Friday, October 1, 2010

New Giveaway & Winner from last Friday...

First, congratulations to FrancineB (post in blog comments) for being the winner of last week's giveaway. Francine, please email us your info so we can get your Magnetic Photo Rope out to you!



Now, for this week's giveaway...was working on another post, but decided to shoot from the heart, so to speak. It's been a rough two weeks. I can't go into any details at all, but my heart aches for my son. Keller is being faced with something that most adults would not know how to deal with. If you're a mom, you know how hard it is to watch your child learn tough lessons in life. It's so hard to make them see now that these trials, no matter how painful & seemingly insurmountable, will strengthen their spirit...fortify their character...prepare them for even more trials down the road. It's hard to make them see that choosing to do the right thing when no one is watching is the real test. It's also hard to NOT be able to shout from the rooftops how proud you are of your child, when you're not supposed to know all they are facing & how they are choosing to handle it.



So, here, let me shout it: KELLER, I AM SO PROUD OF YOU. YOU WILL MAKE IT THRU THIS. YOU WILL NOT ONLY SURVIVE, BUT BE A BETTER MAN FOR IT. STAY STRONG. STAY FOCUSED. I LOVE YOU.



Also, going on in Thomasville today is the Memorial Service for our fallen hero, Blake McLendon, who was killed in Afghanistan last week while serving in the US Navy. Our city has declared today "A day of mourning in Thomasville". To Blake's family, please know how grateful we are for your son's life, his service to our nation, and his sacrifice. You are in our thoughts and prayers.









Ok, now for some fun...so for today's giveaway...since I am anxiously anticipating a new year already, I want to give one lucky winner our new Calendar Kit for 2011. You can see it in the shopping section on our website under the Calendars link...and it's pictured on our facebook page, too.



To be entered in the drawing, just leave us a comment today...either advice from one mom to another, as we all need to draw off each other's wisdom & strength...or better yet, a simple shout out to Blake, his family, and/or all those serving in our military. Post here or on our Facebook page.





Good luck!




Kim

8 comments:

Amy Kay said...

Thank you for your support for the McLendon family. I also am proud to be American and support the militay men and women who fight for our right to be free in this great country of ours.
Also, as a mother of 3 boys, it is our duty to teach our children right from wrong. We just need to be a good example to them, and teach them to make right choices, and when they are grown we have to know that we did our best in raising them. Know that there will not always be happy times in life, there is opposition in all things. So that we can know real happiness. Your son will get through his trials as will we all, if we keep our heads up and stay strong. God love each of us! Thanks again for your contests and store. I love being able to preserve memories for my children to see as they grow. :)

Babs said...

Blake McLendon is an example of what every mom wants her son to be - loyal, focused and successful. We moms (and dads) know how hard it is to rein in the spirit of our boys and help them find their niche in this world so they can achieve greatness. God Bless the McLendon family and all of the other military families that make The United States a great country to live and prosper in.

jengd said...

I'm wishing the best for both Keller and Blake's family. I can't imagine losing my son and while he died doing something he believed in, it can't make the loss that much easier. I'll be thinking of them.

Kristie Maynard said...

I would just like to express my heartfelt thanks to all those in our armed services. I am proud of the job you do!
My friends son, Ryan, just came home from Afghanastan and will be home for good in about a week. Thank you especially to Ryan for his service. I know it's been a tough road and you are better for it.
Thanks for the chance to win this prize!

Jenny McGee said...

God Bless Blake's family. Thanks for all the service people. Take care.

Gillette Henry said...

To the McLendon family, you must be so proud of your son and the role he played in keeping us safe. We all get to enjoy the freedoms we are privileged to have here in America, due to the sacrifices and bravery of those who serve. My prayers to out to your and your family.

And Keller, it seems like strong people get more than their share of obstacles to overcome, you are loved and respected for the amazing person that you are and the fact that you choose the right path. You have a lot of people, whom you don't know on your side. Keep up the good work. You and your Mom are both amazing.

TeresaK said...

Having had my husband serve in the military I first of all want to thank all that serve and ask God to bless not only them but their family members who serve in their own way, by carrying on at home with their family and friends, always concerned about thier loved one but trying to maintain life as normal as possible on the homefront.
For Keller, he must know how much his mom loves him and what a strong woman she is. That in turn will make him a stronger man. Whatever he is dealing with, I know you are there for him, watching his back, supporting him and loving him. I wish he didnt have to go through it but know he will what is right.
I LOVE The calendar kits...would love to win one!! What a great giveaway! Thank you!!

ALH1203 said...

I don't have any family members currently serving in the military but both my father and my father-in-law served their country proudly. Many of our friends have a spouse deployed. The person serving deserves praise and thanks but so does the family of the person serving. It can very tough on the family and I thank them both (person serving and their family) for the contribution to making this country what it is today. Thank you!