It’s been one whole year that I’ve been blogging! And I’m just shocked at what a huge world it opened up for me. I know I’ve blogged about this a billion times before but I can’t help it!
I first found blogging through some girls on a playgroup/messageboard I joined when Lydia was born. I got so sucked in to their lives, I was living vicariously through them! (and still do!)
When I started my blog, I don’t really know what I hoped. I just loved the idea of writing and possibly having someone else read it! Little did I know I’d actually meet (to turn a boomama phrase) tens of people that I call friends!
I really do consider you friends. If you’ve never made an online friend, I know it sounds freaky. But if you have, then you understand. I miss you guys when I’m not caught up on your blogs. I feel like a bad friend when I haven’t commented in awhile! It’s because you’ve brought something rich to my life. You are a constant source of encouragement and joy!
So, to honor you, my bloggy friends, I’m borrowing a page from Megan‘s blogiversary and giving you some gifts. I’ve got 3 of my favorite things to give away: something purple, something etsy and something readable!
The Purple. This gift is for the person that has commented the most on my blog in the last year. As soon as I decided to do this, I knew it would be between two people. My bbb’s, Val and Annie have commented their fingers to the bone over here! So, I counted them up and lo and behold, they were only 3 comments apart. Annie, you left me 215 comments! But, Val, you left 218 comments!
Yay, Val! Thanks for making my first year so fun! Are you ready for your prize? I know it’s kinda strange, but after I saw it, I just had to buy it. Val, my dear friend, you are about to be the owner of SIX personalized purple Sharpies!
Can you see how cool they are? I made them say “Purple Valley & Oh Amanda BBBF” (best bloggy buds forever), but you can get them to say whatever you want!
(Oh, and Annie, as second prize, you win 213 comments from me! I better get hoppin! Love you!)
The etsy. Here’s what I did—I decided to find my most popular post. This is the first time I’ve ever looked at my stats by post and it was very interesting! Of course, the giveaways and carnivals were the biggest. So, I picked the most popular post that wasn’t linked to anyone. It was my Right to Life post! That surprised me but it also made me happy. I like that one.
Anyway, I randomized a winner from my commenters and wah-lah, Missy@It’s Almost Naptime, you just won ONE of your very own felt panda finger puppets from Cheryl A Smith’s etsy shop!
(If you have no idea why I’d give this away, you just haven’t been around long enough!)
The readable. Yup, it’s a book. You were hoping for a magnet, maybe? This one was a bit harder. I love to read. I have so many books that mean so much to me. But I ended up going with the purpliest and the bloggiest book. It’s called Sahm I Am by Meredith Efken. It’s the story four women (all stay-at-home-moms) who live all over the country but are best friends via the internet. Well, how much more perfect can it get? Plus, the cover is purple. So, yeah. I had to give it away.
(Now, this isn’t a brand new book. I’ve read this one. So, if there are chocolate smudged finger prints or some bent pages, you’ll know they are from me! Your very own piece of oh amanda memorabilia! Ooooh. Aaaaah.)
So, who gets this book? Well, it could be you! I’m having a photo tag! I’m tagging you to show us a picture of you and your blog. I’m pretty sure you saw my blog and me above. Yes, the one of me kissing my computer. Pull out your camera and let’s see the 2 of you together!
First take your pic, then post it on your blog, sign the Mr. Linky with the URL from THAT POST and if you want, link back here. Then wait for me to announce the winner. (While you’re waiting, please go visit the other blogs playing along! You might meet your new BBBF!) We’ll do this until…Friday…is that ok? I’ll announce a winner then!
Thank you again for giving me such a fun year. I love my blog because of all of you! Thank you being my friend. I’m honored.
Val says
Oh my goodness, are you serious?!?! This is just WAY too cool! (I can’t imagine counting all those!!!)
Amanda, thank you!! I have probably left more comments on your blog than anyone elses . . . that’s how much I love your blog and love YOU. I cannot WAIT to get my purple-y Sharpies!!! (which honestly I don’t really deserve since I haven’t been the best commenter as of late, but I promise to be better. Cross my heart promise!)
