countdown: two days (not counting today- tuesday).
staying busy. trying not to completely spaz out.
if you know me, you know i'm pretty spazzy anyway. but i'm trying to keep the spaziness to a minimum.
i will probably have one little update before he comes home, but i thought now might be a great time to do a lil' giveaway.
GIVEAWAY ONE
my sweet friend (and fellow army wife), rebecca, owns a shop and was sweet enough to send me this precious little dress to give away.
Here's what Rebecca has to say:
This dress is called Pok-A-Dot Tot...it can be made in sizes 6 months to 5T . My name is Rebecca and I am a SAHM to two beautiful girls and I am a proud Army wife. When my husband decided to join the Army I decided to supplement our income by creating one of a kind boutique outfits, pillowcase dresses, tutus, burpies and more and selling them through various sites. Once I saw that my creations were selling I decided to start my own online Boutique and that is how Hot Tot's Boutique was born! Please feel free to browse through my shop. I am constantly adding new items and I love working with my clients so if you do not see what you are looking for please feel free to contact me! Thank you for taking the time to check out all I have to offer!! |
sidenote: how CUTE is her baby girl? i swear, both of her girls are always dressed like little dolls.
GIVEAWAY TWO:
It's purging time. My giveaway cupboard is full again. If you win this drawing, I'll ship you a flat rate box full of goodies. I know there are some Studio Calico and Lily Bee goodies in there, along with LOTS of other surprises.
If you'd like to enter, leave a comment here and I will draw two winners on Thursday. Please do not leave a comment if you would not be interested in winning either of these. Thanks!!
xoxo
s
My, how time flies! Next thing you'll know he will be standing at your doorstep... :-) Love the girls pics and that polka dot dress! Have a happy day! :-)
Posted by: Caryl Hope | 06/29/2009 at 10:31 PM
That dress is adorable and so is the little girl who is modeling it:) Yeah for a giveaway and Yeah for J coming home!!!!!
Posted by: Samantha Seholm | 06/29/2009 at 10:31 PM
steph!!! i would love love love to get your purging scrap goodies! i'm so happy for you and your girls to get the man in your lives back home soon!
Posted by: jung a | 06/29/2009 at 10:32 PM
i can't wait for your post that says he's home and safe!
as for the giveaway....give away! i'd love some scrap goodies, but alas, I don't think my 3 yr. old son would look very good in a dress. He's WAY to tough for that! ;)
Posted by: carol | 06/29/2009 at 10:33 PM
I agree with Carol. Definitely saying prayers for him and his safe return. Have you told the girls J's coming home, or are you going to surprise them again?
I'm sure my fiance would love if I won your "purgings", since I somehow manage to buy more than I can use in the scrapbooking department.
Posted by: Ashley | 06/29/2009 at 10:43 PM
I am sooo happy for u!! It will be an amazing 4th!!! Hope the next few days fly!!! ;)
Posted by: Jana | 06/29/2009 at 10:44 PM
So excited for you girly!!! :)
And of course, I wouldn't mind winning a prize... just sayin'. hee hee
Posted by: Virginia | 06/29/2009 at 10:44 PM
Prayers for a safe return!
I love the dress and I can't wait to check out her site. I wish I had little girls for cute dresses, but I only have cute little boys.
Purging makes me feel so good. I would love to have your purges!!
Posted by: Olivia | 06/29/2009 at 10:47 PM
soo excited for you and your family!! and thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: jill | 06/29/2009 at 10:48 PM
Those dresses are adorable! I hope the next two days fly by for you!
Posted by: Mustangkayla | 06/29/2009 at 10:52 PM
So happy that your husband is coming home safe and sound! Congratulations on a special reunion for your family.
Posted by: Kari D. | 06/29/2009 at 10:52 PM
It's so exciting that your husband is coming home soon! I'm so happy for you and your girls!!
I would love to win some scrapbooking supplies! (I have no children, yet, so the dress, though completely cute, wouldn't be very useful for me...)
Posted by: qsogirl | 06/29/2009 at 10:54 PM
I could only wish to be lucky enough to win some of your stash. You have such great style that anything you have would be amazing in my layouts. THe dress and the little girl are both super darling.
Posted by: renata | 06/29/2009 at 10:54 PM
I would LOVE to have some of your stash..are you kidding me. I read your blog daily. SO excited for you to have your family complete again!
Posted by: devon hickmann | 06/29/2009 at 10:56 PM
I'm so happy for you and your family, and thankful that he is returning to you safely. I think what your husband does is the most brave and honorable thing on the planet, and it takes a special person to put their life on the line for the safety and security of complete strangers. I am so grateful to him, for his service to our country, but also to you, for sharing your family's story with us.
