Here at Five in Tow, we’re super excited to see how many of you are stopping by! Just yesterday, we reached one of our goals: 5,000 hits in one day. We know that our success is because of YOU! So we’re hosting a little giveaway as a way of saying THANK YOU!
I like to keep giveaways simple, so here’s the deal: Simply leave a comment below and you’ll be entered to win!
What will you win? I will make you a batch of my very own homemade toffee! And nothing goes better with toffee than COFFEE, so you’ll also win a $50 Starbucks card. I know, I had you at toffee, but it’s good to throw a little business to Starbucks. I’m sure they need it.
You have until 4 pm on Sunday, March 11 to enter. Good luck, and thanks for stopping in at Five in Tow.
Nice work. Waitin’ for a sequel. 🙂
Sorry…this is probably too late, but add me to the count to help you out on future giveaways! Just saw your post. 🙂
I have Starbucks here in Bahrain! I could always use a little toffee as well! how about picking your international reader!!!! : )
Hello, Kristen!
I grew up the oldest of five [in tow] and now my wife and I are expecting our first. Your blog reminds me of life when I was one of five kids, making lunches and Kool-Aid in bulk, piling into the minivan, and making “ducks in a row” by lining up behind Mom and the shopping cart in every grocery store. I thoroughly enjoy your writings; keep it up!
You are a true inspiration to all of us moms out here who want to live a healthier lifestyle not only for ourselves, but for our children. Your kids are so stinkin’ adorable! Love you!
Thanks for stopping by, Sharon. It means a lot to me to have my family read my writing because you guys are the ones I love the most! It’s kind of like sharing a memory, because you have known me all my life. And even though we’ve been oceans apart at various times in our lives, you get me the way only another crazy cousin would. 🙂
wow! congrats, what an accomplishment! Thanks for a super giveaway!
So enjoy reading your stories. You usually make me smile and sometimes tear up. Keep writing and make sure all the kids’ stories and comments are saved so they can read them when they grow up.
Love what you share! You need to write a book!
Is that really Faith?! Wow,,,,SO old!! Now i’ll have to look through all you pics!
I feel the same way when I see your Sophya! Just yesterday, we were both pregnant with our first…how time flies.
Iso like coffee and toffee! Your children and blog are adorable!
Recently found your blog and have enjoyed reading. I’m a Reserve wife going through my first deployment. Your blog is really encouraging to help me remember I’m not the only one going through deployment. I could use a boost of Starbucks to finish all of the projects on my to do list before he comes home….why did I wait until the last minute!?!
At least you’re down to the last minute! Good for you! My husband is an Army Chaplain in the Reserves, but we haven’t gone through a deployment yet. He was gone for about 9 months right after our third was born, but he was doing some work towards his PhD, so at least he wasn’t in danger. Still, it was HARD. I pray for all of you military families all the time. Hang in there until he comes home safe and sound!
Hang in there, Rebecca. He will be home soon, and you may even find that all those items on your to-do list don’t have to be done.
My husband is a retired Marine aviator. I spent 26 years as a military wife, and I loved most everything about it.
My husband left for thirteen months in Vietnam when our daughter was 10 months old and for another thirteen months in Japan when our daughter was 7 and our son 3. During most of the rest of the years, he was deployed several months out of the year. Living apart from you spouse is hardly ideal, and it isn’t easy. I still think I had the easiest “role” to play as I know it was very hard for him to be away from all his family.
Out of all the things I missed about his not being home, one I missed most was just having someone there to help me make parenting decisions or to tell me that yes, I made the right decision.
Being separated is never easy, but I’m grateful that you have access to the internet, web cams, email, blogs, etc. It’s easy to find the support you need just when you need it.
Blessings to you….
Great giveaway! I loved your counting the hours post. It really and truly hit me right where I live, and I only have two littles. Both my son and now my daughter, are horrible, terrible sleepers who cry all day. It’s easy to throw myself a little tantrum over it (more than I’d like to admit!) and i groan everytime i roll over and see the time on the clock and someone is crying! Thanks for being so HONEST and real. It is such an encouragement!
curious,,,,how do you get companies to sponsor a giveaway, just ask them? and if they think it is a worthy cause they do?
I love 5 and toe 😉
Love, love, love your blog!!!!
