FIVE Year Blogging Anniversary!

Happy Wednesday Friends!!
How is your week going so far??

Today is a fun day...because I am celebrating this little ol' blog's FIVE year anniversary!!
Yesterday was the official date, 5 years ago that I started blogging! You can read that post HERE. I had NO idea what I really planned to do...I just knew it was on my heart to share about my life as a woman, wife and mother and hopefully connect with other women along the way....and here we are 5 years later!!

When I started blogging, I had FOUR kiddos. James was about 6 months old when I wrote my first blog post!
About 9 months into blogging, I shared with ya'll about us expecting our FIFTH baby in the fall of 2015!
Ya'll cheered me on as we became a family of seven in 2016!
I got to share the fun news of us moving to North Carolina in 2017!
You stuck with me when I needed to take a break in August 2017 and were SO supportive and welcoming to me when I started blogging again in April 2018!
You all were SO supportive as I took ANOTHER blogging break, as I walked through probably the hardest year of life, marked by the death of my father in March 2019.
 And now here I am...5 years invested into this tiny little corner of the internet and I really can't tell you how grateful I am for this space. 
I have chosen to keep this blog PURELY fun....and not turn it into anything else. 
(I have been offered many a chance to do sponsored stuff- but I just have zero desire to turn this into any kind of "job.")

I absolutely LOVE checking in with ya'll about the random things going on in my life, talking about all of my Walmart finds, sharing my (somewhat lame- HA!) weekly menu plans and also occasionally sharing my heart with ya'll regarding motherhood, my pursuit of living a life of wellness and how God is ALWAYS working in my life. 

I sincerely hope, whether you check in on a regular basis to read my random ramblings or if you just pop in occasionally, that you have felt a sense of belonging and camaraderie. 

I TRULY would love to have a coffee date with every single person who takes the time to read my blog.   

In a spirit of celebration and gratitude...I am doing a little FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY giveaway!! 

I want to gift one of ya'll a few of my FAVORITE things as a "thank you" for sticking with me over the last 5 years.

The giveaway includes a gift card to Starbucks for a cup of coffee, a copy of "I've Been Thinking" (one of my favorite books of prayers and reflections), a pair of FUN earrings from one of my FAVORITE shops (ADV Designs) and a copy of my new FAVORITE meal planner! 
To enter the giveaway- all you have to do is leave a comment telling me (1) where you are from and (2) how long you have been reading my blog,  and (3) for fun- if you want to share your favorite type of post I write- you can (but you don't have to ;). 
Finally- please leave your email so I have a way to reach you, if you are the lucky winner!

I will pick one name at random and share the winner next Wednesday (January 29).

I hope ya'll know I wish I could give every single one of you all of these goodies- 
but #budget. HA! 

I hope you have the BEST day and thank you, thank you, thank you for all the kindness, support and encouraging words, comments and emails you have shared with me over the last 5 years!!


Linking up with StefanieKeriMauriSarah, and Lindsay today!


Comments

  1. I have been following from the very beginning but didn't realize you were brand new when I started reading. I'm from Maine. There is alot I enjoy about your blog but probably the Walmart find and the heartfelt posts are my favorite. Your blog does always feel like a friend next door to talking.
    jdcota14@gmail.com

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    1. Debbie!! Thank you for being a long time reader!! Maine is on my bucket list of places to visit someday!!

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  2. I've been reading since you started! I'm from Mn and my favorite posts are the meal planning ones! #aldilovertoo
    Bczimmer5@gmail.com

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    1. Cara!! Thank you for being with me since the beginning! So fun that we both love Aldi!! :)

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  3. I am SO excited for you that you are on year 5 of blogging! It's crazy how fast it has gone by. I remember when you announced you were pregnant, and it seems like yesterday! I love this little space.
    I absolutely love your WalMart finds posts, and well you know I'm from Maine =)
    Have a great Wednesday, friend!

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    1. Johannah!!! We have been in this together since the beginning!! I love our friendship!!

