Friday, March 07, 2008
2008 Ultimate Blog Party
5 Minutes for Mom is once again hosting their annual Ultimate Blog Party. I love this because it's an opportunity to get to know bloggers that you may never have met otherwise! There are already lots of great bloggers participating so I hope you can join us!

For those of you who may not know me, let me give you a few quick highlights:

* I'm a proud adoptive mom of a magnificent 3-year old son, Snuggle Bug. My husband and I were recently licensed for foster care (on 11/8/07) and we already have two beautiful foster daughters in our home (Baby Bug, 4 months, and Boo, almost 13 months). Going from a one-child household to a family of 3 young children in 3 months has been a bit hectic and crazy but we're quite happy!

* As you might suspect, this blog is focused on adoption. If you'd like to read more about our private adoption of Snuggle Bug, check out my 10-part series, It wasn't supposed to work this way. To read about our personal experiences thus far of trying to adopt through the foster care system, check out my posts with the Adoption #2 category.

* In addition to my adoption and parenting related posts, I like to keep things interesting on my blog by hosting various carnivals. Each Friday I host my Favorite Ingredients Friday recipe exchange. On the first Monday of each month I host my book exchange Pay It Forward book exchange. I've got one going on now. Check it out, there are several free books up for grabs! I'd love it if you'd consider participating in either one of these carnivals! Every other Tuesday I co-host the Highlights section at BloggedIn News & Networking. I'm on the lookout for fabulous posts to highlight, so drop me a line if you have one in mind.

* You have probably figured out that I blog anonymously. I'm very protective of my family's privacy so I rarely post pictures and never post identifying contact information (names, locations, etc.). Still, if you'd like to see what I look like at my finest, check out my wedding anniversary post to see one of my favorite wedding pictures of my husband and I. We were married and honeymooned in Ireland! I'm part Irish and getting married in Ireland was a dream come true. The pictures you see as the focal point of my blog design were taken in Ireland by my very talented husband during our honeymoon.

Enough about me, have you seen the fantastic list of prizes to be won at this year’s Ultimate Blog Party? It's hard to narrow it down but here are my top three picks:

1) The free blog design offered by Sweet 'n Simple Design (for the home-based business I want to start).
2) The custom tutu offered by Live~Love~Dance (for my little girls to play with).
3) The $25 gift certificate offered by Lily Cait (for hair accessories for my little girls).

And if my top three picks are already chosen, I’d love any of the following (in order of preference): 50, 77, 70, 20, 45, 11, 12, 15, 8, or anything else related to babies and young children since we now have 3 little darlings in our home!

Thanks for stopping by! Please leave me a comment so I can stop by and visit your blog as well! And if you haven't already, go visit the 2008 Ultimate Blog Party and get linked up.

Labels: ,

6:00 AM
48 comments


48 Comments:
At 10:51 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I still love the photos on your side bar. Have you had any success in linking up at 5 minutes. Oh well I'll get in eventually. I need to come back and check out your ingredients friday! Blessings...

 
At 12:07 AM, Blogger Lana G! said...

Love your photos!! Ireland is a place my husband and I would love to visit. The fact that you were able to get married there must have just been the ultimate!!

 
At 12:13 AM, Blogger Amanda said...

your photos are beautiful!! Welcome to the party!

 
At 12:14 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have a Baby Bug, too!

I'm familiar with your Pay it Forward event and keep meaning to join in. Is there a deadline to sign-up?

Thank you for throwing such a great party!

 
At 5:57 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos - it's nice to meet you - thank you for having us!

 
At 6:10 AM, Blogger Write From Karen said...

I truly admire you for your commitment to foster care. I recently designed a website for a local foster care facility and I have a newfound respect for anyone willing to put their heart out there like that.

Thank you for opening your doors and have fun at the party!

Write From Karen

 
At 6:46 AM, Blogger ZONE F DG TEAM said...

I can't get the link to work either. Has anyone got in.

