Collecting Moments: SHINE Blog Hop #71

When I started blogging, my intentions were pretty simple: to document my adventures as a first time mom. I didn’t like keeping a baby book, and though photography was a glorified hobby of mine, the thought of arranging pictures chronologically in an album was too daunting of a task for me to undertake.

So, I blogged. I put my words onto paper, hit publish and hoped that someone out there felt the same way I did—was as unsure and scared as I was (and still am), who ran into the same road blocks and challenges I did as a mother.

Time passed, and as my daughter grew, and so did this blog. I learned so much, not only about blogging, but about parenting in general. And what astounds me is that my most treasured parenting knowledge came from the very people that I wished for when I started—moms who were just as scared, just as unsure. Moms who were going through the same journey I was.

I can’t say it enough, but I love the community that I quite literary fell into. I’ve grown so much while being in it.And aside from my chronicled memories of motherhood with my daughter, what I value most through this blog is the people I’ve met. What they’ve taught me and how they’ve helped me grow.

So to say that I’m honored to be co-hosting Shine Blog hop for the very first time this week is an understatement. I was no more than a participant a little over a year ago. Jennifer commented on a post I’d shared and within a few clicks I discovered SHINE. I was an avid blog hopper, but I knew instantly this was something special. The content was valuable, helpful, encouraging, and the people that I’ve met, especially Jennifer and Tiffany, were so encouraging and supportive. This fact alone made me come back week after week, after week. I was (and still am) proud to belong to this community that was so carefully honed and crafted by these two lovely ladies. They quite literally, with no pun intended, made me SHINE as a blogger, as a writer, and as a mother. And I owe them a debt of gratitude for that.

I know it’s customary for the host to say “welcome” to a blog hop, but seeing as how much SHINE impacted me, I want to take my first time up here to say thank you to Jennifer and Tiffany for allowing me to spread their this wonderful message they’ve crafted. I know no one’s perfect, but I’ll try my hardest to contribute the best to this community that so graciously embraced me.

And to the SHINE participants, old and new, I express my gratitude as well. For your kind words, support and contributions to this blog hop. It is due, in part, to you that I’ve learned so much, and I can’t wait to continue this journey with you, and hopefully make you SHINE brighter as well...

Now let's SHINE!

The SHINE Blog Hop is a weekly link up of family friendly posts that have been posted on different websites around the internet. You can add your links (if you’re a blogger). If you’re a non-blogger, then please feel free to visit the featured posts and/or visit any of the links that are of interest to you. Comments on this or any posts are always welcome!

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So without further delay, here are the top viewed posts from last week's SHINE Blog Hop

Learning to Grieve Expectations - Momma Minutes

$200/Month Menu Plan: What Our Family of 5 Eats(Post 16) - Thrifty Frugal Mom

Earn Extra Money for Christmas Now - Cow Country Housewife

Congratulations to all of you! Featured posts will be shared on all of The Deliberate Mom's social media outlets!

This week's bonus featured post is:

3 More Fun & Frugal Sight Words Activities Your Kids Will Love - Busy Boys Brigade

Participants who have had a post featured on the SHINE Blog Hop, feel free to help yourselves to your badge of honor!

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If you would spread the word about the SHINE Blog Hop, we would be so grateful. The more people who stop by to link up, means more possibilities for your posts to SHINE!

So are you ready to get this party started? We invite you to grab the beverage of your choice, take a comfortable seat, and let your best posts shine! It's time to bask in the glow of this amazing community of bloggers!

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