One year ago today I started my blog. While browsing through the past year of my archives, my heart was so full and I found myself feeling so grateful for deciding to do this thing I thought was so crazy. Now I LOVE LOVE LOVE blogging! I can look back and be so thankful for preserving so many memories. A few were sad, but most were very happy fond memories. If any of you have time to kill you want to take a quick browse through my archives and see what all you've missed. No...you don't have to read everything, just get a glimpse.As a thank you to all my new found dear blogging friends, I am having a special give away drawing. Included in this box is a plush pink puppy, a teddy bear, note pad and pen for your purse, heart shaped cinnamon altoids tin, a jar full of assorted buttons, a big symphony candy bar with almonds and toffee bits, a blank rusty pickle calendar/daytimer book for you to make and alter. It has the cover, the pages, the tab pages and the month labels. 4 handmade cards with envelopes, brads, and a jar of assorted colored prima flowers. If you would like to be in the drawing just leave a comment telling me why you love to blog or why you love reading blogs. I will be drawing a winner this weekend! Now come out of hiding a comment for me...Good luck ladies! :o)
53 comments:
Jolene, hello,congradulations on the anniversary.
I am blessed to have your blog. As a matter of fact I made your Chicken Cordon Blue and Alfredo sauce(homemade) this weekend for the fami. Delicious girl. Anyways, I find myself checking your blog several times a day, mainly to see if you made it to GLOBE again and ate at El Ray, member I hail from there. Anyways, being a momma of 4 girls and homeschooling I am too busy to blog myself, but I love reading blogs, yours' is one of my favorites. I live in the country in Washington State, I am not often around people, so this is my connection to many women in my shoes. I love it, and this is the highlight of my day.
By the way, I checked out the houseplans, GREAT home girl, I pray it all goes smoothly for you and that you find Favour in all you do.
Blessings
Tiara
Jolene I have lurked here from Caroline's blog (love your family photos)
I love blogging because it has opened up the world for me. I have met people I would never have otherwise gotten a chance to meet and found out things about places I would never have been able to go.
Congratulations Dear Jolene on your one year anniversary, and here's to many more! I have emailed you before letting you know how I stumbled on your blog, and for me too, this is one of the highlights of my day, is reading your blog! I am a stay at home mom and have said what a connection it gives me to the outside world. Your blog is the only one that I take time to read daily! You and your family are in my family's daily thoughts and prayers. I love seeing that although far apart, we all share many things in commen. Love what a faith filled, strong woman you are and love to see how you put your family first. Take care, Amy =)
Congrats on your one year anniversary! I am certainly thankful that you blog and that I happened to stumble upon in one day. I can't even remember just how it happened, but I found it, and went back and read each and every post you had made. You inspire me to do great things as a mother. You have 5 boys and I only have 2, and most days I can't imagine just how you hold it all together because I haev toruble with only two! Your family is just so close and full of life and love for one another. I can only hope that mine will be the same.
And then there's your love of scrapbooking, which also is a passion of mine. I just love the pages you create. And your photography, I got a Rebel for Christmas and hope I can learn to take pictures as good as yours. Oh and your decorating sense! I love it! Your house is so cozy and warm. And I know that you will bring the same feeling into your new home.
I just want to thank you for sharing your life with us through your blog, I look forward to reading it each day!
I love reading your blog because I love to see your life through your pictures. You always have the neatest pictures that go so perfectly with what you are writing about. Plus you have the cutest Grandson in the world.
I love blogging because I'm making a journal without even realizing it and capturing moments that I'm sure I will look back on and be forever grateful. I love reading blogs because it's so fun connecting with other people all over the country and it also helps you realize that you are not ALONE!
I found you months ago from my dear friend September. I always look forward to your post because it helps me feel connected and grounded to women with families, very busy lives and creative spirits. I travel to Mesa every couple of months and always go to Tia Rosa's so i'm envious everytime you mention it. Thanks for sharing yourself and family.
