Crab Fest - for Misty's Birthday

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YUMMMMMMMMMY

Nana and Papa bought about 20 clusters of crab for my birthday since finding a restaurant nearby with crab is near impossible.
Sahara was ready to dig in, but didn't eat as much as I thought she would.

My first helping.  I went back for seconds... and thirds :)

This is the remains of 15 of the clusters.  We saved 5 for another time.

Time for cake.  Double fudge :)


Then a game of GOLF.  Canyon played this time and needed help, but also did really well!

This is what I got from Sahara, Canyon, and Jared.It's so pretty!

Didn't have high hopes for this appointment...

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But he did it!!

Canyon had to have 2 teeth pulled.  His permanent teeth grew in behind his baby teeth about 3 years ago.  But the babies never fell out.  They hardly even got loose.  I was told over and over again by his dentist that it was not a problem and whenever they are ready to come out, the new ones will float right in their place.  Problem is...the babies next to the babies not wanting to fall out are getting loose now and if they fall out first, the prems will float over and into the wrong place.  So, it was time to get rid of those babies that just wanted to live there forever!

Before the appointment.

They took him back without me.  15 minutes later they came to get me and said he did awesome.  There he was, laying on the table/chair with gauze sticking out of his mouth and an oxygen mask on his nose.  Nice and comfy.  No fussing, no tears.
I said it was time to go and he sat up and pulled the gauze from his mouth and was happy.  It was a shock to me.
However in the car, he wouldn't let me take a picture or talk to me for over an hour.  We had a lot of errands to run (most of which he just waited in the car for me).  We got a milk shake for him, but he refused it.
Here are his teeth for the Fairy tonight :)
As soon as we got home, he downed the shake in 2 minutes!  After a rest and a movie at home, Jared came over with french fries and he was all happy again.  So he let me take a picture of his holes. 

Misty's school as the ice storm approached

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Russellville School District releases statement concerning bus accident
Posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2013 8:58 pm

The Russellville School District has released the following statement concerning the weather related bus accident that occured after 4 p.m. today.
Today Russellville School District bus #57 was involved in a weather related accident in which the bus slid off the road, into the ditch and tilted over against a tree. No other vehicles were involved.
Seven students were on the bus at the time of the accident. Four of the seven were released to their parents immediately. Three students were examined, treated, and released by hospital emergency room medical personnel. All injuries were considered minor. The driver of the bus was also examined and released.

Jr High Dance

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Canyon had a blast tonight. He even won Most Spirited Dancer ($5) He said, "Yes! I did it" and went running up to get his prize. Sahara said he was so dramatic about it, it was like he had won an Oscar.  He danced with a lot of Girls too :)



The theme was candyland.

The King....the principal :)

We were thinking of dressing Canyon as a Sugar Daddy, but thought for Jr. High, he might get kicked out...or suspended!(This kid won costume tho)



Dancing with his sis.

The winners. For Costume, Elegance, and Spirit.

And who might this girl be???  Canyon says her name is Jessica. She danced with him several times.  But Canyon would get shy and embarrassed and run away!



Dr. Pepper break.

Here Canyon is dancing by himself but then gets mobbed by a gaggle of girls.

There's a Light. . .

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I posted this picture of my daughter on Facebook this morning and one of my friends, who has known my girl since she was born, said how beautiful she is and that there is a light that shines in her.



Well, that got me thinking about the light that shines within us. . . at our baptism we are charged with the task to "let our light so shine before others" so that the world may see Christ at work in us and in the world. Is that what my friend sees in my daughter?  Is that what I see when I look out into the congregation on a Sunday morning and I see eyes filled with tears of joy, smiles pasted on happy faces, looks of yearning to hear more and more about God's love and mercy? Is that what I see in our small group when sisters and brothers in faith encourage one another and support one another on this journey?  I believe it is.

One thing I know about this light that shines within us is that it isn't "us."  When we are plugged in to the source of our hope and strength, something is exuded from our faces. . . our lives.  What people see in us is actually the light of Christ shining through.  They often mistake it for "us" rather than what it really is. . . the light that shines through all darkness, Jesus our Lord.  This light can attract others to us. . . it can draw them our way.  We must always remember that it is not to "us" that they are being drawn, lest we begin to rely on that kind of affirmation, but it is to the One who gives the light and who is the light.  That light is very beautiful indeed!  It is something we notice almost right away in each other if we are in tune with the Spirit. . . we also feel it within ourselves as it seems that love will ooze right out of us onto those we meet.  That's because we see Christ in them. . . we see them as God sees them. . . and we become the ones who share God's love with the world.  Just like the light is not ours, so the love is not ours. . . it comes from God and flows through us to others.

