Ultimate Blog Party 2013 - Giving Stuff Away

I am back for the fourth year in a row to virtual party with you for the Ultimate Blog Party. I almost didn't make it because of . . . life. Three kids, two old cats who are on meds, a one-year old labradoodle puppy, and a husband of nearly 15 years. And you know, all that goes along with such things. In fact, right now I am sitting on our office chair that is peppered with cat throw up and a lake of cat throw up on the carpet beneath me. And my husband is letting it "dry out" until he cleans it. 36 hours later, I have only stepped on it once.
But other than that, you can find me on pinterest all day long making fabulous things like this.

Or you can find me taking selfies of myself when I am at my very best and the lighting is just so -

A few years ago I wrote a book called Totally Desperate Mom: Keepin' it Real in the Motherhood. It's a book of encouragement and humor for moms with young kids. So if you find yourself in that category or know someone in that category or are expecting to be in the category or if you just like my overuse of the word "category" then go read the first chapter. And then buy the book. I am having a Mother's Day special this week only - $24 for 3 copies and free shipping. Details here.

Some other junk about me:

1. I was a child/teen actress and I don't have a criminal record. Got out when I was about seventeen. Had a great experience. Lived out my childhood dream. Met some cool people. Made some long-lasting friendships. Wore some amazing clothes. And have blogged about it.

2. Ditched Hollywood for a normal life and went to UCLA. And met my husband there on a church retreat with Bel Air Presbyterian Church. I love all things Bruins.

(This is the retreat when we met. Infants)

 (After a UCLA basketball game.)

3. Have three hilarious and wonderful and challenging and beautiful and frustrating and smart kids - Elijah (9), Lydia (6), Jordis (4). Every few years we accidentally get a pic with everyone looking at the camera. This was an impromptu shot taken after church on Easter. And yes, my 4-year-old chose to the wear this pop-star dress for her Easter dress. Stylin' Saturdays are about such wardrobe choices.

4. Married for almost 15 years to Shiloh. Love him. He is the most thoughtful, loyal, sensitive, wise person I know. But we still have disagreements, mood swings, bouts of selfishness, and frustration. So it ain't perfect, but we are committed to each other and we love each other deeply. And like each other's company . . . most of the time. And when I was pregnant he essentially called me fatty arms . . . so there's that.

5. For the last few years, I have been traveling the country speaking at various women's events - MOPS and moms groups, conferences, retreats and the like. I love it. I love encouraging women in their faith and in their motherhood journeys. For my schedule and topics and all that action you can go on my website.

6. Some things I love - Jesus, hot chocolate, Switchfoot, Settlers of Catan, So You Think You Can Dance?, Downton Abbey, working out (well I kind of hate it, but I think it is important and it makes me feel good emotionally and physically) and Persian food.

7. I mostly blog funny stuff. Motherhood stuff. Stuff that won't make you feel worse about your life because mine is so good - but stuff you can relate to and laugh at. Because I am not afraid to show you the ugly. As of late I have been a bit of a blog neglecter. But you can find my "lazy blogging" on my facebook page.



And if you have come here searching for cash and prizes I offer you only . . . some books. Totally Desperate Mom books. That you could probably sell at a garage sale for 50 cents. Good luck.
Fine, I'll also offer up a $10 giftcard to Starbucks. 
So here's the deal.

1. Like my facebook page and then leave a comment on this blog post that you did so and that you don't even regret it.
2. Follow this blog. And then leave a comment on this blog post that you did.
3. Feel free to unlike or unfollow after the books have been given away. Cuz if you don't want to be in this relationship, I won't keep you here.
4. I will pick 3 winners on April 13th by 6pm PST via random.org.

Happy fake partying! And tell me . . . do we have anything in common? If not, what should we have in common . . . in other words, what am I missing out on?