The Motherload Blog

Commenting is rough, isn’t it? I read so many great blogs and I wish that I had two more hands that could type special messages to everyone I read. The notebook has been my, “I’m so sorry that I read you, but I never say hello,” idea that I had to bridge the gap between thoughtful comments and simple acknowledgement that bloggers are just awesome people. Those posts take me an entire week of time so I hope they still feel like they are coming from the heart. I want to acknowledge the brilliance that is you!

I know most of my readers are busy moms. I know I am a busy mom. I know I should comment more. I would love if more comments came my way.

I just wanted to say that if you have a moment and can say hi, I would just love that today! It doesn’t have to be anything profound, just let me know you are out there so I can say thank you personally. I will do my best to visit each of you this week because that is what friendship is all about.


159 Comments

Comments

  1. 1

    Hi Amy!
    Great idea for today! I LOVE your blog. Have read it faithfully, daily for almost two years. So glad I did. It has had such a profound impact on my life the last year too. I cannot begin to tell you the ideas you have here that I’ve incorporated into my own life. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for providing such a wonderful outlet to come to daily. May God Bless you and your family!

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    Thank you so much for saying hi, Kathie!! It means so much to hear from you!! Virtual hugs all around!!

    [Reply]

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    Great idea! Amy hello and good morning to you! I’m not a blogger as such, as you know but am considering it. In the midst of being a WAHM on my own biz, you’re an inspiration and helpful aide of a friend..when I need it. I love your blog. I particularly enjoy seeing your updates on FB. They are a welcome change, choc-full of ideas, to the various updates there!

    I love the warm, friendly, inspiring, healthy, cozy feel of MomAdvice! Thank you.

    Luv,
    Ina

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    Ina has a FANTASTIC clothing line at M641.com. I almost had to duke it out in a very unladylike fight for a dress that was going up for auction. Seriously, check out her clothes. Thank you so much for commenting, Ina!!

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  3. 3

    love that idea – I think i may try to do that with all of the blogs I read today too (I cut my list back big time though).

    ~ jenny

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    It is so hard to keep up with everything, isn’t it? Thanks so much for your comment, Jenny!!

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    Hi! I just found your website this week…I think from an article in Parents mag. I tore out the page before bed and actually followed through and went to your website! I enjoyed looking through your notebook entry yesterday!

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    Wow, Elizabeth, I can’t believe you followed through and actually visited. I bookmark so many things out of magazines and always forget. I am so happy you came and welcome to the site!

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    Hi Amy! I’ve been reading you for quite a while as well! I LOVE your notebooks, I have gotten so many great ideas, I think of you as a personal Internet researcher that way! I also love your honesty, showing us how you can improve your life gives me inspiration to do the same. One of these days I will have more time to try your recipes—they are bookmarked and waiting for me!

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    You are so sweet, Ginger!! Notebook days are my favorite day on the site too. Thank you for your sweet words. I am so thankful you read them :)

    [Reply]

  7. 7

    I stop by often, but rarelyhave anything to say. I love the “link” days, so many good things there…and I have really loved the recipes here. I use the frozen mashed potatoes and the artisan bread one all the time!

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    I am so glad you like the recipes and notebook days. Those mashed potatoes and artisan bread are two of my favorites too. I think I am going to have to make some more of that bread here. It is the perfect day to heat up the kitchen. Thank you for saying hello!!

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    When I moved to the best job ever….Mommy and then moved 500 miles 6 months later for my hubby to change jobs to allow me to stay at home..Your site was the first I found.

    For over 3 years I have been lurking :)

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    I love it!! 3 years! I am thrilled!! Thank you for saying hello!

    [Reply]

  9. 9

    Hi! From Omaha, NE! I’m new to your site and am not a blogger, but just can’t wait to read what you are going to talk about. You make my day for this SAHM.
    Thanks!

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    Waving back- thanks for stopping by to say hi!! I love it when I get a new reader!

    [Reply]

  10. 10

    Hi! I love reading your blog! When Stephanie (Breeden) Ray, who is one of my sorority sisters, moved to Greenwood (where I live), I shared with her some money saving tips. As part of that discussion, I told her about your blog, but she already knew you! Small world, huh? Thanks for all the work you do! I truly love reading your work.

    Amy

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    I adore Stephanie! That truly is such a small, small world!! Thanks for coming out to say hello- it means so much!!

    [Reply]

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    Hi Amy! I think your site is FABULOUS! I stumbled upon it last year when I was looking for recipes and I now make it a point to visit every day. You are an inspiration. Thanks for all of the work you put into this site!

