Let's Get Outta This Funk and a Giveaway Tease...

Hello ladies!  I've been dreading a new post, my first of 2011.  I can't really explain why.  I guess I've been in some kind of funk and haven't figured out how to escape.  For some weird reason I put all this unncessary pressure on myself to be BIGGER and BETTER this year.

Well, all that did was put me in a paralyzing rut!  I've had plans for so long to give my blog a makeover.  Nothing super spectacular but it would be nice to use the font that took me 384 hours to decide on and cost me $25.00.  Yes, I know, it didn't brake the bank but it's a pretty penny for some scrolly letters that no one will notice, but me, how special the capital C's and B's are and how the little q swoops rather than points.

I also would LOVE to sport a fancy new header with the same cute curvy shape I got for punching my price tags.  And of course pictures of my stuff in the background and matching dividers and titles and a personalized signature and.....

So, how could I dare start off the new year without all that cool stuff?  Everyone's blogs are getting makeovers and mine still looks the same from day one, minus a few cute buttons and the super cool damask background I got for free.  Don't get me wrong, I love those buttons and the background totally fits me and my stuff.

AND...could I dare announce or even post a TEASE for my very FIRST GIVEAWAY ever without all that either?  Well, you know what?  I'm doing it anyway...

Chateau Chic Boutique is SO very pleased to announce that I now have over 100 FOLLOWERS!  For me, this is HUGE.  I want to celebrate this acheivement with all of you, my awesome followers, by doing a GIVEAWAY!!!

That's right, a giveaway.  I'll be giving more of those details soon.  If you want you can subscribe to my new posts by entering your email address in the box to the left.  Whenever I have a new post it will be sent right to your email inbox.  I LOVE those things, it makes it so easy for me and I don't know about you but in my crazy, busy life, anything that will make my life easier, I love!

Well, here's to escaping my rut and just going for it without trying to be perfect!

I pray you all have a super blessed day!

(and stop worrying about being perfect, too)

Missy

White Wednesday #9

It has been many years since I have visited Roger's Gardens at Christmas time.

I really don't have a reason except for the fact that every December

is the craziest, busiest month for us.

The girls' dance performances - there's 3 of them,

not to mention the extra rehearsals.

The millions (OK maybe not millions, but it might as well be)

of Christmas parties and family gatherings,

our anniversary,

and everything else that goes on during Christmas time.

But ever since I saw this picture of this awesome decked out tree,

I knew I had to see it in person.

We also have been meaning to take the kids

to see the GINORMOUS Christmas tree they put up

at Fashion Island every year.

And we also wanted to watch the boats go by

at Balboa, all lit up with their Christmas lights.

And even thought it has been POURING rain,

we decided to still make the drive.

So, get ready...here's the awesome tree...

Isn't it just BeaUtiFul?!?!

I told you it was awesome!

Wait till you see the price tag...

NOT so awesome.

In case you can't see it,

it's FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS.

I'm sure you're thinking what I'm thinking...

I can sooo do that myself.

And for MUCH less money, to say the least.

But it still is beautiful, and to be fair,

it probably stands about 4 feet tall I'd say.

I have no idea how many pieces of rhinestone jewels

adorne this tree but most of the time I can find

nice ones for about a buck a piece.

If there were a thousand or so on it,

I guess that would cost a pretty penny.

So maybe next year I'll try to do one a tad bit smaller.

They also had many, many other brilliantly, sparkling ornaments on several trees.

I also loved all of these glittered out girlie ornaments and crowns.

Aren't they so sweet?

 These huge cherubs were also completely covered in

a creamy, sparkly glitter from head to toe.

And yes, these gigantic, life size reindeer,

also covered in that glitter.

I really, really, really loved this huge

decorative oval piece.

I didn't even bother to ask the price.

Aren't these just so super pretty?

Other than the decked out $4000. tree,

These soldered creations were my favorite.

I've been wanting to learn to solder crystals for a while now

and I think I'll be getting my chance very soon.

Even through the trecherous rain,

we did make it to the HUMONGOUS tree at Fashion Island.

Unfortunately, we didn't make it to see the boats and

even though we were all completely soaked,

the kids had a great time!

Happy White Wednesday everyone!

Be sure to check out all the fun whites at Faded Charm.

Thank you again Kathleen for faithfully hosting WW!

If I don't get a post in before CHRISTmas,

I'm wishing everyone a  wonderful

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Oh, I also have a little tease...

I see that I am gently approaching,

dare I say,

100 followers!

I'm thinking a GIVEAWAY would be appropriate

to celebrate my humble accomplishment.

I know there's lots of blogs out there with

hundreds and even thousands of followers but

I am truly, truly grateful and exicited to reach 100!

More details on that later.

Go and have a Merry CHRISTmas and

Happy New Year with your loved ones.

Hold them tightly.

And remember, JESUS is the reason for the season.

Sincerest CHRISTmas blessings to everyone!

Missy

Crash Into Me...Baby

Four years ago....

my Baby crashed into me.

Or maybe I crashed into him.

And 5 1/2 months later we were married.

It was a cold and rainy day, much like today.

 As the girls were dancing and playing,

our poor guests were shivering outside.

Macy was 5

and little Grace was just 2 years old.



My best friend, Tina, of 25 years

was about to become my sister-in-law.

Dad and Mom.

Laughin' it up with my Dad.

Still Daddy's little girl.

I couldn't wait see my Man

as he patiently waited for me in the freezing cold.

Almost there...

Finally.

Right where I want to be.

Always my favorite shot of any Bride and Groom,

after the I Do's, it's official.

We did it!

We are Husband and Wife.

My girls have a Daddy again.

That loves them with ALL his heart.

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Duffy.

Now I've got my ball,

I've got my chain,

tied to me tight,

tie me up again.

Sweet like candy to my soul,

Sweet you rock

and sweet you roll.

Lost for you, I'm so lost for you.

You come crash into me,

and I come into you.

I come into you,

in a boys dream.

Now this is unconditional love of family.

Gary's Mom and Sister,

so happy for me and with me.

Off we go under the sparkles!

I certainly did not think

after what I had been through,

that I could be so happy again.

It was actually me

that crashed into him.

Yes, I made the first move.

I was a young widow that thought

I was perfectly fine on my own

with my 2 girls.

Then the Lord opened my eyes

to someone I'd known for over 25 years.

Someone he had saved for me, just me and my girls.

He's always had a dream of the marriage and family he wanted.

But he didn't think he'd ever have it.

He had just made an agreement with God that

he would be happy staying single rather than "settle".

That's when I crashed into him.

Hence, our song...

When you come crash into me, baby

And I come into you

In a boys dream

In a boys dream

Happy 4th Anniversary Baby!

Mis