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  4. Hello! I'm from Michigan, by way of Rhode Island and Pennsylvania before that! I've been reading you from the beginning :) I think I connected because at the time we both had 4 kiddos :). I love your Walmart finds and family catch-ups!

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    1. Thank you for being with me since the beginning!!! I appreciate it so much!!

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  5. Hello! Wow, congrats on 5 years! Lots of changes for your family since then.:) I’m Jenny from Minnesota and I started reading your blog in 2017, right before your move I think. My favorite posts of yours are your Amazon and Walmart finds...I love shopping but love a great deal even more!

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    1. Jen!! Thank you for being a reader of my blog. Finding a great deal is one of my cheap thrills in life. HA! So glad you enjoy those types of posts!!!

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  6. Oh and my email is jenvieau@hotmail.com ;)

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  7. I’m from Winston-Salem, so a fellow Tarheel! I love your weekly meal posts. They’re actually attainable, unlike some bloggers who make twenty-step recipes every night...I don’t have the time or talent for that! I also appreciate your faith and your commitment to healthy living. Again, you are so approachable and make everything seem attainable! Thank you! Oh, and I should add—you’ve made me a Wal-mart clothes shopper! My username is my email address, just add gmail.com.

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    1. Oh my goodness! You are just a few short hours away from me!! Thank you SO much for your super kind, encouraging comment- it really means A GREAT DEAL to me!! Thank you!!

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  8. I'm from Maryland and have been reading your blog since you were pregnant with Marshall. I enjoy all your blog posts but especially the ones about fitness and healthy eating. I also enjoy the home decor and fashion finds and have used your teacher gift suggestions many times. Thank you for keeping up your blog and Happy Anniversary!

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  9. Forgot my email: susanj8@yahoo.com

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  10. I have been reading almost from the beginning. I love reading all about your family's day-to-day life but my favorite posts are the Walmart finds. Congratulations on your 5th anniversary. shirley.smith@flash.net

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  11. I've been reading from the beginning and really appreciate your way of keeping it real, it feels like chatting with a friend 😊 I enjoy all your posts but probably my favorites are the Walmart finds and wellness posts. My email is kktroyer6@gmail.com. Have an amazing day!

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  12. Hello from Texas! I think I have been reading from very near the beginning of your blog. Five years has flown by! I'm so appreciative of our blogworld friendship, and I have loved seeing your family grow and fluorish. My favorite blog posts are your Walmart finds, when you share your heart, and just all the day to day life. I agree with the previous comments that it is so refreshing that you admit that the days can be long in family life and also that you keep a simple approach to meal planning, gift giving etc. Happy blogiversary - keep on keepin' on with your authentic, positive blogging.

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  13. Congrats on 5 years! I probably started reading your blog about 4 years ago and I am from southern Indiana. I mostly love to read day in the life blogs so fun to see how other families days go. Susan

    popcorn217@att.net

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  14. Good Morning from Kentucky! I have been reading from the beginning :) I love your recipes/meal planning and Walmart finds! A fun fact....it was your fun post that convinced me to microblade my eyebrows :) Your family is adorable! Cheers to five more years! Email vrk3974@yahoo.com

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  15. I live in Newport News, Virginia and have been reading for about a year. I really like the Walmart finds - I've definitely bought some of them! nlb157@hotmail.com

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  16. I am from Nova Scotia, Canada...on the east coast ocean! I found your blog about 4 years ago and instantly enjoyed it. I love your counts of motherhood, home projects and everyday life. You have such a positive outlook that shines through in your writing. While I'm sure you have your fair share of difficult days, you strive to find the bright spots no matter how big or small. Looking forward to 5 more years!
    marabaillie16@gmail.com

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  17. Congrats on 5 years. I think I have been reading your blog since the beginning. I think you are so positive and very relatable. I hope you keep blogging. You have a beautiful family!!

