Sunday, April 3, 2011

my giveaway winner...and a little announcement

Hello friends! I'd like to take this time to thank all of you who entered my humble giveaway and for all the new followers I gained after the awesome Lily Pad blog hop. I just noticed that I have over 300 followers!


The winner of my giveaway, according to random.org, is Emily Leiphart. Congratulations, Emily! Please email me so I can send your goodies off to you.


On a sad note, my Mom passed peacefully on March 30th and is now together with my Dad. We all got to say our goodbyes to her and the amazing thing is that she hung on for 15 days until all her grandchildren flew in and were at her bedside. And we're happy to know she had the best seat in the house at our daughter's wedding yesterday.




Here's a shot of the happy couple at their reception. The weather was perfect--not a single raindrop fell--and our family has grown immensely with the addition of our new relatives from Alabama.




And take a look at the kokeshi cake topper dolls that my daughter found here on Etsy. So cute!
















I hope you'll bear with me as we get things settled, and I'll try to be back visiting you all in blogland very soon!

Love and hugs,
Donna
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54 comments:

  1. CinnamonSallyApril 3, 2011 at 12:22:00 AM HST

    Hi Donna, so sad to hear the news of your mothers passing, I am thinking of you.
    Also congratulations to your Daughter, she looks so beautiful, and I love the cake toppers.
    Hugs
    Sally

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  2. Suzanne CApril 3, 2011 at 12:53:00 AM HST

    So sorry to hear about your mother Donna. Hugs and thoughts sent your way. Joy and Sadness together. So happy for you on your daughter's wedding. I hope it was a wonderful day.

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  3. SanneApril 3, 2011 at 1:16:00 AM HST

    So sorry to hear that your mother passed away Donna - I belive you will always have her in your heart along with all the good memories!
    Thoughts Sanne

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  4. DwitaApril 3, 2011 at 1:21:00 AM HST

    Donna, so sorry to hear your Mom passed away. Joy and sorrow are with you. Happy couple for your daughter and her DH. Hugs.

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  5. PajaluApril 3, 2011 at 1:31:00 AM HST

    Oh Donna I am so sorry to hear of your mum's passing. I bet she is at peace now. Your dd looks stunning with her hubby :D. Those cake toppers are so cute xoxoxoxo

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  6. JenniferApril 3, 2011 at 1:48:00 AM HST

    hugs hugs hugs to you.

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  7. ♥Rach♥April 3, 2011 at 2:03:00 AM HST

    Oh Donna, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom! I'm glad that she got to see all her grandchildren though, that's truly wonderful.

    Your daughter looks just beautiful, love the one shoulder on her dress :0) So glad the day was wonderful!

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  8. Styles in PaperApril 3, 2011 at 3:38:00 AM HST

    Donna, I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing, your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
    I'm glad to hear your daughter had a great day yesterday in light of your recent loss.

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  9. BarbApril 3, 2011 at 3:41:00 AM HST

    Donna, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. How amazing that all her grandchildren were able to see her. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Your daughter looks so beautiful! Hope you'll share more wedding photos, once things have settled down some. Sending hugs!

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  10. Karen B.April 3, 2011 at 4:25:00 AM HST

    Sorry to hear about your loss.

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  11. Kelly BoothApril 3, 2011 at 4:59:00 AM HST

    So glad the wedding was perfect...love the cake topped Joy found! Hope they have a wonderful time in Hawaii...love u Ms. D!

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  12. KryssiApril 3, 2011 at 5:10:00 AM HST

    sorry about the passing of your mother. she must've been an amazing woman. but, congrats on your daughter's wedding... life really is about up's and down's right?

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  13. Shirley NApril 3, 2011 at 7:21:00 AM HST

    Donna, I'm so sorry for your loss, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. It was beautiful that all her grandchildren were at her bedside to say goodbye to grandma. TFS your beautiful pictures and congrats to the happy couple! Altho we'll miss you, take your time coming back to blogland--we'll still be here. Take care dear friend. BIG HUGS!

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  14. MimiApril 3, 2011 at 7:23:00 AM HST

    Donna, so sorry to hear about your mother's passing, it's truly amazing she got to see all her grandchildren together. There always some joy after such sadness. Congrats to your daughter, she looked beautiful with her handsome husband! Hope you have a wonderful week ahead! ;)

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  15. MarilynApril 3, 2011 at 7:24:00 AM HST

    My condolences to you and your family, with the passing of your Mother, Donna. Hugs to all of you at this sad time.
    Your Daughter and her husband make a beautiful couple. My best to them, as they travel through life together.
    Hugs, Marilyn

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  16. LysaApril 3, 2011 at 7:25:00 AM HST

    So sorry about your mother's passing- Sending big hugs your way!

    & wonderful congrats to your daughter & new son-in-law!

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  17. Stamping CafeApril 3, 2011 at 7:51:00 AM HST

    I'm so sorry about your mom, Donna! Sending lots of love and hugs to you, I'm always thinking of you!!

