saturday is fun day!

So...normally I don't blog on the weekends, but since the kids are in bed and Ryan went off to do a couple of errands, I thought I would use the quiet to do a little blogging. Plus, we had such a fun day that I have pictures to share!

Yesterday, Ryan came home from work and said, "Let's go bowling tomorrow!" Uh, OK? We've never done that adventure yet, so why not? Apparently today (Saturday) there was some national bowling thing happening, so he had printed off a certificate for free bowling games...one for each of us. All we had to do was pay for the shoes (except Austin...we just let him go barefoot and probably could have done the same with Mikayla). After one game the kids were done, but they really did have a fun time. I loved seeing how excited they got when the ball rolled down the alley (thank goodness for gutter guards!). Austin would throw his hands in the air and Mikayla would shout out "yes!"

Here are my two favorite pictures from the day, along with a photo collage of the rest of our time...

{click to view larger}

************************************************

After naps, while Ryan helped the neighbor out using his mad electronic knowledge skillz, the kids and I played outside for a bit. After a rainy start to the day, it actually cleared up and was quite nice. We decided to pull out the chalk and I drew the outline of each of the kids. They thought that was so funny!



Our little neighbor boy down the street who is pretty close to Mikayla's age had gone on a nature walk with his parents and he wanted to make Mikayla a "nature crown". How sweet is that!? In the last month or so, the two of them have hit it off really well. It's been fun to watch them interact. Could this be love?

************************************************

On my "quick" trip to Target, I got stuck in the Dollar Spot section and found all of this...


If you are a scrapbooker or crafter, get in your car NOW before everything is all gone! Seriously, I'm usually a little skeptical of dollar stuff, especially the arts and crafts, but these stickers and papers are actually really great! They are super cute, so of course I snagged two of each. I tried to limit myself to what really appealed to me. I can already tell they are going fast, so if you love what you see...go quick!

************************************************

Last night, I was in the stampin' mood and decided to get ready for my workshop and Stamp-A-Stack class coming up in September. That motivation also spilled into today and I was able to accomplish my samples for the "make n take", plus both my demos for the workshop. I'm keeping those 3 things under wraps, but I can show you one of my Stamp-A-Stack cards. Go check out my Stuck on Stampin' blog to see what I came up with!

************************************************

And, lastly, I was passed along some blogging awards by two very sweet bloggers.

Kelli @ Outside My Kitchen Window passsed along the FRIENDS award. It has been great fun getting to know Kelli. Not only do we comment on each other's blog, but sometimes we exchange a few e-mails every now and then. She always has a sweet thing to say and I love checking out her blog to see what her and her family have been up to! She has just starting doing some crafting, so I love seeing what she is going to share next. Thanks, Kelli!


I also was awarded the SPLASH award by two bloggers. Christie @ Just the 2 of Us, who is a new reader of my blog, as well as I am to hers. She is a 1st grade teacher and one look at her classroom that she shared last week, made me truly miss teaching! She has some super creative ideas. I found her through Xazmin's Mod Podge Mania! Thanks, Christie!

Also, Kelli @ Random Thoughts of a Supermom splashed me with this award. Kelli is so sweet! I love reading her comments and I have enjoyed getting to know her by checking in on her family. She has some super cute boys...3 of them! She has a love for crafting as well, so I enjoy checking to see what she's up to! Thanks, Kelli!


Well, time's up! Off to do a few things before I head for bed. My mom is coming in from Alaska for a week starting tonight to surprise my grandma (her mom) for her 80th birthday. We're having a party for her tomorrow, so it should be fun! Hope everyone has (or had) a great Sunday!!

honestly uplifiting

Today, I was awarded the HONEST SCRAP award by Sweetly Southern. What a sweet surprise!! You must head over to browse a bit because her blog is full of sweet tips and crafty tidbits. My kind of blog, for sure! Honestly, I haven't browsed enough to know for sure, but I can pretty much take a guess that we have a lot more in common than we might think. Thanks for thinking of me...you're so sweet!!

