Getting my blog on!

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!