500 posts! That is some pile of writing. This post is my 500th on Common Cents Mom. What a blogging journey this has been so far.

My blogging journey began with a journal on MSN  many years ago and then moved to Zanga where I started my first real blog , then to Blogger to Cheaper then Cheap and Simply Hollie and then I created Common Cents Mom almost 5 years ago. So that averages out to just over 2 posts a week, for 5 years and that is just on this blog. My first blog post ever was written some 12 years ago on December the 5th, 2001.

What a journey it has been.

Blogging has seen me parenting in the open, with everyone having a view to my life.

In my blog posts I have written about leaving Mormonism, life as a christian and then embracing Islam, parenting, family, and even tragic events like a deadly fire that took us from our home, moving across the country, my daughter’s diagnosis with special needs, and the direct effects of bullying.

I have also tried to share some tips that have helped me over the years. I was a mom on welfare when this journey all began, trying to raise my daughter. Who knew that 10 years later I would have a full time job in a field known as Social Media. Not me.

Blogging has blessed me with so many opportunities and has brought so many people into my life that I am blessed to call friends. I wish I could express my gratitude properly in words but they are lacking tonight as I write because what a journey it has been!

I have been blessed with great mentors to learn from, blessed with friendships that will last forever, great relationships with so many and I have had the chance to partner and work with some amazing people on this journey. To each I say Thank you!

For each of you who read my posts, comment and share in our lives, thank you.

To say say thank you for stopping by and reading I am hosting a special giveaway on this post!

It is my way of saying Thanks.

Leave me a comment on this post and tell me what would you like to read here going forward.

What can you win?

A $100 Visa Gift Card

I will draw a winner on my real birthday Christmas Day