Jolene,
I love reading your blog . . . we have so much in common, all of our boys, our husbands, Mark, owning their own business and so on. Our lives are so full of ups and downs and I have such great respect for you for opening your heart and your life and sharing the good, the bad and the ugly with all of us. I keep saying that I need to start a blog, you give me so much encouragement to do so, but somewhere in the midst of daily life it gets so busy and there always seems to be something else that needs to be done, so until I get the time and courage to do my own, thank you for sharing your life with us! :)
Melissa
Happy blogiversary! I too have enjoyed getting to know my fellow moms/ladies/bloggers/scrapbookers, etc. I get advice and inspiration from people and places I never even knew before!
Who knew this blogging thing could open up such a world beyond our own?
Jolene, I have been reading your blog for about 6 months and feel like we are old friends. My name is Tammy and I live in McComb, Mississippi. I have twin 8 yr olds that I home-school and my husband and I are youth ministers to over a 100 high school and college students at our church. I have wanted to comment for quite some time and just haven't taken the time. We are praying for your family during this transition time and for your son in the military. All of our military men and women hold a special place in my heart. Maybe one day I will start my own blog, but until then I will just keep reading. . . Bye for now!
Congrats on your first year blogging. I love to blog... I get to see what inspires others and get a glimps at their creativity. To share something that I have incommon with them. I also blog thinking maybe I will touch someone with my thoughts and ideas....Have a great day!
I love to read blogs that's how I found you...
I'm so happy that I did... I started a blog of my own not to long ago...
It's my place that I go to find a little peace. Thank you Jolene for sharing all the you share with all us on a daily basis!!
I feel like I'm on the journey with you...
Carla
WOW! That is some gift. I love to read blogs because so many of my friends are online and it's how I catch up with their day to day lives and feel as if I know them even better. I love to blog because I can go back and get info from it, it's the closest thing I've got to a journal! ;)
WOW A WHOLE YEAR!!
Glad I found your blog and we became blogger buds. I was reading an old post to find out that you went on the exact same cruise last year that I went on in October of 2005.
Glad we became blogger Buds
Happy Anniversary!!!
Happy Blogiversary Jolene!!!
Wow! Blogging is actually making me smarter... I am learning sooo much from all you veteran bloggers!
I am forever grateful that I not only blog... but that I am addicted to all these amazing blogs that challenge me and expose me to a world of talented, creative and fascinating people.
Thank you Jolene!
I'm a blog reader. I love reading your blog because you and your family are such real people with everyday normal life issues. I 1st came upon you from where I can't remember but I know it had to do with a post about baby Mark and he reeled me in. The funniest thing I have found and I think I posted a comment about it once before is your similarity to a woman who works at a local grocery store, I still double take since I know it's not you way down here in cold Canada LOL. Happy Blogging Anniversary.
It really makes my days go by much better when I see I am not the only one that is not perfect and have ups and downs. Your posts are true, real and I can tell totally from the heart and you don't sugar coat them just tell it like it is. Great way to keep up with your family since I don't get to see you enough.
You are truly and inpiration to me in that you are so crafty, can cook extremely well, and have so much fun. I don't think I have ever seen you without a smile and it really shows on your blog even during the bad times you still find good in life. Happy 1 year and here's to many more.
Happy Aniversary Jolene.... Wow I can't wait until my blog turns 1.
This blog stalking is very addictive as you all know, I don't know what i used to do on the computer before I found blogging. Jolene I just love your blog as you update most days... and I have made a friend in the USA which is pretty cool. I love reading what you have been up to.
Can't wait till you turn 2 LOL
Have a good weekend Amie
Congrats on your one year anniversary! WHOA at the load of stuff you are giving away...you are a RAK Queen! So here's my answer...I love blogging to get free stuff1 NO, Just Kidding...I like blogging as a way of expressing my feelings and having someone or somebodies to share any exciting news that happens to me in any given day (such as finding a cool new website about scrapping, etc.)! And I love how I have met so many cool new people....it's like having pen pals only more technologically advanced!