This is just so exciting! Probably the most exciting thing to happen in my life this week :c)
Okay, I’m probably leaving way too long of a comment, but I’m just overly excited about this which is probably really silly, but oh well. That’s why you love me, right? 🙂 Now the question is, how do I tell my husband about this? I already know he’ll make some sarcastic comment about how this is proof that I spend too much time online 😉 But I’m going to have to fess up because I’m going to be writing in purple a lot. I have to explain all the pens somehow! 🙂
Thanks again, a, and congrats Annie!!!!!
Love,
Your BBBF :c)
Chel says
WHERE did you find the personalized Sharpies?! I’m gonna have to have some of those. 🙂
bee says
It’ll take me until Friday at least to get up the nerve to post a picture of myself. I mean, I can’t even tell folks my real name! 🙂
What a fun way to celebrate!! You are my motivation to be more creative!
annie says
I demand a recount!
j/j
I look forward to many more comments to and from you!!!
love you. 🙂
Brittanie says
Hi Amanda
I love your site not sure how I found it but I am glad I did. Way cool on the sharpies. I am obsessed with pens etc. 🙂
Leigh says
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!!! And I’m so glad I found you… though not technically through your blog, it was a blog that got me into the Swaparooni with you!!! I am thankful that I can call you a friend, and so glad that you are a sister in Christ! That’s the best part!
So my pic is up. That was a hard one to take. I’m glad hubby wasn’t home – he would’ve been really confused at the positions I was trying to get in behind the monitor! 😀
Hope you’re feeling well!
Leslie says
my birthday patiers were always well attended as a kid because people wanted to get their kids out of the house during the school break. But, as the time before Christmas can be a busy time, I still “vote” that you have a shindig for your little guy. You could have it later when you are visiting your family? I’ve also had several birthday gatherings with my cousin (also the 20th) and my Christmas-day born grandfather. We just picked a day the family could be together and not in different states.My two cents.I think Mary Carver’s husband’s birthday is Christmassy as well…maybe even the same as mine? I bet she’ll throw him a nice party :)Sarah L
Jodi says
Amanda, I love how seamlessly your blog flows from studying the Psalms to giving away free sharpies 🙂 What a fun contest!
I chuckled at Leigh’s comment about being glad her hubby wasn’t home. I made mine take the picture – LOL!
Thanks again and happy blogiversary!
Misty says
so fun! I totally want a BBBF now!
My Quotidian Mysteries says
Happy, Happy blogiversary/blogibirthday!
You make bloggin’ a joy!
Amy says
Happy Blogiversary!!! How cool that it’s been a year! I’m debating on the picture thing. I sooo hate me in pictures of any kind, lol.
I hope you have another very happy year!! Will you be my BBBF??? ;o)
Jen says
A very happy Bloggiversary to you!!! I have so enjoyed your blog these past few months since I won that wonderful book! I will take a picture to post tomorrow! I would sure love that book! Some of my best friends I met online in two yahoo groups of SAHM’s…these ladies have become so special to me. You are right, if you’ve never made a friend online you don’t get it, but if you do it makes perfect sense! I have even met two of them in real life!!! Anyway, I hope you have many more happy blogging years ahead!
Liz @ Discovering Liz says
Ooooh Amanda, happy bloggy anniversary! So glad I found you. I’ll try to enter your drawing by tomorrow.
Vader's Mom says
Personalized purple Sharpies! I need to go find some of those!!
What a fun idea you have here. Wish my hubby was home to snap my photo with my blog. I might have to go get creative on you…
Candace says
Amanda, still amazed at your bloggy-goodness, even after a year! You’re so dedicated, and so good at it! It’s been such a joy getting to know you better through this media and I hope you continue for many many years to come? How else will Conner and Lydia survive a long-distance relationship so they might possibly get married and we could be in-laws?? 😉
Liz @ Discovering Liz says
Alright, I finally got mine up. Whew! Glad I got it done in time.
Kellie H. says
Happy Happy to you! thanks for all the introductions to bloggy carnivals and treasures on etsy.
Happy Love day!
Chel says
I bought a bunch of birthday Sharpies last night! You’re the best for showing me the way to Sharpie pleasures.
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