May you be light to the world just like my little sunshine girl!  May your heart be wide open to love others the way that God has first loved you.  May you be blessed by the fullness of Christ Jesus in your heart and mind and soul and spirit.

a.

Movie Remakes, What's to Like?

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After attempting and creating two script adaption’s for my books I’ve realized something. I love writing scripts!

But..but…but…my enjoyment of movies have been greatly tested these past years. Why? Well haven’t you seen the mass amount of movie remakes lately?

I mean gosh, I read a ton of books that are wonderful, that would really work as a movie, but all the film industry has to give back to me is a ‘remake’?

Here’s the rundown of some remakes I liked and hated.

LET’S NOT DO THIS AGAIN

DREDD: (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1343727/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 ) Sylvester Stallone's 1995 version of "Judge Dredd" is widely considered the low point of his career and led to a decade of flops and cameos. *Totally hated it* to me it wasn’t that great to begin with.

Fright Night (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1438176/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1) I had high hopes for this one. Sure, it had better acting, but it wasn’t good enough to make this movie great. I guess when it was first done it was ahead of its time, but now vampire movies are so much better. I mean…who can top Underworld or Blade?

SURPRISED and LOVED THEM:

TOTAL RECALL: (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1386703/) I really enjoyed the update to this film. I believe that at the time it was way to advance for the limited technology and set design needed. So this was a favorite.

SPIDERMAN: (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0948470/?ref_=sr_1) Let’s face it, who can ever get enough of the good old Spiderman. I’d say I enjoyed this remake better than the first movies series um…several years ago. This appears to be the gift that keeps on giving to the movie industry.

CAN’T WAIT TO CHECK OUT THESE:

CARRIE: (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1939659/) coming this March, 2013, AND I can’t wait to see this one! I loved the older version but I’m sure they can do some cool things with an update to this.

ROBOCOP: (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1234721/) coming in 2014 and has a lot of potential to be good. In a crime-ridden city, a fatally wounded cop returns to the force as a powerful cyborg with submerged memories haunting him.

SO TELL ME…WHAT DO YOU THINK OF MOVIE REMAKES? Go? No go?

A VALENTINE's Gift FOR You! PURGATORY REIGN-early ebook release copy!

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HAPPY VALENTINE's DAY from Peter Saints, main character of PURGATORY REIGN!


FOR Today Febuary 14th-15th you can download a free copy of PURGATORY REIGN, all that I ask is that you leave an honest review everywhere you see it.

Also, I want you to know that somebody - (lil' ole me) LM Preston Loves You!!!



Purgatory Reign (Free Valentine Day Pre-Release Link)
Coupon Code: (Good for 2/14-2/15) VA66Z

Today, share this gift, and tell somebody that they are loved!

I'm on the radio Monday 2/18- WOCA AM, Ocola - 96.7FM & 1370AM

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I'm happy to announce that this morning at 7:30am I'll be on WOCA AM, Ocola - 96.7FM & 1370AM !

To say I'm excited is an understatement!

Also, this week....


There's a ton of places you can drop in and find out more about Purgatory Reign this February and March.


There's a prize at the end of this yellow brick road. Drop in on the BLOG TOUR page to find out.



Link to blog tour site: Click here

February 15

A Diary of a Book Addict (review)

February 19

Reading to Penguins (review)

February 20

Walking on Bookshelves (review)

February 22

Sara's Organized Chaos (review)

February 25

Offbeat Vagabond (review)

February 26

Romancing the Book (interview)

March 1

Write Here, Write Now (review)

and

Bookworm Lisa (review)

March 4

Lynn Thompson Books (review)

March 5

Moonlight Gleam's Bookshelf (guest post)

March 6

The Nook Users Book Club (review)

March 7

Simply Sensational Book Fanatics (review)

March 8

Cocktails and Books (review)

and

Novel d'Tales (review)

March 11

Sarah Butland (review)

March 13

Kelly Hashway (review)

March 15

Kindred Dreamheart (review)

and

The Musings of a Book Addict (review)

March 17

The LUV'NV (review)

and a rockin'


FACEBOOK PARTY!!! Woot! Woot!

