Friday, November 07, 2008

Happy Blog-aversary...




Wow! Today marks Nitty.Gritty.'s third anniversary.
I can hardly believe that it's been that long. So enjoy something 'sweet' on me- even if it's just that fun picture of all that gorgeous candy above which came from here... yum!
In addition, here are a couple of pictures of my life from when I started this blog in 2005. Our family looked a little bit different and had all sorts of happiness, fun and challenges. Much like we do today, only we have lived more, grown in many ways, and I've shared it all with thousands of you who have joined me in the journey via this blog.
I never intended for that to happen. This blog was something I was doing mostly for myself and my family. Once I joined the scrapbook community, it grew a bit...and from there many of you have linked me up with your own blogs and shared my story/life with your own circle of family and friends. I have read hundreds of emails and comments over the past 3 years. I have responded to many of them- cried from some and laughed with others. I have been pushed to be more thoughtful and I've been pushed to be more bold. I have been blessed to share our heartaches and so many of you have reached out to my family in those times. Thank you.
I have been blessed to share our joys and all the ordinary, routine in-between times too. Thank you for encouraging me, inspiring me, sharing your perspectives and stories too, that have helped make a difference in our lives as a result.
I love that this blog has been a place for opinions to be shared, for learning to take place, and for prayer requests to be brought forward. I love that God has "shown up" here over and over and that it has nothing to do with me- but He has graciously made Himself known through words and stories and pictures.
I am humbled that after 3 years I still have readers [besides Chip,my Mom, sisters and Rachael =) ] and not only that, but that there is still joy afforded me through blogging. I have been a writer/journaler at heart since I was a kid, and this blog has been such a treat for me to watch it all unfold and to have pictures to go with the thoughts/stories along the way.
So thanks to each of you who have left comments, sent emails, prayed, been outspoken, and for those who quietly read and yet turn around and for whatever reason, after reading, you love more, Hope more, feel challenged or comforted, question your faith, laugh at the little things, let things go, hold tighter, want more, need less, feel more free, want to surrender, or simply know what a good buttercream tastes like because of this blog.
Happy 3 years, to this Nitty.Gritty. blog.
I hope to be around for many more posts. If you must know...today is post #351.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy Blog-aversary!
So glad I found you. It is a blessing to check you out each day and see what's going on in your life and see what God is saying to you.
Thanks for sharing your life.

Susan said...

Happy Blog-aversary!!

cara harjes said...

Happy #351!!!

Thanks for your ongoing commitment to words of kindness, hope, joy, and wisdom! You are always a breath of fresh air! Take care, Cara

ps - thank you SO much for posting that article from relevant mag on wednesday! it said so much of what i wanted to say, that i posted it to my blog, along with a few thoughts of my own.

Denise said...

Happy Blog~aversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so glad that I found your blog this year and will continue to read all the Nitty Gritty for years to come! I come here for inspiration as a mother...a wife...a friend and a scrapbooker! You are loved!

Dawn said...

Happy, happy, nitty.gritty!
I only recently found you and have enjoyed your posts very much.
My blog is coming up to three years on the 22nd...and I, too, began it for friends and family...and it has opened up another world, introducing me to new friends, ideas...encouraging me as well.
Here's to 351+ more posts.
Kiss the kids this fine day!
Dawn @ 4:53 am

Holly said...

Happy Blog-Versary and thanks again for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I'm so appreciative that you are out there for us! Thank you & Happy Blog-aversary to you too!!!

Heather

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary! You have come along way from 2005. Your family is so special. I love reading your blog.

Vic said...

What an interesting time to find your blog! I was browsing blogs and I happened to click your blog from another blog and well, here I am. I just started blogging less than a year ago about my battles with Lyme and your blog seems very interesting! I hope to keep up with it! Happy blogging.

Anonymous said...

Happy Bloggiversary!!! I love you blog!! Keep up the great work!!! hugsand prayers...

amy & lisa said...

Happy Blog-aversary! I enjoy your blog and I have it linked from mine now. You are very inspiring. Thanks for all you share.
Lisa

Amanda Hoyt said...

Happy Blog-Aversary! I enjoy reading your posts - you encourage me with your faith, kind spirit and optimism.
Hugs and prayers,
Amanda

Nieman Family said...

I too want to say "Happy Bloaversary!" I will continue to follow. You life has been truley AMAZING.I'm learning so...so much. With that THANK YOU!

mumameee said...

Yay! Well done!! I have been reading your blog for awhile now but this is my first comment. I feel blessed to be apart of your world, to share in your stories & I pray you will be blessed as a family more & more each day. You are an amazing woman. Your newest addition is stunning - just like the rest of your gorgeous kids :)

Lisa & Gerald said...

Best Wishes to you! Happy 3rd Blog-Aversary!
I always love reading your beautiful blog! And watching your Beautiful children growing-up too!
Thanks for sharing with all of us!
Sending you and your family lots of hugs and kisses your way!
All the way from Canada!

Rachel said...

Happy 3 years Jodi!! I love reading Nitty Gritty, and want to say thanks for being so transparent on here. Your stories are beautiful and I love following what God is doing in the life of your family. :)

Anonymous said...

happy anniversary!

Anonymous said...

Happy 3 years Jody! Thank you for sharing with us -- it's been such a pleasure!

Tabitha said...

Happy 3 year blog anniversary!!
I love reading your blog and seeing what you have all been up to ~ even though I don't always comment. Heres to many more years of Nitty Gritty.
Sending love and hugs to you and your familyXX

Anonymous said...

I love reading your blog! Thanks!!!
You have very nice family!
Pavla, Czech Republic