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    I am so glad you found the site. I love sharing recipes- that is one of my favorite things on the blog. If you can believe it, I only learned to cook about six years ago. I would have never thought it would have ever been a section on my site- craziness!! Thanks so much for stopping by today, Jen!

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    Thanks for all your great posts and great advice. My day wouldn’t be the same without you!

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    Thank YOU for visiting- it means so much, Amy!!

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    I love your site so much – keep up the great work. Your notebook is one of my favorite parts of the week. It is always filled with so many great ideas I want to try. Thank you!

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    Thank you so much for commenting, Kelly! Notebook days are my favorite day too- people are so amazing, you can’t help but click on them :) Have a great day!!

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    I have faithfully been reading your blog almost since you began and have learned a lot. I remember reading your comments as part of the Frugal Folks website. I make a lot of your recipes and really enjoy the fact that they are “Aldi friendly.” Your banana bread recipe is a favorite! When friends ask for tips or ideas I always send them to your site. Thank you for all you do.

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    Paula- I am so glad you like the Aldi recipes…which reminds me that the site needs a few new recipes added to it :) Thanks for being such a faithful reader and I am so glad to hear that you are sharing it with your friends!!

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    Amy-

    I really wish I had more hours in the day to comment too, because I know how much I enjoy getting comments myself. Thanks so much for all of the work you put into your site. I don’t know how you get it all done.

    -Kristie

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    I am fueled by a GREAT DEAL of coffee :) Ha! It is my secret to accomplishments :) Thanks, Kristie!!

    [Reply]

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    Hi Amy! I know what you mean about not having time to comment on all the great blogs I read.

    I love your format and the information you write about. Hope you can stop by “The Roost” and have a look around!

    [Reply]

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    I am one of your “blog stalkers”:) I have enjoyed your blog for a long time!! It is such a treat to read your Notebooks, recipes and other craft ideas (bubbly magnets). My favorite mom blog! Thanks for what you do!
    Jamie in Indy!:)

    [Reply]

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    Hi Amy,
    I have been meaning to write or comment for a while now so this is the perfect post to encourage me to do that! I just wanted to say that I love your site! I visit every day and really enjoy it. Wednesdays are one of my favorites as you find the most interesting, entertaining, crafty things out on the web. I’ve saved many recipes and crafts that you’ve listed on Wednesdays in my “want to do” file. Thank you for everything you do and for your great site!

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    That is so sweet, Mary!! I am so glad you like the notebooks and that it is keeping you inspired. You made my day, truly!

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    Hi Amy.
    I’ve been a long time reader. I look forward to your notebook feature, and I’ve tried a lot of good ideas from there.
    I guess I don’t comment much on the blogs I read because I really don’t have anything profound to say. I’m sure it’s nice to know there’s someone out there reading what you have to say, but sometimes it just seems so lame on my part to say “good idea” or “I agree.”

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    I’ve just started scanning through your site, so I haven’t seen much of it. the parts of your site that I have seen though, I really like. I am a S.A.H.M. of a very lively five year old boy, and I think that your site may be quite helpful at times when I need an answer to something that I can’t find anywhere else. :) Thanks!

    [Reply]

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    Hi Amy! Thanks for encouraging us to delurk! It’s fun to get to know your other readers also. When most of us read through RSS, we don’t always click over to comment!

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    Hi, Amy! My kids are grown and now raising their own kids…but I care for my dad and chronically ill husband here at home. Believe me when I say that your blog makes my day and I can still use so many of your hints! And I love your recipes! Thanks for being there….

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    Oh, that is so sweet, Traci! Praying for your family and thinking of you. I am so glad that you find the site to be useful! It means so much!

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    Hey There!!! Great idea … I read lot of blogs (via google reader) and am so bad about not clicking to the site to leave comments. I’m also on the other end of things by not receiving many comments! Totally understand that for bloggers, “comments = candy” !!!!
    Hope you have a wonderful Thursday!
    ~ Joy :)

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    Hi Amy!

    DeLurking here! I just wanted to tell you how much I love your Amy’s notebook posts. So much great info. I really like your blog a lot.

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    I’m the Queen of lurking but wanted to comment – I use so many of your ideas – let’s see: I’ve learned to knit (very basic) my granddaughter is using your ticket idea for chores, I have a “Rainy Day” suitcase for her at my house; tried a few of your receipes (yummy!) listed to your interview with Taylor Lautner; cried when your son got on the school bus the first time; love your “wordless Wednesdays” – the stiped kneesocks were priceless and still my favorite. I miss you on WSBT in the mornings but love your blog – as you can tell I’m a FAN!!!!

