My 200th Post - And A Giveaway!!

Wow! 200 posts! Can you believe it? Mari celebrated her 100th post recently, and it made me realize that I'd never even really paid attention to how many posts I had. I checked it out that day and was surprised to see that I was almost to 200. I started laughing because I couldn't belive I'd actually come up with 200 random things to write about. (I know my husband wouldn't be surprised at all. My guess is he thinks I'm probably babbling my way to 500 by now!)

Tonight I couldn't sleep (ohhh- shocker!) so I just spent about an hour re-reading my previous blog entries. As I waded through forgotten moments in time, feelings, and experiences, it struck me just how much I treasure this outlet. I've grown so much in the past two years -- as a wife, as a mother, as a person, but most importantly as a Child of God. I'm so grateful that I have it all in print and that I've left footprints of this journey that I've been on.

One thing that's been truly wonderful for me is that this is a safe place for me to share my faith. My struggles, my questions, and my reflections about this blessed life the Lord has given to me...I love having a place to express myself about what is becoming a bigger and bigger part of me each day. I read this passage tonight (you know, since I've been up all night) and it immediately made me think of my blog.

Psalm 63: 6-7 "I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on You through the night. I think how much You have helped me; I sing for joy in the shadow of Your protective wings."


Many of my God moments seem to come in the middle of the night - -and it's nice to have an outlet for those thoughts. It's also nice to be connected with people who know what I'm going through, who have been there, and who are able to offer support, love and encouragement. I never would have thought that a blog would be such a blessing in this way!

I have to laugh that my very first post was also written at 5:00 a.m. In fact, I think that at least half of my entries were written between the hours of 12 - 6 a.m. -- I try to make good use of that insomnia thing. By the way, Kim - you were my inspiration to start blogging. I loved reading yours and decided that it would be something fun to try -- and here I am now!

My 100th post celebrated my love of autumn -- of sweater weather, all things pumpkin (how did I forget to mention my beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte, by the way??) and leaf peeping. Today we had a chilly morning here, complete with a cool, autumn rain -- I was in heaven! Who knew 100 posts ago, I was in that same state of mind?

This crazy bloggy world has offered me the chance to get to know some amazing people and to make some new friends. It's also given me an opportunity to get to know people in different ways, and on a much deeper level. It's such a blessing that with the click of a mouse, I am allowed to share such personal and touching parts of people's lives. So - to all of you, my bloggy friends...thanks for letting me come into your worlds each day, and for all of the support, laughs and encouragement you've shared with me in mine. I never would have dreamed I would have so much fun or learn so much about myself and other people this way.

SO...since I've enjoyed this little part of my life so much, I want to celebrate a little bit with my 200th Never-Dull-Moment! Leave a message today telling me about one of your favorite bloggy moments -- it can be a memory you wouldn't have preserved any other way, a friendship you've discovered, a comment from a reader that really touched you...just any moment that makes you glad to be part of this crazy little bloggy world!

Anyone who plays along today will be eligible to win my little prize pack of Colorado goodies! If the random number generator picks the number of your comment -- you win! How easy is that?

What's in the prize pack, you ask?

• A packet of Aspen Mulling spiced cider mix
• A packet of cinnamon chocolate hot cocoa mix
• Some chocolate aspen leaves
• Mexican pinto bean dip mix (which, by the way will support The Women's Bean Project)
• A "Colorful Colorado" coloring book (for any little ones that might enjoy it!)

And because you've been fairly warned that poop may be involved when you enter my world...

• A package of Big Horn Sheep Doodles (double-dipped chocolate covered peanuts)

So, there ya go...200 and counting. Thanks for coming along for the ride!