Monday, November 4, 2013

"Are You Gonna Put This on Your Blog?"

Today is a special day--a holiday.

I'm sure you're racking your brain right now, trying to remember why on earth November 4th is such a special day.

Still can't think of why, can you?

Today, my friends, is my five-year blogging anniversary.  That's right.  Five years ago today, I birthed the "Denton Sanatorium."

Five years of funny stories, tears, projects, additions, subtractions, and multiplications.

My mindset about blogging has changed so much over the last five years.  I've been through phases of "This is so fun!" and "Why don't more people read my blog?" and "I really need to take a picture of this for my blog."

Case in point: 
I don't know why I found this so funny.  Hyrum got a soda while he was trick or treating, and he put it in the freezer overnight.  It overflowed as it froze and dripped straight down onto the ice cream bucket, turning my freezer into a GIANT root beer float!  And I just thought,"I need to put this on my blog!"  Why?  I don't know--I just thought it was funny.

As much as I wish my writing were as influential as a New York Times editorial, I have finally discovered the true joys behind blogging for so many years:
  1. Meeting friends from all over the country.  A few of you I have met in person, but that doesn't diminish the friendships I've only fostered in cyberspace.  I truly love conversing with you and learning about you and your corners of the world.  It  is a true joy in my life.
  2. Making a difference in people's lives.  Occasionally, I will receive a comment or email or run into someone and they will say, "I loved what you wrote yesterday about . . . " or "I needed to read that today . . ." or "Thanks for writing your blog."  I am always flattered and surprised and glad that people appreciate what I have to say in this space.
  3. Improving my writing and photography.  I look back on posts I wrote a few years ago, and I can see how my writing and photography are changing and improving.  Experts say that it takes 10,000 hours or ten years to become a professional at anything.  As of today, I've logged 1126 blog posts, so I'm on my way.  I've discovered such joy in expressing myself through writing and photos, and I'm so grateful I found this outlet.
  4. Leaving a legacy for my children.  Until recently, I didn't realize how important my blog is to my children. I know that Heidi and Tucker both read it often, and reading it keeps them grounded in what's going on at home. What surprised me was how often I've caught Ben and Lily reading my posts, even logging back and rereading old events and laughing about how much they've changed.  Just last night, Micah was building a block tower--the tallest EVER--and as soon as it was too tall for him to reach the top any more, he exclaimed, "Are you gonna put this on your blog?"  So I ran for my camera.
As caught up as I get on who's reading and what other people think of my posts, I know that my daily documentations of the antics at the Denton Sanatorium are most important for my children.  Through my posts, they will have memories of our daily lives as a family, and hopefully it will be treasured by them forever.

So, thanks to all of you who read my blog.  Thanks for your comments and your feedback and your friendship.  Thanks for watching my kids grow up and laughing and crying along with me. Thanks for sharing your lives and blogs with me every day.

As my way of saying thank you, I'm hosting a giveaway--$40 gift card to my favorite of all favorites.
This giveaway isn't sponsored in any way.  It's just my way of giving a little something back to all of you.

To enter, make sure you're a follower on my sidebar, then leave a comment on today's post.  I'll randomly select a winner Thursday night and announce the winner on Friday.

Thanks for being part of our lives.

Happy November 4th.

38 comments:

  1. Happy Blogoversary! So glad I found you out in the blog world!

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  2. 5 years!? Wow, you lasted longer than I did. I think I lost interest in blogging myself over a year ago, might start back up. Congratulations on 5 years of successful blogging. Love reading the Denton Sanatorium.

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  3. I think I'm an "official" follower now. My favorite post was about Hyrum (I think) getting the free cotton candy (I think) at the mall (details are fuzzy). You're such a clever writer.

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  4. How did he get the tower so tall? Very impressive indeed!

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  5. I for one love your blog. Thanks for writing!

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  6. I was thrilled a couple years ago when I saw you at a time out for womens event. I thought, boy that lady sure looks like jen from one of my favorite blogs. I found your blog at a time in my life when your wisodom and insights helped me tremendously. You still do.

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  7. I am so happy I wrote that post about Hyrum getting his TWO free cotton candy sticks at the mall. I had forgotten about it, and then about a year ago, I reread it and laughed again! That was almost THREE YEARS AGO!

    Here's the link, if anyone wants to read that story. It's a good one!
    http://bjdentonfamily.blogspot.com/2011/02/i-wouldnt-believe-it-if-i-hadnt-seen-it.html

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  8. Alisa,
    He pushed the bar stool up next to the tower and Hyrum would hand him the blocks. He insisted on moving the stool for the picture. Funny, right?