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    Oh my word! Tears! Thank you, Darlene! I can’t tell you how much that means to me!! For once, I have no words :)

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    Amy,
    Good morning! I found your site a few months ago and have enjoyed it a great deal! Thank you for all the wonderful ideas and recipes and links. My 6-year-old daughter loves the pictures you post.

    Cheers!
    Carissa

    [Reply]

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    I read every day in a rss reader (gotta love Google!) and greatly appreciate your “tone”. Which I know is a weird compliment, but it’s nice to have a conversation sometimes… even if it is one-sided!

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    Hi Amy! Your blog was one of the first ones I started reading after my son was born (he’s a year and a half now). You really made it easier for me to figure out how to be a good SAHM. I use your recipes all of the time and have really enjoyed the notebook posts. Thanks for all of your hard work on this site!

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    I have a baby blog (almost 1 yr old but I call it that because the amount of readers I have are no where near what you and others like you have). Please know you are an inspiration to me!! I LOVE your notebook posts, your Freebie Friday posts and your family pics. Thank you for the examples you set and more!

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    I too love your blog. I’ve tried many of your recipes (yum!), and I love your notebook entries. You find some of the best links! Just yesterday I shared that scarf-wearing link with my mom and sister. My mom and I both wore our scarves like that yesterday. Thanks for all your hard work. It truly is appreciated! I think I’m just so used to lurking that I don’t even think to comment. Thanks for the encouragement to comment!

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    Loved that scarf tutorial :) I actually wore my scarf like that out for my birthday date with my hubby. Even he was impressed!! :) Thanks for your comment!!

    [Reply]

  41. 41

    Poking my head up to say “hi”

    I follow your blog in my Google Reader, and I end up starring about 30% of your posts because of the links you post or the words you write. Please keep up the fabulous posts. :)

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    Love your blog. The recipes are one of the biggest helps to me. Trying the Tuscan Tomato Soup this weekend. Can’t wait! Thanks for all you do here.

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    A lurker here comin’ out of hiding! Thanks for your blog!!! I always love your list of Freebies. I always find something fun there. Thanks for putting that together for us. Hope you have a great day!

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  44. 44

    I absolutely love your blog – I visit daily. I am new to the blog world but enjoy reading them. I am truly amazed at the many well accomplished mom’s out there and how well written most of the blogs are! I don’t always comment – it just feels weird to me, but I have in the past when something has really moved me or interested me (ie your post to encourage getting back to reading).

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    I am so glad when you do leave a comment. I know it can feel weird, but I hope it helps to know how greatly it is appreciated. Thank you so much- you made my day!!

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  45. 45

    Hi Amy – I have commented sporadically, but wanted to just say hi again. I love your blog and all the advice and ideas. I check daily for new material and just love reading everything, my favorite is the notebook days! . You have inspired me to carve out time for reading more and most recently have started the Happiness Project. I too want to be more happy in 2010. Thanks for sharing your life with us and being such an inspiration!

    [Reply]

  46. 46

    Amy,
    What a great idea. I love your blog and I am a daily reader. My favorite thing is the frugal tips/ideas for entertaining your family and children.

    [Reply]

  47. 47

    Hi Amy! I have been reading your blog for a while, and can’t remember if I’ve ever commented, and if so, it’s been quite seldom, although I read you regularly. I love what you do here, I love this place of encouragement, inspiration, and refreshment that you’ve created! I guess that I don’t take the time to say “hi” more often is because I don’t have anything of any value to add to your posts, so I stay silent. Thanks for the reminder to comment, and pass on the encouragement and interaction of the blogosphere that we all enjoy.

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    I am starting to see I am just not interactive enough…or maybe a know-it-all :) Ha! In all seriousness, thank you for leaving a comment today. I am so glad you are enjoying the blog and that you are getting something out of the site. It means the world to me!!

    [Reply]

  48. 48

    Hi Amy. Good thing, because I don’t have anything profound to say. I know it can feel lonely sometimes, wondering where all those supposed readers are and why they aren’t saying anything. Rest assured we’re here, we love you even if we don’t say it every day. Can’t wait to meet you!

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    Aw, Emily, I can’t wait to meet you too. It does feel a little lonely sometimes. Perhaps, I need to make the site more interactive. Regardless if anyone comments or not, I try to remember that someone is READING and that is really what matters in the long run :) See you at BlissDom, sweet friend!

