To Read on the Journey

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Happy Blogiversary!

i never would have imagined 3 yrs ago that blogging would turn out to be such a blessing!

keeping an online journal (or "journey" as my daughter emilie refers to it) has caused me to seek "blog worthy" moments. as a result i have embraced my daily life as wife, mommy, home school teacher, friend, and child of God with new eyes.

i have been overwhelmed by the depth, intentionality, and creativity of so many of your blogs.

mostly i've been overjoyed by friendship! the encouragement i have gained from comments and emails has been incredible! before blogging i was skeptical about relationships formed with strangers via the computer, but i'm a believer now!

meeting two blog friends, and developing real life friendships with sarah markley and kristen cheney, has been a blogging highlight.

and i can't tell you how i'd love to meet you!

to celebrate the blogiversary of Victory Road (previously known as Keeping Up With the Joneses), i'm giving away a covered notebook from the pleated poppy!



but that's not all! i'm also giving away my favorite chocolate chip cookies, made by my terrific blog friend, kristen cheney. these DELICIOUS cookies are going to put otis spunkmeyer out of business!

watch this short video (when kristen and i met up in portland, or.) to see for yourself how crazy i am about these scrumptious cookies!




you can enter 3 ways:

1- leave a comment, and tell me why you enjoy blogging.

2- become a follower; leave me an additional comment (if your already a follower, leave me a second comment).

3- announce the giveaway on your blog or facebook; leave a third comment.

the give away will close midnight sunday, april 11th.

The winner will be announced monday, april 12th!

74 comments:

Home's Where My Heart Is said...

Oh my gosh Denise, that is hilarious!!

I'm a follower and I LOOOOOVVVE your blog.

I love to blog because it helps me empty my brain and I've met some amazing women, like you!!

Hope you have a great day!!

Anonymous said...

Aw, happy bloggiversary Denise! I have to admit that when I saw "Victory Road" pop up on my browser I thought "whose blog is THAT?" Ha! Give me a few days and I'll get used to it.

Why do I enjoy blogging? Because I enjoy writing, and I like the feedback I get in the comments. Plus I love the little community I have built up. It's a good thing. :)

Anonymous said...

I am a follower! :)

Home's Where My Heart Is said...

I just went over to Sarah's blog. Wow. Thank you so much for sharing her with us. I can't wait to start following her. Now I am off to see Kristen. I forgot to say earlier, a very happy blogiversary to you. I am so, so glad we found each other.

Simply Sara said...

Oh pick me pick me!
Those notebooks are so sweet...and I reeeeeeally want to eat Kristin's cookies :)
...maybe if I don't win I can sweet talk her into sending me some??

I love blogging for all the same reasons you listed. Looking for those "blog worthy" moments have definitely giving me new eyes too.

And I love the ways that God has used my little blog to change me, encourage me and challenge my way of viewing Him and myself.

Happy blog birthday friend!
I am so happy you decided to start your blog journey :)

Simply Sara said...

I follow ya!

Unknown said...

This looks like it is from Will, but it's really from me, Grace, his mom. I am just cheating off of his google email!

I love you; I love what spills from your full heart; I LOVE the look and feel of your new blog. The happiest of BIRTHdayS XXOO.

Grace

The Writer Chic said...

First of all, I'm already a follower. Score one giveaway entry for me! Woot-woot!

The Writer Chic said...

And second, I enjoy blogging because (a) it lets me off the hook from doing baby books/scrapbooks/yearly newsletters, and (b) I love connecting with other woman out there who are JUST like me....and maybe NOT just like me, and (c) because I figure after two degrees in writing-based fields, I should use my skill somehow, because I'm certainly not pursuing a book deal right now, lol!

Kristen said...

if i win i will keep the notebook and send simply sara the cookies :o) i will send you some too as an anniversary gift.

i met you through your first giveaway... such sweet memories.

i love blogging because of the friendships, encouragement, and inspiration from other blogs. i like keeping our family and friends updated on our life as a scrapbook although i need to be better about it. i have a list of posts waiting to get up on ye old blog.

i love you! happy blog anniversary!

liltleli said...

I love blogging because it gives me an outlet for my more girly creative side that I was unaware I had until I began blogging. Go figure . . . I pregnant, I want cookies. That should count for something!

Jennifer said...

Ooooooh, those notebook covers are scrumptious! Happy Blogiversary! I love blogging because of the community I've found of women like me -- women who are writers, mothers, artsy, God-lovers, and women who have lost babies. It's so good to find community.

Unknown said...

you are too kind,

and I'm glad we've "found each other'.

and that's a huge part of my love of blogging. although it's only been a year, I have found life larger and more beautiful than I ever imagined.

Candace Tallmon said...

I had the same response.."What blog is this??" I'm willing you to pick me-those covers are super cute!

Candace Tallmon said...

...and I am a follower. :)

Linda Z said...