In accepting this award, I need to do the following:
1) Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award. CHECK
2) Share "ten honest things" about myself. See below - CHECK
3) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me. - I will have to do this tomorrow since it's way too late...even for me (see #1 in list below)
4) Tell those 7 people that they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving. - Ditto from directly above


And, so here is me being honest. (Oh, and because I completely forgot that I have already done this once before, go HERE to check out 10 more honest things about me. And none of them are repeats. Honest.)

1. I stay up way too late. We're talking 12:30 AM, people (sometimes later...eek!) There's just so much to get done in a day and it's "my time" after the kids go down at 8:00 PM. I won't be able to do this when the kids start attending school next year, but for now since my WONDERFUL hubby takes care of Mikayla in the morning while he gets ready for work and Austin sleeps in a little...I can manage to catch a couple extra zzzzz's.

2. Before I send a "snail-mail" card (do those still exist!?), I type up what I'm going to say on a word document on the computer before handwriting it. I want to make sure I know what I'm going to say and this helps me not to make mistakes in the actual card because I'm copying it from what the computer screen says. I hate making mistakes in my handwriting. It's OK to call me a freak. I'm used to it.

3. My biggest pet peeve? When people don't RSVP! A simple yes or no doesn't seem too hard to me. Hey, I'll even take a maybe. Just being honest.

4. I could eat a bag of popcorn every night if I could.

5. I realized after reading through this post for editing that I somehow skipped #5 and so I'm being honest that I'm too tired to come up with one more thing to be honest about.

6. I won't go to bed unless I have done my night time routine. Seriously, once I even got out of bed because I realized that I had forgotten to take off my make up and wash my face.

7. I'm a big time procrastinator. Some of you might be surprised at this, but I often wait until the last minute to get things done. However, I do things in stages, so I guess I can't say that I wait to do everything at the last minute...just to get it 100% completed. I work best under pressure.

8. I worry too much about what people think of me. I'm also a people pleaser and do whatever I can to avoid any sort of confrontation. People tend to walk all over me because of this. I'm slowly learning to say how I feel when it matters to me. Oh, and I'm sensitive, too. I've often wondered how many people feel like they have to walk on eggshells around me.

9. I love reality TV. There. I said it. There are some reality shows I won't do, but I do watch the oldies, but goodies like Survivor, Amazing Race, Big Brother, So You Think You Can Dance. However, strangely enough, I have not gotten into watching Dancing with the Stars (sorry, mom) or American Idol.

10. I secretly want to move, but somewhere in the same town. I'm even willing to move down the block if it means a little bit bigger of a house. Time for change, maybe?

Update: So, I've come to the conclusion that this award has been passed around a lot already, especially lately, so to avoid duplicates, I'm not passing on the torch to anyone in particular, but I would love to hear 10 honest things about whoever would like to share!

***************************************************

The ever-so down-to-earth Lauren at Sanity Sold Separately was also kind enough to pass along an award to me called the The Uplifting Blogger Award. Hello!? Talk about flattering. I kind of pride myself on being the "glass half full" kind of girl and trying to look on the upside of things (although, I still struggle with this a bit if I'm being completely honest), so this one means a lot to me. Thanks, Lauren, for your witty comments, cut to the chase kind of attitude, and always making me laugh when I visit "your place".


Update: I've decided that instead of passing along the Honest Scrap award to 7 blogs (as stated in the "rules" above), I'm going to give the Uplifting Blogger award to 7 blogs. Although I really do read so many blogs that are inspiring to me, the following 7 seem to always catch my attention because of the way they express their thankfulness for the blessings they've been given in words and sometimes just pictures.

Rachel @ Memories & Mayhem
Tanya @ Miller Racing Family
Kelli @ Outside My Kitchen Window
Tanielle @ The Polka Dot Daisy
Xazmin @ This is the Year
Jen @ Tatortots & Jello
Mimi @ He & Me + 3

random ramblings

Hello! Remember me? Yea. I'm the one that you used to see around your place from time to time. Sorry it's been awhile, but I hope to catch up with you all soon. In the meantime, I have a couple of loose ends I'd like to tie up concerning this here little blog of mine.

FIRST - Giveaway!

