a gift, an award, and a giveaway

last week i got a knock at my door. i was surprised to see that it was the mailman because i was not expecting any packages. i had not ordered anything recently. but, i graciously accepted the large package that had my name on it, took it inside and opened it. inside of it was this really cute pillow and sweet card from lori @ joy unspeakable. she hosted a giveaway a few weeks ago and i won. she never did ever say what she was giving away. she just said that she wanted to wait to see who won and then she was going to make something especially for them. so, i was completely surprised when i opened my package to find this adorable pillow that she had made for me. it is so cute. it goes great on the sofa in my living room. doesn't it look great?!

 

a few weeks ago i also was given this award from a few of my wonderful blogging friends. kat @ heart2heart, hope @ my hope is in the Lord, and kat @ art's chili all blessed me with the loyal friend and visitor award.


i was very touched by their graciousness and their thoughts of me as their loyal friend. i love everyone of them and visit them as often as i can. i don't think i miss their posts ever. if i can not get to them one day, i head over and catch up as soon as i can. i love their writing and stories of their lives. If you have not met them, please go knock on their door, they will gladly welcome you into their lives. they are loyal friends to me too. so, first and foremost i want to pass this award right back to them, even though they have all received it already at least once from someone else. then, i want to pass it along to my other wonderful friends that come to visit me and share their lives with me. i appreciate your friendship so much and want you to know that every time you visit me, i am so excited to read what you have to say. i love that you include me in your life even if it is only in the blogosphere.

you are all my sweet and loyal friends. my life is a little more enjoyable every time you stop by. here's to you! please accept this award from me!

kat
hope
kat
erica
mich
rosel
nan
shanda
kristin
adeye
mimi
andrea
jen
beth
darcie
michelle
elaine
beth
nanette
loren
daveda
jackie


and, now i want to announce that today's post is number 100 for me. i can't believe that it has come so fast. i never could have ever imagined how much i was going to enjoy this part of my life. so, i want to do a little giveaway to celebrate. autumn is approaching quickly and it is time to start adding fall decor to our homes. i thought i would help someone out a little and give them a little something to spruce up their kitchen for fall. i am giving away these two adorable decorative dish towels and hot pad. they should add a little autumn flair to someone's kitchen.

 

if you are interested in winning, leave a comment saying so and i will add your name to the mix. i will put everyone's name who is interested in a basket and have my youngest daughter, amanda, draw a winner friday morning at 8:00 a.m. before she heads off to school.