Two years. So much has changed in the world in two years.
The global economy crashed.
John left Kate and their eight.
Haiti.
Two years. So much has changed in my world in two years.
Baby Evie replaced Baby A.
Heidi and Tucker both graduated and moved on.
And now, I’m going to be a grandma.
The beauty of blogging is not only that I recorded all of these personal and world events. The beauty of blogging is that I was able to share them with you. Discuss with you. Learn and laugh with you.
The beauty of blogging is that I have come to know so many spectacular people. I consider people all over the world friends—friends I connect with almost daily. Friends who share funny anecdotes, political opinions, heartrending struggles. I love it.
To celebrate two years as part of this community and to show my appreciation for all of you, I’m hosting a giveaway. Giveaways have suffered a bit of a black eye lately, overshadowed by ad revenue and commercialism. I don’t have a dog in that fight. I just want to give you guys stuff because I love you! Consider it early Christmas.
And what wonderful prizes am I parting with, you ask? Since it's a celebration of my two years here, I thought I'd echo past giveaways: one person will receive two bottles of my home-canned peach syrup. Two people will receive my famous chocolate chip cookies (and two of you that I owe them to, as well!). One of you will receive a copy of my new favorite book, The Swan Thieves. And one of you will receive a hand-picked holiday surprise, from me to you.
Nothing complicated. Nothing fancy. Just leave a comment on this post and tell me what about my Sanatorium you like to read most.
Winners will be drawn and posted Thursday morning.
Thanks for making this such a great corner of the world.
Hugs.
I do love to read of your insights and thoughts, because it keeps me up on what you are learning about yourself and the world, but the best thing is seeing pictures of my loved ones and being kept abreast of their comings and goings. I will never tire of that. No surprise, there. [Your drawing sounds wonderful, but give the giveaways to someone other than me, I just wanted you to know again how much I love the pictures.]
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog for many reasons. I am amazed at your big family, and love seeing the "big" kids with the smaller ones. I love how calm you seem raising them. It's a nice place to visit.
ReplyDeletewhat hooked me on your sanatorium? your fresh perspective on all things denton...whether they were family happenings, or simply your opinion of happenings in the world....especially your photo tours of your home town from your morning rides/walks! those are some of the first things i remember from this blog. first time i saw a jen photo tour i KNEW i had to follow your blog.
ReplyDeletealso i love your honesty. i know you just posted recently about a real day in the life of you, but never once have i got the impression you've airbrushed your life or fluffed it up. it is what it is, and it is lovely....you are lovely my friend. congrats on 2 years here!
I was first hooked on your great photos. In fact I have your blog book marked as "Great Photos." As time has gone on, I feel as though I've gotten to know your family some, and I look forward to your writings.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is a happy, yet honest, place to be. I love it here.
I'm so glad I found your blog. What I like best about it is reading about your family life. Your outlook, your faith, your sense of humor - it all adds up.
ReplyDeletePlease don't put me in your giveaway because it's so expensive to mail up here!
The pictures are so cute. Lily is getting more beautiful by the minute. I can't wait to read The Swan Thieves. Add me to your list and congrats on your two years. Thanks for sharing your heart.
ReplyDeleteI love the halloween costumes! Lily is adorable! They all look great.
ReplyDeleteI think my favorite thing about your blog is you - you're very real and I like that. Your life is interesting and wonderful and you don't have to fluff it up.
Also, and this is big coming from me, I like to read about your kids. I always wanted a big family and I'm an only child. It looks like you have the family my mother described - being the middle of nine children. It's just very nice. :)
Your beautiful header is what first caught my eye...but YOUR writings and perspectives keep me coming back. I'm also fascinated by your big family! I love your blog. Congrats on two years!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all..stop calling yourself Grandma! You know I love your blog..it's a daily stop for me. I was drawn here months ago because of your big family..love your words and your photos. Two years!! You go girl! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI love your linky parties! You have such great ideas...and you inspire me to write about things that I wouldn't ordinarily think of...and I always learn something about myself in the process. I love reading everyone else's linked posts as well.
ReplyDeleteI also love your writings and your perspective on your days! Real and full!
Thanks!
That one of Eve with her hand in the candy and a grin on her face. . .priceless!
ReplyDeleteYou are so very good at articulating what motherhood is. The downs but especially the ups. You make mothering sound good, like it is but with a twist of reality thrown in there!
It also helps me see your older kids and know that if you do things right the first time they turn out pretty good!
love the pictures...you captured some great moments. I love your thoughts on mothering....so thoughtful and honest...always putting things in perspective for me. And i heart your big family...babies, weddings and college...all rolled into one!!! you make it all work..i am in awe!
ReplyDeleteI love that you are both honest and yet manage to stay uplifting (how do you do that?!) Your blog is like having a cup of warm cocoa--comforting and sweet.
