The 1000 Milestone

We have some very exciting news today - as you read this post, you are viewing a milestone for the Mormon Mommy Writers Blog.

Today is our 1000th post!  To celebrate, we have a few fun things to share.  And a giveaway!!!


First:  A tribute to things past...

We wanted to give a preview of the top ten posts on the MMW blog since its premiere in January 2009.  Take a few minutes to check them out, then vote on the sidebar poll and tell us your favorite post of the top ten.  We'll announce the #1 voted post in a few days.

Here they are:

#10: G is for Gardening with Caleb Warnock (Blogger only gave me the stats for the top nine posts, so I checked our stats for the AtoZ Challenge and found that this post was the most popular post in April, so it earns slot #10!), by Betsy Schow on April 7, 2012.

#9: Never Ever Give Up!, by Olsen's 7 on March 22, 2010.

#8: Book Review and Author Interview (of H.B. Moore's book Alma), by Nikki Wilson on September 25, 2009.

#7: I Haven't Been Punished Yet, by Guest Blogger Rebecca J. Carlson on July 7, 2009.

#6: Ideas for Acts of Service, by Elizabeth Mueller on February 17, 2010.

#5: Writing Family Histories, by Guest blogger Tiffany, on May 20, 2009.

#4: Lazy Days, by Cheri Chesley, on June 3, 2011.

#3: Saturday Stories, LDS Publisher, by LisaAnn Turner on March 5, 2011.

#2: A Little Demented?...Or a Writer?, by Nikki Wilson on January 24, 2011.

And finally, the most popular post on our blog:

#1: Squidward can't make Krabby Patties, by Kasie West on July 30, 2009.

Now it's your turn to weigh in:  What do you think?  Which is your favorite post.  Visit the poll on the sidebar to cast your vote.  If you need a refresher, the top 9 are also listed at the gadget bar at the bottom of this main page, with thumbnails, if you like the visual references.

Next goodie - a little tribute to the current MMW's (they don't know I'm going to do this).  I've been honored to be a contributor to this blog for almost three months now, and it's been a positive experience.  I love the feeling that comes with identifying with a group of amazing people - not only the other MMW's, but you the readers as well.

 If you haven't had a chance to explore their inspirational, encouraging, honest, motivational and often humorous posts, take the time to do so now.  Here's a little guide to who's who, from today's host, me.  For each lady I have highlighted a past favorite post (There's a lot of linking today, I know, I'm sorry).  This is just a post that really spoke to me.  What other things have these lovely ladies written that have really touched you?

Starting at the beginning of the 'work' week, we have Kasey Tross.  Even though Kasey calls herself 'the rookie', her posts and behind-the-scenes-efforts prove she is anything but.  She frequently writes things that motivate me to be better in everything I strive to achieve.  I particularly loved this one: What You Lookin' At?.  In case you didn't know, she's also very crafty!

Amber Lynae - one of the things I really admire about Amber is her brevity.  Now that might sound like an unusual compliment at first, so stay with me.  Mark Twain is quoted as once having said, "I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead."  I believe it takes great talent to make an important point or share a meaningful message and do so concisely, yet Amber frequently manages to do so.  I really admire somebody that can speak less, but say more, because it's something I'm working on being better at.  Today would be a case in point.  Anyway, check out her post: The Danger of Someday.

I had a hard time picking just one favorite post for Megan Oliphant, as her thoughts are often so lyrical and poetic.  This one really impressed me though: The Mommy Writer's Soliloquy.  I look forward to her posts every Wednesday, not only for content, but with a secret desire that reading her writing will allow some of her elegant style to rub off on my own skills.

You know that girl, that everyone loves?  You can't just help but enjoying their company?  Well, that's our Cheri Chesley.  Her posts often reflect that positive, personal vibe.  She writes to her reader like they are her friend, even if she's never met them.  I've never met her, but I think if I ended up at her table at a conference, I'd walk away feeling like I'd just made a long-term friend.  Check out this post from our AtoZ challenge:  R is for Reaching.  I also appreciate the things she shares about her publication journey and experiences.

Betsy Schow joined the blog just a couple of weeks after me, so I'm still getting to know her, but I can't believe the depth of her writing.  I'm excited for her upcoming publication, but this particular post blew me away: Y is for You.

And because this blog strives to reach out to the diversity of the Mormon mommy writing community, I thought that our newest team addition was particularly fitting: Ashley and Jessica are co-writing sisters, whose posts have been both touching and humorous.  I really admire how they work together to pull off a shared message like this one: Begin at the Beginning.

Our Administrator and one of the original MMW founders: Nikki Wilson.  She doesn't have the chance to post as often anymore, instead allowing us the spotlight.  But she was here at the beginning, and is working hard to build this blog, and our latest website, to reach their highest potential.  And she's talented.  This post alone proves it (as do many others): Don't Laugh.

Now it's your turn - and the giveaway as promised.  Amber is going to do a draw for a $10 gift certificate.

To enter, simply leave a comment in the trail below this post, sharing your favorite post of the first 1000 - whether it is one of the top ten, or another.  Just say which post, and what you loved about it!

So happy 1000 to the MMW blog - here's to the next 1000, and many more to come!