Pick me, Pick me! :)
I have been blogging since 11/05. I have met wonderful people and they are so inspiring. Everyone is so full of wonderful advice. There's that old saying--"Good friends are like stars, you don't always see them, but you know they are there". COngrats on the one year anniversary!
Wow! A year!! I've only had my Blogspot blog for a few months, but I did have a Yahoo one last year about this time. However, I'm not as good at you as keeping mine current!! LOL I like reading your blog because you seem like a truly sweet, good person, a great mom who loves her kids, and has the same faith I do, as well as the same hobby!! Good luck with everything with your move. Congrats on blessing Baby Mark too. He looks darling in his blessing outfit!!
Happy One Year Anniversary! I have been reading your blog for some time. I love how you and the other ladies have shown me glimpes of your beautiful homes, families, and shared your everyday thoughts. I just started my own blog yesterday and am excited to have an outlet to share my thoughts and get to know you all a little better!
Happy Blogging Anniversary Jolene! I too thought I would never keep up with this "blog thing" but I now find myself looking forward to time at my computer when I can read the happenings in lives of my new and special friends.
As that old song goes..."reach out and touch somebody's hand, make this world a better place if you can". I think we all make the world a little better by reaching out to each other via our blogs. I know it has been my privledge and pleasure to get to know you and your family through blogger.
Oops! Didn't realize I was supposed to comment on why I love to blog myself, I thought I was supposed to tell you why I loved reading YOUR blog! Sorry about that!
I love to blog because it's a way for me to get pictures and stories of the boys out there for my friends and family to see, without me having to email everyone individually. Sort of a compromise. I know I need to keep in touch with them and inform them of the things the boys have been up to, but I don't really have a lot of time because of said boys. This keeps everyone happy!
Not to mention I've met some pretty cool people by blogging and reading their blogs too.
Happy Anniversary!! Blogging has become a daily thing with me. I initally started doing this as a sort of daily diary. Then I found blogging friends and I love to check on each one to catch up on everything. It is amazing how-many, many of us have never met-yet I hurt when they hurt and I have shed a few tears for their happy and sad times. It's like high school friends but cyberspace for now. Hoepfully one day many of us will be able to meet.
I love reading about your family. Keeping up with all the things.
Take care,
Terri
Woo-Hoo! Another give away, I hope I win!! You know your new house in Maricopa is just a hop, skip and a drive down 'dead cow' road away from YUMA! Many Yumans call Mobile Road 'dead cow road' but I don't know if that nickname is used statewide...Ha!
I so enjoy reading blogs. I have found so many more great blogs through yours and you know yours is my FIRST!! :-) I so enjoying getting recipes, decorating ideas, scrapbooks ideas, or just listening to all the ramblings and thoughts of so many amazing women.
Congratulations on your ANNIVERSARY! :-)
Noel
happy, happy, happy, happy, happy anniversary!! i think you already know why i love to blog...it's the frustrated writer in me! why i love your blog, is just because no matter how cruddy your day is, and how much you are hurting, you still manage to keep your chin up, and give the belief that the sun will come out tomorrow (sorry to quote "Annie"!).
Jolene... I haven't been blogging that long and came upon it one day by accident. I found you thru another blogger. I have enjoyed learning about your family and "friends" and have checked out some of thier blogs. I have enjoyed blogging and originally set up our page for our family in another province & country but now it seems as though I have made many friends myself.
I enjoy sharing my thoughts, my boys, and our fun good and bad as a family and maybe give someone a laugh.
Which i know you got a giggle or two... life is fun and should be lived to its fullest and family & friends help to do that!!
Congradulations on your Anniversary I can't wait!
Hi Jolene! You know, I think I started reading your blog about the time Brek and Brittany were getting married - so not quite a year yet. It's been great fun getting to know you and your family!
