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My First Rodeo

How Three Daughters, One Wife, and a Herd of Others Are Making Me a Better Dad

Stoney Stamper

About My First Rodeo

My First Rodeo is a heartwarming collection of stories that reveal the ups, downs, and delights of being a family man, from a guy who never dreamed of being one.

Happily unmarried with no desire for a change in status, Stoney Stamper met a beautiful lady with two daughters, and to his surprise fell head over boots in love. At the encouragement of family and friends, he decided to chronicle his new life and created the popular blog--The Daddy Diaries. My First Rodeo will inspire those just starting out with families to hang in there, they can do it. And for those well beyond the child raising years, it will be a poignant reminder of the enduring goodness of family.

Praise

“What a tremendous collection of thoughts, lessons learned, and heartwarming stories about life and parenthood! Parents, grandparents, and even adolescent kiddos will find something in My First Rodeo just for them. For fathers in particular, Stoney brings a clever perspective on the trials, tribulations, and comedies of learning to be a modern-day dad. From life-changing stories that will water the eyes to laugh-out-loud adventures that will bring even more tears, Stoney’s first book is a great read!”
—T. M. “Roe” Patterson, author of the book Crude Blessings and president and CEO of Basic Energy Services Inc.

“From pineapple ‘I love yous’ to a map to heaven, My First Rodeo is a relatable book for dads or any parents doing their best in today’s complexity. A father of five myself, I place my title of Dad as my most sacred calling. Stoney gives insight into dad-hood in the best way possible: from the heart. Fatherhood is not biology; it is not words. It is actions. Three cheers for dads, and thank you, Stoney, for sharing your story!”
—Shane D. Plummer, international horseman and an all-time leading breeder

“Stoney Stamper not only makes me wish I’d grown up on a farm; he makes me want to grab each and every person in my family and give them a great big hug. With colorful stories that include finding love, raising stepdaughters, and saving chickens, each chapter will leave you with either a smile on your face or a tear in your eye. And I challenge you to finish the entire book without breaking into a full-on sob!”
—Kellie Rasberry Evans, co-host of the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show and co-host of A Sandwich and Some Lovin’ podcast

“Stoney Stamper takes you on his journey from old-fashioned cowboy to modern family man in this heartfelt look at fatherhood, love, and life off the beaten path.”
—Ally Carter, New York Times best-selling author

“For any movie or television show you’ve ever loved, you probably loved it because the creators made you feel a personal connection to the characters. Stoney Stamper tapped into the same vein for this book. You will love it because he makes it personal and lets you into his family. You’ll want to come back and visit.”
—Jimmie Tramel, author and Tulsa World pop-culture writer

“Fun, honest, and necessary. There aren’t many options for fathers and men out there sharing truth and keeping it real. Stoney manages to offer that in an engaging and hilarious way. We may have the new Rick Bragg with decidedly less grump.”
—Kalan Chapman Lloyd, award-winning author and attorney

“Stoney has a way with words like no other. Having four kids myself, two of whom are daughters, I found myself relating to many of his stories and at times actually pulling for him, as I have lived some of these same events. Through changing diapers, changing hormones, and everything that comes with being a father to beautiful daughters, I am a fan. Stoney is to words as Robert Earl Keen is to music.”
—Josh West, majority leader for the Oklahoma House of Representatives

“As a happily married father of three who often feels light years away from the life I imagined and the one I have (in the best imaginable way), I’ve found a companion in Stoney Stamper and his bittersweet book My First Rodeo. Stoney took me on a reflective journey filled with tangibly relatable anecdotes and markedly honest commentary—one where I found myself fully immersed in a parallel cathartic experience. Stoney’s honest tone, subtle humor, and ability to capture the fragility of time and the power of love made this a refreshing and memorable read.”
—Daniel Patterson, author of The Assertive Parent

My First Rodeo is a captivating story of one man’s adventure in all things family. The author takes his audience by the hand, one page at a time, and reminds us that what we think we don’t want just might be the best thing that could ever happen to us. Few authors…few men, even, are so transparent and honest with the struggles, elations, fears, joys, and even challenges that encompass the journey of parenthood. Funny and emotional, My First Rodeo is a must-read. A story of love, maybe even of destiny, Stamper’s endearing tale will leave you wanting more and will evoke a deep need to find your own way back home.”
—Veronica Hix, executive director of ONABEN

“This book builds the bridge between feeling normal and parenthood. Hilarious and relatable, Stoney captivates your attention as he walks you through the beauty and hardships of being the father of a blended family.”
—Catrina Hermenet, blogger and creator of @mommystruth

About Stoney Stamper

STONEY STAMPER is the owner of TDD Media, LLC and the author of the popular parenting blog - The Daddy Diaries. He attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, followed by Oklahoma State University. His wife, April, is a successful photographer and an accomplished chicken farmer. They have three daughters: Abby, Emma, and Gracee. After living for a time in East Texas, the Stampers have recently moved to Perkins, Oklahoma, to be close to their families. Stoney was born and raised on a large Quarter Horse ranch in Locust Grove, OK, and he and his girls continue his family tradition, remaining heavily involved in agriculture and raising and showing a variety of animals.

