 2018 - 3:06 pm
Many alternative lodging sites, such as resorts, cabins and bed and breakfasts are also open to receiving pets. Check ahead of time for availability where you're traveling. Since many of these vacation spots offer outdoor activities, they can be great options for pet owners.animals
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I Need to Talk About Nanette

Monday, July 9, 2018

I hope everyone has had time to watch the amazing comedy special Nanette by Hannah Gadsby on Netflix. If not please, please make time to watch it. First, as a comedy special it is hilarious. But it’s so much more than comedy. This is a deeply thought out commentary on humanity, violence, identity and what...

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LaurenJuly 9, 2018 - 3:37 pm
I thought it was so, so, so excellent and lived up to all the great things I had read about it before watching. I thought it was interesting that it stayed with me a lot longer than my husband. I guess I shouldn't be surprised since he doesn't know what it's like being a woman and sometimes fearing for your safety, etc. Yes, she's so brilliant and brought up so many amazing and important points. ReplyCancel
- MigonJuly 9, 2018 - 7:16 pm
  Yes–I think there is a point of it being more meaningful to women, than men on the whole, unless you're a man who is a part of a marginalized group. I watched it and then had my husband watch it with me the second time. As we started watching I thought, "Oh no…I hope he doesn't take this as some sort of personal attack…like 'you need to watch this because you're an ignorant straight white man!'" (At the same time, I DID want him to watch it because he's a straight white man. Ha!) But really I want everyone to watch it. He also thought it was powerful and deep on so many levels. He even said he wishes it was typed out so he could read it over and over again to really catch all the meanings and connections. I'm not sure if he's thought about it as much as me–probably not–but I was glad he was moved. And perhaps he thought about it a little more than the average guy as we also viewed this show with the running parallel in the back of our minds of homosexuality to disability and therefore her message feels that much more personal. Just a thought. Glad you loved it. ReplyCancel
ElenaJuly 10, 2018 - 12:59 am
Hey! I loved loved loved it! I learned so much, she is so captivating even when I didn't lagh that hard at ehe beggining, but I kept nodding at everything she said. Like when she said she has to quit comedy because the way she knows comedy diminish her struggle. I've been thinking about that myself, about how we tray hard to make all kind of things to change whats wrong with society but yet we are still laughing about the same jokes. The same macho, stereotypes, racist jokes told many times by the victims themselves. I think we must change comedy too. Stop and reinvent comedy o focus it on something else. Thanks for sharing.ReplyCancel
- MigonJuly 11, 2018 - 1:52 pm
  "we tray hard to make all kind of things to change whats wrong with society but yet we are still laughing about the same jokes. The same macho, stereotypes, racist jokes told many times by the victims themselves." Yes–good point. Comedy is a great social barrometer to see where we're REALLY at a society. ReplyCancel
BarbJuly 10, 2018 - 10:42 pm
I am still thinking about it, days later. I agree that the last sentences were heartbreakingly beautiful and resonant. "Difference is a teacher. Diversity is strength." I want to be better and do better. I want to expect more for myself and from myself. ReplyCancel

Accessible Dream Home Update || Progress

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Master Bedroom inspiration We are renovating a 1961 mid century home and gutting it from top to bottom. In addition to be a dream house, it’s also going to be an accessible dream house. You can follow along from the beginning here and here with bathroom inspiration here and here and kitchen inspiration here. Home. That sure...