    [Reply]

  49. 49

    Hi Amy,

    I’m a long time reader of your blog, and I wish I commented more often too!:0)

    I enjoy the great posts and ideas you share on this blog. I love the pictures too! In fact, I got my idea for Christmas gift bags off of your blog this past Christmas. I couldn’t find the ones you found at Walmart, so, I did what you did the previous Christmas and used Target reusable gift bags. My family and friends are making good use of them (along with the gifts inside)! Thank you so much for sharing!

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    I am so glad your family liked the reusable bags- that is so great to hear. Sorry you couldn’t find the ones at Walmart. I found them buried in the gift wrapping supplies. Those Target ones are still so festive too! I love a gift that is in a gift :) Thank you for your comment today!!

    [Reply]

  50. 50

    Hi, Amy! I’ve enjoyed reading your blog for several months now. I enjoy your thoughts and I feel inspired by your ideas. Thanks for sharing yourself here! I am a 32-year-old mom with a 4-year-old daughter, and I appreciate your life tips, mom tips, and general fun! Have a great day!

    [Reply]

  51. 51

    Hi Amy! I try not to lurk, but I do it too often. Yours was one of the first blogs I ever read and you continue to inspire me!

    [Reply]

  52. 52

    Hi Amy! I read you every day, although I only comment sporadically. I’ve even mentioned you on my blog a time or two–with a link to your ‘notebook’. It’s my favorite feature you do. I have gotten so many great ideas and recipes from your lists. So, thanks for all you do!

    By the way, this post really resonates with me as a blogger. I wish everyone who stopped by to visit left a comment once in a while–it sure makes blogging feel worthwhile, and it’s always nice to feel appreciated! :)

    ~ Jennifer

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    It is so true, Jennifer! Comments do make the time spent blogging feel a little more worthwhile! Thank you so much for your sweet comment!

    [Reply]

  53. 53

    Amy I have been reading your blog faithfully every day for about 2 years.It is great,but I have one question.Do you know of a site mainly for senior citizens? I am 65 yrs old on SS and some of the blogs I visit just don’t have the content that people my age are interested in. With 14 grandchildren of my own I am really not interestged in seeing pictures of everyone’s kids…No offense,but I am kid tired. Will appreciate any help you can give me.

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    Cora- I am sorry, I have no idea! Maybe someone can comment though and let Cora know if they have a site for seniors that they can recommend. Thanks so much for visiting!!

    [Reply]

  54. 54

    Your blog was one of the first I started reading a couple of years ago and it’s still one of my favorites! I love all of your ideas, you’re latest organizing idea was awesome and I think it’s just what I need to get my paper war under control. I wish I had time to comment more, but I hope you know you’re loved and appreciated!

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  55. 55

    love the blog- always on the top of my list to check out- i first came across it when i was pregnant w/ my son which has been over 3 years ago- i first stumbled on it because of your love for Aldi- i love Aldi too! love the clutter free living you are stiving for- we are too- big goal of mine! you have a great blog and it’s a joy reading! keep up the great work!

    [Reply]

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    Just wanted to say hi. I follow our blog and comment when I can. You have a great blog, especially your recipes. I’ve made a bunch of them and they are always great!

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    I love your weekly notebook. I don’t always comment but at the very least I try to check in once a week to see what cool projects you’ve shared with us. As a blogger myself I know how great it feels to get comments and I know how hard it can be to get them sometimes. I apologize for not commenting more often but I really do appreciate what you do! Thanks!

    [Reply]

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    I have been reading your blog for years but I have probably only commented twice (and that was recently).

    I love your recipes, love your Aldi’s menu plans, and I love your Notebook Entrys. I have gotten a lot of great ideas from them.

    [Reply]

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    Hi Amy,
    I’m kind of a 50/50 lurker, since I do comment as often as I can, but i sure read a lot on your blog!! Thanks so much for all you do!!

    [Reply]

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    This is such a great idea–especially since I am a lurker-lol. I have been reading your blog since way before I began blogging and I LOVE it! Thank you for always being a constant source of inspiration.

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    Commenting feels hard to do which is sad because it is such an encouragement. I found your site when I first started staying home with my daughter and I’ve loved it ever since. I read for awhile before I realized you were a fellow Hoosier! Hope all these comments encourage you because you are wonderful!

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    I just love your blog…and dont comment nearly enough! I love your recipes and amy notebook always has just great ideas in it!

    Thank you so much!