Product Details

224 pages | Published by WaterBrook

On Sale Date: Apr 30, 2019

Trim Size: 5-3/16 x 8

Carton Quantity: 12

Sneak Peek

Read the first several pages of My First Rodeo. My First Rodeo is a heartwarming collection of stories that reveal the ups, downs, and delights of being a family man, from a guy who never dreamed of being one. Happily unmarried with no desire for a change in status, Stoney Stamper met a beautiful lady with two daughters, and to his surprise fell head over boots in love. At the encouragement of family and friends, he decided to chronicle his new life and created the popular blog—The Daddy Diaries. My First Rodeo will inspire those just starting out with families to hang in there, they can do it. And for those well beyond the child raising years, it will be a poignant reminder of the enduring goodness of family.

Press Release

Modern-Day Cowboy—Who Never Dreamed of Being a Family Man—Shares Heartwarming, Honest and Often Hilarious Look at Fatherhood
 
Popular Blogger Celebrates the Wonders of Family

Now a #1 Bestseller in Oklahoma!
 
Stoney Stamper was a thirty-something modern-day cowboy who spent his days at an incredible job, lived in a beautiful home, took lavish vacations, and savored evenings with good friends, rich conversation, and his guitar. He was happily unmarried and committed to staying that way.
 
Yet Stamper’s world changed forever when a girlfriend from his childhood reappeared in his life. He fell head-over-boots in love with April, and they decided to tie the knot. But saying yes to April also meant saying yes to her two daughters. Far from simply learning to become a husband, he had to learn how to be a dad. Stamper began to chronicle his successes and failures in this arena, and they went viral via his popular blog, The Daddy Diaries.
 
My First Rodeo: How Three Daughters, One Wife, and a Herd of Others Are Making Me a Better Dad (WaterBrook; on sale April 30, 2019) is Stamper’s warm, honest, and hilarious collection of stories that reveal the delights of being a dad to three generous-hearted daughters and husband to his very best friend. My First Rodeo elevates the everyday ordinary reality known as family to what it truly is, if we’ll just take the time to look: a wonder beyond words.
 
“The bond a family has is stronger than any one person can ever be,” Stamper writes. “Sure, there will be occasional spats. That’s just family. But at the end of the day, our blood, our love for each other, and our appreciation for each other can overcome any problems we encounter.”
 
My First Rodeo, which makes a wonderful gift for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, will inspire those just starting out with families to hang in there and encourage them that they can do it. For those well beyond the child raising years, it will be a heartwarming reminder of the enduring goodness of family.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stoney Stamper is the owner of TDD Media LLC and the author of the popular parenting blog The Daddy Diaries. He grew up on a large quarter horse ranch in a small town in Northeast Oklahoma. He attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and then Oklahoma State University. His wife, April, is a successful photographer and an accomplished chicken farmer. They now have three daughters: Abby, Emma, and Grace. The Stampers lived in East Texas for a number of years and recently relocated to Perkins, Oklahoma, where they continue a family tradition of raising and showing a variety of animals. Visit him at: 

https://thedaddydiaries.net
https://www.facebook.com/Daddydiary3
https://www.instagram.com/thedaddydiaries
https://twitter.com/stamperstoney
 

Praise for My First Rodeo
“Stoney Stamper not only makes me wish I’d grown up on a farm; he makes me want to grab each and every person in my family and give them a great big hug. With colorful stories that include finding love, raising stepdaughters, and saving chickens, each chapter will leave you with either a smile on your face or a tear in your eye. And I challenge you to finish the entire book without breaking into a full-on sob!”
Kellie Rasberry Evans, co-host of the nationally syndicated Kidd Kraddick Morning Show and co-host of A Sandwich and Some Lovin’ podcast
 
“From pineapple I love you’s to a map to heaven, My First Rodeo is a relatable book for dads or any parent doing their best in today’s complexity. Stoney gives insight to dad-hood in the best way possible, from the heart. Fatherhood is not biology, it is not words. It is in actions. Three cheers for dads and thank you, Stoney, for sharing your story!
Shane D. Plummer, International Horseman and all-time leading breeder

“Stoney Stamper takes you on his journey from old-fashioned cowboy to modern family man in this heartfelt look at fatherhood, love, and life off the beaten path.”
Allie Carter, New York Times best-selling author

“Stoney has a way with words like no other. Having four kids myself, two of whom are daughters, I found myself relating with many of his stories and at times actually pulling for him, as I have lived some of these same events. Through changing diapers, changing hormones, and everything that comes with being a father to beautiful daughters, I am a fan. Stoney is to words as Robert Earl Keen is to music.”
Josh West, majority leader for the Oklahoma House of Representatives

Inspirational/Fatherhood / Memoir
On sale: April 30, 2019
ISBN: 9780735291652 · Hardcover · 256 pages · $17.99/$23.99 Canada
e-Book ISBN 97807352911669 · $10.99/$11.99 Canada

Contact Publicist

Brett Benson