This weekend at The Chapel Market was amazing.
If you were there and I met you….just know that I adore you.
It was even better than last year.
And so much easier.
Because this year I brought an assistant who was faster than a speeding bullet and more powerful than a locomotive and who could leap tall buildings with a single bound….
….my oldest son Denton.
Here’s superman in all his glory.
He unloaded the car and set up the tables and put together the Christmas tree and hung the baskets and cut out tags and carried boxes and stacked t-shirts and drew on chalkboard trees….
…and promptly developed an entire inventory system for us in a matter of minutes.
And made everyone’s day just a little brighter with that smile.
Several hours into the show I saw him deep in conversation with a group of shoppers.
I just stood there and grinned as he chatted away with them for ten minutes.
As a mother it was such a joy to watch. He laughed and talked and made them smile and told them stories and listened when they told him theirs. And when they all finished talking and turned to go….
…..he stood and waved good-bye to everyone like they had been best friends forever.
I thought that was the end of the story.
Until they all walked through the door at the end of the show…..
…..each with a copy of the Christmas Ideas issue of Better Homes and Gardens.
Pens in hand…..open to the pages featuring our house.
I was so excited.
I couldn’t even believe it.
This was it.
This was the moment I had dreamed of.
I ran up to the door ready to sign the magazine.
And as my heart raced and I reached for the pen with excited anticipation, one of the ladies brushed by me and said,
“Has anyone seen Denton? We’re here to get his autograph.”
*sigh*
I stood by and watched as he signed all the magazines.
And when he had finished, they turned to me almost as an afterthought and asked if I wanted to sign the magazine, too.
I smiled, took the pen and promptly wrote….
….”Denton’s mom.” 🙂
PS The biggest thank you EVER to Layla for putting the event together.
And for taking all the pictures on this post.
I didn’t have any of my own….
…..because I was too busy signing Denton’s autographs. 🙂
Great story!! Handsome son!!
What a gorgeous son...inside and out, just like Mom!
Love his smile!
Tears! I love reading your blogs. I am patiently awaiting for the next Best Seller from "Denton's mom." I am not surprised that Denton made everybody feel like an old friend. The minute I saw the picture of you and him, I said "God made her a clone!" He looks like you and acts like you. After all, no woman or man is a stranger in your world.
I have to say ditto to all of what she just said. Can't deny that one, and I know you wouldn't want to. Kymee
Love this so much! A great way to start my week!
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Love it!
Love the story and I have a huge suspicion that Denton is just like his mom. Sometimes I just wonder what I did to deserve such wonderful kids -- I look at them and sigh, and I smile so big my cheeks hurt. I can see by your smile you think that too. There is a happy sparkle to you eyes that shows that life is good!! Superman and superson! WoW!! I am looking forward to hearing more of your adventures -- because where ever you go I can tell is an adventure!
I simply LOVE this post! I am a mom of boys (now men, probably as old as you!), and I appreciate the way you felt this weekend. My husband, who has qualifications for sure--having been an educator for 48 years--says you can measure the success of parents and their children by the ease with which the children interact with those who are older! So, put yourself and your hubs in the WIN column!
I could feel your pride rolling out of your story! Isn't it amazing when you can step back and see all the work you've put into raising your children has been worth every minute of your time. Here's to Denton and the superstar mom who guided him along the way!!!
KariAnne (I learned how to pronounce your name properly on Saturday!), your boy is so sweet! He really seemed to be enjoying himself among all us crazy ladies. The event was amazing. Looking forward to next year!
Perfect Mom story! I love it… Denton will be the hit of many future events no doubt about it… Perhaps next time you could consider signing "Denton's Rock Star mom" :)
Oh do you have the most wonderful talent of writing...as I read your post this morning it seemed like I was really there! What a riot! hahahaha I had such the good giggle. Denton sounds like a real sincere charmer and I look forward to reading more amazing events concerning him in the near future! You looked absolutely lovely...and I wouldn't doubt for one minute that those 2 signatures placed in those magazines will someday be commanding BIG bucks at auction!!! Thanks once again for a great story to start a super great week ahead for all of us! Take care!