Once when I posted about my blog anniversary, a friend said, "Congratulations on your special day!" For some reason my hubby and I thought that was hilarious, so we use that line for all kinds of things now. I don't know why I'm telling you this... :)

Hmmm... why do I enjoy blogging? For all the reasons you mentioned! And I'm glad I met you... my birthday buddy! :) I'm glad you blog and I love reading your encouraging and fun thoughts.

Thea Nelson said...

3 years! Yours is one of the first blogs I ever read, per Kelly's suggestion to check out your September balloon release for Caleb.

:)

Alana said...

Okay, comment #6,432. I love blogging because of the relationships. You know I love you because this is the 6,432nd time I've tried to comment on your blog ;-)

Alana said...

It worked! I have no idea why, but the commenting feature looks different to me now? Weird. Love ya!!

Anonymous said...

Denise! It was so weird to see your name pop up today, because (you won't believe me) - I was thinking about you just today! I don't know why, but you popped into my mind, you and your pretty face, while I was out for my evening jog.

It's wonderful to reconnect. I didn't miss blogging for those 9 months - life was full and I was busy. And then suddenly I had that twitch again. I thought and considered and then finally gave in. :)

It is encouraging to see old names pop up, and come and see you still here, just like I never left.

I've also reconnected with Sarah. She has been so sweet to help me out with some good advice, encouraging words, and prayer for a friend. I agree with you - I'm a believer, too. :) The internet can cut both ways, but the Holy Spirit can knit our spirits even from a distance - and work in unexpected ways!

I'm going to go catch up with your recent posts now. Love your "new" look - it's new to me, anyway. :)

See ya around.

Paige said...

I love blogging because I get to "meet" a lot of great people.

I cannot even believe you are giving away a covered notebook...I feel I should admit that I have an addiction to her covered notebooks. I may need a 12 step program. :)

and I am a follower. I don't feel like I should leave an additional comment for that...you know...with my addiction and all! :)

I am very glad I found your blog!
Happy Blogiversary!
paige

Earen said...

Oh, how I've missed you all! I occasionally read up on your blogs but alas, taking the time to sit down and write myself has been non-existent. Now I've forgotten the questions I need to answer too!

I have always loved reading your blog but more than anything your heart for the Lord and always seeing your family and how precious they are to you just always touched my heart.

Happy Blog Anniversary! Blessings to you and your family!

Lynn said...

What a great giveaway! Thanks for the chance....and HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!!

I love blogging for many reasons.....I can skim through my posts to watch my girls grow and change, I've met WONDERFUL friends here, and I may just win a lovely notebook and scrumptious cookies!

Lynn said...

I follow you.

ga said...

you didn't even show kristen in the video! i want her cookies but don't necessarily need a journal.

denise said...

Oh, man! You have a ton of comments already. I've read about those cookies on Kristin's blog and wanted to try some of 'em ever since. I'll still hold out hope that I may win :)

Blogging is therapeutic and just plain fun. I love "meeting" other women and reading about their lives, even (especially?) the ordinary everyday stuff.

Charissa Steyn said...

I love the journals- adorable!! And chocolate chip cookies are my favorite!!
Thank you for encouraging to keep on writing about all that God is doing in my life!
I heard it said that a writer is someone who writes, keeps on writing, and then writes so more!
Happy Blogiversary Denise...may God continue to fill your days with His glory and beauty!

the pleated poppy said...

helloooo! i don't want to win because, well, i already have 2, but i love to blog because it is an outlet for my creativity.

and i tweeted about this for you, and i will again. because i love you. lots!

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

Your blog is so cute! I would love to be entered to win! I will put your giveaway on my sidebar! And I will tweet about it right now!

XOXO
Jen

Pamela Hunter said...

Great Blog! I'm new, but i follow Sarah and Lindsey over at the pleated poppy (love her covered notebooks-i am sooo coveting them right now)

Pamela said...

i'm now officially a follower<3

Pamlela said...

Pamela Henckel Hunter: Hey! Check out this great giveaway sposored by Victory Road. Cuter than cute Journals and Fabulous Chocolate Chip Cookies. Does it get any better than this??? http://victoryrd.blogspot.com/2010/04/happy-blogiversary.html

My status on facebook =)

Kerith said...

Happy Bloggiversary to you! I'm enjoying blogging (although I'm brand new!!) because of the wonderful people I've met, because it inspires me to be more creative, and because it helps me to really enjoy some of my children's antics (cocoa powder all of the floor, falling asleep in their food, etc) even more!

Unknown said...

I'm a first time visitor, through twitter. I followed and will be back.
Dana

Unknown said...

I am enjoying blogging because it is something that is strictly mine. Something concrete, something I am very proud of. I love that feeling when you press publish, and you know it's something good. Nothing beats it.
Dana

Katie @ makingthishome.com said...

congrats on the achievement. blowing my kazoo!

I have been eyeing those notebooks like you wouldn't believe, and who can turn down chocolate chip cookies, right?!

