Why I Love My Blog

Happy Anniversary! Exactly one year ago today, I took a big step and entered the blogging world. I know, I know, that sounds pretty corny. But I love my blog, my fellow bloggers, and the blogging community. Here's why...

1. I have always been a horrible journal keeper. I think this goes back to a traumatic experience I had after my mom gave me my very first journal when I was baptized. I was so excited to have my very own journal. It was a beautiful teal book with pressed flowers on the cover and hundreds of blank pages just waiting to be filled with my thoughts. However, after making several entries, I was assaulted with the realization that not everyone honors the unspoken privacy journal code. You see, I was sitting with my family in church when one of my siblings (specifics are being left out so I don't get in too much trouble for sharing this story) leaned over and began whispering in my ear the contents of my journal writings. I was mortified! And my attempts at keeping a personal journal where quickly extinguished. I did try again a few times but I was never consistent. So, the fact that I have indeed been keeping a journal (of sorts) for a year now is amazing to me - even though this time around I am allowing the whole world read, if they so choose. I was going to make a big deal about my 100th post, but I past it up without even realizing. This is my 110th post!! My entire combined lifetime of journal entries probably adds up to 30, give or take a few. I can not believe that I have recorded 110 facts/events/thoughts about my life and my family in one year! WOW.

2. I get to be so much more in touch with my family and friends who live both out of in and out of state. My aunt Merry Lynn said it best when she said it is like we are all living next door to each other rather than miles and miles apart. Even though I still get to see my family and friends on a regular basis, I would not likely know all the great stories and details of their lives that they share on their blogs.

3. I have reconnected with old friends: Ashley, Amber, Melissa, Karissa, Andrea, and Maren. I would not be in touch with these great gals if it wasn't for the wonderful world of blogging. Who knows who else I may reconnect with in the future because of blogs?!

4. The blogging community is a united force. I first heard of the Nielson tragedy through my best friend Jamie. Since she lives in AZ, she heard about the story when it first happened. And since her husband just graduated with his aviation degree, she was especially touched by their story. I then heard even more about the Nielsons through Kaila's blog. She is a long time friend of Stephanie. And then about a week ago, Brian got an email from a sister missionary that he served with to inform him that an elder from their mission had been in a plane crash. Come to find out, Christian was one of Brian's missionary companions. Isn't it amazing how connected we all are? If you have not yet heard of the Nielson's story, you really should check it out. There was a segment about them on the news the other night, stating that through the blogging community, over $100,000 has been raised to help them. So, the blogging community really is a wonderful thing.

5. I am giving my children an incredible gift. This goes back to point #1. When it comes right down to it, I am blogging for them. I want them to know my thoughts about being a mom and how grateful I am to have them. And since they won't remember this time in their lives when they grown up, I want them to be able to look back and read about it. In case you didn't know, you can publish your blog through blurb. I have not yet done it, but I plan to the first of next year.

So, there you have it. Blogging is great. Happy One Year Anniversary!