Thursday, August 6, 2009

Blog Hop Giveaway....Just Because I Like to Give

The recent Blog Hops have been so much fun and a great way to meet new bloggers. I am working on the Christmas post with all your answers and had not planned to post again this week..or at least until I could finish it. As you can see below I am working on Christmas....and it is 2000 degrees in Louisana, so not quite weather to put you in the holiday spirit.

But I cannot pass up a chance to do a GIVEAWAY! I love to send surprises. Here's the deal on my blog (and nothing against those blogs that require you to do multiple things) but for my giveaway, all you need to do is leave a comment. That's it!!!! I will draw on Sunday night...or maybe Parker will draw, maybe even 2 winners. If you have been here before you know I have a hard time stopping at one person.
THE PRIZE...I just returned from market yesterday and have a so many new things. THIS PRIZE will be a $100.00 Surprise Box filled with all kinds of fun things....and INCLUDING a special CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT....

My only request is that if you read my encouragement post earlier, that you go back and read the paragraph I added. I never want to come across as someone who has it all together. I have had some hard days, but I have also had a VERY blessed life...

TERESA

116 comments:

Sheryl said...

you are so sweet to go back and add that paragraph. we all know that you don't have it "all together" and i know you were not trying to portray it that way.

each time i see how many comments you are getting, i am just thrilled for you!!!

keep it up.

Heart2Heart said...

Teresa,

I don't believe any of us have it as together as we would like to imagine. It's a perceived image any way.

I love you just the way you are! Even though it's hot enough to fry eggs on the street, bring on the Christmas stuff. I love it anytime of the year and I love all the creative ideas you have come up with so far with the picture posted above.

Can't wait to see what each day from today on brings with each new post!

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

SarahMerritt said...

Its nice to have a peace about you God does that for a reason. I am loving the look of some of those Christmas shots! I am so excited because we will be in our new house in early september and I LOVE Christmas and I can't wait to decorate...
Sarah

Sarah @ Preaching In Pumps said...

I think it's funny that you're working on a Christmas post amidst the heat of LA because I got my GA Power bill the other day, had a small heart attack and then iTunes kept shuffling to Christmas music!! I couldn't believe it ...

Heart2Heart said...

Teresa,

Oh how funny the comment you left on my blog. If only that were the case, I would have holiday music on every day of the year if for no other reason than to make it colder.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

jules said...

Christmas in August, what a wonderful idea. Who doesn't love a gift at any time of year?

Natalia said...

Those were beautiful words :)

Channa, Oh its the Coachs Wife said...

I defiantly want to enter!!! I love Christmas and I know you have fabulous taste!! So I am keeping my fingers crossed!!

Dineen A. Miller said...

Hi Teresa!
I just wanted to stop by and thank you for stopping by Spiritually Unequal Marriage. And to my delight find you're offering this wonderful contest! What a treat! LOVE your blog header. Sunflowers are my absolute favorite! Blessings!

Just Call Me Grammy said...

I am right with you on doing ok with peace in the big things, but the day to day gets me sometimes! Can't wait to see the Christmas post :o)

Ashley said...

I just love your blog and I proud to be a follower! I def. want to enter your Christmas giveway; what a fun idea! :)

COUNTRY MOM said...

Teresa, You have been a great friend and helped me with your words of wisdom. I love the part you put = "I don't know about you but I want many moments that take my breath away....and grandbabies DO THAT over and over again". My babies are such a blessing to me also, as I know my grandbaby on the way will be when he/she gets here (I think a boy). Thank you for your friendship and your blog. Many Blessings, Audrey

Leigh Anne said...

Your blog is wonderful. I never thougnt that why about you. You just seem to be someone who really loves their family and that is great.

Sandra Millsap said...

Teresa,
Thank you for visiting my "beginners" blog! I remember all too well the heartache of losing a beloved pet. I think Einstein(15) was probably the hardest. Though we've lost several, we were all gathered around Einstein when the vet administered the injection... *blubbering now*

I know your post (when you are ready for it) will be a beautiful tribute. And I will read it and cry with you!

Blessings!

Mimi said...

