Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Reasons why you need to tell me you read my blog today

 

1.  I’ve never done this before.  Most bloggers I know have done a de-lurking/tell-me-you-love-my-blog post before, but I haven’t.  I would love to know who’s reading and how you found me.

2.  I’m driving 10 hours to Utah today.  Do you know how fun it would be for me to check my blog every time I have cell coverage and find a new comment from you?

3.  Mostly:  It’s my 35th birthday today.  Give me the gift of comments, would ya?

 

scan0001(me, on my 5th birthday…

obviously my love of chocolate cake hasn’t changed much in the last 30 years!)

107 comments:

Logan and Sydney said...

Happy Birthday! OK, I'll 'fess up and admit that I occasionally blogstock off my sister-in-law's friend list (Anisa) and I think your posts are HILARIOUS!

Sally said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Have a safe drive and rest assured that you have lots of appreciative readers. I hope you get some chocolate cake today or at least a ding-dong!

Emily said...

I truly don't remember how I found you - I'm sure it was through six degrees of blogroll separation, but I think you're hysterical and I admire how family oriented you are and together your life is - and how honest you are about the days when it's not together. Happy Birthday and Happy Driving!

Rochelleht said...

That picture makes it all worth it!

Happy Birthday!! Don't even remember how I came here. Must have been Celia Fae.

D-dawg said...

Jessica I haven't been checking blogs much so I'm glad I did this morning!! It's good you're doing a de-lurk day. You deserve to know who's reading your fab blog.


HAVE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Christie said...

I found your fabulous self through Celia's blog about a year and a half ago, and I am so glad I did! You are amazing and I think we need more face-to-face time at some point here in the future. I think you are funny, smart, and just about the kindest person there is.

Hope you have the best birthday EVAH, friend.

Jenna said...

I found your blog through my friend Liz who I think found it through her friend Diane. It was love at first read with the barf training video. We are flying to Utah tomorrow night. I can't wait - it's been a year.

I hope you have a happy birthday and that they have a chocolate cake with your name on it in Utah.

Linsey said...

I wasn't sure you would do a post today, hence the comment yesterday...but really, it is possible to have too many comments? Happy Birthday!! I predict you will reach 60+ comments today, hope that is a good birthday gift. By the way, you don't look 35, not by a long shot!!

Abbie said...

Happy Birthday! I wish we could be in Utah with all y'all.

AnnEE said...

Happy Birthday Jessica! Sorry I won't be able to meet up and play tomorrow! You're a babe!

Tristan said...

Happy Birthday!!!

I don't really remember how I came to read your blog, but I'm pretty sure it was through Paige or Celia.

Can't wait to see you tomorrow!

Kaylee Newhouse said...

Happy birthday!!! I read your blog because I read Cassie Danie's blog with who is sisters with my best friend Liz Shaver. I fell up your blog one day when I was really bored and have been hooked since! Keep blogging :)

julie said...

Happy Birthday!!!!
okay, I've never done this either!
but since it's your birthday....
I found you through my cute friend Abbie!
Have a fun safe drive and Happy B-day!

Hillary said...

i don't think i've ever had so many things in common witha a stranger :) i'm driving to utah tomorrow (11 hours) and driving home on tuesday, which is my 37th birthday! we're like soul sisters :)

happy birthday, drive safe, see you in utah hahaha

Laurie said...

I stalked you on google and that's how I found you. And I've never been happier.

Have a great birthday on the road. May there be chocolate cake at your destination.

Am I the only one who noticed your math skills need some work? :)

Shirley said...

I don't think I am a lurker since I have commented maybe 3 times in the last year and a half (ok maybe that makes me one technically) but I also know you personally. I know we haven't been "neighbors" since late 2002 (wow that went by FAST) BUT I absolutely LOVE keeping up with your life. You were and are so fun and FUNNY! Thanks for sharing your stuff! Have a WONDERFUL birthday! Love to you and your family!

Annemarie said...

Happy, Happy Birthday!!!

Have a safe drive. Can't wait to see you tomorrow!

Carie said...