Don't forget to enter into "My Favorite Things" giveaway ending next Wednesday. I'll be sending one lucky person a goody box full of my favorite things in honor of my 1 year blogging anniversary.


SECOND - Awards!

How lucky I am to be given some great awards from such wonderful woman who read my blog. For that, I am so thankful!

A BIG thank you to Tracey at Girls to Grow, Kelli at Outside my Kitchen Window and Lisa at Moore Minutes for this One Lovely Blog Award. How sweet of you to think of me!


Another BIG thank you to Kelli at Random Thoughts of a Supermom for the superstar award. Trust me, I'm far from Superstar, but it sounds kind of fun anyway! *wink*



THIRD - Featured!

I was happy to hear that Mikayla's lollipop birthday party was featured yesterday at Creative Parties & Showers. I love this site for so many inspiring party ideas, so it's an honor to have one of my parties showcased. Go check it out HERE.

Updated to add: My mom just told me that my lollipop party was also featured today on One Pretty Thing because of my feature on Creative Parties & Showers. How fun!

FOURTH - Craft Challenge!

Don't forget this month's craft challenge coming up next Thursday, June 4th. Seriously! How quickly does a whole month go by? We'll be linking up all of our MONOGRAM projects. Come back to see some ideas I have found from searching the "net" that will hopefully inspire you! I'll try to post those over the weekend. I can't wait to see what you all come up with. If you want to help spread the word, grab the craft challenge button on the left hand side bar. You can also click that same button for more information and to view past challenges.


FIFTH - My first Stampin' Up! Workshop!

I had my first workshop last night at my mother-in-law's house. I think it went really well, other than I think I might have talked too much! Stampin' Up! has so much to offer that I just wanted to share it all!! I demonstrated two projects, then the ladies all got to do a "make & take". It was the same one that I did at my open house, which worked out well since none of the ladies attended my open house.

Demo Projects
(candy treat holder & card)

Make & Take Project

Set of notecards I gave the
"hostess" as a thank you!

SIXTH - Fun time, sun time!

There's just something about having gorgeous weather that makes everything on the "to do" list get put on hold. That's exactly what this week has been like here in Oregon. We have been so blessed with sun, sun, and more sun! It's a little unusual here in the Northwest to have such great weather (and no rain!) that lasts so long, so I'll definitely take it! We haven't really done much other than enjoy playing outside in front of our house. We're simple folk here at the Boos household. Like I think I shared before...we're kind of homebodies. And for the most part, I'm OK with that.

We did go to the park last week, so enjoy the few pics!


And, in closing...

Is this not the sweetest thing! They're only drinking water out of a cup, but they did this for a good 15 minutes...talk about cheap entertainment! They would drink it and then Mikayla would run and go fill it up for more. Gotta love when these two little ones are getting along!

feeling flattered and blushing a little, too

When I first started this blog my intentions behind it were to show off pictures of my kids. Which, of course, what momma isn't proud to do that? I was going to save my "creative posts" for my other blog, HB Creative Design (I dabble a little bit in creating digital photo cards). I soon began to realize that keeping up with two blogs was going to be impossible! So, I switched everything to one blog...right here at Blue Eyed Blessings. I still have my other blog but only with the intention to showcase the photo cards I continue to create.

Some weeks it's all about my kids and sharing projects, activities, and the fun we have or just some of the mischievous (but still cute) things they do around the house. Some weeks I get all crafty and am inspired to show off my own accomplishments whether it be organizing or some of my creative projects. And every once in awhile (or once in a blue moon I should say), I get somewhat deep, but I'm not one to just put it out there "as is", even in my real life. Ultimately the desire I have for blogging is that I want my blog to be a place of inspiration! Some understand my addiction, others may not, but either way I have felt blogging has given me a chance to release all of that creativity and passion that I have within!

I am so thankful to everyone who comes by on a regular basis and leaves such great comments. I read each and every one of them, and try as often as I can to either come visit or reply in an e-mail. It means a lot to me that you would take the time to leave a comment so I would love to do the same for you. I am completely blown away at how my blog has become a place where so many love to come and visit. That truly is so flattering and I have gained so many friendships because of that. So, I guess I can say I'm the lucky one!!

