January 15, 2010 2:28 PM
Happy Birthday, MommyLife!
In the excitement over Maddy's American Idol adventure, I forgot to anticipate my Blog Birthday. So here I am - after my "unprecedented" (to use a favorite White House word) 11-day blog hiatus - getting back into the swing of things when I realize it's actually January 15th and I have now been blogging for five years.
When I started blogging in 2005 I didn't have an operating plan. I was just a professional writer who'd published several books and several hundred articles who saw a chance to communicate more freely and establish a more intimate connection with my readers.
I didn't put a lot of thought into the name of my blog or the tag line - just set it up in between fixing dinner and loads of laundry. Neither of those has changed at all, though there have definitely been moments when I wasn't sure if the name MommyLife was the best choice: wouldn't it keep me from being taken seriously?
I also went through a period of cuteness-envy as mommy blog makeovers became the rage. Just as I went through high school never feeling like I had it really together with my hair and wardrobe, I still feel like my blog probably needs more pizzazz - but I'm a writer, and I'd rather write than redecorate anything - my home or my blog.
I think my blog has lived up to the tag line:
Montessori megamom serves up a smorgasbord of parenting, cultural, political and spiritual wisdom. Because she can.
In the past five years, I have written 6020 entries at MommyLife - and you have made 22,487 comments. Today's visit count (started at Sitemeter 4/1/2005) stands at 2,042,055.
While that's a lot of visits, there are many individual people with whom I've formed close relationships - some I've even been privileged to meet in person. Together we have informed and encouraged each other. I've seen women change their attitudes about motherhood, make peace with their pasts and gain more confidence in the future. I know of a couple dozen who were born because of hearts that were softened and changed because of things that were shared at this blog - not only by me but by some really insightful and articulate readers.
And my family and I have gone through some major changes - all chronicled here to encourage others who might be facing - or know others who are facing - similar changes in their lives:
- Saw four children graduate from high school and 2 graduate from college.
- Lost 80 pounds
- Saw two sons married
- Learned how to advocate effectively for my children with IEPs
- Attended countless plays, concerts and sporting events for our children
- Traveled for speaking engagements and writing assignments
- Converted from Evangelicalism to Catholicism
- Lost a house to foreclosure
- Welcomed a new granddaughter - adopted from Guatemala
- Survived a challenging election cycle
- Published 4 more books and 500 more articles
- Survived as a family through Tripp's 9-month/5 surgery disability
- Appeared as guest on Glenn Beck
- Was the proud mama of an American Idol who made it to Hollywood
In a way, this blog is like my reality show - as well as a place to share anything that's on my mind. But that's not surprising since I can only write about what's real. Believe me, there are moments - especially at writers conferences - when I wish I could write fiction like most of the other writers there, who are selling a lot more books and making lots more money :)
But I've always thought that real life was more interesting than anything I could make up. And my own call is to share mine as openly as possible so that others will be unafraid to share their own.
To all those who read MommyLife, thank you for coming back even when you disagree with me. In a world which often pits people of different persuasions against each other, I am grateful for the level of civility and respect this blog has maintained.
Looking forward to the years ahead. Life is amazing, isn't it?
Posted in Family, My life | Permalink
Comments
Congratulations Barbara....Sad that I haven't been 'here' since your first day but so happy to be 'here' now!
You have done a fantastic job at informing me, motivating me, and inspiring me! God Bless you and here's to your next 5+ years!!!!
Posted by: Malissa | January 15, 2010 4:18 PM
Thank you for your blog. I have been reading you faithfully for several years, and your blog has become the one "must read" for each day. When your blog was down, I really missed it. Welcome back, and may you have many more years of wonderful blogging ahead.
Posted by: Melissa | January 15, 2010 4:37 PM
I've been reading your blog for years and while I'm not into most of the political posts of the past year...I still enjoy reading each day. I don't even know Maddie and yet sometimes feel that I do and cried tears of joy for her on Tuesday night. I have loved your book and your encouragement on raising our small children. Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Melissa | January 15, 2010 5:18 PM
You are still one of my all time favorites, Barbara!
You are the very reason I started blogging myself, and my blog and my blog has become more than I ever thought possible!
I wish you another successful 5 years!
Posted by: Smockity Frocks | January 15, 2010 5:28 PM
I don't watch TV--is Maddy on American Idol right now? I would totally watch!
Her story & audition made me cry & it was awesome hearing you & the boys in 'person'. I feel like you're kind of like my mentor mom, so it was a special joy to see that!
Posted by: Farm Fres Jessica | January 15, 2010 5:38 PM
Happy Blog Birthday!! Congratulations on five years. I still love your blog and it's a must-read EVERY day. Thank you.
