Friday, March 7, 2008

Getting my blog on!

Ultimate Blog Party 2008 5 Minutes for Mom is hosting their 2nd annual Ultimate Blog Party, and I just had to join in the fun. The blog party is a way to find other great blogs out there while also introducing your own to some new readers. Head on over to do some party hopping, after you visit me for a while. If you are new around here, let me introduce myself. I am 3 for Momma, or Kristin as I am known outside of the blogosphere. I have been blogging since last September and I love it, love it. I use it to share pictures and stories of my 3 little loves with family and friends. I also use it as an ongoing memoir of sorts to recall a wonderful man who has gone Home - my dad. Blogging through my memories of him and sharing bits of my day to day life, I am learning so much. About who my dad was, about who my children are (and who I hope they will become in God), about myself, and about my Father who gives new mercies every morning. Now that you know a little - let's get this party started...This is my third little love, Ella. She is 13 months old. Her hobbies include charming her way into the lunch conversation of total strangers, being jealous when one of her brothers has my attention, and holding off on walking as long as possible. This was her in the partying mood just before nap today.The picture above is my first little love, Elijah. He is 5, although he's SURE he is much wiser than that (and sometimes he is). He is NOT in the partying mood today because he wants to play Nick Jr games and I'm blogging instead. His hobbies include playing said computer games, learning to read, and watching Veggie Tales.
And this is my middle little love, Miles. He will be 3 in June. His hobbies include sabotaging many efforts of his baby sissy, antagonizing his big brother, and warming hearts with his sneaky, yet sweet ways.


I love to sew and try to be crafty. I also love being a wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. Speaking of being crafty, leave me a comment and I'll do a random drawing from those names. The lucky winner will receive some cute, little handmade something made by yours truly. I'll post the winner on March 14th.

Finally, a good southern girl must always offer her guests a special little treat to eat, so here is a recipe that I love. I served these at Ella's first birthday party and they made everyone happy!


Raspberry Almond Bars

ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 package white chips(10-12 ounces), divided
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
In saucepan, melt butter. remove from heat; add 1 cup white chocolate chips (don't stir!). In a small bowl beat eggs until foamy; gradually add sugar. Stir in chip mixture and almond extract.
Combine flour and salt; add to egg mixture just until combined. Spread 1/2 the batter into a greased 9 x 9" pan. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

In small saucepan over low heat melt jam; spread over warm crust. Stir remaining chips into remaining batter; drop by teaspoonfuls over jam layer. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Yield: about 2 dozen bars. Yummy!

The prize list for the Ultimate Blog Party giveaway is great. If I could choose for myself my top picks would be (in no particular order):

  1. 1 Rocking Horse Provided by: A Rocking Horse To Love
  2. 7 — Bead Dangle Photo Tile Necklace Provided by: Elemental Memories
  3. 11 — $40 gift certificate to Good For The Kids Provided by: Good For The Kids
  4. 15 — $50 gift certificate to Kids Magical Wonder Provided by: Kids Magical Wonder
  5. 20 — $50 gift certificate to Paperlicious Provided by: Paperlicious.com - Hip Invites & Notes
  6. 28 — Uncommonly Cute tees Provided by: Uncommonly Cute
  7. 34 — Custom Tutu Provided by: Live~Love~Dance Boutique
  8. 78 — 50 Custom Photo Cards for Any Occasion Provided by: Polka Dot Bumblebee -Custom Photo Cards & Personalized Stationery
  9. 80 — Scripture Doll Provided by: Jill
  10. 103 — 7 Pink Brick Box Play Sets Provided by: LEGO
  11. 119 — Personalized Lunch Box Provided by: Girl, That’s Cute
Well, that's it for this party. It's been fun. remember to leave a comment for the little surprise drawing and I hope to be seeing you around again soon!

70 comments:

Janice {Run Far} said...

The pics of your baby all partyed up is to cute. Love it-

Happy partying

be back later

Anonymous said...

Love the pics...Your little ones are precious! This is such a fun way to get to know one another...I'm a fellow Southern girl, too!
sblilly14(@)yahoo(.)com

Natalie said...

great pictures! our kids would probably enjoy each other...

Natalie said...

oh and i love the design of your blog! did you do it yourself? i would love some pointers...please!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the recipe. You have gorgeous children. It was great finding your site. Happy blogging!

Alene said...

I love your blog design. WOW who did it for you? If you did it - you need to go in business. Party on!!

1stopmom said...

Awwww, your kids are adorable. I really like your site too. It is so pretty. I definitely will be back to visit.

have a happy blog party!!

Anonymous said...

