GIVEAWAY: Signed Copy of Jon and Kate Plus 8's Book - Multiple Blessings
So, it's been giveaway central around here lately, right? But, when people give me free stuff to give away to you all, I just get all giddy and secretly think that maybe you're all jumping up and down with excitement. Like I do.
Lame. I know.
But this giveaway - I think it's uber cool. Jig-worthy cool.
Multiple Blessings, the book by Kate Gosselin of Jon and Kate Plus 8 fame, is currently #4 on the New York Times Bestseller list. Jon and Kate Plus 8 is viewed by over 3 million viewers each week - and I'm telling you, just about everyone I know watches that show. Or at least knows of it.
So, today, I've got a signed by Kate Gosselin, hardcover copy of Multiple Blessings for you. Kate has only done four location signings of her book -with thousands of people being turned away at the door - which makes this item extremely rare and limited.
And, ebay. Signed copies are going for close to $100 bucks over there.
Here's how to win:
1. Think of one of your favorite Christmas traditions.
2. Leave it in a comment.
3. The end.
I'll leave this giveaway open until this Saturday at 12pm EST. And, I'll let the good ol' random thingy, once again, choose a winner. I'll announce the winner Saturday evening.
*Comments are now closed. Winner will be annouced this evening.*
Three years ago a family get together that had always been on Christmas Eve got moved up to the weekend before Christmas to help with some of the craziness of having to be so many different places in 2 days. That left us with no where to be Christmas Eve. (Insert hallelujah chorus here) So we started our own family tradition of having a fondue dinner with the kids then going to church for the Christmas Eve service. Then we come back home and the kids open their first Christmas gift from us of new pajamas (made by mom). Then we put in Polar Express and we have hot chocolate and cookies. The kids are so looking forward to it this year and so am I.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway. You rock!
Smiles!
Wow - you are the queen of giveaways lately! Our favorite tradition is putting different names on gifts so people don't know whose is whose!
ReplyDeleteI loooooooooove Jon and Kate and would love to win!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite tradition is that we have started putting pictures on the presents. That way smaller loved ones can see what presents are for them plus it gives you a chance to show everyone the silly pic you took of whoever last year... also if you have someone handing out presents that is younger this helps them know which present belongs to who!!!!
I'm super excited to see other's traditions!!!
Thanks!!!!!
You are the giveaway queen lately!
ReplyDeleteOh my word... this book is on my wish to read list. In the days prior to taking FPU, when we had cable, we loved watching this show.
My favorite Christmas tradition is that every year on Christmas Eve my mom hired a Santa to come to our house. We lived 5 miles out of town, in the middle of nowhere and here came Santa. He came between appetizers and dinner. He would come carrying a bag of toys - one unwrapped gift for each child. Then he would proceed to sit in the recliner in my parents living room next to my moms nativity scene. He would talk about how Jesus it the real meaning of Christmas. He would read the Christmas story from the bible, he would sing Christmas carols such as Away in the Manger, Silent Night, etc... I loved how my parents incorporated Santa into Jesus' birthday. It was the best of both worlds. Definitely a highlight of my childhood. Until a few years ago when Santa retired, he still came for all the grandchildren too.
I haven't gotten into this trend because we don't have cable...I know, I know, HOW DO WE LIVE?! :)
ReplyDeleteBut I think I'd enjoy reading their story; because with just one toddler I sometimes feel like running away and changing my name. Not sure what I would do if I had 8. Seriously. ;)
There are lots of favorites about Chrismtas but probably a tie from the more distant past and from the more recent years...I really enjoy the candle light service @ my parent's church. It's old school organ playing Silent Night and O Come All Ye Faithful...brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it! So peaceful and beautiful. And the more recent would be wrapping presents with my husband. It's always semi-comical watching him try to wrap gifts and we laugh and just enjoy each others' company while preparing the gifts we have bought with love for our loved ones. (We also have some cool traditions to start next year but since those aren't already "on the books" I'll refrain from sharing. :)
Ohhh, I hope I win this. Thanks for all the giveaways-you rock!
OK, so I'm totally curious about this book so I'm entering. That's awesome that you got a signed copy!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition has to be decorating the house on our anniversary. I love making kolacky with the kids and I love our Advent calendar tradition, but this one is so special to me because it's a way that we can incorporate our whole family in our anniversary celebration and make it such a special day.