HI!!!
I never would have thought you were trying to say you ahve no stress and that the Peace of God is always there, cause as a woman, I know we ALL lose it sometimes, jsut going back in my head about the week of Grayson's birth the urgency in your words as you typed put it all in perspective for you, you are great and handle thigns well I'm sure but we all know at times we jsut lose it and want to scream or cry or both and sometimes Peace is only found in a warm bath!!!!
So no harm done here as far as I was thinking!!! Visit me after 3 days in a row with my 14 month old getting into Everything!!!! I love her so much and would have it no other way, but sometimes because I worry about what she may put in her mouth --it is stressful!!!!!
hugs,
jamie

Love Being A Nonny said...

None of us have it all together...I think that's why we read blogs. We need encouragement and at times, WE do the encouraging. Thank you for sharing.

Bacardi Mama said...

I think we all know that none of us truly has it all together. We are just some of the lucky ones that can admit it. Please enter me in your giveaway. I love surprises and the way this summer has gone, I could really use one. Thank you!

Courtney said...

I love all things Christmas. I can't wait to see your Christmas post.

Queen Diva said...

I LOVE your Christmas pics! Can't wait to see more. I love coming to your blog - you're like a little devotional to read every day!

Theta Mom said...

I think it's so funny to see a Christmas post in the middle of the summer-the scary thing is, it's not as far away as we think! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and grabbing my button! It means a lot new bloggy friend!!! :)

Jenny said...

What a great giveaway. I went back and read your encouragement post and it was lovely. No one is at peace all of the time, but to be able to find it is a wonderful thing.

Unknown said...

Your verse is also one of my favorite verses! From reading your blog, you are an amazing wife, mother and grandmother, and have you have a knack for decorating. Can't wait to see your Christmas post!

I would be honored to be included in your giveaway! May God continue to bless you and your family, and give you peace!

Lindsey said...

I love decorating for Christmas and am anxiously awaiting your Christmas post so I can obtain some great tips from a pro! I follow your blog through Google Reader, but don't always have the opportunity to post. You have a wonderful blog and love reading about your family.

The Mini - Maker said...

Thank you for the giveaway, it's very sweet of you.
But most of all, Thank you for the encouragement... this is my very favorite passage...

Micah 7:7-8 (King James Version)

7 Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

8 Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.

I always say, notice how it says WHEN I fall... not IF... We all fall, and none of us has it ALL figured out. :)

Thank you for being such an encouraging and kind person.

Unknown said...

How exciting! I love your blog and am pretty new - though I think you have come across my blog a few times in the past. It's been a busy summer, but I have participated in LPM's Siesta Summer Bible Study with my mother-in-law. Since we have done this study together over the course of the last 6 weeks, she said that she has noticed how over teh last several years I have grown spiritually...I have to admit, I don't often feel like it. I have a lot of learning to do and I certainly don't have it altogether - if you have read my blog, I hope you've caught that recurring theme! :o) But I am learning and I am loving it! Be blessed and have a great weekend!

Tootsie said...

you are just the sweetest ever! I don't make people do stuff for my giveaways either!

Sandi (Meme) said...

Sign me up too, I want to be part of the party! Have a wonderful week!

Heidi said...

A giveaway sounds great! I have enjoyed reading your blog since I found it on a previous blog hop!

Carol said...

Wow, a $100 box full of Christmas goodies! What an awesome giveaway! Have a grand weekend!

Blessings,
Carol

The Small Fabric Of My Life said...

Teresa - I'm glad you blog-hopped to my blog. I have enjoyed reading yours.

Jean said...

Teresa, many thanks for visiting my blog - please visit again!

I love your blog - you have a lot going on here, and it's all very interesting!

I'm still puzzling over why you might be working on a Christmas post in August though? Have I missed something? :-)

Jean said...

Ah, thank you Teresa for leaving the explanation on my blog - what an interesting job?! Is your husband Santa Claus too? Thanks again.

Holly said...

I dunno if I'd want to be friends with someone who has it all together (if they even exist!!) :)

ethelmaepotter! said...

