Party! Party! Party!

Welcome to A Madison Mom. I'm thrilled you've taken the time to stop by my little old blog. The 5 Minutes for Mom blog hopping list is a long one... so after you've partied with us a little bit here in Madison, NJ... make sure you click the Ultimate Blog Party box and see who else is looking to meet and greet!

(Oh... and if you enjoy yourself here even just a little bit... make sure you click over there on the left and subscribe in a reader or e-mail! I'd love to have you come back for another visit! And make sure you leave a comment... I'd love to thank you for stopping by... and give you a visit in return!)

Introductions first! My name is Colleen and I live in Madison, NJ with my husband Nick and my 2 girls, Zoe (is 3 1/2 now) and Ana (is 8 months now). I'm a stay at home mom with a Bachelor's degree in Child Development and a Master's degree in Elementary Education. You would think having that much child knowledge would make me a mom expert... but I'm muddling through it just like everyone else.

I've been nervous about hosting this little blog party. Last years Ultimate Blog Party had over 1500 participants. What in the world could I do to add a successful party stop that would be memorable and make people like me and my little blog? I've spent a lot of time thinking... pondering... wondering... researching... and snooping to see what everyone did last year.

We've had many a party here at the Madison Mom household.

In thinking of the perfect shin dig to throw for this Ultimate Blog Party I tried to think back over the years to the many parties we've hosted.

I tried to think of the most fun and memorable events we held.

I looked through photo albums and reminisced over many a good time.

I tried so hard to come up with a way to entertain all of the wonderful blog hopping party animals I know are out there today.

I mean.... I wanted to really think of something... anything... that would keep a regular reader entertained.

But, would also grab a new reader and make them want to read the whole party post.

A post that would make you realize that not only am I a mom who blogs... but I'm a mom that knows how to party.

What kind of party could I throw that would surprise everyone and ensure a good time?

Well, unfortunately I'm afraid I really couldn't come up with anything great because... um... lately... this is what our parties tend to look like.

We sure do know how to party in this house now, don't we?

How in the world did we get from then (2002) to now???? I suppose it has something to do with her...


and her...

Sigh. One day I hope to have some more impressive rocking out parties. We sure did throw a good party or 2. But for now I'll have to make do with some major party blog hopping. If you're looking for a place to pop over to next make sure to put on your dancing shoes and go check Jodi's place for party day (she's posting one of my pictures!).

Happy Ultimate Blog Party 2009!!!

Edited to add my prize wish list:
So I finally sat down and scanned through the majorly long prize list. Wow! Just... wow! I was a little overwhelmed with deciding what exactly would go on my most coveted list. We're supposed to list a top 3... but I'm cheating a little because I can't narrow it down (and I went with a theme and didn't want to leave anyone out because they're all awesome!)

INTL 1 - A custom basic blog design from Sweet ‘n Simple Design.
INTL 23 - A blog makeover from Busy Mama Blog Design.
INTL 33 - A blog makeover from Southern Girl Blog Design.
INTL 35 - A blog design from Blog Designs by Sheila.
INTL 36 - A custom blog design from Sara*s Pixel Studio.

Or um... any other blog design prizes I may have missed.

And seriously... beyond that I'm overwhelmed... although 7 Ergo would be VERY nice. And 41... 41 is gorgeous. Or, oh...Target! 19, 21, 22, 26, 91... cause, ya know... I could use those in like, 2 minutes. Oh, 72 or 114 yum. 103... because who doesn't like surprises??? 122... because, LOVE minkee. Oh goodness gracious... can you just sign me up for all the prizes? I'd love any of them I think!!!

Thank you to all of the people who gave the prizes... and Pamela, the prize coordinator. All I can say is WOW!