I am not a blogger but I enjoyed reading yours. My father passed away three years ago, so I felt I could relate.
I'd love to be entered in your prize drawing.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

Katy said...

First...your blog design is beautiful! :) i love it! Second~you have a beautiful family!!! I just love the pics! Also...you and I seem to have a lot in common!!!! :) I would love to win anything you make...crossing my fingers! :) I love handmade stuff~it's the best! I hope you will stop by my blog for a visit as well!!!

ReviewsbyHeidi said...

Hello! I just found your blog while party hopping and it is SO CUTE! I'd love to win your homemade prize~ sounds fun, with an edge of mystery.
Hope you'll stop by my blog and check out my party too (along with a contest)
Heidi
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ReviewsbyHeidi

Anonymous said...

It's nice to meet you. Love the pictures of your kids...
happy partying!

Mom of 4 Maniacs said...

what in the world?

Anonymous said...

Oh, those bars sound delicious! Your children are just beautiful. I love those eyes! Welcome to the party!

momoftwinz said...

You have some beautiful children! Thanks for sharing the pics...and the recipe!

Kari @ A Giveaway Addicted Mommy said...

Expecting #3 and may need to see how you do it. I am getting a little freaked out!
I am having a giveaway to (#529) stop by my blog if you have some time!
Great recipe!!

Heather @ Marine Corps Nomads said...

Your children are adorable! Have a wonderful weekend.

Anonymous said...

hey, your family sounds similar to mine, except i've got 1 more! mine are 5, 3,2,& 9m.
I love your bloggy header!
Party on! :)

Milk Mama said...

My daughter is fifteen months. You have a beautiful family! Your sons and daughter are gorgeous!

Happy partying!

Sarah

Anonymous said...

WHAT!?

Rebecca said...

I love the pictures!!!

Chanin said...

Love, love,love your blog! Your kids are adorable! I like to do crafts too, but I have a hard time finding enough time in the day...lol Stop by my party and say hello when you get a chance!

Anonymous said...

WHO-THA-WHAT-THA!?

Anonymous said...

Fun party hat!

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!

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm glad you did because it led me to yours...what a nice place to be! Your kids are precious! I'll be coming back to visit later. Promise. I've bookmarked ya.

Nicol said...

Fun blog! And you dd is beautiful. I have an 11mn old dd (turns 1 on Friday) and they can be so much fun! Anyway, fun blog and it was nice to meet you!

windycindy said...

You have a wonderful site. Glad that I found you! Your children are so adorable. Thanks for being a part of the fun blog party.....Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Okay, your kids are SO adorable! And that recipe sounded amazing...raspberries are my all time favorite for anything. Thanks for stopping by my blog and have fun party hopping.

Amy said...

I love your blog design- great colors! :)

Thanks for sharing that recipe, it sounds yummy.

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for visiting my blog!!! I'm so happy to meet you and look forward to browsing around a bit more before I hop off to other party stops!

Your children are absolutely beautiful!

Blessings,
Shera

Kristin said...

Hi Kristin! I love the party hat! Too cute and stop back by I have tons of things to giveaway!

Glass Half Full said...

I was the youngest and only girl in my family (two brothers). In fact, all my cousins are boys too, so I learned how to throw a football real fast! =)

Thanks for stopping by and come again.

Lori

MomOf4 said...

It is every nice to meet you. I am a mom of three too. Princess is 6 1/2, Prince is 4 1/2, and Knight is 3! Happy blogging!

dawn klinge said...

Your kids are adorable! I enjoyed visiting your blog. Thanks for sharing the recipe, that sounds like one I'd like to try. Have a great day.

craftymom said...

What a great blog! Your design is fabulous and the pictures are great! What adorable children! I also am enjoying this blog party, I do enjoy meeting new people. Feel free to stop by my blog and enter my giveaway, a $15 Joann Gift Card. I am also giving away a prize (#135) a Knitting Goodie Box. Take care. Hope to see you again.
Debi
Craftymom

Anonymous said...

The pictures are so cute!! My oldest has a b-day in June- we have so much in common :).

Anonymous said...

HI there! Thanks for the party. Your children are adorable! I have two little girls- almost 7 and almost 15 months. My littlest one has been holding off on walking til now. She stands alone and thats about it! Hopefully both our girls will take off soon! have fun out on the party circuit. Hope I am a winner. Stop by and say hi!

My Trendy Tykes said...

Your children are adorable!
Welcome to the party.

Linda

Unknown said...

What a great party, I loved the dessert recipe

bella*tessa said...

Hi! Thanks for popping by my blog! What a beautiful family you have!