You might chuckle at this, but when I first started writing this post I couldn't come up with what I wanted to say! Obviously I found my words, so I suppose I should get on with the purpose of this post and that is to say THANK YOU to some wonderful bloggers who have so sweetly passed on a few awards.


Tanya at The Miller Racing Family & Kelli at Outside my Kitchen Window passed along the "Splash Award". Both of these women are amazing women of God who share their hearts and passions on a regular basis on their blogs. They are inspiring in so many ways and leave such sweet comments!

This award is given because they think my blog is alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive, and inspiring! Holy smokes, ladies! I'm starting to blush a little. I often have a hard time taking a compliment, but I so appreciate you being so thoughtful and passing this award onto me!

**************************************

Maridith at The Procrastinator Crafter & Rhonda at Down Memory Lane passed along the "Lemonade Award". I love Maridith's blog for her craftiness and I am certainly one to relate to the procrastinator in her blog title! Rhonda is always so sweet to leave comments and I love checking in on all that she and her family are up to!

This award is all about recognizing those blogs with great attitude and gratitude. Thanks, ladies for seeing something in my blog that you feel shows this! I feel honored and very grateful!

**************************************

The Masked Mommy so graciously passed along the "Super Blogger Award". I find this one super special since she started the award and I was one of the first to receive it! The Masked Mommy (and she truly is masked and has yet to reveal herself!) has some inspiring things happening on her blog. Whether it's a crafty project, her organizing ambitions, or party planning...she's doing it all!

**************************************

This award given to me from Tanielle at Polka Dot Daisy kind of makes me chuckle a little. I'm SO FAR from the queen of anything and awesome? Really?! Not so much, but hey what woman doesn't like a good crown? I was never voted queen (or even princess) in high school, so I'll take it! Tanielle is such a fun blogger and her blog is always full of something that will keep you coming back for more...and she probably has some of the most adorable little kids!

**************************************

I just have so many fabulous readers and favorite blogs that I can't narrow down the choices of who to give these awards to (lame excuse? maybe), so instead I will be holding a GIVEAWAY for all of my readers!! It has almost been ONE YEAR since I first started blogging. I can hardly believe it! Stay tuned for giveaway details...my official "blogiversary" is May 27th (the date of my first post), but I'm sure I won't be able to wait that long to share what I have planned.

Ooh boy! This was a doozy of a post! Thanks for sticking with me and joining me in this crazy little addiction...I mean adventure of mine!

Want to know what else is my addiction?

These precious little things...

Look at them holding hands. Oh, the moments I enjoy capturing.

Have a blessed weekend!

come on, let's be honest here

**Don't worry my Friend Makin' Monday friends...you're in the right place. Just keep reading...

Blog awards! I love these things. They make me smile and help me to know that my blogging addiction is being enjoyed by others and not just me!

Thanks to Kasey at All That is Good, I have been given the "Honest Scrap" blog award. She's such a cute mom who has an eye for fashion, an amazing love for her family, and who has the best outlook on life. Thanks, Kasey!



The rules of this award are simple:
1. Write 10 honest (and hopefully interesting) things about yourself.
2. Pass this award onto 7 bloggers who you find brilliant in content and design.

1. I actually enjoy washing dishes. I find it therapeutic. I also find it necessary to actually wash the dishes off before putting them into the dishwasher. Don't worry, I still have piles of dishes on the counter at times. I schedule my own time for these "therapy sessions".

2. I love making lists. I write a list for everything (right now I have 5 running lists) and if there are more than 5 things crossed off a list, I have to rewrite it.

3. Give me a bag of popcorn, red licorice, Diet Pepsi and some DVR'd shows, and I'm quite content. This is my kind of "down time" after the kids go to bed.

4. I am so NOT a morning person. Just ask my parents, siblings, former roommates, and husband. It would be a good idea not to ask much of me in the morning before I get a shower. I like to say that I'm working on it, but I'm not sure that would be true.

