Ring the bells

October 8, 2008

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Over the last week, Caroline has become a huge Travis Cottrell fan. Every time we get in the car she asks to listen to his song “2000 Years” and tells me “IT SOUNDS LIKE THUNDER, MAMA!”

In fact, on the way home from Luby’s Cafeteria on Saturday night (oh yes, we are living wild over here), she asked me to tell her all about Travis. So I told her about his lovely wife Angela and his three kids and how one of them is in Kindergarten just like her.

But that wasn’t enough.

When we got home she wanted to see a picture of Travis and his family, so I pulled up their picture on his website and we spent the rest of the evening listening to his music.

I believe this is how groupies are born.

Or maybe stalkers.

Anyway, the highlight of the evening was when I played her a few songs off his new Christmas album, “Ring the Bells”. I can say with all certainty that hearing Travis sing “Frosty the Snowman” may be one of the highlights of her life so far. I mean it’s one thing to sing about Jesus, but Frosty? Oh that is serious business.

Apparently, Caroline isn’t the only Travis Cottrell fan. “Ring the Bells” was released yesterday and is already at #4 on ITunes most downloaded holiday albums. He’s even ahead of George Strait.

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Not to mention that CCM reviewed it and called it “the goose-bump inducing holiday record of the year”.

If you want to hear the greatness for yourself, then you can listen to a few full-length clips from the CD on his site.

I’m just proud to say that I used to podcast with him.

I have been so fortunate to listen to Travis sing at various events and the thing that amazes me the most is the way his music reaches everyone in the audience, no matter their age or background. He truly has a rare gift.

The soundtrack for Big Mama’s Christmas ‘08 will be “Ring the Bells”. It is pure greatness.

This is your chance to win an autographed copy of “Ring the Bells”. I have ten autographed copies to give away and, trust me, you do not want to miss out on your chance.

If there was ever a time to comment for a chance to win, then today is the day. I’d LOVE for EVERYONE who reads this post to enter for a chance to win their very own copy of “Ring the Bells”. You have nothing to lose and giving yourself the best Christmas EVER to gain.

IF YOU ARE A FAN OF CHRISTMAS, THEN YOU WILL BE A FAN OF “RING THE BELLS”.

And if you want to, you can tell me the best present you’ve ever received for Christmas. Or you can just say “enter me in the contest”.

See how easy it is?

So go. Leave a comment. I’ll close them on Sunday night and announce the winners on Monday, October 13th.

925 comments. Leave yours →

Big Mama » Ring the bells giveaway, part deaux
October 10, 2008 at 11:58 am
1 deborah October 8, 2008 at 1:28 am

I’ve been reading your blog for a few weeks now. Your blog is full of wonderful memories of life captured. I decided that I wanted to capture that for my family also, and so I ventured into creating one myself. What a new world I entered into….somewhat unknowingly.

I just learned how to post pictures, I’m so excited! And, leaving a comment on your blog today, and the first one at that…for a chance to win a cd is only adding to my excitement.

My favorite Christmas present was the year that my husband proposed.
I got him!

May you continue to entertain, inspire, and bless others.

Thank you,
Deborah

2 Mama Hen October 8, 2008 at 1:40 am

I echo Deborah in saying the best present ever was my husband proposing on Christmas Day 1993!

3 Amber@MMM October 8, 2008 at 1:42 am

Jesus. Definitely the best Christmas gift ever.

I really liked the surprise pair of earrings in the bottom of my stocking a few years ago too . . .

Thanks!

4 Diane J. October 8, 2008 at 1:54 am

Newborn Jessica for Christmas ‘87.

I seriously want to win this CD. If I don’t win here I’m going to download it from iTunes or just buy the CD.

I already failed in my mission to win it over at Sophie’s giveaway, dang the luck.

xoxoxo

Diane

5 Jai October 8, 2008 at 2:00 am

Sign me up! Sign me up!

Sorry, you said say “enter me in the contest.”

and the best present? Cold hard CASH!!!! :)

6 Crysm @ Memoirs of a Mommy October 8, 2008 at 2:01 am

I LOVE Christmas!! And why shouldn’t I? It’s my birthday!!

7 Staci at Writing and Living October 8, 2008 at 2:07 am

The imitation that Travis did of Neil Diamond on the podcast was so funny I had to stop on the running trail and laugh out loud. The other people around thought I was crazy. So for that, I deserve to win this. Please pick me.

8 Shelley October 8, 2008 at 2:07 am

If this is open to those of us in Europe, then please enter me! Thanks. (o: Shelley

9 Linds October 8, 2008 at 2:13 am

Please enter me too! Best Christmas present ever? My daughter being flown home by my son from NZ as a present for me last Christmas.

10 Amanda October 8, 2008 at 2:16 am

I’m with Jai — cash tops my list of fine Christmas gifts. As for the CD, enter me in the contest please. :)

11 JSR October 8, 2008 at 2:22 am

I’m a fan of Christmas so hook a sister up!

12 Junglewife October 8, 2008 at 2:39 am

I would LOVE to win!!!

13 Kellye October 8, 2008 at 2:45 am

Please enter me. My favorite present was the Christmas I was 13 and got my own Kodak instamatic camera. You know the one where they included stickers and you could put your intials in three little squares. Heavenly!!

14 Lindsey October 8, 2008 at 2:46 am

A Trip to Sri Lanka! It changed my life.

15 Melissa Black October 8, 2008 at 3:53 am

After years of infertility, our daughter born on Dec. 29th was the best present ever!!(even though that was 10+ years and 4 kids ago……..we got the infertility thing figured out!!)

We listen to Christmas music year-round, so I’d love a CD!

16 Jane October 8, 2008 at 3:53 am

I have heard a couple of samples and am very excited about this CD. I introduced my mom to Travis a couple of years ago and a couple of months told her about the Christmas CD…she immediately informed that was exactly what she wanted for her birthday this year which is in November. So enter me and if I win I not only can give her the CD but an autographed copy!

17 cindi October 8, 2008 at 3:56 am

ok, i am SOLD. on the new TC Christmas CD…hope i win! and thanks for the giveaway…

my best present was in 1986 when my parents became believers in Jesus after a truly hellacious year of tragedy in our family. sweet redemption that was!

18 Elizabeth Holloway October 8, 2008 at 4:41 am

I want a chance to win!

19 sam October 8, 2008 at 4:45 am

Ooooh, Christmas music!! It must be a coincidence that I finally caved in today and decided to put some Christmas music on in the car!! I never usually succumb this early before Christmas but as I am making a Christmas quilt (and putting together a Christmas jigsaw!) I guess I have Christmas on the brain a bit early this year!!!

Best Christmas present? Well now, let me think….actually nothing stands out, but that is because I remember the day more than the presents – that time when we all together enjoying each others company!

20 Jane October 8, 2008 at 5:12 am

I would love to win!

21 Theresa October 8, 2008 at 5:14 am

My favorite gift was a note written by my 5 year old son that said, “Mom, you are the beast”.

I would like to win!

22 Melinda October 8, 2008 at 5:18 am

You know you’ve gotta throw my name in the hat…or stocking, as the case may be.

23 Susan October 8, 2008 at 5:23 am

Please enter me in the contest! Admittedly, I wasn’t familiar with Travis’ music so I hopped over to take a listen. Tears. I have to have it, so if I don’t win, another sale was made. (You should get royalties!) Thanks!

p.s. God bless on your trip. Can’t wait to hear all about it.

24 Christy October 8, 2008 at 5:29 am

my favorite gift is watching the kids eyes and excitement. And Jesus of course

25 Rosemary October 8, 2008 at 5:30 am

Your blog is the first thing I read each day… makes me laugh sometimes, makes me cry, too (Happy Birthday, P).

Favorite Christmas memory is last Christmas, when we flew 1000 miles and surprised my 80 year old mother Christmas night..

I am sure that as much as you love this CD, I would love it, too… so, I WANT TO WIN!!!!

26 Pam October 8, 2008 at 5:30 am

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I don’t have many good memories of Christmas as a child, but since I have been married, my husband makes every Christmas extra special. This CD would be the icing on the cake–I love Travis–his music is just so conducive to worship!

27 Carolyn Fodel October 8, 2008 at 5:31 am

I’m a huge fan of Christmas, and Christmas music. I wanna win!!

28 Jenny October 8, 2008 at 5:31 am

I tried really hard to win one of BooMama’s copies, but alas, it didn’t pan out. I love the Christmas music! Here’s hoping I can manage to finally win something from all the giveaways I enter!

29 Cheryl October 8, 2008 at 5:36 am

I have a 2 year old that prefers to listen to Travis’ praise music more than anything else! Every time we get in the car, I hear, “Momma, ’sa-chew-wary’?” (meaning Sanctuary) :)

We’d love to have some variety of Travis here in Ga.

Help a momma out!!!

Love you!

30 Julie October 8, 2008 at 5:43 am

Me! Pick me! Pick me!

31 Mandi October 8, 2008 at 5:46 am

Oh, how I love me some good Christmas music! And Travis is just so amazingly talented!!!

32 Nancy October 8, 2008 at 5:47 am

Oh, pick me, pick me! Please??
(Does shameless begging help?) :0)

My best Christmas present ever…. tiny gold ring my late Mom gave to me which I wrote about in one of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books.

33 Meg October 8, 2008 at 5:48 am

Please enter me! I can’t believe its almost time for Christmas music!!

34 Maria October 8, 2008 at 5:49 am

I would love to take one of those copies off your hands. You can just send it on up here to me!!

35 Laura October 8, 2008 at 5:51 am

I just heard Travis for the first time a few months ago. I would LOVE to win.
Laura

36 Jennifer (mom of four) October 8, 2008 at 5:52 am

Thanks for the giveaway! Favorite gift…a comfy sweater my kids gave me from the Gap. It is so old now and I still wear it.

37 lisa October 8, 2008 at 5:52 am

My best present ever was when my mom and dad sent me and my husband and new son tickets to come home to for Christmas

38 Erica October 8, 2008 at 5:54 am

I just recently discovered his music and love it!

Sign me up!

39 Tiffany October 8, 2008 at 5:56 am

You are soooo right about his music reaching all ages! My younger sister, mother, and I heard Travis and the Praise team in Atlanta this past summer – rocked our worlds! Please enter me in the contest! And Merry Christmas!

40 Melissa K October 8, 2008 at 5:58 am

Wow, ten of them to give away!! Increase my chances, baby, because I’d sure like to get my hands on this CD.

I can’t really say what my best Christmas gift was because I’m usually more interested in seeing what everyone else received and whether they’re happy with it!

41 all things BD October 8, 2008 at 5:58 am

I love his music!

42 Rachelle October 8, 2008 at 5:59 am

Count me in!

43 Shelly D. October 8, 2008 at 6:00 am

Oooooohhhhh! I love Christmas music. This would be great to win! I’d feel like curling up by the fire with some cocoa right now if it weren’t 90 degrees here in Florida.

44 April October 8, 2008 at 6:00 am

Gosh – I can’t think of the best present I received. Aren’t they all good?

I hope I win. I went yesterday to Lifeway to buy this, and they didn’t have it yet.

45 Laurie in TN October 8, 2008 at 6:01 am

I love Christmas music and Travis Cottrell. Sounds like a win-win combination to me!

46 Laura October 8, 2008 at 6:05 am

My best Christmas present was my husband. We got married 3 days before Christmas almost 19 years ago.

47 Danielle October 8, 2008 at 6:06 am

My favorite Christmas present was our honeymoon. We got married a few days before Christmas!

My next favorite Christmas (or slightly earlier) present is the Travis Cottrell CD.

Thanks! :)

48 Larae October 8, 2008 at 6:08 am

I love me some Christmas music – something about it always lifts my spirits!

The best Christmas present I received actually came about 2 weeks before Christmas day in 1994 – our long-awaited first child was born! BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!!!

49 becky October 8, 2008 at 6:08 am

Christmas music is so fun! I’m not quite listening to it yet… but I’d start if I win!

Love to read your blog, my girlfriend and I love to read it, then talk and laugh even more.

:) Becky

50 Maryanne October 8, 2008 at 6:10 am

My favorite Christmas present was a bike that I received as a little girl.

