It's my Bloggiversary & I'll have a giveaway if I want to!

Today is officially two years since I wrote my very first post. I wanted today's post to be celebratory, but after the news I got yesterday, I can't help but feel all weepy and emotional.

A lot has changed since I started blogging.

I've made many friends, too many to count. I've also lost a few along the way. Most notably, Beany. She literally was lost. She disappeared last October and as far as I know, nobody knows where she is. I can only imagine how devastating it was to her family.
I watched little Madeline Spohr grow and get cuter and smarter every day, and then was heartbroken when I read that she passed away.

And of course there have been many good times. Kat, one of my friends from way back, recently had a beautiful baby girl. Piper, one of the inspirations for my blog, just got engaged to a wonderful man. Momisodes is pregnant. Melissa and Kim started blogging again (and Melissa went on Dr. Phil!!).

I've connected with bloggers who live near me. And so many that live far away.

I've been touched, saddened, thrilled, amused, annoyed, disgusted, surprised, disappointed, overwhelmed. I've taken a couple of breaks. But never seriously considered closing my blog.

I love it, and I love the community. I don't read the crazy-big bloggers, the ones who don't ever have time to visit me, because I am here for relationships. Friendships. (although I do feel almost famous when OhMommy comments here! She's been in a friend since the beginning, too.)

Many of you have been here for me through happy times and rough times. I've bared my soul and you've supported me. You've been there through thick....

and less thick!

And I so appreciate those of you who still loyally visit. Even when it's hard to find time.
So since it's my bloggiversary, I'm giving away a blog-related gift. I'm putting together a Blogging Gift Pack. I could not have a blog if I didn't have a journal. So many of my blog ideas come to me either driving down the road, or reading a book, or at work. I'd never remember all of them if I didn't have a journal to write them down in. It can be anything from a few words to a paragraph. But it keeps me from forgetting all about it. I'm going to add in a few more fun little surprise things as well.

So, if you want to win, leave me a comment telling me what you love the most about blogging.
For a second entry, follow me or let me know that you're already a follower.
For an third entry, tweet my post and then come back and leave another comment with the link to that tweet. The contest will end on the last day of the month, Wednesday, September 30th.

Thank you all and good luck!