Dear Jessica on her 35th bday,

I read your blog because it is real and happy and funny. It makes me want to be a better mom and kinder wife and a smarter woman and a cooler friend.

To sum up: You are an inspiration in every way.

Plus, I know you for real, which makes me feel a little bit like a celebrity.

Enjoy Utah!

Sarah Junsay said...

I love your blog posts--gives me hope with my 3 kids:)

I went to seminary/high school with Ryan and love all the Romneys!! (especially Brookie-Dookie). I found your blog while stalking other old friends' blogs. Love it! Have a great birthday! You're a perfect match for Ryan!

Amy said...

Happy Birthday! I promise I'm not a psycho blog-stalker, but I DO stalk your blog and I don't even know you! (head hung low) I actually discovered that you know Kari Madsen Thomas (my USU roommate) and her sister Kirsten somehow.

I was recommended your blog on my Google Reader and started reading when you guys were doing your "how we met" story. You and your kids are hilarious and REAL and I love that. Keep it up!

Kimberly said...

Happy happy birthday Jessica dear...
What can I say? I'm in primary.
I found you through Paige, but I think you knew that.
Want to get together while you are in Utah??? I would love it!
Drive safe!

Alex McMurray said...

I, like Sarah, went to high school/seminary with Ryan and Brooke. Your blog is hysterical. Have a great birthday and good luck with that 10 hour drive!

Brown Sugar said...

Jessica I hope that you are not both driving and checking your blog, because I do not condone that even if it is your birthday. Happy Birthday! don't make me call highway patrol on you.

kara jayne said...

Happy Happy Birthday Jessica dear!!

I love you and you already know that I found you through Tiffany!! Can't wait to see you!

heidiram said...

Happy Birthday Jessica! Don't forget to check your FB account also. You have lots of birthday wishes on your wall. And yeah, a little jealous there will be a blog get-together tomorrow without me.

Ashley said...

I found your blog on your facebook page! Happy Birthday!! You can check out my blog if you want toddandashleybraun.blogspot.com Have a fun drive and a great birthday!!

Jacki said...

Not only do I read your blog, I actually subscribe to it!

Happy Birthday! Have fun in Utah. I will be awaiting a witty post about your trip!

shauna said...

Happy Birthday Jessica!

Jen said...

I found your blog through my good friend and past co-RS Presidency counselor, Holly (from Seriously Holly)! I've stalked, I mean, have been reading your blog for a little over a year now! Does that make you feel uncomfortable? Are you creeped out by my need for checking your blog on a regular basis?

Reading your lil 'ol blog brings a smile to my face and a chuckle to my belly!

I hope you have a wonderful birthday and a safe drive to my neck of the woods.

Kelsi {John, Jake, Georgia, Naomi, Alice} said...

Happy Birthday! Hope it's a great one even with the drive. Enjoy Utah. I've been reading for... oh, a really long time, maybe two years. I can't remember who I found you through, it might have been Mother of Geese before she took her links off. But, I love your blog it always brings a smile. You really are an inspiration.

Kelsi {John, Jake, Georgia, Naomi, Alice} said...

Oh... and Heather & I were homies at USU. {We were the 23 Posse: the oldest girls in our ward.} So, I'm safe. I know Mother of Geese for real. :)

Kim said...

Jessica,
I found you through "browse for stuff" in Google Reader.
I totally identify with your witty, honest and funny posts.
Happy tripping with all of your precious little monsters.

Katie said...

Jessica,

Happy Birthday! I've been following your blog for well over a year, never made a comment before, since I am a complete stranger. I think I found you through D-dawg, plus your last name made me curious with the past election. Were you related to Mitt?

I was hooked instantly. I'm LDS & have 4 kids all about your kid's ages, and related to your posts. I enjoy your writing, pictures, & humor. You are a happy, positive person who likes to have fun. You are doing a great job raising a family, and I love your personality. Most of all I can tell the gospel means a lot to you and your family. You are doing the little things, and I admire that.

Eve's daughter said...