Amanda said...

yummy recipe! thanks for the aprty

Phyl said...

Your little ones are adorable and Ella's eyelashes are amazing!
I am having a Birthday-Blog-Bag-Give-A-Way! Come by my blog for a chance to win a handmade handbag.
http://scrappynhappy.blogspot.com/2008/03/birthday-blog-bag-give-way.html

I found you via the Blog Party at 5 Minutes for Mom:).

Thanx for having me!

tamblair said...

I just love your brother's comments in the midst of it all. I think you you are really trying to get fancy on us, girl!!

Little Ladybug Designs said...

Your kids are adorable! Nice to meet you. Stop by and say hello. Happy Partying!

Sarah said...

Great party! Your blog is so cute and your little one's are precious.

~cassie~ said...

i love your header...It is too cute...Your children are adorable...I have three of my own, and I am a southern girl too..Have a great week paryting...

Unknown said...

I love the pics. Looks like you all are having a great party!

Unknown said...

I love your design and love surprises! Party on!
dansan826 at yahoo.com

~Denise~ said...

I adore your blog layout! Very cool!

Happy blog party!

Lisa G. said...

Your kids are adorable & your blog is great! I can't wait to stop by again and read more! Thanks for the recipe too :) Sounds yummy!
Hugs, Lisa ~ TheScrapPrincess

Corie said...

Your kids are adorable!
Lovin' your blog. Will be back for sure!

Nice to meet you and enjoy the bloggin' party! :)

Teri said...

that recipe sounds fantastic! :) thanks for sharing & welcome to the party!

Melanie said...

Cute pictures...I've also got a girl and 2 boys, with another boy on the way. My girl is the big sister and boss of the world. I think she would be even if she was the youngest. Party Time!

Unknown said...

what a great post and I love the look of your blog....your photos are adorable!!!

Happy Ultimate Blog Party!!!

Nice to meet you and please pop by to be entered to win a great free give away!!!

Cheers,
Diana

kim said...

I love your blog! I'd like to get more creative with mine but I can't seem to find the time. I, too, have three: 2 girls and a boy - 4, 2, 14 weeks. TONS of fun!
I'd love to see what creative surprise you come up with. :-)
I'm not sure how I am gonna keep up with all my new friends.
Happy blogging!
Blessings,
Kim - kim@labombard.net

Shana said...

HI! So nice to meet you. Hope you can find the time to come visit my blog! Have fun partying this week!

Anonymous said...

Hope you're having fun with the blog party! Your kids are adorable!

Julie Donahue said...

I love your blog layout! I wouldn't have picked those colors together, but they work! :) I hope you have time to swing by my party.

Melissa~ said...

Hi Kristin!

Thanks so much for visiting my party! I'm so glad you liked the Love Letter from God. Isn't that the coolest thing?

Your children are *so* beautiful! Did you make that party hat your daughter is wearing?? That is so cool! I *love* those giant pink pom-poms!

Thanks for having me at your party!
I brought you a little hostess gift!

Melissa~
Pink Paper Peppermints

KC said...

So nice to meet you and your 3 little loves.. I have a son about the same age as your middle on.. He will be 3 in May. Only he is our baby. He is a sneaky little one also. Thank you for the treat.. sounds tasty. If you find time though all the party hoping stop by my party. Hope to see you there.

Unknown said...

Your kids are adorable. You managed to capture their personalities. Did you make the hat your daughter is wearing? It's very cute.

hafner611[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Love the retro look of your blog!
Your children are beautiful. Love the pics!
The raspberry almond bars were delicious! Pardon me for licking my fingers as I depart!

Come visit my party!

Queen Bee said...

HI,

Greatblog! You have a beautiful family!

Thanks for putting is in your top prizes! Good luck!! In case you don't win :( be sure to email us for a promo code on your next order!

Enjoy the party!

Veronica

Jessie R. said...

Nice to meet you! Love your site!

bonggamom said...

Love the baby pics! Great Party! Thanks for hosting, and come on over to my blog party (and enter the giveaway!).

Anonymous said...

Cute kids!

Happy blog party!

We love handmade stuff too!!

If I win, you can email me at mnlefty (at) gmail (dot) com

Angi said...

Love your blog - it is so cute! Oh, and the kids are cute too!!!!
Hope you're enjoying the party!

Unknown said...

Your kids are adorable and I love your blog design! Loved your party!

Bebemiqui said...

Love the blog design!

Candi said...

I thought I had left a comment here, but I must have gotten side tracked....

Your kids are soooo adorable!! I love the desc. for each of them, too!!

If you get a chance, check out my party post for my giveaway!!

Unknown said...

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