Did you just spit that boy out or what??? OMG he is the spitting image of his mom! No wonder everyone wanted his autograph. Love your story here.
Oh my goodness--two peas in a pod. That's you and Dentin! And he learned from the best! That pic of you and Layla is gorgeous! She is going to be such a rock star Mom just like you!!!
Thank you for sharing this heart felt story, your son is a gem!!! As a momma to five sons I completely understand the joy and pride when witnessing our boys grow into incredible young men. You are blessed dear one, may your family always bring you such joy!!!
Thank you for this wonderful story. I had tears of joy because I know how proud you are of your son, and your whole family. My mother-in-law was a Stanley Home Products dealer in KY and I remember the stories she used to tell of her "Charlie" helping her load and unload the Stanley products, help set them up at the homes, sort and package the orders when they came in, and then help with delivery. These days with your children will be precious memories later in life. I enjoy your blog so much.
I bet he knocks the girls dead! My goodness he's a dead ringer for you, and he obviously has your charisma. "Denton's Mom", now that's a name to be proud of! Congratulations on a successful chapel show, too.
You are so cute! And a wonderful writer too. ;-)
Love that boy!!
Great post! And kudos to Denton for bringing you along! ;)
I was one of the fortunate new friends that felt like an old friend at the chapel market this weekend! Denton was a rockstar! When we stopped by, you were out for coffee. "She really needs it!" He said. Lol! But in the sweetest she's-been-working-so-hard context. You should be proud!
I am fairly new to your blog and, even though we have different styles of decorating, I absolutely love how you put things together, items I would never have thought would go well with each other. It's a happy, joyful and loved filled page, that brings warmth to my heart, and you have obviously passed those gifts along to your children as well. Put a wig on your son, and he could pass for you.....just don't tell him what I said about the wig thing. I look forward to seeing what's next on the agenda for Thistlewood and their beautiful family. Thanks for sharing your home with all of us, who can only sit back, admire, and wish they had the opportunity to live in a home like yours.
Dear Denton's mom, ; ) What a handsome son. How special for you he was willing to go and help you. Great pic of you both. He definitely favors you for sure. As per usual, you drew me in with your story and had me smiling and laughing. Hoping to get down there next year for Chapel Market.
Too cute!!!! What a great and handsome son. So sweet to spend the time and to have the precious memories and stories of this week end. Have a great start to the new week. Kris
Cute stRoy, but could be more of a crowd pleaser than a handsome son full of warm personality! I'd take him along every time!
So loved your post. I had a big smile reading it from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Loved the picture of you and your son.
Karianne, if you had no other accomplishments in life aside from being Denton's mom, you would still qualify for Rock Star status. That boy is something else! Loved getting to know him!
THANK YOU for everything this weekend! It was wonderful to spend time with you all! (Totally missing your ice machine and big screen TV, btw)
I just LOVE reading your stories!!!!! Thank you! :)
Thanks to everyone for the sweet comments, but can we point out that I'm treading the line between muscleman and cross dresser in that T-shirt? Getting a larger size next time.
Dear Denton's Mom, Thank you for raising such an impressive young man who was not only a HUGE help this weekend but more importantly was such a joy to spend time with. I wonder where he gets his charm from? You are both rockstars! XXOO
Wonderful story and awesome rock star son!:)
Denton's Mom, It is so easy to understand why you are so proud of this amazing young man. Looks like both of you had a great weekend. This is what it is all about. Can't wait to see you and the twins on a neat trip like this. There are lots of wonderful things in this world.........but nothing better than family.
Next year I am going to be there to meet Denton! What a smile!
Well...of course Denton is a Rock Star...this post was special sweet friend. Wish I could have been there.
The greatest accomplishment a mom can have.