ReplyDeletei love seeing your strengths and insights on life lessons...and just the outlook you have on being a mommy! esp w/a big family! it's nice connecting w/other mom's no matter our religions or backgrounds!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary! I love seeing pictures of your family! And you crack me up.
ReplyDeletethe question is not what I love to read the most, but what do I NOT love to read on the Denton Sanatorium.
ReplyDeletetoo difficult to say.
I can't remember how we started following each other, but I call it a blessed day! Thanks for keeping it all up and being a great inspiration and friend to me.
Since I'm new to your super cute blog - I haven't had a lot of exposure to the last 2 years of your life. However, you are such a fun person and reading about your sweet family just makes me so dang happy (mostly because I still adore your family so much!) Can't wait to see what the next 2 years bring to your life. Nothing but amazing things, I'm sure! You deserve the best! Again, it's been SO fun to reconnect with you!
ReplyDeleteI am new to your blog. It amazes me that you have so many children! You look like a kid yourself! I thought I'd share that I am going to be a grandma "again" myself! This will be number 7. The first 6 are all boys. Ages from 16 to 1 1/2 years old. So we are over due for a girl, but will adore another little boy too! Love all your photographs!~Ames
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, and check it daily. I love hearing about your big family, and your honest thoughtful opinions about things. Congrats!!
ReplyDeleteSuper cute costumes! It has been years since I dressed up, and I think I need to next year!
ReplyDeleteI love you and your family and that you talk about your real lives... the good, bad, and ugly.
It's kind of like a sanity check :)
Ok, first and foremost...that picture of Rum and Micah just made me smile and giggle. I love it!
ReplyDeleteAll the costumes looked great, and looks like you had a smashing good Halloween. Won't lie, Mark looked uber creepy and I was afeared of him. I don't blame Evie for crying and trying to get away.
That said...I never did get my peach jam, or hwatever it was I was s'posed to get lo those many months ago.
Also...I love EVERYTHING about you adn your blog. Love your deep thoughts, the moments of life captured, your wisdom...all of it!
Congrats on two years! What I like about your blog... you feel like a friend , as I read your words ans look at the pic's.
ReplyDeleteHave a pretty day,
kristin
Dude. Micah looks so much like TUCKER in these pictures! At first I thought that first picture was a flash back, until I realized that Harry Potter wasn't out when we were that age!
ReplyDeleteHappy 2nd Blogiversary!
ReplyDeleteI come back reading because you seem like a "real" mom -- I like your honesty and I think you are someone that I would like in real life.
Thanks for the awesome opportunity.
Well, you know that I love everything about your sanatorium, but I have to say that my favorite posts to read are the ones about your wonderful family. They are one cool crew!
ReplyDeleteYou are definitely a favorite blogger for me and have become far more than a blog friend.
Happy Blogiversary, Jen!
Hugs.
=)
PS. Chocolate chip cookies?! Hurray!!
I love the Sanatorium because it is REAL life. I get inspiration and ideas from you for raising my bigger than average family. And I have to giggle that you'll be a Grandma with a 2 year old. I did that to my MIL. :)
ReplyDeleteYour most recent post about the busy-ness and slowing down was exactly what I needed to hear. I have been feeling the weight of "never getting on top of it" for weeks now. And sometimes it seems as if I never will! But what I loved about your "real" post was just that-- there "really" are other people out there who feel like I do! I'm not alone! So please don't let this giveaway be ONE MORE THING on your to-do list! But if you must give away, I'd love anything you have to offer! Thanks Jen, Julie in TX
ReplyDeleteBecause, I am a 40 year old with kids from age 2 to 20, I love to read about how you "straddle" the fence from mom to adult children on down to the "babies". ;o)
ReplyDeleteGood Job!! I happen to love the blogging world - such fun to keep up with what is happening and also to make new friends.
ReplyDeleteI love the Harry and Ron!! My favorite so far this year!!
I want to win Lunch out with you!
Hugs,
Karen
I love love your posts because I feel like we are leading parallel lives. The difference is, you are capable of putting into words the things that I only feel. Thank you for being my voice. Also, I appreciate that you are slightly ahead of me with one married daughter and I look forward to what is coming because of your experiences.
ReplyDeleteI love that I can stay connected to part of 30th ward by reading your posts. I love looking at the cute pictures of your kids! And I love your honest opinion about things.
ReplyDeleteyeah!!! now that is one wonderful giveaway ... it comes straight from the heart ... love it!!!! but please dont put me in your giveaway, because i am up in canada and the mail is pretty costly ... I do enjoy your blog, i started following you through Jenny's alphabe-thursday and you just have a heartwarming wonderful blog!