More Prizes and More Fun for the print book release, May 18th!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Warm Bodies Movie Review

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Yeah, so not WARM, he's dead - a brain eating zombie who falls for a girl after eating the brains of her boyfriend - - - YUCK! and maybe not so yuck.

Movie Blurb from Fandango:
A tormented zombie (Nicholas Hoult) experiences a profound transformation after entering into an unusual relationship with the daughter (Teresa Palmer) of a military leader charged with eradicating the walking dead. As the unlikely pair build a tenuous bridge between the living and the dead, those on both sides of the battle begin to sense that nothing in their world will ever be the same again. Warm Bodies is based on the novel by Isaac Marion. Rob Corddry and John Malkovich round out the starring cast. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

My Family Review:
So my daughter went to see this with her friends before I got to see it (grrrrr). Anyways, she and her girlfriends enjoyed it. They said that it wasn't scary (and they hate scary movies). For me, I had a hard time getting into it at first. It was one of those slow to start, but grow on you as you go movies. I really had an issue with falling in love with a zombie. They stink, are gross looking, eat living flesh, and ... stink. And to be honest it didn't seem all that realistic, but I kept watching. About 25 min. in the movie, I was starting to really like 'zombie boy' and the girl, well she was alright. My husband, he wanted to leave in the first 30 minutes, but the more he watched, the more he wanted to stay. So, we both agreed a 3 chomps out of 5 was fair for this movie. We enjoyed it just fine, but it didn't wow us. My daughter however, gave it a 4 out of 5 chomps since she was pleasantly surprised and wasn't scared.

T. R. Graves, Author of Warrior and Secrets Series

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T. R.Graves, Author of Warrior and Secrets Series

T. R. Graves livesalong the Texas coast with her husband. Together, they raise T. R.'s beta-readingdaughter and their football-loving son. Besides being blessed with a supportivefamily, she counts her career as a registered nurse in not-for-profit hospitalshigh on her list of fulfilling accomplishments.
Social Media Sites:BlogTwitterFacebookPinterestGoodreadsAmazonAuthor PageSpotlight Interview Questions: 
What is your all-time favorite book and why? 
Ihave a  - very eclectic - three-way tie that includes The Mortal Instruments Series, The Tiger Saga,and the Fifty Shades Trilogy.  
All threeof these series have strong female leading characters, and they are written by authors who are amazing enough to writeromance into the story in a way where it actually becomes tangible for the reader. I can't help but love stories that make me fall in love with the characters or admire the authors  who are talented enough to just that.  
Is there an author you could be compared to orpopular fictional characters your book's characters could relate to and why? 
Mybeta-reader claims I could be compared to Colleen Houck (separated at birthwere his exact words). Our similarities may be the reason I love her and herbooks so much. He believes we both have the ability to turn situations thatcould easily be unrealistic into scenes that seem absolutely real.  
Can you give us your favorite quote from one ofyour books and explain it? 
In Grave Bound (Secrets), Levi Bryson journals. His writing is not traditional, perfect, or by-the-book, but it sweetly shows Emily how he feels about her. Somethingabout it is charming. Below, I've included one of his many doodles:
Facets
Herwords... sweeter than any book written, poem recited, or song recorded.
Herintentions... pure as the driven snow; a wholesome schoolgirl, and a naivechild.
Herbeauty... perfect as an emerald's cut; stunning as a ruby's color; and timelessas a diamond's clarity.
Heressence... struck me with the force of a bolt of lightning, the power of asledgehammer, and the command of the chosen one.
Herlove... engulfed my life the way the dawn's rays swallow the darkness, thetsunami's waves ravage the coast, and the tornado's funnel plows its waythrough a forest.
- Levi IanBryson 
What types of things/people/music inspires youand makes you want to keep writing? 
Booksinspire me. Not just any book. It has to have strong characters, a missionfilled with action and romance, and unfathomable consequences attached tofailure. 
Musicinspires me. There is nothing fad-like about the artists I appreciate most. Themusic I listen to is embedded with so much emotion that it is palpable all theway through the song(s): Kings of Leon, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, AlanisMorissette, Adele, Diana Birch, Audra Mae & The Forest Rangers, Black EyedPeas, Eminem,.... 
Peopleinspire me: My nineteen-year-old daughter worked hard through high school,graduated with both a high school degree and an associate's degree, and she'snow trying to get into medical school. She did all of this while working andsaving almost every penny of her money so she'd have a nest egg when she wentaway to school. That is inspiring. My eight-year-old son practices (baseball& football) four to six days a week (depending on the time of year) andturns all of that training into winning championships. He does this whilemaintaining A's & B's on his report card and without the first complaint. Ican't help but be inspired by their dedication and commitment and work ethics. 
Describe your typical writing day or week. 
Mondaythru Friday, I'm up at 5:30, writing/reading/socializing from 6:30 - 7:30,commuting from 7:30-8:30 (or 8:45), working from 8:30-5:30 (or 6:30 or 7:30),commuting from 5:30-6:45, supper/homework/miscellaneous from 7:00-8:30, andwriting from 8:30-10:00. 
OnSaturday/Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., I have family, errands, reading,writing, socializing, etc. 
I put in the hours I do because I'm fortunate enough to have two jobs that I'm passionate about. First, I work within a hospital system where the patients (not their ability to pay) are our priority. The nurse in me... the humanitarian in me is thankful there are still healthcare systems where curing illnesses and saving lives are the focus. Second, I'm an author. If I'm not writing, I'm planning and plotting in my mind. My goal with each new book I write is to create a great story that is thrilling, suspenseful, and romantic enough to take the reader away from their own problems/lives for a few hours. Nothing more. Nothing less.