Wonderful idea! I can do Christmas any time of the year - if I had money to burn, I'd have a 'Christmas room' in my house, YEAR ROUND!

Pink Nothings said...

hi! thanks for coming to my blog. I love to make new friends.

Leah said...

I am so excited about your upcoming Christmas decorating post. From my email, you'll remember that I'm "challenged" in that area! Hope you're planning to post some pictures. OK, LOTS of pictures! =)

Have a great weekend!

~ Leah

Candace said...

HI Teresa,
SO nice to meet you! Thnks for the kind comments on my blog, I am just begining, even more so. I love your background and your families beautiful pics! You are definately blessed.

~Shari said...

awww - no one has it together,
what a super give away.. $100 worth of goodies.. sa-weet!

Lea Liz said...

Wjat an awesome giveaway!!

Who raelly has it all together? Theres only one person!!!!

Amy said...

I loved your encouragement post. Oh if we only really could have it all together, but then it would be easy to lose sight of the One that helps us try to keep it all together. So glad I stopped by your blog today and what a fabulous giveaway!

Kristi said...

Teresa, wow what an amazing giveaway. I can't wait to see your Christmas decorating; it is going to be so fabulous! I love your honesty in the previous posts and the precious, precious brothers picture. Blessings to you!

South Family said...

Hi!

I always look at other Mom's and think - WOW! They never get upset and they have it all together!! - But I know that we all have to lose it at some point. I catch myself getting frustrated so I have started just praying about it on the spot and thinking of something positive...

Your post really helped me today! Thank you!

Gram said...

I think we tend to look at other people and think I wish I had it all together like they do. But if we really knew that person, they have the same problems as anyone. I have a friend who seems to have everything - perfect husband, perfect children and grandchildren, perfect home, but if you look below the surface, she is pedaling like crazy. Love your blog.

Trina said...

found you via MckLinky :) What a generous prize pack. Would love to win. I'll have to go read the post you mentioned....

kden said...

I just wanted to stop in and say thanks for visiting my blog and commenting. It's nice to hear from other bloggers and I enjoyed your colorful and uplifting blog.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Well, butter me up and call me a biscuit!!! I have won the lottery. What a grand giveaway.Hubby says I need to get out more. Thanks for visiting my blog. Ya'all have a blessed day!!!

jennymartin116 said...

I think you are encouraging...and I do love Christmas--anytime of the year!

More Than Words said...

Hi Teresa! You're making your giveaway too easy to pass up!!! Fun, fun, fun!!!!

I'm so glad you stopped by my blog! And I'm going to read your encouragement post now!!

HUGS!

Mammy said...

Thanks for your kind words about my little blogsite. I can see we are kindred spirits. I love Christmas, would love to win your giveaway and will definitely return to check your site out again real soon. Blessings!

mom2boys said...

What a fun giveaway..Thanks! I'm on my way to read your encouragment post now. :)

Pami said...

what a great giveaway thanks for the chance and thanks for stopping by my blog and the kind words you said i will be a follower of yours now and new subscriber i am off to read your encourgement post and more about you, have a great day!!!

Mama Byrd said...

How fun. Our little girl just turned 2 so this Christmas will be our 1st that we truly decorate. How fun it would be to have something this nice to keep for many Christmas' to come.

Audrey said...

There is no such thing as getting ready for Christmas to early. I usually start shopping in the summer, I like to beat the rush! LOL

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

It is 110 here in AZ and very hard to think about Christmas...but I have even started shopping. what a lovely giveaway...please throw my name in the pile....and congrats to whoever is blessed! Have a great weekend.

Robin Lambright said...

I have been so out of the loop over the last few weeks of summer. But hopefully with it winding down i can sart to visit all my fav's again on a more consitant basis.

I love the giveaways!!!

We all wait to see who will win.

Blessings
Robin

Linda said...

Oh my goodness you just made my day! What a fantastic giveaway, thank you!

No secret here...I don't have it all together either, and that's ok. We're all just trying to be the best we can be and I think that's what God wants from us. You are blessed and you're a blessing to others.

Mimi said...

