It was a year ago today...

... I started this blog.

It was intended to be a little something to help me pass the hours minutes while our children napped, yet serve the greater good of keeping our family and friends apprised of our children's recent developments.

It has pretty much remained a little something to help me pass the hours minutes while our children nap and has been an excellent means to stay in touch with family and friends. The vast majority who have never left me a comment.

But that's OK. Beth, Michelle, Frank, Mary, Linda, Greg, Andrew, Suzanne, Sylvie, Candy, Amy, Bob [all five of you], Marla, Joel, Felicia, Emily, Karen, Dave, Jean, Janet, Ron, Cathy, Donna, John, Jennifer, Sandy, Lisa, Tim, Grace, Eileen, Christine, Steve, Jim, Rob, should I continue??

I know they're there.

Because when I talk with my brother and he tells me about his bad back - he feels compelled to add that he didn't throw it out during the conception of a child ... or when Charlie bumps in to a neighbor at the grocery store - he congratulates him on our pregnancy that has not yet been announced.

Except on the internet.

And I blush. Because the written word comes a lot more easily to me than the spoken word. Although, I tend to be overly profuse with both. (No need to agree).

Along the way, I've *met* a lot of people who have left me comments - or - sent me e-mails. These strangers lives are as varied as their geographical locations.

Some have children.

Some want children.

Some don't know what they'd do with children.

Some have triplets, twins, quads - or quints.

Some are fellow bloggers.

Some are in the U.S.

Some are in Africa, Asia, Europe or the Middle East.

Some have stumbled upon Amazing Trips through some search engine, when they typed key words like "Children, Lick Toilet Brush", "Feed Children Off Floor" or "Children, Dog Poop". (Which makes me wonder, based on the title, what do they think this blog is about?? Should I worry about Child Protective Services contacting me??)

Although this blog has been a good vehicle to chronicle the challenges and joys of our daily lives - above all - it's been the best way I can find to share stories of the amazing trip that life has been ... since we've become parents to our Amazing Trips. It's incredible to look back through the archives and see how far we've come. With just over 52,000 visitors (and almost 100,000 hits) in the past year, I sincerely hope that all of you are enjoying the trip, too.

The way we see it ... the future's so bright, we've got to wear shades.