I have to admit that when I thought about hosting my own little party on my blog for Ultimate Blog Party 2011, I got a little nervous. After all, I haven’t had the best of luck with parties. There was the time when I had my ‘Sweet Sixteen’ birthday in my family’s backyard and invited all of my friends. My two-year-long crush actually showed up…with the girl he apparently had just started dating. And then there was the time I tried to throw a surprise 30th birthday party for my husband and made the mistake of leaving the birthday boy with my father; he clearly didn’t understand the timing involved in surprise parties. We waited for about an hour for the chance to yell ‘surprise!’ I’m just glad the guests stuck around.
But as I thought about more party mishaps, I realized they describe who I am and my blog perfectly! The whole reason I started sharing my blog with others is that I know for every ‘mishap’ I have in life, there is another person out there who can relate. When I write, I am honest. Life isn’t easy, and I have found that I fall far-short of achieving the perfect wife and mother status every day. But I want to remember the journeys that I take as I try to get better.
I’m fond of storytelling, and I love to create images of the lessons I’m learning. If you stick around, you’ll find moments when my children make me proud because of their acts of kindness and compassion…and moments when I’m completely embarrassed because they’ve punched each other while praying. You’ll read of times when I think my husband is the greatest, and times when I don’t know how to endure all that’s involved in marriage. I’m not afraid to share some of the ugly moments because I believe God uses those ugly moments to make one beautiful picture.
And, hopefully, through my joys and struggles, you’ll find yourself laughing, relating, and realizing that we’re really not all that different.
If you like what you’ve read so far, I hope you’ll stick around and check out my place. You’re always welcome and can stay as long as you like–I just might go to bed around ten or so. My kids have made me old, given me gray hair, and worn me out!
And you can always subscribe to my blog or follow me on NetworkBlogs–I’ve just added that feature.
Thanks for stopping by, and please leave a comment so I can come visit you, too!
Jennifer Vignola Davis 
Your honesty is so refreshing! Thanks for opening your live to all the rest of us here in cyberspace!
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Thanks, Christine! I'm thankful for my readers!
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I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE you and your blogs. Even though i am twice your age i remember fondly feeling the same way, doing the same things, just not as eloquently . I remember people saying to me, "enjoy your children now, b/c they grow up so quickly." I would (sometimes) think to myself i couldn't wait for that to happen. Now, i wish i could have a do-over with my 2 (or more) babies again. Knowing now that i have a Father who loves me and takes care of my every need has made my life simple.
We humans don't always want to share what we perceive as failing; and you are so right that someone in your audience will relate. So, keep on writing and sharing your heart and soul. They are beautiful!
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Thank you for your continued support! 🙂
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I can't believe you can make it till 10 o'clock! I'm way too tired to make it that late! Count me as one of the guests who love your blog party. The ride has been fantastic and I look forward to your rants, raves, and always the sentimental heart, Thanks Jennifer. God's working in and through your words.
Still waiting for you to face your fear and dip your hands into the gooey paint! A promise is a promise…
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it's so much fun knowing I have readers that continue to come back, so thank you, Floyd, for reading!You're right–I do owe a finger paint masterpiece. I have to admit something, though. The last time my daughter snuck her paints and re-decorated the furniture, I threw out the finger paints in anger. I'll get some more, though; I need to let her express herself creatively (we just need to find a better workspace in the house!). And I did stick my finger in one of her paint blobs and helped her fix her sun–it's a start!
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You go girl!
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My husband always calls his gray hairs, "Amy hairs", my name. 🙂 Silly!
Love that you share with a sincere and honest heart on your blog. That really makes it you!
Hope you can stop by my party too and say hi when you get the chance. See you then!
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Thanks for coming to my party, Amy! I'm on my way to check out your place now! 🙂
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Hi! I'm stopping in from the UBP – I'm #73 (Being Made New – http://tinahollenbeck.blogspot.com) on the Christian list. Very nice getting to know a bit about you – and I'd be honored if you stopped by my place this week, too. :^)
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Lovely to meet you, Jennifer, through ubp, which by the way, you are hosting well. :). I like your topics and am always drawn to authentic honest people. I don't see a rss feed, so will add you to my list manually, later tonight. Looking forward to more visits.
Fondly,
Glenda
Gg – Notes on the Journey #269
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Hi, Glenda! I'm glad you came to visit, and I hope you come back soon! 😉 My RSS button is in the upper right corner–it might be time to tweak the blog design some. I'm heading your way now!
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I'm laughing so hard right now. Allow me to explain:
This weekend, the Vignola family was throwing a surprise 70th birthday party for John. We were so excited that your father could be there! We all came up with our various excuses, and it was up to your dad and Anne to get John to the restaurant at 4:30. We were all there waiting, and at 4:45, Anne sent TJ a text saying that John and his brother were sitting on the couch watching a show about MONKEYS! She kept trying to hint that they needed to leave, but was getting no help from your dear old dad! They got to the restaurant around 5:15.
I guess we know better than to trust your dad to get anyone to a surprise party on time!
It was SO nice seeing him this weekend– I hope we can see the rest of you soon!
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Sara, this cracked me up! Well, all I can say is that everyone is forewarned now! 🙂
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Wow. Love your honesty. I will definitely be stopping by your blog regularly!!
God bless you and yours. 🙂
Christa
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We all got to see how "helpful" your dad is getting the guest of honor to the party on time! As Sara said above, it was a struggle getting your uncle and dad to the party (and your father was supposed to help me get him there!), and I was besides myself and totally stressing myself out over it! I told your dad at 4:25 that everyone was at the restaurant waiting for us and he said, "Oh, okay," and continued to watch the "attacking chimpanzees" with your Uncle John! We had a great time though when we finally got there! Wish we ALL could have been there! We really miss ya' all!
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It's so funny to read your comment. My dad just called the other day and was telling me all about the party and how hard it was to get Uncle Johnny there. 😉
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Howdy!
I am so happy to have found your blog. I am stopping in from the Ultimate Blog Party and this is my very first year participating and this is SO VERY exciting!! LOL
Anyhow…please stop by my blogs and follow whenever you get the opportunity:
So Stylilized is where I am currently offering FREE Custom Blog Designs at http://sostylilized.blogspot.com/2011/04/ultimate…
And…Jessica Lil Corner is where I am blogging about family and life at http://jessicaslilcorner.blogspot.com/2011/04/ult…
I welcome your visit at either or both of my blogs and hope to have you stop by and follow really soon!!
Have a very blessed day!! :0)
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