Today is my blog's "Golden Birthday"
8 years ago on 8-8-08, I was 8 months pregnant with Claire, watching the Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and I decided to start a blog.
I had been wanting to start a blog to document our family & I
decided to finally start a blog that day because the date was cool
08-08-08 .
I am a math teacher & numbers nerd, bear with me ;)
Here I am 8 years later with a 9.5 year old Kate , almost 8 year old Claire & soon to be 4 year old Luke (tomorrow!!!!) and I'm watching the Olympics in Rio.
I had no idea how much blogging would enrich my life.
I have meet & become friends with people because of this blog.
I have had a lot of neat opportunities because of this blog.
I have meet & become friends with people because of this blog.
I have had a lot of neat opportunities because of this blog.
I have loved having this blog as a creative outlet for sharing recipes, printables & parties & other randomness!
In honor of my 8 year blogoversary, I have a fun week of giveaways planned as a THANK YOU for reading my blog!
Before we get to the giveaway, I thought I would recap some memorable moments over the past 8 years.
The most viewed post on my blog is my "Easiest Dinner Ever"
This recipe has been viewed almost 2 million times. WHAT?!?!?
And, it is my most controversial post....it is the post I have gotten the most negative comments on. You either love this recipe or you hate it.
We love it...It's one of my go-to recipes. And, it's the easiest!
In the past 8 years, I have posted over 150 recipes (!!!!)
You can see all my recipes in my Recipe Box tab or click HERE
The most "popular" party that I have thrown is Claire's Cowgirl Party.
I must say, that is probably my favorite party I have thrown also.
I must say, that is probably my favorite party I have thrown also.
It's been almost 5 years since I threw that party and I think there is still some hay in our backyard from all those hay bales....Sorry Kevin ;)
You can see all my party posts HERE on the party tab!
In the past 8 years, I have made over 30 free printables.
The most popular downloaded ones have been my Christmas Cookie in a Jar Printable
Other memorable posts over the past 8 years:
When I wrote about Working Mom Guilt....HERE
I wrote about being The Best Mom Ever. Then having kids....HERE
My most embarrassing moment....read about it HERE
My grossest moment as a Mom....read about it HERE
One of my favorite posts...when I won Blogher's Voice of the Year in 2013:
Yes, I am one of THOSE Moms....read it HERE
I am curious, since I have never asked....what things do you like me to blog about?
Recipes? Parties? Printables? Shopping? Fashion? Parenting? Randomness?
To kick off the week of giveaways, I am giving away a $100 giftcard to one of my favorite places...TARGET!
Oh, Target....how I love thee.
What would you use the $100 Target Gift Card for?
***Use the Rafflecopter below to Enter!***
This giveaway ends on Monday, August 15th
Thank
you to everyone who takes the time to read my blog, listen to my
ramblings, try my recipes, use my printables, look at my pictures & comments.
It surprises me that people actually read my blog.
I am just a normal girl who loves Jesus, my husband, 2 girls & my sweet Luke.
I am just a normal girl who loves Jesus, my husband, 2 girls & my sweet Luke.
I appreciate the time you take out of your day to read & comment.
Thank you for reading my randomness!
It has been such a fun experience these past 8 years!
Good luck & come back tomorrow for another giveaway!
Thank you so much for the chance and happy blogoversary :)
ReplyDeleteFollowing on BL as https://www.bloglovin.com/people/lisabrown748-1344076
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary!! I love the realness of your blog!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary! I love reading your blog - I get so many great ideas! If I won the gift card, I would use it for some back to school clothes for me and my kids.
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary! I'm 6 months into my first blog and I love it!
ReplyDeleteExciting! Eight years is a long time! Thanks for hosting this giveaway. This gift card would help a lot toward back to school shopping!
ReplyDeleteI love the Thankful printable! So cute! Happy 8 years! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy bloganniversary! I also love reading your blog. Thanks for the chance to win. I would buy new clothes for our new baby that's coming soon. :) Hope you have a great week.
ReplyDeleteTarget is the best! Always enjoy your blog, recipes and party ideas!
ReplyDeleteHappy blogging-birthday! Target is always the best way to celebrate!
ReplyDeleteHappy 8 years! I love all of the birthday parties you throw!
ReplyDeleteSarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts
Happy Blogiversary! I just love your blog! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary!! I've always enjoyed reading :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite things about your blog are your recipes and seeing a California lifestyle (I'm on the East coast). You also seem full of joy, and I like to read positive things!
ReplyDeleteLove reading!