51 Nikki October 8, 2008 at 6:10 am

Definitely not the best present I’ve ever received, but my husband is the practical sort (and he was in residency so we were wallet-challenged)… he gave me a new toilet for a bathroom. He loves me so much! I’d love to start getting in the mood for Christmas – please enter me in the contest! Thanks!

52 Sara October 8, 2008 at 6:11 am

My best present ever was when DH gave me a new diamond engagement ring after 15 years of marriage. It was the ring I had wanted, but we couldn’t afford, when we first got married. Now, I could have done without it, but he remembered and surprised me.

53 Pam C. October 8, 2008 at 6:12 am

My best Christmas ever was last year. It actually happened two day after Christmas when my son who had just spent 42 days in ICU at a hospital for viral encephalitis and 5 weeks in a rehabilitation hospital got to come home. We are still on the recovery road. Some seizures have returned and now we are looking at surgery, but my son is alive and I am blessed.

Thanks for a chance to win and have a great day.

54 Kelly @ The Feathered Nest October 8, 2008 at 6:14 am

Love Travis Cottrell, and my husband would be thrilled if I had a new cd to blast around the house for a little variety:-)

Hope I win… (oh, my best gift would be the year Rusty was in school and broke, and sold his entertainment center to buy my pearl necklace. So Gift of the Magi, hm?)

55 Beth C October 8, 2008 at 6:14 am

my favorite Christmas present ever was the beautiful poem my husband wrote for me…

56 Kathryn October 8, 2008 at 6:14 am

Best Christmas gift? Baby Alive and all her accoutrements (diapers, food, clothes, high chair, etc.), Christmas 1977! Even better than the hot rollers and shrimp earrings from Christmas 1983. It’s all about the timing.

Can’t wait to hear the CD!

57 Stephanie October 8, 2008 at 6:18 am

Enter me, please!!!!!

58 Dina October 8, 2008 at 6:19 am

Love Christmas music! Love Christmas presents! Love you’re blog!

59 Annette October 8, 2008 at 6:21 am

(one of the )best Christmas present(s) ever- black patent leather shoes when I was five. I was so excited I broke out in hives.

Thanks for the give away!

60 Amy Martin October 8, 2008 at 6:21 am

I love Christmas music!! I got married 4 days before Christmas 2002, so would my hubby count as my best Christmas present ever? I think so! :)

61 Andrea October 8, 2008 at 6:22 am

I more remember the great gifts I have gotten for my loved ones than the ones I have gotten. I just love Chirstmas shopping and picturing their faces when they open their special gift!!

62 Wanda October 8, 2008 at 6:22 am

Ooooo Oooooo Pick ME!!!!!

I love that Travis!

Best Christmas gift? Being able to see family. We live over a thousand miles from “home”. Seeing all of them would have to be the greatest!

63 Erin October 8, 2008 at 6:23 am

My Barbie dollhouse!

Enter me in your contest sister, please!

64 rebecca October 8, 2008 at 6:24 am

Enter me! Enter me! Enter me!

65 melanie dawn October 8, 2008 at 6:24 am

A doll my mom made me in the 4th grade…Lisa was her name. Yay, Travis!

66 Julie October 8, 2008 at 6:29 am

I didn’t win over at Boo Mama, so I’m counting on you to pick me! pick me!!

I’ve gotten a lot of cool gifts, so it would be hard to pick just one.

May you have a beautiful holiday season. Starting now!!! =)

67 Billie October 8, 2008 at 6:32 am

My son. December 23rd.

68 LeAnna October 8, 2008 at 6:32 am

I don’t usually comment (actually, I’ve never commented), but it’s a contest and I love Travis! :) I do want to take the opportunity to tell you how much I love your blog. I read it daily, and it makes me laugh out loud. I am an Aggie too (class of ‘93) and I have a Kindergartner as well. One big difference is that mine is a boy, and the youngest of 3 boys! So hearing about your girl world is definitely something different (although many times I think your daughter would get along just fine in our boy world! :) )

69 Jessie October 8, 2008 at 6:35 am

Oooo…I love Christmas time! And love Christmas music. Count me in please.

Jessie in Maryland

70 Pam October 8, 2008 at 6:35 am

I would love to win Travis’s album!

71 Cheri October 8, 2008 at 6:35 am

My husband is the sneaky gift giver at our house. One year he had my friend take me out so he could have an antique china hutch delivered – the same one I had been hart broken over because it was the only thing at a bazaar that I wanted but someone had bought it BEFORE the bazaar even opened. That someone was my husband! It’s scary how alike our tastes are.

Sign me up for the CD giveaway!

72 Tracy October 8, 2008 at 6:36 am

Count me in…I love Christmas music!

73 Shannon October 8, 2008 at 6:36 am

I would love to win a copy! Crossing my fingers here in College Station! :)

74 Becky October 8, 2008 at 6:36 am

Please enter me in the contest. I can’t say I have a favorite Christmas present that jumps out in my mind as my birthday is on the 21st so all gifts kind of get lumped together and we never did the Christmas morning thing. I do now because that is the only way my hubby did it growing up and it is always my fave being the mother of a seven year old and four year old. But based on the groupie you have on your hands though I do recall receving a record player and Shaun Cassidy album when I was seven that were pretty cool gifts. Just reflects that I am a little older than you I think! Ha! Have great day!

75 Emily C October 8, 2008 at 6:36 am

All the gifts from my husband have been very good; he’s a great gift-giver and I am terrible. I always am scraping for ideas. This year I’m starting now to think of gifts for the man!

76 Emily October 8, 2008 at 6:40 am

My husband gave me my laptop for Christmas in 06 and I was sooooo surprised!

77 Amy October 8, 2008 at 6:42 am

I’m a new reader of your website, but I love it already! Now I’ve got to go listen to this Travis guy and see what the fuss is about. :)

Thanks!

78 Lisa October 8, 2008 at 6:45 am

I’d love to get a chance to hear it. Maybe I will. Thanks

79 Susan October 8, 2008 at 6:45 am

I’ll enter! We’re always looking for fresh Christmas music.

80 Kelli October 8, 2008 at 6:45 am

I would loooooove a new Christmas cd :)

81 LaShawn October 8, 2008 at 6:46 am

Please sign me up! I absolutely love Christmas music.

Thanks.

82 Prairie Rose October 8, 2008 at 6:46 am

Best Christmas present: My brother gave me an autographed Little House book last year. For this HUGE Laura Ingalls Wilder fan, that was simply amazing.

83 Stephnaie Reeves October 8, 2008 at 6:47 am

My best Christmas present ever was the birth of my first child!

Please enter me in the contest, too!

84 d October 8, 2008 at 6:47 am

I’d love to win. My favorite Christmas present would be my pink bike that I got when I was in second grade.

85 Bethany October 8, 2008 at 6:48 am

My best Christmas presents are the years my parents help me buy a plane ticket to come home.

86 Ellen October 8, 2008 at 6:48 am

Count me in! Thanks!

87 Sonya October 8, 2008 at 6:49 am

Oh….I love Christmas and if you pick me, the CD will be the best Christmas present (a little early, but who cares!)

88 Karen E. October 8, 2008 at 6:50 am

Knowing, serving, and loving Jesus is the best Christmas present ever. As far as material possessions, probably a ruby and diamond ring that my husband gave me one Christmas to add to my wedding set.

89 neeser October 8, 2008 at 6:50 am

my cameras

90 alice October 8, 2008 at 6:50 am

Enter me, please! I love Christmas music, and have heard such great things about Travis that I would love to win this.

I’m not sure what my favorite Christmas present has been. I’ve been blessed so many times over that it is hard to choose. My daughter was due Christmas Eve, but would not be born until January 3 after A LOT of assistance from the docs!

But I listen to Christmas music 11 months of the year (per my husband’s request, January is silent), so I could really use a new album!

Thanks

91 Judith October 8, 2008 at 6:51 am

I’d love to win!

92 daniella October 8, 2008 at 6:53 am

I comment rarely because when I try to form some kind of thought and type it, my 14 month old pulls a shenanigan on me that breaks it that very second. I don’t think I’ve finished a thought at once since I was 8 months pregnant.

Anywho, COUNT ME IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I start listening to Christmas music in August (on my birthday), really to remind me that I’m here because HE was first. My husband thinks all my little Elf’s aren’t quite the most productive ones of the bunch up in my little north pole, but whatever, he still loves me.

I hope I win, I hope I win, I hope I wiiiiin!!!!!!!!!! If you kick it with Travis again anytime soon, tell him I’ll let everyone know that his reccord is THE Christmas reccord fo the decade. Mmmmmmhhhhm. If that’s not the best word-to-mouth advertisement then I don’t know what is.

93 Rebecca Rogers October 8, 2008 at 6:53 am

Big Mama,
I LOVE Christmas! I usually haul out the Christmas music around Halloween and enjoy it all during November and December. The Christmas season is a joyous time for me to spend time with family and friends and focus on the birth of my Saviour! Plus I love seeing my house decorated and sitting in a dark room with the Christmas tree light burning.

94 michelle October 8, 2008 at 6:54 am

The best Christams present I ever received was a lovely iron cross that hangs outside my front door. I bet you can imagine exactly what it looks like if you try really hard.

95 Laura October 8, 2008 at 6:56 am

Fave Christmas gift: My husband had a picture painted of the chapel we were married in and wrote a poem that was framed to go with it. We were married in the blizzard of 1993, so the painting was beautiful and the poem even more so.

Love your blog and love Travis Cottrell!!

96 Jennifer October 8, 2008 at 6:57 am

Greatest Christmas gift?

Having my family together. I love far away from them, and every year I have a scare that I won’t have the money to go, and every year, it works out some how. This year, I get to bring my new husband! I get married next Friday! See, I could use a Christmas in October wedding present!

Thanks for all you do!

97 Amy October 8, 2008 at 6:59 am

Oooh! Pick me, pick me!

My family would be so blessed by that CD, and we are not in a position to afford it right now. We are all HUGE Travis fans around here. My 7-year-old LOVES to sing along with him to “In the Sanctuary”. My favorite part is when she rolls down the window and shouts up to heaven, “Jesus, we will praise you for th rest of our days!”

98 brandiandboys October 8, 2008 at 6:59 am

i LOVE Christmas music!

favorite gift… hanging out with the family!

99 Alison October 8, 2008 at 7:01 am

Pick Me! Pick Me!

100 Nancy October 8, 2008 at 7:03 am

Enter me please!!!

101 Mandy October 8, 2008 at 7:03 am

Enter me in the contest please!!

102 Melene October 8, 2008 at 7:05 am

I’m a huge music fan-and sports fan. My husband surprised me two years ago with XM Radio for my car. Now I can listen to great music or my North Carolina Tar Heels when I can’t watch them on TV.

Love Travis’ singing and would love to win this CD!

103 Candace October 8, 2008 at 7:05 am

My favorite gift is kind of corny! I had just started dating my now hubby a few weeks before Christmas. We had been friends for a while but you know. Anyway, he asked what I wanted and I asked for a pink paper clip. This was before they were EVERYWHERE! He found me one and put it in a ring box and gave it to me. (He also gave me a beautiful outfit.) I just thought it was the sweetest thing that he went and found one just because I asked for it even though I was kinda being silly lol.

I still have my pink paperclip! It makes me smile when I look at it.

104 Vickie October 8, 2008 at 7:06 am

Please enter me in the contest!

My best present for Christmas was a diamond engagement ring from my husband. Even though we had been married for 20 years. It bothered him that he couldn’t give me a diamond when we first became engaged.

105 Shelly W October 8, 2008 at 7:08 am

Last year I got a really nice video camera (after years of begging)–I was definitely surprised! We had all kinds of video of our oldest two kids, but the camera broke when our third was a baby, so we had almost no video of her. I know, I know . . . can you say THERAPY?

Thanks for the giveaway!!

106 The Nanny October 8, 2008 at 7:08 am

Enter me please! Thanks!

107 Shana October 8, 2008 at 7:09 am

Enter me please!

108 Heather October 8, 2008 at 7:11 am

I’m so excited! I am DYING to have this CD!
I think my best present was a cabbage patch doll when I was growing up…they were hard to find and I was PUMPED to get one!