I read your blog because I think you are an amazing mother and a kindred spirit-

Let me know if you will be in the neighborhood- I'd love to stop by and say hello!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU :)

caryn said...

Happy Birthday! I can't remember how I found you but I check in ever so often and really enjoy your blog. I have to say you have the same last name as my favorite governor (Mitt) who I hope I get a chance to vote for for President someday. When I was of legal voting age the first vote I cast was for him when he ran against Ted Kennedy for Senator.

Rebecca said...

Happy Birthday Jessica! I can't remember how I found your blog, but I love it. You are funny and real and your kids are adorable and you have great taste in books... I like to think someday we'll cross paths and be friends IRL... Good luck with the drive--what a way to spend your birthday!

Ashley said...

Okay, I'll delurk for your bday. I found you through Celia and Denae. I like your blog because you are such good mom and seem like such a genuine, nice, good person. I am so impressed that you cook dinner every night. And I think Faith's nursery is darling.

Now I descend back into lurkdom . . . but I'll try to comment more!

Margaret said...

So happy birthday to the girl I don't really know but feel like I do. Through Ileene and because she was a Tracy girl at those tri-stake dances when I was a nonmember.

Lauren in GA said...

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday Jessica!!!

I truly, truly adore you. Your friendship means so much to me...I know we have never met in person...don't confuse me with the facts...but, I really admire and respect you so much. Thanks for calling me in the hospital the night before Little John was born. It was great to hear your voice and actually talk to you.

As you know I found you through Paige...becasue I lurked on you both before finally making myself known.

That picture is SPLENDID!!!!!

I intend on e-mailing you a response to your recent e-mail. What you said was fabulous.

Ellie said...

I am a faithful reader. Keep up the good work and happy birthday. You look skinny and I like your outfit today.

shauna said...

What:
Happy 35th!
Why:
'Cause you are awesome
How:
From Lorena

zeeny said...

Okay, I check your blog daily but don't always leave a comment! I know, shame on me, but sometimes signing in to leave a comment is just so much work!! Enjoy your Birthday and your vacation! By the way, my husband asked me if I knew your kids names and was totally impressed that I knew their names in the correct order! I said what do you expect...I look at her blog everyday!!

DaNae said...

Happy birthday! I love reading your blog and about the cute/funny things that happen to your family. We go way back to you being my young women's advisor and I have admired you ever since!

Kristin said...

Happy Birthday! I found you through Ilene's blog. I was her roommate for 2 years at BYU. I read your blog a few times and fell in love with your family and the fun way that you write so I keep coming back. I hope that you have a safe trip and a fun birthday!

PS. I love chocolate cake too--though I love pretty much anything sweet!

Anonymous said...

Hi there, my name is Cindy and Paige and I are friends. I have been following your blog for a while, I myself am not a blogger just a blogger stalker : ) I am boring my kids are grown and I have nothing interesting to share with the world. You on the other hand are hilarious!!! Love your candor, sense of humor and am amazed at what you do, 5 kids, OH MY!!!!

mahina said...

happy 35th! i am almost there, too....october is my month! i found you through bridget last summer...enjoyed you ever since!

Heather said...

Praise the iphone!!!

Love you and can't wait to see you Thursday!

Nancy said...

Happy Birthday Jessica! Hope it's a great day! Good luck on your drive. :)

Jenibelle said...

Happy Birthday Jessica!!! I found you through Celia/Paige.

Have a safe trip and have fun with your darling, funny kids. 35 will be a great year for you...I'm sure of it.

Unknown said...

I blog stalk you although I have you linked in my sidebar. You had me at hello (actually the barf tutorial endeared me to your family)

We're from Salem OR

Unknown said...

Oh yeah- I think I found you through the blogs gals - Celia, Paige, Denae and Heather (mother of geese) my cousin. Then, as it turns out, you know and live next to several people that I knew and/or lived by at some point in my life. Proves that you really know everybody through six degrees of separation.

Cami said...

Very happy birthday to you!
Enjoy your drive.
I'm still reading because I think very highly of you and love your mix of down-to-earth/screamingly intense way of operating.
I read because you're in a nice cosy place between acquaintance and friend.