ReplyDeleteMel! I found your blog years ago and it quickly became my favorite one to read. Guess what? It is still my favorite. You always inspire me to get real....become more creative and to try that recipe out. I love everything you blog about- you always leaving me wanting more blog posts. So what more do I want to read? I love all of it- please just blog more often :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteHappy blog bday ! Carina
ReplyDeleteI love reading about your garden, your style, your family, your recipes, and your teaching experience! I basically love your blog. Happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your ideas and fun things with us on your blog!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary!!
ReplyDeleteHappy 8th birthday to The Larson Lingo.
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary and thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteExciting! Happy Eight Years and I think your blog is great and a fun place to visit!
ReplyDeleteI love your parties and your recipes. . .keep em coming!
ReplyDeleteI think I just like the randomness-the kids, 10 on 10, the parties, your fashion posts, your fun adventures, the reading lists. Thank you for sharing it all with us. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary! I love your blog because your content is so varied, and you just seem so down to earth and easy to relate to. Oh and fun too! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting this giveaway and happy 8th blogiversary! I LOVE your recipes and parties! My kids devour your banana muffins weekly and your bacon in the oven method changed my life- that BLT salad is AMAZING! I'm just getting back into blogging, and I also appreciate your link-ups! Have a great day celebrating!
ReplyDeleteAllie http://agalnamedal.blogspot.com/
Happy 8th Blogiversary!!!! I have been enjoying your garden updates, pizza recipes & just the randomness of everyday life :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! You have a lot of cute posts. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy 8 Years!! So exciting and hope for many more!
ReplyDeleteHappy 8th Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! I love your blogs...it's one of my favorites!! Thanks for a fun giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteLove your posts about parenting, recipes, and your remodeling projects!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! Love your blog.
ReplyDeleteI love just reading about what you guys get up to as a family, the recipes and the parties. :) happy blog anniversary
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! I'm going to have to try the Mexican Crockpot meal :)
ReplyDeleteLove the blog- keep it up!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary... I love your blog
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary! You are my creative inspiration!
ReplyDeleteBeen reading your blog for 5 years. I enjoy all your recipes!
ReplyDeleteHappy blogiversary. You are creative and intentional as a mom.
ReplyDeleteKelly Sites
I love your blog! You're my favorite!! Keep up the good work :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing all your fun recipes and party plans! It is fun to read your blog knowing you are showing Jesus' love to so many people :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary, I love reading your blog!
ReplyDeleteHappy blogiversary! I love your recipes the most!
ReplyDeleteI would use the giftcard to buy the ice cream maker attachment for my Kitchenaid mixer 😛
ReplyDeleteTarget is my happy place :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary! I really enjoy reading your recipes (and I do make them at home, too!) and just day to day things! With a Target giftcard I would probably buy more school supplies for my little girl starting Kinder this year. We are homeschooling for Kinder, so I can never have enough markers and paint, lol. :)
ReplyDeleteA Target GC, would be awesome.
ReplyDeleteI love to plan my kids' birthday parties and give teachers fun gifts so I love your creative printables and party posts! Happy anniversary!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary! :)
ReplyDeleteHapply Blogoversary!! I love reading it.
ReplyDeleteHappy blog anniversary! I love you recipe box!
ReplyDeleteHappy blog anniversary! I love you recipe box!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary! I enjoy the mix of everything that you post. It's not all about one thing... it varies, which I like. :)
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and am so happy I stumbled across it a couple years ago. I like the variety of posts you have. They are all good, but I especially love your outfit/fashion posts and your recipes.
ReplyDeleteI also love the variety-I think too much of one topic would get boring-but I love your mix of parties, teacher gifts, recipes, fashion...
ReplyDeleteI read this blog daily and am very dissapointed when there isn't a new blog post up! You are an incredible writer and I get so many ideas from you! I've tried many of your recipes!
ReplyDeleteI love following along! Happy Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter started daycare last week and I am having "working mom guilt". Thank you for that post!
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog!
ReplyDeleteI love following your blog! I love reading about your creative parties and teacher ideas, and your recipes are amazing!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog...you have a little bit of everything and are very relatable :) I especially enjoy party posts and recipes. - Christy
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary!! Love your recipes! Thanks for the chance! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary!!!! I love you and your blog and I'll follow you forever! And TWO MILLION TIMES for one post?! Holy MOLY, girl! That is incredible!! #BloggerGoals ;o)
ReplyDeleteLove the saloon party, my daughter would love a cowgirl boot cake & it's something I never would have thought of!
ReplyDeleteHappy blogiversary and thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteHappy blogiversary, cannot wait for the next 8 years!
ReplyDeleteWhen I first found your blog, I loved it because we both had girls about the same age and were both teachers. I found it so easy to relate to. Now I have a little boy, too. I love your posts about life, the random posts, and the parties. The Easiest Dinner Ever recipe is one of my favorites to make!
ReplyDeleteHappy blogoversary!!
