OKAY... Drum roll, please! After spending the better part of the day wondering how I was going to make this drawing "interesting"... including begging the girls to pick a number between one and eight, only to have them refuse time and time again, and writing out names on straws and then having no one to pick one other than myself, I finally gave in and went to RANDOM.ORG. I've seen Pioneer Woman pick winners through this website but I couldn't figure out how to paste it into the blog.
Sigh.
Alas, RANDOM.ORG chose the lucky #7 .... that is Rose Beall! Woohoo!
Again, I'm sorry I can't even paste the results on here as proof. I'm thinkin' I'm a pretty lousy giveaway person. At least compared to Pioneer Woman.
Email me Rose and let me know if you want the Target card or Amazon.com. Thanks so much for playing. :)
Hi! We returned home this week from a trip to Pittsburgh. It ended up being one of the most relaxing and successful trips we've ever had with Gabe! And we didn't even have a nurse! On Monday morning, we set out for Slippery Rock, a campsite where Shaun's grandparents owned property and where Shaun has many fond memories of his childhood, about an hour outside of the city. The plan was to go fishing and check out the campgrounds. Gabe did well in his stroller and sat under the pavilion watching his sisters fish. It makes us sad that Gabe can't join them in these kind of activities but we are glad he can be with us and be part of the family.
After Slippery Rock, we headed into the city. Have I mentioned I love Pittsburgh? There's something about the old city that just has my heart, and Shaun's too. Maybe someday we'll make a home up there!
Gabe settled in nicely at Shaun's other grandparents' house. His "stuff" essentially took over one part of their living room but they were extremely accomodating and welcoming. On Tuesday we went to the Pittsburgh Zoo! These are a few of the animals Gabe saw:
On Wednesday we went to the pool and then had a DELICIOUS Italian dinner thanks to Shaun's aunt and uncle and then headed back home. Gabe did so wonderfully, there's absolutely nothing to complain about. He sure was happy to be back in his own bed, though :) Huge smiles. Thank you Lord for this amazing trip- it was such a blessing to us, was a great time to see family, and lifted our spirits.
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I bought a book called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan when we were in Florida and just got around to picking it up off my nightstand this week. Wow! I wasn't expecting this book to challenge me as it has so far. If you have nothing else to do (ha, ha), I'd encourage you to go to www.crazylovebook.com - go to Videos - and click "the awe factor of God." It really helps put our lives in perspective!
I guess what I've been thinking about the most these days is living in light of eternity, remembering that my purpose of even being on this earth is to glorify God, and, as always, learning to trust Him. I'm starting to think that's my calling, at least for this season in life:) Learning to live outside of my control and my plans, and in faith and trust.
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Now, for the first giveaway of Gabe's Special Place!! I'm hoping and guessing that there ARE other people stopping by to read Gabe's blog, than just the "faithful few" who so lovingly leave comments time and time again. So, in order to pull you out of your shells, we'll have a giveaway! Who doesn't like free stuff?! Um, I do! And our family has been blessed so much over the years that it's always nice to give back.
So, all you have to do is leave a comment. That's not too hard, is it? Leave a comment on this post through tomorrow at 9pm EST. After that I'll announce a winner! Woo hoo!
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the prize. The winner may choose either a $25 gift card to either Target or Amazon.com
It's not much, but I hope it will be a blessing.
Okay, that's it! Comment away!
10 comments:
Rachel -- you are so cute! I'm a regular commenter, so please don't include me in your drawing :)
I'm so glad you had a fun trip with Gabe. It really does get easier each time. Before you know it, you'll be able to pack for the trip and set up at the other end in record time. It's always nice when the people you are visiting are understanding of how much space you need -- along with number of outlets you have to take up in their house!
I'm going to check out the book you mentioned - sounds interesting.
Love ya'
Ann
Hey Rachel....
I am ashamed to say it, but I am one of those people who is always checking on Gabe and your famil, but never leaving a comment...I'm guilty...lol. I am so glad you guys had a fun, stress free family trip. It sounded like you guys had so much fun! We were just in the outer banks for a "vacation", but ended up in the PICU with Monty in Richmond... I know how much famiy time means! I admire you and your family so much! You guys are walking your walk so confidently...I just don't have words to describe how much I think of you guys! Hope you all have a great week!
wow Rachel, I am in awe of you. As much as you have going on in your life, you still find time to update your blog. Good for you. Your glowing personality not only shines in person, but in your words. God has shown me through you that my problems are'nt as bad as the struggles of others like you. Your testimony as a christian is to be commended. I will continue to pray for Gabe and his family. Glad you had a great trip. God bless.
Love in Christ,
Peggy
Hi Rach:
Glad you updated your Blog with the
pics of the zoo. I hope this does encourage people to comment. So glad
Peggy found the blog. I am so proud of all of you.
Love,
Mom
Praise the Lord for a great trip. I'm so glad your family got away and without a nurse even!! Such huge things to be praising God for! I've seen that book, but it's always good to know that someone else really found it beneficial,thanks for the recommendation. Have an Awesome day!
I'm a regular commenter, so exclude me too:) I'm so glad you had a good trip! I love the pictures!!
Hi Rachel,
I am one of those ones who always reads and never comments. Usually it is because, like I just had to do, I had to run after a 3 year old getting into something! Anyway, praise God that you had a great trip with the family. I have been and will continue to pray for you all!
Blessings,
Rose Beall
hi Rachel.. my name is christina. I have to say I'm guilty of reading... praying & never leaving a comment... I just don't know what to say sometimes.. but I am very happy the trip went well. god bless you and your family... christina ardiano...
Hi Rachel,
I can't believe that you picked me!! What a blessing you guys are! You amaze me with all your post. I guess I will take the Amazon.com gift card. Thank you so much! I will have to make an effort to comment more often! Thank you again!
Blessings,
Rose Beall
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