a year in the life

This is a very exciting & important post for me!

It's here- it's official- my one year blogging anniversary. I started blogging June 19, 2007 & here we are a year later. I am so excited that I have documented this past year. This has been an amazing experience for me. I have learned a lot about myself, my friends, & my family.

{I've learned I wear sunglasses a lot & I have NO lips- it's almost embarrassing how many photos are like this one}

About myself- I'm more negative than i thought. Blogging has helped me to focus on the positive. I have found that I struggle with my personal thoughts at times. I rarely include the negative things happening in my life on my blog- I'm not sure it's the right thing to do or not, but it is what it is. I guess I'm not ready to publicly share anything more. Blogging the good times has been a reminder that I am blessed with just that- mostly good times!

{megan & brian}

It's been a year of change, accomplishment, & celebrations. You know when your kids are little & you think they'll never grow up? Mine have done just that- grown up. At least the two oldest. The guinea pigs I like to call them. What a great year to start blogging! I am glad they have made the choices they have to be in the places they are today. I love them both so much. I love all my children, but even better- I like them -I really do. I believe that I am first my child's parent, if they want to be friends when they grow up that's really their choice. You can't force friendship, not even with your child. I am thrilled that besides being my children they have chosen to be my friend. I really miss these two- more than words can say.

(if you want to see posts on the wedding or the missionary click on the link below)

Blogging has made me aware that I have a lot of friends. I have more friends now than probably ever in my life. When I was young I had tons of friends. I was one of those annoying over involved youths- but that seems a world away. As a young mother we moved a lot. It was hard to make friends, then move away. Having a large family there just wasn't time when my kids were younger- to invest in many friendships. My marriage & kids were my priority. I have more now- time & friends. I love all of you for so many reasons. You know who you are. Thank you for being so great to me - always.

{beth, jake & jim my brother}

Blogging has taught me that my family is interested in our lives. I always knew they were- but we live so far away from them all that it's impossible to share the day to day happenings. Or it was. I love what blogging has done for my extended family. I feel like they now know me, love me, support me & my husband & kids. WOW did you read that? This is huge. I in turn have learned so much about them- especially the ones that blog. I love you guys!

happy blogging anniversary to me!

I love the lessons I have learned from blogging. Thank you all you commenter's for encouraging me in so many ways. You have no idea how many times a day I check for a comment- comments you make my day. Now when I get back from camp... I'm going to publish this baby (more to come on that.)