109 Wendy October 8, 2008 at 7:13 am

Please enter me in the contest!

My son was born Dec. 22. We weren’t expecting him until January. That was a nice surprise; also that year everyone came to my house and brought lots of Christmas Dinner food and LEFT IT!!!! Very exciting. (Honestly, I was more thrilled with our son than the food…)

110 nlynch October 8, 2008 at 7:13 am

please enter me!!!!
nhl

111 Mary October 8, 2008 at 7:14 am

The best Christmas present for me will be if my son,in basic training right now, and then on to special training, gets to spend the Holidays with us. I am bracing myself that it wont happen but praying it does.He is 30 and has a family and when he joined the military this summer, it was not anything I ever expected.I am adjusting but it has been hard. In Jan his little family(my only grandchildren) will join him across the country.Life is full of change and one of them for us is that Christmas is going to be different around here from now on.

112 Monica October 8, 2008 at 7:14 am

My husband and I had been married not even 2 months when he unexpectedly lost his job. It was 2 weeks before Christmas. Needless to say, we had a tight budget that year. But, J. still managed to get me beautiful, thoughtful gifts. My favorite was a journal with a wooden cover with “For I know the plans I have for you” carved into the front.

We are moving to Nashville from NW Ohio the week of Thanksgiving, and I’d love to have “Ring the Bells” be our family soundtrack for this holiday season and our big adventure as a new family of three. Thanks!

113 Susan October 8, 2008 at 7:15 am

I found out I was pregnant with my first child the day after Christmas in 1997. You just can’t beat that one!

114 Kristen October 8, 2008 at 7:16 am

Best present ever: clothes I can’t afford myself! What else is a Mama for?

115 Joanne (The SImple Wife) October 8, 2008 at 7:16 am

Best Christmas present ever? That’s pretty hard! But a couple that stand out?

Hand-made Adoptable doll in fifth grade–no plastic Cabbage Patch for me!

Life-size doll that Mom made to look just like me–think that was second or third grade

Yep. I have a crafty mom!

Joanne

116 Jaena October 8, 2008 at 7:16 am

When I was about 8, I got twin baby dolls for Christmas, complete with a double stroller and bunk beds. I still have them!

117 Meg @ Spicy Magnolia October 8, 2008 at 7:17 am

I can’t wait to hear this CD!! Thanks for the giveaway and I hope you have a wonderful day!

118 Megan October 8, 2008 at 7:18 am

My best Chrsitmas present was my wedding, which was 4 days after Christmas…almost 18 years ago.
Thanks for the giveaway!
mnatherson at comcast dot net

119 Theresa October 8, 2008 at 7:19 am

Please enter me in the contest.

Best Christmas gift – my first pregnancy!

I love reading your blog first thing in the morning. It makes me smile!

120 Kristi October 8, 2008 at 7:21 am

This is so exciting. Please, count me in!

121 Carey October 8, 2008 at 7:21 am

We need some new Christmas music over here, and I don’t want to listen to Dora anymore!

122 chrissy October 8, 2008 at 7:22 am

Yep.

123 Candace (Mama Mia) October 8, 2008 at 7:23 am

Enter me please!

124 Angie October 8, 2008 at 7:23 am

I’d love to win!

125 Lydia October 8, 2008 at 7:23 am

would love a new cd.

126 Jana October 8, 2008 at 7:23 am

My sisters and I got a trampoline when we were young. To us, it was the best gift ever! My parents even wrapped the huge box in wrapping paper!

127 Amy Cottrell October 8, 2008 at 7:24 am

I hope I win! I love Christmas music!

128 Tabi October 8, 2008 at 7:24 am

I truly think the best christmas present ever is what I get ever single christmas since I had children. I will never stop loving the look on their faces while opening their presents on christmas morning and making monkey bread together!

129 Dusty October 8, 2008 at 7:24 am

Oh, please. I love contests.

Best Christmas gift? Dolly Pops. Hands down.

130 Mandymomof2 October 8, 2008 at 7:25 am

The best present I ever got was a bicycle. We were all done opening gifts and I thought I didn’t get it. We lived on a horse farm and I had to go out and help muck stalls. I go out to the barn and there it was waiting on me. I don’t think I will ever forget it.

131 Tiffany October 8, 2008 at 7:25 am

Last year we were able to go to Disney World for a family vacation the week of Christmas. That was the best Christmas present EVER!
I love Christmas music….We drove to Florida from Texas, and had burnt a few Christmas music mixes from Itunes. My kids thought I was crazy because I wanted to listen to Christmas music for the whole 2 day drive…..LOL

132 Celly B October 8, 2008 at 7:25 am

I hopped on over to Travis’s website, and I love his rendition of “What Child Is This?” which is my favorite Christmas song.
Please enter me in the giveaway! Thanks!

133 architect beth October 8, 2008 at 7:25 am

I can’t think of my best Christmas present, but I do remember the year I got my first cassette player. Somehow I opened the cassette tapes first even though they had been under several other presents. I asked Mom ‘why did Santa leave these, doesn’t he know I don’t have a cassette player?’ She told me to keep unwrapping and sure enough, he had left a cassette player too!

134 Tracy October 8, 2008 at 7:25 am

Watching my girls open presents is the best present for me every year.

135 Cori October 8, 2008 at 7:27 am

My best presents are always those that my husband picks out for me all by himself. He got me a swell wooden cutting board, and I love it. Mostly, I love it because he thought of it.

Enter me, please! I sure would love a new Christmas CD to play around here.

136 Shannon October 8, 2008 at 7:27 am

Wow….best Christmas present…that’s a tough one to choose….I can give you the best present last year! I’m a missionary in Japan and last year this teeny tiny church sent me 8 boxes of goodies! Including my very favorite and impossible to come by in Japan Velveeta cheese and Rotel tomatoes. They even included tortillas that didn’t get shmooshed in the shipping! I don’t know how they did it!

Would love to add some Travis Christmas to my Holiday play list! Sign Me UP!!

137 amy g October 8, 2008 at 7:27 am

ohhh…i love Christmas AND Christmas music. so, for an early wedding present (i’m getting married in december)hopefully, i’ll win! :)

i think my best Christmas present is yet to come (well, on december 6th…it will be an early present).

amy

138 angela October 8, 2008 at 7:28 am

Really need this cd since I lost his other cd. I’m very sad about it. I miss 2000 years. :-( I guess I need to make a trip to Life Way and get another copy.

139 Amy October 8, 2008 at 7:28 am

My Christmas came a little early in 2006 when Caroline was born. I heard Travis for the first time at the Living Proof event in San Antonio. Wow!

140 Shannon October 8, 2008 at 7:29 am

I would love to listen to this album. I’ve been hearing a lot about Travis the past few months. Thank you.

141 Kaley October 8, 2008 at 7:29 am

Thanks for the contest! I love Christmas music!

142 Ami October 8, 2008 at 7:30 am

I, too, have been hearing a lot about Travis and would love to win his CD.

143 Jennifer October 8, 2008 at 7:31 am

I would loooooove to win the cd! I love Christmas music!

144 Jennifer October 8, 2008 at 7:31 am

A new Christmas album – how fun!! I heard Travis at the Beth Moore conference in San Antonio, and he truly is incredible.

145 jenny October 8, 2008 at 7:31 am

i’d love to win!

146 Ashley October 8, 2008 at 7:31 am

I love your blog! We experienced seconday infertility after the birth of our first little girl, but finally had our second daughter when #1 was a little over 4 years old. Our very-much-waited-for second little girl was born on Christmas Eve in 1998 – she was the very best gift we have ever received!!! That baby – now almost 10!! – asks if she can check the Big Mama blog every day and is as big as fan as I am! : )

147 E-dub October 8, 2008 at 7:32 am

I love me some Travis! I received a puppy for Christmas two years ago. It was magical.

148 robin brookshire October 8, 2008 at 7:32 am

Hat to admit this but my second BEST gift was some diamond earrings ! I know this is materialistic but it was a great gift that will last a lifetime. My really best gift was my daughter who was born in December 21 years ago. Loving you…Robin

149 Kelli October 8, 2008 at 7:32 am

Please enter me!
The best present? That’s a hard one because I have so many thoughtful people in my life! I love watching my kids on Christmas morning. That’s a great present!! Priceless!

150 LoneButterfly October 8, 2008 at 7:33 am

My favorite Christmas present ever is my oldest son who arrived on December 29th, 1999.

As a side note, my favorite Valentine’s Day present ever is my younger son who arrived on February 7, 2002.

And my favorite Super Bowl present ever is going to be my baby daughter, who is due in 2009. :)

151 Steph October 8, 2008 at 7:33 am

Oh, how I would love to win!
Most favorite Christmas gift would have to be flying lessons from hubby a few years ago!

152 Barb @ A Chelsea Morning October 8, 2008 at 7:33 am

It’s no secret, I’m a huge fan of Christmas. I think we should have Christmas six times a year. My favorite gift ever was a cutting board. We were so poor we’d agreed not to give each other gifts, but my husband sneaked a cutting board under the tree. I really, really needed a cutting board. Doesn’t even compare to the diamond earrings he gave me twenty years later. LOL

153 Melynda October 8, 2008 at 7:33 am

The best gift I’ve ever gotten was in high school while my dad was out of work. My parent’s Sunday School class had an anonymous donation given to them to be given to our family for Christmas presents. It wasn’t much money, and we didn’t get much stuff but what we had was more special to us than if we’d had everything under the sun under our tree.

154 Diane October 8, 2008 at 7:35 am

I would just llove to win this. Thanks for offering it!

155 Bethany October 8, 2008 at 7:35 am

I would love to win this cd!!! Great Christmas music!!

156 Emily October 8, 2008 at 7:36 am

please enter me! thanks. :)

157 Courtney October 8, 2008 at 7:37 am

I can’t wait to hear this! I love Christmas music.

158 Brantlee October 8, 2008 at 7:39 am

I bought the CD yesterday and must say it is the best!! I’ve broken my self imposed rule of no Christmas music before Thanksgiving but it is worth it. Winning an autographed copy from Travis would be great!

159 Kristin October 8, 2008 at 7:39 am

I’ve heard a lot about this CD! Please enter me in the contest!!

160 Mary Katherine October 8, 2008 at 7:40 am

I’d love to win this CD!!!

161 Beth October 8, 2008 at 7:40 am

I love Christmas time and would love a new soundtrack for this year!!!

162 Kellie October 8, 2008 at 7:40 am

My best present ever was the match to my wedding band (7 round diamonds) on our first Christmas together (married)! I want to win so bad – I’ve never heard him sing, but everyone else has and seems to love him!

163 Kaitlin L October 8, 2008 at 7:41 am

I probably start listening to Christmas music too early, so I need as much variety as possible – Travis’ “Oh Holy Night” on his website is fabulous. Can’t wait to hear the CD!

164 Diana October 8, 2008 at 7:41 am

Honestly, I have gotten much more excited about the gifts that I have been able to give to my family over the years than the gifts I have received! Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE to receive gifts……but the excitement really builds when I am chosing and giving a gift to someone I love and know that it is something they will love.

165 Veronica Mitchell October 8, 2008 at 7:42 am

Enter me.

And I always loved the paperbacks my parents would put in my stocking when I was a kid.

166 Tracy October 8, 2008 at 7:42 am

The Christmas season is one of my fave times of the year-my birthday is a week before Christmas (I was actually due on Christmas!). My favorite Christmas gift would have to be those special homemade gifts from my kids-those are PRICELESS and original and most important from the heart. They to me symbolize the true meaning of the season.

167 Sarah at themommylogues October 8, 2008 at 7:42 am

Oh how I want! I had already decided to break my usual pre-Thanksgiving Christmas music ban, and this would be PERFECTION. Oh please Mr. Random Integer, choose me!

Favorite Christmas gift. I hate admitting this. Gift cards. Because that is the gift of shopping.

168 katherine from senor elefante October 8, 2008 at 7:43 am

oooo . . . my favorite christmas gift was probably my new camera, which i got earlier this year as a mother’s day-birthday-christmas present. my husband knows me well!

thanks for doing the giveaway!