I love blogging because I've "met" so many wonderful new friends and shared all the elements we have in common in life - such a joy!
Congratulations on one year (mine is coming up the end of April!).
Yay on the 1 year. I started blogging last MArch when a cyber friend of mine convinced me to do it. Heck, she even set it up for me :)
Now, I've mentioned previously on my blog that I find blogging very therapeutic. I like to express my thoughts and feelings. Even if I don't get any comments, I still feel relief for getting it out. Now, don't get me wrong, I LOVE when people comment, it makes me feel good and I like to see what others thing and feel.
Hope the packing is going well :)
Jolene,
how gracious of you to thank your 'fans' amid all that you have gone through and are going through... I blog for myself as a form of expressing my inside self... and I read blogs because I find some sparkle to make life's view a bit more faceted... Congrats on your anniversary and your following... we thank you for sharing your life with us!
Velvet Brick
www.velvetbrickspot.blogspot.com
I love reading blogs because it makes me feel connected to others. I find that others are going through the same things I am or that they have done some really cool things that inspire me create something. It's like sitting down with a cup of coffee and a good friend, it is a joy.
Congrats on your anniversary
High Five to ya!!
You are an inspiration to me. Yours is the first blog I started reading, because you are transparent and real I have laughed, cried and rejoiced with you. Thank you for sharing yourself.
You are a blessing and I hold you and the family in my prayers.
What a cool thing for you to do. Such a neat giveaway. Congrats on your blog birthday!
I'm so glad I started blogging for several reason. 1. It allows me to share pics of our family easily for friends and family that we don't get to see that often. 2. It helps me remember the little things that go on in our everyday life and is helpful is preserving memories (I can go back to my archives) 3. I have "met" so MANY wonderful people. 4. I am constantly inspired and motivated by so many bloggers..in my scrapbooking hobby that so many of us have in common.
I can't believe that it has already been an entire year!! I am glad that you have this blog. It keeps up conected to you since we moved so far away. I just wish that I had your talent to have a blog myself.
Hey Jolene! Happy Anniversary! I, like many others, LOVE reading your blog. You are so good at updating it (something I need to work on) and giving us a glimse into your life. I am constantly inspired and "wow"ed by your creativity and love it when you share pictures of your beautifully decorated home or crafts.
I love to blog because it's a way to see into someone's life... I always have been a little nosey! LOL
Happy Anniversary and I hope that your blog will be around for many, many more years!
Oh I love blogging because it's so very inspiring as well as fun to see what other people are doing out in the world. Plus, it's like a huge extended family full of love and support...and it's kind of fun to just peek into other people's lives to see how they live!(especially since we're in the same state)
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! How sweet of you to celebrate by giving something away,,
Your picture of your family is what caught my eye to read your blog and how "real" you are in your post. You just "put" it out there for all of us to "read", you inspired me to start blogging and so far I enjoy it.
I love reading blogs, especially the one's that are "scrapbookers" love seeing there creativeness and get a peek into there life.
Dont need to include me in the drawing... but, I blog because it's a really a stress reliever for me. No, i don't tell all online, but it's a good outlet for some of the things I want to record for myself. I've been at it now for 12 (TWELVE !!!) years online. I have been blessed to meet some wonderful people thru it all - which is icing on the cake.
Wow...1 year! I started my blog almost a year ago, and what I love most are the friendships I've found. It's so neat to become friends with someone who lives (mostly) in a different part of the country...and get a glimpse into their life (we are all very alike). Happy 1 year anniversary!
I enjoy reading about people's lives and I love seeing the crafts people make. Happy anniversary!
I love reading blogs. Especailly yours. you inspire me and uplift me.You make me want to be a better wife mother and friend!
Hi Jolene, you don't need to include me in the drawing either; I just wanted to comment that I discovered your blog through Susie Q (I guess she is my inspiration for starting MY blog!) I always wanted a way to remember what happens day to day, not only for myself, but for my kids. I used to just keep a journal on Microsoft word, but can't even tell you what happened to that! (got lost somewhere down the line changing computers or whatever!) But having it online is great because you can meet other people, and put pictures on which go with the stories of the day, and so on. It's also a great way for my friends and family to check in and see what we've been up to, just by clicking!
