Party time!

Welcome to my blog. My name is Julie and I'm thrilled you have decided to visit me in the blogosphere. So, what is the purpose of my blog? And why should you come back and visit me? Because I'm begging you! No...I won't resort to begging. (Please!) My blog is about me, my family, my life, my faith, my friends, fitness, and lessons I'm learning on the journey. I don't cook much, so you won't find many recipes. I'm not a "compensated endorser", but I'll tell you about products I like (as well as those that don't live up to their claims). Sometimes I share jokes or inspirational stories.

But wait! I haven't told you who I am. I am 38 years old. I'm a recovering scrapbooker. (I sold most of my stuff to take my first plane ride last year.) I am a Christian and I'm a member of a purpose driven church. My kingdom purpose (why am I here?) is to connect women. My favorite on-line hangout are Hannah's Prayer, Parenting after Infertility, and Online-Sweepstakes. I am a full time, work outside of the home mommy. I enjoy my work (most of the time!). And I love being a mom. 4 1/2 years ago, my family moved from sunny central California to sunny (and today snowy) New Mexico.

I've been married to my high school sweetheart and best friend, John for 21 years (Valentine's Day!). John is a full time stay at home Daddy (who ocassionally moonlights as a computer network technician.) We have three beautiful, intelligent and funny (sometimes annoying) children*: Chewie (10), Crunchy (4 1/2) and Munchie (2 1/2). You can see their picture in my profile. For more pictures, look here. Why am I "Mom Two Ways"? because I'm a mom by birth and by adoption. *I recently decided to "rename" my kids for my blog. So I went with nicknames. For some reason, I've always called the baby "Munchie" (short for munchin). One day, my other kids decided that daughter would be Crunchy and Big Brother would be Chewie (short for Chewbaca of Star Wars fame).

I guess I should offer you something to eat---since this is a party after all. But, I'm working on losing 100+ pounds, so my offerings will all be healthy. I have a veggie tray (carrots, celery, and cucumbers) and some nuts (almonds and peanuts). I have bottled water to drink. There's unsweetened ice tea as well, but I don't touch the stuff myself. If you want to read about my journey, check out my newly updated "other blog": Less of Me.

How about a joke to break the ice? Why did the chicken cross the playground?

To get to the other slide.

Now, it's your turn. Feel free to share you favorite (family friendly!) joke. Or just say hello! Separate from the Ultimate Blog Party prize list, One person who comments on this post will win a book. (Title to be announced).

Speaking of prizes! There are so many to choose from! I want them all, but I don't have a baby any more :(, and my MIL makes jewelry, so that narrowed it down a bit!

My first choices (I know it's more than 3!):

1 — Rocking Horse Provided by: A Rocking Horse To Love
7 — Bead Dangle Photo Tile Necklace Provided by: Elemental Memories
48 — Story Package Provided by: Cherish Bound
34 — Custom Tutu Provided by: Live~Love~Dance Boutique
62 — Boca Beth Bilingual Beginner Set Provided by: The Boca Beth Program
72 — Webcam Provided by: Liz of This Full House
101 — Devotional Bible for women Provided by: Jubilee on Earth

Other favorite prizes (in no particular order)
Cash: 55, 59 (always welcome!)
Blog design: 24, 25, 45, 67, 69, 71 (I need the help!)
Other stuff: 17, 44, 52, 61, 64, 81, 85, 96, 100, 102. 103. 104, 105, 110, 116, 119
Gift Certificates: 9, 11, 15, 39, 49, 54, 60, 76, 107, 117