Yum! What a great giveaway! As a FTM of one precious baby girl, I’ve been enjoying your kid stories. I loved Counting the Hours, made me slow down a bit & appreciate the time with her while she’s still little & needs me so much.
I found your blog because of the counting the hours post. It blessed me and so many of my friends that I passed it on to. Thank you.
Congrats on all the views!! You must be very pleased 🙂
(I’m in Canada-not sure if giveaway is open to me?)
Amy, it sure is! I’m not sure if I can send toffee across (do you know?) but a Starbucks card will go anywhere, as long as you’re not so far away from one that you can’t use it, in which case, I’ll send you something else. If you win, we’ll make it work. I have to encourage my “international” readership, you know. 😉
I just wanted to say thank you for being so honest. As a homeschooling mom of 4 (under 7yrs old) I genuinely appreciate having someone so encouraging and ‘real’. You have reminded me not to take life so seriously and enjoy the fun times between the craziness 🙂 Thanks!!!
Congrats on hitting 5000. I’d love a Starbucks card.
I just discovered your blog! Congrats on the viewer count. God bless!
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog. It’s been practical, and challenging to me. Thanks for blogging!
Your blog link was sent to me by a friend and knew I would be able to relate. I have enjoyed reading your blogs. I have 5 as well, with #6 coming in August. Thank you for taking time to write the blog out! Blessings!
You put words and laughter to the way I feel most days. Thank you! I have 5 children also (11, 9, 7, and set of 2 year old twins) They are all girls. I know right? Poor husband is what I usually hear. Next question is are we normal? I’d like to think so!!!!
I have recently left my full time career as a nurse and moved to the Midwest with my husband and 5 girls. Getting used to both of these situations has been eye opening. We are looking forward to both adventures with open minds and plan to continue reading your blog to lighten the crazier days.
Keep up the good work!
Nicole
I have to say, my husband was THRILLED when he found out our twins were boys. He walked around for weeks before the determining ultrasound saying, “We could have four girls…four girls…” Haha–poor baby. 🙂
Love your blog 🙂
Since I recently discovered your blog, I’ve gone back and read all your articles along with most of your posts. I’ve been blessed each time. I must say I would also feel blessed with homemade toffee and a Starbucks card as well. : ) I love the picture you posted of your precious (and hungry) kids. Congratulations on your 5000 hits. You deserve each one of them.
I Like Toffee!!
Eric, are you trying to enter more than once? 😉 Thanks for stopping by, and say hi to that wonderful family of yours.
I Like Toffee!
I just started reading your blog. As the Grammy of two sets of twins and four other perfect grandchildren I am really enjoying reading your stories. A little coffee and toffee while I read sounds perfect 🙂
Tamme
Starbucks is such a treat! Thanks for the opportunity. 🙂
well I will enter this! 🙂 like your blog too! 🙂
Toffee, oh yum!
Hi! I’m new to your blog and found it by a friend who had posted the Counting Hours link on her FB page. Lovin’ it so far 🙂
Pick me, pick me!!!
I’ve just read your post about being so busy with two kids…I have two now, and was finding myself also counting the hours. Thanks for the reminder to count my blessings…
Congrats and lve both toffee and coffee 🙂
Your a such an encouragement! My first little one is due to arrive July 31st. You have inspired me in so many ways. I’ll be sure to “try” to not count the hours and live in the moment.Blessing on your day and hurray for no more Lurch!!!
Wow! My husband would love that much Starbucks coffee!!
I also have 5, but mine are spaced out about every 2 years, with my oldest being 11. I have been encouraged with your articles such as counting the hours, and I laughed until I cried over The Extra Mile!
Thank you for opening your heart to your readers, and for helping us laugh along the way. Laugh, it sure beats crying!
Not really a Starbucks person… only because it’s not in the budget, but still… homemade toffee would rock!
Thx for the giveaway.
Just found your blog. Read Counting the Hours and loved it. Looking forward to following your blog.
yaaa! I was hoping for big numbers. Congratulations dear friend, I am so glad for you.
Wow! how did you get 5000 responses! How did they all hear about you? You are one well known women now! Keep up posting those stories! Hey btw were you going to do the plant exchange or did I miss that?
