The sweetest little blog award...

What a great way to wake up! The kids are watching Thomas in our bed, the hubster is snoozing, and I'm making my morning rounds on the blogs. One of the first things I see is that Mari has given me a "You Make Me Smile" award! Wow!



Upon seeing this, my initial thought was "Right back at ya, Mari!" She has a great blog herself and a very, very sweet heart. She is full of encouraging words and yummy recipes! Reading her blog always brightens my days, as do her comments to me. So, a huge hug and many thanks for making ME smile, Mari!

My favorite thing is this...I get to pass it on! So here are ten people that put a smile on my face when they let me into their world with their blogs. (There are more blogs than this on my bookmarked list, all of which make me smile...some of them are on Mari's list, too. Didn't want to be a copy cat!!)

Renee and "One Mama's Journey" - Renee is one of my best friends in the actual non-computer world. She has been a huge source of support and encouragement to me for about ten years now and we've been on this bloggy road together for awhile. She does a wonderful job of painting pictures in your head and gives so many things for me to really think on in her blog. You don't have to look hard to see what's in her heart -- it's full of the Lord. She just moved back to Michigan and I already miss her tons.

Earen and "Faith In The Journey" - Earen and I met at our MOPS group and have developed a wonderful friendship over the past few years. She is relatively new to blogging, but reading her thoughts always blesses me tremendously. She is honest, sweet, and reflective. She always ties events in her life back to her walk with the Lord and does it beautifully.

Kim and "Stressed Momma" - Kim and I have known each other for about five years now. She is a great friend and a wonderful person whose blog always makes me laugh because it's usually like reading about my own life. She has three gorgeous girls and I love reading about their adventures and lives. Kim also has this great way of digging deep into life and giving me things to ponder.

Emily and "Life As I Know It" - Emily is a true friend and our conversations are always interesting. Usually I'm telling her to hold on so that I can peel someone off of the kitchen counter or -- you know -- clean up something stinky. It seems that I have unknowingly sucked her into this wonderful blogging world -- and I'm so glad because her blog is a joy to read! Emily is an inspiration to me because of how strong of a woman she is...not sure if she knows that. She has a heart for the Lord and an adorable family.

Jamie and "The Little Family" - I've been lucky enough to get to know Jamie over the past two years and she is one of the sweetest people I know. Usually one of the first to help me through a rough spot and offer kind words, and at the same time is completely humble. Jamie's been through so, so much in a short time and it is so fun to read about that adorable belly and the little guy growing in there. Jamie has a great sense of humor and if you're lucky, you'll also get to see her sweet hubby and adorable furbabies! (She just moved blogs so this one's pretty new.)

Tricia and "The McDaris Family" - Tricia is a friend of mine that blogs about her wonderful family -- two girls and a boy. They are on an uncertain journey right now with her pregnancy (still needing lots of prayer!!) but their complete trust and faith in the Lord is 100% inspiration to me. I'm always feeling blessed after reading Tricia's words.

Sarah and "Short Stop" - Sarah's blog always makes me laugh. Or drool. Or say "Yep, I totally have been there." She has a great sense of humor and a beautiful family, which is in the process of growing. I've so enjoyed reading her thoughts and can relate to so much of what she writes about!

Beth Anne and "Waiting For The Shout" - I told Beth Anne shortly after I first visited her blog that I bet she has a great laugh. I love that even in posts that carry a very serious message, she injects humor. She is someone who consistently has caused me to think "Whoa. I need to remember that!" She is passionate about the Lord and does a great job of sharing that passion. Besides, she has a picture of a boy in Thomas pj's on her blog -- hello -- there's one of those on my bed at this very minute!

Alana and "A Kiss, A Hug & A Squeeze" - I think that Alana is someone I probably have a lot in common with. Many of her posts make me say "Wait...am I reading about my house or hers?" I literally giggled out loud several times while reading her latest post, and I could have written much of it myself. Also a Mommy following the Lord, she blesses her readers each day.

Denise and "Keeping Up With The Joneses" - I'm pretty new to Denise's blog, but I always smile each and every time when I see the picture of her dancing. She has a heart for the Lord, and looking into her heart and family's world through her blog has blessed me tremendously in a short period of time.

So, there ya go! Ten people that never cease to make me smile, except on days that they don't blog. Thanks again for letting me have some fun with this, Mari!! Feel free to pass it on, ladies!