A grand ending to a grand week

This week just makes me want to break out in a rousing song of “Victory in Jesus!” In more ways than one!

Annabelle had a GREAT week. Even slept in till 7:30 this morning! And yesterday, she ate about TEN bites of those carrots. Little bites… and she still didn’t like them, but can we all say PROGRESS!?! I can’t believe she is only 2 weeks post open-heart surgery! All her numbers are looking better, so things are looking up. Now… we just need to get her off of oxygen!

Now, for the grand finale of my week:

You know the title of my blog? One Woman’s dream?

Well, one of those dreams is to become an author. I’m already a writer… I love writing in my blog, and I’ve loved writing stories for a long time.

But today I became one REALLY BIG step closer to accomplishing my dream!

This morning I had the grand opportunity to speak on the phone with illustrious and sought after literary agent Rachelle Gardner… and she agreed to represent me on my quest to becoming a published author!

And Krista screamed… loud… after she hung up the phone.

I have never tried SO very hard to be professional on a phone call in my life and not scream EEEEEEEEEEE really loud in her ear. No worries, I succeeded in holding back. Barely!

My poor husband and daughter had to put up with an squeeling Krista for the whole rest of the day, though.

Specifically, the first book we are working on selling is my “Sandwich” book as I like to call it… based in the town of Sandwich, IL where I was born:-) It is an inspirational contemporary romance… and you all have to buy it whenever it gets published, okay?!? *grin*

Special thanks today to my WONDERFUL writer friends…

Kaye Dacus (author of too many great books to mention…but most recently The Art of Romance) for giving me VERY sound advice many times this week and for pushing me over the last few years to get out of my comfort zone. She also leads the local writer’s group I am in, and I’ve benefited greatly from her stellar writing advice!

and

Jody Hedlund (author of The Preacher’s Bride and coming September, The Doctor’s Lady…) and Katie Ganshert (author of a debut novel coming May 2012 that I can’t WAIT to read) for coming to my rescue, giving me much needed etiquette advice and talking me off a few ledges the last two days!

God is just… amazing. He really really is! I can’t explain it much better than that.

Tomorrow, Annabelle will have been home for 7 days in a row. A record for her!

I have much to praise God about today. But even as I say that, I look back at the last year, and as hard as it was, I can honestly say I’ve had much to praise Him about every day. Even during the worst times, he brought us through and was ever present.

I could gush on and on and squeel louder, but Annabelle is napping and wonderful Julie brought over some A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. caramel pie for dessert that I must partake of for a second time in celebration.

OH! Another fun story. Another super cool writer friend of mine, Sarah, sent me chocolate in the mail today, because she is JUST that sweet. When did I get said chocolate? About 10 minutes after I got off my really really cool phone call. How is THAT for amazing timing!?!

Now… Caramel Pie time!!!