 
At 7:19 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Love your party post!! It's a pleasure to meet you:) Stop by my place if you get a chance:)

 
At 7:31 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Blog Party! Lovely pictures of Ireland! I have some friends who are getting married there this summer. (He is from Ireland and his whole family lives there.) Wish I was going! ;)

 
At 7:33 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your site is really gorgeous!! Loved your party post and it was great to meet you. Stop by and say "hi" if you get a chance.

 
At 7:39 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Awesome prizes. I'm giving away simple...retarded gifties. But enjoy the party! Hope to see you stop by mine.

 
At 7:49 AM, Blogger Ms. Kathleen said...

What a great post and so nice getting to know you a little bit better! Hugs!!

 
At 8:38 AM, Blogger Julie Donahue said...

Hi again! I would love to visit Ireland some day! Thanks for giving me a sneak peak! Happy Party day!
Here's the link to my party:
http://mom2ways.blogspot.com/2008/03/party-time.html

 
At 8:48 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow the pictures are awesome. Hope to see you at my party.

 
At 9:36 AM, Blogger Brenners said...

Hopping over for Google since 5mintues is down. I love your photos. I want to go to Ireland and Scottland someday.

I was great to meet you! Hope you stop by my party too.
http://timeandseason.blogspot.com

 
At 11:48 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a beautiful site! I love all the pretty pictures (and the cheerful title). My mouth is watering for the Tequile Shrimp. Yum.

Great to meet you!

 
At 12:18 PM, Blogger heidi @ ggip said...

I never knew the origin of the pictures on your blog. That must have been a great honeymoon! You have a great blog and I'm happy to see you participating in the party.

I thought the party started monday, so my post isn't ready yet!

 
At 12:34 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your photos are absolutely beautiful! You've got a great eye.

 
At 12:40 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

Great layout! Had to find you through google , since 54m site is down. I over the colors and pictures!

Come visit me at http://palofmine.wordpress.com

 
At 1:06 PM, Blogger Amy Bennett said...

i love your blog theme. beautiful. thanks for visiting my site!

 
At 1:07 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for stopping by my party! I'm going to send a friend who's praying about adoption options your link :)

Christy

 
At 1:21 PM, Blogger boysmum2 said...

I still love reading your party post even though I follow your blog. I always learn something new.
Hope the family are having fun together.
Kathryn in New Zealand

 
At 4:39 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for stopping by. My party is now in full swing if you want to stop by and grab a drink.
http://likedancingaboutarchitecture.wordpress.com/2008/03/08/party-post/

 
At 5:09 PM, Blogger Janice (5 Minutes for Mom) said...

Every time I stop by here those photos make me want to get on a plane...

Thanks for the patience with our tech issues. Is everything working for you now?

Your house must be rocking with three little ones!

 
At 7:54 PM, Blogger Jill said...

Thanks for your recent visit to my blog. I'm just now getting a chance to look around here - loved yur anniversary post. I greatly admire your heart and desire to adopt and to be foster parents. I can't wait to read more!

 
At 8:57 PM, Blogger Pickel said...

I linked you last week as one of my favorites and now I'm back to party with you...how fun. :)

 
At 10:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Nice to meet you! Your photos are gorgeous!

 
At 10:02 PM, Blogger Forgetfulone said...

Happy blog-partying! My party post is up, too. I'm off to meet some new people now.

 
At 4:28 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Love your blog! I've been around before, but its nice to know more about ya!

 
At 6:40 AM, Blogger That Chick Over There said...

What a gorgeous blog! Going to read your adoption story now.

 
At 8:22 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for visiting my blog party (http://usr-bin-mom.com) and entering my photo giveaway!

It's great to "meet" you, and have a Happy Blog Party!

 
At 8:25 AM, Blogger Misty said...

your photos are incredible!!! So glad to have found your blog! We are considering foster care again and are also adoptive parents! :) (foster care is how we got our daughter to begin with!)

 
At 12:46 PM, Blogger Milk Mama said...

I would love to adopt some day! I am intrigued by adoption. I love it. It's a miracle. As much a miracle as childbirth is!
God bless your family!