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  9. Happy, happy anniversary! Your wisdom, insight and humor are a gift to me and so many others. I am so glad you are my friend.

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  10. Congratulations! I so enjoy reading your posts- even though you live just a few houses away, it's the blog that really keeps me in the loop. :)

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  11. I'm glad you blog too! I like to see what you are up to, and see the pictures that go with it.

    Also, is it horrible that I'm shamelessly vying for the Target gift card from my own mother? Hmmm.... :)

    Anyway..... Love you guys. :)

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  12. Found your blog a little while ago. I so enjoy it. Thanks.

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  13. Felicidades! I enjoy reading your blog. It's like I almost can hear you saying all those things.

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  14. Happy 5 years!!! I don't know how long I've been reading, but I really enjoy reading your blogs. Here's to another 5+!

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  15. I read here a lot but almost never comment because I don't actually know you, but I love reading about your family! (Hoping that doesn't make me sound creepy. Sorry. I'm really not.)

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  16. I am so happy to follow a blog that I personally know the person. Your posts are very uplifting to me and I relate in many things you say and I just enjoy getting to know your part of the world. Keep up the great posts they always make my day!!!

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  17. I'm so glad that I ran into you at TOFW a couple years ago and you shared your blog with me. I'm not an everyday blog reader. I'm lucky to get onto the computer for some personal reading and catch-up once a week. But I love your stories, and the everyday things you share. :) you're candid and honest and it has helped me to reflect on my own life. I already sing your praises for other reasons...but I must admit that I continue to adore you through your blog :) Happy Anniversary, my friend!

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  18. I have followed your blog since the beginning and have always enjoyed it! Monday-Friday I check in daily to see if you have posted anything new. :)

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  19. I take pictures all the time for the blog. Many don't end up in a blog post, but they just MIGHT.

    Happy Blogiversary!

    Paige

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  20. Congrats on five years. I enjoyed seeing what was In The care package your kiwi exchange student received and your thoughts on those items. When I lived Stateside many years ago I hung out for such packages, and now I hang out for Reese's peanut butter cups!! Thankfully they are easily found here in KMart. Keep on blogging and may be someday I will get to meet you in person. Catherine.

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  21. I will also shamelessly comment for the gift card! Who doesn't love Target?

    I love keeping up with your family! Almost feels like we are sitting at the park on park day catching up...

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  22. Thanks for sharing your life with all of us for the past 5 years. I have laughed and cried right along with you so many times. Sure enjoy it!
    jill

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  23. I love that this is year four of me following your blog! I started reading around the time you got pregnant with Evie. Thank you for all of your posts. You inspired me! Here's to the next five years. :)

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  24. Happy Anniversary! I really enjoy your blog!

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  25. I have used so many of your posts to support life lessons for my students. Ben's football skills, Lily's perseverance with her diving meet, Tucker and what a mission involves, Heidi and the kids summer Olympics, Micah and Hyrum just numerous to count, and recently Evie and hair styles. At the Halloween party the students parents were asking about the story again. I am glad you feel this has been time well spent coz I do. I remember waiting for Gummy bear. Thank you

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  26. Love you, love your blog! Can't believe it's been 5 years since you floated this idea around at book club! Look how much has changed, I stopped because I just don't feel like I have interesting things to log. I've thought about posting my lessons for future reference, but not sure if its worth. Ad somehow, my kids just aren't as entertaining as yours! We never have exploding soda making giant root beer floats :)

    Congratulations. Looking forward to many more posts!

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  27. Um computer is not letting change ID I am the "unknown" above. Fondly, Kyra

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  28. I'm fairly new to your blog but I think I left one of those comments you talked about a couple of days ago. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  29. Wow, five years is impressive. Thank you, for letting us have a peak into your life. It has gotten me through many hours of insomnia, as that is when I can find the time to catch up with your posts :D

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  30. Although your photography is impressive what I really love is your writing. Seriously, so talented. Oh and I love your family too. Long live the Sanatorium!

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  32. you continue to be one of my best examples of motherhood and a person i look to for advice. thanks for always keeping it real jen;) happy blogiversary!

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  33. Blogging is an amazingly odd, fun, enjoyable thing.
    Glad to know that I've gotten to meet you once. Oh, and Dr. Lamb texted me and told me he had visited with you. Your daughter is building near him? Cool!

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  34. oh happy 5th to you and happy 7th wedding on the 4th to me!

    yes i agree...it's a great digital legacy we are leaving our kids!!

    my oldest reads my blog each week...he is waiting to make the front page one day....(the oldest ones don't do much haha)

    my girls can use my recipe tabs one day too for my fav recipes

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  35. Love love love your blog! I have read each and every post for five years now.

    Thank you for sharing your family with the world.

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