I can't wait to see the mystery suprise. I love Christmas! If it's 2000 degrees in Louisiana that means its only 1999 in Oklahoma!!

Mandy Pierce
www.mimisues.blogspot.com

TnAHurst said...

I know I didn't leave a question before about this but I wanted to try a patrotic tree this christmas and how do I do that without it looking tacky?

Anonymous said...

Hi Teresa! I hope your having a wonderful day! I just stopped in to say hi. It's been really busy here the last few weeks so my blog reading has kinda gotten just a little behind...I can't wait to see all the answers to the questions about christmas decorating, how fun is that to get idea's from a pro!.....I think everyone has stress about one thing or another it's just nice to know we all have someone to fall back on for a kind word or something to make us smile....Have a wonderful day, Hugs, Jennifer

SisterTipster said...

Blessings to you! and thanks for offering such a wonderful give a way! God is good and He loves us for sure!
blessings
SisterTipster@gmail.com
http://www.sistertipstersthriving.blogspot.com

the brown couch said...

Beautiful! May the Prince of Peace rule your heart and mind today!

Deborah
comfortjoydesignsATgmailDOTcom

Hey! Take a moment to enter my giveaways:

1) Rebinder Back To School Kit ($45 value)

http://browncouchevents.blogspot.com/2009/08/pre-back-to-school-thingy-giveaway.html

2) Smelly Washer to make your washing machine smell good again.

http://comfortjoydesigns.blogspot.com/2009/08/smelly-washer-giveaway.html

Grams said...

Life is what you make it.

Bre said...

Thank you SO much for stopping by! :) I LOVE Christmas and start planning for the next one almost as soon as the current one passes. :)

Kelly said...

Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog! Your blog is so cute and your giveaway sounds awesome! :)

Mimmy said...

Teresa - Thank you for sharing the peace that you feel. We too have had our share of trials and are currently among those suffering great financial straits. The Lord has seen us through my eight back surgeries, my husband's cancer, both of our daughters becoming mothers as teenagers, one of our daughters being widowed, two of our children going through divorces and me currently being disabled and my hubby out of work. God has never left us unprotected and has never failed to see us through, better and stronger on the other side. As Patrick says, "God has a plan". Sometimes it's hard to wait on him to work that plan, but looking back on what He has already seen us through, we know we will come out on dry land, better off than we were before.

God is good, God is great,
But sometimes we must sit and wait.

He never ever lets us down
He can make a smile out of any frown.

God knows the blessings we require
Much better than we can ever desire.

Just speak your thoughts in a word of prayer
Then sit and wait for God to be there.

God Bless,
Mimmy

Hippie4ever said...

I'd love to be entered

God's peace passes all understanding.


silenttributary@yahoo.com

jenmom said...

Hey Teresa!
How sweet to have such a generous giveaway! I have so enjoyed your blog and seeing the sweet pics of the grandkids on Facebook.
And no, none of us have it all together!
Praising God for His grace,
Jennifer
jenmom1707@yahoo.com

Mrs. McFadden said...

Thanks for hopping over, I'm glad that my post was encouraging. :0)

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Melekalikimaka! (Hawaii)
Maligayang Pasko! (Philippines)
Froehliche Weinachten! (German)
Feliz Navidad! (Spain)
Merry Christmas :o)
...just some of what our family genes are saying to you :o)
what a wonderful giveaway... I missed participating on this MckLinky blog hop...hopefully will catch it again to host a give-away, in a couple weeks.

Read your edited add-on to your encouragement post... How true that we all have our ups and downs! Peace, Joy and His Love gets us through it all!

Blessings & Aloha!

Ace said...

I'll leave a comment, I love surprises!

I'm glad you blog hopped, found my blog and enjoyed it! I love new friends!

By the way, noticed your collage a couple posts down. I do something weekly I call Saturday Cell Phone Mosaic. I take pics with my phone all day just documenting the day and post a collage and MckLinky for others to join in too! You don't have to use your cell phone, I just thought the title sounded good!

Karen said...

I Love Christmas, even in August!Your Family is beautiful and I enjoy seeing all the pictures!

Blessings,
Karen

Ohilda said...

