Becca Groves Header
 photo home_zps1cc7d3c8.png photo start_zpsa2c6c1a1.png photo motherhood_zps5b7bd8a5.png photo grovestead_zpsa872b0de.png  photo bees_zps9cbb22f2.png  photo contact_zps6de91cd9.png

the big 800 and a big, whoppin' giveaway!

Wowza. Blogger changed its formatting a while back so that it included a running count of the posts you have written. And this, my friends, marks my eight hundredth blog post.

I started blogging 3 1/2 years ago. It began as a travel blog, documenting a road trip Rory and I were taking throughout Canada and the western half of the United States. This was the first image I posted in my very first post. A map of our planned roadtrip:

On that six week roadtrip I began taking photoshop classes through jessicasprague.com which opened up a whole new world of digital art, fonts, online scrapbooking... and so I started posting what I was learning, documenting the important things, like how much I love the Teriyaki restaurants out west.

And classy scrapbook layouts about our cat.
And lovely layouts showcasing the best picnic location we've ever found. (and we've enjoyed a lot of beautiful picnics...)


Once we returned home, we ended up hitting the road again and lived in Nebraska for two years while I worked as a program director at a Bible Camp. The blog morphed into an easy way to stay connected to friends and family back in Minnesota. I also got very crafty while in Nebraska. Sort of found a new passion out there for fabric and paper and ribbons and crop-o-diles.



And then we came back to Minnesota and had baby Ivar. And the blog became an incredible outlet for writing about mamahood, the gift of family and frankly, any thought or rambling under the sun.

It's no secret. I love to blog. I love, love, love it. And I love even more that YOU come to read. I have a very consistent readership and for that I am so, so grateful. I love this space. I love documenting life like this and I love the back and forth that a blog provides whether you comment, drop me a line or pick up the phone. It makes life more full.

So to celebrate, I am going to do my FIRST EVER GIVEAWAY!!! At least, I think it's my first ever. Have I done this before?

I am putting together a smattering of my very favorite things. Including: my two favorite cd's: Andrew Peterson's Counting Stars and Sara Groves' Invisible Empires (or, if you already have this album, which you might because my blog readers tend to be Sara listeners...you can pick from any of her cd's), haribo fruit salad gummies, the Jesus storybook bible, bridge mix, and the greatest little Q and A 5-year-journal a lucky blog reader could hope for. People, all told, this is over a $60 value. And it's stuff you're going to love. Or love to eat. And love to listen to.

Now I'm going to get gimmicky on you. I'm going to do the whole leave a comment to win thing. But I'm also going to go the route of if you tweet about this giveaway and/or mention this in your facebook status and/or your blog you may enter three more times. And finally, if you are a follower or become a follower, you get to enter one more time. Up to five times. Stop me now, people.

Recap of the five ways to enter:
1. Leave a comment telling me your favorite kind of candy (I changed the settings! It's super easy now!!!)
2. Tweet about this giveaway with a link to this post or blog
3. Update your facebook status with a link to this blog
4. Become a follower. If already following leave a comment telling me you already follow
5. Mention this giveaway on your own blog

Now, the small print. This giveaway is open to EVERYONE. Even my mom. Even Rory's mom. In fact, if either of you won, it would be quite handy not having to pay the shipping. Former employees of mine (heh) may also enter. If you were ever my Sunday school teacher, or even better...if I was ever your Sunday school teacher, you had better leave a comment. If you're brand new to this blog you can enter. If you've been here since the beginning you may enter too. If you've been silently following and never commented before I want you to leave a comment the very most. Pretty please!

I will announce the winner next Monday. You've got one week!

So that's that. 800 blog posts. It's a whole lot of words. It's a lot of thoughts, stories and ideas. So, so happy I've kept this thing up. Here's to another 800.

77 comments:

[not the] Best Blog Ever said...

You're in luck this morning: I'm up for a good giveaway, and this definitely looks to be a good one...

My favorite kind of candy... Hmm. That's tough. Right now I'd say sour chewy gummy worms or red licorice.

I'll do the other steps too; I'd really love to win. :) So - stand by...

[not the] Best Blog Ever said...

Numbers 2-5: DONE!

BAM.

In it to win it, my friends... In it to win it.

:)

Lacy said...

This is a great giveaway and congrats on 800, holy moly!

My favorite candy is...chocolate cadbury mini eggs, and they're on the shelves!

Lacy said...

I put it on facebook.

Lacy said...

I already follow your beautiful blog:)

Emily said...

Morning Becca-

I follow your blog! I love reading what you have to say!

Emily

Emily said...

My favorite candy has to be . . . .green apple laffy taffy. But then again I love all kinds of candy!!

What an awesome giveaway package you put together!!

Congrats on 800 posts!!

Beth S. said...

I follow your blog, too, Becca, though I don't know that I've ever commented. It makes me laugh and cry, sometimes all in the same day.

My favorite candy is Dove milk chocolate. Mmm.

Heather said...

I guess I'm a silent follower, even though I've told you I'm following! I love your creative ideas and thoughts. Thanks for sharing them! Congrats on #800!