5. I always have to be doing something. I can't sit still. Even when I'm watching TV, I have to be working on some sort of project.

6. I'm a perfectionist. To the point that if I can't do it right, I won't do it at all. Sometimes that's a good thing because I do it the right way, and sometimes I drop the ball...usually it involves disappointing myself or my family.

7. I rarely say no when I'm asked something of me. I enjoy keeping myself busy and love taking on multiple roles. It keeps my brain sharp and my creativity alive! I get stressed out when it gets down to the wire, but I do best working under pressure.

8. I got my Masters in Education, and a few short months later had my first child and haven't gone back since...and I'm not sure I ever will. I really loved teaching, but I love staying home and using my creativity for other things.

9. My husband and I were married a year to the day that we first met. We met at a Christmas party at a friend's house on the 2nd Saturday of December, started dating the first part of January, got engaged in August and were married the 2nd Saturday of December. A lot can happen in a year!

10. I love cracking jokes and making people laugh! This doesn't mean that I'm hilariously funny or anything, but I try to pretend. It makes me smile when people laugh at my jokes. Even if it's just one person.

So....if you haven't had enough of me yet, READ ON! Plus, you'll have to keep reading to see who I give the "Honest Scrap" award to!

*******************************************

Speaking of Kasey. Did you hear? She's back! And I think blog land can now take a huge sigh of relief!! (Just kidding, Kasey! We just all love you so much!)

And, she's all set to go this week with Friend Makin' Monday. She tagged all of us to play along in this question and answer game. Join in, why don't you??

What is your blogger name?
Heidi @ Blue Eyed Blessings

When is your birthday?
February 21st

How long have you been blogging?
Tuesday, May 27, 2008 (my 1-year anniversary is coming up!)
Check out my first post.

Who tagged you?
Kasey from All That is Good

Tell me your five most favorite body parts.
Oh my! Do I have to answer this? Prepare yourself for cop-out answers.
1. My teeth/smile
2. My ears
3. My hands/fingernails
4. My eyelashes
5. My lips

What do you wish most for your birthday?
To be with my family and friends and for me to choose whatever I want to do!

What color are you nails right now?
No polish...nothing unusual.

Have you had any depressing thoughts lately?
Unfortunately, yes. I won't go into detail.

What’s your plan for the next month?
To get back on track losing weight, make a decision about becoming a Stampin' Up! consultant, plan preschool activities for Mikayla, stay on top of my weekly menus, work on MOPS stuff, and try to fit in some blogging time! Whew! I'm exhausted already!

At what age did you have your first crush?
5th grade..it continued through junior high until I finally realized he wasn't worth it. Stupid boy.

Have you attended any school reunions?
My 10 year highschool reunion...no fun. Thankfully, I didn't spend any money to go. I chose to just attend the family picnic.

Have you ever passed gas in public and pretended like you didn’t smell anything?
Kasey told us to be honest, so yes, I have. I just walked away very quickly. Thankfully it was silent...I don't know if it was deadly. I didn't stick around!

Are you a clean freak?
Obsessively!! Although I might say more organized than anything. Although I do like to keep things clean. I can't stand a messy floor!

What era do you wish you were born in?
This era...I'm quite content.

Are you a vegetarian?
Heck, no! That would be impossible for me...sorry.

How many pillows do you sleep with at night?
One regular pillow and a small accent pillow I've misshaped with shoving it under my arms and head for a little more support.

Are you a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper?
Both. I'm a light sleeper and always the first to hear the kids. But I'm also a heavy sleeper because I never hear Ryan's alarm in the morning...even with it going off at least 4 times.

Do you secretly wear granny panties when your man is not around?
No comment.

What is your ultimate dream job?
Oh my! Anything crafty and creative and not stressful? And that makes lots of money? Is that possible?

What does your husband do that annoys you the most?
When he intentionally does things that push my buttons "just for fun". And those little electronic gadget do-hickey thingies...are they really necessary? (I suppose you're saying the same things about my crafty thingamajigs...so I guess we're even! Love you, Babe!)

What is your dream car?
Don't have one. Anything that can haul around my kids and their friends. I'm good with my Honda Odyssey.