Your faith is inspiring!!! So fun to be thinking of Christmas in August!

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

Hey Miss Teresa...just hopping over from Lynnette's porch...and, of course, here you are giving again. You are so sweet!

Blessings to you...

The Pink Geranium or Jan's Place said...

I too want to thank you or coming by my place... love your blog.. the scripture ..

Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you.

Has been a favorite of mine as well, to many circumstances, where I fell back on it, and excepted the peace that pass's understanding..

Deb K said...

You have a beautiful blog~Christmas in August is Great :)

mub said...

I am such a wimp, I'm sure it's way more hot and sticky in Louisiana than it is here, but I'm still dying *L* You are a brave lady for even thinking about Christmas ;) I am really looking forward to reading the Christmas post, it looks like it's going to have some great info!

Heather said...

Thanks for visiting my blog! I'll be back to yours to read more, a bit pressed for time at the moment. I love that you have Jeremiah 29:11 as your header; it's one of my favorite scriptures!

Unknown said...

I love surprises! :-)

Debby@Just Breathe said...

So here I am leaving my comment.
I love comments too. I am new to your blog spot and I'm looking forward to getting to know you.
I am a huge fan of Christmas. If I am lucky enough to win, I will be out of town until the 16th so give me some time to respond.
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR TOO! Nice to meet you Teresa.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I'm back. OMG you have 285 followers and you have only been blogging for six months.

YOU GO GIRL!

I also have another blog spot which I think you might appreciate.
http://wwwforyourtears.blogspot.com/

A Joyful Chaos said...

What a great blog! And what a sweet giveaway. I would love to be entered and thrilled if I won!

ajoyfulnoise@live(dot)com

DG said...

no one ever has it together! it's so hard to be perfect all the time!

thanks for the entry :)

dreamzz12{at}aol{dot}com

Tamara B. said...

When we stumble sometimes through life we always come out stronger and back on the right path. Love your blog and thank-you so much for the opportunity to win. I love surprises :)

Anonymous said...

You have a very beautiful family. I just found your blog and found it very inspiring. Keep up the great work.
P.S. Having it "all together" would be no fun at all, would it?
digicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net

Carma Sez said...

how generous! Going back to read your encouragement post now.

Tickled Pink Housewife said...

Oh how I love Christmas, especially the ornaments. Hubby & I have a tradition that we buy each other an ornament every year. We write the years on the back of each...maybe in 50 years, we'll have enough for an entire tree!

Susan York Meyers said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I love your Encouragement post.

God Bless,
Susan
Author of Callie and the Stepmother

Kenna said...

Thanks for hopping over to my blog! I've really enjoyed hopping back! You have a beautiful family! :) Kenna

Todd and Courtney said...

I love your blog and what beautiful Christmas decorations!

A Refocused Life said...

Thanks for stopping by. I'll stay in touch.

Gayle said...

Hi Teresa,
It's always nice to see a new face in blogland. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving your kind comment.
You have a beautiful family!

Take care and enjoy,
:0)
Gayle

Adaptable Kay said...

Thank you so much for visiting my blog and letting me know about your giveaway!
I would love to have a chance at this special surprise :D
Thanks for the chance!

TheEclecticElement AT yahoo DOT com

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Yipppeee! I do love a giveaway...and this one is just fabulous. I'd love to be the happy recipient.

Warm blessings,
Spencer

HODGEPODGESPV said...

pax.

have a better, better day and thank you for letting me enter this ga.

spvaughan yahoo com

pierce said...

Christmas in August is great. Read your encouragement post. Keep up the good content. TY

Jess said...

No one has it together all the time....it just cant be done.

I do hope all is well now, and that you have a great week ahead.

I hope you draw my number...it will be my first time!

Love, Jess

Unknown said...

Gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

I just saw in your occupation that you decorate for Christmas and then I saw your post! How fun it must be to go to market! That is one thing I have always wanted to do! One day when I open my own store or something :) Anyway, I hope you have a blessed Sunday!

Kathleen W. said...

Your previous post was very heart-felt, and I agree that peace doesn't always manifest itself. Your outlook on life is inspiring, and I hope that you continue to find courage and calm amidst the storm.

