Friday, March 13, 2009

Quiz

Today is:
A) The second Friday the 13th this year.
B) The day I officially gave up on the bedspread we bought last spring.
C) My three year blogaversary.
D) All of the above.

Did you answer D? That is correct!

A) It's Friday the 13th...again! I was really hoping I wouldn't give birth to Annabeth on Friday, February 13th. Praise the Lord - for so many reasons - that I didn't even get close! Not that I think it would have truly been ominous, but I wouldn't have wanted to tell her she was born on that day. Just like I wouldn't have wanted to tell her that I went into labor at Monster Jam. Can you imagine?

B) We've had this bedding since last spring.


It's neat and all, but it's a duvet and the comforter is always bunched up on one side. Usually one of us is sweating at night and the other one is cold. Is there some kind of trick to this that I don't know about? Also, the color, which is somewhere between blue and gray, is not really us. In almost a year, I've not hung one thing on the walls, bought one decorative accessory, or made any progress on finding new curtains. So we have this rain colored bedspread with red drapes. Red drapes that do not match. Red, unmatching drapes that are so long that it will cost more to replace them than to replace the bedspread. So this morning I made the bold announcement to Curtis that I would be spending my Christmas gift cards to Pottery Barn on new bedding. He was pumped. I was shocked. Now I have something else to amuse me online besides reading blogs and trying to type emails with one finger while I nurse the baby.

C) Happy blogaversary to me! I started this blog on March 13, 2006, with the announcement of Jackson's grand entrance. I've loved having this outlet to record everything from my children's births and milestones to where I've just eaten or shopped. I enjoy writing for writing's sake (although most of my posts don't deserve to be called writing) but it definitely would not be as fun without you! Thanks for reading and thanks for all the encouraging, supportive, and fun comments.

To celebrate my blog's third birthday and the readers who have blessed me so much along the way, I'm doing my first real giveaway! I'm giving away one $50 gift certificate to Tiny Prints, which is my favorite web site for ordering stationery. They have baby announcements, Christmas cards, and all kinds of fun invitations. It makes me all kinds of happy to have a reason to order something from Tiny Prints, so I'm excited to do this little giveaway.

To enter, just leave a comment on this post and make sure I have a way to get in touch with you. There's no need to post anything on your blog about it. I'm not looking for new readers as much as I want to tell you how much I appreciate you. I will do the drawing on *Sunday evening and announce the winner then. I wish I could give away more than one gift certificate, but when I told the Hubs that I was doing this giveaway, he suggested I just give away some advice. So here's your advice: don't ask your hubby what he thinks about giving something away to The Invisible Internet Peeps.

*Originally I put Monday, but that's because I thought today was Saturday. Ironic, isn't it, since I just talked about it being Friday the 13th? I need more sleep!

307 comments:

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Karen said...

Amanda,
Congrats on the blogging. Over the last serveral weeks your words have been so encouraging to me. I am a 26 year old pastor's wife that has a 3 year old (Jan 06) and a 3 week old (Feb 20, 09). Thanks so much for the honesty and not sugar coating your experiences!

Kristin said...

Happy Blogaversary Amanda! I love reading your blog. Thanks for sharing your life with us! Have fun shopping! I was just telling my husband that my home in heaven is going to look just like the PB store! :)

~Kristin

Moose Mama said...

Yesterday...Friday the 13th was my baby's birthday. She turned 11. She was not supposed to be here. "Nature" had plans that GOD foiled! I had two miscarriages before her, lots of fertility drugs. We gave up trying when I turned 40. At 42, we were blessed with Emily. She was due March 6. I had to be induced on Friday March 13th 1998. I tell everyone that the particular Friday the 13th that she was born was the luckiest day in the world, for her parents!!

Love your blog!

Melana

Kylie said...

