Yesterday, I received a lovely email from WordPress, which provided blogging statistics for the past year. The message included maps and charts to help me celebrate a year of writing. I love these messages, because they help me to understand what is important to those of you who click your way to this blog. I love writing for you, and I am so thankful for every comment, “like” and click. I have also made some wonderful friends through this site, which makes me grateful that the internet is making our world a bit smaller and cozier by connecting us through social media.
So, these stats are helpful to me as a writer. However, those aren’t the numbers I want to share with you today…because the number of “hits” I get is not what has made this year (or any year!) special and memorable. Below are the statistics that warm my heart and defined the year…
22 = years I’ve been married to Tom
2 = children in our family
3 = summer jobs held by those two children…which resulted in numerous life lessons about managing money, working with others, and setting goals
18 = years with Annie, who graduated from high school and voted in the presidential election)
16 = years with Bill, who performed in 5 shows, marched with the band and learned to drive this year
6 = trips to conferences and churches to teach about including kids with disabilities (which meant meeting–and learning from —so many of you!)
7 = relaxing days in Florida with Tom in February
306.7 = miles from our home to Calvin College, where Annie is attending
5 = my favorite posts on the blog this year:
Joy or Just Wait (that was your favorite, too)
To the Class of 2012: Don’t Forget Your Markers
I Saw Love at the Movie Theatre
Why The Jet Blue Incident Makes Me Blue (and determined)
My Children Aren’t Perfect (and I’m dancing with JOY)
1 = One GREAT GOD who loves me (and loves you, too.)
Happy New Year…and don’t forget to take data on what really matters.
Love,
Katie
PS One more statistic:
11 = the age of our most loyal and wonderful dog, Mitzie Alice Wetherbee, who wishes you a wonderful new year, from the bottom of her heart.
Diving for Pearls 
Love all your numbers! I just started blogging about 6 weeks ago and I have found the stats very interesting. The thing that has struck me is how I have been able to reach people from all over the world through blogging. It is a great way for believers to encourage one another and learn from one another. Thanks for your blog. Blessings to you and your family in 2013!
Blessings to you, too, Shelly! Happy Blogging in 2013.
I concur, Shelly. I started blogging this year and have thoroughly enjoyed it for the same reasons you listed above.
Katie, I loved reading your ‘stats’ for the year. Happy New Year!
Happy 2013 to you, Kathie…hope it is a wonderful year of writing for you!
I also got my blog stats today. It brings out the worst in me and my blogging – I want to care less about the numbers and just enjoy the writing and talking to people. And that’s why I love this post – yours are the kind of numbers that are important. Praying for your stats in 2013
Dear Kaye~ Keep enjoying your writing! Have a wonderful new year. Blessings!
Your posts are always significant. Always.
Cindi Ferrini
You are a blessing, dear Cindi.xoxo
46 years that you have been my sister and nest pal!
Right back to you, dear sister…and best pal. xoxo
In 2013, may you have 1084 giggles that cannot stop, 8,439 moments of awe, 9 good new friends, 300 fabulous blogs (that allows for a lot of days to play!!)
Love the numbers, Katie! I didn’t realize that Mitzi is 11! Wow! Enjoy the New Year! Love to All, Wendy