So, we received some wonderful entries in our BFF Manic Monday post! It really was hard trying to choose a “winner”, in all honesty, they all deserved to win! Each story unique, different, and about total different people in their lives. It was pretty amazing! So, we read through them all….again and again….and chose our top 3! Yes, I changed the rules at the end
We are now giving away three different gifts!
Up first, is the entry that really spoke to me. I know, that probably isn’t fair, but well, it is what it isThis entry spoke to me on many different levels. As a wife, as a mother, as a daughter-in-law, and as a future mother-in-law, it hit me at all angles.
As most of you know, I have five children; two boys, three girls. I can only hope and pray that one day, I will be fortunate enough to have a woman speak this way about my children. My own children who are not of this woman’s flesh and blood, but whom she loves as if they were. I could not ask for a better start to a life long relationship with my husband’s family than what this young lady is getting. I can openly admit that I doubt Greg’s mom feels this way about me now
Of COURSE she did back then….but, well….then she realized what she was getting into by having *me* as a daughter-in-law
Angel, I don’t know you. But this entry that your future mother-in-law sent in certainly makes me WANT to know you. Lianne, I don’t know you either, but a woman who can love and adore the woman that has come in to her son’s life on a permanent basis is one I need to learn from! I can’t lie, my biggest fear is my children marrying someone I don’t think is good enough for them, someone whom I don’t want to be in the same room with, let alone spend holidays with! Lianne, your entry has given me hope. Hope that one day I will willingly, and happily, send my children off to make a life of their own with someone I find fabulous!
And now, Lianne’s entry:
It’s a perfect day for me to enter this contest! Last night I officially became a future mother in law to Angel W******! Angel came into the life of my son Chris in Sept. of 2007, and shortly thereafter into ours. Her name is quite fitting, she is an angel to me. I have seen the happiness she has brought to my son’s life, his face just glows like the radiance from an angel whenever she’s around. And just the opposite is true when he’s apart from her…his smile is not as bright. It is a beautiful sight to see your child in love and know they have found their perfect match! Angel has touched all of us in a special way, not just Chris. She is always happy to come “home” to our house when their college schedule permits…she truly misses us when she’s been gone too long..and we feel the same way. She makes me feel special by raving about some common things I fix for dinner that she just loves. They are not gourmet offerings, but she loves them and me as the chef as if they were! She and I love to watch the chick flicks together and drive Chris crazy! Chris has three younger brothers. Angel has a special relationship with all of them. She hangs out with the oldest, seeing movies and playing games. She gives “love life” advice to the next one like a big sister would do. She spends time playing kid games and watching movies with the littlest brother when most might rather do something else. Angel will throw a wise crack right back at her future father in law without batting an eye and he loves it! Seeing how she enjoys our family and takes time to love and care about all of us, not just Chris, is so special. She already feels like a part of our family, now they’ll just make it official with a ring and a ceremony in a couple years. As a mother, if your family is happy you are happy. Angel has brought even more happiness to my family and I am blessed to call her my future daughter in law! Winning the contest and necklace for Angel and myself will be a special way that she and I can celebrate the big engagement together!!
*tears* yep, rereading it still gets to me!
And, for my rule change! Lianne won both necklaces for she and Angel! But, our 2nd and 3rd place winners really touched us as well! So, for each of them we have purchased from Angie, a necklace for their friend!!! Jennie, I would be honored to have a friend as awesome as you (and Ruby)! Linda, having two sisters myself, I can relate to the bond you have with yours! To be by her side through all of that, and I’m sure being her rock when she needed it, is an amazing thing. I hope both of these special ladies in your life enjoy the gift they will receive. And, I also hope you will each never forget what they mean to you!
From Jennie about Ruby:
I met her originally at Full Bloom and also have gotten to know her throw the Athens Mother’s Center. She is chair of our charity committee and always goes above and beyond. We are currently sponsoring 4 kids through 2 different organizations and while our group is trying to raise enough money/items so that each child receives about $75-100 each. I have a feeling that she is supplementing extrae items so that they have have the best holiday ever. She is making the 2 sisters a handmade kitchen set.
In addition she is always kind and helpful to other mothers in need. She is the first one to offer time and help. I also know that she and her husband help support her mom. And overall she is such a super sweet person and her kids love her to death. Plus all of her friends do too.
And, Linda about her sister:
My sister and I no longer exchange gifts because we focus on all the children in our family instead. However, I would love to give her a gift because she just had a pretty major surgery. About 5 years ago she had breast cancer. Since then, every single mammogram (twice a year) shows up suspicious stuff that she then has to have biopsied. She got so tired of being poked and prodded that she elected to have a double mastectomy which will be followed by reconstructive surgery. She is out of commission for several months because of all of this and is a mother of three. It would be great to surprise her with an awesome piece of jewelry.
CONGRATULATIONS to all of our winners! And, a HUGE thank you to EVERYONE who entered. Though you may not have been in the top three, I can assure you that you have each touched our hearts this holiday season!