I love your blog- I love to have the perspective of someone else very close to the same place in life that I am. I also LOVE my pottery barn bedding so that's the way to go!

and hey, why not enter a giveaway?! :)
kylielindseyhiggins@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Amanda, I enjoy reading your blog very much. As a mom of 3 teenagers, I become somewhat nostalgic when I read about your life with little ones. Cherish those years!

rclennoxfam@juno.com

GraceandFaith said...

Congrats on your blogaversary! I really enjoy your style of writing!

Becca said...

Crazy! Three years! Way to go! Love ya'll to pieces!

twinkle said...

I gave up my dream bedding set for the same reason you shared. I now stick with a beautiful quilt and we both are pretty comfortable with that choice. My dream bedding set is still here, just put away. Maybe if we ever move to Alaska...

And congrats on your blogiversary! I just love visiting you or Pamela...whichever one of you is blogging for the day! Some of your posts are in my Top 10 list of all blogs I've visited.

Curtis may have something there. Your advice is always priceless!

My email is on my blog profile.

Kristyn said...

Sorry your bedding didn't work out, but you can't go wrong with Pottery Barn bedding!! impossible. ;)
Yay for 3 years...really do enjoy reading your blog!

psm260 said...

Love your blog! Your honesty about things -- like not enjoying cooking -- is uplifting! (I don't enjoy it, either.) And I'm a pastor's wife and don't really enjoy having people over . . .

Pam
psm260@gmail.com

bethany said...

Amanda,

I love reading your blog and look forward to checking it each time that I get the chance!
The Moore/Jones/Fitzpatrick women definately have the gift of writing. Keep the posts coming girlfriend!

Bethany

www.singingoverme.blogspot.com

Casey said...

I love your blog! Your kids are almost the exact age of my two so it's great to see what yours are up to! :-)

Casey
bizzeebeigh@yahoo.com
www.thelouts.blogspot.com

Lora said...

Congrats on your blogaversary! Thank you kindly for the giveaway and for sharing your life with us in bloggyville!

Superchikk said...

I'd love to win something from TinyPrints. They have such cool stuff!

life with the wisners said...

um, sure. i'd love me a gift certificate. :)

you're definitely one of my favorite reads. love it!

The B's said...

Hi Amanda!

The trick to the duvet is to safety pin the comforter to the duvet in all four corners. That is what we had to do to ours and it really does work. Otherwise the problem like you had occurs! :) Good luck finding new bedding!!! I wish I could get some!

GO REST!

http://thebranums.blogpsot.com

Leslie said...

I love Pottery Barn, good luck finding your new bedding! How was your step class?

Leslie

lhartmanfamily.blogspot.com

Longmeadow Mama said...

I've only been reading your blog for one of those three years and have had my socks blessed off (and laughed off many a time too!) Your posts are a joy...even when you don't feel they are!
I'd love to be a part of your blogaversary celebration with an entry into the giveaway!
Thanks!
Kelli

Ingram Gang said...

I love Tinyprints.

Happy A, B, and C to you!

Ashleigh Carroll said...

Pick me!

Just got back from your mom's Pastor's Wives conference. It was great and she was hysterical.

The Titsworth Family said...

Your blog brings a smile to my face. Congrats on your 3rd blogger anniversary!

btitsworth@gmail.com

Peter and Nancy said...

Congratulations on three years! Here's my entry -- we just started another adoption, so you know what the gift would go for! ;)
-- Nancy

Aunt_Nette said...

I enjoy your blog.

Catrina said...

Just returned from the minister's wives conference-Nashville! I enjoy reading your blog and find it incredibly generous of you to allow each of us the opportunity to walk this walk with you...

Happy Blogaversary!

Much love! :)

Annika said...

I love reading your blog; and you ARE definitely a wonderful writer. I just read your post about not looking at your behind while you are pregnant and couldn't help laughing out loud. :) Love the line about seeing yourself in the threeway mirror while popping cheese cubes...classic.

Congratulations on three years! :)

Annika (my oldest son is Jackson, too!)
www.ericandannikadurbin.blogspot.com

Amber C said...

I read every post, but never really comment. Love your blog!