Your grandchildren are adorable, and you have a cute little blog. Thanks for giving us some fun stuff for Christmas. I'm just starting with amassing decorations, so these will help.

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

Teresa,

You are a person that always offers friendship and encouragment, but I dont think at all you come off as someone who is better than anyone (by thinking that they have it all together all the time). I think life and the situations in it are managed through faith and having a positive attitude. Sure, it isn't always abtained, for we all have moments where we are weak, for we are human, but after the pity party (and make it short) dust yourself off and get back in the saddle of life.
I relate so much to you in the sentence " I do good in the Big Things...I do a little less than Great in the little things". That is so me. I get so fusrated at little things that sometimes set me off, such as someone who is rude and the big things I am a rock. I also think that through trails we grow as people and we grow in our faith and relationship with not only God but one another. It's through encouragment and support that our relationships deepen and strengthen. And in all those situations that are not good ones, we must stop and think...what is the ray of light in the darkness? Where is the rainbow? Make a positive from a negitive.
I find so much encouragment from your post...and you. Thanks friend!

Denise said...

I just found your blog and I am enjoying it very much!

Thank-you!

XXDenise

Zuff said...

Thanks so much for commenting on my blog! What a neat giveaway! God bless you today!

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Teresa...I understand about not having it all together as I have dealt with many of the things you mentioned in your life! Thanks for encouraging othrs! And thanks for visiting my blog. Please put my name in your giveaway hat. How sweet you are!...Debbie

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I just found your blog and what a special treat. Wonderful words of wisdom and inspiration. Also such a fabulous giveaway. I will be back for more inspiration. Hugs, Marty

BrittanyMarie said...

What a great giveaway! I just found your blog & will most certainly be coming back! You have a awesome blog :-)

Carrie said...

Love your blog design, the flowers and color scheme. :) Happy blog hop, have a blessed Sunday.

Heather Patterson said...

Thanks for visiting my blog... we are only an hour away from each other... how fun is that? :) Louisiana is SUPER hot right now, ugh... but it's NEVER to early for Christmas things! LOVE IT!

Cheers,
Heather

Lizzie said...

wow, makes me think of warm apple cidar and christmas carols playing in the background :)

Jenni said...

thanks for stopping by my blog!!!! What a fun giveaway! Blessings!

Unknown said...

Thanks for visiting my blog.I love the idea of a Christmas giveaway! Such a good idea!!

Bekah said...

I would love to be in the giveaway!!

Bekah

PS Your blog is AMAZING!! Love it!!

Lady Katherine said...

Your post was very uplifting for me. I did love it! To find peace is in who we are, what we are, contentment in where and what we have in life is wonderful. I been out state, out town for a few weeks, and was so glad to come home to my Craftsman's Bungalow, which the remodel in no where finished, and I think it never will be! But I fell in love with it all over again! I am content, but busy as a bee, and hope to get a lot done before September. Oh, the give away, I'm still thinking about your post. It's hot here in Mississippi, but I always love a good surprise, Christmas is always the best, well I love a good cup of tea too! Iced for the moment! lol

About Miranda said...

Hey,

Just wanted to say thanks for visiting my blog. It makes me happy when I check in and there are comments! Feel free to check back in anytime and I'll be checking back in with you too!

Lissete said...

I love Christmas and I can't wait to see your Christmas post!
How's the new baby doing? You need to post new pictures! :-)

Sweet Joni said...

That was so Sweet of you to stop by & leave a comment on my blog! It came in email so naturally it 'reminded' me to come check out your blog & I love it! :-)

For your question re: separating blogs up [family/holidays]; I'd say NO DON'T do it... It causes "Ciaos" for readers! I like reading blogs that are "SIMPLE & QUICK" because I read ALOT in one day :D

Many Blessings to you & yours,
~Joni

Eve said...

WOW! - A SURPRISE and a CHRISTMAS ornament?
What a treat!! What a fantastic giveaway!
Whether I win or not, I can hardly wait to see what's in this package (hoping you post that sometime later)! ;)