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    Hi, Amy;
    I read your blog every single day. Your website is in my favorites so it is quick and easy to get to. I enjoy the recipes that you post and have used many of them. I also look forward to the Notebook experiments and I am currently learning to knit. This is something that I have wanted to learn how to do for quite some time. Okay, actually when you began learning how to knit and then shared with us the things that you had made that’s when I first started wanting to knit. I am currently making a scarf. Thanks for all that you do and for taking the time to share your lifes ups and downs.
    May God continue to bless you and your family.

    [Reply]

    Amy Reply:

    Thank you for always being such a faithful reader and commenter, Jodi! I always am happy when I see your sweet words in the comments! I can’t wait to hear more about your knitting projects. Thank you for taking the time today- it means more than I can say!

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    Amy, I just wanted to say that you are very inspiring and that i really appreciate all of your help. You are a wonderful person. Thanks for all that you do!!!!!

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    Hello! I’ve been reading your blog for a few years now. I really appreciate all the recipe ideas and the frugal entertaining ideas. I have really appreciated Birthday Brunch post you did in December 2008 and have gone back to it many times for the recipes. I have taken that brunch party idea and used it for quite a few parties. In fact, my daughter’s third birthday party is this weekend and we are using some of the recipes you posted for her party. Thanks for all the great ideas and work that goes into this site!

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    Have read your site since the beginning. Remember when I interviewed you? Anyway, I haven’t been the greatest commenter as of late but I wanted to say hello!

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    I am more delurking from Twitter than I am from your blog (first time visitor), but I saw your tweet about the comments, so I came to say hi and to leave one. Thanks for the invitation. Enjoy family dinnertime!

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    Hi Amy!

    I love your blog! I feel like it’s my “one-stop-shop” online. So many great ideas and recipes and savings all in one place!

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    Thanks for extending an invite to comment! I’m sometimes bad about not commenting even though I LOVE for people for comment on my new blog. Maybe I will comment more often. Thanks for the nudge! :)

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    Hi Amy,
    Just wanted to tell you that your posts on clearing the clutter is inspiring to me. I donated a big bag of stuff to the thrift store today and intend to gather more for another trip. Keep the good stuff coming!

    [Reply]

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    Hi Amy ~ you’re blog is fun to read and full of great ideas (and links!). I have read your blog for over a year now but I don’t think I’ve ever made a single comment! So, here’s to coming out of hiding! :)
    Keep up the great blogging!

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    Amy, I do like your site! I read it as often as I can and always find something to incorporate into my house/family/life! Thank you!

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    Hi, Amy! I love your blog! Also, wanted to tell you that I have been knitting for years and was always afraid to try double pointed needles. After seeing your cute hats, I finally got inspired to try them. You were right! They aren’t so scary after all. Thanks for that! :-)

    [Reply]

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    As a mom of 4 (11, 9, 2 and 6 mo), I often don’t take the time to comment. You are on my bookmark list and I visit several x’s/week. I really enjoy your site. God bless you and your family. Happy belated birthday!

    [Reply]

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    I love your blog, especially Notebook days and Notebook experiments! Thanks for the great content you provide.

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    I love your blog. It’s my first home page that pops up and I find myself disappointed when there is nothing new :) Although I am a mom too so I know how that is. The Notebook is my favorite part and I have found some great projects and blogs from there. Thank you!!!

    [Reply]

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    Hi Amy!(waves at Amy)

    I love your blog and Wednesdays are one of my favorite days because I have the opportunity to see so many different ideas. I am in awe at the creativity and the generousity of my fellow mommies. I laugh and cry with many of the women online and some of them probably never even realize it because I don’t always comment on everything.

    I have virtually met so many people that have helped me(and through me, my family so much). Whether it be coupons, recipes, or just the knowledge that I’m not in the wilderness on my own I am so grateful to people like yourself for putting in the time and effort you put into this blog.

    So Hello and Thank you.

    Christine

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    Happy belated birthday. Love your Notebook and will have to try the tomato soup recipe. Thank you for your inspiration and everything that you pass along to us out here in blogland.

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    I admit – i’m a lurker! i read your website EVERYDAY and have made so many of your recipes (made the tuscan soup last night and it was AMAZING!), taken your advice and visit the websites you recommend. You’re awesome and I appreciate all the things you do! I’ve learned so much…and hope to continue! Thanks Amy!

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  99. Pingback: The Motherload » Freebie Friday: January 22, 2010

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    I love your blog! And you are right, I wish I had more hands to comment on all the great blogs. I should be better about commenting. Its so nice to read comments on posts you have made!

    [Reply]

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