Friday, October 31, 2008

My baby is missing Halloween

Today, around 1:45pm, hubby and I got a call from the school--our 8 year old 3rd grader, Remington, was in the sick room with a fever of 101 and throwing up. As we drove to pick her up (and check out her sister in 1st grade--they get out at 2:45), I called the doctor's office and they squeezed us an appt in at 2:30. They do a strep test and exam--some sort of viral bug. She feels miserable. We come home and she changes clothes and crawls on the couch. Falls asleep almost immediately. Poor thing. Hubby just left with Isabella to take her trick or treating with some friends. But poor Remington is not only sick, she's sick at heart to miss being Ms. Scarlett! And this momma's sick, too, because my baby is.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

My Little Halloweeners!


Portraying Raggedy Ann is Isabella (6) and portraying southern belle Scarlett O'Hara is Remington (8).

Thems my girls! :D

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Dark Pursuit, by Brandilyn Collins


Yes, I LOVE this picture of Brandilyn, taken at the ACFW 2008 Conference in September. Now, on to the book info, and why I recommend it:

Does fiction imitate life, or life imitate fiction? This is the question plaguing me after reading Brandilyn Collin's latest suspense novel, Dark Pursuit. When a best selling novelist (King of Suspense) gets up there in years, compounded by an accident that leaves him unable to complete a book, he wants to recapture his fame and respect. But how to do that when he can't plot any longer? Enter his estranged granddaughter who's gotten herself mixed up in a rash of ugly murders. Her predicament could hold the key to his plot problems when she runs to him for help. But she has a few secrets and pains she's not sharing just yet. In Dark Pursuit, Brandilyn Collins weaves together a story of racing-against-the-clock suspense, but really probes the inner workings of the most difficult ties of humanity--family relations. The pacing of the story definitely fits in with Brandilyn's "seatbelt suspense" trademark, yet the emotional layers work to pose readers to question their own family relations, as well as reflecting upon their own decisions of actions. For the reader who's looking for more than just a thrilling story, I'd highly recommend Dark Pursuit. This is a book that will linger in your mind long after you flip the last page.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

I'm Sad...and Angry

Today in Little Rock, a local news anchor woman died, following a beating she received in her home--IN BED. Her mother got worried when she didn't answer her wake-up call Monday morning and found her. BEATEN and left for dead. This young, beautiful woman had someone visciously attack her in her own home, where people should feel the safest, and now she's died. It's a tragedy. And I'm outraged that these things happen. I'm appalled the police have no leads. My heart aches for this woman's parents. And it's hard not to cry when I turn on the news. Yes, things like this happen every day, but are we so desensitized to all the violence until it happens close to home? I stopped watching the news for a year because it broke my heart to see all the pain and suffering occuring in the world today. People, it's time for us, as Christians, to come together and pray for our nation. No matter our political views . . . no matter our stand on abortion or taxes or the financial crisis or the war. PEOPLE matter. How many times do we read a story in the paper and tsk over the horror, but move on to another cup of coffee? How many times do we pass the man on the street--you know the one, he's holding the "will work for food" sign--and feel pity, but keep on walking to that 50% off sale at our favorite store? We don't do anything. We don't do enough. And tragedy occurs. Travesties run rampant. Well, no longer will I sit idly by. I can't ignore the pain in the world today. Starting now, I will dedicate to pray for our nation, and ALL people. I will try to reach out to those I see with a need I can fill. I will practice random acts of kindness EVERY DAY. And I will remember Anne Pressley and the appalling attack that took this young woman's life.

What about you?

What will you do?

Monday, October 20, 2008

I Love Your Blog Award


This blog has received the award from Peg's blog. What an honor! Thanks, Peg!

I'm going to bestow the award on the following blogs:

Seekerville

Cheryl Wyatt's blog

Girls Write Out

Ronie Kendig's blog

Novel Journey

Cynthia Hickey's blog

and

Spiritually Unequal Marriage

Friday, October 10, 2008

News

Yes, I promised and several of you have emailed me asking about my news! So, without further ado....I was blessed at the ACFW conference to be officially offered a 3 book contract with B&H. I'm so excited, but now busy! :D But it's wonderful! I still can't put my giddiness into words to relay my excitement! That's my news...and how are all YOU doing these days?

Saturday, October 04, 2008

More ACFW Conference Pix

Karen & Mike
Angie Hunt & Robin
Dineen Miller & Pam Meyers
Dineen, Ronie, & Becky
Pamster and Pammer
Pammer & Wanda

Friday, October 03, 2008

ACFW Conference

Whew! It's been a LONG recovery from conference as our family was hit with strep throat immediately upon my return from Minneapolis. Happy to say we're all fine now. I apologize for not having gotten these pix up sooner. But, we're here now. Also, I have some WONDERFUL, EXCITING NEWS that I'll post next week. (Yes, that was a teaser! LOL) Without further ado, here are some pix from the ACFW 2008 Conference!

Our fabulous keynote speaker, Angie Hunt
At the Mall of America--booksigning and panels
Me being "gifted" with boas--LONG story
Camy Tang, Genesis coordinator and Pamela James, VP
Booksigning Cheryl Wyatt, and Kathleen Y'Barbo
Treasurer Pam Hillman and Membership Director, Becky Yauger
BTY Coordinator, Ronie Kendig and Designer, Dineen Miller
Me and my daughter, Emily, who joined me at conference
Our amazing worship team
Me, Sarah Sumpolec, Jim Bell, Susie Warren, and Rachel Hauck
Steeple Hill authors at the meet & greet


I'll be posting more pix, and my EXCITING news next week! Stay tuned.