Oh my goodness, KariAnne, what a beautiful story! I'm so happy for you - isn't it wonderful when our kids aren't just children anymore, but can actually be helpful... and whenthey get to the point where they turn into our 'friends,' it's the most wonderful thing in the world! I have a son like yours... a little younger than Denton, but definitely the spitting image of his dad and a well-mannered, helpful young man I love to spend time with. Recently he was working on some prop weapons (out of cardboard) and said to me, "See, Mom, I'm crafty like you!" That was the icing on the cake for me.
Love that boy - he is SO your son! I know you're proud!
Don't you just love it when other people see our kids, in even a small way, the way WE see them? :) And he looks just like you! Love it! I thought about you on Saturday, between events, wishing I could have BEEN there! I know you, Denton, and Laura had an awesome time! Crank up the AC for a few days - it's HOT out there! LOL!! Happy end of October, huh? ;)
Love it. Love it. Yes, we eventually become known as (child's name) mom.and isn't it lovely! My son is grown...but it is so much fun to stand back and look to see how far they have come. Looks like your son is a great business partner! You may have to share the spotlight...and any financial benefits if he is going to be part of your "brand." I love this post!!! Sheila@mykentuckyliving
What a cutie!! Both of you! Doesn't it do a moms heart proud!! Where did you get those t-shirts? how adorable and yes Denton, you could use a larger size, I thought muscle t-shirt!! Thanks for a smile and a laugh this morning, it was sorely needed:)
Love the story....you have a very handsome son. You are so lucky to have a son that will help out with things like this. You couldn't get most kids today to lift a finger to help there parents. You have raised a smart and responsible son. Thanks for the story!
LOVED this post! I have two sons, so I know just how you felt! Your son was really bragging on him mom! Love it!
Good Mornine KariAnne (Denton's Mom) - I can only say I agree with what everyone has posted. He is your replica without a doubt. Love your blog =Betty from Ontario,Canada.
Love this! Son's are precious to us. You rock Denton!!
You are a great Mom. All children should be so blessed. Love your blog. Your infectious personality brightens my day.
Perfect moment and memory.
Always follow your prescribed medications or suffer from the annoying noise. Practicing yoga exercises or any other meditation techniques helps to a great extend in reducing stress and tension. For many of these people, their tinnitus will only last for a short time period, whereas many others will have it for their remaining lives.
It was so nice to meet you and that cute Denton at the Chapel Market. Unfortunately the photo my dear husband attempted of us didn't take! We are both pretty clueless with that iPhone. I was embarrassed that I had not made the connection regarding the old blog with your sister that you mentioned -- I remembered it on the way home, but didn't put it together before that it was you! I was not feeling great that day, so we collected our chairs and left. Wish I had had more time to chat! Maybe next time. Hope you had a safe trip home. Ellen
Where DOES he get that charm? :)
Great post! What would we not do for our kids! As parents, there is just so much joy in watching our children grow, mature and become the awesome people that the good Lord intended for them to be! Well done KarrieAnne! Way to go Denton! Amazing!
Kudos to Denton's mom! You and Denny are doing an amazing job raising great kids!!
You're the best KariAnne! Love your decor and your wonderful stories. You have such a beautiful family. God bless!
Hello Denton's Mom~ You really need to take your handsome assistant to all your shows...looks like he has a promising career in marketing one day! What a memorable day to treasure!
Oh KariAnne, your son was such a friendly young man...before you returned to your booth, I knew(!) he was your son. He looks just like you! I totally loved your booth and was so glad your were there. Look forward to next year!
Apparently the acorn does not fall too far from the tree. Oh how I wish I could have attended but Connecticut is a little too far. Hopefully next year my hubby and I will be living a little closer and we will be able to attend. If we do, I hope you AND Denton will both be there.
Hey, KariAnne ... Great post ... and we missed having sons, but we DO have four marvelous, loving sons-in-law we would not trade for the world! Denton is a handsome young man, and does look like you, but I think I see a little of hubby's twinkling eyes there, too! And, yes, Denton, you could use a bigger t-shirt, those muscles are outgrowing the sleeves from all the lifting! Do wish I lived close enough to come to Chapel Market, and any other shows you have! What fun I miss ~ I can tell! I couldn't decide what to purchase ... I'd want it all, I know ... !!!
