The Times of Our Lives

Last week I attended the 2009 ACFW Conference and like I believe everyone there, had a fantastic time.

The journey however, was a little rough.

First of all, this would be the longest I'd ever been away from my baby girl, who is now 14 months old. She's spent the night at Nana's a zillion times but only one night at a time. Once, for two nights. This time was going to be 4 nights and 5 full days. Not sure if I was more nervous or my mom! ha! It didn't help my anxiety that Little Miss had been super clingy to me these last few months or that she was just getting over a double ear infection in which she felt miserable for a week straight.

Secondly, this trip would be my first time to fly in an airplane. EVER. I'm 25 years old, and before last week, I've lived - and loved - life safely on the ground. And you know what? After flying in four different planes (one layover there, one layover back), with absolutely wonderful, easy, non-turbluent, simple flights...I still love my life on the ground. Sigh. Who wants to carpool to Indiana next year? =)

Seriously though, I learned so much, had an amazing time of fellowship, survived the flights home, and welcomed my Little Miss with open arms that have not shut yet. I can't stop hugging her =)

(Hubby actually came with me to conference, hence my lack of missing him! lol)

A few highlights of my trip -

Getting to meet my fellow LI authors in person and having a blast at dinner at the Elephant Bar with our editor Tina James.

Jenness Walker's testimony of faith and hope and tears. Everyone in the conference was touched by that girl who I am an honored to call my fellow friend and at the time, roomie. =) (thanks again for the special delivery mint, Jenness!)

Hanging with Susie May Warren in the bar area of the lobby and talking 'til late.

The amazing multi-author book signing! What a blessing to be a part of it!

Rachel Hauck's leading of worship. What wonderful songs - and her talented voice is just a vessel for God's grace.

The banquet and watching fellow authors win awards (and my curly hair lasted longer than I'd expected! woohoo!)

Starbucks in the hotel lobby! Good planning (much smarter than the towel bar in the shower decision)

Here are some pics from the weekend...

Me with Lori Chally for the awards banquet night

Me with author Ted Dekker, new ACFW member!

Me with super author Susie May Warren!

Me and Lenora Worth, another LI author and friend!! =)

"Shoe Pic" with agent Chip MacGregor, and authors Tosca Lee and Susan May Warren

My table at the big booksigning

Playing around in the car in downtown Denver! lol

Me and fellow LIS author Liz Johnson!

Hope to see you there next year, fellow authors! As for our non-author readers, well, this is just part of the craziness we have to go through in order to provide you all with novels =)