Award from Scrappy Sue

My bloggy friend, Scrappy Sue, gave me a nice little honor. She chose me for an award (She says my blog OOZES calm. Wha?!) about a week ago and, being the overly scheduled frazzled mother that I am, I haven't posted the award until now. So, without further adieu, here it is:

Thank you, Sue! I've enjoyed getting to know you and all the little Kiwi customs and mannerisms that you write about. I'm even hoping to meet you one day!

Now I must choose eight bloggers to pass the love to. You'll have to forgive me if I already sent you an award in the past. I just spent the last 10 minutes searching my blog to make sure I am not repeating myself, but it's possible. (I feel like I'm living Groundhog Day around here lately.) So here's my love, and I'm passing it around!

Southern Grits & Tidbits: I first "met" Shannon after that incredibly crazy thing called a Bloggy Giveaway. (That took some MAJOR energy out of me... the giveaway, not Shannon!) Anyhoo, I love reading her blog for a different perspective on the world: namely, life with FOUR boys and living on a farm. She is full of energy and life and seems so open and fun.

My Garden Hat: Janera is someone who continues to push the edges of my heart, making it grow and expand on a weekly (if not daily) basis. Her writing is so centered, wise, and inspirational. I "met" her through that same Bloggy Giveaway that I mentioned above, and have been so blessed by her as a prayer partner and a friend.

Jodified: I found Jodie's blog when my husband's cousin's wife (isn't it easier to just say Brandi?) sent me a link to her maternity photos and then the newborn photos. (You won't believe the poop photo.) I was drawn to Jodie's honesty and her ability to juggle the craziness in her life. It makes me feel less alone in my own juggling act. Her photos are pretty darn good, too!

Looking Up in the Downpour: I found this blog through my sister, who is related to Hillary by marriage. Hillary's second daughter, Natalie, died in 2007. She was only 14 months old. I've been reading Hillary's posts as she deals with her grief and also the birth of her third daughter. She is so frank and raw about her emotions, and so strong and full of faith too. Her husband deployed this week, so her life is overflowing with stress right now. I read and pray for her, and hope you do too.

Nate Hudson: Julia is Nate's mommy, and started this blog when he was first came home from the hospital as a preemie. Julia and I lived in the same neighborhood growing up, and I was thrilled to find her blog and link back up with her. Her family and my family were always very close, and it's nice being her "neighbor" in the bloggy world.

Serendipity: I met Tammy in real life when she joined my mom's club. She has since moved away to Oklahoma, and started her blog after she moved. I'm lucky to have a way to keep tabs on her and watch her kids grow up long distance.

Way Up High in the Monkey Bread Tree: I just recently stumbled on this blog, and have enjoyed reading it and lurking. I'm still getting to know it, but thought I'd nominate it for an award.

Tripled Pink: This blog is a new one for me too. Keira is married to Richard, who I know from the church my family attended back in the '70s and '80s. My mom kept in touch with his family, and then my sister and I kept in touch with them after Mom died. I just found out about Keira's blog from a family Christmas card. I'll be reading it often.