Posted by: Sherry | January 15, 2010 5:59 PM
Happy 5th Birthday Mommylife! Longtime reader here! Thanks for all you do and for sharing your story with us!
Posted by: A Mac and a Mug O' Joe | January 15, 2010 6:06 PM
Happy birthday to your blog Barbara. I look forward to many more birthdays here. This is one of the few places that are a must-stop-by each day.
Thank you for the perspective, dimension, experience and advice. I hold it all in very high regard.
Posted by: kelly | January 15, 2010 6:06 PM
Happy Birthday, MommyLife!!!!! Many, many more!!! I've been here since the beginning, and what can I say? I am changed. I am profoundly grateful. Please God, keep changing me. Thank you, Momma. Thank you, thank you!
Posted by: Greta | January 15, 2010 6:42 PM
Happy birthday! And here's to many more!
I'm one of those whose hearts have become softened and changed through reading here.
Barbara, you have been a wonderful source of encouragement and support to me, both through your blog and in private emails. At a time when I was at a very low ebb indeed, I was astonished and humbled that you would take the time to send me private messages of encouragement and hope. Your words were so kind and they meant so much to me at that time when I felt so incredibly sensitive and scared of the things that people might say and the ways in which they might inadvertently hurt me.
You have a very big, warm mothers heart, and I feel GREAT affection and loyalty for you.
My 'low ebb' of course, was when my little Olivia was stillborn. It was after that that I returned to the church, around the same time you did. I found that fascinating and loved to read about how you were seeing catholicism with new eyes at the same time as I was.
God is good. Three months ago I gave birth to another daughter, Marie-Aibhlinn Teresa Benedicta.
She was baptised on Sunday, the feast of the baptism of Our Lord. It was a little unusual as catholic baptisms go because she was baptised by full immersion. I've put the video up on my blog if you want to take a look.
http://mybattlementsofrubies.blogspot.com/2010/01/oh-happy-day.html
I just want to say one more thing. I'm an older mother and of course I met with the usual multiple offers of various antenatal screening for abnormality. Sadly, the oft quoted 'abnormality' that I was warned about was Downs syndrome. This is another reason I am so grateful for your blog.
Even though Marie-Aibhlinn does not have Downs and seems to be perfectly healthy in every way, in my heart I had made room for a little child with special needs. Your posts and those of other mothers of Downs syndrome children, gave me confidence that God doesn't make mistakes and that He designs our families very well.
When a little fear gripped my heart I would look at the photos of your sons, and the lovely album of Downs children, and I knew that all would be well. Honestly, that peace was priceless.
I really love you Barbara!
Posted by: Clare | January 15, 2010 7:05 PM
What a great milestone! I think I've been reading your blog for 3 years, at least. I missed you so much when you were gone! You have been a positive influence and encourager to me. Thanks!
Watching Maddy was so exciting and especially seeing you and Jonny congratulating her after the audition. I'm cheering her on!
Posted by: Sheila | January 15, 2010 8:06 PM
I want to add my "Happy Birthday" to the list! I love your very eclectic blog and enjoy your "reality show". I find it inspiring, interesting, and insightful. Thank you for being transparent and giving a voice to those who can't speak for themselves.
Blessings!
Posted by: Drewe Llyn Jeffcoat | January 15, 2010 10:49 PM
Congratulations, Barbara! You have certainly been blessed, and I appreciate your passing on and sharing your blessings with your readers. I am sending you best wishes for many more happy years in store for you, your wonderful family and for your blog. Thank you for your inspiration. Your blog is always a high point in my morning reading. God bless you and yours.
Posted by: Nana | January 16, 2010 11:18 AM
Thanks for being a voice on the web for life, and for the special needs community, and for adoption.
We adopted a little boy from overseas years ago, and we are about to do a a domestic special needs adoption. It has been interesting to see that while our "normal" adopted son (we have bios also) was welcomed, our handicapped (and biracial) future son (hopefully this month!!) is welcomed by many of our friends and family, but also somewhat feared and unwelcome by some others (who claim Christ, interestingly enough). We have a long way to go, and you're one voice. I appreciate it. We don't always agree,(I'm a southern Baptist convention Christian, I am not as into politics as you are) we're on the same team.
Sue
Posted by: Sue | January 16, 2010 1:28 PM
Happy blog-birthday Momma!
You forgot to mention "becoming a mentor to someone" in your list of achievements during the last few years.
I pray many more years of happy blogging await you!
Posted by: LadyLovas | January 16, 2010 5:34 PM
Happy Blogaversary! Yours is one of the first blogs I followed four years ago when I just started getting the hang of "online communities". Yours is the only one I still follow so many years and changes (2 births, 1 death, two interstate moves, and one natural disaster) later!
Posted by: Milehimama | January 16, 2010 10:28 PM
