Monday, April 26, 2010

{500}

My 500th post. It was started on August 11, 2007, I remember my first post well. I introduced the blog and had a picture of 5 year old Grace posing for me. I started this journal because we had been logged in to China for our second adoption (at that time we thought for a little girl we called Lily). The first name of the blog was 'Aging with Grace,' a little play on words commenting on Dan and I being middle aged (and getting older) parents to Grace. The name was also a comment on our character and outlook on life, trying to keep things positive with our second adoption. Obviously that second adoption changed and 'Lily' was William.
Shortly after meeting our little boy in China, in the Summer of 2008, I made a comment about how 'strong Will is.' That became the second part of the blog name, and that's how we got 'Aging with Grace and Strong Will'...a statement about us and our two little children.
(Will-age 4 and Grace now age 7.5)


The blog has been an enormous source of joy to me, as far as true friendships and support while we waited for Will to arrive and continuing onward with our adventures as a family. I've tried to keep it real with a positive spin on things because that's who we are as people. While waiting for Will I did my own fair share of whining, but that was because we wanted to meet this new little person(who we didn't know at the time) and bring him home. The blog was my daily journal in China almost 2 Summers ago. Sometimes I can't believe I wrote everyday...but it was important to me to remember every single detail.

I've kept it real with Will's transition to our family and me finding help for him for his sensory issues. I've always felt if I can help at least one person with their adoption journey, I'll have done what I'm supposed to do.

The blog has evolved and changed and I hope you can see through it how happy our children are and how dearly we love them. What the future holds for us as a family, I'm not quite sure...here's to another 500 posts!

22 kind words:

Laura said...

Wow! Congratulations on keeping us up-to-date along your journey.

Love Letters To China said...

Congratulations Gail! To another 500 more...

Truly Blessed said...

Your blog is as beautiful as your children are and your photography is!

Congratulations on such a fun milestone...

Jboo said...

Congrats on #500!! You know I love your blog and your photography too! So happy to follow along your family.

Janet

Jodee said...

Congrats on your 500th post! I also enjoy following your sweet family!

redmaryjanes said...

Love all of the color!

Number 6 and no more counting! said...

Gail,

I am so glad u started BLOGGING in 2007 as I got to meet a true friend.

I just love visiting your BLOG. It has a happy feel and always lots of supportive information.

Please know, that I am proud to call you my friend.

Much love,

Lea

Michelle R Photography said...

And I'm so thankful I met you!! What beautiful shots of your two cuties!! Cheers to 500 more!!

ellieshine said...

I love your blog! It has become one of the "famous adoption blogs" in my mind. congrats on 500 posts!

your family is beautiful and your photos are breathtaking!

Here's to another 500!

Kim said...

Happy 500 posts.. Love blogging.. I am glad I started or I would have never met you..
LOVE YOU BIG..
Hugs girly..

Robin said...

Congratulations to the first 500 posts! I love you blog & really appreciate you "keeping it real" ... you have helped me!!

Casey said...

Congrats!!! I love your blog! So glad you have been here the whole time... I came to it after you had both of your children in your arms, but you've inspired me through photos and photography! Can't wait for the next 500. :)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your 500 posts!!!
l just love your blog and you always take such beautiful pictures of your beautiful children! Cant wait to read the next 500!

Chasing Dreams Photography said...

Happy 500 to my sweet friend!!!!!! I remember so well when I first came across your blog...It seems like only yesterday how in awe I was of your photography, decorating and your beautiful children...I am so thankful for our friendship...you my dear are one in a million and I am so thankful to have you in my life!!! You inspire me so much!!!
Cheers and here's to the next 500 post!!!

Wanda said...

Wow....500 posts is quite a milestone. I just read your very first post - and though I did't know you then the same sweet spirit I read now on your blog was right there.

I'm so glad to have met you.

Karen said...

Hooray for number 500! Like so many, I have enjoyed following your blog and beautiful photos- thank you for sharing!

Unknown said...

What a great 500th post. Hope there are many more to come. I've enjoyed getting to know you via the blog world! And I especially love, love, love that last photo!!! :)

Ivy Shaffer said...

What a great milestone and tribute to your blogging. I think it's wonderful that we can use these as momentos for our children later. I think you've done an amazing job on posting and continue to remain faithful and dedicated.

I so need to get back and write. It's beautiful to have these sentiments as we journey forward with our children.

Congrats on your 500th post!

xoxoxoxo
Ivy

Kayce said...

Keep doing what you're doing and sharing all your children's beautiful smiles with us Gail! Happy 500!

Heather said...

WOW! 500 posts...oh Gail, that is great! I am not the dilligent blogger I once was, but I extend a little grace to myself as time and creativity escape me some days! :)

Happy 500 more!
Heather

Life with JJ, Starr and Spice said...

Congrats on 500 posts! You have so much to say and I have enjoyed reading much of this blog. I am not really sure when it was exactly that I found your blog but I sure am glad that I did.

Please give hugs to those precious children of yours. It has been a privilege to follow along with them and with you.

xxoo
Your SFAM

Dita said...

Happy 500, Gail.
Grace was so little in that picture.

Your blog will be a memory unparalleled for your family, absolutely priceless.

Your images are lovely, as always.

 
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