169 Gwendolyn October 8, 2008 at 7:44 am

My best Christmas present was the year that we found out that we were pregnant with my second child after six years of infertility!

170 Mary October 8, 2008 at 7:44 am

Glad to know I’m not the only one playing Christmas music around the house. People think I’m nuts.

171 Brittany October 8, 2008 at 7:45 am

My engagement ring! After dating for 5 months, my husband proposed on Christmas Eve. It’s hard to top that.

172 rebecca in e.tx October 8, 2008 at 7:45 am

I have already listened to some of the clips on his website and ooohhhh they are so good!!

My best Christmas present ever, wow that’s hard. I got a Teddy when I was little, and last year I actually squealed when I got a Strong’s Concordance from my parents. But I guess the best gift is seeing my kids faces light up on Christmas!! Oh, and of course, JESUS!!

Thanks BigMama,
rebecca in e.tx

173 Vee October 8, 2008 at 7:45 am

Enter me in the contest! I love Travis! My daughter is a groupie too!

174 Julie October 8, 2008 at 7:45 am

Would love to win this – thanks!

175 Donna October 8, 2008 at 7:46 am

One of my favorite presents was what my dear hubby gave me last year – a trip to NYC to see the Christmas windows of which I have been longing to see for years. I also would love Travis’ CD

176 Julie H. October 8, 2008 at 7:46 am

I love Christmas and I love give aways!

My favorite Christmas gift? A toss up between my Mork and Mindy Sleeping bag and the Snoopy automatic toothbrush set.

Take care,
Julie

177 rrmama October 8, 2008 at 7:47 am

I love to hear Travis sing! Even if I don’t win, I am going to buy his CD but I would love to have one with his autograph!

178 Upside Brown October 8, 2008 at 7:47 am

I feel like a TC groupie already! I am moved to tears when he opens his mouth to sing. Godly-ordained for sure.

My favorite gift was a pair of earrings from my husband that were picked out for our 20th wedding anniversary. I got them 7 years early!! Love my man.

179 Gwyn October 8, 2008 at 7:48 am

We love Christmas Music! That’s all we listen to in the car between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Since that is a short time this year we might have to break it out sooner.

My hubby surprised me with an anniversary ring after 13 years together and wrapped it in 13 layers of paper with comments about each year on each layer. It was so great! Needless to say, I cried like a baby!

180 Kelly Anne October 8, 2008 at 7:48 am

I would love a new Christmas CD!!

181 Heather October 8, 2008 at 7:49 am

I LOVE Christmas music and would love to hear this CD! Off to listen to some clips now….
Heather

182 Carrie October 8, 2008 at 7:49 am

My best Christmas present ever was getting engaged to my husband! I would LOVE to win this CD!

183 Mimi October 8, 2008 at 7:49 am

the best christmas ever is EVERY christmas ~~ profound gratitude for
this life, my family, my husband and his love.

184 Jill October 8, 2008 at 7:50 am

I love Christmas music…enter me in the contest!

185 Katrina (Callapidder Days) October 8, 2008 at 7:50 am

I am no good at picking favorites, so I’ll have to be one of those who just says, “Enter me, please!” :)

186 Kim H. October 8, 2008 at 7:50 am

I would love to win this and give it to my husband – he plays worship for our church, and always loves adding to his collection!

187 Kristi October 8, 2008 at 7:51 am

I will probably be having my best Christmas this year. Not that it won’t be a little stressful… I’m due with our 2nd child the end of December! I always love new Christmas music!!

Thanks!
Kristi

188 Abby Vostad October 8, 2008 at 7:51 am

Hey There,

I have been following your blog for a while now. What can I say, you entertain, inspire and so much more.

My favorite Christmas Gift is two-fold. My now husband, gave me two boxes for Christmas 2006. The first one he said was from my dog, Gizmo – it was a ring pop! Needless to say my heart melted when in the second box was an engagement ring!!

Keep on inspiring and loving living life.

Abby

189 Deidre October 8, 2008 at 7:51 am

Pick me! Pick me!

Best Christmas gift? Yellow kick-n-go. (I believe they are called scooters now :)

190 Bobbi October 8, 2008 at 7:52 am

I am excited to enter for a chance to win the CD. My kids adore Christmas music. Well, really…I’d like to find a kid who doesn’t but I digress.

The best Christmas present I ever received was my husband. He was deployed to Kuwait/Iraq 1 week before Christmas in 2003 and it was heartbreaking. But he came back in 2004 2 weeks before Christmas and it was the BEST CHRISTMAS EVER. Never have I been reminded of what the true meaning of the holiday season is than during that year.

Love your blog!

191 Gail October 8, 2008 at 7:53 am

I would love to have this CD!
Best thing for me at Christmas, having all my family home and watching them, and maybe the new sewing machine I was surprised with one year.

192 Todd October 8, 2008 at 7:53 am

Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens Christmas album. The best!

193 Amanda October 8, 2008 at 7:53 am

So apparently I’m not the first one to write this (shocking!), but my best present was when my husband proposed to me on Christmas day of 2006! And I would love a copy of the CD :)

194 leslie October 8, 2008 at 7:53 am

I would love to win! Christmas music is my favorite!

195 Chelsea October 8, 2008 at 7:53 am

I’d love this! My kids think my Amy Grant Christmas album is “cheesy.” Heretics.

196 Lois October 8, 2008 at 7:54 am

I would love, love, love to win!
I just love Christmas music.

My best Christmas gift ever… my beautiful second daughter, Ashley!

197 Sheila October 8, 2008 at 7:55 am

Thanks for hosting this giveaway, i would love to win a new Christmas CD.

198 Kelley October 8, 2008 at 7:55 am

I think I’ve been blessed with many a Christmas gift over the years. I will say one of the one’s I remember the most:

Mork From Ork suspenders (sp?). Rainbow striped, no less. I was the coolest kid in the 2nd grade.

Would love to be entered–thank you! : )

199 Kris Hurford October 8, 2008 at 7:55 am

PLease enter me in the contest! My best Christmas present was the year I was 10 and got a pony.

I am looking forward to hearing about your trip!

200 Stephanie October 8, 2008 at 7:55 am

My favorite Christmas gift was probably when I got my Western Barbie and horse. I don’t know why but that gift from my childhood is so vivid! The Barbie had bright blue eyeshadow and would wink when you press the button on her back. Oh yeah a classic!

201 Cindy October 8, 2008 at 7:56 am

My two December babies were my best presents ever. I would love this Christmas CD.

202 Beth October 8, 2008 at 7:57 am

Oh, I’d love this. We are huge fans of Travis.

203 Nicole Taulman October 8, 2008 at 7:57 am

One (and I mean only one) of the highlights of a Beth Moore conference is the worship experience with Travis Cottrell. His annointing gives me goosebumps. Enter me!!! Pick me .. pick me .. pick me!!!!

I happened upon your blog from Vickie Courtney (huge follower of her ministry). It’s now one I follow daily. Thanks!

204 Jacque October 8, 2008 at 7:58 am

I listened to some clips from the cd. Beautiful!

205 Jessica October 8, 2008 at 7:59 am

I’d love to win this! Thanks!

206 Heather October 8, 2008 at 8:00 am

First, I love reading your blog, it brings a smile to my face every morning.

My favorite Christmas gift ever was the year my dad built my brother and me a go-cart. He even painted Driver Ian and Driver Heather on each side.

207 Nicki October 8, 2008 at 8:01 am

The best Christmas gift I’ve received was, of course, the birth of my Savior!

I also got a robe from my kids last year. It’s not really because of the robe itself, but the fact that my kids searched and searched for what they thought would be the best one for me. It just warms my heart. :)

I’d love this CD.

208 Pat October 8, 2008 at 8:01 am

Christmas is the best holiday. I’ve already been playing Christmas cd’s. Please enter me!
I’d have to say my best present was my very own first bike(there were 8 of kids and I was #6)

209 Amy @ By His Grace October 8, 2008 at 8:02 am

How great! Thanks for the giveaway!

210 Mama Koala October 8, 2008 at 8:02 am

My son–he was born January 7th, but I consider him a late Christmas present:-)

Thanks for the chance to win!
mommmykoala (at) live (dot) com

211 Amy M. October 8, 2008 at 8:03 am

My favorite Christmas gift would be the first year married and my new husband bought me a couple of outfits – totally not my style, size or anything! He hates to shop and this showed me the great lengths he would take to make his new bride happy!

I hope I win!

212 Jaime October 8, 2008 at 8:03 am

My best gift was a cabbage patch kid, when I was in 3rd grade. I had never been so excited.

I love Christmas!

213 Erin K. October 8, 2008 at 8:04 am

Ooh! Ooh! Pick me! Pick me! (said while raising my hand and wildly waving it around)

=)

One of my favorite gifts was the CD player I got when I was 15. (Which was way back in the olden days when not everyone had a CD player.) I also got my very first CD, Geoff Moore and the Distance’s “A Friend Like You.” Oh, those were good times.

214 Beverlydru October 8, 2008 at 8:05 am

I’m bilingual…English is my 2nd language. Music is my first. I need music more than food. (I need to tell myslef that 10 times a day – I like that! Please enter me in the contest.

215 Joc October 8, 2008 at 8:05 am

Love your blog- I read every day!

Please enter me in the contest.

It’s awfully hard to pick my favorite Christmas gift, because my birthday falls just 3 days before, and well, I’ve gotten quite a few great ‘combo’ gifts. :0)

216 Sharon Purifoy October 8, 2008 at 8:05 am

I would LOVE to win one of the CDs. One of my favorite Christmas presents was an Emma Bridgewater teaset!

217 Kim October 8, 2008 at 8:06 am

I love your blog AND Christmas. It is my favorite time of year! This CD would be absolutely divine while decorating the tree this year!!

218 Sarah October 8, 2008 at 8:06 am

sign me up!

219 Cathy October 8, 2008 at 8:06 am

Doing the ‘walk-through’ on our new house on Christmas Eve was my most exciting present.

I would love love love this CD!!

220 Jennifer C October 8, 2008 at 8:07 am

Ooh I love Christmas and Christmas music. I guess my best Christmas present would be my daughter. She was born on Dec. 19. That was a truly special Christmas.

221 Tara October 8, 2008 at 8:08 am

Since BooMama’s random number picker didn’t pick me, maybe yours will!

My most memorable Christmas gift was when I was 7. I came downstairs to find a bright shiny red bike! Since we lived in Iowa, and it snows at Christmas in Iowa, I got to ride it around the dining room table! :)

222 Amber October 8, 2008 at 8:09 am

Ooooh, I couldn’t decide what to put until I read a post by another person who said “Jesus”. DITTO!

223 Marianne Tabor October 8, 2008 at 8:09 am

I’ve been keeping up with your precious family for a couple of months now. I love your humor and Caroline! I was terribly disappointed to learn you were an Aggie. Ha Ha ! My daughter attends Texas Tech and there seems to be some rivalry there. I would love to win the CD!! Christmas is just around the corner.

224 Amy G. October 8, 2008 at 8:09 am

My favorite Christmas gift would have to be last year when my husband arrived home safely on Christmas Eve, after a 15 month deployment to Iraq. :) !

Thanks for doing this contest!

225 gerry voland October 8, 2008 at 8:10 am

I’ve been looking for some new Christmas music. Thanks for the review. I would love to win one so I don’t have to buy it!

226 Gabby October 8, 2008 at 8:10 am

A little Diamond ring my Mom gave me when I was 16, it had my initials on it (I thought that was awesome), and she made me hunt for it with clues all over the house. I loved it!

227 Jen Fitz October 8, 2008 at 8:10 am

Pick me, Pick me!
Best Christmas present… hmmm
Coach Purse…gosh I love that thing!

228 Sunni October 8, 2008 at 8:11 am

I love how others teach their children to be a little over excited about singers the way I do. He he he. j/k

It’s great that Caroline loves Travis. You’re right…he has such a gift.

229 Erin October 8, 2008 at 8:11 am

Favorite Christmas was celebrating my parents 50th Anniverary in Mexico– they took all 19 of their family with them for a week long celebration (children,children-in-laws,grandchildren and grandchildren-in-laws)it was so special.

