… where you learn to be yourself, to be real, and for my family – it’s a place where courage is bolstered!
And from my heartfelt readers, home is … where I can be me … where we feel safe … where our tempers flair at times but love grows … the best eternal witness to what’s happening to us inside (wow!) … family … where my puppy rules … where we learn about God’s love … a place with doors that swing open to welcome family and friends (another wow!) … where my husband is … my favorite place … where we can relax without messing up …place of refuge … happiness … hugs … laughter … crying … where we’re fed … where no one judges you … safety … where we cultivate kindness and acceptance.
The winner to the Hip Hostess Apron is Ellen B! After her name was chosen, I read her comment more thoroughly and I’d say, what a good reminder to us younger mothers who still have kids at home. Ellen said:
Home to me is where there is comfort, acceptance, and love no matter what! Being able to relax and be at ease and always welcomed. When your older children who have moved away from home come and sink into your couch and relax and enjoy themselves without being nagged to come home that’s one sign that God has blessed your efforts to make this kind of home…
Thank you Ellen B (whose name must mean “hospitality!”), and happy hostessing with your new apron! We’ll actually be twins now because I have the same one!
The GOOD NEWS is that The Hip Hostess has agreed to give away another apron on my blog (not sure the date), between now and Christmas! Don’t you just love Debbie and her generous spirt? (Yes, here’s a sneak preview – and I love the RED!)
Now on to the KRAFT FOODS Basket Winner! I’m excited to announce that Polly, from A View from my Window, has won the KRAFT FOODS basket! Congrats Polly! And thank you, KRAFT FOODS!
I’m thankful for RE readers and supporters, as next week I’ll be giving away a $50 Visa Card and a Wild Wool beautiful scarf! Also, I’ll be sharing an impressive, EASY, tasty Christmas appetizer. Do you know of a weary caregiver? Have you thought about giving this gift to a family – a Once a Month Dinner? How about hosting a Wreath Party in your home? Do you have a problem with “stuff?” Or maybe you’d like a very simple-giving Sweet Spiced Apple Butter recipe? Stay tuned …
I’d love for you to share if you have any entertaining plans this weekend?
(Top photo: Progressive Dinner a few years ago with yard sale water goblets and napkin rings – I think I served salad that year! I heart yard sales = where another person’s junk becomes your beauty!) Oh, and Nester’s having a Garnish your Gifts Giveaway! And don’t forget if you’re looking for some inexpensive Christmas projects to pick up Kimba’s eBook.
I have nothing to share, but everything to gain and learn from keeping on keeping on with my visits to your site – I’m a mom of 5 ranging from 8 down to 10 mo. – I want SO much to invite folks over, but I never do. Baby is asleep at 8 – I can’t invite folks over – they might wake her up – the house is a mess, ack, that’s ALWAYS the case (we homeschool and the children and I LIVE in this house allll the time) – I could go on and on – have any advice for a mom like me? maybe a whole post?
anyway, I’m so glad to have found your site – I’m enjoying looking at some of the older posts and maybe, just maybe, I’ll get brave enough somehow to invite someone, anyone, over someday….maybe….when the baby is a little older….or…I don’t know. I’m hopeless 
[Reply]
Congratulations to the winners! No exciting entertaining plans on the agenda this weekend. I’m looking forward to your upcoming posts! Have a good one…
[Reply]
Sandy! I’m so thrilled to be twins with you!!
Blessings…
[Reply]
We’re having two good friends over who have a little boy 5 months older than ours. She and I will be making Christmas treats and canning jam while the guys watch the little boys (and probably watch Chevy Chase Christmas!). It’s my favorite kind of “entertaining” – no stress, no pressure, just fun with friends.
[Reply]
I found out about your blog through your husband’s book, No More Jellyfish, Chickens, and Wimps. It was such a helpful resource for our school.
[Reply]
What great sentiments on home! Our entertaining plans this weekend are pretty small, we plan on making some family time with a movie night and girls trip to see the Nutcracker. We’ll be more hospitable next weekend when we will invite the neighborhood over for desserts. (yes, I just said neighborhood-all of them! we love it!)
[Reply]
Congrats to the winners! Love the apron…I’ll just have to hop on over there and buy one! Too cute!
[Reply]
Am enjoying your blog! We’re entertaining our Sunday School class next weekend. About 20 adults bringing covered dishes. I’ll provide the meat, drinks, rolls, etc. We have a white elephant gift exchange each year and there’s quite the competition to bring the funniest “found” white elephant gift. We have one gift that returns each year and people can’t wait to see who gets it this year.
[Reply]
Congratulations to the winners! I love the sentiments about “home” ~ such a treasured place to be. No entertaining for me this weekend…still have vertigo. I’m tired of it and want to send it on its way to evaporate in thin, cold Texas air.
[Reply]