Oh I love Jon and Kate!!!
ReplyDeleteOne simple but loving tradition we have is that each year the kids get some very cozy jammies to wear Christmas Eve, from the cat. Now our cat is outside kitty, so there isn't to much interaction with the kids (she's very skittish and independant). But Maggie has always been a huge part of our family way before children. So Maggie's job is to shop for Jammies. Finally when my oldest was 8 she said, "mom, i know cats can't shop!" and the jig was up, but nonetheless, each year they open the present FROM: MAGGIE and they love their jammies!! ;)
I do a "gift to Jesus." I write down what I want to work on in my faith journey the following year (more quiet time, being more patient through Him, etc) and wrap it up and keep it in my sock drawer all year long. It is my gift to Him, but really, it is a gift to me.
ReplyDeleteLove Jon and Kate!
ReplyDeleteOur favorite tradition is putting fake names on the gifts so the kids don't know which presents are theirs.
oo, oo, oo, pick me!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition is getting together with all my extended family for a Christmas Brunch filled with egg & sausage casserole, sweet rolls, and hot cocoa. Yum-o!
When I was about 7 my mom made a ceramic Christmas tree- one of those with all the holes in which you put in the individual lights, similar to a light brite. I thought it was such an honor to get to put all the lights in there and it has been my "job" ever since... I am 33 now. Every year she puts the tree out but leaves it empty till I come home even if that is two days before the big day!
ReplyDeleteBecause I'm a mom of 3 year-old twin girls, I really use Jon & Kate Plus 8 to keep me in check! If they can do it w/8, then I should be able to do it w/twins! Love 'em!
ReplyDeleteOur new favorite family holiday tradition is piling into the car w/some Starbucks (for my husband and I) & some milk (for the girls) & then driving around looking at all the christmas lights. We listen to some christmas music & just enjoy everything...it forces you to slow down & actually enjoy the holiday season instead of all the constant rushing around. I highly recommend it!
we celebrate epiphany in our house (jan. 6th) & each year my mom puts on a show & dresses up in hideous outfits pretending to be each of the wise men. one of them always includes an ugly black tube dress covered in sequins that makes her look like a mermaid...but it never ceases to entertain ALL of us :)
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to leave a comment here...I just printed several of your Christmas cookie recipes the other day!
ReplyDeleteCute blog, first of all.
Cute Christmas centerpiece below, too.
And as for one of my favorite Christmas traditions...
I love Christmas Eve...church followed by a big family get together at my aunt's house. Great worship, great fellowship, and great food. I love it.
And I would totally love this book!
We always do stockings on christmas eve and our "secret" santa gifts!
ReplyDeleteUm, I cannot stand Jon and Kate, she is so mean to him and overly controlling, lol so I probably won't win. But I know someone who loves the show and I'd give her this as a gift if I DO win :) Hee.
Oh my, another giveaway!! Wow....I'm game! Every year before packing up the tree....we write a little note to "our year-older selves" to open one year later and we stuff it in the box that holds the tree. In these notes we make predictions for the following year (thats so much fun to open the next year to see if we are right) and we write about reflections on the current year. IT makes putting up the tree and taking it down a very memorable moment.:-)
ReplyDeleteSausage balls and orange juice for breakfast on Christmas morning. It's simple, but memorable; reminds me of a warm home.
ReplyDeleteWe love Jon and Kate and enjoyed the episode with them giving gifts to the kids at St Judes. Our favorite tradition is setting up the nativity set and reading the christmas story every night.
ReplyDeletemensonides77@hotmail.com
My fav tradition? Putting the angel on top of the tree, as a family, as the very last ornament and then admiring the tree together. Lame, huh?
ReplyDeleteOk, so if I don't win, do you think I could just drive over with a book and ask her to sign it? HAHA (You wouldn't put it past me, would you?)
Our favorite family tradition around Christmas takes place on Christmas Eve. I have two boys who just love police officers and firemen. We bake cookies on Christmas Eve and bring them down for them to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI hope I win! I love John and Kate Plus 8! I have 3 children and babysit a set of triplets. We also do foster care and have children in and out of our home all the time. I get lots of ideas from Kate. Thanks!