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog...my favorite post was the one about keeping it real. You are right... many bloggers only post the things that make them look like the perfect person. You really have a way with words that makes your blog an easy, fun read. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the baby!
skleinsorge at hotmail dot com
Hi Jen, can't take part in the giveaways as foodstuffs would never make it through customs these days but want to wish you a Happy Blog birthday. Still getting courage to maybe do it myself! As a Mum with four kids younger than yours I enjoy hearing how you deal with the issues that arise and reasure me that my kids are just like yours - normal everyday kids growing up in a world that is losing sight of important values and life lessons. Our job is to teach them as best we can and hope they learn the lessons well. Then we have to let them go as you have done with Heidi and Tucker.
ReplyDeletePlease keep the photos going too.
Catherine
I love many things about your blog actually..Here are some of the few
ReplyDelete1. I love to see your children grow. It's fascinating to me since I knew the oldest ones when they were little.
2. I love how you post almost every day during the week and that I'm able to see how normal and yet exciting your life is as well as your families
3. I love how well you have taught your children. You can see it in their eyes how centered around the gospel your family is...how much your children love you and each other...how driven they are to further their education (yay Heidi and Tucker!)
What I like about you:
ReplyDelete1. Homework assignments. They make me think and they make me stretch my thoughts in new ways
2. Stories about and pics of your kids. They remind me of the fun I had with my kids, and they make me laugh just because you have a funny family.
3. The glimpse of your soft hearted nature that always pokes through the practical no-nonsense you. You are one of the nicest people I've ever met.
Amen.
Your kids look great- I love the shot of Eve's chocolate face! I just finished the swan thieves- such a good book.
ReplyDeleteHi Jen and Happy Blogiversary indeed! I love your blog b/c I find you to be such an inspiration - 7 beautiful children, your down to earth approach, your calm perspective, your honesty ... how you balance it all is amazing to me ... and, heck, let's face it your cowboy boots are the icing on the cake! (silent tears ... I still await)
ReplyDeleteI keep trying to convince the Hubs that the 6 kids I've ALWAYS ALWAYS wanted can happen, even if financially, emotionally and mentally we aren't exactly prepared for the one we have, much less five more. But reading your blog makes me even more sure that we COULD DO IT TOO!!!
ReplyDeleteAndi @ buninthetoaster.blogspot.com
andiree_7@hotmail.com
I love to read about your life cause for some reason we are both so busy we don't find the time to go to lunch and chat about it in person. Love ya
ReplyDeleteI love your insights and the thoughts you share about life and motherhood. I especially love that you show the reality of family life and raising little kids (like your post 'reality dose' - too funny!!
ReplyDeleteYou are REAL!!
ReplyDeleteLove it♥
Can the holiday gift be a trip to visit you? Miss you, sis!
ReplyDeleteCan I say everything???
ReplyDeleteDoes that count?:)
You make me laugh, you make me think, you make me wonder and you make me come back everyday for more.
Congrats on two years.
Here's to many more!
Enjoy the day
Halloween pics were adorable btw!
I love reading your post after lunch each day. I am a school teacher and sometimes I share your insights or wonderful pictures with the students I work with. Our favorite story to tell is that it is too hot to go swimming. Very hard for the frozen penguins up here in Michigan. Thanks for taking the time to post as often as you do. And Ben is an awesome football player!
ReplyDeleteJen, I am coming out of my blog lurking hiding place. I have wanted to send you an email so many times to tell you how much I get from your blog. I am the mother of 6 living in Northern California really close to where your daughter's in laws are. I do not know if I can narrow down what it is that I love about your blog. Could it be your thoughts on parenting and mothering and the link to Sister beck's talk at just the right time for me? Could it be the laundry room with your checkerboard floor? Could it be ways that you show how to have fun being a mom too? You are a daily blog check for me. Thank you for the time and effort that you put into this. PS I have 2 orchards FULL of peaches. Would love to get your recipe for the peach syrup. If you find yourself in Northern California during peach harvest. you are SO welcome to stop on by!
ReplyDeletewww.smudgesofpeanutbutter.blogspot.com
The PHOTOS!!! I love the photos!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm fairly new at following your blog...but I am loving EVERY post! You have helped me come to terms with the fact that motherhood and being a Mormon is not about perfection. It's so hard to believe that when you are surrounded by those who try to tell you otherwise! I am so grateful that I fell upon your blog! Thank you for your inspiration!
ReplyDeleteDani
I must say I am fascinated by your ability to maintain a large family. I am pregnant with our third and already overwhelmed with the thought. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHappy belated blogiversary, Jen! Sorry I got in late with the celebrating. I have to say that it's been great having you as a bloggy friend and meeting your wonderful family. Even though we've never met in real life, I feel like I've known you forever. Thanks for sharing with us your wonderful life and being such a great person :) By the way, I love the Halloween costumes! Evie looks like she didn't care much for the hood of her costume...much like Ellie. She is so adorable and I look forward to seeing your adventures as a grandmother too!
ReplyDelete