I love to blog because it's a wonderful way to share my experiences as an American in Europe and a way for people to connect who like to live simply.
Katie

Katie @ makingthishome.com said...

I am such a follower!

Kristen @ Moms Sharpening Moms said...

I love those covered notebooks!

I was just like you...how can you develop friendships with people you don't meet? But now I'm a believer! Not that online friends should replace in person friends! :) But...they are still such a blessing and I learn so much from these online gal pals!

So nice to "meet" you!

Sarah said...

I blog(ged) to keep my family informed of how we are doing after we moved 1000 miles away. We are one of only two family members in two generations to move out of state.

Sarah said...

follower!

Jessica said...

Happy anniversary! I follow you on twitter.

mcgeemommy said...

Hello! Happy Anniversary! I follow you and I love the notebooks. I have a headband of hers and I love it! And of course I LUV Cookies!

The Chubby Dove said...

I enjoy blogging because I like to share my ideas, learn new things and make new friends. I've "met" some amazing people in Blogland.

Love me some pleated poppy goods!

Sister Dow said...

I am now a follower!

Unknown said...

I love blogging because of the interesting folk you "meet" along the way.

Unknown said...

I am a follower!

gongyandsquish said...

Love these gorgeous notebooks and would be tickled to win one!

I am a newbie to blogging. I started it as an extention of my Etsy shop...but to my surprise it has turned into so much more! Even if noone reads it, it's a way for me to reflect on my life...and as you mentioned, seek out blog worthy moments!

Happy Bloggiversary!

Meghan said...

Love those notebooks! I blog to share recipes with my family and friends! warren5@comcast.net

Tonya said...

I love blogging because it allows me to keep my faraway family and friends up-to-date with our life!!

Tonya said...

I am a follower of your blog!!

Just Simply Southern said...

happy blogiversary!
ohh pick me, pick me {oh how i would love to win a notebook on my birthday- sunday}
i enjoy blogging because i get to "meet" other super creative people.. and they inspire me.

have a very blessed week,
kristi

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Neat giveaway! Come by and enter mine ~ no strings attached!

I love blogging because I have met many other women who have the same likes and dislikes as myself; it's a very supportive community and everyone I have come across always has such nice things to say in their comments and emails. It's tough keeping up "real world" friendships, but when I'm blogging I get to see my friends everyday!

Kelley said...

I love blogging b/c it is my place for my things... so much in my life is not truley "mine"...I can do what I want, chat and meet peops, show off, laugh, get mad..whatever.
I love that!

JaneT said...

I so rarely blog because I am so busy reading other people's blogs. Mine is just kind of a diary anyway. I love journaling though and these journals you are showing are so interesing. Happy blogversary.

Michelle said...

It's so great to connect with others and to have the ability to express ourselves and be inspired by others in this big blog world!

Michelle said...

I am a follower! :)

NerdMom said...

Happy Blogiversary! One reason I blog is because I can "meet" some great people like you! I also love it because it gives me a place to put all my crazy thoughts (and they are a little nutty;)!

NerdMom said...

I follow you!

Michelle said...

I blogged about it!

wee citizens said...

love love love your blog. i am a new follower (all the way from sydney). thanks for the inspiration :)

Anonymous said...

1. I love blogging because it keeps me sane in my crazy boy homeschool world and reminds my family and friends to give me grace. ;)
2. I'm a follower! Because I love to see the way you reveal who's truly in the lead.
3. http://mydailysurrender.blogspot.com/2010/04/giveaway.html

Keep shining His light Denise! Love you!

Unknown said...

What fun! I would love one! Happy Blogiversary!

Unknown said...

I am now a follower!

Mindy said...

I enjoy blogging because it's a good creative outlet for me! :)

The Marlatt's said...

I'm a new follower!!

The Marlatt's said...

I love blogging because it gives me a release from my normal everyday mommy life. I love it because I get so many good ideas and I get to know so many amazing women!

Alexis Anderson said...

I'm new to blogging and love it! It's such a great outlet for creativity and emotion!

Thanks for the chance to win!

Alexis.Anderson@hotmail.com
www.lexychik.blogspot.com

Alexis Anderson said...

I'm a new follower!

Anonymous said...

I like cookies!!!

Anonymous said...

ps...guess who said that Denise? here is a hint..I like you too (not just the cookies)and am glad you finally got to come to my house for New Years!
ps I'd rather win a date with you to El Cid than all the cookies in the world!

Anonymous said...

well i love to read your life teridesojones and all! i can not blog ...so i like to live through your wonderfulness! :) and i want to win becuz i love to win things!!!!!! joy jenny!

Stephanie said...

I love blogging (but have not done it in a year or so) because it allows me to brag/talk/complain about things to people who will actually listen. It's very cathartic!

Stephanie said...

I am also a follower and have been for a long time now :)

Brittany Davis said...

Brittany Davis - I LOVE blogging because I learn so many great tips, tutorials, and make so many great "blog" friends!!