Monday, March 12, 2007

Happy Birthday, Dear Blog

Tomorrow is the blog's birthday! My first post was March 13, 2006. I wish I had started the blog during pregnancy like Janelle, but it was not to be. And it got started almost a month after Jackson was born because who can blog when they are incoherent, engorged, and constantly emoting? Yes, it was better that I didn't blog until March 13.

This was actually my second blog. I wrote my first one anonymously so that I could say anything I wanted. But I had no one to read my anonymous blog. And everyone knows that comments and readers are very helpful in keeping you going. The only comments I had were spam. I guess it wasn't juicy enough. I just looked at that old blog for the first time in a year and a half. I forgot how much I had written and I enjoyed reading what I wrote before my brain turned to mush. Ironically, the blog stops right before I found out I was pregnant with Jackson. That's too bad. Boy could I have told some stories! There would have been much more about pregnancy, breastfeeding and post-partum recovery than even an OB cared to know.

Thank you to my sweet friends who have kept up with the blog this last year. You have encouraged me to keep writing down these memories. I will be even more thankful for you on the day my baby gets on the school bus for the first time and I come inside to read all these posts and have a good ole catharsis. And thank you to my 6th grade language arts teacher at Truitt Jr. High, Mr. Peter Loudis. If anyone knows him, please give him the url. He made us write in our journals in class every Monday to tell what we did that weekend. He was the ultimate commenter and he made me love writing.

So let's have a little birthday party for the blog. The blog's birthday wish is to hear from anyone who has never commented before. So grab the closest piece of cake (it can be a Little Debbie), some punch (Kool Aid?), and your party hat (a high ponytail will do) and say hello.

33 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Amanda,
I have been following your blog for a couple of months now but have never commented, so I thought I would do that since you are celebrating 1 year! Congrats! I'm not sure how I stumbled on your blog, but I've kept reading because we seem to have a lot in common. My husband and I love God and we have twin girls who are a few months older than your baby boy. I've enjoyed reading about his development. Being entrusted with kids has made me understand God's love for me in a new way. I enjoy reading about your life - keep up the good work!

Murrell Family said...

Yeah, Amanda! I love reading your blog and what is going on with your precious family. I did not have that Language Arts teacher, but Truitt Junior High was our arch rival (Cook JH) in baseketball! Can you have an arch rival in Junior High?

Michelle said...

Happy Birhday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Baby Bangs, Happy Birthday to you!!!
I actually went back a couple of weeks ago to check out your first blog and it was fun to see all the new pics of your family. It was fun to see how far you have come from not knowing how to post pics to your incredible blog that you have today. See you tomorrow...can't wait to rodeo!

Them Chandlers said...

Happy Birthday, blog :) You've made me laugh outloud, cry and be inspired to press on writing in my blog. Thank you....oh, and thanks, Amanda, for letting your blog speak :)

Alicia said...

Amanda,
Well I have been reading your blog from the very first post!! I am probably also your most faithful reader across the globe here in India! I have loved watching Jackson grow up on this blog because I have not been around to see it in person. So I have fallen in love with your son through the pictures and experiences. You are such a sweet friend and can't wait till we live in the same continent and hopefully the same city again!!
-Alicia in India

Tracy said...

Amanda-
I found your blog through a comment you left on boomama's blog. I really enjoy your sweet spirit! I have a baby boy who is a couple of days younger than Jackson so I can relate to some of your stories- and I have baby bangs BIG TIME.

Michelle said...

Manda-
You are a wonderful writer and I too thank your lang. Arts teacher! My blog thanks your blog as it would never be without you and your encouragement! Funny when I read yours i was currently eating the most amazing treat! its called Alfajor Negro its from Uruguay and a friend brought it back for me from the bosses last trip! Its like a moon pie only the best thing ever! So I dedicate my Alfajor to Baby Bangs! Happy Birthday!

And I agree with Alicia although I am not as far as her, your wonderful blogs let me watch little Jackson grow as if I am still living in the same town! I love technology!

Anonymous said...

Mr. Loudis!!!!!! That's his name...I can picture the man clear as day and whenever anyone asks about a favorite teacher I think of him but just could NOT remember his name...good memory sister!

I LOOOVE being able to stay up to date on your life through this blog...it's my happy place when I'm in a funk at work!!! Some of my favorite memories growing up have you in them and you always have a place in my heart...much love sister!!!

Finally an Abrigg..... said...

Amanda, you don't know me but it seems we have mutual blog friends. Sunni and I went to high school together, and her husband and I taught together in Irving. We were both choir directors....and then Lauren and I go back since college. She is one of my close friends. Anyways, thank you for giving me an opportunity to leave a comment instead of having to stalk your blog all the time. :)

Thanks!
Molly

boomama said...

Happy Blogiversary to you!
Happy Blogiversary to you!
Happy Blogiversary dear Amaaaaaanda!
Happy Blogiversary to you!

:-)

A is for Audrey said...

hey amanda,
i've never commented either, but i guess now's a good time, with the birthday and all...i came across your blog from michelle sanders'. i'm glad you and curt are doing well, and i enjoy reading about little jackson. my little girl, audrey, is 18 months, and i too have begun blogging...it's fun! keep it up!
take cre,
mariana

Kevin and Christie said...

Happy Birthday to the Blog...I was going to sing, but boomama beat me to it!! Thank you for being an inspiration and keeping us up on your life! I am thankful for you and you inspire me to be a better blogger...

CGS

Big Mama said...

Happy Blog Birthday to you! I'm still a little new here, but you know I love it!

Anonymous said...

Amanda--I love taking a 5-10 min break from work everyday to see what new adventure you have experienced! I love reading all about you, Jackson and Curt! Thanks for stories!