Love Christmas music-would love to get this CD…. :)

230 Kristyn October 8, 2008 at 8:11 am

One of my most memorable Christmas presents was the year I got my Cabbage Patch Kid. Little did I know as a child that my parents had more than a few “scouts” out looking for those crazy dolls the year they were the hot ticket. Santa comes to our house while we are at church on Christmas Eve (and he comes back overnight to fill our stockings, I guess we never questioned why he came twice). That Christmas Eve the weather was too nasty to go to church. My parents had my younger sister and I take a bath, and lo-and-behold when we came out Santa had come! :) The pictures of us that Christmas are priceless–giddy with excitement and looking like drowned rats with wet hair from our bath. I still have my CPK, Warren Ray, and he gets played with at Grandma’s by my two daughters now.

231 Kiesha October 8, 2008 at 8:11 am

I hope I win….

232 Sarah October 8, 2008 at 8:11 am

Favorite Christmas present would have to be having my son home from the NICU just in time for the holiday.

233 Jen October 8, 2008 at 8:11 am

Best Christmas present ever?

When Big Mama gave me the Travis Cottrell CD.

Oh, yeah, and when the Almighty Father sent His son in the form of a baby. That was awesome too ;)

234 Casey A. October 8, 2008 at 8:12 am

Enter me! Enter me! I wanna win.

235 Stacy October 8, 2008 at 8:12 am

Best Christmas present: a guitar when I was in high school. Pick me!

236 Barb October 8, 2008 at 8:13 am

Jesus…the best gift ever given. For sure.

237 Leslie October 8, 2008 at 8:13 am

I have a very rough and tumble 5 year-old boy who loves Josh Groban, classical music, and old Chicago songs. This would be right up his alley. Actually, he’s sitting next to me listening to samples on the computer saying, “Mommy, this is the bestest song I’ve ever heard.” It would make his day if he won. Plus, then I could put up a blog video of him dancing to it because it’s really something. (He’s doing it right now.) :-)

238 Jabber Jaws October 8, 2008 at 8:14 am

Favorite gift? Hmmmm……
My son was born two days after if that counts – I don’t count the horrible fake contractions and leaking fluid that started on the fine Christmas morning.
That’s another rant and it ends with I gave birth to you so that is why I am right!

Gift – my Nana made me a quilt out of all my dresses from my childhood. LOVE IT!

239 Michelle October 8, 2008 at 8:14 am

I love me some Christmas music….hook me up!

240 TaraB in OK October 8, 2008 at 8:14 am

Hmmmm… lots of great Christmas presents over the years. I remember getting my first Cabbage Patch Kid! Her name is Samantha Harmony. I think she’s in the attic… sad. I need to find her soon. We’re having a baby girl in January! Her preemie “sister,” Sally Toni, should be there, too.

I love Christmas music. What a fun giveaway!!!

241 Teressa October 8, 2008 at 8:15 am

My best present was a Getaway Weekend to the Grove Park in Asheville, NC for my husband and myself. The gift was great but it was given by my wonderful, thoughtful, 20 year old daughter. That is what made it soooooo special.

242 lynn October 8, 2008 at 8:15 am

please enter me in the contest!! I would love a new CD…. then I could say my best Christmas Present was the one I won on from Big Mama!! :o )

243 Cheryl October 8, 2008 at 8:15 am

My best Christmas present came a couple days after..my oldest son, Brodie. I love Christmas music, please enter me in the contes.

244 Shanna H October 8, 2008 at 8:16 am

My favorite Christmas present was a Publisher’s Proof Thomas Kinkade painting entitled “Bridge of Hope” from my husband. He gave it to me after our twins were born prematurely the previous summer. He said we had had an amazing journey thus far, and now we were crossing a “bridge of hope” into the realm of parenthood with our precious miracles! It hangs above the sofa now, and reminds me of how far our journey has brought us, through God’s grace.

Thanks for entering me in the contest!

245 Kristi Gerdon October 8, 2008 at 8:16 am

My daughter and first child was born just a few weeks before Christmas – one of my best presents!
Blessings…

246 Kelli October 8, 2008 at 8:17 am

I know it’s cliche, but an engagement ring :)

And random generator, HOW I LOVE CHRISTMAS AND TRAVIS…. so pick me! :)

247 Michelle October 8, 2008 at 8:17 am

I love Christmas!!!

248 Melissa H. October 8, 2008 at 8:19 am

Enter me! Since I buy pratically everything you recommend, I’ll wind up buying both just cause you said to.

My best Christmas gift was in middle school when Guess jeans were the thing to wear. Although they did not particularly flatter my bubble (ghetto) bootie, I wore those things daily and tried to convince everyone I had several pairs. I even wore them with holes in the knees which thankfully became cool!

I loved your post about your husband the other day. You are truly blessed and we all apreciate you sharing with us daily!

249 Gunther October 8, 2008 at 8:19 am

My brother gave me a TIVO one year.

250 The Mrs. M October 8, 2008 at 8:20 am

It’s a toss up: my radio flyer little red wagon (circa 1988), my very first camera (1991) or the llbean down vest my husband gave me just last year!

251 Stephanie from MO October 8, 2008 at 8:21 am

As a huge fan of Travis and his music, I spent last Christmas season wishing he had a Christmas CD. You can imagine my excitement when he announced he was in fact coming out with one!! It would make my Christmas to win one of those autographed CDs! Enter me in the contest sister!!

252 Laura~Texasokie October 8, 2008 at 8:22 am

I love Christmas music. My best presents are the ones my boys make on their own for me. Nothing like getting an electrical box with screws and wires. makes for the best presents.

Thanks for entering me!

253 Melissa October 8, 2008 at 8:22 am

The best Christmas present I ever received is kind of funny….it was two tickets to a Colin Raye concert that I dearly wanted to attend on New Year’s Eve. My dh, who doesn’t like country music at all, hid the tickets in a box full of kitty litter!!! So on Christmas morning there I was digging through kitty litter (umm, I should say it was CLEAN kitty litter lol) not knowing what I was digging for. And, he even went with me and sat through the concert and even enjoyed himself! He has been the best and funniest husband in the world for 23 years now!

And I would LOVE to win this cd!

254 ncmama October 8, 2008 at 8:22 am

Enter me in the contest please!

255 Amy October 8, 2008 at 8:23 am

My best Christmas present ever was the knowledge that I have a genetic mutation that causes breast and ovarian cancer. My mom suffered and died from ovarian cancer but during her battle she was passionate to find out if my sister and I could also suffer the same fate. She pushed down the “insurance” doors and got genetic testing done. We found out that she had the BRCA gene and then I was able to test against her gene. I also have the BRCA gene and I consider my mom fighting to help me gain that knowledge one of the greatest gifts of my entire life. My mom went to heaven last November and I will always be so grateful for her courage and selflessness she showed in arming me with the tools to hopefully not suffer the same fate she did. She’s my hero!!!

256 Carol October 8, 2008 at 8:23 am

ooh this is a hard one… so many wonderful gifts to pick from..

I would have to say the one that stands out in my childhood memory the most was my Cabbage Patch Kid doll named Laurel Carlene (I want to know who got the job at the Cabbage Patch Kid Doll Factory of naming all those dolls, cush job). She made my little 7 year old heart warm and fuzzy on Christmas Day all those years ago.

Thanks for your fun, entertaining and inspiring blog!
-c

257 Liz October 8, 2008 at 8:24 am

I need to win this CD!

258 Rosie October 8, 2008 at 8:24 am

Please enter me!

259 Dawn Rene October 8, 2008 at 8:24 am

I love Christmas music. Please enter me in the contest :)

260 Beth October 8, 2008 at 8:24 am

Thanks! Enter me please.

261 Kim @ My Little Corner of History October 8, 2008 at 8:25 am

I don’t know what my favorite gift is, but my favorite Christmas was 2 years ago when I used my money to buy presents for my family (instead of using mom & dad’s money). It was so much fun watching everyone open their gifts, I don’t even remember what I got that year.

262 Patty October 8, 2008 at 8:25 am

My favorite gift is really just being able to go home and be with family. No gift wrap necessary. Thanks for sharing your Christmas treats. Travis rocks!

263 lori October 8, 2008 at 8:26 am

My favorite gift was when I was 9 and got my first four wheeler

264 Amanda October 8, 2008 at 8:27 am

Well, I didn’t win over at Boo’s site, so please enter me in your contest.

Random number generator, please, please, please pick me!

265 Kathy October 8, 2008 at 8:27 am

I don’t really remember a special gift–I really like giving gifts and watching my children open them!

266 Erica (A Yankee In Jawja) October 8, 2008 at 8:27 am

I don’t think you could have chosen a better theme song for Christmas this year! ;)

My favorite gift — being able to go home for the holidays with my spouse and kiddos in tow. :- ) I love white Christmases~!

267 Linda Goossen October 8, 2008 at 8:28 am

Sign me up!

Thanks for the opportunity!

268 Laurie October 8, 2008 at 8:28 am

Enter me! I LOVE Christmas!

269 Sheila October 8, 2008 at 8:28 am

I would love to win! I love me some beautiful Christmas music!

270 blessedmama October 8, 2008 at 8:29 am

Travis is amazing. The first time I heard him was this past summer at a Beth Moore conference and I got chills everytime he sang. What an amazing gift that he has. I would LOVE to win his CD, but if not, I am definitely buying it anyway. I can’t believe Christmas is so close! YEAH!!

271 heather October 8, 2008 at 8:29 am

enter me in the contest :)

I can’t get enough of great Christmas music!!

272 Bethany October 8, 2008 at 8:31 am

My favorite Christmas presents are my husband proposing to me in December 1996, my sons birth in 2004 (he was an early Christmas present) and of course Jesus.

273 Kaye October 8, 2008 at 8:31 am

Wonderful Christmas music and would LOVE to win this cd!
Thanks for sharing your ‘life’ with us and please know I am praying for you as you prepare for your trip.
Blessings today and always,
Kaye

274 Kristin Galphin October 8, 2008 at 8:32 am

I would love to win!!

275 Kristan October 8, 2008 at 8:32 am

I’d love to win this CD so that I can introduce my friends to Travis’s amazing voice! It would also be a great pick-me-up for a cold, grey, snowy day in Cleveland. :)

276 Janet (aka JT) October 8, 2008 at 8:32 am

Just listened to the songs on his site…do you have any idea how hard it is to swallow Diet Dr Pepper with a big lump in your throat?

Sign me up.

277 amy October 8, 2008 at 8:33 am

I will need that CD to drown myself out when I insist on singing in the car!

I use to sing lullabies to my daughter…but she learned to put her hand over my mouth! lol.

278 Susan October 8, 2008 at 8:33 am

My favorite “gift” was in 2001…my kids, then ages 6 and 7) asked that we give our Christmas money to a missionary instead of buying a tree and gifts.
I would LOVE one of Travis’ new cds.
Thanks!

279 Nicki October 8, 2008 at 8:34 am

Your blog is soooooo much fun!!!! This is my first comment, but what better start then the chance to win that holiday CD!!! :)

My favorite Christmas present definitely has to be the Teddy Ruxpin I got when I was little!

280 Cindy-Still His Girl October 8, 2008 at 8:34 am

Me, me, me, me!! (please)

I previewed the songs last night on itunes and LOVED them all. Now today I’m trying to decide whether to buy mums or Christmas decorations.

Top Christmas presents- as a child, a giant stuffed panda. As a teen, my brother surprised me by installing a TAPE DECK in my car! Our first married Christmas, a full length beautiful mirror. Such a surprise!

281 Bethany October 8, 2008 at 8:35 am

I love Christmas music! I usually break it out on my birthday (Oct 1) and adore ALL of it. I’ve been reading this blog for months and love the stories & opinions-a great read! I would have to say my favorite Christmas gift wasn’t really a gift at all. It was just one Christmas spent with grandparents from both sides, cousins, aunts and uncles. My family lived so far from our extended family that this was a rare treat. And what a treat it was! Definitely a favorite Christmas memory.

