We Won!!!

I have debated all weekend whether or not to post about our big win on Friday. I didn’t want to come off as boastful or prideful in any way, so please don’t think that I am. I finally decided that I would be ungrateful if I didn’t record this as part of my favorite memories.
A month or so ago, they announced this contest on the radio, "New Look For a New Year". This was the prize package:
Over $400 in services from Merle Norman! A membership to Curves! A beautiful mirror from Emerald Gardens! Teeth Whitening from Dr. Spendlove and Dr. Larsen! A stunning pair of earrings from Sierra West jewelery! Beautiful table lamps from Contractors Warehouse! A great gift from New Look Salon! A cut and color valued near $120 from PINK salon! and a cruise for two thanks to Ken Garff!
G.J. and I were driving along and I told him how awesome that would be. Well, he nominated us. He sent an email that said something about how we were married very young, have 3 little kids, went to college, worked hard to get where we are at in life, and would like to spend some time on us and relax a little. I read the email but deleted it thinking there was no way we would ever win. I thought it was very sweet though.
Well, I was driving down the road Friday evening, about 5 and the lady came on the radio and said, “we are going to announce the winner of our contest.” Well I had all but forgotten about it, but thought that would be so cool if we won. Well, WE DID!!!!!! She announced our names and I lost it. I NEVER cry EVER. I immediately started crying. I think it was because she said that the whole radio crew had read his email and of all the submissions, they all felt that we deserved it the most.
I have always given of myself 110% to my husband, kids, church things, family, and house. I got married and had kids so young, but I never wanted to be a dead beat teenage mom, who cares more about herself than her kids. So I have kind of gotten into a bad habit of cleaning the house, and making my kids look so nice, yet forgetting myself. I usually get a shower, but unless I am going somewhere important, my hair and makeup never get done. I just thought that I was being unselfish, but I realize now that I need to take care of myself too. I have never considered myself special or different than any other mother out there. There are many sacrifices involved in so many ways to be parents. G.J. and I have both given all we have, just like so many other parents. So I guess in a way I felt guilty that we won, when there are so many other people who deserve it just as much or more than us. But, the fact that G.J. wrote the email, and we were picked makes me feel so grateful and deserving and happy and all the emotions that come with this sort of a thing.
The only thing I hated was the live interview that I had to give on the radio with my voice being broadcast during rush hour to heaven knows how many people. I really don’t like attention like that. Now everywhere I go, it gets mentioned. Guess this will be the last very public contest we enter…LOL.
So, I took a picture of the winnings. The lamps and mirror are soo pretty. All the gift certificates will go to great use. As far as the cruise, the details are a bit sketchy. We would have to find the time off from G.J.’s job, and then money for airfare and some other things, so we will keep you all updated. So, thanks to XRQ the radio station, and thanks to G.J., and thank you for the radio crew that chose us. Have a good day!