The Beginning of Forever

I am a sucker for romance books and movies. One of my favorite parts is how the couple meet. I don't know why, I just do. My sister and I talk about this a lot when our husbands give us a hard time about watching said books and movies. "Why would you want to invest your time in this when you know they are going to get together in the end?" Sigh. It's.all.about.the.journey. Right, ladies? And that journey has to have a beginning, and I love how it all starts! In my book, A Rescued Heart, the main characters meet when Matt (a police officer) visits Ava's (a kindergarten teacher) class for professional day.

So I thought it would be fun to share how me and my husband met...

 

 

This picture is of us on January 1, 2002. The story has many bunny trails, so I will just sum it up. We met at church. I had been doing mission work in Ecuador and came home about mid-December. While I had been gone, Greg had started attending. After returning I had been asked to MC our annual talent show for New Year's Eve with a couple friends...and Greg. Notice the shirts? One of our skits was The Newlywed Show and we were the lovey-dovey couple (enter giggle here) I may or may not have worked my magic to make that happen. Anyway, we started spending  a lot of time together because he had become friends with my friends and with working on the skits, so by New Year's Eve, I was smitten. The dude was funny and got my humor. He had crazy-mad skills playing the keyboard. Super good looks (I still remember this picture and thinking "Oh my goodness, he has his arm around me. Sigh...). He had a solid, awesome family - strong faith - deep character and he loved Jesus! What more could a girl want:) So we started dating shortly after and I knew within two weeks of dating that I was going to marry him!!! At the end of July he proposed and we were married on February 7, 2003.

Here we are now, 10 years and 3 kids later, more in love than when we said "I do."

So now it's your turn! I would love to hear how you and the love of your life met!  Leave me your story in the comments.  Thanks!

First Book Signing

 

I had my very first book signing on September 14th. Yes, as you take your mental field trip back to September, it was three weeks ago. I wish I could blame it on a volleyball tournament, life, deep cleaning my house, writing book #2 and a hip surgery...but I'm just horrible at blogging. Definitely room for improvement!

But being late posting doesn't take away from my great experience and the fun I had. Mummphy's Book Nook in the Concord Mall hosted my book signing. The owner was so nice, helpful and such an encourager. If you have a chance to check out his store, please do. He is a very nice man that deserves his business to be blessed!  A couple things from my day. I very much enjoyed talking with the people that walked by. I was surprised by how many people stopped and asked me questions about how I got published because they want to get a book published. One thing I would have done different and was a huge learning moment for me - I wish I had given a book away. One of the cleaning ladies walked by and was interested in my book, but it was too much for her. After she left, I was so upset at myself because I should have given her one. Maybe she needed a blessing that day, maybe she needed to read the words, maybe I needed the stretch in my walk with the Lord. Just a reminder to set our hearts and eyes on the Lord so that we don't miss any opportunities He puts in our path.

I had some fun visitors. Thanks to my family and friends that took the time to come see me. I really appreciate it. I also enjoyed my little princess above sitting with me. I mean, how could you turn away from that face?!?! My boys were also there, but too busy checking out the train near by to hang out with me.

Last, but not least. My hubby. My own personal Superman. Not only is he my biggest fan, but he goes out of his way to bless me. So while I was at the book signing, he cleaned the entire house, took care of the kids and brought them to see me. I always tell people its easy to write romance because I have a great example. Well - it really is true!