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  19. Congratulations on 5 years. I am from Georgia and I think I have been following you since around 2017. I love when you share your Wal Mart and Aldi finds and when you blog about anything health. mikeandtonya@yahoo.com

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  20. congrats on 5 years...I have been following since you were pregnant with your 4th! I am from Wisconsin!! I love to hear about your Aldi finds!! hong@triwest.net

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  21. Congratulations! I hope you feel a sense of accomplishment!
    I have been reading since nearly the beginning. I could relate to so much you spoke of. I am the Momma to five young kids, my youngest being about James' age, and live not too far from where you where in Indiana. I have enjoyed reading about your family. It helps to see that we are not isolated in the crazy parts of life. I love reading your posts about life, but also your Walmart and Aldi finds.

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    1. Samantha!! SO FUN! I am SO glad my blog has helped you in a tiny way not feel isolated..because I know I sometimes look around at my chaos and think- this can't be normal. HA! Thank you so much for your encouraging words and for reading my blog!

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  22. Congrats to all 5 years. I"ve been reading for about a year, but I went back to the very beginning and have read every blog post. I tend to read a lot of blogs of ppl that are way above my paygrade so I love reading your blog and being able to relate to your meal planning and Walmart clothes shopping! My name is Rachel and I'm from Pennsylvania. Looking forward to future posts! Thanks!

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    1. Rachel! I am so glad you find my blog relatable....I am just a regular ol' girl and I am so glad you love the things I share!! :)

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  23. oh and my email is r_lanning at Hotmail.com

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  24. Congratulations! I have enjoyed reading your blog from the beginning. I'm a reader from Southern California that enjoys your posts on Walmart and Aldi finds. Your family is precious! Thank you for all your work in getting these blog posts ready for us! Meri- mj3isles@yahoo.com

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    1. Meri!! I love So Cal! My brother lives in San Diego! Thank you for your kind words....they really mean A LOT to me!

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  25. Congratulations on 5 years of blogging! My name is Tina and I'm from Illinois. I love any and all of your posts but especially Walmart/Aldi finds! You're just such a happy positive spot on the internet! Thank you for the opportunity to win such wonderful prizes! My email is zoogarden36@hotmail.com.

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    1. Tina! I grew up in Illinois!! Thank you for your kind words of encouragment!!

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    1. Thank you so much!!! I appreciate your comments on all of my posts more than you will ever know!!

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  27. I am a longtime reader from Eastern Kentucky. I have been reading your blog since the beginning. I love your post with Walmart/Aldi finds. Thank you for this opportunity.
    glowworm008@yahoo.com

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    1. Thank you for reading from the beginning!! It means so much to me!!

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  28. I am PRETTY sure I've been reading along since the beginning or close to it. It feels like forever ago when we you, Leigh and I did our "Pinspiration Wednesday" link ups! I will forever be a fan of your menu planning and Walmart finds posts. (and every time you throw in a laundry tip - those may be my very favorites! ha) Love this blogging community and the friendships it brings!

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  29. I am from upstate New York and have been reading your blog for about three years. I love your posts about Aldi and Walmart. I also love your recipes. My email is suepado@gmail.com. Congratulations on your five year blogging anniversary!!!

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    1. Sue! My dad grew up in upstate New York!! I am so glad you love my Aldi and Walmart posts- those are some of my favorites too!

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  30. I live too far away so please exclude me from the prize but I wanted to say hi :0). I'm Mel. I live in Melbourne Australia and have been reading your blog for about 3 years. I read about 6 blogs and I really enjoy yours, it feels very authentic and relatable and I absolutely enjoy the variety of topics you cover - so no particular favourite for me, I enjoy being surprised by your content. Thank you for the enjoyable read and well done on creating such a wonderful space on the internet xx mr.75@optusnet.com.au

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    1. I cannot believe I have a reader in AUSTRALIA!!! Oh my goodness! Thank you for taking the time to comment and more so for reading my blog!!! Thank you for your amazing words of encouragement and support!