Sarah

 
At 7:49 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I come by here almost every day - although I'm bad at leaving comments!

Looks like we've picked out similar prizes. I'd love to see a picture of that tutu on Boo if you win it!!

 
At 8:36 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I would love to adopt a baby girl from China one day...all in God's time!

I'm inviting you to party with me!

Win some chocolate from my-sister-in-law and I...we blog about CHOCOLATE...me from Australia...and her from Michigan. Here's the link: http://thechocolistas.blogspot.com/2008/03/ultimate-blog-party-2008.html

What am I doing in Australia? I married an Aussie...and moved to Brisbane, leaving my family and friends and all the right-side-of-the-road drivers in America.

Win a handmade pocket place mat from my blog Comfort Joy Designs. Here's the link:
http://comfortjoydesigns.blogspot.com/2008/03/ultimate-blog-party-2008.html

Want to know more about life in Australia? Visit my A Cup of Joy site where I keep up with my family and friends in America. Here's the link:
http://acupofjoy.wordpress.com/

Happy Partying!

 
At 11:24 PM, Blogger Nadine said...

Your photos on your blog are simply breathe taking. I hopped over and checked your picture on your anniversary post...you were a stunning bride.

I hope you get the chance to stop in at my place. Have fun at all the parties.

 
At 4:02 PM, Blogger Carey said...

Its just me stopping by to say hi! You know I love your blog! Hope your having a great day!

 
At 10:46 PM, Blogger onemotherslove said...

Beautiful blog! I hope to adopt someday. Hopefully I'll remember to come back to visit your page! : )

 
At 8:28 AM, Blogger ThriftyMommy said...

I love your photos. Maybe someday (when my kids are grown, lol) I can get out and travel.

I have 3 parties going on with some party favors. I hope you can stop by.

http://thriftymommy.com
http://balanceindiet.com
http://littlefunlittlelearning.blogspot.com

 
At 8:28 PM, Blogger Betsy said...

I love those wedding pictures! What a lovely weeding!

 
At 8:29 PM, Blogger Maria said...

what beautiful pictures!!! congrats on your new family members!!!

i hope you can visit my little party!! i am a fist timer!!

take care and GOD BLESS...
maria

 
At 11:33 AM, Blogger Rebecca said...

I am jealous. I would love to take a trip to Europe. Those pictures are beautiful.

Rebeca
http://funandfreegiveaways.blogspot.com/

 
At 7:56 AM, Blogger Sheila said...

Thanks for inspiring me this morning to think of Ireland.

A few years ago my husband bought a book of Celtic prayers, and whenever we go camping he begins and ends the day by reading them. Somehow, when you're out in nature, it seems appropriate.

Glad to make your acquaintance!

Visit To Love, Honor and Vacuum today!

 
At 12:33 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

Guess who won prize #76?
Yep it's you! Please be patient while the prize donor is contacted. They will be in touch with you soon. Congratulations!!!!!!!

 
At 5:08 PM, Blogger Angi said...

Hope you're enjoying the party! Your blog is awesome . . . . everyday!

 
At 9:03 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just made it to your blog today for the first time. I actually got here following the Favorite Ingredients post from Mrs. T. Then to my delight I found all the lovely pictures and the blog party post too. Thanks for having me at your party! I hope to start participating in your meme as well. See you next Friday!

 
At 5:49 AM, Blogger Style Epiphany said...

Congratulations! You won a $25 gift certificate to Lily Cait (www.lilycait.com)!

Please note the following things regarding your gift certificate:

-Your $25 gift certificate is valid through 4/14/08, and is to be used in one transaction.
-We are offering free shipping, so the full $25 will go towards Lily Cait merchandise!
-Since our shopping cart system does not accept discounts or coupon codes, please email us the name (and color if applicable) of each item you wish to purchase with your gift certificate. If any balance is due, we will bill you through PayPal using the email address you indicate.
-Visit our FAQs page to find approximate ship times for various items.