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NeverJustJenniferJuly 3, 2018 - 12:12 pm
we just finished the first half of a major renovation of our house and while it was REALLY stressful living in the demolition zone for the 5 years it took to complete this phase, it was so worth it now that we've moved in to the newly renovated space. Now we just need to finish the other half.
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- MigonJuly 4, 2018 - 2:15 am
  Wow–5 years living in the demolition? I'm so glad it's done! How did you manage doing that? ReplyCancel
BarbJuly 3, 2018 - 9:41 pm
I'm in that place right now, deciding whether to remodel and expand our little, old house or try to find something newer that can fit our needs. My aging parents are going to move in with us fairly soon and my dad has Parkinson's disease and will need to use a wheelchair full time pretty soon. So accessibility is now a need that we are including in the plans. ReplyCancel
- MigonJuly 4, 2018 - 2:20 am
  Barb–This is exactly why I think more people should consider accessible design–ageing parents is a huge thing! We've had people come look at our current ranch and both so far have stated ageing parents as a reason. Well good luck with it all and let me know if you need any tips. 😉 ReplyCancel
Andy and JenniJuly 4, 2018 - 1:49 am
We recently moved into our new home. We bought a house just one block from where we thought we'd live forever, but the lot is larger, and adjacent to a city park/woods. We lived with my parents for 9 months while construction was underway. The house was built in 1941, and although we kept a couple charming old features (the front door, a fish eye light fixture, one fireplace and surrounding built ins, a hallway linen closet), we gutted nearly everything and replaced it with a wild assortment of mid century and traditional features, some rustic farmhouse accents and thrifted finds…It's a bit random, and likely not magazine worthy, but we tried to choose things we love (and could afford) right now, and not worry about whether we'll love it all in ten years. We won't be redoing anything then, but what if we played it safe and chose something we just *liked* and never had the chance to LOVE anything about this space? We definitely suffered decision fatigue (we agonized over shades of white paint, and we've never thought about door knobs and hinges so hard in our lives) and we didn't have the added challenge of accessibility to consider. We still have blue tape on the walls marking touch ups, and we do not have curtains and rugs and artwork arranged. It is a PROCESS, and an overwhelming one for sure. Good luck to you!! Can't wait to see move-in ready photos!!ReplyCancel
- MigonJuly 4, 2018 - 2:15 am
  YES! I absolutely love and agree with that mindset…don't guess what you *might* still like in 10 years, do what you LOVE now. Because if you don't, you might not ever get what you really love. Yes, the house being move in ready will be vastly different from the house feeling done. We lived in our current home for almost 4 years and there were still parts of the house I didn't feel were "finished." Of course a large part of that was because at some point I realized it we weren't going to live here forever and so I sort of stopped, but yes…moving in can take a loooong time. Good luck!ReplyCancel
vdg familyJuly 4, 2018 - 2:13 am
Miggy, this is marvelous! I LOVE before and after photos. I can't wait to see the finished product!! –MReplyCancel
- MigonJuly 4, 2018 - 2:23 am
  Thank you! I can't wait either…althoug as I said above, it could take another year to really move in. But hopefully having the base of the house already as I want it, it will go quicker. ReplyCancel
BetsyJuly 5, 2018 - 6:43 pm
We are just starting the process of remodeling our home to make it accessible. I was a kitchen and bath designer for years, and still have a lot of contacts in the industry, so I'm doing all the designing myself. Plus, I know what I need! I can't wait until it's done. Although my husband and I joke that we will have to be carried out feet first as there is no way we will ever move!ReplyCancel
Harry JackSeptember 23, 2018 - 4:54 pm
Joined with a basic update in lighting, mirrors can add a pinch of class to any washroom. kitchen countertops overland park ks
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Eight is Great

Friday, June 29, 2018

Lamp turns 8 this weekend and naturally she is very excited. (As are we!) Her birthday wish list includes going swimming and seeing the new Incredibles movie as a family. If you follow me on Instagram then you know she got her new power chair last week too! Which was actually perfect as it feels...

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I’ll Stop the World and Make with You || DIY Sticker Books

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

This post is sponsored by Kid Made Modern. I am so thankful to work with wonderful sponsors here on This Little Miggy as it allows me to continue to make great content. Thank you for supporting sponsors here and as always, all opinions are my own. Lately, I have been feeling overwhelmed with a never-ending...

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AnonymousJuly 2, 2018 - 4:23 am
This post is hilarious.

I am afraid to try this with my older two (almost 7 and 4 1/2), because I am a scrooge when it comes to fun crafts/activities because I am also our cleaning lady. BUT, they would LOVE it. And, I am so sick of stickers being stuck on furniture or the floor and all the other weird places I find them. Like my butt. My daughter put stickers all over my big mom butt when we were out and I didn't realize it until I took my jeans off that night. Fun times. Plus, we've had residual sticker adhesive stuck on the car window for like a year from the freaking Trader Joe's stickers my daughter put all over the place, because well, she had "nowhere else to put them." So, no doy! A sticker book would like solve this problem! 😉

Thanks for sharing :).

-RoxanaReplyCancel
MigonJuly 4, 2018 - 2:26 am
I totally get what you mean about crafts and clean up…surprisingly, as an artist myself, I can be that way too. But there is something really fun about just letting lose and getting totally lost in a project with your kids. Also, it sounds like you REALLY, REALLY need these for your kids! Keep in mind you could "make" these pages on the computer and design something they just color…or you could make them yourself and give them as a complete gift to them. ReplyCancel
Madelyn CoreyJuly 9, 2018 - 9:45 pm
I also have a weird love of stickers leftover from childhood! I got myself a subscription to Pipsticks last year and hide all my faves! When I buy the kids sticker books at the store it takes all my self discipline to not steal them! Love this idea!!ReplyCancel
- MigonJuly 12, 2018 - 11:47 pm
  I'm so glad I'm not alone!ReplyCancel
KatOJuly 18, 2018 - 3:27 am
I grew up in Gering in the 80s too and LOVED Teacher's Corner! Man I had forgotten about that place until you mentioned it and it allllll came rushing back. Unfortunately I did not know the joy of sticker books. Maybe because my tiny Christian school didn't have kids that were so hip to the times (ahh how I use to fantasize about going to McKinley Elementary). I am really excited to do these with my girls though. They're going to love this! ReplyCancel
- MigonSeptember 12, 2018 - 2:22 am
  WHAT? You grew up in Gering in the 80's? (I didn't go to McKinley, but rather to Lincoln FYI.) And the Teacher's Corner was the best! So crazy/awesome to have another Gering kid chime in! 🙂 ReplyCancel
Hina SiddiquiJune 22, 2022 - 1:37 am
I love stickers…I am in Forties…and I still collect them…I still have my old sticker albums from the 80s and 90s…and was actually searching for one online,and cane across your blog…I am thinking of making a laminated one for myself as well now…can’t find one here…I am in Karachi,Pakistan…kids these days don’t really collect stickers in sticker books any more.ReplyCancel