Check out my blog www.jenacraig.blogspot.com
This is just a little tradition, but it is an important one to the special little girl involved. As you know, for years, we only had Julia. Therefore, it became her tradition to place the angel on the tree. I didn't realize the importance of this tradition until we had more children. Jules got her feelings hurt when Daddy asked who wanted to put the angel on the tree. This will always be a Jules-thing now. Her aunt Missy is getting married in April, and when discussing what all this entails, Jules got teary because Aunt Missy wouldn't be at Memom's when she spends the night now. As we talked it all through, we decided to buy Aunt Missy something special for her engagement/Christmas...Jules quietly thought and then asked, "Do you think Aunt Missy will have an angel for her tree?" So that is what we bought...an angel from my angel! (sniff, sniff)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the drawing! Love watching Jon and Kate +8!
Sarah - I found your blog recently and have to say how much I enjoy your writings! Love the recipes, too! And of course, the photos of your cutiehead boys!
ReplyDeleteEvery Christmas Day, after gifts are opened and stockings are revealed, we sit down to a wonderful breakfast - Candy Cane Coffee Cake, egg casserole, and some fresh fruit! Then we spend the rest of the day at home, enjoying each other and watching new movies or reading, even calling family members who live far away. It's a peaceful tradition for our family - we don't have to run from place to place all day long and miss that special togetherness! Just love it!
A favorite Christmas tradition has taken on a new meaning. We used to be able to go East for Christmas with our extended family every year. Christmas Eve was such a beautiful family time. The meal was prepared by the 11+ aunts together. We had, get this, sauerkraut-everything! There was also an empty chair for Christ or an unexpected guest. Now that we are the grown-ups, we try to copy this tradition. It is a very special nostalgic memory. I bet Jon and Kate will start many traditions with their lovely large family too.
ReplyDeleteMy FIL takes the whole family (all 22 of us) on an annual "Mystery Trip" usually someplace warm and exotic. This is our 17th year and we leave right after Christmas. The only clues we ever have are "dress for warm weather". We NEVER know where we are going and sometimes we have been on 3 planes before we find out our final destination. It is awesome!
ReplyDeleteEach year we bundle up tight and go visit the California Living Museum (CALM) during Christmas time to see the Holiday lights (www.calmzoo.org). They decorate the park with tons (did I say tons, I meant it) of Christmas lights. They even offer a train ride and this year they're bringing back the carousel. Parking, the train, and carousel are all free. It only costs about $10 to get it.
ReplyDeleteWe're actually going tonight. And it's supposed to be cold tonight - around 35-40 degrees. Ha ha...I know some of you out there wish that was your high for the day. Don't hate me just because I'm a California girl. :-)
Merry Christmas!!!
Okay, I'm game.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition is going to the Christmas Eve candlelight service with my family, coming home to a PLATE full of cookies and nog and all us kids dressing in matching jammies that Mom bought or made for us.
Wow! My favorite tradition is the Christmas Eve church service and coming home and having hubby read the kids the Christmas story. Its always special!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite tradition is selecting our tree. After that it is time to start the Christmas movies/music and decorate!!!! I love this part because it is the start to all the rest of the fun that is to come!!
ReplyDeleteGreat contest!! :) Merry Christmas!
Oh my goodness, how fun! Its great reading everyones favorite traditions. In my family, somehow, and I dont know if anyone can say how or when it started, whoever got up first(on Christmas morning) went straight to the cd player and put on Feliz Navidad, as loud as possible to rouse the house! To which we all would groggily make our way to the living room to have our family belt out session of I WANNA WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS. Oh the laughs!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and your beautiful famliy!
Gretchen
One of our favorite traditions is going to Midnight mass. There's nothing quite like it.
ReplyDeleteBrandi
lawyer180@yahoo.com
Some dear friends of mine tempted me with this book by letting me look at it while I was at their home for dinner. I've been wanting a copy ever since. Jenna saw Kate at the mall, but it was too busy to get mom a book :( Oh well...
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition (that's what you asked for right? I'm just so excited about this give away) is when the kids are all home on Christmas morning as in years past, we always had a huge brunch together with all of our favorites and then open the gifts. The girls always got three gifts to symbolize the gold, fancinsence (sp) and myrh. Wow, should have look up the spelling. The funny part is they never got the 3 gift tradition until they were grown. I told them every year, but I guess they were too excited to pay attention. Now you know who they get it from.