Beautifully told story, Denton's Mom! Denton, you are a very handsome young man, I see your Mom, but you have your Daddy's brown eyes. What a way to start the week, KariAnne!
Karianne, Sweetest, funniest story ever!!!! Chris
Had the BEST TIME being across from you guys all day! And this was so funny to actually witness! You are both charming and affable and just all-around wonderful! So glad to have had the opportunity to be with yall this weekend!
Great Story! Great Son! Great Mom! I LOVE READING ALL YOUR POSTS!!
This is so great. This is what parents hope for. The smile on your face says it all. Recently my son who is a senior received a prestigious award at senior awards night in front of his classmates and an auditorium full of parents. We nor he knew he would be getting this. It was presented to him by a Marine in full dress blues. I was in awe. After the ceremony two guidance counselors and a teacher all came up to us and told us that not many high school students know how to thank someone as graciosly as he did and that we should be so proud of him. We were as I can see you are of your son. Just great that there are young people you can communicate with adults with respect. How great that he came with you and you shared this time together. Makes me so happy for you both. He's a handsome young man too.
What an incredible story and a proud mom moment. Thanks for sharing.
Sweet story-- Where is Chapel Market ?
Loved the way you captured our time together in this story. I think I laughed harder reading it than I did actually experiencing it. That Denton is a charmer for sure. You forgot to mention that he nearly had a "come apart" when he realized we wanted HIS autograph... hee hee. #moveovermamadentonhasarrived!!! I loved when he told me, "It's really cool to have a famous mom, I get to ride on her coat tails." Hee hee... That boy knows his way around a crowd of fans, that's for sure. And you can bet that I'm hanging on to my magazine... no telling what that thing will be worth one day.
Karianne and Denton, What a pleasure to meet both of you this weekend! Denton, I'm not a stalker, but I sure do love your mom :) Y'all were such a joy and I am so thankful to have gotten time to chat it up with you both. Karianne, I found the pictures of the wreath you and my mom were talking about, I will send them to you asap :). Denton, I dig the shirt!! xoxo Bethanie
And here is the rest of the story. Denton is a delightful young man who has his Mama's charisma and joy and love for life and the two of them kept everyone laughing and hugging all weekend. Both of you are Rockstars and we love you dearly. (I have to admit that this story and Denton's reaction was my favorite moment of the whole show. :) ) Go get 'em D. xoxo Cindy
Love your stories! Your son Denton is handsome, I was wondering about the Christmas tree chalkboards. Do you have those for sale? Please let me know. Oh as I have said before I work for a Walmart in Va. The Christmas Ideas magazine is on the end cap of our magazine aisle. Every chance I get when passing by I show customers your feature...this is my friend KariAnne and her family. I've sold quite a few that way! Hope you have a great day!
Also what about the t-shirts you two are wearing. Are they for sale as well? I corrected my e-mail in this comment. Thanks!
My cheecks still hurt from laughing all day! It was a joy to work with you both ...putting that on my resume by the way...Superman (top billing) and the Rockstar! Can't wait til next year!
oopss...it's affected my spelling!
I can only hope and pray that my two boys are as charming, helpful and polite when they get older! Right now I wonder when my day is full of sword fights, head locks and fart jokes! Do you have any more t shirts? And if so how could I buys one? Thanks a bunch! ~Trina
What a perfectly splendid young man....and his adoring Mom.
Thank you this is a great read
All too soon, some lovely young lady will be gazing into Denton's twinkling eyes ... so glad you are enjoying the parenting journey, Karianne. What a keeper your son is--cute, too! Layla hasn't posted lately and I was getting worried about her--glad to see her almost-in-person with you. You two rock and look how gorgeous you are! :)
Karianne what a fabulous example you set for your children. Your mother's heart must have been soaring! Good work, Superman!!!
