Some how, out of no where, an entire year of my life has passed, in what seems like only a few days time.

How exactly do I know that it’s been a full year?

It’s my first bloggy anniversary today. {Well, actually Tuesday the 17th, in case you are reading this on Monday night. Because I like to post the night before. So sue me.}

Oh yes, I’ve been at the blogging thing for a full year now. Hold me.

I know that a lot of my readers are newish, so I thought, hey, why not do a year in review post. And so, that’s what I’m doing.

First off, I HAVE A NEW BLOG DESIGN! So if you are reading this in a reader, swing by and check out my new digs.

The new design is brought to you by…ME! Did you know that I’m a graphic designer? Or I was once-upon-a-time before I became a stay-at-home mom.

Which is a nice segue into what I’ve been up to over this last year.

Defining Moments

When I first started blogging, I was a working momma {I know, can you believe it?} filled with tremendous guilt. So much so that it ate me alive, and eventually, 18 long months after the kiddo was born, led to an exciting announcement: I was quitting my job of almost 8 years.

Talk about life changing. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, as a stay-at-home mom, but I quickly learned one thing: it’s freaking exhausting. Especially when I’m solo parenting it while hubby is off relaxing and lounging by the pool traveling for work, and I just want to fast forward to get through.

Soul Searching Moments

One of the biggest surprises of becoming a stay-at-home mom was losing myself. That piece of me I identified with working and being an adult. Poof, gone the first day I stayed at home. With some decluttering and organizing, I’m doing my best to stay focused on what works best for me and the family. And keeps me the most sane. Which is kind of important, I’ve discovered. I’ve had some time alone to reflect and some time to dive deep into an identity crisis.

Thank goodness I’ve discovered that I’m in exactly the right place, in this time in my life.

Moments of Heart Ache and Infertility

I finally gave myself permission to share my infertility story. It’s an on going struggle, but one that has answers. Sadly, I’m not on my way to baby number two. Yet. I’m still looking for the solution to my struggles, but it has a name, and that’s half the battle. Or at least part of the battle.

Moments that Fill the Soul

One of the things that I try my hardest to hold onto, even when everything around me is telling me to give up, is hope. Sometimes what I hope for isn’t what comes to be, but in the end, it’s always what should be. Even if it isn’t in my plan. I’m trying to enjoy the journey, strolling through life, hand-in-hand with the kiddo and Dad-oo. Taking on the hardest challenges and the biggest climbs with determination and strength.

Moments that Fuel the Body

What’s a year in review if we don’t talk about food? With all of the moments piling together, we need something to fuel us through. Thick, chewy, cheesy pizza for starters, which is a staple at our house. Friday night just wouldn’t be the same without it. And to celebrate, I think everyone should indulge in cake ball (or 5). It’s only once a year, it’s okay to obey your inner sweet tooth. While you are at it, enjoy a glass of some good, old fashioned, homemade Irish Cream. It’s a party after all.

Moments with You

Of course I’m not forgetting to mention every that I’ve met, formed friendships and bonds with over the last year. I seriously had no idea that blogging and tweeting would create friend ships with people I’ve never met (but will someday). But it has and I’m amazed and grateful for oh so many people. Yes, I know, this is so over the top and sappy. But it’s my anniversary, and I can do what I want. So there.

And since you are here, don’t forget to grab…

My New Button

<br/><a href=”http://alli-n-son.com” mce_href=”http://alli-n-son.com” target=”_blank”><img border=”0″ src=”http://alli-n-son.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/AllinSonButton_New.png” mce_src=”http://alli-n-son.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/AllinSonButton_New.png”/></a>

This post is proudly linked up with Top Ten Tuesday over at Oh Amanda. Although there are way more than 10 of my best posts from the last year, I’m hoping that she won’t delete my link, since this is most definitely a top 16 list.

Did you know that you can save my recipes in your very own recipe box, courtesy of ZipList? Just click on the link above, under "recipes" to get started. Want to learn more? Hop on over to read about this awesome new feature.

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

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Tagged as: anniversary, blogiversary, mommy blog, recipes, SAHM, stay-at-home mom, toddler, Top 10 Lists, top 10 tuesday