Do you wake up easily in the morning?
I'm not one you want to mess with in the morning. I depend on my husband to entertain my 3-year old for just a little bit longer while he is getting ready for work. I need those extra minutes. Trust me.

Do you like hairy men?
I can't stand hairy necks!

How about a man with a goatee?
Depends on the goatee...I don't like it long and bushy. Although, I do like my man with some scruff.

Which would you prefer: a two-hour spa massage, a two-hour Thai massage, or a two-hour foot massage?
I'm a wimp, so I'm going to go for a 2-hour foot massage. Although a 2-hour spa massage sounds good, too! What would that include?

Have you ever wished you had a different name? If so, what name?
I'm quite content. Thanks, mom!

What is the most extreme sport you have ever done?
Ha! Do you know me? Cross country skiing is probably the most extreme.

Do you prefer traveling in Europe or Asia?
Neither thanks. I'll live vicariously through others.

What is your favorite food?
Pizza!

What is your most embarrassing moment while out on a date?
Is it lame that I can't think of anything?Although it doesn't take much to embarrass me!

Tag! You're it! Head on over to Kasey's and link up!

*************************************

And now onto the award...

I would like to give the "Honest Scrap" award to some new blogging favorites.

Katie - A Listmaker's Life
Amber - {ae filkins}
Missy - Simply Red
Sarah - I Blame My Mother
Sarah - Mrs. D. Lightful
Amanda - My Fragrant Life
The Diaper Diaries

P.S. Katie at Katie's Nesting Spot...I would have given this to you, too, but I see that you already received it!

And a long overdue thanks to Tammy at Raising Angels for this creative, inspiring, and friendship award. It's been fun getting to know you "in real life", Tammy!

that girl's got talent

Mikayla was so excited to learn that her daddy found her a microphone to use while he plays Guitar Hero. It was one that we had from a small karaoke machine we weren't using. We plug it into the system and she "sings" away! (shhh...don't tell her it really doesn't work!)


And, in other Mikayla cuteness, she came out of her room the other day wearing this...


Not quite the outfit I was thinking...

Do you notice the stripes, plaid, and polka dots? Not to mention capri pants with knee-high socks. Who says this doesn't look good?

********************************************

Just a quick thanks to Kelli at Outside My Kitchen Window. She was so sweet to give me a fun award and had the sweetest things to say about little old me! Thanks, Kelli!

i'm in the sisterhood!

These last few weeks I have really been enjoying blogging a whole lot more than when I first started the blog last May. I am lucky to be in a phase of life where things have slowed down a bit (for which I am thankful and I'm sure will be short!) and blogging has become my ultimate just mommy outlet.

Where my blog first started out as a way to show off my kids since updating our family website was something only my husband could do, it gradually turned into a place where I could share my thoughts and creativity with the "outside world"...and of course, I still manage to sneak in shots of my sweet blue-eyed babes!

Within these last few weeks I have really gotten to know quite a few different ladies through various blogs I have come to enjoy and be inspired by. A couple of these ladies offered me an award and who am I to refuse that??

A big thank you goes to Kelli at Outside My Kitchen Window & Kasey at All That is Good. Both of these women are inspiring and super sweet! They've taken time to leave comments on my blog on a regular basis and I just love seeing what they have to share through their own blog. Because of these two wonderful ladies, I am now part of the Sisterhood!!

**Updated to add: Julie from Tattered Threads & Willing Hands (such a beautiful blog name!) just gave me this award, as well! She had such super sweet things to say about me and now I'm blushing. Thanks, Julie! It's been fun getting to know you through Friend Makin' Mondays over at Kasey's!!


The rules of this award are...

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!

3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Michelle at Her Cup Overfloweth
Lynz at The Miles Family
Tammy at Raising Angels
Katie at A Listmaker's Life
Missy at Simply Red
Kim at Caldwell Cuties
Shelley at My Treasure Hunt
The Masked Mommy

I wanted to give this back to (is this cheating?!):
Kasey at All That is Good
Kelli at Outside My Kitchen Window

honored

I need to start out by saying that these fun, little awards that I am so honored to receive could not have come at a better time!

