Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Huge News and a Give Away




Welcome, thank you for stopping in to hear our exciting news! Doug and I have been struggling with a huge decision and we are finally at peace with our choices. Some may know this already. Doug lost his job in March, 2009. We have been struggling and frankly scared to death with the uncertainty we were facing. My health does not allow me to work, and we all know the state of the economy.

With employment opportunities looking bleak here, Doug has been looking for employment out of country. We knew all along that I would not be able to join him and we would have to be apart. My health was a big part of our decision, I guess our niece said it best when she said, "But Aunt Nette who is going to take care of you?" He is in talks with an American company but working in Saudi Arabia. We have been assured the villa he will be living in is very secure. He will be working with airplanes, his passion. It is a one year contract. They are negotiating his trips home now. He is trying to work out 3 visits a year. We know he adores his family but his October visit has already been confirmed. Can we say Talledaga? LOL
While I am afraid of being alone, it might force me into some independence that I have given up over the past few years. It will be a challenging time but we have so much exciting news. First, the precious daughter of a dear friend is getting married! Excited, oh yes I am. She has asked me to give her bridesmaid luncheon. That is such an honor. Oh my stars, I have been shedding tears of joy for almost 3 weeks.
I talk about the fact that I adore the staff at my pharmacy. They are so good to me. In fact we named our precious puggle after one of the staff members. Well, drum roll please........she (our friend not our puggle) is having a baby in August. I will be giving her a baby shower like I have never given in my life. I have been searching blogs for ideas since before she got the ultrasound!
And just because we are having so much excitement in our lives, I am going to have a giveaway. I don't know if this kind of giveaway has ever been done before. Here is the scoop. My husband has a booth in a local antique mall with vintage dishes, decor, linens, clothes, and various goodies. He is giving a $50 gift certificate. I will post pictures of some of his things when we start the giveaway on the 16th. I will contact the winner with a general list of things he has. The winner can choose anything up to $50. Just chose from the photos up to $50. That is $50 total, we will spring for the shipping separately. Cool huh? In fact, he is at an estate auction right now. I can't wait until he brings home all the treasures. He has a good eye and always finds really cool stuff. This is a picture of Uncle Doug's Treasures from December so most of the stuff you see is long gone but I wanted to give you an idea of things he has.

That is our huge news, I don't know what direction the blog will take but am anxious to find out. I treasure the friends I have made and look forward to making new friends. So, what do you think, huge news or what?


30 comments:

  1. Oh Jeanette huge news! I am glad for your peace with the decisions. Gosh so much change but sometimes it is for the best and God will give you strength. I am excited about all your great wedding and baby showers you get to give for very loving friends. I am always here if you need me. Just a few hours north of you!

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  2. Sounds like wonderful and exciting news all around. It is funny the way life has all of these twists and turns, but what an adventure. Can't wait to see all the pretty decorations and tables you set for the showers. A wonderful giveaway too. So exciting. Hugs, Marty

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  3. Jeanette...sounds like a lot of changes are coming your way. I pray that you and hubby will find ways to make his seperation a very special time for you both. A bridal luncheon AND a baby shower sounds like tons of fun. I cannot wait to read all the details. And speaking of fun..what a delightful giveaway.

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  4. Huge News...
    and i must say, i would not have traded my time there for anything...
    you will grow...you will share...

    and i hope you will blog about it too!

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  5. WOW...Lots going on in your life...Change is good....stay positive...and count me in for the giveaway!

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  6. Your family will be in my prayers, Jeanette, as you face this new season in your lives! Your husband is brave and you can see he is passionate about providing for his family no matter what it takes. Bravo!

    Your giveaway is more than generous. How fun...a shopping spree! Sign me up!

    I came over to visit today from "A Doctor in the House" blog. Your blog is lovely. I will be back again to browse and visit soon!

    Stay Cozy, Carrie

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  7. Jeanette,
    I am so thankful that God has given your peace over your decision. What a hard choice to have made. I so thankful that God has given you so many wonderful events to plan and look forward to- can't wait to see the posts on these! You are such a dear. Tell Doug that the give-a-way is very generous of him. God bless... Dee Dee

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  8. Hi Jeanette

    Thanks for your visit today. I hope you'll come again. I LOVE getting to meet other bloggers.

    Hugs from the Beachkat!

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  9. Sounds like you are going to be busy, but in a good way.