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  31. Happy Bloggy Birthday!! I've been reading since almost the very beginning! I live in Indiana and miss having you here. I love being your friend in real life and in the blog world. You're the best! I love your posts on parenting, marriage, Walmart deals, gift ideas, home projects and basically anything you write about. I'm here for all of it! Can't believe how big your kids are getting. I'm thrilled that you're navigating life with big kids so that when I'm there I can ask you all the questions. Love you!

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  32. EEK! HAppy Blog Birthday! Well you know I'm from GA! I'm thinking I started reading about 4.5 years ago because I remember you announcing your 5th pregnancy! I so enjoy your sweet family, your walmart finds, and your weight loss journey!

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  33. I live in WI, and I think I have been reading for about 3 years. I have three teens who are 18, 17 and 15 years old, so reading about your family's adventures reminds me of the years when I had young kids...whew, it is exhausting! I like the Day in the Life type posts and recipes. Thanks for the time you put in to your blog! tkister@wi.rr.com

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    1. Thank you for your encouraging words!!! And you are right- it is exhausting. HA!!! Thank you for following along with all of our craziness!

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  34. Ahh, I just realized my comment from this morning never posted. I'm Cannady from Virginia, and I've been following since your very first post! I can't believe it's been 5 years! That is amazing! Congratulations!! You know I absolutely love your blog. I enjoy all of your posts; but, if I have to pick a favorite, I'd say probably the Walmart finds. I can't resist a good Walmart find! I've also used a lot of your recipes... hello, chocolate cake! ;) You are always so good about responding to my emails inquiring about details on an item, and you're so kind and sweet in your replies. I love how down-to-earth and honest you are in your posts, and I can't wait to keep following the blog for more years to come! cdent77@gmail.com

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    1. Cannady!!! Thank you for being such a devoted reader!! Your kind words of encouragement mean SO much to me!! Thank you so much!!

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  35. Happy 5 year anniversary! I am so glad that you decided to come back to blogging after your "break" in 2017. I have been following along since the beginning and with your move. I really enjoy your day in the life posts and your meal plan posts! I have had to jump over to instagram a few times though so that I could catch up on your health and wellness journey so I hope those will spill back over to the blog in the future!
    My name is Lindsay, by the way, and I live in the Minneapolis, MN area. My email is gogirl001us@yahoo.com

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    1. Lindsay!! Thank you for the amazing words of encouragement!! I am so glad to know you enjoy my health and wellness posts..I am always on the fence about how to much share in that area..sounds like it might be something I should post about more often!! Thank you for being such a long time reader!!

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  36. Cheers to 5 years! Your blog is always real, inspiring and positive. Love reading each and every post! My email is sav8585 at gmail.

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    1. Savannah!!! Seriously- what a SWEET comment. I appreciate it so very much!!

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  37. Happy five year anniversary! My name is Katie and I am from Ohio. I love reading your posts on motherhood and your journey as a Catholic. My email is katiebrown2012@hotmail.com.

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    1. Katie!! Thank you for your encouraging comment!! We used to live in Ohio!!

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  38. Congratulations! My name is Lisa, from Ohio, and I feel like I've followed you for almost the entire time you've been blogging, except maybe the first couple of months. I missed you on your blogging break and was so happy to see you back! I like your meal plan/recipe posts and your healthy journey posts. I really like them all, though, to be honest. My email is lisa.rockwell16@gmail.com. Thank you!

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    1. Lisa! Your kind words mean so much. THANK YOU!!!

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  39. Hello from Southern Indiana! I've been reading since you were pregnant with Marshall. I have three kids, and they are similar ages to your first three. It's fun reading about another family going through similar milestones. I love all of your posts, but I'm especially fond of the Walmart finds. :)

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    1. Jamie!! Thank you for being a long time reader!! I love that we share a fondness for Walmart finds- those are some of my FAVORITE posts to write!! :)

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  40. Congratulations on your five year anniversary! I'm a Massachusetts native, now living in Florida. I have so enjoyed reading your blog from the beginning, especially your fun family updates and honest product recommendations. I'm looking forward to following along with you for the next five years. trixiepla at aol.com

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    1. Pam!! Thank you for being with me since the beginning!! You are so kind and I love knowing that you enjoy all the things I write about!

