and.... we have a WINNER!!!!!

Let's just keep the suspense going on a little bit longer... shall we?  :)

First....THANK YOU ALL for entering in my first ever GIVE-AWAY!!!! 

I'll be quite honest with you all... after the first nearly 24 hours, and I had no comments... I was feeling a bit like a looser and wondered "why in the world I put myself through such torment...." I honestly had myself convinced that I had no readers... that my idea was STUUUUPID! and ... I was just about to throw in the towel and forget it all.... but.... I was quick to judge!  TOO IMPATIENT!!!! You all have made my week!  You are all so sweet with your comments and such good sports to play along! THANK YOU!!!!! I truly am grateful!  I hope you are all as excited as I am..... 

AND..... I was going to post a picture of the GIVEAWAY... but.... my camera... is once again.... DEAD!!!! I know I just put batteries in it! And... I think I know just who will be at fault for my dead battery.... when I get my battery replaced.... I'll know for sure!!! .... I'll give you a hint..... 3 girls in the house... which one will it be??????  :) 

Anyway..... I'll post the picture later on today... when I get a second to sneak out and get some batteries! 

Now... my only worry is.... is my giveaway "CORNY"...... oh I stress myself out sometimes.... always!

OH YES! One more thing.... 

before I tell you who won.... 

You were all so VERY VERY CLOSE on my top 5 most favorite Christmas things! 

I am amazed at how good you all are!!! 

(and... I didn't realize just how hard it was to narrow my FAVORITES to 5!!!!) 

That was REALLY hard! 

Now... not in any particular order... my top 5 favs are...

STOCKINGS

MUSIC

THE SAVIOR - The reason for the Season! 

BEING WITH MY FAMILY ... and our TRADITIONS 

WATCHING MY KIDS OPEN THEIR FAVORITE THINGS BOX! 

 (I know...technically that is 6 - but come on! they go together!)  
I was so impressed with everyone! 
It seems we all have VERY similar FAVORITES!

NOW....

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!!!! 

The winner is.......comment #22

(selected by Random.org)

True Random Number Generator Min:   Max:   Result:  22

Congrats to COLEY!!!! You will for sure want to visit her blog!  (Or all of her blogs!) I know I am amazed by her!  She has a heart of gold ... I just know it!!! You know...sometimes you just get a "feeling" about someone ... well, I discovered her blog not too long ago... and I just know... we would be great friends if we lived near each other...and I just KNOW we will become good long distance friends! I'm so grateful for this wonderful world of blogging! I have had the opportunity to meet so many AMAZING people... via the internet!  When I'm feeling all alone and feel that I have not much to offer ...I turn to blog land and discover some pretty amazing people! And it is so amazing to me to see just how much everyone lifts each other and is so willing to "share" their talents with others..... complete strangers!!!! AND how much they LIFT each other up! I'm SO GRATEFUL!  Thank you to everyone that played along! You inspired me and gave me the strength I needed during a rough week!  THANK YOU!!!! 

So.... Coley, I need your mailing address!  

A package is awaiting to greet you!!!!!  

AND, TO THE REST OF YOU!!!!! 

Let's get ready for ROUND 2!!!!  

I'll be posting the next GIVE-AWAY contest about 6 pm tonight... (MST).... so be sure to come back! 

I wish you all a FABULOUS week! 

By GREG OLSEN 

Such a TALENTED man!