282 Dee Dee October 8, 2008 at 8:35 am

It was a Dooney & Bourke in 7th grade, it was navy blue by the way. I was thrilled !!! :)

283 jamie b October 8, 2008 at 8:36 am

ooooooo, I want one! :)

284 Jeni October 8, 2008 at 8:36 am

The best thing I ever got for Christmas was my engagement ring!

285 Lesley October 8, 2008 at 8:36 am

My parachute pants in 1984. Ha!

286 Lora October 8, 2008 at 8:37 am

Thanks for recommending his music, I LVOE IT! Listening to the clips made me super excited for Christmas!

287 Kelly S. October 8, 2008 at 8:37 am

I have created a couple “groupies” of my own age 10 and age 7!! We all love Travis and my girls love to hear about his family, especially LK….(they met her at a concert and were thrilled).
My best Christmas present was a pair of diamond earrings from my husband the year my father died. He said he new it would be a tough Christmas, so he wanted me to have a good present….awww.

please enter me to win–THANKS

288 Kelly October 8, 2008 at 8:37 am

My kids love music, and this would be a great addition to our favorites!

289 Allison October 8, 2008 at 8:38 am

I’m ready for big bangs again!

Love your site, Big Mama.

Allison
(Aggie, class of ‘98)

290 Alesha October 8, 2008 at 8:38 am

please enter me into the contest.

thank you.

Alesha

291 Rachel October 8, 2008 at 8:39 am

My favorite Christmas present was at some point in elementary school – during the heights of Cabbage Patch doll phenomena. Santa brought me the most precious Cabbage Patch doll. She came with the name Phoebe Georganne, but I sent in her paperwork and had her name officially changed to Christina Lynn!

Oh, childhood…

Sign me up! : )

292 Lindsey October 8, 2008 at 8:41 am

My favorite Christmas present was an antique trunk that my husband bought me. It is from 1886 and has a sticker from its travels in Chicago. It is one of a kind, and so beautiful.

Thanks for the chance to win!

293 Anne October 8, 2008 at 8:41 am

My parents led me to Christ on Christmas Eve when I was 6. I’ve loved and followed him (mostly) all my life. That was the best gift.

As far as stuff goes…I got an engagement ring 10 years ago this year. Pretty sure I’m not allowed to say anything else ever topped that.

294 Mary A. October 8, 2008 at 8:42 am

I am Christmas’s biggest fan. Sign me up to win!

295 Deanna October 8, 2008 at 8:42 am

I listened to parts of the cd on his website and OH.MY.GOODNESS. that man can sing!!!!

I’d love to have a chance to win one of his cds…especially if its autographed.

Thanks for giving me the opportunity.

296 Jennifer October 8, 2008 at 8:43 am

Enter me in the contest!!! yay!

297 Risa October 8, 2008 at 8:44 am

I can’t think of my favorite Christmas gift ever…but I do know I love Christmas music!! Thanks for the give-a-way opportunity!

298 Alicia October 8, 2008 at 8:45 am

enter me in the contest! please!

299 Lucy October 8, 2008 at 8:45 am

I would listen to Christmas music in the summer if they played it. Bring on the contest!

300 Nicole@OnTheRun October 8, 2008 at 8:45 am

I’d love to win. I’m honestly listening to christmas music already. THANKS:)

301 Morgan October 8, 2008 at 8:46 am

I love Christmastime and I love Christmas music! PLease enter me in the contest :)

Jesus is of course the best Christmas present of all times, but materially speaking, cash is the best way to go ;)

302 Susan T October 8, 2008 at 8:47 am

I would love to win this CD!

The best gift I ever received was getting engaged on Christmas Eve.

Susan

303 Leslie Ruth October 8, 2008 at 8:48 am

I would oh so love to win a copy so that my Christmas, nay, even my Fall will be as complete as you have described.

As for my favorite Christmas present, that’s easy. From the age of about nine to twelve, I was OBSESSED with Nancy Drew mysteries. I devoured them as quick as I could get my hands on them. Christmas Day, eleven years old, my Aunt Joann had drawn my name for our giant family gift exchange. When I opened the box she gave me, there they were. TEN BRAND NEW Nancy Drew books I hadn’t yet read. I sat there and screamed in glee for a good minute and a half. There are pictures. It isn’t pretty.

304 Kim October 8, 2008 at 8:48 am

I would LOVE to win this!! I didn’t win when BooMama did her drawing, but maybe I’ll have better luck over here. Please pick me!!

305 Lora October 8, 2008 at 8:49 am

Thank you kindly for the give-a-way! My favorite gift was a tree the first year we were married – a long story – but no $ = no tree. My hubby got a bonus and we were able to buy a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree on Christmas Eve!

306 Brickhouse October 8, 2008 at 8:49 am

Okay, Mel. Enter me in your contest.

About the best Christmas gift ever…it was last year, and Austin was at the Church thrift shop helping my mom. Someone had brought in a jewelry box. It is pretty marked and scarred, but my mom said that he got totally excited. He asked if she would bring him home to get a dollar from his wallet so that he could buy it for me because I really needed one. I will keep it forever.

Now I just need to sell the Suburban that my ex bought me for Christmas a few years ago…

307 Sassy Gal October 8, 2008 at 8:49 am

To this day, my favorite gift was a magenta Members Only jacket. It brought such joy to my 5th grade heart…..

Happy Day!

308 Shelley M. October 8, 2008 at 8:49 am

We love Christmas music. I am planning on buying this cd, and would love to win a copy for my sweet mama!

309 Lori October 8, 2008 at 8:49 am

I never win anything, but I’d like to win this!!!! Have a beautiful day!
Lori

310 Brea October 8, 2008 at 8:50 am

I think my best Christmas present ever is coming this year…although a week or so late. I’m due with our first baby on December 31st! :)

311 Lora Lynn October 8, 2008 at 8:51 am

Yes, please. Because I need another CD to pile on top of the Christmas stack, which is already 20-some high. My husband will be so thrilled.

312 Candis October 8, 2008 at 8:51 am

pick me! pick me! I love christmas music.

313 Carolyn October 8, 2008 at 8:53 am

I think my best Christmas present was my IPod I got last year. I carry it around with me everywhere and use it all the time. Love it, love it, love it!!!!

BTW, You Rock!

314 KayeT October 8, 2008 at 8:54 am

Best present was a camera and I’ve now turned most of my family into shutterbugs!

315 Sallie October 8, 2008 at 8:54 am

Most memorable gift – Madame Alexander doll and Santa had made it a trunk load of clothes that exactly matched all the clothes my mother had made ME…! Just could never figure that out!!

Love Travis and would love to win this!

316 KaRetha October 8, 2008 at 8:54 am

Please enter me in the contest and this year will be my best Christmas ever. Not only am I recovering from breast cancer treatment but I’m going to Israel!!!!! I love Christmas time and I know this year we be more special than ever.

317 Nicole October 8, 2008 at 8:54 am

The best Christmas present I ever got was a quilt that my grandmother gave. As a kid, I would sleep under it every single time I went to her house.

Thanks for the contest! :)

318 Stephanie October 8, 2008 at 8:54 am

I am a huge Travis fan. Alive Forever is in my cd player in the car now. Please sign me up =)

319 Pam October 8, 2008 at 8:55 am

Hi, I know I am going to love this cd. Please enter me.

320 Beth October 8, 2008 at 8:55 am

I just found your blog through a friend’s and have to tell you how much I love you writing style. Makes me feel like we’re sitting together, chatting, having a cup of coffee – right at home. So, when can you come over? :)

Guess now I’m leaving to go start one of these blogs on my own. Hope you’ll come and stop for a visit.

Beth

321 Cynthia October 8, 2008 at 8:56 am

ONE of my favorite gifts ever was last Christmas when 5 of our 8 kids made us a book that was for a fun-filled day. It included b’fast in bed, lunch at Olive Garden (gift card inc), movie of our choice (gift card inc), Starbucks (again gift card inc), and home to a home cooked meal. They are treasures from heaven, these children of ours!!!

322 Beth October 8, 2008 at 8:56 am

Hmmm, This is a tough question.

But as ridiculous as this sounds, my favorite present from my childhood was a pair of high top Reebok sneakers with Velcro at the top. I wanted these shoes so bad that I dreamed about them. I was in third grade at the time and my parents had just bought me new shoes. I didn’t need new ones, but I REALLY wanted these! I mean so bad, that I talked about them every day! They were the shoes that we going to help my basketball team win (because we had not won a game yet and I was convinced it was the shoes fault)! We had opened the last round of presents on Christmas morning and I was so bummed that I didn’t get them. I really thought that if I was going to get these shoes, that it would be part of my gifts. A few minutes later my mom came out with a box that said “To Bethie…From Santa.” The gift of course was MY shoes and I was elated.

Oh, and after reading about my favorite gift, please enter me for the CD!!!!

323 Claire October 8, 2008 at 8:56 am

I would love to win this CD. I’ve seen Travis live before, and he is truly awesome! Plus, I love Christmas music.

My favorite Christmas present was the Kitchen Aid Artisan stand mixer I received and had been wanting for a few years.

324 Amy N. October 8, 2008 at 8:58 am

My best Christmas gift was the birth of my son, just before Christmas. I can’t say the sleepless nights were much of a gift, but I wouldn’t “exchange” him for the world.

I LOVE Christmas music, so maybe this will be my day! :)

325 Annie H October 8, 2008 at 8:59 am

Enter me in the contest! I don’t know which Christmas present was the best. It’s a tie between my husband’s marriage proposal in ‘96, or my first Christmas with my little boy in ‘03.

The best gifts, can’t be bought though… My favortie Christmas gift is when all of our family can be together. All of us happy and healthy….And we always need some great Christmas music playing in the background. So here’s to hoping I win this CD!

326 Sarah Miller October 8, 2008 at 8:59 am

Enter me in the contest please. Listening seriously bought tears to my eyes. Just beautiful. My best present is spending time with my family. When it comes down to it, really its just them.

Thanks Big Mama!
Sarah

327 JennaG October 8, 2008 at 8:59 am

Count me in.

328 Megan October 8, 2008 at 9:00 am

Woo Hoo! I would love to win that CD!!!
Thanks!

329 Jill @ LiveLaugh Blog October 8, 2008 at 9:00 am

My favorite gift was a typewriter I received when I was in 1st grade. I also received a little red desk and my very first real grown up bible.

Best Christmas ever.

330 kelli October 8, 2008 at 9:00 am

I don’t know if you have a rule about winning twice- I did win one of the Third Day cds, so it’s okay if I’m not allowed to win again.
But oh! I would LOVE to. :)

331 karen October 8, 2008 at 9:00 am

should I be diplomatic and say that they are all good?

Or should I mention two christmases ago when I got my husband a basset hound puppy and in return he got me everything on my list? (No, as tempted as I was, I did not get him a puppy the next year. All the presents were nice but one basset puppy is enough.) Oh, I think my favorite gift was when we were young and poor (as opposed to older and poor) and he surprised me with the softest suede coat imaginable. I still love the coat (although it’s not so soft any more, what with babies and puppies and the like.)

please enter me for the CD!

karen

332 Ginger Norris October 8, 2008 at 9:01 am

Christmas is my favorite time of year! Please enter me.

333 Lisa @ The PW October 8, 2008 at 9:01 am

I’d love a copy of this CD!

And assuming Christ’s birth, my family, my blessed life are all a given in my favorite Christas gifts, I’d have to say hubby surprising me with a MAC DADDY laptop this past year topped it for me. (And it’s a Dell, not a Mac – but y’all get the point)

334 Kelli October 8, 2008 at 9:02 am

Count me in. I am one of those “groupies” who just happens to LOVE Christmas music. Can’t wait to hear this one.

335 Lori Daniels October 8, 2008 at 9:03 am

What a wonderful gift! Oct. 13th is my birthday!

336 Megan October 8, 2008 at 9:03 am

My ipod was definately the best Christmas gift. Love it! It’s the only thing I always use every single day.

337 Deb October 8, 2008 at 9:04 am

I have been reading your blog for several weeks and I just love it. Many times you make me laugh or think back to when my kids were younger.

My favorite Christmas present was when my husband proposed to me 24 years ago.

Please enter me in your contest.

338 Emily October 8, 2008 at 9:05 am

a Sephora gift card

339 NancysLostandFound October 8, 2008 at 9:06 am

The presents get better every year, so I think my best present ever is still yet to come!!!

