Saturday, April 18, 2009

500 and counting...

When I started blogging, it never occurred to me that it would become an outlet, a journal, a photo album, a gathering place. It never crossed my mind that people (even if it's only a few) would faithfully read my words, let alone comment :) But it has and people do and I'm forever grateful.

I have appreciated the kind words on hard days, the encouragement through trials and the prayers that have sustained me through my worst. Whether you know it or not, my friends, you have seen me and walked with me through my absolute best and the most dreaded worst. You've helped and watched me make a home, learn to be a wife and a mom, walk with the Lord and grow up. Thank you just doesn't seem like enough!! But thank you, from the bottom of my heart!!!

Thank you for walking through my struggle with infertility and then a miscarriage, the death of my dad, and moving across the country. Thank you for rejoicing with me when we got pregnant and when Benjamin was born (and for a blog baby shower, nonetheless!!). Thank you for enduring countless rants and randomness and stories ("I like your kissy wallet" for those long time followers!), pictures of my baby boy and so many posts about Europe :) I treasure you all so much and I'm blessed by all of you.

With all of that said this is my 500th post! In order to show my appreciation I have a little something to give away. All you have to do is leave a comment and I'll randomly pick a winner. So all you blog stalkers out there - reveal yourselves! A prize is at stake :) I'll take comments until Monday evening, then let the winning begin!

So thanks again, for everything!

23 comments:

Beth said...

Ooh, I get to be the first to comment! It is great reading your blog, Ashley. :) It will be fun to see what the giveaway is!

(As a side note, speaking of your blog baby shower, did you ever see my blog? I was a few days late, and I wasn't sure if you did or not. If not: http://www.bethabee.com/2009/01/for-ashley.html)

Morgan said...

pick me! pick me! your little one is so cute!

Jason and Sarah said...

I love give-a-ways...but I've never won:( Pick Me!

T@R@ said...

500 posts...wow, that's intense...i think i only have like 50 or something but i have loved following you via blogging, hearing your thoughts and especially seeing your pics. keep the blogs comin'! here's to 500 more ;)

Courtney said...

Ooh, I like prizes! Pick me, pick me!

Oh, I like your blog, too. :)

mama cindy said...

Thank you for blogging. It makes me feel close to you, plus I'd addicted to it and your sweet little man.

Steph said...

um...did you say prize?...go ahead and put my little name in that hat.
Thanks, Sugar!

Congrats on 500! Wow!

(I apologize for the eccentric comment...I'm in a mood :)

Jess said...

Hey Miss Ashley! It was so nice talking to you at the wedding reception! Hope you, Patrick, and Benjamin are doing well! Lovely idea to give a prize! It's been a blessing to read your blog though, thanks for sharing your life with the rest of us! :)

Erin said...

Yay for 500, you faithful blogger, you!

young wife&mom said...

I love reading about your life as you walk in faith...and well.. of course i love winning prizes too!

Casey said...

hi! i'm one of your stalkers...but i'm a friendly sort of stalker! : ) i found you through my friend beth (from bethabee).

yay for giveaways! i'm all about free stuff! : )

Anonymous said...

I just love how you are so open and honest and share all you are learning! You are doing a great job, mom!
Love,
Shannon

Cole said...

Hooray for blogs! I love keeping up with you and yours-congrats on 500!

Anonymous said...

Love you. See you Thursday

Bethany

Jen said...

holy, cow! 500 posts?!?
Not surprised as you're quite the wordsmith. I've enjoyed reading!

Hoping to meet Benjamin soon, sorry I missed you when you were in MD last weekend.

mom of 3, hater of cheese and birds said...

congrats on 500!

Nathan & Sarah said...

prize or not, congratulations on your 500th post... wow!

Anonymous said...

Ashley, I am so glad to have gotten to know you a little better, even if it's though the joy of the internet:) I am glad you have an outlet for your thoughts and feelings. Believe me, I remember all too well how hard it is to be a new mom. But it will soon become second-nature and you will excell:) God bless!!

~Erin

Jeannie said...

is there chocolate involved? :) congrats, sweetcakes

Anonymous said...

Ash,

I enjoy reading your blog, it keeps me updated on your life and you, which I love! Happy 500!

Juliana

heather said...

Whew! Almost missed that deadline! :) Congrats on 500! My little fledgling blog can only hope to aspire to so many entries! :) Your blog is a blessing to me!

m.wright said...

I so enjoy reading your blogs and am so glad you post so often. I need to link your blog to mine just so I have it handy. Thanks for sharing your words with all of us. Keep it up!

Wendy Paine Miller said...

You know, it's weird...I just stumbled across your blog...and I too have dealt/am dealing with all four things at the start of your
3rd paragraph...I hope you've come through the other side...and feel God's hand on you.
~ Wendy