ReplyDeletekayleefaith1228@aol.com
Happy 8 Year Blogoversary! Congratulations and to more years to come!
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed your blog over the years. I feel like I have a friend in California! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this awesome giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI'm checking out the easiest dinner ever post now....might just make it for dinner tonight.
ReplyDeleteMy two year blogoversary was August 1st and I still haven't gotten my post and giveaway up and running!! 8 years! I can only imagine and how fun to have so much documented for your kids. and 2 million views!!! Holy moly..I can only dream. So glad I found you in my 2nd year of blogging!
ReplyDeleteI miss seeing the posts you used to do about outfits you pinned and then created similar outfits. Haven't seen one of those in a while. I also like your 10 on 10 pictures.
ReplyDeleteI can't even recall how I found your blog, but I love it! I have enjoyed watching the kids grow up, trying out your recipes, and checking out your fun parties! Thanks for all the hard work you do keeping your blog going!
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed following your sweet family over the last year!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE all of the party ideas, recipes and especially your running updates!
ReplyDeleteHappy blogiversary! Love reading it.
ReplyDeletePlease blog the senior prom lice story. Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteI haven't shopped for myself in a very long time. This gift card would be great to get out and by myself something nice from Target
ReplyDeleteCongrats, and thanks!
ReplyDeleteHappy blog anniversary!! Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteHappy 8 year blogoversary! Thank you for this awesome giveaway!
ReplyDeleteEight years, I was playing Tales of Vesperia when you started your blog.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your blog!!
ReplyDeleteLove to read your blog
ReplyDeleteLove to read your blog
ReplyDeleteCongrats! I love reading your blog....I'm a working mom too and I love reading your easy recipes, home decor and your party planning!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your party posts. You make it look effortless and adorable at the same time!
ReplyDeleteHappy 8 years of blogging. You're party posts are some of my favorite! Here's to 8 more years!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work!
Happy anniversary! I love your blog!
ReplyDeleteI like the variety! You mix it up well!
ReplyDeleteVery happy to have found your blog last year! Happy bloggerversary!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the anniversary! keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteVery happy to have found your blog last year! Happy bloggerversary!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 8 years!
ReplyDeletehappy bloggerversary!!! yours is one of the blogs that's inspired me to start my own :)
ReplyDeleteI was going to comment anyways ;)
ReplyDeleteToday is my husbands and mine Golden Anniversary!! We got married on 08.08.08, it's a very good day!!
Congratulations on 8 years! I love reading your blog!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary!! I would buy makeup and nail polish at Target!! I love all of your recipes! Especially the pizza ones!
ReplyDeleteHoly cow 8 years!! That's amazing. And here I was just celebrating my 100th post! Love everything you post. Congrats on another great year!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Love your blog & the parties you throw!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary! I love your recipes and cute ideas. I'll spend the card to get new backpacks for class.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your blog! 8 years is an amazing accomplishment :)
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary! I make your banana chocolate chip muffins a lot. Yum!
ReplyDeleteThank you, and congrats on your success!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary!!! Eight years is a long time...I'm in my 8th month. Love reading yours. We have a lot in common and that's always fun! Keep up the good work :)
ReplyDeleteLove your blog! I would use the gift card toward baby items! Due with #2 in a month!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog!!! I would use the gift card toward new school clothes for my oldest daughter who is starting Kindergarten!! Eeek!!! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the recipe, home and parenting posts! Happy blogaversary!
ReplyDelete-Mara Kreiling
I could not be more addicted to Target! I just bought the cutest kimono there last week
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your blogaversary!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 8 years. You'll always enjoy going back and reviewing it. Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog AND your recipes :)
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary!! Love your blog :)
ReplyDeleteI love most everything about your blog but especially favorites and parties. Thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeletethank you! this is awesome!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 8 years! That's incredible!
ReplyDeletecongrats on your anniversary! this is an amazing giveaway!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary!!
ReplyDeleteI like your faves and parties the most!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary!!
ReplyDelete8 years...wow! That is so neat that you were watching the Olympics when you decided to start your blog! Happy Blogoversary!
ReplyDeleteCongrats!!! Thanks to you I started a blog about 4 years ago. Thanks for the inspiration! If I won the gift card, I would modernize my gallery wall.
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary!
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary! We love all of your recipes!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 8 years! I love reading your blog, especially the recipes you share! :)
ReplyDeletei love hearing how you come up with creative ideas to be a fun mom! happy 8 years!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteHappy blog anniversary!! More power!! More blog post please :) God Bless you
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog. You have the best recipes and I must say that visiting Tahoe is high on my list now.