340 krisbee October 8, 2008 at 9:06 am

Best Christmas present? My engagement ring…16 years ago. Golly, I’m old.

Um, and please enter me in the contest. :) Thanks!

341 Hope October 8, 2008 at 9:07 am

Thanks for a great blog. I look forward to reading it everyday. You have a great gift of writing.

Oh and I love Christmas!!!!

342 edj October 8, 2008 at 9:08 am

My best present was when my husband surprised me with a gorgeous new wedding/anniv ring to replace the one I’d lost! It’d been a horrible year, and then we had just a wonderful Christmas after all; it was more than just the ring, but it reminds me of that.

Please enter me–I really need some new Christmas music. Thanks.

343 Deanna October 8, 2008 at 9:08 am

I love Christmas music, a CD would be awesome.
Hmm, don’t really know what my best present is. Maybe just being with my family. Then of course there was the engagement ring.

344 annselma October 8, 2008 at 9:08 am

My baby boy Nicholas was born three years ago a week before Christmas.

345 Janet October 8, 2008 at 9:08 am

My favorite present is definitely the look in my children’s eyes and the simple wonder and awe of Christmas itself and what it represents. What an incredible gift to the world!

Now I can only imagine the beauty of the season enhanced by Travis’ music playing softly (or loudly) in the background.

346 Jada October 8, 2008 at 9:09 am

Best Christmas present that I remember from my childhood was a Walton’s dollhouse! Wish I still had it. Please enter me in the giveaway! Thanks. =)

347 Becca October 8, 2008 at 9:09 am

I would love to win! Favorite Christmas Gift was probably a trampoline when I was a kid.

348 Laura October 8, 2008 at 9:11 am

I will definitely be buying this CD if I don’t win!! Woohooo!!!!

349 Jenny October 8, 2008 at 9:11 am

I used to make fun of my mother-in-law for getting so addicted to people’s lives through their blogs. But I felt like I needed to read a few before I could really make fun of her.

But, lo and behold, I got addicted to yours!

I read it every morning, expecting a laugh, some good shoes, or a heart-warming message about Jesus Christ.

I would love to have the Travis Cottrell cd! Please enter me in the contest.

And, as for my favorite gift. Honestly, (as corny as it may sound) the incredible family that I spend every Christmas with far outweighs any gift I receive.

350 jenny williams October 8, 2008 at 9:12 am

I guess my favorite was a bike. So glad I got to get my praise on with Trav. on Sunday night and that Boo was there to!!

351 Cristy October 8, 2008 at 9:12 am

Anything my kids have ever made or bought for me is the best Christmas present ever. Right down to the measuring cup I got from my 16yo son last year, because he remembered me saying at some point that I would like to have a bigger one. It showed me that he was listening to me and thinking of me.

352 PajamaMama October 8, 2008 at 9:14 am

My best Christmas present ever was my senior year in high school…My older, married brothers gave me a 1982 Ford Mustang with t-tops.

Can’t wait to hear Travis’ cd!!

353 April October 8, 2008 at 9:14 am

My best present was my mother’s ring a few years ago. Please enter me. Thanks!!

354 Tonya October 8, 2008 at 9:14 am

I would love a chance to win! My best Christmas present was when my husband proposed. Now we enjoy making memories with our kids :)

355 Laura October 8, 2008 at 9:14 am

My husband always gives gifts that I love! He is the best present-picker. Last year it was 4 new outfits from my favorite place to shop!

I absolutely LOVE Christmas Music and I have loved Travis Cottrell’s music for 12 years now! To have both on one CD would be FABULOUS!!!

356 Julie October 8, 2008 at 9:14 am

Please let me win!!!!!

357 Cindy October 8, 2008 at 9:15 am

Enter me in the contest please!

Thank you!

358 Nikki October 8, 2008 at 9:15 am

My most memorable Christmas was when I got my Strawberry Shortcake tricycle. :)

359 Kelli October 8, 2008 at 9:16 am

The best gift is cash!

360 Jessica October 8, 2008 at 9:16 am

I’m not sure what the best Christmas gift I ever received was, but my best Christmas memory is the year my mom searched high and low and several stores to get us Cabbage Patch kids with our names. She found a “Jessica” for me, but could not find a “Rebecca” for my sister, so she settled on getting a boy baby doll for my sister instead, thinking she would enjoy that. Well, my sister immediately was upset that she didn’t get a girl doll, so what did I do, the sweet, kind older sister? I traded her my “Jessica” doll for her boy doll. My mom was flabbergasted. :) Oh, and I’d love to enter the contest. The album title reminds me of the song, “Come on ring those bells, light the Christmas tree…” Love it! :)

361 Jenny October 8, 2008 at 9:16 am

I need that CD!!!

362 Rebecca October 8, 2008 at 9:16 am

I’m a regular stalker, I mean reader, of Big Mama.

My daughter’s name is Caroline.

If that doesn’t qualify me for Ring the Bells, I don’t know what does.

Except my love of Aussie Scrunch spray in jr. high.

363 Shannon October 8, 2008 at 9:17 am

Please enter me in the contest. It’s either win it here or buy it later.

364 Rachel Manchester October 8, 2008 at 9:17 am

You can never have enough Christmas CDs and since I did not win over at your friend Boomama’s giveaway, I would love to win a CD here.
Oh, and diamond earrings!

365 Mary October 8, 2008 at 9:18 am

My best Christmas gift ever was from my dad when I was 14 he gave me a PHONE for MY ROOM! Hello! :) Please let me win!

366 Brittany D. October 8, 2008 at 9:18 am

What a great giveaway – Count me in!

367 Rebecca October 8, 2008 at 9:18 am

I have just recently discovered the awesomeness that is Travis Cottrell and would LOVE to win a copy of the Christmas cd!

368 Breezy's mom October 8, 2008 at 9:18 am

Enjoy reading your blog! And love Christmas–celebrating Christ’s birth & being with family! Also love listening to Christmas music–hope I win the CD. :o )

Leigh

369 canadacole October 8, 2008 at 9:19 am

I am listening to the delightful tidbits on the website now and loving it! Please enter me in the contest. My best gift every year is watching my children’s delight.

370 OurOwnLittleNest October 8, 2008 at 9:19 am

Best Christmas present I ever received was in 2002 when my first son was born 2 weeks before Christmas!

Although…my husband got me a Stainless Steel KitchenAid Stand Mixer a couple years later and that has been a very close second. :D

371 Carrie October 8, 2008 at 9:19 am

Hmmm…my best Christmas present? Ok, not my BEST, definitely my FUNNIEST. Oh, my husband would kill me for sharing this with the internet…
Our first full year as a married couple (we were married 12/19) my husband bought me the most hilarious gift. He bought me a Hickory Farms summer sausage gift pack. Oh no, I am NOT kidding. Bless his heart, he wanted to get me something I would like, and he knew that I liked summer sausage pretty well.
Um, in what could only be deemed as one of the most insensitve moments of my life…I took it back. Ouch. Poor guy. So, definitely not the BEST gift ever, but the BEST memory we’ll have of gift giving:) I look forward to hearing Travis!

372 muffintop October 8, 2008 at 9:19 am

Pick me! Pick me!
And the best Christmas present ever (well, besides Jesus, of course!) was our baby Owen, born at Christmas last year!

373 carla October 8, 2008 at 9:22 am

Oh, how I treasure the Christmas gifts my boys have made for me in school/Sunday school. They are usually simple, handcrafted and full of their love! I adore the way they are giddy with excitement when the gifts are presented with much anticipation. Who says a gift has to be expensive?

374 Michelle October 8, 2008 at 9:22 am

I would love to be entered. We could use some fresh Christmas music around our home.

375 Glennell Berry October 8, 2008 at 9:23 am

My brother giving me money at a particularly difficult time in my life.

With all that I’ve heard I would love to have a copy of this CD.

376 Danielle October 8, 2008 at 9:23 am

I feel like I should say soomething meaningful, but…there’s nothing like huge brown Louis Vuitton boxes under the tree! I’m listening on his website now…AMAZING!

377 Smoochiefrog October 8, 2008 at 9:24 am

I’d love to win a CD. Thanks!

378 Nancy October 8, 2008 at 9:25 am

When I saw 372 comments left so far, I started not to leave a comment. I thought “I don’t have a chance”. But if
I don’t leave a comment I really don’t have a chance and I would love the Christmas CD. I recently found your blog
and daily enjoy it!

379 robin eggen October 8, 2008 at 9:26 am

Hey Big Mama – pick me – i’m a friend of Cindi Webers! Also, i love me some Christmas music and Travis Cottrell!

Thank you
Robin

380 Heidi October 8, 2008 at 9:26 am

Please enter me in the contest! I’d love to win this CD!

381 Jennie October 8, 2008 at 9:27 am

Please enter me!

I love your blog – so funny!

382 Teresa October 8, 2008 at 9:27 am

Oh, I’d love to win this CD. I just love the Christmas season!

383 3m's Mama October 8, 2008 at 9:28 am

The best present I got was a sweet ceramic plate with my girls’ feet and handprints on it. It’s something I’ll always treasure!

384 Jenkins Family October 8, 2008 at 9:28 am

I love your blog. It makes me smile every morning when I read it. The best Christmas present I got was the year when my husband proposed to me. I knew I was going to get to spend the rest of my life with a man I knew I was going to love forever. It has been 4 wonderful years

385 dallimomma October 8, 2008 at 9:29 am

I am a big fan of Christmas. I was married on Christmas Eve, 1999. Best present ever.

386 Tara October 8, 2008 at 9:30 am

Last year my mother got me the set of pearls I’ve been coveting for years. That’s the best present in recent years. I hope I win a copy of this CD!

387 Matt October 8, 2008 at 9:31 am

I may be the only GUY on here (and should win just for putting my masculinity on the line!)! Oh well. The best present my wife got started out as a terrible one. I planned for months to have a water color of our two daughters painted for her. A friend distracted her one day in October so I could dress them up and meet with the artist. The painting was huge and kept at a friend’s house until it was time. When I walked in with it I expected her to ooh and ahh but – she was horrified! We had agreed on a monetary limit (this was WAY over it) and she does NOT like surprises. She cried and made me put it away. I was devastated, I had planned so hard and was sure it was a great surprise. Before long though she came around. Now some ten years later, though, its one her favorite gifts. I learned though to never surprise her again with something major!

388 Maria October 8, 2008 at 9:31 am

Hey Big Mama!

You still make me laugh when I read. Thanks for brightening my days!!

Favorite Christmas gift? A trip to Steamboat with family and friends–I was 16, my wonderful friend’s dad had just died, and my family went skiing with her, her twin and her mother.

389 Karey October 8, 2008 at 9:32 am

Enter me into the contest, please!! I listened to a few songs online yesterday…Travis is soooo talented!

390 abby goeirg October 8, 2008 at 9:32 am

My sweet Emery.

391 Heather October 8, 2008 at 9:33 am

My favorite present ever was probably a stuffed monkey that my grandfather gave me…he picked it up by himself because he knew I liked it. He even wrapped it himself. This was a first for him because he usually had my grandmother pick and wrap all presents!

392 Kathy Ziegler October 8, 2008 at 9:33 am

I LOVE Christmas and I love Travis….so the two of them together…YES!! Please sign me up! My best Christmas gift ever would have to be my baby Caleb born 4 days before Christmas in 1991!

393 Amy October 8, 2008 at 9:34 am

I LOVE this CD and was listening to it on his website yesterday afternoon. If I don’t win this one, I’ll go pick it up at the store-promise!! We love Christmas music in our house and what better way to celebrate the season than with beautiful music playing in the background as we decorate the tree! Oh, the gift. A silver heart necklace from my 8 yr old daughter. (that she borrows all the time!)

394 life with the wisners October 8, 2008 at 9:34 am

seriously? i would love me some travis.

395 Whitney October 8, 2008 at 9:34 am

I freaking love your blog! Thanks for your ministry. Is it a bit selfish that this is the first time I have ever commented? I’m all about winning – but not all about my comments getting lost in the millions of others you get apparently! HOWEVER, my favorite Christmas gift that I ever received was a new house!
Now, pick me!