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  41. Hi from Pennsylvania! I have been reading about 4 years. I enjoy reading your posts on family life and shopping finds. I also appreciate your upbeat, but real tone, and how you incorporate your faith :) BMay107@gmail.com. Sweet of you to do a giveway!

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    1. Hey Bethany!! Thank you for your encouraging comment!!! Thank you for being such a long time reader of my blog!!

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  42. I’m from Smithfield NC and have been following along for 4 years now. I have thoroughly enjoyed keeping up with you and your family.....your fun loving spirit is always something that I look forward to. My favorite posts are your “Favorties” posts �� but I honestly enjoy it all!
    Erica Gammon ericalynngammon@yahoo.com

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    1. Erica!! Thank you for your kind words. I truly appreciate them so much!! I love that we both live in NC!

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  43. I live in Kansas City, Missouri. I think I’ve been following you since slightly before you announced you were pregnant. I only have one kiddo, excuse me teenager. But I really enjoy hearing about how you feed your crew. I also like your money saving tips and your Aldi and Walmart posts! My email is kirstenlynn73@yahoo.com

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    1. Kirsten! I have never been to Kansas City, MO- but have always wanted to visit!! I am so happy to know you find my menu plans helpful. Thank you so much for reading my blog!

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  44. Hi from Pittsburgh, Pa! I’ve been reading for about 4 years. I love how down to earth you are and your Aldi finds! I would love to see your cleaning routine as a full time mom and party time job!
    Virginiashaffer@hotmail.com

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    1. Virginia!! Thank you so much for your kind words!! Thank you for reading my blog!

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  45. I am from a West Carrollton, Ohio. I didn’t realize it, but I must have been reading since pretty much the beginning, because I remember you announcing you were pregnant with #5! I love your Walmart posts. I have actually bought several things on your recommendation. Happy Anniversary!

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    1. Oops, my email is clwcandles@yahoo.com

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    2. We used to live in Ohio...near Cleveland!! So glad to know you love my Walmart posts!! Those are so fun for me to write!

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  46. Kecia Parrish - parrishkecia@gmail.com

    I have been reading around 4 years and I love any home decor post— loved following the new sunroom and pool addition. ❤️

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    1. Kecia!! Thank you for being such a devoted reader!! And I love knowing that you enjoyed me sharing about our sunroom and pool addition!!! :)

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    1. Thank you Mary Leigh!! I love living in North Carolina!! :)

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  49. Congratulations on 5 years of blogging! I am from New York and have truly enjoyed reading your blog since the beginning. My favorite posts are health/wellness, meal plan/recipes, home decor/projects, and shopping finds. My email is jennrx01@aol.com

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    1. Jennifer! My dad was from upstate New York! I was born in Albany! Thank you for commenting!!

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  50. This is so exciting! I never have the courage to leave comments, but thank you for the inspiration. I've enjoyed following along your journey these past few years. I was a young mom of 1 (soon to be 2) when I found your blog, and it's been such a source of encouragement. Your joyful spirit and radiant love for your kids has been such a gift. It was even more rooted to learn you were a fellow sister in Christ, sharing His love so openly with the world! Thank you for all that courage! I'm from York, Pennsylvania. Three little ones now, and love continuing to get nuggets of wisdom from you. Your favorites post are my favorites- Aldi favorites, Friday favorites, etc. just nice to get ideas! Congratulations on five years of courage, perseverance, and joy on this blog! - Kristen

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    1. Kristen!! I am so happy you left me a comment!!! And thank you so much for your amazing, supportive words- they mean more than you will ever know!

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  51. Happy blogging anniversary! I’m from Ny and have been reading about 4 years now! I love all of your topics on parenting, marriage, day to day, health and wellness, and hacks! Your positive attitude and fun topics make your blog one of my favorites! Thank you so much! My email is cej310@gmail.com

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    1. Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for your kind words!!!

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