Friday, February 18, 2011

300th Post Giveaway!!!

Today is my 300th post since starting this blog!

There are 3 primary reasons why I blog:
  1. I love to write and I needed a way to get out all that was inside. The thought of writing a book is oh so intimidating to me...I wouldn't even know where to start. But a blog? Well, that's much more manageable.
  2. It keeps my family "in the know". We live a loooooooong way away from any family (sniff, sniff), so my blog keeps them updated on what's going on in our lives.
  3. Influence. I hope that my blog is an inspiration to those who attend South Bay Church, other wives in ministry, adoptive families, and anyone else who wants to join up in my cyber-life. 
The funny thing about blogging is that you really have no idea who's out there reading. I don't know if there are 5 people or 500 people reading a particular post. Some of my best friends never read it (I know this because they'll ask me about something in our family that I just answered in a post). At the same time, there are lots of people at South Bay who I hardly know who know a lot about our family because they do read it. It's a strange feeling.

So, I was trying to think of a way to get people to come out of the shadows and leave a comment to let me know you're out there. It had to be a really good giveaway. Something that everyone would want. But not everyone has the same interests. I racked my brain to think of a good giveaway. And then I decided on, drumroll please, a $25 Amazon gift card! Who wouldn't want that?! You can get (almost) anything your heart desires from Amazon...maybe not with $25, but it's a good start!



So here's how you get chances to win.

For each category listed below that you fit into, you can leave a comment. (Honesty, people. Come on, scouts honor.) Every comment is considered a different entry. I will leave the giveaway open for one week and announce the winner next Saturday, February 26.
  1. Just leave a comment. Everyone can do this one.
  2. Follow my blog. There are a few different options on how to do this on the right side of my screen. If you already follow or if you sign up today, just leave a comment to let me know.
  3. If you attend South Bay Church, let me know
  4. If you are a mother (or father) with a child/children under the age of 6, let me know.
  5. If you are a church planter's wife or on a church planting team of a church that is less than 2 years old...
  6. If you and/or your spouse are serving Jesus in vocational ministry...
  7. If you are an adoptive family (paper chasing or already home)...
Wow! Wish I could sign up to win! I'd get to leave 7 comments! Good luck!!!

78 comments:

Kelsey said...

I'm out here lurking. :)

Kelsey said...

I already follow your blog in Google Reader.

Kelsey said...

I attend South Bay.

Kelsey said...

I'm a mother of a sweet 4.5 month old. :)

Jennifer said...

Hi Stacie! You are an amazing woman and I am blessed to know you!

Jennifer said...

I already follow your blog. I read using the Pulse App on my iPhone where I am notified whenever you have a new post!

Jennifer said...

I attend South Bay Church! Happy 2nd Anniversary South Bay!

Jennifer said...

I am a mother of a 3 (going on 13) year old little girl!

Collier-Dufries said...

Hi Stacie, I am already a follower of your blog.

Collier-Dufries said...

I am the mother of a precious 3 year old little girl, Leah "Bear", and a chubby little one year old, Jay Tyler.

Collier-Dufries said...

Todd and I are adopting a child from Ethiopia through AWAA. We were officially DTE on Feb. 4th.

Collier-Dufries said...

I have a blog about our adoption journey that I would love for you to "follow" at www.becomingafamilyoffive.blogspot.com

Heather and Adam said...

Hi Stacie,
My husband and I have been reading your blog for awhile now (and always enjoy it:) but I guess we never officially "followed" you since I didn't see us in your list of followers... But, I think we are now:)
We are a fellow adopting family, hoping to bring our baby (of either gender) home this summer!
We have three girls as of now, ages 4, 3, and 18 months.
I think I hit all of the ones for us:) I've been meaning to leave a comment for awhile now though, b/c I wanted to let you know that we read, and also that we live in the bay area as well! Not too many adopted families around here... good to know someone else:)
Blessings!

Lindsey Lee said...

1. I LOVE reading your blog!

Lindsey Lee said...

2. I couldn't figure out how to follow in networked blogs but I definitely just subscribed via email :)

Lindsey Lee said...

5. On a church planting team and we are 1 week old :)

Lindsey Lee said...

6. I am thrilled to be Director of City Life at Epic Church!!

This is such a fun idea!

Stephanie said...

I really enjoy getting to read your blog, but totally get the strange feeling of people knowing so much about you but not really "knowing" you. ;)

Stephanie said...

I follow you on Google Reader.

Stephanie said...

I am a mama to Lucy (4 1/2), Ben (3), Sam (1) and a baby girl due in June. :)

Mary said...

Shout out from Texas. Don't attend Southbay but listen to EVERY podcast, and crazy video Andy puts out. Now, I realize you guys stayed in Texas, "Five years...five years too long." As commonly repeated by Andy in his sermons. But I know you met some amazing friends along the way, such as yours truly:) Mother of a 3 yr old (as of yesterday) and a 10 month old who can fit the said, 3 yr. olds clothes. Weird that they are only 3 lbs differences in weight. I follow your blog religiously to gain wisdom, peak in on your family and sometimes just to hear a funny story. Keep them coming.

Love,
Mary Lu

Remember in Japan, you said, This is Caedmon's greatest nightmare..."You ain't getting not more milk"

The Thomas Family, Artesia, NM said...

