I spent a fabulous Sunday afternoon at the Fox Theater in St. Louis yesterday for one of the season's last showings of Phantom of the Opera. This is now officially a tradition started by my daughter Tobi's sister-in-law when we saw Wicked together three years ago. Tobi and I went with her mother-in-law and sister-in-law and we two mother-daughter duos all had dinner together afterwards. The … [Read more...]

From the time I was eleven years old, I knew I wanted to someday write a book. That someday came true, and this year marks a special anniversary in my writing life. Thirty years ago in 1996, my first novel, A Vow to Cherish, was published by Bethany House Publishers, launching my writing career—one I never dreamed would still be active three decades later! For the first few years, I … [Read more...]

Snow day! I know many of you are in the huge 2000-mile swath of snow covering the U.S. We didn't get as much snow as I was hoping for here in Southeast Missouri, but it's the most we've had since moving here. While my heart goes out to all those who have to get out in this sub-zero weather, I am absolutely loving the snow! Two red foxes walked through our backyard and left footprints in … [Read more...]

I'm in a season of writing, writing, writing, but when I was thinking about what I wanted to blog about this week, it seemed like I've shared SO much about my writing life here on the blog. What I maybe haven't shared as much is my ordinary, everyday life. So here are a few pictures from my phone's camera that tell the everyday stories pretty well. What is everyday life looking … [Read more...]

By the time you read this, my husband and I will be gathered with all our kids and grandkids for an early Christmas together at our oldest daughter's home in Missouri. All 24 of these precious people under one roof for several days! Definitely my happy place! This photo is from last year, so everyone is a year older and wiser (and that tiny baby is walking now!) We've finally outgrown being … [Read more...]