Just read your “night owl” story with Lurch. I literally laughed out loud! Too funny, isn’t it amazing how God provides! 🙂 I would have entered just for the toffee but Starbucks too!? Count me in!
Toffee sounds good. 🙂 You can keep the Starbucks card.
Okay, if you win, I’m making you toffee and you can eat it at Starbucks while I sip coffee. 🙂 And if you’re on my blog, you must be back in town. Welcome home!!!
Homemade toffee sounds so yummy! I love your blog!
Thank you, Jessica! I have to make it for others because I don’t eat sugar. BUT I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!! *sniffle* I’ll be fine, really.
ooo, thanks for the giveaway!
I loved your Counting Hours post that was shared on Facebook. Made me stop and enjoy the everyday moments with my children. Somedays can be a little overwhelming with a 2.5 year old and 10 month old… Thank you for reminding me to slow down… Blessings ~ Rachel
I was so happy to hear your give away was toffee and coffee and not pizza’ 😉
Hehe!
Love the blog! Just came across your Counting the Hours post that someone had shared on FB. Yep- teared up a bit. 🙂 Lovely. <3
just found you and am really enjoying reading your posts!
Hannah
Loved reading your post, “Counting the Hours.” A friend shared it, and I am so glad she did! I am a young, stay-at-home mom and pastor’s wife and felt like I was reading my own story. Especially, toting the kids to church by myself! The days can be so long and tiring, but His grace is so sufficient! Thank you for your encouragement! I so look forward to following your blog – added it to my bookmarks bar!
Lookie here… I find a new blog that I think is awesome because the writer speaks to me where I’m at raising two little ones. And then, that same day she decides to give me a chance to win homemade toffee and a Starbucks GC?! Yep, Kristen, you’re a keeper!
oh my goodness…my mom just passed your blog on to me… she knows your mom…my parents were missionaries in the philippines…and now i am too. i have twin 3 year old boys….they are sandwhiched between my oldest who is 4(girl) and my youngest 18months (girl) i’m sooo excited to start reading your blog…sometimes i feel alone in the craziness of my life…the moms i’m around only have a couple of kids…and had them spread out… people don’t seem to understand when my kids are dancing on the table…and i let them get away with it…because well, i have decided not to fight that particular battle. 🙂
Brooke–I know you! We were in the Philippines at the same time, although we rarely saw each other since you guys weren’t in Malaybalay. My dad was the pilot on Mindanao for a time, so I remember your husband as well. I actually eavesdropped on your pregnancy with the twins because we overlapped a little bit, and my mom told me about you. I’ll send you a quick e-mail when I get the chance!
P.S. I always loved your brother’s name, so when we had twins, I finally got my Micah.
oh, I am SO totally leaving a comment 🙂
I’m new at fiveintow but I have 2 kids a 3 1/2 yr old with develpmental delays and a 2 year old and I was very encouraged by the counting the hours story.
Wow that’s awesome! Congratulations!!
Toffee with coffee? Winning would be totally sweet! Sharing them with a friend would triple the treat! Way to go, Five in Tow! Fun reading.
You made all of us laugh! Way to go above and beyond in your comment, Melody
I have 3 kids ages 3 and under and feel very encouraged by your posts. Thanks for sharing your stories.
I hope to be an encouragement like you have been to so many people some day!! 🙂
Thank you, Krystle! That’s an amazing compliment.
What a great giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win and congrats on the 5,000 hits!
Thank you! When we get to 10,000, I’m giving away a cheesecake.
A friend just recently shared a link to your blog. I have a 3 week old, and a 2 and 4 year old. Love your posts! The one about “counting the hours” was very poignant.
Blessings on your new little one!
My wife forwarded a link to “Counting the Hours.” Yes, I shed a tear or two. I found myself compelled to read through some of your other blog entries at work – perhaps more than I should have. “Junk Eddie” was good. “The Extra Mile” was outstanding as well. I laughed out load more than once. The Lord has blessed you with a special gift for writing. Please put me down for ten copies of your first book.
Chris–I’m saving your e-mail address. You’ll get an invoice in a couple months. 😉 Thanks so much for stopping by and staying for a bit. I am grateful for the opportunity to tell some stories, and humbled by the response. May all the glory go to Him!