Posted by: Lou | 06/29/2009 at 10:57 PM
Yay! He is almost in your arms... so excited for you guys! That dress is so cute! And I would love to win either the dress or some of your fabulous goodies! Such cute pics of the girls!
Posted by: Michelle A. | 06/29/2009 at 11:01 PM
I would love to win some of your scrapbooking stash. Thanks for being so generous.
Posted by: carriegel | 06/29/2009 at 11:05 PM
I'm so excited for you to have your husband back. I can only imagine the excitement.
Both the giveaways are fun and I would love either. Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Shawna | 06/29/2009 at 11:06 PM
I don't think you get how excited all of us are...it's like I have been waiting right along with you! Keeping all of you in my prayers that everything goes perfectly - thank you for sharing everything with us (and the goodies too!!)
Posted by: Cori-Lyn | 06/29/2009 at 11:06 PM
2 MORE SLEEPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: vanessa | 06/29/2009 at 11:08 PM
Well, I have no little girls to dress, just two boys. But I'd love to get some scrappin' goodies! So happy for all of you that you'll be a family of FOUR soon!
Posted by: Kim S. | 06/29/2009 at 11:11 PM
I'm so excited for you!! Can't believe he's almost home.
Thanks for the chance at the lovely giveaways too. My daughter is now 7yo (*sob*) so is too big for that oh-so-cute dress made by your friend...but she and I would gladly share your stash of scrappy supplies! ;)
Posted by: Cynthia B | 06/29/2009 at 11:13 PM
yeah! home just in time for the 4th of July!
would love to win either giveaway, although if I don't win the dress. I will probably buy one anyway :)
Posted by: Sally | 06/29/2009 at 11:13 PM
hurray! a give away!
and he's coming home soon :)
Posted by: AesaLina | 06/29/2009 at 11:13 PM
I'm so excited for you Stephanie :o) Hope you can find something to keep you busy for the next couple of days until he gets home.
Posted by: Ruth Allmart | 06/29/2009 at 11:15 PM
What awesome giveaways!! Unfortunately my little girl is a 6x so we can't use the adorable dress but I would love the chance to win the scrapping goodies!
Posted by: Roberta | 06/29/2009 at 11:16 PM
Tell your husband thank you for me! I can't tell you how much respect I have for you and your family!
Oh, and my little one would LOVE to have the polka dot dress. I am heading over to her shop to take a looke right now!!
Thanks!
Posted by: Heidi | 06/29/2009 at 11:18 PM
great give aways!!!! wish I could speed the time up for you and then slow it down while he is home.
vicariously so excited too!
Amy
Posted by: Amy Coon | 06/29/2009 at 11:18 PM
This is so exciting for you! The dress is really cute but I'm not a mum yet and none of my girlfriends have kids. I do scrapbook and a box of goodies sounds really good. Thanks for the chance to win those.
Posted by: laure | 06/29/2009 at 11:21 PM
even though i have a boy, it would be great to win a giveaway. it's been a hard week and it's only monday!
Posted by: Amy Pruden | 06/29/2009 at 11:30 PM
Oh what a generous give away! :)
Posted by: Natalie May | 06/29/2009 at 11:31 PM
Wow, you must be dying of excitement! So happy for your family. Would love to have a chance to win the scrap goodies but I don't have any kids yet so would love for someone else who could use the dress to win that. Thank you!
Posted by: Eileen Beamis | 06/29/2009 at 11:34 PM
fun fun fun! can't believe it's only two days! wow!
Posted by: Jill P. | 06/29/2009 at 11:37 PM
I am so excited for you and your adorable girls. I wish I had a little one to put into that beautiful dress. My 10 year old is now only into wearing t-shirts and jeans. On the other hand, I would love to win the scrap materials. I just gave a ton of stuff away to a lady who is scrapping about her son who is also in Afganistan.
My fingers are crossed!
Love and God bless,
Shaun
Posted by: Shaun Paddock | 06/29/2009 at 11:40 PM
So excited you only have 2 days left!!! And do you really have time for a give away right now? Well I'll be happy to take some scrap goodies off of your hands. I'm trying to find my mojo again after somewhat of an unintentional hiatus. Thanks!!
Posted by: Dawn | 06/29/2009 at 11:40 PM
Oooh, so excited for you!!!!! Thank you again for all your sacrifices! Thanks to your HERO of a husband too! Would love to win either of the giveaways:) Thanks!
