Blog Party

Its Ultimate Blog Party time again! In case you didn't know... I enjoy parties. All kinds: Christmas, birthday, whatever. I like getting together with friends and enjoying eachother's company and having a good time. Who doesn't like that? So - if you're stopping by for the party or just checking in I'd like to ask that you humor me by participating in my personal blog party here. I'd like to get comments from my visitors telling me about some of your favorite party memories. Here, I'll go first:
My parents have been in the party business almost as long as I can remember. We've always been a single income family and with five kids growing up that made money tight. So my mom did a few things on the side for a little cash to help make ends meet. One of these odd jobs was becoming a clown. ;-) Seriously. She was not a character clown that entertained kids. She was a talent clown - she was a great balloon artist and face painter. She did birthday parties and company picnics, etc.
That is how it started anyway. Then a few years later we bought a pony. We couldn't really afford to feed an animal all year 'round so we had to find a way for the "pet" to pay for itself. So, we started offering a clown & pony ride package deal for parties. Then later we added a moonwalk to the mix. And then another. A few years go by and business is booming. We had parties back to back almost every weekend spring through fall. Now, years later they have revamped and are now doing more high-tech amusements for a whole new crowd of party goers. Times are changing!
It was an interesting and unique way to grow up. Going to other people's parties all the time - and only occasionally having one of our own. I think seeing many parties being so over-done helped me to appreciate our own low key celebrations even more. But it was extraordinary too, being able to help so many people celebrate their personal special occasions. What a blessing!

* What is a party without some prizes? Here is a list of my Blog Party Prize Faves!

US6 – Hand Stamped Personalized Necklace valued at $48 The Double Stacked A Lot Of Love.
Provided by: Kristen’s Custom Creations

US17 – Transform your images, your albums and your life with a total of 3 prizes for aspiring photographers and creative women… a copy of photo book Camera Creative, a copy of Found Art, and the big whopper of a Real Women Scrap pack including a Real Women Scrap TV DVD, Real Women Scrap (the book), a Real Women Scrap t-shirt, and a special notebook.
Provided by: Tasra Dawson of tasra mar | transform – your images, your albums, your life

US38 – New Mary Kay Fragrance Free Satin Hands Set for one winner. Provided by: Jasmin Collier & Tamisha Mays

US51 – Two winners will receive a lillebaby EveryWear carrier - Provided by: Scandinavian Child

US53 – 20 full-size sippy cup labels, 60 mini waterproof labels and 2 bag tags will go to one lucky winner! Provided by: Sunshine Paperie

USC 3 – A $50.00 Target Gift Card. Provided by: Peggy Gorman

USC 43 – Prize value: $100. One winner gets to choose 3 meal time plate sets – Provided by: Olive Kids Direct, LLC

AND

I'll be doing a couple of giveaways of my own. I'll do a random drawing of the comments on this post at the end of the blog party and that person will receive a copy of the book Total Mom Makeover by Hannah Keeley, a workout DVD and a protein bar from Melaluca.
And for the person with the best party story I'll be giving away a scrapbooking grab bag. I'll be including some rubber stamps, rub-on embellishments and some surprise goodies!
SO... please comment away! You don't wanna miss out on a chance to win! If you are not a blogger you must leave your email address in your comment to qualify for the giveaways.