Amy said...

i love tiny prints and i love reading your blog...congrats on 3 years...may you and your blog live happily ever after. :)

Ashley McWhorter said...

Happy blog anniversary, Amanda!! Hope you all have a great weekend despite all rainy cold weather in good ole Houston! :)

Sherri said...

I so enjoy your blog.

But no matter how many I've entered, I've never won a give-away.....

Yet! ;)

Debbie said...

I just did my first internet giveaway last week. That reminds me that I need to mail it out.

I love reading your blog. I actually have it linked to mine. I started blogging almost two years ago and enjoy recording our events too. My husband is a pastor and we're living away from home so it's nice for everyone to feel connected.

Thanks for the giveaway!

chris said...

I love your blog Amanda! Thanks for letting us peek into your life! You are a blessing!

Chris
chris.rich@juno.com

Jessica said...

Congrats on 3 years, Amanda! When you get your new bedding, you must, must, must post a pic for us! :)

www.anurseslife-jessi.blogspot.com

Zaankali said...

My daughter was born on Oct. 29 and I had the same feeling about her possibly being born on Halloween. It wouldn't have been the worst thing but I would prefer to have it not happen.
My mother does have a "13th" birthday so she has had her own Friday the 13th days.
Smiles!

Kristin said...

I love tiny prints!! How fun.
Kristin Violi

Unknown said...

Congrats on the 3rd year blogaversary! :) You've given me so much encouragement through your blog--thank you!

Rebecca
tiggerdaisy@gmail.com

AKat said...

Hey, Amanda. I love Tiny Prints, too! I am going to order some when our boy arrives.
I hope you, the Mister and his little Sister are doing well. :)

Cheryl said...

I heart your blog!

My hubs had the same reaction the first (and only) time I did a giveaway!

Sarah Isabella said...

exciting!
happy bloggy b-day!
xoxo

Katie said...

Happy Blogiversary! I have only been reading your blog for a couple months now...I think I found you through Kelly's Korner. Anyway, I love your sense of humor, and your topics are so in line with where I am in life now. Have fun bedding shopping!

Heather said...

What a fun post! Congrats on 3 years of blogging, I love reading. Giveaways are so fun, even if I don't win!! That bedding is super cute too!!

A Cup Bearer said...

It's been a wonderful year of blogging with you! May you have many more!!!

Anonymous said...

Congrats!! I too am suffering from baby bangs and beyond!

Thank you for the entertainment you've provided!

Carrie
dancarriemorgan@msn.com

Jen said...

I love your blog!
I also love Tiny Prints. They do our Christmas card every year. We're planning on moving in a few months so I'd love to have gift cert. to order moving announcements.
I guess what I'm trying to say is I love this giveaway!

Jennifer said...

Oh, enter me! I would love to win!

~Jodi~ said...

Happy 3 years of blogging! wow I can't believe it's been 3 years! Time sure does fly by!
Your blog is a blast~! Hope you are doing well! And happy hunting on your new bedding! That will be fun :) btw i really i like your old duvet too bad it gave you so much hassle!

Beth said...

I just love your blog. Its one of my top favorites. Happy blogaversary!
YEA for Pottery Barn!!!!! Let us know which pattern you decide on. :)
Bethany
ganeurogirl@hotmail.com

Love Being A Nonny said...

I'm with you on needing new bedding. Can't wait to see what you choose!

Alison said...

Happy Blogiversary!

Keely said...

Amanda,
I LOVE your blog. You are always making me laugh and I wish I knew you in real life. Congratulations on your 3 year blogaversery! That's awesome. I just recently started my blog and I hope I'm still doing it in three years!
Best of luck with your master bedroom. I finally got ours decorated to my liking last summer. It drove me crazy before that!
Congrats again,
Keely

Anne N. said...

Thanks for the chance to win...and happy blogiversary.

Jennifer said...

Happy Blogaversary!

Momma-of-5 said...

Happy Blogaversary!
Happy Not-giving-birth-on-Friday-the-13th!
Happy Getting-rid-of-annoying-bunching-comforter!