    Congrats on the beautiful wedding, what a gorgeous couple!! Joy looks perfect and amazing, love the super cute cake toppers she found! :)

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  18. Sarah J MoermanApril 3, 2011 at 8:07:00 AM HST

    You've definitely had your highs and lows this past week, Donna. So sorry to hear of the loss of you Mom... and congrats on your daughter's wedding. Thinking of you...

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  19. JennyApril 3, 2011 at 8:32:00 AM HST

    So sorry to hear about your mother's passing. Its great that everyone got to say goodbye to her before she left. And Congrats on your daughter's wedding- I'm sure her grandma had something to do with the perfect weather. Those Kokeshi dolls are so adorable- wish I found them for my wedding! Take care.

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  20. PiaApril 3, 2011 at 8:37:00 AM HST

    Donna, I am so very sorry for your loss! Sending many hugs and thoughts for you and your family!
    Pia

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  21. Dotty JoApril 3, 2011 at 8:37:00 AM HST

    Hi Donna, what a week of sadness and joy for you. I'm so sorry to hear that your Mom has passed away.
    Your daughter looks radiant - your Mom would have been so proud. Hugs to you, Jo x

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  22. TraceyApril 3, 2011 at 12:45:00 PM HST

    Sending big hugs to you Donna, so sorry to hear about your mom. You daughter is so beautiful!!

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  23. Lisa B.April 3, 2011 at 2:25:00 PM HST

    Donna, my condolences to you and your family on your mom's passing. You are in my prayers and thoughts.

    Lisa
    Pasadena, CA

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  24. Anita RexApril 3, 2011 at 6:10:00 PM HST

    I am so sorry about your mother's passing! :< Sending you caring thoughts. :> What a gorgeous bride your daughter was! I am sure you all enjoyed her wedding! Love the cake toppers, sooo cute! And I think you should also share more pics from the wedding as I am sure it was beauitful!

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  25. Dawn TApril 3, 2011 at 6:50:00 PM HST

    Donna, so sad to hear you news.... I'm glad the family all got to see her too.... and then had the wonderful wedding to celebrate so soon after.... Congrats to your daughter and your new son-in-law and lots of happy thoughts and prayers heading your way.

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  26. ivyApril 3, 2011 at 7:46:00 PM HST

    what a great looking couple! glad to hear there was no rain either!

    i am sorry to hear that your mother passed away......you & your family will be in my thoughts & prayers. i will give you a big hug in 2 weeks...hope to see you then!

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  27. 1LuvnMamaApril 3, 2011 at 9:22:00 PM HST

    Oh my goodness Donna. My sympathy to you and the family during this time. Hold on to the memories . . . seems like you'll be creating more memories as you have gained a SIL. Your DD is gorgeous in her dress and the kokeshi dolls are a find! :) Take care Donna and looking forward to when you return. Family comes first!

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  28. LindaApril 3, 2011 at 9:56:00 PM HST

    Donna, I'm so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. And yes, I'm sure she and your dad had something to do with the fantastic weather for your DD's beautiful wedding. Take your time coming back - we'll all still be here. Hugs, Linda

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  29. DeirdreApril 4, 2011 at 5:09:00 AM HST

    Donna, so sorry to hear about the news of your Mom's passing. Sending hugs to you across the miles.

    The happy couple look great - congrats to them both. The cake toppers are just toooo cute!.

    Hugs to you. Deirdre

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  30. MayleeApril 4, 2011 at 7:23:00 AM HST

    Hi Donna, Sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. Sending hugs your way.

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  31. JoyApril 4, 2011 at 8:02:00 AM HST

    Donna~big hugs to you! so sorry to hear that your mom passed away, but she's in a better place and can now watch her family from a happier place. I know she will be greatly missed. Love the photo of your daughter and new SIL. it must have been a great day! great cake topper too! may you be blessed today and always! take care!

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  32. Elizabeth AllanApril 4, 2011 at 8:55:00 AM HST

    Dear Donna - my deepest sympathy. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    So happy to hear about the beautiful wedding.

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  33. Laurel BeardApril 4, 2011 at 10:48:00 AM HST

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you all.

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  34. Sparkplug17April 4, 2011 at 2:07:00 PM HST

    I'm sorry to hear about your Mom. But I'm glad everyone was able to be there. Glad the wedding went well and the cake toppers are just darling!

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  35. CanadianScraps43April 4, 2011 at 5:33:00 PM HST

    Donna so sad to hear of your Mom's passing. Thinking of you at this time. Big congrats on your daughter's wedding and they look so beautiful. I so love the pic of you and your family. Your Mom is a lovely lady. In my thoughts and prayers. Hugs.

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  36. Tiffany ErvinApril 4, 2011 at 5:53:00 PM HST

    Oh Donna! So sorry to hear about your mom's passing and then you have the joyous occasion of your daughters wedding too! My heart goes out to you and your family! Lots of hugs and love to you!

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  37. judkajudiApril 6, 2011 at 12:27:00 PM HST

    Big hugs to you, Donna. You look so much like your mother; you will think of her everytime you look in the mirror. Your daughter and her husband are such a handsome couple! Your heart must be so full with all that has happened. Thinking of you.