ReplyDeleteI'm just getting started in my blog... 8 years is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI would use the gift card for new bedding for our master bedroom! Happy anniversary to you and your blog! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary!!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog! Keep up the good work :)
ReplyDeleteThat cowgirl party is what first brought me to your blog years ago and I look forward to every new post. Congrats on 8 years!
ReplyDeleteI would buy some pjs and probably a bunch of other stuff I "need". Lol
ReplyDeleteWhat I love most about your blog is the recipes you post! I would love it if you posted more low calorie recipes! Congrats on the blogiversary!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary!!! Thank you for all of your great recipes. I recently made your zucchini bread recipe and my boys love it!! Thanks again for sharing your ideas:)
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the fun giveaway!
ReplyDeleteHappy Bloogaversary!! I've always enjoyed reading your blog, you are always so positive and upbeat.
ReplyDeleteLove your 10 on 10 series. I always think about doing it then forget lol! I would buy some booties for me a couple things from Targets new Cat and Jack line for the kids and round out my purchase with things from the $1 spot if I won the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to use this gift card to purchase new materials for my 4th grade classroom!
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog daily!
ReplyDeleteLove all the fun you have with your family and share with us!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! I've enjoyed reading your blog over the years& use your Thankful printable every year!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 8 years! One of my favorite things to read on your blog is when you do Stitch Fix reviews. I love seeing what people got, even though I don't subscribe (and currently don't plan to).
ReplyDeleteYour blog is just plain fun. I like that you post about just what's going on your your life and if a printable works its way in then, Yay for me!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogaversary.
Love your blog and a good giveaway! Katie B.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your blogoversary!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway! Love reading your blog!!
ReplyDeleteWishing your blog a Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteI love all your posts. I really like when you post about your StitchFix deliveries too. :)
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog! I would most likely use the Target gift card for OLLY vitamins or back to school supplies as I teach 4th grade and always need things for the classroom.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway, thanks!!
DeleteCongratulations on 8 years!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 8 years!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteCongrats!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary! Target is my FAVORTIE store. 4 kids in 4 different schools= buying out all of Target's supplies!
ReplyDeleteI love your simple and yummy recipes. I think I made two last week alone. And always using the printables for my girls teacher gifts or holiday parties!
ReplyDeleteIf I won the gift card I'm sure I would spend it on back to school clothes and shoes for my kiddos. And throw a bottle of wine in the basket for myself!
I always love your recipes! They're always delicious!
ReplyDeleteIf I won I'd buy something for my house, because I usually buy necessities instead of fun stuff at Target :)
Happy Blogoversary
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! Love your blog it is one of my favorites--your recipes never steer me wrong! I would use the gift card on storage/ decor for the playroom I am working on :)
ReplyDeleteI've read your blog for a long time and still love it!!!
ReplyDeleteTarget is my favorite, I always end up spending so much money there!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary!!! It's actually almost my 4 year blogiversary at the end of this week :) I never knew what to expect when I started blogging, like you said, but it's blown me away and exceeded my wildest expectations! I can't remember off hand how I found your blog but I love the recipes you share and have made quite a few of them! So keep sharing please :)
ReplyDeletehappy blogiversary!!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary! Thank you for the giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteHow cute! I love the boot cake.
ReplyDelete8 years congrats!
ReplyDeleteI'd buy something fun for myself: clothes and more nail polish
ReplyDeleteI would buy a new rug and curtains for my bedroom.
ReplyDeleteLove reading your posts. =)
ReplyDeleteI love your blog because it's so diverse. There are family stories, gardening, parties...It's just fun to read!
ReplyDeleteI love your recipes and party planning posts. Can't wait to see the pics fom Luke's party as I am about to throw a construction theme party for my 2 year old soon.
ReplyDeleteI like the variety of your posts...so real life♡
ReplyDeleteI like the variety of your posts...so real life♡
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the chance! Your photos are cute and colorful!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary, thanks for doing such a great giveaway. This is really going to help a family out.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog because you have the BEST ideas.. AND you make them look so easy:)
ReplyDeleteNew pjs! Or home decor:). Or a new board game for my family
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway , and I love many of your recipes and use them often thanks:)
ReplyDelete8 years!! Congrats!! I love the recipes you share - so easy to follow and don't require crazy ingredients!! ;)
ReplyDeleteSuch a huge feat...congrats! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary - I would love to win gift card it's my bday tomorrow 8/11 need some new fall clothes
ReplyDeleteI love that Target delivers to Canada now! last year my son wanted pokemon t-shirts and the only place I could find any was Target but they didn't deliver here then.
ReplyDeleteWe love Target! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing all your fun recipes and party plans! LOVE TARGET!! Thanks for this opportunity! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy 8th anniversary!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary! Bravo!
ReplyDeleteHappy 8 Year Blogoversary and thank you for the great giveaway!
ReplyDelete