Alisha said...

Ok, I will de-lurk. I found your blog like a month ago, from D-Dawg whose I found like 2 months before (from a comment she left on my friend's)...OK, so I read because you have a cute family and your posts are funny! I hope you have fun in Utah! It is my homestate and where ALL my family is. Happy Birthday too!

Wendy said...

Happy Birthday! I'm Abbie's sister in law- I think your posts are hilarious, you kids are so cute and Faith's nursery is adorable. Can I please copy it when I have my next baby?

Nicky said...

I will de-lurk today for your birthday. I found your blog from one of your friends blogs-I don't know who. I love your sense of humor. Happy Birthday!!

Elizabeth said...

Hello and Happy Birthday to you!
Im a lurker through Celia Fae or Paige...
I read your blog because its funny,witty,clever and impresive(5children!!!)but most of all its real.
Have a wonderful trip/birthday/life (hey this could be my only comment so Im wishing you well:)
Elizabeth

Kristen said...

Happy Birthday...did you know that you have the same birthday as Ammon? Hmmm, so guess you're driving out so that our husbands can hang out too, right? It will be good to see you on Friday (I think that's the plan) I don't doubt you'll have a great drive...I live by the driving tips you posted a year or so ago!

Kristin said...

Happy Birthday! Love your post! Love your parenting! Love that I actually know you! Lve ytou! Have a wonderful day!

Brooke said...

Jessica,
Happy birthday!!! I hope your drive goes fast and you feel loved today!! I'll be thinking about you. love ya lots!

the wrath of khandrea said...

one day i was surfing porn, and i found your link there.

rachel said...

happy birthday!!! what a way to spend a birthday...all day in the car.

LeeElle said...

Whew, I'm not alone in my unknown blog geneolgy. Love your blog, LOVE Faith's room. I saw that inspiration room and was bummed when I found out I was having a boy ONLY because I couldn't decorate his room like that:) Happy Birthday!

Kara said...

Happy Birthday! Hope the drive went well.

julierhea said...

I am not even sure how I found your blog, but I am very happy that I did! You are a wonderful mom and your children and husband are very lucky to have you in their lives. Happy Birthday!

Matthews Family said...

Jessica, Happy 35th birthday! I wish you could come visit me too. What a wonderful sister-in-law you are to me and best friend! I love getting the chance to talk to you and hear your thoughts. I'm so grateful to have you in my life and know I'm so fortunate that you married my brother. He got himself one incredible woman that I truly look up to and admire in many ways. I love you!!!

Jake said...

Happy Birthday, Jessica. My bday was last week and I know how July babies get forgotten in all the fireworks. Enjoy your vacation...hang in there!

Anna said...

thewrathofkhandrea and I must have been checking out the same porn site or maybe it was that night I saw you dancing on the table at Jake & Mike's downtown. Love your blog.

Happy Birthday.

The Hansen Clan said...

Happy Birthday my friend! I hope you had a good day (if that is possible on the road with 5 kids). Know that you are loved and that we miss you already. How is the garlic affecting the passengers in the van? I just ate my leftovers... soooo good. Love ya!

Melanie said...

Happy Birthday! I've de-lurked myself before, and added the sporadic comment, but I haven't been much of a commenter lately. Sorry 'bout that.

Paige said...

the gift of comments is truly the best. Happy craptastic birthday. I actually really have liked 35. Welcome to it.

Pa Pa Jim said...

Happy Birthday!
I read your blog & think it's wonderful. Most of it is for women & moms but I can relate to it too. I think I'm the only male that blogs? Ever response you have to this blog is from a women.
I just talked with your dad (my brother) & he can't believe he's old enough to have a 40 year old daughter. Sorry I mean 35! He said your birth was one of the most wonderful days of his life. He still loves you. Now come read my blog & comment!!!!

http://thesherrillherald.blogspot.com/

Paige said...

also check your reader to see how many people subscribe b/c that feels good.

♥Shally said...

Happy Birthday!!!