396 Heather October 8, 2008 at 9:36 am

Please enter me! And BTW, I *heart* your blog!

Heather

397 Jenni (lots_of_love_four_kids) October 8, 2008 at 9:36 am

Big Mama!
You are such a gifted writer and story teller. I laugh everytime I read your blog. Thank you for that! (and I am not trying to be a suck-up- I just wanted to be honest!) Love your blog.
I am a mama of 4 beautiful kids (that right there is a good reason and best gift ever… thank you Jesus!) and our favorite holiday is Christmas. I love to have Christmas music playing all the time, and would LOVE to win a copy of this CD! Thank you for the opportunity, and for sharing your blog!

398 Marilena October 8, 2008 at 9:37 am

I found your blog through “Bring the Rain” and I check in on you often. You always make me laugh!

I love Travis Cottrell! I saw him with Beth Moore a few years ago in Detroit. I would LOVE to win his CD!!!

Love ya,
marilena

P.S. I’m Italian too and I laughed so hard when I read your post about visiting your family. I can so relate!

399 Teri October 8, 2008 at 9:37 am

Oh how I LOVE me some Christmas music! My kids love the clips!

My favorite Christmas gift- a + on a little stick

400 Chez October 8, 2008 at 9:37 am

My best Christmas gift was the entire series of Friends on DVD. I know that might make me lame, but no one cheers me up like Phoebe and Joey. :)

401 Heather October 8, 2008 at 9:37 am

My best present, besides Jesus, would have to be my Coach purse Hubby bought me last year, and he let my daughter pick it out! They done good, y’all!
Please, please, please let me win this CD! I LOVE Christmas and great Christmas music!
I LOVE your blog, too! Please, don’t ever leave us! ;)

402 Beth October 8, 2008 at 9:39 am

I’m a Christmas music nut, so I would love this CD!

403 Teri October 8, 2008 at 9:40 am

Best Christmas present ever….still to come!

404 Amy October 8, 2008 at 9:40 am

You and Boomama have got me interested – I would love to hear this cd!!

405 tammy October 8, 2008 at 9:41 am

i would love to win this… i usually start to listen to christmas music before halloween

406 trixiefan October 8, 2008 at 9:42 am

I would love this CD! I love Christmas music. I can’t say which present would have been my favorite for Christmas. I have received many wonderful gifts over the years!

407 Kyla October 8, 2008 at 9:42 am

My best present ever was my strawberry shortcake that blew kisses. I have waited 27 years and nothing has compared to the excitement I felt opening that doll.

Love your blog.

408 Valerie at Home October 8, 2008 at 9:43 am

I get another chance to win?!? Hoorah!! I think I’ll go put it on my del.icio.us list just in case hubby wants to buy it for me, but I’m still hoping to get the fun and excitement of winning it!

Ok, so instead of my favorite Christmas present, I’ll tell you about del.icio.us. It’s a website where you can put bookmarks for other people to see. You can find stuff you want for Christmas, bookmark, and send a link to your list to all your friends so you can get exactly what you want from anthropologie for Christmas!

409 Tasha October 8, 2008 at 9:43 am

Well,my husband proposed to me on Christmas Eve 2001.He gave me a beautiful white gold princess cut engagement ring.Oh,I hope I win.I never win anything!

410 Kimberly October 8, 2008 at 9:43 am

I honestly can’t think of a favorite, although any year when I get new, good books makes me happy.

But I love Christmas music and this cd could be my new favorite Christmas gift ever.

411 JoLynn (jl) October 8, 2008 at 9:44 am

I collect Christmas CD’s and would be thrilled to win a copy of my favorite worship leader’s Christmas CD. God has blessed Travis with an amazing gift of leading worshippers to His throne. Thanks for the contest :)

412 Renee October 8, 2008 at 9:44 am

Love his voice! Love Christmas!

413 Jaci October 8, 2008 at 9:45 am

I would love to win the CD. BIG FAN! Thank you!

414 Diana October 8, 2008 at 9:45 am

Fingers crossed (because somehow praying would feel like cheating!) I have been checking out a lot of your links and been on Travis’ blog from yours. He sounds like such a “good guy” (like the kind you and I are married to!)
Thanks for the opportunity!

415 Heather Kay October 8, 2008 at 9:46 am

My best present was last Christmas when I found out I would not have to leave my home in Arkansas and move to Minnesota. God provided a job for my hubby right at the bitter end. (I was packed and ready but heart broken) I read your blog everyday and love it!

416 Donna October 8, 2008 at 9:47 am

Gosh! I have so many favorites that it is hard to list them all. The top of the list was a surprise from my husband. After the kids had opened their gifts, he pulled a real carrot out from under his shirt. I didn’t know what to think. Then he pulls out a box and in it is a real 1 carat diamond. It was also our 10th anniversary. So that was probably my most favorite present of all!!

I hope I win, I love the soundtracks!

417 Jodi October 8, 2008 at 9:47 am

One of my favorite Christmas presents was a sapphire tulip ring in 6th grade. I thought it was the most beautiful piece of jewelry ever. Love reading your blog, eispecially your Friday Fashion.

418 Superchikk October 8, 2008 at 9:47 am

Me!Me! I want to win!

My best Christmas present ever was 2006 when I found out on Christmas Day that I was going to be a Mommy!

419 Alyssa October 8, 2008 at 9:48 am

I want this CD for Christmas!!!

420 Erin October 8, 2008 at 9:48 am

The best Christmas present I’ve received, besides the Talkboy from the Home Alone movie in junior high, was my pink Kitchenaid Mixer that I got last year!!! Woohoo!

Bring on the Christmas music!

421 Kaydee October 8, 2008 at 9:48 am

When I was little I got a whole hutch full of rabbits…real ones!
As an adult, I really liked my diamond earrings. I get more joy out of finding the “perfect” gift for someone else:)
I would love to win the CD!

422 Christi October 8, 2008 at 9:49 am

I’ve been reading your blog for some time and this is my first post. I would love to be entered for a chance to win the Christmas CD! I love Christmastime… Christmas music puts me in the mood, and I know this CD would be the highlight of this Christmas. It would be a great addition to the few favorite Christmas CD’s I have, though I haven’t gotten a new one for several years now.

423 Sheri October 8, 2008 at 9:49 am

Best present was Christmas Eve 2005 when my husband proposed to me!

Although, my best present runner-up–and it’s really only because it’s the best story–is the year my father gave me a THREE YEAR membership to the NRA. I have absolutely nothing against the NRA. I also do not own any guns of my own. But, according to Dad, they needed women members. And, lucky me, the membership came with a subscription to American Rifleman. It was the gift that kept on giving. Every month. For three years.

424 Melissa October 8, 2008 at 9:50 am

Oooh, enter me in the contest!!

I think the best gift was a trip to France that my entire family took to visit my sister and her husband who’d been gone for an entire year on a mission’s trip.

425 Jenn October 8, 2008 at 9:52 am

I would love to win this CD!

My favorite Christmas gift was a trip to Jamaica in the midst of infertility. It was so good to just get away with my husband and forget about ’stuff’ for a while.

426 Jennifer @ Taking My Time October 8, 2008 at 9:52 am

Listening to Travis gives me goose-bumps and makes me teary-eyed.

I get the best Christmas gift year after year, just being with my husband and children in our warm home, God’s love all around us.

427 Lora B October 8, 2008 at 9:54 am

Hi! My sophomore year of college. My parents bought me 4 tickets to the Young Messiah tour, and I got to treat three friends to some awesome music for Christmas! It was great.

Love your blog.

Blessings!

428 Brittnie October 8, 2008 at 9:55 am

Oh, please, please!! Pick me! Pick me! Travis is my favorite!!!

429 Susan B. October 8, 2008 at 9:55 am

Pick me! Pick me! Pick me! :)

Best Christmas present – not to copy a lot of others – but it was our engagement.

430 Valerie October 8, 2008 at 9:56 am

Best gift: a pink Barbie bicycle–the kind with the banana seat and fringe on the handle bars. Oh, yes!

431 Blaire October 8, 2008 at 9:56 am

ohh! great CD!

432 Kayla October 8, 2008 at 9:56 am

The best present I ever got was a love letter from my husband. It was the sweetest thing I have ever gotten and I still treasure it to this day.

433 Judy S. October 8, 2008 at 9:57 am

Jesus!! :D

434 Erika Wilson October 8, 2008 at 9:57 am

I LOVE Travis…and I LOVE Christmas, so what could be more perfect than Travis Christmas music???…listening to Travis sing Christmas music on my ipod while I am relaxing at Starbucks while I’m sippin’ a grande nonfat, no whip, peppermint Mocha! Now…that would put me in the Christmas spirit!

BTW…I love your blog!

435 kelly s. October 8, 2008 at 10:00 am

My favorite Christmas gift was the year my husband surprised me with a plane ticket to go visit my sister (my best friend) for a week. :)

Kelly S.

436 holly@faceforgrace October 8, 2008 at 10:00 am

Sign me up…I’d love to win!
Thanks!

437 Jacki W. October 8, 2008 at 10:03 am

LOVE CHRISTMAS, LOVE TRAVIS !!!!!
Please enter me:)

438 Ina October 8, 2008 at 10:03 am

Love your sense of humor and authenticity.

One of my favorite childhood Christmas gifts is the year we got oranges and little things in our stockings to represent a surprise trip to Disney!

439 Makila October 8, 2008 at 10:04 am

Favorite Christmas gift was having my son born on Dec 26, 2002. :)

makila04 at gmail dot com

440 Dana October 8, 2008 at 10:08 am

Big Mama: My husband and I love your blog. Thanks for all the laughs! Please enter me…

441 Robinznest October 8, 2008 at 10:10 am

If I win – THIS would be the best Christmas present ever!

442 Queen B October 8, 2008 at 10:10 am

I’d love to win a copy! Thanks!!

Favorite gift? Hmmm. A few years ago, I had apparently spent 11 months complaining about my ragged dish towels. Four family members bought me dish towels for Christmas. I now have, like, dish towel inventory. Not the fanciest gift ever, but it was sweet.

443 Lauren October 8, 2008 at 10:11 am

PICK ME!

444 Angie October 8, 2008 at 10:11 am

My favorite Christmas gift? Last year. Just having another Christmas to spend with my children and husband.

445 Lauren A October 8, 2008 at 10:11 am

I just love Christmas music and would LOVE to win!

Thanks – love your blog!

446 Katie October 8, 2008 at 10:12 am

Please?

447 Jenn @ Casa de Castro October 8, 2008 at 10:13 am

Thanks to you and Sophie, I’m now a big Travis fan! I’d LOVE to win this CD.

I have so many favorite or best gifts, it’s hard to choose (my family is awesome). Upon reflection, I’d say it was an antique handblown glass bowl and two matching candlesticks given to me by my mom and dad. The artist had named the set “Jennifer,” and the colors and design reminded my parents of me. I cried when I opened the box and still get teary-eyed every time I see the pieces.

448 Megan October 8, 2008 at 10:13 am

Enter me in the contest please :) I love his music. I read his blog and that is how I found out about yours.

449 Jenny October 8, 2008 at 10:14 am

Enter me in the contest please.

450 Kelly October 8, 2008 at 10:16 am

Enter me in the contest! Love Christmas music! :)

451 Robin (Salonich) Gerzema October 8, 2008 at 10:16 am

Thank you for this opportunity. I am new to the TCM blog (however a big Travis fan after attend two Beth Moore events!) and just added yours to my reader.

Even if I don’t win..I enjoy following your blog!

Faithfully His,
Robin

452 karen October 8, 2008 at 10:16 am

I’m a sucker for Christmas music. I love to start listening to it right after Thanksgiving but my husband insists I wait until Dec. 1st!

My best Christmas present ever? Probably the homemade gifts my girls made me last year and hid under the tree.

453 JOdan October 8, 2008 at 10:16 am

First of all, I got pumped for Christmas a month ago. It’s my favorite time of the year (it’s also the most wonderful). And I can’t wait to hear the CD!
ENTER ME! :-D

454 Beth @ A Fine Close Weave October 8, 2008 at 10:17 am