What a year it has been...

...and now? Now it's time to party.

I find it hard to believe that there was a time when I didn't have a blog. Just like I wonder about what I did with my life before I had children, I can't really think of what filled my spare time before I started Thanks, Mail Carrier.

Alas though, it has been a year. I've written 337 posts and you all have left almost 100,000 comments (and I've read just about every one). When I hit publish on that very first post, I never would have thought that a year later things would be even close to where they are today. I've written about everything from unique products that we have loved reviewing to personal tales of loss to amazing places I have been... and couldn't have done any of it without this blog.

As much as I have appreciated every single opportunity that blogging has brought my way (and I do. I REALLY DO), being able to connect with all of you has also mattered to me more than words can express. The wonderful people that I've had a chance to meet from all over the world have made this past year so much better than I could have imagined.

Whether a single comment that you liked a review or a detailed one about how a product or site would affect your life, you've made me feel a part of something so much bigger than just me. Each comment makes me even more proud of what I have worked so very hard to put together and the amount of time that goes into it. So, if this is your first visit to Thanks, Mail Carrier or you've been around since the beginning, thank you.

Thank you for visiting, reading, commenting and making this all possible. Your support and friendship, whether directly or indirectly, mean the world to me. And what better way for me to really express that while also celebrating a year of great reviews and giveaways?

More reviews and giveaways, of course! Starting Monday, July 19th, I have two weeks (maybe even a little more) full of great giveaways lined up from some of my favorite companies out there. You won't want to miss the generosity from these sites, there are prizes and gift certificates for the entire family to enjoy!

<a href="http://www.thanksmailcarrier.com"><img src="http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/yy248/ThanksMailCarrier/ButtonGIF.gif" alt="Thanks, Mail Carrier" /></a><br />

Did you catch a glimpse of the fun companies involved with my snazzy first-one-I-ever-created button? It might not be perfect, but after a full year I thought it might be about time I attempted to create something blog-related without running to Nicole at the last minute for help (instead my mom assisted me on figuring out the animation for this one, but that's what moms are for, right?).

So, don't wait! Grab that fun button (between now and when the Bash starts on Monday) and leave a comment on this post that you did and you'll gain an extra 3 entries into each of the Blog Anniversary Bash giveaways. Then, it's time for the party to begin!

Here's to embarking on a second year that's even better than the first - I hope you'll continue to join us for all that is to come!