That is AWESOME!
That's a great story. Very handsome young man ! Must be very personable also :)
Wonderful story. Wonderful family. Wonderful life. Blessings, Nancy
Awesome! It's so great isn't it, to see our kids bloom and grow?
Hi! I absolutely love your posts and look forward to them everyday. Though I live on the West Coast, I feel like I could drive right up to your home and sit down with you and chat the day away! I was wondering if there is a way to get the t-shirts that you were wearing? I printed out the printable, would love a t-shirt.
It is so fabulous to see somebody else who thinks their son is superman - the tag for my son is..."The Golden Child." He wears it well and his sister and cousins love it when we toss that title around. Your sweet story reminded me of one my mother shared years ago. She married young and became Mrs. Then, I was born less than a year later. She thought she had just about come into her own when my younger sister was a senior in high school. However, her hopes were dashed when my friend's three-year-old son came up to her at a community function and asked her, "Are you Bridgette's grandmother?" She, of course, was delighted to say yes and wears her associative importance proudly thirty-plus years and a few great-grandchildren later! Thanks for sharing and bless you for being THAT kind of mother! "
Another great one! Cute kid. He looks like you and a little of bit of dad too.
Denton, it's great to read all of these comments and realize people are discovering what I have known for years. You're AWESOME ! Oh! and Mom I think the other three are pretty special too. I agree with the person that said you and Denny are doing a great job!
So glad that Superman was able to get away from the "Daily Planet" to help you set up your wonderful displays in a single bound....and yes, it must have been weary having to sign those autographs for Denton, aka, Clark...he is a very handsome young man...and I see lots of his super hero mom in him!....Sounds like it was another wonderful event!! I hope Denton was able to keep his cape from his fans!...
Priceless!!!
I admit I get a little giddy when I see an email has arrived that starts with "Thistle" but today was just too darn cute! You are one lucky gal!
Thanks Superman and his mom! for coming to Alabama and making Chapel Market so much fun! It was great to meet you both :) What a memory for both of you... spend every moment you can with this jewel of a young man, KariAnne. Those last months of high school zoom by way too quickly and your heart can never be too full.
You, obviously, have done a FABULOUS job raising your kids. They are all rock stars and Denton is a handsome guy!!! How blessed your children are to have you as their Mom. This was such a wonderful post. Moments like these are priceless.
Such a wonderful story.....aren't kids an amazing blessing.....like more than you could ever imagine???? Thanks so much for sharing your family.....hugs, mb
Be proud!!! (I know you are!!!)
This story does not surprise me a bit! After all this is the young man that called me at the beginning of September to ask about the literacy program and what character he would be playing! He is angling for Sponge Bob, but Superman? I may have to give that special consideration! He is a very special young man and I know you are very proud of him.
Isn't it wonderful when others discover and appreciate the amazing things about our children that we already know? You are one lucky mom, Karianne!
Denton is your mimi me! No doubt were he gets his helpful spirit, warmth and charm :-) I so wanted to go to Chapel Market this weekend, but it was homecoming weekend at Clemson, and I spent it with my college girlfriends. You know, football and the South! Hope to be there next year to get both of your autographs! Bwg ~~~
Aren't teenage boys great!
It "sounds" like a repeat but just soak in these memories...cherishing them in your heart. And you write so well. Always an unexpected twist. Surprise ending. Yes, I lloved looking at booth items too! The grape box from Stockton, not far from where I grew up. Why one summer I even picked grapes for my Dads cousin! Near Stockton!!! Loved the tees. Loved the story. Your son. Glad he's a helper!!!
Kari Anne Love the goodies you posted that you sold at the chapel. Would dearly love a tshirt!! Let me know if I can purchase one!! Live in Missouri and wish i was Closer. Thanks Happy Fall! Nanci
I was impressed with Denton from the start! I knew he was special, at his age, to want to hang out with his Mom. Someone has "raised him right" as we say in the South. Lol!