McClure Family said...

Hi Amanda~
Congrats on one year! Thanks so much for your blog. I love being able to keep up with you and Jackson through it! Oh, and I love the new design!
sherry

Kelly @ Love Well said...

Happy birthday blog! Amanda, you'll probably never know how many of us get delight from reading about your daily joys and struggles with Jackson. It's refreshing and fun and like sitting over coffee with a good friend. Keep up the good work! And enjoy some birthday cake today, if you have a chance.

Eliza said...

Happy Birthday Blog! I love reading your great stories of motherhood! I guess you could say my blog is a "sister" blog? I started blogging because your friend, Kari, started blogging, who started blogging (I think) because of you! Wow...what fruit you have had in just one year! Thanks for the inspiriation.

Anonymous said...

Hi, Amanda! I've forgotten how I first stumbled across your blog, but I have to say there's a refreshing joyfulness about it that makes me smile every time I read it. I'm a year out of college and recently got engaged, so you've given me a lot to look forward to and laugh over. Thank the Lord for your blog!

I've also been leading a Bible study with Beth's "Loving Well" material, and last week we just "found out" that she was going to be a grandmother -- my girls loved her uninhibited joy over it! Thanks to both of you for continually inspiring me to live life with courage and a healthy sense of humor (really, i needed it)!

amy

AKat said...

Here's to your second year! I've really enjoyed reading your entries; you really have a knack for writing, and can convey events in a most hilarious manner. :)

Jen said...

I found your blog through the Altics. I have enjoyed reading how you incorporate the Lord in everyday life and motherhood! I can't wait to do the same someday! (And, I didn't have any cake, but will chocolate chip cookies and Diet Coke with lime count?). Happy blog birthday!

Anonymous said...

Happy Blog-Birthday!
I can't remember how I found your blog, but when I did, I knew that I recognized you from A&M. Maybe it was Breakaway or maybe it was PhiLamb...either way, I knew you were familiar! It has been fun to hear your perspective on motherhood, even though it is a phase of life that I haven't entered. Thank you for sharing your life with so many...even those who don't really know you!

Chrys and Mike said...

Amanda,

You're a great writer and I've so enjoyed your blog. Our son, Oliver, is a few months older than Jackson so I can relate to much of what you write. Thanks for sharing your heart!

Chrys

Ashley Turnbull said...

Hey there! I am one of Sherry's roommates from college, and so I found your blog from hers. She is one of my dearest friends, and I love having an inside to your ministry! Anyway, we, too, have a blog, of which my husband trys to keep us all laughing - we celebrated 1 yr this month, too! Anyway, check it out sometime for a laugh. We are praying for kids in the Lord's time, but when we do, oh...the blogging that will be! I'll be the hormonal type that you were talking about...

M said...

Happy Birthday Baby Bangs!
I enjoy reading your blog!
Please keep writing!
Take Care!
margaret

Steph V said...

Happy Birthday Mrs. Amanda. I love your blog and I'm so thankful that I can watch Jackson grow!! He's such a sweet thang!!

I have so many memories of both you and Melissa growing up (aerobics, playing on the chairs and eating cream chese - need I say more?) it's so great to witness the memories that Jackson is making.

I hope the next year is only better and look so forward to all that's to come!!

Happy Blog Birthday!

P.S. Mr. Loudis was my language arts teacher as well. He was great but he did always bust me when my shorts weren't the appropriate length!!

The Schmidt Family said...

I love you roomie! I love the blog entries and the pics that keep me updated on my growing nephew!

debra parker said...

I have had a great time getting "to know" you over the past months. I enjoy this year old blog greatly. It is great to have blog friends like you.

Anonymous said...

Hi from Htown, I've only been reading a few weeks but Amber B has been telling me about your blog for months. love & hugs, Carrie C

Erin said...

hi amanda, i too got linked to your blog through kay and jerrell's. i check in with you and jackson all the time...my husband thinks i'm a stalker. but you are so encouraging and though i've only been married for 3 months, i am so eager for motherhood (in a few years) and all the beautiful life lessons and joy it will bring, as evidenced by the stories you share! you really encourage me, and i think you are hilarious...keep blogging! :)

Kristen said...

Happy Birthday, Dear Blog! I sure do enjoy your stories and insight on motherhood. It helps me feel not so all alone. ;-) keep up the good work!

Amy T said...

Well, I apparently missed your comment about your blog on lproof's blog (which is awesome by the way). I did catch your comment which led me to BooMama who led me to Big Mama which led me to you when I read your comment there and thought, "is this...?" So, I'm glad to see it and am happy I can keep up with Jackson (and you of course :) ) even more. Now I feel like a stalker! But y'all are such great people and it's nice to find exciting Christian sites. So, see I'm not really a stalker....am I?

Amy
Longview, TX

Anonymous said...

I love to read your blog. I always look to see if you have posted something new. I wish that you guys were closer so that we could all be together more. It's like watching Jackson grow up!! I love to read it so keep it up!!! Love ya, Mindy

Krista said...

Hi, I found your blog about 2 weeks ago in the middle of the night while I was up nursing my 4 month old. In order to stay awake, I check facebook and read blogs on my Blackberry. My blog list that I read is pretty short, so I decided to Google for a new blog. I googled baby blog and yours popped up.

At first I started at the newest posts, but over the past weekend I started at your oldest posts. Which I have to say, have made me cry!!! Reading about your son's milestones that my son just passed or will be coming to soon is so fun. I'm still reading your 2007 posts which is super exciting because I have so much reading that I can catch up on during my middle of the night feedings.

I especially love reading your blog because you write so much of what I'm thinking! Thanks for writing!

Krista