My favorite candy is (I have too many!) anything gummy, especially gummy rootbeer bottles and gummy bears. Swedish Fish are also high on the list.

Unknown said...

My favorite candy of all time is Laffy Taffy. I love it so much...I could eat it all day long. Sometimes I get a kick out of reading the jokes on the wrappers.

Unknown said...

I just started following your blog today because your sis-in-law tweeted about it! :-)

Unknown said...

I just sent a post to my blog about your blog! :-)

Amy Evelyn Oden said...

Happy to find your charming blog via a tweet by Sara. I'm a big fan of Swedish Fish...and Jelly Bellies...and at 28 weeks pregnant, everything else edible within a 10 mile radius :-D.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I tweeted about it, too! And updated my Facebook status :-)

brittany said...

I read your blog religiously but comment lightly.. keep bloggin' away!

Favorite candy: sour peachies or anything sour.

brittany said...

and I already follow!

brittany said...

and I posted on facebook.. I guess I really want to win!

The Rings said...

Congratulations on 800 posts! I am so thankful you have continued blogging since your fabulous road trip. I am inspired and encouraged by your posts and they are often "starred" so I can return to them days down the road. Thank you!

MMM, I love candy. Favorite=Australian red licorice

(linked on facebook and a blog post to come)

Paige said...

I look so forward to checking in on your blog each week, my friend! I can't think of a better way to keep in touch. Well, aside from moving in next door to each other, which by the way, would be MUCH better. Any chance you're looking to move to Minocqua??? LOVE YOU!!!

Nancy Holte said...

Congrats on 800 blogs! I'm just so sad that I missed your first couple of years. I totally love your blog, but you already knew that. My favorite candy changes on a regular basis - depending on my mood. Today it's Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Tomorrow it could be Red Vines. Oh wait, that is quickly moving into top place for today. I can't talk about it anymore. It's making me hungry. I'm not sure if I follow your blog or not. I'm not even totally sure how to do that or what it means. Like I said earlier, I need you as my blog tutor. BUT, I do have it delivered automatically to my computer via RSS Feed. As for linking from my blog. If I get one written, I'll totally link to your blog although there is a permanent link to your blog on the side bar of my screen right now. Only three people sit in that spot of honor right now.

Bekah Boo said...

oooo! My favorite candy is sweet tarts. I think. It could also be gobstoppers.

sarah in the woods said...

800! Way to go! I haven't even made it to 600 yet. I love the map picture. That's the kind of thing I get excited about - where to next! Dark chocolate is my favorite favorite.

sarah in the woods said...

i follow

Jacqueline Holland said...

Crazy, I actually went to the computer thinking "I need to get my act together and subscribe to Becca's blog" now I'm kind of glad I was a slacker for so long.

favorite candy is Dark chocolate covered ANYTHING!

And I'll status update you too for sure.

The Blog is awesome too BTW

Lindsey said...

This is so exciting :-) Favorite candy...Now and Laters. Hope my facebook leads to some more followers! Hope you're doing well!

Marisa said...

HI Becca,
You don't know me and I am one of your silent followers. I actually found your blog through your cousins Darin and Kristin Jago. I was originally from Fairmont and went to church with Sara & Kathy and their family. I found your blog and have been hooked ever since. I love reading it and find it encouraging as a mommy of 2.
Lets see favorite candy is peanut butter M&M's!

Thanks for all the fun and real life blogs!

Marisa Maloney

sembatgirl said...

Hi lady! LOVE the recap of the years and hoooooray for a giveaway! :) My favorite candy -- gummy bears. But here's the thing: Some gummy bears are not good. I'm still on a quest to find the best ones. Nothing stinks more than buying bad (read: hard, not flavorful, stick to your teeth) gummy bears. Right??

sembatgirl said...

And yes, I follow. My favorite part of my googlereader is when YOUR NAME is in bold (meaning NEW POST!)

Jamie Willow said...

I follow! and I'll get to the other sharing things soon and be back to enter again :)

Renee said...

Congrats on 800!! So fun to read your posts!

Favorite candy...Snickers bar... mmm!

Renee said...

and I follow!!

Joy @ Sea said...

Congratulations on 800 posts Becca! I read almost all of them. I know there's a book in that mind of yours too that is probably not far off!

Love,

Dad Groves

annika said...

Way to go, Sister!
Favorite candy? Gummies - bears, peaches, sour worms, or the delicious fruit salad. And then there's dark chocolate.

xo

Shannon said...

I'm so glad you blog. I 've been here since the beginning --and was a part of that road trip : )

I don't want to win because I have all of the things in giveaway --I just want to encourage you to continue blogging. You're good at it.

-Shannon

Debby said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Debby said...

Amazing that I am reading your blog for the first time and it is your 800th. Congratulations Becca!! I so enjoy having you in our Moms group. Your enthusiasm is contagious and your insights are right on!! God Bless your next 800 blogs!!

Heather O. said...

Following! Commenting! I love peanut M&M's. -Heather O.

Anonymous said...

