If you have knowledge-let others light their candles by it.

or two...

Most recently I won a smile award by Sister Chick Steph. (Doesn't she have a GREAT name???

That was a nice surprise. I am touched. Now I get to share some.

The thing that I love most about blogging is that I learn so much about a person just by reading their blog. I have met MANY wonderful people with wonderful stories to tell and I am grateful every day for each person that I have the pleasure of crossing paths in life with.

I wanted to create something special for the top ten people who have inspired me through their blogging; the stories they tell and the lives that they lead with grace and dignity. I visit their blogs for inspiration and encouragement.

First to Linda, just because she always makes me laugh. Not only is she funny, she is a great mommy to her two adorable children. I've known her, online, for a few years now and I'm hoping to get to meet her IRL within the next year or so. She is so passionate about her children, husband and the Lord. You can't help but smile to know her.

Next to Onduli, or Judy, who I feel a bit of connection with. She's got an only child who's the same age as Mackenzie. After reading her blog for a while and noticed that she was struggling with infertility, as was I. A few weeks after I found out I was pregnant, I was visiting her blog and found out she was pregnant too. Now that made me SMILE!

Lastly to Leigh, who's anecdotes and writing style make me LOL. She has such a way with words and sounds like she's an incrediably fun mom. Her kids are certainly blessed to have her for a mommy.

About a month ago, I received this...

from Debbles. Thanks Debbie. Sorry it's taking me so long to post about it. I had a post once but it got eaten by HSB world and since then life has just been crazy.

"This award is for those bloggers who are nice people;
Good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration.
Also for those that have a postive influence on the blogging world. Once you are awarded please feel free to pass it on to other bloggers. "

I'm not sure that I'm always as nice as I could be but I try. Most of the time. And I'm touched that Debbie thought of me.

Now I'm going to pass on this award to a few people.

First off to Heather S. I've known Heather since I was PG with my daughter. She also has a February baby. Heather is a very special person in my life. Not only is she one of the sweetest people ever, she also played a very important role in my coming to Christ. She helped me by being a great example of His love, by answering my endless questions, and she even drove from Indiana to Michigan to meet with me and another seeker in PERSON. She is the defination of nice. She has always been a blessing in my life.

Next I'm giving one to Heather L. (Clearly if you want to raise a nice child you should name it Heather!) I met Heather while researching homeschool groups in VA. I found her on a yahoo loop, wondered why VB didn't have a park day, and she set one up shortly after we arrived. We've been hanging out ever since. She's a fantastic mommy to 6 wonderful kids and a great friend. I think I look forward to our park day more then my daughter.

Thirdly, to my friend Dini. I met Dini when I met Heather S., when we were all pregnant with our February babies. Dini had hers a tad early in January but we didn't kick her out. LOL Dini is an amazing mom to 4 wonderful children. Ihad the pleasure of meeting Dini and her family IRL this summer and they are GREAT! Dini and I share a secret hope that her youngest and Mackenzie will get married one day. Then we're guaranteed to like the mil's. She is a tremdous friend, a fierce prayer warrior, and one of the most inspirational people you could ever hope to meet. She is going through a lot of hardship in her life right now but she's kept her eyes firmly locked on the Father.

Lastly I award one to Danielle. Another February 01 mommy, I just can't say enough good things about her. She is one of the sweetest people ever. An amazing mother to her son. And a wonderful witness for the Kingdom. She's a great example of God's love here on earth. I am DYING to meet her IRL. Hopefully when I met Linda and hang out with Dini again. They're all practically neighbors. Lucky girls!!

Honestly when I typed up this post there were paragraph breaks but HSB won't show them on my blog. Soooo annoying!!!! I've edited the silly post at least 12 times and still no paragraphs. Maybe I can use different colors to break them up.

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Okay, I guess I'd better start using my last initial since you have two "Heathers" in your life. ;o)

You made me get all teary eyed with your kind words about me! Thanks for the blogging award. It's my first. :o) Not that I blog for awards or anything....hey, I'm not really sure WHY I blog. LOL

You're a wonderful friend! (and not just because you gave me an award! ROFL)

Hi Stefanie,

Thank you so much! I am very honored and touched!

How do I give one to other people?

Blessings,
Heather L.

Edited by hip2homeschool on Sep. 29, 2007 at 12:12 PM

I got to know Judy because we both had an only son and were both trying to conceive again .... I am still in the trying stage, please keep me in your prayers.

My son asks every day when his brother and sister are going to be here and if I prayed. How do you tell a child that the LORD doesn't always answer our prayers how and when we want them answered? ya know...don't want to crush him cuz everyone tells him to just pray everyday for a sibling and it will happen....that's kind of denying the fact the God is in control and opens some wombs and closes others ... it's better to pray for HIS will ... but now that other people have told DS that, I just don't want him to be crushed.

and if it isn't HIS will that we have more children, I am really going to need shoulders to cry on and prayers of uplifting because I may lose it.

Awwww, you are so sweet....I guess those pg hormones are starting to get to you. :-D Seriously, thank you so much for your kind words. I need to hear those now and then. :-)