Can't wait to see you... :)

Anisa said...

You amaze me that you have 73 comments... I've been meaning to send you an email all day to say Happy Birthday!!! Have fun playing with your Ipod on the drive and let me know if you want me to try to plan a get together with your old Oquirrh Park neighborhood.

jessica said...

Shut up!!!! I am the 75th comment! Really who knew you were that famous. And I am so blessed to have you in my real life as well as my blog life. In fact, I have you to thank for my entry into the world of blog.

I hope your trip was uneventful since your morning was out of control. Happy Birthday...you truly are my other half.

diane said...

Happy Birthday blog friend.

I love all the quick quotes from your cute kids.

I hope you survive the road trip.

Valynne said...

Happy Birthday! Hope your day is wonderful!

Lisa-Marie said...

holy moly. this is a lot of comments. you deserve them.

i hope your birthday turned out okay. i'm thinking of you.

btw, you rock 35!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Adrianne said...

So apparently I suck because I only CALLED your house phone on your birthday instead of sending a comment to be delivered to your iPhone. Sorry I'm so NOT with the times. Even though it started with a crash, I'm sure your 35th year will be the best yet. I mean, it's the year I'm returning to the same continent, what more could you want??? FELIZ CUMPLEANOS!

Adrianne said...

and, p.s. I'm totally overwhelmed at all your readers, even some that found you through reader search and aren't even linked?? I swear you should right a book. It would be income!

Mirien said...

Stephanie Church is my SIL and she kept telling me I should read your blog last year when I'd whine about being pregnant with #6. So I did, and I got hooked. My daughter was born just a couple of weeks before Faith, and I feel like I can relate to everything you write about. Not only relate, but laugh because you help me put it all into perspective and make me realize that I'm not alone. For instance--I, too, went through a breast-feeding, fenugreek ingesting, trying to pack pounds on a skinny baby campaign--the same time as you. And yesterday, at her 9 mo. checkup? 15 pounds. Still the 3rd percentile. How's Faith?

Thanks for finally motivating me to comment so I can tell you thanks and happy birthday!

Mormon Mommy Blogs said...

happy birthday woman.

Leah said...

I love this delurking thing! Jessica A. got me blogging. I never knew people blogged really until she told me to find a friend of mine from nursing school on her blog that was looking for me (Bridget). And then I clicked on a couple of her links to see what this blogging thing was all about. Your blog was just so absolutely darling. I grew up in the Pleasanton Stake, so I wonder if we were at the same regional dances??? Anyway...darling blog and happy b-day! And next time I see you in the halls at church I'll have to officially meet you in person. ;)

Anonymous said...

Found you through a youtube video of your husband explaining barfing in a bucket, then running to the toilet. HILARIOUS. I lurk. I'm LDS I live in VA and have two little girls. Good times and Happy Birthday!

Jessica Andersen

Penny said...

Happy Birthday Jessica!! Have a safe drive to Utah!! Your flowers look fantastic by the way...

And LOVE the picture of you and the cake- that is how I feel right now.

Tammy said...

Wow, first of all, how do you get people to read your blog??? I am truly interested as I try to make my Tales and Antics blog something bigger than it is....I know promoting a scandalous blog via your very wonderful and family - oriented blog would be unheard of....but please tell me how to optimize my blog on Reader?? And by the way, Happy Birthday my TWIN! I think we both started blogging together in 2006?? love you

Linda Pepperman said...

Happy Birthday Jessica. I of course found your great blog through my BFF Karen and since she is away running girl's camp with no phones today I'll say happy birthday from both of us. I love your creative and realistic thoughts on motherhood.
Linda

J'net said...

Happy belated bday! 35 w/ 5 kids... What a successful ratio that is!!! Congrats on having a HUGE blog bday party!! I love keeping in touch thru the blog!
Here's to another fun year of adventure!! Aloha

stephanie said...

I hope you had a great day! I just suffered through my 35th a month ago--I kept it really low key, but I wasn't on a road trip!
You do an awesome job with your blog!

stephanie said...

