life, love & laundry
UBP 2009
It’s the 2009 Ultimate Blog Party!! Have you joined up? No? What are you waiting for??!
So! This is my first year participating but obviously not my first year blogging. For those who have never read my blog, let me introduce myself. I’m Nicki and this blog was created 3 years ago as a journal to follow the adoption of my daughter, Addison. It’s morphed into a whole different beast since then and now I blog about pretty much everything: sewing and crafts, photography, parenting, homeschooling, politics and more. I do, very rarely, have some password protected posts which are reserved for close friends and family. But almost all of my posts are public.
Ironically I don’t post about adoption very much anymore which is not to say I’m not interested in the subject of adoption. As my daughter gets older, her experience has become more protected and I’m not as interested in talking about it in such a public way. I do still do periodic posts about my daughter, overall, but they are not adoption-related. I also do still actively advocate for ethical adoption reform. I’m currently sitting on the board of directors over at Ethica as well as continuing to work (mostly behind the scenes) over at Voices for Vietnam Adoption Integrity. So my adoption related work is directed there these days.
I’ve recently opened my Etsy shop making custom clothing. It’s fun, I’m busy. I love sewing, knitting and crochet and really crafting of any kind. It’s my relaxation. I also love photography although I am not a natural and have recently developed an unhealthy relationship with my camera that will surely land me in therapy.
I have four kids between the ages of almost-3 and 14 who are all homeschooled. We love homeschooling and the flexibility it offers and freedom it brings into our lives. I have been homeschooling for a decade. I have great kids who make it pretty darn easy and a husband who works from home who will support me however I ask him to – double blessings!
Alright now lets get down to the business of partying! I’ll keep my top on, I promise, but I can’t promise I won’t throw some beads your way!
Edited to add prize choices because PRIZES!!!!!!!!!!!
Top 3 choices:
- 58 – Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer
Provided by: Moms Who Think
Prize details: From Amish Friendship Bread to Decadent Cheesecake and all the meals in between dessert, Moms Who Think has recipes you’ll love. We would like to donate a Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer to help make one lucky winner’s home cooking even easier. (winner’s choice of color, $349.99 retail value) - 89 — $100 gift card to HomeGoods
Provided by: HG Openhouse
Prize details: Get Spring! Get Savings! Get Happy! HomeGoods would like to donate a $100 gift card for use in-store. Happy Shopping! - INTL 11 — $50 gift bundle to YouCanMakeThis.com
Provided by: YouCanMakeThis.com
Prize details: Learn how to make just about anything! From clothing to jewelry, and home decor to aprons and handbags, you’ll find it all!
My followup choices would be choices:
19, 88, INTL 65,INTL 50, 21, 22, 61, 25, 40, 60, 106, 118, INTL 25, INTL 6, INTL 45, INTL 48, INTL 3, INTL 30, USC1, USC2, USC 11, USC15, USC22, USC27, USC30, USC40, USC45, USC47, USC58, USC75
WHEW! That was fun!!!
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Ohhh!! I am a beadaholique. You can through beads my way anytime!!! ~Brenda
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Your always doing something cool :)
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Hi – I’m here from the Ultimate Blog Party. I only bumped into this thing a few hours ago, so my party post won’t be up till Tuesday. Hope you’ll drop by.
Just love your blog name! And your banner photos are really wonderful. It’s worth working it out with your camera.
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Oh cute, I’ve not seen this site and they are having some cool giveaways too. :)
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Ciao from Italy!! I love your blog name too! Looking forward to reading more of your blog.
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Came here from the UBP. I’m enjoying all the new blogs I’m running across sinceI usually hop through EC. Drop by when you have a chance.
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I’m party hopping! Hope to see you at my party!
My friend has two adopted children..I understand the protecting aspect! Keep up the GREAT blog.
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Just party hopping…This is my first blog party and I love it. Love your blog colors…
Be sure and Stop by my blog for a visit. Though I am relativity new to blogging, I am loving all my new friends. I am giving away my first EVER BLOG PRIZE.
I own a gift basket business and it is the most requested gift over the last 15 years. From the comments I have already received, appears to be something a little different and something anyone could use.
I have been so touched by the comments that I have decided to give 2 boxes . They will be the $100 deluxe size.
I really do want to bless people!!! I want my blog to encourage others. I have decided that giving is life at its BEST. The drawing will be Saturday!
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Party hopping – fun to check out your blog!
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heyyyy~waving~ just stopping by ubp. this is my first, and it’s pretty cool. it was nice to meet you :)
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UBP here. I like your blog – I’m bookmarking it to come back to again. I’m interested to see what you have to say about homeschooling and politics for sure – I love those subjects too!
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Party hopping from UBP!
I love your blog name – I have 3 boys so it describes my life!
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Hopping in from the UBP…you have a great site….
It has been so enjoyable for me to be able to check out all the many new blogs and meet so many interesting people this week! So glad I am participating in the UBP this year!!
After thinking about everyone who has stopped by to “party” here at Craftola this week, I have decided to do the drawing for my “Hand Made Giveaway” and all others who visited will also receive something from me, too. Just my way of saying “thank you for visiting”…
Spread the word. Craftola will be drawing for my give away on Friday at 6 p.m. EST. The winner will be notified and posted here next week. All others will receive a little prize from me via email… it will be something I think everyone might use.
Happy UBP! Cheers!!!!!
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I’m blog hopping too. My first time doing this but it’s very interesting seeing blogs I’ve never revisted before. I picked this one because of your title about legos. I did a post not too long ago at my business blog about legos. There’s a neat link on the post you may be interested in. Come over and put in a search for the post. Also, we have lots of interesting activities on the website, particularly for homeschooled kids. Visit us and look around when you can!
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Oh, I forgot to say that both my girls are adopted and you are being very wise about not talking as much about it as she gets older.
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Just UPB party hopping! Cute blog!
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Where are your prize choices?
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Done! All my choices are listed :) Whew! I think I need a nap! That was too much fun!
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Loved your party post and I enjoyed looking at all of the other pics of your kiddos on the other posts. Beautiful family. Thanks for the party! =)
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Whoo hooo! This is one fun UBP!
Thanks for participating!
I love your blog title. I cannot tell you how many of those durn things I’ve stepped on. I learned to wear shoes all the time in the house pretty soon after my son hit the terrible two’s!
Fun blog!
Have a great time and good luck! Hope you win some great prizes.
KK
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I can’t find your email address on your blog here. Please email me for your prize.
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