About that duvet thing...have you tried the comforter clip? I saw it at BB&B and ended up just using safety pins, but you lay the comforter on the inside-out duvet and clip the corners. Then you jut turn the duvet right-side-out and it stays together (sorta).

Keri said...

Congrats on 3 years......in my mine, blogging is WAY better than scrapbooking which does nothing but make me break out in hives!

jandcwed said...

Amanda, thanks for sharing your life with us. So many times I get a laugh out of your post!! It's fabulous. :)

Christi
Arkansas

Linda said...

Happy Blog anniversary. I am glad I found your blog. I have been following for a while now but don't always leave comments mostly a blog lurker, I almost feel guilty leaving a comment on your first give away but obviously not too guilty as I plan to push that publish button momentarily. Hope you find and enjoy your new bedding soon.
Blessings,
Linda
btw - Loved the visual you gave when going back to workout for the first time since the baby was born. I was cracking up. :)

Nicole said...

I reading your blog.
nicole_cason@yahoo.com

stheriotlawson said...

Thanks so much for allowing all of us to be apart of your blog. I enjoy reading!

Congratulations,
Stephanie
stheriotlawson@comcast.net

The Schmidt Family said...

Hey sister! you have quite a few followers on this blog! miss you girl.

Sara said...

Yea for an anniversary! And new bedding! And not having a birthday on Friday the 13th (although my son's 3rd birthday was on February 13th this year...on a Friday...but at least he was not BORN on Friday the 13th!!)!
Love your blog!

Sara at Miller Moments: said...

I love reading all about your escapades with the kiddos! Thanks for sharing and being just so gosh darn REAL. :)

Rose said...

Amanda,you stories and mom anecdotes have inspired me to write my own blog, however i'm sooo busy, you're truly my blog hero, cause I know your busy too but find the time to blog about it and make it seem so interesting :) Thanks!

Rose said...

I don't know if my comment posted, I had an error!! :(

su said...

Happy Blogaversary! Three years. It really is fun to check in and see how you're doing. Thanks for letting us in.

And I do call it writing. Even when your eyes are glazed over from lack of sleep.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the blog! You're getting me pumped for first time mommyhood!
Courtney

Eliza said...

I love you blog. Again, you are amazing for blogging so well after the birth of the second child!

Katie said...

The bedspread is very pretty but I understand about not liking having a duvet. I hope to not ever have one again.

3girlsmom said...

I have a PB duvet COVER, but not a PB duvet insert. I think that's a big trick. PB duvet covers are a little larger than most down inserts, so the best bet is to get them ALL at PB. There are also some little clips that fit inside that clip the insert to the cover. They work OK. Not wonderfully, but definitely better than nothing. I got mine at Bed Bath & Beyond (or Linens & Things....same same).
Congrats on 3 bloggy years! I remember vividly when Jackson was born because your mom was holding a LPL conference in Birmingham (my hometown) and we were worried that she wouldn't be able to come. She was ONE HAPPY GRANDMOTHER!
It was sweet to see pics of Annabeth at LPL this weekend. Once again, your mom was one proud grandmother!!!

Liz*** said...

You make me laugh! Congrats on 3 years!

Laurie said...

Happy blog anniversary! I really enjoy reading your blog.

Laurie

Suzanne said...

Would be cool to have a tiny prints giftcard since I have a double baby announcement to send out next month (twins!).

Little House in Grand Prairie said...

Hi Amanda,
I am a childhood friend of Bonny Childress Hicks and met you long ago at A&M. I have so enjoyed reading about your precious family. We have much in common from our husbands being ministers of the Word, raising our little ones, and the love of Tiny Prints! Happy blogaversary!
Cara Davis
www.lhigp.blogspot.com

Erica said...

Hey girl,
I love that piece of advice. Brian has said the same thing the couple times I have given something away. They just don't get it, do they?
So, I totally enjoy reading your writing. You make me laugh, provide encouragement, and are just so very real!
I would love to meet up in real life!
Erica

Julee said...