My favorite tradition was coming home From the Christmas eve service and getting to open 1 present- which was usually new pjs
ReplyDeleteWe love driving around and looking at Christmas lights. It seems to be a southern tradition to try and out-do your neighbors with a Christmas light display, and boy do people take is seriously which makes for some great viewing. Something I realized over the years about traditions is that the ones that really stick and are the most meaningful are the ones that just naturally evolve and aren't forced. Like when we were growing up, we all slept in the same room on Christmas eve.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite tradition when we were little was opening all our gifts on Christmas Eve. My youngest brother was born on Christmas Day, so we saved stockings for the morning. The rest of the day was his. Lest you think he was gypped in any way, his birthday was the only one extended family could remember and he always got presents from them.
ReplyDeleteNow, I'd have to say, going to church on Christmas Eve. The last couple years have been very special since leaving a stressful situation at our former church.
LOVE J&K+8!
Christmas Eve church service is a favorite tradition! :)
ReplyDeleteChristmas eve is our "just us" time, we order pizza, listen to Christmas music, and let the kids open a few select presents, a video, game or book (usually 2 of the 3) & Christmas pjs. Then we spend the evening watching the movie, playing the game, reading the book. It's a quiet, calm, special family time.
ReplyDeleteThis book definately looks interesting. If I get pregnant again and manage to have 5 kids in 2 pregnancies, like everyone's predicting, maybe it will give me some tips. :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition was Christmas Eve growing up. My huge, crazy Italian family would meet at my grandparents' and eat ourselves sick, then have dessert, then snack on the dinner leftovers while playing Pit. Then (and I have NO idea how this madness started. Maybe too much Kahlua) my grandma would hop on the piano and play Christmas tunes while the rest of us paraded around the house. Someone would always sit in one spot with a video camera and we would make every effort to have a different accessory each time we went by. Towels, plates, decorations, small children. Nothing was off-limits. Then we'd sit around and watch the video and wince.
Sadly, this tradition started to fade after my grandpa passed away. But just thinking about those amazing childhood Christmases will always warm my heart.
Love you friendo!
Every year my entire family gets together and watches White Christmas while drinking cider and eating various appetizers. So much fun!
ReplyDeleteWe wait for a really cold night. We build a fire in the fireplace. We watch Polar Express and drink hot chocolate from the Santa mugs my Grandma gave us. With straws. We eat popcorn. We go to sleep on the floor next to the fire. Okay, the kids sleep, the parents stay awake to make sure nothing catches on fire. Then we sleep too.
ReplyDeleteEvery year at my parents' house, we make a birthday cake for Jesus. We make it on Christmas Eve and have it for dessert at our Christmas Day meal after singing Happy Birthday to Jesus. We've done it for as long as I can remember. I love that it helps us remember why we have Christmas.
ReplyDeleteDad makes breakfast for everyone Christmas morning, making cookies with mom (in mass quantities), large family gatherings....to name a few.
ReplyDeleteHubby and I started our own family tradition of singing Happy Birthday to Jesus with the children. It really helps to hit home what Christmas is all about!
ReplyDeleteMom would make a great meal on Christmas Eve and we'd get to use the fancy dishes. We'd each get to pick one small gift from under the tree and put it by our place setting. My sisters and I would recite Luke 2 together and then we would get to open our gift. We thought it was great because it was like cheating and getting away with it. We'd eat our meal together and then after dishes, watch Little Women. Makes me kind of homesick thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!!
Ooh I love them! My husband really likes Jon so it is something we can actually agree on! Anyway, my favorite tradition growing up was probably sleeping with my sister, so excited we could hardly stand it, and waking her up early on Christmas morning. And also hearing my dad sing O Holy Night or Sweet Little Jesus Boy. Now as an adult, I think I really enjoy being in my own home for my kiddos and going to the candlelight service with my own little family unit.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite tradition is getting our tree on the day after thanksgiving... from Lowe's! We've driven pretty far, just to find a Lowe's, to get our tree! Then we watch Christmas movies and decorate it!
ReplyDeleteFor a whole lotta my life is was midnight service, but that ain't happening anymore with 2 little ones. So now I think it is listening to my kids tell the Christmas story on Christmas morning.