Please let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to sending you your beautiful accessories!

(You have also been notified via email).

Also, check out our other business, www.boutiqueflair.com, where we help beautiful boutiques bloom! We are running some great contests right now!

 
At 4:22 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

BEAUTIFUL photos.

Still hopping from blog to blog... my goal is to post at each blog at least once. Nice to meet you. Happy blogging!

 

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Name: Overwhelmed

My complete profile

It wasn't supposed to work this way...Parts 1 through 10

(the story of the private, domestic adoption of our son)


(Part 1)
(Part 2)
(Part 3)
(Part 4)
(Part 5)
(Part 6)
(Part 7)
(Part 8)
(Part 9)
(Part 10- Adoption Finalization)

Fostering isn't for the faint of heart!

(our journey to adopt again through foster-to-adopt, the good, the bad, & everything in between)


Adoption #2- considering the State
More Adoption #2 thoughts
Adoption #2- Back to considering the State
Adoption #2- The Paperwork (Round 1)
Adoption #2- The Paperwork (Round 2)
Family Foster Home Licensing Prep Checklist
Adoption #2- Long overdue update
PS-MAPP class homework assignment
Our preliminary home inspection went well!
Adoption #2: Licensing update
Adoption #2- Foster Facts
Adoption #2: I love it when things go my way!
Adoption #2- The home inspection
Adoption #2- We failed our home inspection!
Adoption #2- We passed the follow-up home inspection!
Adoption #2- Still waiting
Adoption #2- We're getting closer
Adoption #2- An update & a lead
Adoption #2- The lead that didn't pan out.
Adoption #2- We're licensed!
Adoption #2- We have a tiny baby here!
Adoption #2- Update on this precious little girl.
Adoption #2- Quick update on Baby Bug
Adoption #2- Baby Bug is staying longer!
Adoption #2- Baby Bug is growing!
Adoption #2- Overdue update on Baby Bug
Adoption #2- The latest on Baby Bug
Adoption #2- Shopping spree for Baby Bug
Being a Foster Parent Does Not Make Me A Saint
Adoption #2- Another Placement Call!
Adoption #2- Placement Meeting- UPDATED!
Adoption #2- We have Boo at our home!
Adoption #2- Meeting Boo
Adoption #2- I'm angry on Boo's behalf!
Adoption #2- A Birthday Party for Boo
Adjusting to three 3 and under!
Stressful moments in fostering.
Adoption #2- Update on our foster daughters
CPS Workers Jerking Our Chain!
It's getting much worse!
Fostering: Update on Baby Bug
Fostering: Update on Boo
The effects of fostering on Snuggle Bug
The time is drawing near to let go of Baby Bug.
Good conversation with Baby Bug's dad.
Boo has a Permanency hearing coming soon!
My heart is breaking!
Bittersweet news about Baby Bug.
Next Friday is going to be tough.
Packing up Baby Bug's belongings
It's done- Baby Bug is gone.
Working on finding peace, one day at a time.
Referral to the Early Intervention Program
Baby Bug update
Home Inspection for re-licensing
Parole granted for Boo's bio mom
Baby Bug is turning 1 year old soon.
Day 2 of Boo's permanency hearing
A prayer answered today!
Attending Baby Bug's 1st birthday party
Foster news
Good news for Boo's case
Boo's bio family visits
Termination Trial date set!
A new caseworker for Boo
I've been asked to testify in court.
Court hearing for "John Doe"
Contested termination trial begins tomorrow afternoon
Boo's adoption has been finalized!

WFMW (Backwards Day!)
March Pay It Forward Book Exchange- 11 books up fo...
Favorite Ingredients Friday (Pecan-Oatmeal Pancakes)
BloggedIn- News & Networking Contributor
WFMW (making your own hair bows)
Adoption #2- A Birthday Party for Boo
Winners of my February PIF Book Exchange
Favorite Ingredients Friday (Side Dishes Edition)
Adoption #2- I'm angry on Boo's behalf!
Adoption #2- Meeting Boo (long)
























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