Congrats on 3 years of blogging! I have only been blogging for 5 months but I have loved reading your blog and others!

mattandjuleeturner.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I have loved getting ot know you through your blog! Happy Anniversary and have fun spending your gift card to PB...

Angela Baylis said...

You are so sweet and generous. You have already blessed me by what you write on here and on the LPM blog. Thank you for all you do for all of us. You have taken the internet to a new level. I'm so glad to be a part of this. Thanks to Curt for putting up with all of the time you must spend moderating comments and writing. All this to say THANKS, Amanda for sharing your life and family with us!
Love,
Angie from Michigan
xoxo

Jana said...

Love to read your blog! Congrats on Annabeth and I adore her name. Hope you pick me!

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogaversary! I feel so old! Have to give you absolute props because you are the most consistent blogger! (Maybe Boomama beats you I'm not sure) Thank you for letting us lurkers inside your world and thank you for bearing thermal laptop burns on your thighs! We are richer for it!
ps...I cannot imagine Curtis climbing into that bedding...that man loves you Amanda..don't you ever doubt it!!!

Unknown said...

I just love reading your blogs. You have such a fun way of writing about your family and all the events in your life...You have a precious family! I also wanted to let you know that I purchased the new book my Marla Taviano, Expecting, and it has been a wonderful blessing! I love reading this book. I told myself that I would not read any of the "pregnancy books," but this book is perfect. We are expecting our first child, a baby girl, in July. Thanks for all the wonderful tidbits!! Shelley

Becca and Dee said...

Wow! I can't even imagine having this many readers on my blog! ha! I guess I'm just not that interesting. Thanks for the Tiny Prints link. My great-niece was just born on the first and I've been having the best time "trying out" her sweet picture on some of those annoucements. I can't wait to show her mom so we can get some ordered! Rebecca

Lindsee Lou said...

Okay, that last line from Curtis cracks me up. Wise hubby!

Happy Blogaversary to you. You are a blessing, Amanda and it has been a pleasure getting to know you! You are most definitely a role model from afar to me. So, thank you!

And, as a girl who loves snail mail and thank you cards like no one else, I am so in on the giveaway. How fun!

Have fun picking out new bedding! PB is the best!

Lindsee

P.S. Sister, YOU and Annabeth looked absolutely precious Tuesday night. That was such a sweet, fun surprise! You were rockin' it in those heals, and she was rockin' it in those socks. Thanks so much for doing that!

Crazee Juls said...

I'm a new reader,but enjoyed your blog.... Except..for the fact that both of my kids were born on Friday the 13th, (2 years 2 months apart) so it's not such a bad thing in our household at all... ;-)

Sister Lynn said...

dear Amanda,

thanks for the giveaway! Your blog is one of the few that I make sure I check everyday! Thanks for the words of wisdom, humor, and things of the Spirit - it is much appreciated! God bless you.
Sister Lynn

Phil and Lori said...

Pick me! I enjoy reading your blog. We will be camping all week with no cell service so the best way to get in touch with me would be to email me and I'll get it when I get home.
toddtribe@verizon.net

Happy Anniversary

Meredith said...

You rock, Sister Friend! Thanks for your willingness to share so openly about your life with your family and Jesus. You're a blessing.

Meredith

Unknown said...

Congrats on the anniversary! I love reading your blog because our kids are very close in age! I have sympathized with your potty training struggle and we were pregnant at the same time! My first born is Jackson too!

Melissa said...

In the event that your new bedding is a duvet, you may want to check out this link on how to keep a duvet in place. :) http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/boston/bedroom/how-to-keep-a-duvet-in-place-074461

Love the giveaway idea, love your blog! :)

Abby said...

I love blog-stalking you! pboerger @ hotmail DOT COM

Sarah said...

Happy, Happy, Happy Blogaversary!

Sarah

www.garrettleewright.blogspot.com

Connie Hughey said...

