Awards Night...

I feel a little strange, mentioning in one full swoop being nominated for the two wonderful awards going around right now! But since they both came my way within days, then I guess I will go ahead...

As someone who the "awards parade" occasionally passes by, I can honestly say I was both completely surprised and blessed this week in blogland.

I was first honored by Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee by her nomination of the



Now, coming from Linda, who I have dubbed the Queen of Humor with her Dave Barry-isk style, you can imagine how thrilled I was to be one of her nominees.
Now, my husband's mouth will probably drop open at this title, knowing me as his old-movie- buff, born old-fashioned, Nat King Cole-kinda' wife. (Does my singing The Partridge Family hits on the monkey bars in third grade count?) Hey...I rock.

And here's a few other rockin' girl bloggers:

The Woman. She is not only funny, fresh and real...but truly rockin' with her latest trend of posting great vintage rock and pop clips! She is truly so much fun!

Meredith from Poppy Fields is an American living in France, and like me, has two little girls. She has such a gift for writing...sometimes laced with sharp wit, and I love seeing life in Province through her eyes.

Anyone who knows Melanie from This Ain't New York knows she is truly a rockin blogger, with her tongue in cheek humor. And if you listen really hard, you can almost hear her southern accent...

Corrie, from One gal's life in the raw, is also a riot. I haven't known her long, but I wish I could just sit back over coffee and let her tell me stories. She's that much fun!

And someone who I don't even remember how I found...(I could be wrong but I don't think she makes the blogging rounds all that often) is a delightful first-time 40-something mom, whose blog is entitled Growing with Julia. I haven't stopped by nearly enough, but whenever I do, I am usually left smiling.

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And now, I was extremely touched to have two special people nominate me for this next award...

This award amazingly was started by a sixteen year old girl, who wanted this award to be passed with much thought to those

"...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 you get a sense of pride and joy... of knowing them and being blessed by them."

I was first nominated by a dear blogging friend, Dawn. To think someone with her life experience and godly wisdom could be positively affected by someone like me was truly amazing.

Here's what Dawn said:

Tammy at Family Doin's is a home schooling mom of two adorable little girls. She is doing a great job. She had her children later than some and is enjoying every minute. I love her take on life, and her writing is exceptional as well. She does great fiction, which is a skill I definitely do not have, but admire greatly in others! I'm glad we met somewhere along the line, Tammy.

Thank you so much, Dawn...your nomination meant so much and I am so very glad we met, too!

Then, I was completely surprised when someone else whom I admire greatly... someone who writes with such beauty and intelligence, also nominated me. Grafted Branch is also currently home schooling her girls...and though I'm sure they aren't perfect, they all model such purity and what I consider true girlhood. So you can imagine how I felt when she said these words:


Tammy from Family Doin's sidebar is conspicuously void of awards and I don't "get that" because I know her traffic is steady and respectable. And I know that because on the occasions when she has linked me for whatever reason, I see a fair increase in my traffic. Which is to say it doubles. She's always got a good attitude about things, she relishes her family, respects her husband, honors her mother, loves her adorable daughters (who would be playing with mine if she didn't almost live in Canada, and I almost in Mexico) and is just. a genuinely. kind. blogger. An accolade is long overdue this sweet woman. So, Tammy, thanks for being one of the nicest bloggers on the block! And in being so affable, reflecting Jesus' concern and availability to everybody.

Um...I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say I was so affable- at least not all the time- nor do I always have a good attitude! (My family might beg to differ with you, especially before I've had my morning coffee...) But my love for this blogging community is genuine...and your recognition meant so very, very much, GB! Thank you!

*Edited to add that I just found out that e-mom from Chrysalis also has nominated me...I am truly overwhelmed! Especially when her site is one that I go to for inspiration on a regular basis. (If you haven't stopped by there, be sure to- you will be blessed!)
To be nominated by three women whom I greatly admire is just unbelievable for me!

So now, I get to nominate five others for the Blogger Reflection Award who have touched me...I can so easily find them...the problem is narrowing them down to five! But many whom I am choosing are newly discovered gems...


A new blogging friend, Juliet Echo Mike at Holding Short@33 and Bravo
has blessed my spirit so many times- especially with her "thankful" posts. She seems to have such a pure heart, and sweet spirit. She and her husband are about to become parents...any day now, I think! Her enthusiasm not only about this, but about life in general, is contagious.

Another new friend, Nadine from Just Being Me, ministers along with her husband- and is a published author. She obviously has a heart for God and for others...and can speak simple truths that we all need to hear with such clarity! In the short time I've known her, she has quickly become a blessing to me!

Yet another new friend is Myrna from Cherish...The Word.
She is truly a woman of grace...she has been faced with many hard challenges in life, yet she radiates her steady positive outlook, which she bases on Christ alone. She is truly an inspiration of faithfulness and a wonderful model of a woman of God.

Becky from The Butler's Wife, has also been an inspiration to me. She has such a tender heart and is so real...and one minute I can be visiting her and laughing...the next, she has me reaching for the tissues. More than this, she has become a blessing and a true blogging friend in the short time I have known her.

Another new friend and published author who has quickly become an inspiration is Sandy at Reluctant Entertainers.
She eloquently shows us how everyday people (even the ones not bestowed with the gift of hospitality!) can overcome our hurdles and begin to reach out to others in small but tangible ways. The family photos she shares always so wonderful, and I always come away from reading one of her posts feeling edified. She is someone who freely bestows hospitality...and then freely shares her wisdom and tips with us!

These women are truly people whom I admire and have been blessed by. I hope that by visiting some of the ten people nominated for these two awards, you will end up feeling blessed, as well!

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Saturday is my oldest daughter's 8th birthday party, held at a Tea Room, and there are still a few things to get ready! It should be very proper, don't you know...and a lot of fun! I'll be back at the end of the weekend, complete with photos!

Blessings!