One thing is for sure. I'd never be able to do all of this if it weren't for my husband. He does everything around our house Ican't do, and he never says a word. He's supports me, loves me, and cares for me. I absolutely adore him. 
Is there a food or drink do you have to havewhen you're writing?  
Diet Dr.Pepper (preferably) or Diet Mountain Dew. I work, write, and drive so manyhours a week that caffeine is a basic necessity. 
Can you tell us what you're working on right now(& possibly provide an excerpt & cover)? 
I'mworking on my first adult contemporary, Grave Bound (Secrets)(tentative release date of 3/1/13). At the same time, I'm writing book four of my original young adultparanormal series Dark Angels of the Cross (Warrior,#4).

Grave Bound (Secrets)SomeSecrets follow you to the grave. Others send you there.
Emily Riddle has lived her entire life inside a patriarchalcommune led by her father. There are many rules, but the most important one,'keep it in the commune', is the most difficult for her to follow... especiallysince the only people willing to champion her cause live on the outside.When Emily learns her father has promised her to Lorenzo, a pervertedman who has plans for her that extend well beyond marriage and kids, sherebels. Regardless of the consequences, she refuses to marry someone who'drather beat her than caress her.A day of hooky that starts out as a tiny act of defiance -sneaking out of the commune for a swim - turns into a day filled with hope.After spending time with Levi, a man camping near the lake, she finds what trueromance looks like and catches a glimpse into a future that's filled with loveand admiration rather than hate and submission.That tiny peek is enough to change the course of Emily'sexistence and makes it nearly impossible for her to go back to the commune andpretend she'll ever be able to tolerate the life chosen for her instead of thelife she longs for. One that includes Levi.Fighting to escape the commune, its leaders, and her fiancéproves to be more dangerous than Emily expected. The secrets she knows, as theleader's daughter, will either follow her to the grave or send her - and Levi -there.

T. R. Graves's YA Books:Warriors of the Cross (Warrior #1)Allison LaCrosse, beginning a challenging family medicine residency, leaves theprotection of her family. With the transfer, her worst nightmares come true.Her closely guarded mystical talents – those which seldom appeared before themove – unleash themselves from her confinement and reveal their presence withvery little provocation.

Allison’s most terrifying power is her compulsion to cure the dying with hertouch. Given her career, this gift would be valuable if she were not drawn likea magnet to the ailing person's every symptom. Some of which are fatal.

At the hospital and surrounded by life-and-death emergencies, Allison’sinability to manage her impulse turns deadly. When it does, her mentor, Brody,rescues her from her own demise. His resuscitation ignites an exciting andtempestuous bond between them.