Posted by: Janna | 06/29/2009 at 11:42 PM
oh my, i'm all over both of these giveaways .... thanks!!
so excited for you this week ...!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Cass M | 06/29/2009 at 11:44 PM
oooooohhhh I would love any of it, but you might not want to ship to Oz!!!! LOL
I love your blog & inspiration it rocks!! Now I get to have a chance at a giveaway!!! Woohoo
Posted by: mel brewin | 06/29/2009 at 11:47 PM
I'm so excited for you and the girls on J's homecoming!! My hubby travelled lots when my boys were babies, but nothing compared to you!! How wonderful to get to spend July 4th with him!! ***No little girlies at our home......please don't include me on that giveaway!! Blessings to ya'll~~~
Posted by: Rita | 06/29/2009 at 11:48 PM
That dress is so cute! I am excited for all of you...have a happy time adjusting to a household of 4!
Posted by: Jodi | 06/29/2009 at 11:50 PM
so happy that you will soon be family of fours !!!
and great give away.
Posted by: Dorcas | 06/29/2009 at 11:50 PM
I am SO happy for you guys! welcome home J!
Posted by: Danielle Calhoun | 06/30/2009 at 12:05 AM
What wonderful giveaways! I have a 2 year old and a 1 year old so the dress would be perfect! And who doesn't love new scrapping supplies???
I just recently started reading your blog and I have become a daily reader. I feel a "mommy connection" - 2 cute little girls that look to be pretty close to my little girlies, and I love your scrapping style. My hats off to you for your courage and hard work while your husband serves our country - I can't even imagine how hard that must be. 2 more days!
Posted by: Jennifer Muller | 06/30/2009 at 12:06 AM
OH Steph.. super sweet and super exciting !! I hope I HOPE I WIN! :) and big hugs to you ..your honey will be home soon! enjoy.. and BREATHE.
with a grin,
steffogal1
http://withagrin.blogspot.com/
Posted by: steffogal1 | 06/30/2009 at 12:08 AM
Thank goodness for all you military wives (and husbands) who provide such a loving home for our soldiers to come home to. Congratulations to you. Those little dresses are to die for and I love any and all scrappy stuff.
Posted by: Krista | 06/30/2009 at 12:09 AM
I hope the time flies for you!! Thank God for men like your husband, who sacrifice so much for our freedom. God bless your family!
Posted by: Patti | 06/30/2009 at 12:13 AM
Hi! Thank you for the giveaway, it would be amazing if I won the scrap godies! And I am so happy that your family will be together again , I've become a daily reader for a long time:)
Hugs: Szilvi
Posted by: Szilvii | 06/30/2009 at 12:16 AM
So excited for you to have J home! Love these little dresses...
Posted by: Adrienne | 06/30/2009 at 12:17 AM
2 days, that's amazing! I remember starting to read this blog the week after he left last year. It's incredible how much your two girls have grown! I'm so happy for all of you :)
Gorgeous giveaway!
Posted by: Diane | 06/30/2009 at 12:17 AM
Can't wait to hear abt J's homecoming!!!
Too bad, I no longer have little girls (they are now 21 & 13! Gasp!) but...Studio calico is just perfect!
Love your blog so much! You're the best mommy, wife and sweet all around kind of girl!
Posted by: Lori D. | 06/30/2009 at 12:20 AM
Counting down the days with you... :) I don't have any little ones, but anything you're purging from your scrap space sounds awesome to me. :)
Carmen.
Posted by: northcarmen | 06/30/2009 at 12:23 AM
I am so excited for you and your family. God bless your husband and your family for protecting our country. Oh, and I would love to win either giveaway.
Posted by: Elissa | 06/30/2009 at 12:26 AM
How exciting for you! Such a happy reunion! What a great giveaway. My Granddaugther would look adorable in one of those dresses :D
Posted by: Amy A. | 06/30/2009 at 12:27 AM
I would love to win either. My little girl could use a new dress and I could use some new scrap goodness ( I have a crop coming up next weekend!) So excited for you this week!
Posted by: Holly H. | 06/30/2009 at 12:27 AM
Yea only a few days left to wait till the homecoming!
Thanks for a fun giveaway.
Posted by: Meggan | 06/30/2009 at 12:31 AM
what?! another giveaway?! i would love scrappies, since i don't have a little one to put that ADORABLE dress on...makes me want one though!
so happy for you and your girls w/j's homecoming!!! did you get a special dress/outfit for it? usually you share the cute welcoming outfit. or maybe it's something you can't share! HA! ;)
Posted by: Sophia | 06/30/2009 at 12:31 AM
Spazzing out for you! Yay!
I'll take either the dress (as I have two little girls) or the scrapbook purgi-ness.
