This post marks my 100th blog post! I am not sure exactly why that is exciting to me, other than anything ‘100’ feels special, right?
In honor of the 100th post, I wanted to reflect back a bit and celebrate the baby steps….
- The original blog, Monday Night Manners, expanded into Raising Lemons.
- The new name, website, and format was launched in March 2011- just 4 months ago.
- I have seen steady growth and new readers.
- A commercial website tweeted about one of my posts last week!
- I was invited to link with the Power of Moms!
- Raising Lemons Facebook page reached over 100 Likes! You can like it here.
- People that don’t know me read the blog!
- I have had 2 topic requests for posts!
- Although I’ve got a long way to go, my photography is looking better!
- I have a strong google presence (about half of my readers each day are from google)
Yeah for progress and baby steps!
I also wanted to give out a few awards:
MOST COMMENTS- The race was neck and neck for the Most Comments award so I am declaring it a tie. The award goes to my SIL, Laura McNeilis and my other SIL, Ashlee Erickson. I think they both feel sorry for me when no one comments, but I’ll take their pity. They make me feel like someone is reading the blog. Laura wins a free nursery painting and Ashlee wins a free babysitting night. (They had no idea why I was taking this picture…hehe…)
BIGGEST PIMP- The Biggest Pimp award goes to my sister, Angela. She has pimped my blog more than anyone else. She’s shared it on Facebook, emailed the blog to friends, and discussed it with her running buddies or with friends at lunch. She has even gone as far as to personally ask all of her friends to read my blog as a favor to her. Their friendship depends on it. She wins a peanut butter, Reeses Peanut Butter Cup milkshake. (I downloaded her Facebook profile pic. hehe…)
SILENT SUPPORT- The Silent Support award goes to my brother, Garett. He is a single guy with no kids, but has read every post. (Or at least now he has to.) He was a patient listener as I started on this project and he believes I can do this. He wins a wife and a garden spot.
BEST BLOGGING HUSBAND- And Best Blogging Husband award goes to Chad. He previews every post- tells me when I am holding back or when I’ve said too much. He tells me when I don’t make sense and when I nailed it. He comments, shares posts on his Facebook, and he even makes comments on other blogs under the name RaisingLemons. Not to mention that he is my IT guy. Whenever I can’t figure out a computer thing, he is there to the rescue. He wins a plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies.
Thanks for all of the support from family and friends and now new blog friends! I so appreciate when you leave comments, share a favorite post on Facebook, tell a neighbor about the blog, suggest a friend “Like” it on Facebook, put my button on your blog, etc. Anything helps to spread the word.
I am always trying to improve the blog and my next goal is to add a section to my side bar spotlighting favorite blog posts. That way first time visitors or new readers can get a sampling of what the blog is about. I want to list my best 10-20 posts. I’d love your opinion, so please leave me a comment and tell me some of your favorite posts out of the 100.
Here’s to 100 more posts and a better blog … baby steps at a time!
![I spoke in church today and said the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the greatest act of Charity. I read Moroni 7:45-47 to make my point. But wherever there was the word ‘Charity’ I substituted it out for ‘the Atonement of Jesus Christ.’ See if these scripture verses now have new meaning for you:
“And the Atonement of Jesus Christ suffererth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth in the truth,
[The Atonement of Jesus Christ] beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not the Atonement of Jesus Christ, ye are nothing, for the Atonement of Jesus Christ never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail-
But the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.”
So Easter really reminds us of love. The first and greatest commandment.](https://www.raisinglemons.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
You’re right- I am a pimp. If there is one thing I do well, it is cheerlead for great causes. This blog is one of those. THe other thing I do REALLY well is eat PEANUT BUTTER SHAKES with anything peanut buttery in them. So I gladly accept this award, and look forward to many more in the future. And my favorite blogs posts have been in this order 3)) Click it 2) What motherhood taught me about God- (all 4 in the series)- and the big #1) Who am I? I think they all were inspirational, funny, and relevant. Love ya Tiff. Can’t wait for our peanut butter date. Bring it on!
Hi Tiffany! Congratulations on 100! I love all your ideas. As a school OT, I am a huge fan of the activity ideas. Loved the straw shooting cupid and the valentine mailboxes. You are super inspirational…I would love to be a Stenson kind of mom someday!
Happy 100 Tiff!! I love your blog and wish I could read it more often. You are awesome!! Congrats to you!
Well, shoot; I absolutely have to comment on the 100th post! Now I just feel like a nerd:) I really do love your blog and think you do an amazing job. And beleive me, the comments aren’t out of pity. I just hope I don’t annoy you with all of my comment;) I’ll try to be more of a pimp for you too.
As for my favorite posts I actually agree with Angela, your more “serious” posts are some of my absolute favorites. Keep up the good work. 100 came fast.
Your 100th episode! Great job, Tiffany!
PS My husband thinks the name of your blog is fantastic (so do I, but he specifically said it to me).
Also, I really like the Disney Dollars and Paying for Peace posts.
I am sooooo proud of you – keep up the good work!!!
I gladly accept my award! I love chocolate chip cookies and that is a great reward. I also suspect that is your way of keeping this blog ‘G’ rated. I’ll go with it! I love you and hope to read hundreds more – you have a unique gift of thought and expression that is truthful, honest, sincere, practical and addictive.
I just wanted you to know that I read your blog everyday. I really enjoy it and starting in September (when we have a more normal schedule) I will be doing your Monday night manners. Thanks for all the insites.
Thanks Britt! Let me know how the Monday Night Manners goes for you. I would love to know how it works for another family and please share any additional insights or tweaks that worked.
Wahoo!!!!! 100 blog posts baby! Gosh I’m feeling all sorts of flattered. I love your Blog tiff and the chances of me looking back at all your ideas when my kids are a little bit older are EXTREMELY HIGH!!!
I will humbly accept my nursey painting from you, as will Tommy!!!
Thank you thank you! Keep up the posts even when you think nobody is reading because that is usually when someone needs it the most!!! Congrats Tiff!
Tiff, you are such a fantastic mom. I love seeing you interact with your adorable children, you have so much patience and such fun ideas that you are always coming up with as you raise your “Darling Lemons”, you are amazing!
Horray for 100 posts! You did that fast. Way to go. I love your blog and get so many good ideas.