Month-o-Love Day 18: I'd like to thank the Academy...

Day 18: I heart...

Awards

I wrote my very first post on September 17, 2007, admitting to the world that I bribe my child with Pop Rocks for Breakfast in an effort to get her out of bed in the morning. Actually, I was just admitting it to myself because I don't think a single person came to visit. My poor husband has actually been caught on more than one occasion over the past 17 months posting "anonymous" comments so that I wouldn't be disheartened by no one coming to read what I had written (and I seriously love that he would do that for me!).

I've since realized that Pop Rocks is nothing more than my diary, similar to the one I had when I was a pre-teen, just less talk of acne, and I'm only crazy about one boy now... It's just a chance for me to mull over and spit out what the world looks like from where I stand.

What I didn't realize 17 months ago is that the blog world would be the place to come during a crazy-busy day, or at 3 AM when I can't sleep, to be reassured that I'm not missing a minute of what's going on with my friends. Even during this season of trying to juggle my job and being a good Mom and trying to be a half-decent wife, I don't feel like I've skipped a beat with friends. I still feel connected.

Connected to my best friend, Becca, who now lives a couple of hours away instead of a couple of houses away...

Connected to my life-long friend, Keri, whom I adore and want to be when I grow up...

Connected to the exciting times in the life of my sister, Carie, and what those 3 kids are up to...

Connected to the thoughts of my sis-in-law, Marci...

Connected to a high school friend, Nancy, after meeting in Tokyo 20-something years ago...

Connected to a daily devotional from my friend Laura, who loves Jesus boldly...

Connected to new friends like Jen, who is inspiring and simply a lovely person...

And to another new friend, Kasey, whose sincerity and love for people is evident in her posts...

Jen has been kind enough to give me my first blog award, isn't that sweet?!

Take a look at Tatertots and Jello when you have a chance, and you'll see why I have loved getting to know her! So before I get too distracted about the fact that I have an award, let's remember that there are some rules... I actually get to share this award with some of my friends who show a great Attitude or Gratitude in their blogs. So I definitely want to share this with Becca, Keri, Carie, Marci, Nancy, Laura, Jen (can I give it to you again??!!) and Kasey along with a huge thanks for opening your "diaries" and giving the privilege of being connected with you. Okay, friends, now you get to post this award logo on your blog and then share it with 10 friends. Make sure that you link to their blogs on your post, so we all know where to find them a message so they don't miss out on the love!

xxoo