Desperate for a cure, they join forces and embark upon a journey to uncover theorigins of Allison’s lethal curse. In the midst of their adventure, Allisonexposes a secret pursued by many…known by few. Guardians of the Cross (Warrior #2)Allison LaCrosse discovers she has several powers, including a spiritual gift to heal thedying with her touch. With the newfound awareness, she uncovers mind-bogglingtruths about a world, which has been hidden her whole life, thanks to hermother’s selfless actions.

The most important revelation pertains to her ordained place within TheDisciples of the Cross as one of their Warriors. This position moves her evencloser to her mentor, Brody Kennedy, who ends up being the only other Warrior.

Just as suddenly, it catapults her into the middle of a war between The Sectand The Disciples. Allison’s appointment to Warrior—alongside Brody—exacerbatesthe leader of The Sect’s malicious hunt for her.

As a result, everything about her existence is altered. With the modificationof her life, she prepares to do anything necessary to save everyone loved byher… including Brody and Clark. Enemies of the Cross (Warrior #3)Allison LaCrosse's picture perfect world quickly becomes more of a nightmare than thefairytale she'd been expecting when she married Brody.

With enemies leading and destiny in control, she embarks upon a journey of thesoul where she unearths an underwater realm that is beyond believable...beyondfantastical...beyond comprehension.

Deep within this undiscovered world, Allison is forced to battle a new breed ofadversaries. Ones willing to do whatever necessary to capture her -- dead oralive. While fighting for her life, she joins forces with an exceptional teamof protectors. Because they are unconditionally loyal, she sees firsthand thatthey are prepared to sacrifice their lives in order to guard her existence anddefend the purity of their world.

Love, friendships, and unforgivable actions have Allison wondering if goinghome will ever be an option even if home is the only place where she can have alife with Brody.

NWACC Class Was Fun And Y'All Did Great Work

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Good morning friends.  Yesterday was class one for our May Jewelry made simple, and we began with earrings.

Amazing class.  Lots of talent, and many new things to learn to make wire wrapping more interesting and easy to do.  As you  see in pictures,  many produced 4 and more pairs of earrings, all different in color and style.
My husband, Greg does all the photography so everyone can show off their original work.  There is exilaration as we see new items, and ideas work out.

Next week we will work with necklaces, bracelets, rings and pendants.  More fun!

The final week will include repairing jewelry in our boxes that is not worn, and work with wire.

We really enjoyed class yesterday, and really that is the most important attribute of having a hobby.  We are all learning to make the most of pieces we have.  Adding to the collection is always fun.

I'm on my way to "All strung Out" to get new beads to feature in our work next week. Alberto and Jeff go to great lengths to provide us with special focal beads and needs for our work.

See you all next week!

S'cuse Me For Party Rockin'

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WoW!  The kids hit 3 parties today. 
First was for a relative of Jared at Hog Wild.  I didn't go so I don't have any pictures.

Next was the Bost Dance.  They usually have a Christmas party.  I don't know if this was it because it was different then the Christmas Parties they have had in the past. 

 

Canyon would not go up and dance, but he did get 2 pieces of pizza and 3 cookies!
I made him get his own drinks.
And he comes back with another cookie too!

After the Bost Dance, we did the Walmart shopping.  We were tired and done, but the lady who was hosting the Tech Mistletoe and Music Cocktail party e-mailed me twice about going to it.  I felt bad for not showing up.

So, we got dressed up again and headed out.  The weather is awesome!  The girls were in strapless dresses and it was warm!
Pretty much standing room only but we managed a few seats at the bar.
There was tons of great food and continuous live music, skits, and musical type of performances.
Sahara's hand was numb and she was seeing spots.  Oh great, another migraine.  So we left early and headed home.  It was very nice and something I'd enjoy going to next year. 

Crab Fest - for Misty's Birthday

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YUMMMMMMMMMY

Nana and Papa bought about 20 clusters of crab for my birthday since finding a restaurant nearby with crab is near impossible.
Sahara was ready to dig in, but didn't eat as much as I thought she would.

My first helping.  I went back for seconds... and thirds :)

This is the remains of 15 of the clusters.  We saved 5 for another time.

Time for cake.  Double fudge :)


Then a game of GOLF.  Canyon played this time and needed help, but also did really well!

This is what I got from Sahara, Canyon, and Jared.It's so pretty!