Posted by: Jenny K. from Puyallup | 06/30/2009 at 12:39 AM
totally adorable dress and who wouldn't want to win a flat rate box full of scrap goodies?!??!! Count me in and thanks!!! lol :)
Posted by: Gina | 06/30/2009 at 12:42 AM
I can almost feel your excitement for his safe return home! So happy for your sweet family to be reunited. Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend! =)
Posted by: Amber Zimmerman | 06/30/2009 at 12:53 AM
Two days, two days, two days! How exciting for you and your girls. Okay, for him too! I want to thank you and your family for your service to our country. It's a special thing you all do.
Thank you.
Posted by: Lisa | 06/30/2009 at 01:00 AM
Yeahhh! Another giveaway...the dress is really cute.Thanks for the giveaway and keep on keeping on!!!!
Posted by: lagrandecupcake | 06/30/2009 at 01:05 AM
Your two little girls are so cute, and their swim outfits are all (I can see many) very cute too....
Hmmm....two of your giveaways are so tempting....
Posted by: YeongShong | 06/30/2009 at 01:15 AM
Wishing J a safe return home and for you all to be the family of 4 you deserve to be.
xxx
Posted by: louise chester | 06/30/2009 at 01:22 AM
Cute dress! Would love either giveaway. Excited for your two day special arrival...
Posted by: Lyn kearns | 06/30/2009 at 01:46 AM
please pick me!i am very interested.:)
Posted by: jeanie nieva | 06/30/2009 at 01:49 AM
Hi Steph! I've been following your blog for a while now, through the long months of waiting and the short sweet visits that you've had with J - and I can't believe it myself that he's almost home. I am so thrilled and excited and happy for you - I can't wait to see complete Howell family photos up on your blog! I enjoy so much all your posts - from the layouts to the flea market finds to the funny stories about the girlies and most especially the photos - thanks for sharing yourself and your family with us!
Posted by: Patty W | 06/30/2009 at 01:50 AM
i know i should purge my supplies as well, but i can't resist...thanks for sharing your ideas and your stuff :-) lorraine
Posted by: enggirl | 06/30/2009 at 01:53 AM
I would be over the moon to win any of those prizes! And of course I would pay for the international shipping ;o)
Posted by: Jennifer.T | 06/30/2009 at 02:11 AM
would love to get my hands on those cute baby things! but unfortunately, no kiddo in the house yet :(
altho the dame of the house scrapbooks (that's me!)! so giveaway #2 is just perfect.
can't wait for J's homecoming story!
Posted by: bjay | 06/30/2009 at 02:17 AM
Two days-WOW! I remember reading about him leaving. It's hard to believe you guys are just days away from seeing one another and putting this deployment behind you. Enjoy the excitement and giddiness his homecoming is surely causing, and I pray for his and his company's safe arrival into your (and their) family's arms!
Posted by: Abegaile | 06/30/2009 at 02:54 AM
Oh, I'd love to win a goodie box from you!!! (No children, so the dress would be no good for me ;) )
Oh, what I already wanted to ask you yesterday, but totally forgot: What will you be wearing when you see J.? :)
Hope the last days go by fast!
Posted by: Sandra | 06/30/2009 at 03:38 AM
You must be so excited!! Im excited for you and looking forward to the reunion photos in 2 days!!
And both your give aways sound AWESOME!!!
Xx
Posted by: Jess | 06/30/2009 at 04:17 AM
Oh my - I am so excited for you and your family!! The dress is adorable but with no children - I think somoen else would appreciate it more. Your scrap goodness sounds yummilicious though :)
Posted by: LisaNRoxy | 06/30/2009 at 04:24 AM
Adorable! Harper looks sooo much like both you and J in the first picture! :D
I would love the scrappy giveaway, given the fact that I don't have a baby girl to put on, and I would be way tooo overaged to put on the dress myself, heh!
Posted by: Shermin | 06/30/2009 at 04:34 AM
How exciting for you - not long now at all!!! I would love that box of goodies!
Posted by: Kim | 06/30/2009 at 04:46 AM
So excited for your family!! :)
Posted by: princessrapunzel@verizon.net | 06/30/2009 at 05:06 AM
ARGH!!!! Not long to go now at all! This past week has probably gone the slowest of the whole lot though for you:)
I would adore a scrappy parcel in the post!!!
Posted by: Kirsty | 06/30/2009 at 05:12 AM
Yahhoo....two days to go..how awesome! Loved to win either of the give aways...first one would need to be for my niece if I win...I have four boys!!
Posted by: Lynn | 06/30/2009 at 05:17 AM
Yay for you! I am glad your husband is coming home safe and sound. As you get ready to welcome your honey home I am getting ready to send mine off! Thanks for sharing your stories on your blog. I love reading things from other military spouses and seeing that I can totally relate.
