The Winner of Lorraine Beatty’s prize package is Melanie Atkins Congratulations, Melanie. Now, on to Winnie’s Christmas memory.
It’s difficult to pick just one memory since I have so many. But Ill share one of those with you today – it’s actually a series of memories from when my kids were all little.
On the first Sunday after we’d put our tree up, while we were still dressed in our ‘church clothes’ I’d get everyone together to pose for a family picture beside the tree. It was always a big production. Hubby would get out the camera and tripod and fuss over getting it focused properly. Meanwhile I would try to settle the kids into appropriate poses – and with four youngsters there was ALWAYS at least one who was not happy about the whole thing. But I was determined to get the shot which means I have many shots with an obviously grumpy child in the mix. In those days there were no digital cameras so you had to take a bunch of shots and hope and pray ONE of them would come out ok. By the time it was done, I was pulling my hair out and wondering if it had real been worth the effort.
My kids are grown now and we no longer take those pictures in front of the tree. And funny thing is, when I look at those pictures, I don’t think of the stress and frustration, instead I remember those sessions with my young family with fond nostalgia.
Winnie is giving away a choice of any of the books in her backlist. Here is the blurb for her latest release.
An Unexpected Gift
Eve Pickering knows what it’s like to be judged for your past. So she’s not about to leave the orphaned boy she’s befriended alone in this unfamiliar Texas town. Since Chance Dawson’s offer of shelter is the only way to look after Leo, Eve is determined they’ll have a warm, welcoming home for the holidays.
Chance came from the big city to make it on his own despite a painful secret. But Eve’s strength is giving him a confidence he never expected—and a new direction for his dream. With a little Christmas blessing, he’ll dare to win her heart—and make their family one for a lifetime.
Winnie Griggs is the author of Historical (and occasionally Contemporary) romances that focus on Small Towns, Big Hearts, Amazing Grace. Having been born on a Friday the 13th, Winnie has always considered 13 her lucky number. This belief was recently reinforced when her 13th published book, Handpicked Husband, won a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award last spring.
www.winniegriggs.com
www.facebook.com/WinnieGriggs.Author
http://www.pinterest.com/wdgriggs/
*To be eligible for Winnie’s presents, you must leave a comment and live within the Continental United States. Winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be notified Dec 6 and posted on the sidebar as well.
15 responses to “5th Day of Christmas~Winnie Griggs”
Always glad to hear that the negative aspect of a moment often disappears and only the positive remains. God can always redeem. Thanks for sharing your Christmas tree memories. Your current book sounds interesting. (And I like the current heading on your website, Christina! Very festive!)
You’re quite welcome and thanks for the kind words about my book.
Wonderful memories, Winnie. I used to take my children’s holiday picture by our Christmas tree too, and I believe we ended up with more tears than smiles every time. LOL. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!
Hi Stephanie – sounds like your photo sessions were very much like mine! I hope you get enjoyment from looking at them now. And wishing you a merry and blessed Christmas as well.
Wonderful memories Winnie…thanks for sharing and your new book sounds wonderful. We took our kids every year to the Christmas(don’t remember what it was called now it has been a long time since our kids were little) but it was Cobo Hall in downtown Detroit. They would have all kinds of Christmas displays and activities for the kids and they would get to see Santa and we would get a pic of all four kids with Santa. Something fun to do every year until they got to old for it.
Hello Gail – you’re quite welcome, glad you enjoyed the post. And that sounds like an absolutely delightful memory! I always feel Christmas is more ‘special’ when there are little kids around to share it with.
Your book sounds great!
Thanks!
Hi Winnie! This was actually the first year we had our Christmas photo done professionally. Usually we just pick the best candid shot of the year to include in our cards. And you know what? I actually like the candids better than the professional one!
Hi Lily – you’re absolutely right. Nine times out of ten, candid shots capture the ‘real’ person better than a professional shot does.
I love family Christmas tree photos. The ornament is so cute I love books . Its fun seeing other peoples ideas for decorating trees and seeing how they have changed over the years.
Hi Stephanie. To my husband’s great dismay I absolutely love Christmas ornaments and can’t resist buying new ones every year to supplement my collection. I now have enough to decorate at least a half dozen full size trees so I rotate them out every year.
I love the family photo time, too!
Hi Katy Lee! It’s great isn’t it? Unfortunately it’s a tradition that fell by the wayside when my kids ‘grew up’. I need to try harder to reinstate it this year!
So sorry I’ve bee MIA all day – I’ve had internet woes! But I’ve definitely enjoyed reading the responses.