BTW, Mirien's comment (8 or so back) mentioning Stephanie Church is actually me. Church is my maiden name.

Hazen5 said...

Happy Birthday Jessica! I found you through my SIL Heather D. Have a great time in Utah. I am jealous of your "get together"!

Ilene said...

You have reached super stardom.

It is well deserved.

Happy Birthday!

You know how you met me...

Laurie said...

In case you're still checking: Call me. There's a chance I may be where you're at on the 23rd.

Celia Fae said...

I remember when I used to be popular. I hope it makes you feel terrific, because you deserve it.

I always click yours first. I swear.

Biffy said...

I've been lurking for about a year. Shauna (my neighbor - lucky me!) told me about you. Then I realized that Rochelle has you on her blog too. You are a hoot and a half but I have to admit that my favorite post was your husband showing how to throw a birthday party. Priceless!

Brittiny said...

Wow, talk about being loved... 95 comments left on your birthday post has got to be some turn-out. Anyways I found your blog from Aunt Jeanette and Uncle Jim. We spent most of our memories when we were much younger. Happy birthday and thanks for sharing all of your amazing moments with all of us. You are a great mom and I love seeing all the incredible things you do with your kids. Keep up the good work!

elizabeth scott said...

This is so amazing that you have over 100 people who read your blog! You know some of your readers didn't comment or just don't comment! It goes to show the difference one person can make. Happy Birthday! May all your birthday wishes come true!

The Edwards said...

Not sure how I found you, but I frequently check in to see how your sweet little fam is doing. You are an inspiration and I love it when I get the chance to sneak away from my 4 littles (and one on the way) and read what you have posted. Thanks so much...keep it up!

Groshon said...

Hey I read your blog! We are friends with the Romneys in Spokane (my husband lived next door to them growing up)
We met you at their house a while back and I think it was Mandy that told me you were an "amazing blogger!" She was right! haha!

I think it's funny that we have a few other mutual connections too, I worked with Aaron Newell at DCI and Erin and Spencer are best friends with my friends little sister Sage. So I can blog-stalk you from multiple sites! LOL!
I love the small world of blogging!

Happy Birthday!

G and G Nut said...

My goal was to be #100 on comments, so here goes! Happy Birthday, Jessica. I found you through my #1 son - your hubby!! 35 is a great age! Enjoy every day of it. You will never be younger than you are today!
xoxoxo

AMY said...

You have been EXTRA loved on your birthday. I don't think I've seen so many comments before! WOW!

Happy Birthday! I'm glad you celebrated at The White House... I'd only been there once and wasn't too keen on the food. But I LOVED it this time.

PS Love the TV in the background! Have fun in UT!

Matt said...

Your blog is awesome the stories are entertaining and heartfelt. Keep up the good work.

If you go to temple square look for the blog lurker in the shirt and tie.

Jeanelle said...

Oh my gosh - you are so stinkin popular! I was at camp on your b-day but hope you had a fabulous day and are enjoying Utah. I can't even remember how I found you - through Celia or Paige and I don't even know how I found them. Glad I found you because your Jane/Seth comments are my favorites. Oh and I tell everyone I know about barf training. What a service you have provided to the world...

Anonymous said...

Jessica:
Jen Gallaway here, from book club. Happy Birthday! Obviously I know about your blog through book club, and I read it when I need a good laugh. You are a talented writer, funny and down to earth. Have a great day!

Kristyn said...

I rarely blog stalk, but yours is one of the few I do! I found yours through Denae's (my SIL's friend) and have loved it! I love reading about you guys throwing get-togethers (one of my favorite things, and something I was worried I'd have to forego when I had more kids, but you debunked that theory!), budgeting even with a child's party, funny stories, and just about everything else. Your blog is the best!

Randi said...

the best thing about this photo: the animal skin tacked down to the paneled wall.

Crappy birthday. wow.

rachel said...

well i'm not going to feel TOOOOO bad because i'm pretty darn sure i wished you a happy birthday on facebook!
but i read. here and there. when it's not summer. when my kids aren't home ALL day every day. :)
LOVE your blog.