Us ~ October 2012
Ten years! Today marks ten years since I began writing about my life here in this little space. Ten years ago, I knew next to nothing about computers, blogging, or uploading photos. I did, however, desire a place to document the daily activities of our family life as well as read about and learn from others who shared my love of home and family. My daughter Madison encouraged me that summer afternoon so long ago, and I am forever thankful that she did.
This blog has enabled me to share special moments, recipes, traditions, and, perhaps most importantly, pieces of our ordinary days. I have learned from and been inspired by so many friends over the years, women I would never have had the opportunity to know had this wonderful world of blogging not connected us across the miles. I have even met some of these incredible women in real life and now consider them and their families lifelong friends.
Ten years. Three graduations. Two weddings. Two amazing sons-in-law. And a lovely girlfriend of Rhett's too. Countless holidays. Two new houses. One new puppy. Endless desserts. Joyful days. Sorrowful ones too. Pumpkins and colorful leaves. Snowfalls and Christmas trees. Anxiety and OCD. Yankee candles. And, of course, Halloween.
Thank you for sharing all that and more with me, my friends. I am truly blessed to know each and every one of you. Please know how much I appreciate you and what your friendship means to me. I enjoy reading your blogs and look forward to sharing your lives with you each day. Thank you again!! And because a birthday should be celebrated, I am celebrating YOU! I am having a small giveaway to thank you for being a part of my afternoon coffee and evening tea these past ten years. If you would like to be entered in the giveaway, simply leave a comment below by Sunday, August 7th, at noon. I will then have my assistants, Rhett and Flynn, draw the winners, and I will post them on Monday, August 8th. What can you win, you ask?
One winner will receive an Amazon gift card.
One winner will receive a Yankee Candle gift card.
Three winners will receive a Dunkin gift card.
Good luck!
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Billie Jo
Hi Billie Jo. Congratulations on ten years of a beautiful blog! Thanks for being my blogging friend from the very beginning! I have always loved seeing and reading about you and your family and your lovely home. You are always inspiring and uplifting through good times and bad. I count you as a true friend even though we have never met in person, and I promise that if we ever get to your part of the beautiful state of Pennsylvania, we will meet up for real! I love forward to reading about you and your family for many years to come. See you again soon!
ReplyDeleteHappy 10th Blogversary Billie Jo! I'm so glad I found you. I love seeing what you're up to and how you're spending your days.
ReplyDeleteYou have created a beautiful record of your days here.
Ten years! Congratulations! That's a great achievement.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to have discovered your delightful blog. I love reading about you and your beautiful family. And even your love of autumn has rubbed off on me :)
What a great family picture! That's an amazing blogging anniversary - congratulations1 Love seeing your family enjoying day-to-day pleasures as well as holidays. Your blog is uplifting and has such fun pictures of food, family, and outdoors. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 10 years of blogging! I haven't "known" you quite that long, but I've enjoyed following your family, seeing your beautiful home, and all that yummy food you've shared! The blogging time just flies, doesn't it? I've been blogging for 20 years! Not at the same blog, however. I get bored or things happen in life and I've had several blog homes during that time. I'm glad I found your blog along the way and I wish you many more years of blogging!
ReplyDeleteHappy Bloggerversary! It has been fun getting to know you and your family. And I love the family photo for 10 years ago!
ReplyDeleteHappy 10th Anniversary! I dont comment much but I have enjoyed reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteHappy 10th!! I love you beautiful property on the lake. Enjoy reading about your family also.
ReplyDeleteMerriest 10th bday.
ReplyDeleteHappy 10th Anniversary! I have really enjoyed watching you and your family grow and change over the years. I believe I found you via your daughter Madison. I loved to read her blog when she was abroad and reviewing makeup etc. Bit shy commenting regularly but love coming here.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful, Billie Jo! Blogging is such a great experience, and I have met so many special people through the years. And like Madison, Nel and Jess had suggested it to me 11 years ago, and even set up the blog and created posts along the way. But, they have eased back some since they had children, but every now and then they surprise me with a post. So thankful for our daughters, aren't we? At first I saw Madison's blonde hair, and said, "what, she dyed her hair!" and then I realized it was an older photo haha. This is such a sweet picture of the family, and look at little Flynn on Mama's lap. Your side bars got my attention right away - all things coffee! I look forward to your delightful posts for another 10 years, and Yes, I would love to participate in your giveaway.