Have a great weekend,
Sheila
Jolene,
Happy Anniversary!
I don't have a blog but enjoy finding good ones to read. I like to hear about every day life from other moms - how they deal with their family issues, what creative ideas they have. Its like having an extra network of resources!
-megan from sc,ca
I have a blog, but have not posted on it for several weeks now. I think I am ready to jump back in, though. I like that I can post pictures and write a little something about them, so then I can go back and check out my archives when I go to scrapbook. I like that family and friends near and far can know what's going on in our little corner of the world (well, they can when I actually blog). I like reading other people's blogs because they inspire me. I read different blogs for different reasons. It's almost like you have different friends for different reasons, you know? Well, to echo Telah, "Pick me, Pick me!" (I really need some buttons and flowers)
PS. This is my first time posting on your blog, but I have read it for awhile. I have been constantly praying for your son in the military. May he stay safe!
Happy Anniversary!.....sorry i can't say much...It is Aaron's turn for the computer...tell every one that i said hi.... -Lot's of love Morgan-
Well, how can I resist commenting when you make it so tempting! :D I read your blog as often as I get a chance - which sometimes means two weeks or more between readings and MAN... you can pack a lot of life into two weeks! I don't always comment, but I think about you daily and especially when I eat a bowl of soup or cereal and don't split my lip open with the end of a beat up spoon! lol....
Love you Jolene!
ps - I know you're sad to be leaving your house, but the new place looks totally awesome and it will feel like home before you know it. :) hugs!
ps2 - I got on my blog the other day for the first time in months and am going to be better about updating and pictures and everything. Pinky Swear! :)
Happy 1 Year Anniversary!!! I read blogs because they are interesting and offer glimpses into other people's lives....sometimes ensuring that other people are going through some of the same things I am....sometimes providing inspiration....sometimes providing a fun way to procrastinate. Anywho...love your blog!!!
Why I love blogging,
By Suzie Q, age 50.
I could not help writing that! *smile* This is how our Gracie begins all her papers...
For starters, I meet some of the dearest people in the world...people like Jolene George! I am inspired, entertained, educated, enlightened,
tickled and a part of something bigger than myself every day.
I have learned so much and grown so much, just in the 5 months since I began this blog journey.
I love writing the posts, feeling a connection to so many, making people laugh, grin...just making new friends.
It is an adventure and one I enjoy every day in so many ways.
HAPPY 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Jolene!!!
You are one of the best!
Love and Hugs,
Sue
Happy Bloggerversary. I think I found your blog a few months after you started.
I have been blogging since June 2004. It started as a way to share pictures of Reilly and my garden with my family. Slowly different members of my family started to blog and it became a wonderful way that we have kept close and in touch.
I have made some really good friends through blogging and it has enriched my life in many ways.
I've just popped over here from SusieQ's to wish you a happy blogversary!! Mine is coming up in March...I love the idea of giving something away...don't enter me though...your long time buds need to win this from you but I would love to visit you in the future and feel free to visit me!!
:-D
Hey Jolene, How sweet are you having a little give away.
Well, I love blogging cause it allows us to feel closer to family that are far away. The Grandparents can now see up to date photos of there weee little grand children. I think this Technology has blessed our lives.
I love reading others blogs cause it is a way to see how everyone else is getting through life.
Cheers.
Marcy
Congrats on your one year anniversary! That is so neat! I think it is so cool to look back at previous posts and see what was going on throughout the year....it is a great journaling tool for me in my scrapbooking! Thanks for allowing us to be a part of your life. You are a great person and I feel very blessed to call you friend.
Wow!! You gave away a great prize!!! Congrats to the winner!!!
And congrats on a year!!!
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