The last few weeks, I have felt rather inadequate as a mom, wife, friend, sister, and daughter. It's hard to explain why, I just don't feel like I am giving my all to the people that deserve it the most. It's a sad place to be, but it's real for me...more often than I care to admit.

I feel really silly even sharing this because I know there are so many who are going through such rough times in their lives, and here I am crying and stressing out about the little things in my life. I do remember a friend encouraging me once after me making a comment about why I was stressing over these little things. She said, "they may seem like little things, but for you they are things that matter."

Well, I suppose this post is headed into a depressing mood, so let me get on with something fun and little (but that feels SO BIG) before it's too late!

I want to say thank you to some wonderful bloggers whom I have never met before in person, but who have inspired me to keep blogging! They have honored me with some awards, which, as small as it seems, means SO MUCH!

The lemonade award celebrates great attitude and gratitude!
I received this award from Missy at Simply Red AND Kasey at All That is Good. Both of these ladies have so much to offer with their blogging. Missy is an inspiration to me for creating things that are fun and beautiful. And, Kasey is so sweet to leave me comments often and she just has that spunk about her that is so fun! Thank you ladies for honoring me with this award.





The Lovey Award honors blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement.
I received the Lovey Award from Lynz at The Miles Family. I "met" Lynz pretty early on to the start of me blogging. She has always been faithful to leave comments and I adore her qualities as a mom...it's all about family for her! And, although I do not feel like my blog is even close to charming, I do appreciate the award and feel like I have found a friend through this little hobby of mine! Thank you so much, Lynz!




Lastly, I received the Kreativ Blogger award from Sandy at Just For Fun. Sandy is an inspiration to me! She has some of the most amazing kid creations and craftiness. I wish I could do more of what she does with her children with my own children. I've got a list of "fun things" that I can't wait to try out with my kids. Sandy, I'm honored.


Thank you, ladies, for sharing your stories, creativity, family, and heart to me in this blogging world. I am truly honored to be "loved on" through these awards. I know you probably didn't think I would react like I was winning a Golden Globe, but at this moment, it's what I needed to keep me going. Please go visit these ladies and let them know I sent you!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Why do I blog? I've answered this before in short detail, but let me add to it just a bit: I love to create! And blogging for me is about inspiring myself and others to create. As a stay at home mom, it's really easy to give up on your passions that you once had before having kids. To blog about the creativity that seems to flow through me, is a way for me to stay passionate about the things I love to do. And, although my number one priority in life is to be a loving and caring mom and wife (daughter, sister, and friend), I can't let my passions slip through my hands. Blogging is a way for me to inspire and be inspired! And, while I'm at it...what mommy doesn't love showing off her little blessings?

who me?

Last night's dinner...

So, do I get the mother and wife of the year award or what??

Although I may never get that highly coveted award (that's for sure!), I did get my first blog award given to me by Lynz over at The Miles Family. Lynz is a mother of three and soon to be four! I found her blog when I first started blogging this last summer and because of her love for her family, I continue to enjoy checking in on her. She is a woman who is all about family and has a passion for teaching her children about all of the blessings in life. I commend her on raising her family in such a way. Thanks, Lynz, for always being one of the first to leave a comment and for honoring my blogging efforts with this award. I do appreciate the kind words and thoughtful blogger gift!

The rules for this award are...
1. Pick ten people and pass this award to them.
2. Then contact them and let them know you have chosen them and their blog for the award.
3. Also link back to the person who gave you this award.

I chose to pick 10 bloggers who I don't know personally. (I hope my friends already know that I am their biggest fan.) The ten blogs I chose (in no particular order) are blogs that I have found great inspiration from to further my passion for creativity.

1. Buzzings of a Queen Bee
2. Her Cup Overfloweth
3. Joy's Hope
4. Just a Girl
5. Make and Takes
6. Little Birdie Secrets
7. Just for Fun
8. Flip Flops & Applesauce
9. Skip to My Lou
10. My Insanity

Please go check out these amazingly creative blogs.

And be sure to tell them I sent you...