ReplyDeleteSarah, you have the best giveaways! I have wanted to read this book!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite traditions that I have been doing since I was a kid is driving around looking at peoples Christmas lights while listening and singing carols. We always used to do this on Christmas Eve, but, since I have been married, with more family gatherings to squeeze in, it hasn't quite worked out that way. A bit disappointing, I still enjoy this tradition, even if we do it another night.
Every year we get together to watch Christmas Vacation. Everyone knows the words, so it is hard to actually watch the movie now. We love it and it is fun to laugh together.
ReplyDeletegrowing up my whole mom's side would ge together and have a nice dinner. At some point we started the tradition of doing poppers after we ate dinner. They become such a hit with the little trinkets that are in there such a whistle or a loud noise maker, very stupid jokes in which we would all go around the table and tell and I cannot foget the crowns. Yes, paper crowns to wear on your head and all of us would put them on even my grandmother, grandfather, and great aunt. Oh how we would just laugh and have such a good time with each other. My grandfather, grandmother, and great aunt have all gone on to be with the Lord, but I hope to contiue this tradition when I have a family.
ReplyDeleteFavorite tradition...stockings. It's a new one for me, but one the Hubs started with his family. The kids are already looking forward to searching for their stockings on Christmas morning!
ReplyDeleteThe tradition we most look forward to is our annual holiday fondue party. Such fun!!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas :)
I buy gifts and stocking stuffers all year long. One week before Christmas, after the kids are in bed, I pull out all the loot, my husband makes some Irish coffee and we wrap presents together. We inventory the stash and make sure all three kids are even, then watch a movie and eat popcorn. It's my favorite date night of the year and a lovely way to decompress from the craziness of the season!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite tradition is going to the Christmas Ever service. We all go---grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins! Everyone stops for that 1 hour and as a family we pause to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
ReplyDeletemj.coward at gmail.com
We have 4 small kiddos ages 7, 5, 3, and 1 1/2.. Every year during the week before Christmas we drive around and look at Christmas lights together while listening or singing some fun songs together.. (secret I think us adults enjoy it as much as the kids:) )
ReplyDeleteWe let the kids pick out their own personal ornament each year. Every year, as we bring out the tree and ornaments, it helps us remember each child's likes and personalities over the years. Not an original idea but one we enjoy.
ReplyDeletei love JK+8! favorite tradition? stockings! only the very best and most special trinkets were meant for stockings. i love that my own daughter is just as excited about getting her stocking out for "santa" to fill and finding overflowing christmas morning.
ReplyDeleteI didn't read all the others (yet) so I hope this wasn't mentioned. My dad started this when I was a kid and Now my husband and I do it. Each year we write significant events from the year on a ball. For example, this year we would put that it was our son's first year of school, that we're expecting twins, that we bought a new house, etc.. It's lots of fun to reflect on the years events/blessings.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I too love Jon and Kate. We no longer get that channel so I don't get to watch anymore, which makes me sad:(
One tradition that we've done every year since the girls were born is that on Christmas Eve, Ron reads them the story 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. It started out as a board book version when the older girls were smaller and we're up to pretty much the 'real' version of it now. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway! My favorite tradition was on the night of the first big snowstorm, our family would make a big fire and eat chocolate-covered Oreos and watch movies. We did this no matter what, even if it was a school night. It was always a blast and I can't wait to do it with my daughter!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition is taking a photo of my kids while they sleep on Christmas Eve - it's so neat to see how they've grown and to see how sweet and innocent they are when they're sleeping.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas.
Amy B.
adennispac@yahoo.com
As a kid, we opened one gift of our choosing on Christmas Eve. I LOVED this as a kid--the anticipation of opening the perfect gift, trying to guess what it was ahead of time, etc. Unfortunately, my husband hasn't bought into this one, so we don't do it. But, I haven't given up on him yet!
ReplyDeleteI am really enjoying your cookie countdown. I'm getting all kinds of good ideas for my baking that will start this afternoon and continue pretty much nonstop until Christmas Eve.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition...When I was a kid my mom did the 12 days of Christmas. For the 12 days before Christmas we would get a little gift, a pair of socks, a coloring book, just something small. It was so much fun and great time spent together as a family. I really need to start this with my daughter also.
Great giveaway by the way. This is my daughter's absolte favorite show. We plan our Monday nights around it and she gets to stay up just a little past her bedtime so we can watch it all cuddled up together on the couch.