Awards...

I would like to thank Darlene from The Only Thing Worth Walking Toward for giving me this award this week. 

Here are the Smile Award Rules:

1. The recipient must link back to the awards creator.

2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.

3. You must choose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself.

4. you must fit the characteristics of a recipient.

6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.

7. You must thank your giver.

Characteristics for the Smile Award:

1. Must display a cheerful attitude.

2. Must love one another.

3. Must make mistakes.

4. Must learn from others.

5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world.

6. Must love life.

7. Must love kids.

And then I would like to thank Coco from Ordinary Miracles and Sandy from Shell In Your Pocket  for honoring me with this award. 

Now, here comes my speech (sniff, sniff)....

I really see this as an honor to receive these awards from you. I began blogging with my sister because we thought it would be a fun way to stay in touch. With the distance between us, we don't get to see each other nearly as much as we would like. We thought with blogging, we could really see what was going on in each others lives. Over the past few months, I've learned a lot about myself because of having a place to write. It's definitely given me a place be creative with two things I love to do-journaling and photography.

I try to be honest and real through my words. Sharing my life. The times of joy, disappointments, struggles, celebrations, and my journey with Jesus Christ. If I have brought encouragement and hope and maybe even a little fun, then I am humbled that I have impacted you in some way. 

There are many blogs that have touched and impacted me. I'm very thankful for getting to know you through your blogs. There are many that I would pass both of these awards onto, but because I can only choose 6, here they are...

Sarah - Nesting In Pleasant View. Sarah is honest, inspiring, and has completely shared her heart and life through her blog. She has an incredible story of God's faithfulness. Besides that, she's my sister:)

Kim- Seasons Of My Heart. I first found Kim's blog because she had given me an award shortly after I began blogging. You know how there are just some blogs you are drawn to? That's how I was with Kim's. Since getting to know one another through our blogs, we have become friends in real life. We e-mail and talk on the phone regularly and know that it is no coincidence that there was a reason God brought us into each other's lives.

Carrie- Buzzings of a Queen Bee. Carrie posts just about everyday. I don't know how she does it! She always has some creative tip or decorating idea.

Shannon - Bless Our Nest. Shannon has great decorating ideas and this girl knows where all the good finds are. 

Genny - My Cup 2 Yours. Genny is a wonderful and creative writer. I always come away from reading her blog with something to think about. Recently, she has read through a New York Times Bestseller called "One Month To Live". She is hosting "My One Month"- focusing on living life in a way that if I did find out I had a month to live, I'd have no regrets. She is posting her thoughts through this and has invited us to be a part of it as well. 

Kristen - Over the Backyard Fence. Kristen is a woman that loves God. It shows in everything she does and I know to those around her.

Mekia- Mom on a Mission. Mekia is a close friend in real life. She has always been one of the most real women I've ever known. I am blessed by her friendship. 

With this award I am also to include 6 interesting things about me...

1. One day I hope to have read through the Anne of Green Gables series.

2. I hate going to the dentist.

3. I only buy Jif peanut butter.

4. My husband proposed to me while we were rock-climbing.

5. I have recently found out that I don't like owls. We have a screech owl that seems to be flying around our house lately. The noise it makes really freaks me out.

6. One of my favorite shows is Jon & Kate Plus 8.

With these awards, pass them onto 6 other bloggers and share 6 interesting facts about yourself. This awards may be given individually or together. Happy Blogging!