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  10. Great news! You will be very busy the next few months in a wonderful way. Can't wait for the posts :) It looks like Doug has a great booth and I am sure he will enjoy his time away but will be home often I'm sure! Did I tell you I live not far from Talladega? Maybe we can meet someday!
    Blessings,
    Donna

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  11. Your decision must have been very difficult to make. It won't be easy being seperated but I know you will both be up for the challenges. Would love to shop via blog world in your husband's booth. Good luck to both of you.

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  12. I wish the two of you the best of luck in this change in your lives. It must be tough to have to make such a decision.

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  13. I love your attitude! Those are some really big changes in your lives and I am really glad you are at peace with the decision. I don't do alone well, so I really admire your strength and sacrifice. It does sound as if you have some wonderful things coming up to keep you very busy. I'll keep your family in my prayers.

    Sue

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  14. Ohhhhhhhh my!!! HUGE is an understatement!! I can't imagine what you're going to be doing!! What a sacrifice. We will be praying for you and hubby!

    ~Blessings,
    Jan

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  15. Jeannete - huge news but exciting at the same time. You are blessed with a husband that will do everything he can to provide for his family (that is a huge blessing), you are blessed with family and friends that support you and you a blessing to those around you.

    This upcoming "season" of your life will be full, exciting and full of new adventures. Enjoy them.

    Sylvia

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  16. Goodness! That was a big decision! Wishing you both well in this new change for both of you -- you sound like with your great attitude this will all work out well! We'll be eager to hear all about it.

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  17. Hi Jeanette,
    I hope things go well for you and your husband as you face these changes and challenges. Your positive attitude is certain to be an invaluable asset. Your upcoming parties sound exciting. I know you'll do a fantastic job! Will there be photographs? You KNOW we all want to see them!

    Regards,
    Bill

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  18. It sounds like you have a wonderful attitude about these changes. It is inspiring to read that you can look at this as an adventure. I'll look forward to hearing about it, and I'll look forward to seeing photos of your parties you're going to be hosting. laurie

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  19. Jeanette- I sense that you will be just fine; You have such an "attitude of gratitude". Sometimes our greatest challenges turn out to be blessings. Can't wait to see your luncheion!

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  20. Jeanette,
    You are always so kind to leave comments so thought I would leave one for you...WOW life is really going to be exciting for sure. I have only given one shower but it was fun, we did a dessert theme.
    God bless,
    Valerie

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  21. WOW!!! Jeanette!!! That is huge news! But change is good! I'm imagining some wonderful times for you as you enjoy your time planning the events you have been asked to host! It's going to be wonderful! Blessings and hugs, Coralie

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  22. You must feel relieved to finally reach a decision on such a difficult matter. I hope so!
    With 2 showers to plan, it should help take your mind off the other issues somewhat, too.

    What perfect opportunities for some GREAT tablescapes, too! :D I can't wait to see the pictures.

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  23. Jeanette,

    Having your husband living out of the country for a year is a huge decision and change - one that cannot be undervalued. I'm so happy to hear that both of you are finding peace with the decision, clearly not an easy one. Good luck to you and your husband as you emabark on this new path.

    It's good to have two showers to plan to keep your mind in a good place. Also, blog land can be a blessed place. It's amazing how much comfort and caring we can receive over the internet. Hang in there and keep us posted.

    - The Tablescaper

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  24. Jeanette I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. And we will be there for you if you need us!

    Sounds like you'll have a lot of fun in 2010 to keep you busy!

    Leann

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  25. Hi Jeanette...thanks you for stopping by and becoming a follower of my blog...Nice to meet another Georgia blogger.....Your grandson is adorable...and I hope all goes well and everything works out well for you and your husband...

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  26. Hello and Happy New Year to you! Wow, that is a big adjustment! In this economy, sometimes we all must make sacrifices. I pray that with the Lord's help, y'all will be able to get through this contract and be together again real soon:)

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  27. My well wishes to you and yours during such a large change in your life! Thank you for following my blog as well. I love the graphics that you use in yours :)

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  28. That must be so hard but I'm glad you're at peace with your decision. I hope you stay busy with the bridal and baby showers.

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  29. You sound so at peace with everything, which is just wonderful. Are you able to travel at all? It would be fun to meet in person. I'm just saying. :)

    ~Jenifer

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  30. Whoa...that is heavy. You are clearly a strong woman, and your positive attitude is inspiring. We all have to do what we have to do in this economy. I'll definitely be following along on your journey :)

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