Thanks for the chance to win some sweet prizes.
Posted by: Shanon G | 06/30/2009 at 05:22 AM
Congratulations on making it through a whole year as essentially a "single mom". I love your blog and thank you for all the wonerful inspiration.
Posted by: Julie | 06/30/2009 at 05:48 AM
I know that time can't move fast enough for you now! I'm looking forward to your post that J is home safe and sound!!! I know you can't wait. Thanks for the giveaway....
Posted by: Joanne | 06/30/2009 at 05:51 AM
So completely happy for your family! I'm now at 7 days and counting and cannot wait! Enjoy your reunion and your complete family!
Posted by: Christa Paustenbaugh | 06/30/2009 at 05:52 AM
I'm excited for you!!! My boys are grown but I do have a beautiful niece that would look lovely in that dress:-) Thanks for the giveaway! P.S. I am a scrapper so lets not forget the goodies too! LOLOLOL
Posted by: Sharonda | 06/30/2009 at 05:54 AM
good luck getting through the next two days!! i'd be jumping up & down excited too.... my Army man is leaving Bagram today and is headed to the Kandahar area... we're just starting our 10 month deployment :(
I wish I had a little girl who'd fit that absolutely adorable dress, but I do have this 'thing' for scrappy supplies, and would love to add a few of your extras to my own collection!! ;)
♥rae
Posted by: rae | 06/30/2009 at 06:00 AM
woot woot - such a happy time for you! would love to win the scrapping goodness! the countdown is ON!
Posted by: virginia | 06/30/2009 at 06:01 AM
I can just imagine how excited you are, I would be too...
Thanks for the fun here!
Sophia
South Africa
Posted by: Sophia Allison | 06/30/2009 at 06:06 AM
Wow I am so excited for you! great giveaways :) I know a little girl who would love that dress, she has a mama who would love the scrappy stuff, wonder who that could be...hmmm. Anyway, it would be awesome to win either way. thank you.
Posted by: Jennifer B | 06/30/2009 at 06:09 AM
I hope you and the girls have a wonderful day!
Posted by: SandyB | 06/30/2009 at 06:13 AM
Steph,
I can't believe how grown up Harper looks in that first pic! So pretty!
I can't even imagine the jumpiness in your tummy right now waiting for J. I am thrilled for you, and hope these two days just zoom by.
Thanks for sharing these wonderful goodies too!
Posted by: Sarah | 06/30/2009 at 06:21 AM
Would love to win your giveaways! Just want you how excited I am for your family to become 4 again! God blessings on you all!
Posted by: celeste e | 06/30/2009 at 06:25 AM
So happy for you! Both of your giveaways are fantastic, I'm actually going to check out her site now, that dress is super cute!
Posted by: kelly | 06/30/2009 at 06:28 AM
I can only imagine your excitement of your DH's homecoming. I have followed your blog while he has been gone, and offered many prayers for his safety. So very happy for you all this week.:)
Scrapbook supplies ... always brings a smile to my face.:) (Don't have any little ones for the beautiful dresses).
Looking forward to hearing about your Disney celebration.:)
Posted by: Linda J | 06/30/2009 at 06:29 AM
Never stifle your spazziness - I think it's great! hee hee
Thanks for the giveaways!
Posted by: melanie | 06/30/2009 at 06:39 AM
Yayyyy for J being almost home!
Beautiful dress but that box has me all excited :D
Have a wonderful day and good luck to all the ladies!
Posted by: Maryangella Haberman | 06/30/2009 at 06:42 AM
I will be thinking and praying for your family as you begin this new venture as 4 once again. Happy homecoming!
Posted by: Missy | 06/30/2009 at 06:44 AM
Thanks for sharing ~ I would love to win the box of scrapbook goodies since my daughters are now 15 and 17 (gulp!).
I've been reading your blog for a while and am so happy that your family will soon be reunited. Thank you and your husband for all that you sacrifice for us and our country. Many blessings to you all~
SusanB
Posted by: Susan | 06/30/2009 at 06:45 AM
I'm excited for you and your girls! Great giveaway too!
Posted by: Vicki | 06/30/2009 at 06:45 AM
So excited for you that J is almost home! :)
I'd love to win either prize. Thanks for being so generous. *Hugs*
Posted by: Cass | 06/30/2009 at 06:54 AM
I'm so excited for you and your girls!!
Posted by: Jessica | 06/30/2009 at 07:10 AM
I'm so excited for you and you girls! It won't be much longer now!
Posted by: Diana | 06/30/2009 at 07:13 AM