ReplyDeleteHappy August, my friend!
~Sheri
Happy 10th bloganniversary. I enjoy reading your posts. I found your blog via another friend's blog. I have met 3 friends that bloggers years back. If I go to PA ever again maybe we'd be able to see each other. That's where my husband grew up. Lovely state. God bless.
ReplyDeleteP.S. no candles.
DeleteI look forward to and enjoy your blog! Only one thing I can't get on board with...Halloween is my least favorite holiday! But everything else is right on! Blessings to you and your family....
ReplyDeleteHappy 10th Blog Birthday! I've been enjoying your blog since your oldest daughter was in highschool and have always enjoyed your love of family and home. Have a wonderful day! Mrs.C
ReplyDeleteTen years of blogging, wow. Congrats on a wonderful accomplishment. And thank you for sharing all the cozy and fun holiday things with us!
ReplyDeleteWow TEN years, congrats! So much has happened in your family and you were able to document it on the blog and now you can look back on all the memories. That's the best part about blogging for me, recording all of those stories that would otherwise have gotten forgotten.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY TEN YEARS!!!!!!! You are such an inspiration!!!! Thank you for inspiring people to blog. :) I sure love this spot to visit. I remember when Flynn was so little. :) Time goes by too fast. I wished I had kept my other blog. I had 6 years of memories. But I am glad I have it now. :) Blessings and CONGRATS!!
ReplyDeleteYour giveaway sounds like fun - count me in! Congratulations on 10 years of blogging. I've enjoyed meeting you and your family by reading along. Jacki G
ReplyDeleteHappy 10 years my friend! It’s Lisa from Instagram on Homemaking and Happy❤️ Even though I don’t always comment, I always enjoy reading your blog! You have been such a huge source of encouragement & joy to me over the years! Reading & knowing there was someone else out there like me who shared the same sentiments about family & homemaking always made me feel supported. Your blog has meant so much to me & even though we have never had the opportunity to meet in person, I truly consider you to be an old friend❤️ Thank you so much for finding time to share all that you share. Sending love & congratulation wishes!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Lisa
Hi, happy anniversary of your blog. I sat down to read emails as my anxiety is really bothering me today and was so glad to see a post from you as you understand anxiety also. I love your photo from 10 years ago. You truly have a beautiful family. Ellen
ReplyDelete10 years agoI was blogging regularly too! I did not make it as long as you though. My sad little blog has sat idle for years and years now as life has gotten too busy for regularly writing. I do still enjoying reading blogs so much though. And yours is one of my favorites! I love reading about your family and your beautifully simple life. Congrats on the anniversary and what a wonderful way to celebrate with a giveaway for your blogging friends and readers. God Bless, Kari
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your everyday. I grew up having pen pals and blogging is a nice way to feel normal in this very weird world right now. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteSo fun! SO happy I found you as you bring me peace and a reminder that although you look and seem perfect, you also have your struggles, and we can do this together.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed your blog for three years (and have your book!). It makes me smile and gives me a weekly incentive to keep the family fires burning brightly!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary dear Friend! I am so grateful I have been here for a lot of your blogging journey and that I found such a kindred spirit here in Blogland. I pray this blog continue to bless you for many many more years to come. 🎃 😊 💝 🙏
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! I don't comment much, but I do read often. I like your blog because no matter what you bring the "sunny" side. I feel like I know you and your family. Plus you are interested in so many of the things that I am: coffee, tea, Yankee Candles, autumn, cozy, and family. Thank you for so much and looking forward to so much more.
ReplyDeleteHi Billie Jo: Congratulations on 10 years. I love your Blog. Judy Shank
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 10 years!! What a great achievement. I found you via Kim (Out My Window) who is an amazing person. I closed down my old blog because it created a lot of anxiety, and decided to start fresh, and your title and my are similar. I look forward to becoming a regular reader!
ReplyDeleteHi Billie Jo! Congrats on 10 years of blogging! I'm so glad I came across your blog - it's such a delightful space to visit. And I'm happy to say that I also made a new friend:)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your blog anniversary. I have followed your blog for some time now and enjoy every post. Looking forward to continuing to read all that you write about.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your blogging anniversary. I read but don't comment. Thank you for an inspiring blog.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your 10 year blog anniversary. I enjoy seeing your beautiful holiday decorations and reading what your family does to celebrate. This is my first time commenting. I just signed up as a follower, and I'm looking forward to getting notification of new posts.
