And the Award Goes To....

Me!

I've been given an award. It's my first, so I'm slightly excited. I originally started this blog as a way to keep friends and family informed about our family's happenings, but I never dreamed that I would meet so many wonderful people in the process. It's been a great "outlet" for me as I've connected with other moms and recorded the milestones of my family along the way.

The best part of this award is that I have the honor of awarding it to a few of my favorite blog reads. But first, I'd like to thank Morning Song for her kind words. It was a sweet and pleasant surprise to find my blog mentioned and awarded at her site...so thank you!

Now, here are the rules:

Remember that this is The Blogger Reflection Award. This award should make you reflect on five bloggers who have been an encouragement, a source of love, impacted you in some way, and have been a Godly example to you. Five Bloggers who, when you reflect on them, give you a sense of pride and joy... of knowing them and being blessed by them. This award is for the best-of-the-best so consider who you pick, carefully. This award should not be given to just anyone. If you're going to do the award don't just write a few words and slap it on your blog. Write real thoughts about these bloggers and what they've been to you, and if the bloggers you pick have already been given the award, don't be afraid to give to them again. They deserve it as many times as it's given.

Rules of participating:

1. Copy this post.

2. Replace [my bloggers with yours] & Reflect on five bloggers and write a least a paragraph about each one.

3. Make sure you link this post so others can read it and the rules.

4. Go leave your chosen bloggers a comment and let them know they've been given the award.

5. Put the award icon on your site. I must admit I am still a little "link" challenged, and I could not figure out how to do anything but copy the picture, however the link above will lead you to the originator of this award and there you can find the link to post it on your site.

And now, the award goes to:

1. Glass Half Full: Lori is my best buddy from high school and she is the one who first introduced me to the blogging world. Her blog is uplifting, encouraging, and fun. She has a sunny outlook on life and motherhood, and I always enjoy visiting her. Most of all, she loves the Lord and her blog serves Him well. Lori, thank you for your friendship and for welcoming me into the blogosphere!

2. Barbie: Barbie and I re-connected via another blog after attending the same church and bible study, thus reminding me once again that it truly is a small world! She is mama to four beautiful little girls, and I know her life must get chaotic and stressful sometimes. But her blog is always a sweet fragrance to me as she reflects upon the joys and challenges of motherhood. There is never a harsh word spoken there and she is a wife and mother that honors Christ.

3. Sheryl at Peanut Butter and Jelly Boats: She was already chosen for this award, but it was necessary for me to give it to her again. I wish I knew this Sister in "real life" but alas, she lives in sunny Florida, after a recent ministry opportunity led she and family there. However, the blogging world is a wonderful thing as we've been able to "follow" them! Sheryl is currently doing a 21-day challenge that has been AWESOME and she is truly a wife and mother who brings glory to God on her blog (and I'm sure in her home!). Her blog is altogether fun, serious, reflective, and real.

4. Julie. Julie is a dear friend and an amazing wife and mother who I first met about eight years ago at our church. She has three beautiful children, and she is currently keeping an online journal with Caring Bridge about her son, Joshua, who is battling cancer. I have tried to link her, but the link will only take you to the original site where you must log in to read her journal entries. From what I can tell, there's no way to directly link her site, but I must mention her here, as she has been an inspiration to me. Their family has been hit with more than I can even fathom over this past year, and yet Julie's eyes are continually lifted up to the One who sustains she and her precious family. Julie, if you're reading this, thank you for your heart for Jesus and for the example of faith you set before all of us who know you.

5. And finally, my dear friend Jamie: Jamie is a dear friend from college, now a wife and mother and recently expecting #2 (yay!!!!!). Jamie reflects her love for God and her beautiful family in her blog, and her posts are always so sweet as she documents the milestones along the way. She is committed to her family and to the Lord, and I enjoy reading about and keeping up with them via her blog.

Thank you again, Morning Song, for this award. I am honored!