A friend of mine posted the link to “Counting the Hours” so I stopped by to read it. What amazing memories it brought back!☺ I have read some of the other posts already, too, and enjoyed them immensely! Thank you!
Thank you, Deb. I’ve done my job if I brought you back to a time you once knew. It’s amazing how quickly it all comes back, isn’t it? Thanks for reading.
I have only read a couple of your post but I LOVED it. Your stories made my day and I look forward to many more and I LOVE toffee.
Toffee is a hug in every language.
I’m new to your blog but I love it already! You are a blessing!
Welcome, Olivia!
Loved your post about counting the hours. Thanks for your encouragement
Your posts strike a deep cord in all of us who are or have raised little ones. Bless you for the encouragement you bring!
Toffee YUM!!!!! And I LOVE Starbucks!! 🙂 My Kroger has one, so I can “drink and shop”. 😉
Win or not…Your stories always make me smile…Or cry….Sometimes both! Thank you for blessing us all with your gift!
You are just amazing, and yes you had me at toffee!!!!
Kristie- Its so fun to see all these folks loving your blog (which of course I do too)! You’re doing great!
This is just plain awesome.
yum! Who wouldn’t leave a comment for toffee and coffee! And, I’ll take the moment to tell you I love your writing too!
as new mommas, you know how important coffee (and toffee) is! I love reading your blog!
If I gave away One Good Night’s Sleep, I bet I’d get a million hits. Alas.
I hope I win! 🙂
Love reading your stories, Kristie. You have blessed my heart!
You know, Starbucks, that little coffee chain needs every penny it can get. 😉
I know. I’m all about charity.
Love your blog– so thankful for other moms!!
Just found your blog today! You bless!
So thankful for all your great writing. You’re doing a wonderful job and each one seems to get better. Still waiting for a book, oh and Sarah’s waiting for the sequel to “The Contingency Plan” 😉
I know! I started one for her, and then I got distracted. ADD much? Yes.
I love your blog, thank you so much! And this is definitely an awesome giveaway!
Love your blog and your kids are adorable!
I’m new here but can I throw my name in the hat? I promise to come back tonight when I’m not at work (I’m on my 15 minute “I have to stop staring at these boxes” break) and catch up on the archives and everything. 😉
Of course you can! We’re all friends here! 😉 I appreciate the fact that you used up your break to stop by.
It was just the thing I needed to save me from the monotony of my day. (I thought things were boring when I stayed home all the time, I didn’t realize spending all day by myself in a warehouse full of boxes could be worse. Its like having a newborn all over again, but with no excuse to leave!)
What a fun and thoughtful giveaway!
I enjoyed discovering your blog yesterday….and see, I couldn’t help coming back. 😉
http://songinmyheart-rachele.blogspot.com/
Thank you, Rachel!
Oh yum! Love your blog!
I was one of your first-timers yesterday. I love your blog already! And due to a non-sleeping baby, I’m learning to love coffee. 🙂
Love your comments by your kids. When my boys were littler, I wrote down their quips too. Here’s a fave: 2 boys in the tub, ages 1 1/2 and almost 3 yo. Oldest hops out and is drying off. Second son sees his bare bottom and comments, “Wow! Neat!” Older son responds with consternation, “That’s not neat, (name)! That’s my butt!” That interchange still brings tears to my eyes, I laugh so hard.
i wanna win!!
I’m a first-time-mom with a 4mo who doesnt sleep. thanks to you, I have hope I can make it and a smile from your stories!
Congratulations!! I love your blog and your hair 🙂
Hahaha!
I just read your post for the first time the other day and was moved to tears. I have 4 little ones, well, the youngest is 7 now, but your words brought laughter, tears, memories, and a feeling of God’s love. Thank you for writing and sharing your life with others.
KT
Gasp! You had my interest at toffee and then when you added coffee, that was it! Now, go feed those young’uns.
You are a woman after my own heart. 🙂
Woo hoo I’m the first! My wife would be VERY pleased with the toffee; do I have to tell her about the Starbucks card? 🙂
. . . or make that the second.
I won’t tell if you don’t tell..
I loved the counting the hours post…I have spent many, many hours in the cry room at church with my four kiddos. Thank you for that post!