Hi, Amanda! I am a Siesta and I have been reading your blog for the past month or so...I enjoy hearing your thoughts on your life.
God bless!
Connie

chesley said...

love your blog...and tiny prints. I've used them several times & would love to come up with a reason to order something now!

Carmen said...

congrats on 3 years!
I know we'd be best friends if we lived by each other!!! (I always tell people that :)

carmensusannah@hotmail.com

~ Laurie said...

Happy Blogoversary! Love reading your blog!!! peanutbutterandfluff.blogspot.com

Kimberly said...

Happy Anniversary!

Kendra said...

What is it about having a baby that inspires one to finally start a blog. I'm about to give birth - and I just might start a blog! :)

Darlene R. said...

I loved your husband's response to the giveaway...typical husbandy response! I have enjoyed reading your blog for some time now and have read all of your post from the very beginning. I laughed the hardest when you wrote about "the girls" and how hard it is to keep them, um, stable during exercise!

It has been fun getting to "know" your sweet family through the blog.
You are a precious young mommy! The Lord is using you in marvelous ways! Thank you for sharing parts of your life with us!

Katie said...

Good luck on the bedspread search!

Unknown said...

I've been reading for several months. I love your style of writing and have gotten inspiration of how to write and what to write about on my own blog from yours. Thanks for the laughs and for your transparency.

Lynn

Laura W. Smith said...

Hope I get picked! Your blog is absolutely a blessing to me... my older sister discovered it first and then she got me hooked... I hope it doesn't frighten you that I now refer to you as "my friend Amanda," just as I referred to your mom as "my friend Beth" during my first Beth Moore Bible Study experience... you're both just so personable that I feel like I know you! I have three little ones four and under and sometimes I feel lonely in my walk as a Christian mom... I belong to a wonderful church and have wonderful friends, but finding true sisters in Christ to walk the walk with me every day has proved to be challenging. I am so blessed by being able to share in your trials and tribulations, and am often experiencing very similar ones myself!

Thanks for your friendship, even though you don't know me :-).
Laura
wheatsmith@yahoo.com

Christi said...

Way to go, chicka! And...you have over 278 comments!!! That is a lot of readers my friend.

I posted some new pics of Sophia if you haven't seen them yet. They're on my blog and facebook. You will L-O-V-E the pants with the fringe. It's so fun having a girl!

Peace out!

Liz Ferguson said...

Happy blogaversary! I've been reading your blog for like 2 years, I've just hardly ever left a comment. :) Thanks for always sharing your thoughts with us. I appreciate your heart and sense of humor.

Lacey said...

Congrats!

HappyascanB said...

Happy Blogoversary! I am a new reader as I looked for your mom after she spoke at a marriage conference I attended recently. You Rock!!! The bedding is really pretty, and what I've done in the past with duvets is pin them at each corner to the cover. just a small trick. It helps, too! Am I too late for your giveaway? bethanymslocum@gmail.com or happyascanb.blogspot.com

Thanks!!

Melody said...

Amanda,
Just started reading your blog a couple of months ago and I really enjoy it! I'm having a baby this fall so the gift card would be super fun!!! :-) What a great idea!

Melody

Faith said...

Congratulations on your blogoversary!! :) I always enjoy reading your entries; I love your honesty and humor! Not sure if you've already done the drawing, but I need to make some long-overdue birth announcements for my twins (who are already 2 months old! :blush:) so I would looove to win. :D My blog is www.faithsgreatadventure.blogspot.com.

Faith said...

Oh and my trick to duvets: On the duvet covers I've bought, there are ties on the inside of each corner of the duvet cover, and then a little loop on each corner of the duvet. So you thread the ties through the loop and tie the duvet to the cover so it stays in place.

Gran Jan said...

Amanda:
I love your family - bless you.

Georgia Jan

Emmy said...

I love reading your blog! You are precious! It is late Sunday night so you don't have to put me in the drawing I just wanted to tell you what a joy your blog has been! God Bless! Emmy : )

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