ReplyDeleteEllie in AR
I have always been so blessed by following your Instagram (back when!) and your blog. It has really brought me so much joy. This time each year, I look forward to your “almost spooky month” posts and back to school thoughts and pictures. The yankee candles and the sweet way you make each holiday so warm and special. ...and now seeing your children carry on the traditions. Thank you for sharing it all. And for creating such a place.... that no matter what’s going on in the world, or what kind of day someone is having, there is always a hot cup of coffee and warm evening tea waiting at Billie Jos 💛
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DeleteLove the blog…wonderful family…
ReplyDelete(I think my comment posted as a reply and not a comment so I'm trying again.) Congratulations on 10 years of blog and the love of family!
ReplyDeleteBonnie S.
Those sweet little faces! And now they're all grown but still sweet! Happy birthday to your blog! I am so blessed by you and this online world my friend!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your 10 years of blogging! I absolutely love reading about your wonderful family 😍
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you and this blog. You bring such peace to my life. Since reading your blog I have lost a brother and a sister put my Mother in a nursing home and have been taking care of my Uncle. Three weeks ago my remaining sisters has had a stroke. She is learning to remake her life. Please keep writing for us in the looney bin.
ReplyDeleteHappy blogging anniversary! I wasn't around early on, but I am glad to have found your blog. Thanks for sharing your sweet family with all of us.
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary! My favorite things about your blog are your family (include dogs), your faith, your home, updates about your Mother, and your Yankee Candle collection. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary!! I think I was one of your original followers and have loved watching your family grow up! You have the sweetest family ever!! So kind of you to have a giveaway to celebrate!! Hope you have cake to celebrate too!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to this wonderful Blog! I'm so happy the blogverse brought us together! Your blog posts are always a bright spot in my week! Hard to believe it's been 10 years!!! : )
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading your posts on health anxiety, as I cope with hypochondria as well. Only those that deal with this really truly know what I go through. Thank you for sharing your resources and thanks for entering me in your draw! Take care.
ReplyDeleteWow. I am late to this party. I started blogging in 2009 and while I don’t blog every day like I used to, I still enjoy it. I have met so many friends thru blogging like you❤️ Thank you for sharing your family and your beautiful home and gorgeous views with us. Hugs
ReplyDeleteLove the family picture...so sweet! I'm happy to have stumbled upon your blog and learn from the inspiration you provide for great family time get-togethers. Always appreciate your comments when you visit me...isn't it great to have found friends across the miles who enjoy the same things?! Here's to 10,. 20 + more years! Mary
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the 10th anniversary of your blog! You and your family are such an inspiration to me!
ReplyDeleteOne of my fav blogs! I found via Sally Borrink. Congratulations on 10 years. Thanks for sharing goodness with us.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry I didn't discover you 10 years ago and I think that's when I started using Blogger because my original place, Xanga, had shut down. I'm glad I did get to "meet" you at one point. Your blog is my favorite out there and it's very encouraging and uplifting. It also gives me that cozy feel. Happy anniversary! You are most definitely a blessing!!!! Maybe one day we can meet up in person. I mean, we're in the same state so who knows?!
ReplyDeleteHow in the world has it been 10 years? Congratulations Billie Jo on an amazing blog that I enjoy so much. I love how you make your average day feel so special! After all these years your blog is STILL in my top 3....;)
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you!!!
Happy 10 years my friend!! Thank you for your encouragement and friendship these last few years even if we have never met in person. Your blog is always there to lift me up and to remind me of the amazing gift of family. You are truly a blessing to your family and to your readers! Here is to another 10 years and more! 😀
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 10 years of blogging! I have loved watching your family grow the last few years. You are blessed!
ReplyDeleteI'm late to the party since I just came across your blog today but I still wanted to say congratulations on ten years!!! I had a blog that was over ten years old and stupidly deleted the whole dang thing a few years ago while going through some mental health stuff. Man oh man, do I regret it now! I'm trying to get back into blogging again now but it's a lot harder than I remember. LOL Anyway, congrats again!!
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