Hi Stacie,

I love reading your blog!

The Thomas Family, Artesia, NM said...

I've followed your blog since you purchased fundraiser thirst from us!

The Thomas Family, Artesia, NM said...

I have three children, two of which are under 6. I have two boys 9 and 5 and our precious new one who is 14 months old.

The Thomas Family, Artesia, NM said...

We have been home with our sweet Ella since September. We met Sammy when we were there for court. He was playing with Zelelam (Larkin).

Kelly said...

I read you blog!

Kelly said...

I subscribe to your blog on google reader

Kelly said...

I work full time at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, GA

Unknown said...

You have a wonderful blog, Stacie, and I enjoy every post even though I fit into only the first 2 categories. You know that I love you and am amazed that all that God has accomplished through you and Andy in only 2 years.

Laura Thomas said...

I am a follower. =)

Laura Thomas said...

I attend South Bay Church. =)

Emily said...

I read your blog and love your open and honest commentary on life, but esp on adopting :)

Emily said...

I'm a follower :)

Emily said...

I attend SB :)

Emily said...

I have a 13 month old biological daughter :)

McMommy said...

I love reading your blog :)

McMommy said...

I use Google Reader to follow your blog.

McMommy said...

I also attend South Bay Church!

Kerri said...

Hey, Stacie! It is so fun to hear about your life through your blog!

Kerri said...

I am a "follower" of your blog. Yours has become one of my favorites! I guess we have so much in common at this stage in our lives...it's nice to hear another mom's perspective!

Kerri said...

I have Case (2) and Tanner (5months). They are amazing:)

Erica said...

Hi, Stacie. I am Joel Halpin's wife. He is friends with Andy. He just told me about your blog yesterday.

Erica said...

Signed up to follow your blog.

Erica said...

Church planter's wife.

Erica said...

Paperchasing to adopt from ET. Hopefully DTE by april. fingerprint appointment March 9th.

Erica said...

I am the mother of 3 boys with 2 of them being under 6.

Adrienne said...

Hi Stacie! I enjoy reading your blog =D.

Adrienne said...

Woohoo...I've added your blog to my Google reader. i understand the feeling of not knowing who's out there reading...especially when you're so open and honest. thanks for sharing your life with us. it definitely inspires and encourages me to see God working so mightily in your life =)

Mandy Santos said...

love you Stacie and love reading your blog!!! :)

Mandy Santos said...

of course, I follow you in my google reader.

Mandy Santos said...

I attend South Bay. ;)

Adrienne said...

I've been attending South Bay church since last summer but the hubby and I will be taking off to travel the world for an entire year starting in April. I will be following your blog from diff countries though!

Mandy Santos said...

My kiddos, your "nieces/nephew", Lily-4, Cailyn-3, Efraim- 1

Mandy Santos said...

Filipe & I are in vocational ministry serving on the best team/staff ever!!! :)

Jenny McPherson said...

Hey Stacie girl! I LOVE your blog and have been a follower for awhile. Although I am not yet a wife or mother, I can't wait to be able to put your advice to use! You are such a blessing to so many women. I love hearing funny stories of your 3 boys :) Take care!

Janelle said...

Stacie,

I LOVE your blog and am blessed to have you as a friend. I attend South Bay. I have 3 girls... Belle (4), Juliette (1... 16 months), and Fiona (our newbie as of Feb 1). Love to you and your precious family!

Tricia said...

Hey Stacie,

I enjoy reading your blog so I can see just how God is working in you. So amazing to see.

Also, I am a mother of 2 kids under the age of 6, Caleb is almost 5 and Samuel is almost 1. Thanks for being so honest on here.

molly said...

I read your blog.

molly said...

I follow you on Google Reader.

molly said...

And I work in ministry.

Laura said...

my husband is in ministry, and you guys helped me grow as a teenager! love you much friend :)

Unknown said...

I just left a long message on your 6th month adoption post introducing myself...I should have put it on here! :)

Unknown said...

I just started following you too!

Unknown said...

My husband and I lead and host a couples bible study through our church in Portland OR.

Unknown said...

We are in the beginning stages of adopting our first child from Ethiopia!

mrs. mewie said...

Hi Stacie,
I love following your blog :)
Your blog posts always provide such meaningful inspiration and wisdom and you are a strong and faithful woman of God!
-Mindy Louie :)

mrs. mewie said...

I am a member at South Bay :)

Unknown said...

Following your blog because I've served with you as a volunteer from PVBC in Kansas City a couple of times! It's cool to keep track of you, your family, and South Bay!

Janelle said...

I follow your blog now!

Janelle said...

I go to South Bay (told you this in my first post). :-)

Janelle said...

I am a mom of 3 girls. Belle (4, Juliette (1), and Fiona (3 weeks). Wooh! Glad I re-read (or maybe actually read) your post giveaway directions. :-)

Gennie said...

I go to South Bay Church

Gennie said...

have 4 children, one of which is under 6

Gennie said...

and I'm following your blog :)

marci said...

I enjoy your blog.

marci said...

I have two boys. One is 5. The other is 1 tomorrow!

Liz said...

Thanks for the giveaway!

eemoody77 at gmail dot com

Liz said...

I follow with Networked Blogs!

eemoody77 at gmail dot com