In my first Cottage Blessings post on January 1, 2006, I expressed the theme for this online journal saying:
"God has blessed our family so much, and I hope to share more about these wonderful--and all too fleeting--years in this web log."
It has been a memorable year, full of so many blessings, including the most precious one of all, our new baby, Eileen. I have never maintained a diary in my life, so it does my heart good to visit the archives of Cottage Blessings, remembering the simple joys we have shared, lessons learned, and humorous childish observations memorialized forever. How fitting it is that this first precious year of journaling was punctuated by the Feasts of Mary, Mother of God and now the Holy Family.
I cannot make time slow down, no matter how much I would like to linger here awhile longer, planning teas and nursing the baby and watching a little girl rock her Raggedy Ann to sleep. Looking over my shoulder at the dear family whose daily life is folded forever in these pages, I can smile and turn my face ahead, hand in hand with my husband and these ever-growing children of ours, with a promise and a prayer for 2007.
It would not be possible for me to convey what an honor it is to know that you kind-hearted mothers visit here. When I began this blog, I expected half a handfull of readers at most. Many, many thanks for your friendship and encouraging comments. Without them, this project may have died in February.
May the Holy Family of Nazareth bless you and your families as you begin another Blessed New Year!
A hearty congratulations to you on your first completed year of Cottage Blessings! Thank you so much for this beautiful, gentle, and inspiring place to visit! A glorious 2007 to you all!
Posted by: helene | December 31, 2006 at 09:31 PM
The feelings are mutual, Alice. My world is so much brighter because of you. Blessings for a beautiful 2007.
Posted by: Cay G. | January 01, 2007 at 01:32 AM
Dear Alice,
Many, many blessings on your Cottage.
May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you, and all your heart might desire. And may God ever continue to hold you in the palm of His hand!
(paraphrase of Irish blessing -- it seemed to fit you and your beautiful blog!)
Posted by: willa | January 01, 2007 at 02:15 AM
Alice -- you continue to bless our Home all the time; my kids feel like they know "the lady with the Lenten teas".....
Blessings and happiest of New Years to you!
Posted by: Mary G | January 01, 2007 at 02:53 AM
Happy Anniversary! I am so, so glad that you are a part of my life now. I love your site and am so grateful for all you've added to our lives.
Posted by: Jennifer | January 01, 2007 at 08:05 AM
Your site is such an inspiration! I'm so glad you blog!
Posted by: Beck | January 01, 2007 at 08:19 AM
Alice,
Your blog is a wonderful source of encouragement and joy in my day. Thank you for sharing and Happy New Year!!
Posted by: Jennifer in TX | January 01, 2007 at 09:40 AM
Alice,
Happy anniversary and many thanks for the beauty, love and inspiration that I find here in the Cottage each time I visit. You are such a gift!
Posted by: Karen E. | January 01, 2007 at 10:20 AM
Alice,
Congratulations on the anniversary! Your blog and your friendship are a blessing to my family and me. Thanks for all you share of your life and your family.
Love,
Heather
Posted by: Heather - NY | January 01, 2007 at 11:43 AM
Alice, thank you for sharing your beautiful family with us :)
Posted by: Kathryn | January 01, 2007 at 01:13 PM
Alice:
I found your blog in October and have learned so much from you. Thank you so much for your inspiration.
Maria
Posted by: Maria - VA | January 01, 2007 at 02:07 PM
Yes, Alice, thank you for opening your home to all of us! That generosity is why I started blogging in the first place. Happy Anniversary!
Posted by: Kristen Laurence | January 01, 2007 at 02:07 PM
Happy New Year, Alice and family! May you be blessed in the year to come.
Posted by: KathyJo | January 01, 2007 at 02:25 PM
Happy New Year, dear Alice! I agree--this online journal is such a lovely extension of the wife & mother behind it. Thank you!
(And thank you also, from the bottom of my heart, for your extra special prayers to Our Lady of Guadalupe!)
Posted by: Margaret in Minnesota | January 01, 2007 at 02:50 PM
Happy New Year to you dear Alice who inspired me into the blogging world as well!! Happy Anniversary and here's to another wonderful year!!
Posted by: Meredith | January 01, 2007 at 04:17 PM
Happy Blogiversary, Alice! Thank you for sharing youself with all of us through this lovely blog. Blessing to you and your family in the new year!
Posted by: Suzanne Temple | January 01, 2007 at 05:43 PM
Alice, I love your blog. You are very blessed. Congratulations and a Blessed New Year. God bless you.
Posted by: Ruth | January 01, 2007 at 09:06 PM
Your devotion to your family, joyful spirt, incredible talent and strong Faith has been an inspiration to me personally. Thank you!
Posted by: Julie | January 01, 2007 at 11:17 PM
I am so very grateful for your blog, Alice. It inspired me to begin mine, in order to put a few of our family memories "down" since I have never kept a diary either. Count me in as one of your many priviledged readers!
Posted by: Suzanne | January 02, 2007 at 09:28 PM
Congratulations and thank you for the time you spend sharing your ideas, faith and family with others. I am blessed everytime I visit the Cottage!
Posted by: Alicia | January 03, 2007 at 01:57 PM