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  38. Karen from MIApril 6, 2011 at 2:13:00 PM HST

    Hi Donna! I was so saddened to hear about your Mom's passing. You certainly were a living testament to what a loving and caring Mom she was!! She had to be VERY PROUD of YOU, Donna. I will pray for strength for you and the rest of your family at this very difficult time. I'm thrilled to also hear that Joy is now a "Mrs." Congratulations to her and her husband. She looks RADIANT in the photo as does he! :) Thank you for sharing, Donna. Biggest LOVE and LOTS of PRAYERS,
    Karen xoxoxo

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  39. Sharon D from CanadaApril 6, 2011 at 3:21:00 PM HST

    Donna, I'm so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I can't imagine the roller coaster of emotions your family must have been on these past days. Congratulations on your daughter's wedding - she looked beautiful! Thinking of you and sending big hugs!

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  40. Emily LeiphartApril 7, 2011 at 7:26:00 AM HST

    Hi Donna, I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I had tears in my eyes as I read your post. I will be thinking of you and your family.

    Your daughter and her husband look so beautiful on their wedding day! Those kokeshi dolls are the cutest.

    Thank you for letting me know that I won! I've had a difficult week, too, with my best friend's father at the end of his life and also my father-in-law having a stroke. Having won this prize is a little happiness on a heavy-hearted week.

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  41. JanetcraftApril 7, 2011 at 7:04:00 PM HST

    HI Donna, sad to hear the lost closest person 'mom' called that you used to call her every day.
    but she will always be with you spiritually..
    Your loss reminds me of my granny..
    ANd it's a miracle that she could hung for so long to see her loves ones furthermore, able to see grand-daughter got married.
    and congrats to your daugther, with beautiful wedding gown.
    Next, looking forward to hold a little grandchild on your shoulder...

    Take care!!

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  42. LeanneApril 8, 2011 at 10:25:00 AM HST

    Aloha Donna, So sorry to hear about your mom's passing, but so happy that she had a chance and that you all had a chance to say your goodbyes. Celebrate her life and know that she and your dad will always be watching over you. Thanks for sharing your daughter's wedding pictures. She looks lovely and soo happy, as she should be. Hugs and know you are in my thoughts.

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  43. Alice April 8, 2011 at 2:47:00 PM HST

    sending you big hugs, Donna! i know there were a lot going on the past few months and hope you are all right. so sad to hear about the passing of your mother, but really glad to hear that she got to see everyone. happy to hear that the wedding went smoothly. ahhhh.... all the preparation was worth it. =) hope you are finally relaxing and is well. lots of love and hugs!! =)

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  44. JaneApril 8, 2011 at 9:14:00 PM HST

    So sorry for your loss. And congratulations to your beautiful daughter...what a gorgeous couple and I LOVE LOVE the cake toppers!!!
    xo

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  45. IlissaApril 9, 2011 at 9:37:00 AM HST

    Hi Donna, Sorry to hear about your Mom, but she is in a happier place. And your daughter and SIL look very beautiful! God Bless you and your family!

    ilissa

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  46. VickyApril 9, 2011 at 11:03:00 PM HST

    Donna I am sorry for your loss. Sending a hug your way. I loved the photos of the happy couple posted at facebook. Best wishes and live happily ever after :)

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  47. ChickieChirpsApril 10, 2011 at 9:54:00 AM HST

    So sorry to hear about your Mum Donna, but glad to hear your daughter's wedding went well.

    Arabella

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  48. DustyPenny (Joy Ott)April 10, 2011 at 1:09:00 PM HST

    So sorry for your loss, Donna. Your daughter's wedding looked perfect. What a happy couple. Big hugs.

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  49. pcmApril 11, 2011 at 3:51:00 PM HST

    Oh Donna, So sorry to hear about your mom but so happy to hear about your daughter!

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  50. Chris MillarApril 12, 2011 at 9:30:00 PM HST

    Hi Donna, just stopping by your blog and was very sad to read about the passing of your beloved Mother. Please accept my condolences and cyber hugs. Your daughter looked amazingly beautiful on her special day and I'm sure her grandmother would have been very proud. Thinking of you, Chris. xo

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  51. Kathy (krolski)April 13, 2011 at 5:58:00 AM HST

    Donna, I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. I'm thinking of you and praying for you and your family.

    Your daughter is beautiful.

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  52. AmyApril 14, 2011 at 10:47:00 AM HST

    I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom's passing but what a blessing that everyone got to say goodbye. It looks like your daughter had the perfect wedding, love those cake toppers!
    Take care and enjoy your R&R!

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  53. Virginia L.April 17, 2011 at 7:31:00 PM HST

    Just catching up with your blog post now..So sad to hear your mom's passing. I'm glad that the wedding went well. The new couple certainly are cute and I love their wedding topper! HUGS!

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  54. RubyMay 1, 2011 at 8:40:00 PM HST

    Ah Donna, I'm so so sorry to hear your news. I can't begin to imagine what you've been going through, my thoughts are with you.

    Your daughter looks beautiful with her new hubby x

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