Hi....you don't know me either but none the less I am hooked on your blog! I graduated with Beth Zimmerman-Hilden and found your blog through her blog. You inspire me with your words, thoughts and actions. Love checking in daily for new news! All time favorite candy would be Twizzlers Red Licorice.
Take Care - Becky :)

margaret harrington said...

thin mints! Or maybe carmels with seasalt made by Diane Michelson and brought to Arizona and shared by Annie!
I adore your blogs...can't get too much of Ivar!!!!

Erika Solomonson said...

Hi Becca! My favorite candy is Trader Joe's Dark chocolate peanut butter cups--a staple in our house!
I really enjoy your blog, your storytelling is such a gift.

Allie said...

Love your blog, Becca! I've been a faithful follower ever since I learned of your blog! :) (There's entry #1 for the giveaway...)

Allie said...

And my favorite candy is Twizzlers Nibs, but they recently came out with Nibs that are the same length as regular licorice, and THOSE are my favorite! :) (There's entry #2 for the giveaway...) :)

Allie said...

I just put a link on my Facebook wall! (That's entry #3 for the giveaway...) :)

Allie said...

I just tweeted! (And that's entry #4 for the giveaway... and sadly, it's also my last entry, as I don't have a blog... oh well...) :)

Laura Chapman said...

I follow your blog!

Laura Chapman said...

My favorite kind of candy is starbursts!!!! Or any kind of chocolate covered nut!

Laura Chapman said...

facebooked it!

Laura Chapman said...

tweeted it!

Lisa Groves said...

Oh My Goodness!! GIVEaways!!!! yeah!!!!! Love them! I would love to win it all! hahahaha...Sorry, (not the) Best Blog Ever..but I believe I am in it to win it! Win Big or Go Home I say! :)

Lisa Groves said...

My favorite Candy... so many...today it is...Frozen Dove Milk Chocolate pieces!!!!

Lisa Groves said...

Josie is entering and says her favorite candy is KitKat!!!!

Lisa Groves said...

..and if I knew HOW to use my Twitter account I would be tweeting:)

a midwestern belle said...

My favorite candy is probably Swedish Fish or Sour Patch Kids!

a midwestern belle said...

I follow your blog!

emilyberit said...

Congrats on post 800!!

I love Peanut M&Ms!!

Bethany D said...

Congrats on the 800th post!

Bethany D said...

My favorite candy is peanut m&ms!

Bethany D said...

I am tweeting about this

Bethany D said...

I have updated my FB with a link to your blog.

Heather MK said...

I just joined your blog...and I love candy, that's it...any kind of candy.

Amanda B. said...

Hmmm...my favorite candy is definitely Lindor truffles, but I also have a serious weakness for the Twizzler cherry bites.

Lacy said...

I just blogged about it:)

Anonymous said...

Hey Becca! I follow your blog! :)

Anonymous said...

That last comment was from me (Allie) I suppose it helps if I sign it!!

My favorite candy is jellybeans!

Erika said...

I love reading your blog. I've been a silent follower until now. My favorite type of candy is laffy taffy or anything dark chocolate. I'm also going to post a link to this on my FB page. Congrats on 800!

Erika

Erika said...

Just posted on FB!
Erika

where the hart is said...

Holy goodness! Look at all these comments. Your former employee is adding one now ;) I don't write so much any more, usually I just log in to read yours!

Alisha said...

Im a follower!!! Im the Cub Scout Leader im Potsdam NY that is using your very creative ideas for our cubs!!! I just Love you and your sweet little family!

Sarah McQuade said...

Congrats on 800, my friend! I always love keeping up with your adventures. I especially enjoy your reflections on parenting - it's refreshing and encouraging. We're excited to be joining you in parenthood soon. Little "Blade" McQuade is due a week from tomorrow already!!

Okay, on to the contest. My favorite candy would have to be Tropical Dots -- they're not particularly special but they're an absolutely must-have when we go to movies. (Which I hear we will soon never be able to do again. Ha!)

Does Coldstone's Cake Batter ice cream count too? Heavenly. That's probably the greatest invention since the special spider-slaying dust buster sold in the Sky Mall catalogue.

Congrats again! :) :) :)

this is our story said...

I'm a big fan of Snickers... and Twix.. and sour gummy worms, and chewy gobstoppers. Ok, I like sweets. Oh, and I'm already a follower. Wouldn't miss a single one of your posts! :)

Amy G said...

Becca, I love reading your posts! You are such a talented writer. :) Also, I actually am a follower!

Julie said...

Hi Becca!
Bailey and I are following!! Reeses peanut butter cups and Butterfingers! We love your blog!!

Debby said...

My favorite candy is Mounds Bar!! Gotta love dark chocolate and coconut!!

Lynelle said...

I am a silent follower, I think I found you through Jamie. I love your blog, I have gotten great ideas from you. My favorite candy right now is Dove chocolate but that changes often.

Lynelle said...

I am following too.

Sharing Life said...

I am a follower of yours, though not super dedicated. I had a thought to myself to check out your blog, and I've learned all sorts of new things! I miss you tons, and I am glad you are giving away the Jesus Storybook Bible--got me through some of my roughest times :-)

~Hugs~