Wow.  I have just received my first blogging award.  My dear friend, Nikki has nominated me for the Blogger Reflection Award. 

The award is special not just because of what it's for (more on that in a minute) but because it's from Nikki.  If she had not just given the award to me, I'd be giving it to her!  (Can you do that?)  Nikki's blog is so beautifully written and challenging.  She makes everyday life at home with three children sound like every woman's dream come true.  She has a gift for seeing the beauty in the ordinary.  The way she loves her husband and sons is downright inspiring.  I am always blessed by her words and I love it when she has a new post!  And what can I say about her encouragement when we were adopting?  All throughout the process she was there with encouraging words and prayers...and when I really needed it, scripture.  Nikki, that meant SO much!  Thank you for encouraging me yet again with this award.  I said I would nominate you if I could...well, I decided to do just that.  Of course, whether or not you want to honor five others is up to you, but if this is for the best of the best...you have to be in my top five!

Here's what Nikki's blog says about the Reflections award:

"The reason for the title is because this award should make you reflect on five bloggers 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.

This award is for the best-of-the-best so consider who you pick, carefully. This award should not be given to just anyone. If you're going to do the award don't just write a few words and slap it on your blog. Write real thoughts about these bloggers and what they've been to you, and if the bloggers you pick have already been given the award, don't be afraid to give to them again. They deserve it as many times as it's given."

So...here are a few people who have inspired me along the way...either with their blogs or in real life or both!

I want to give this award to Hollie.  Hollie is a busy mom of three boys.  She has a blog, but I am blessed to know lots more about her heart than she shares there.  In fact, I would not be a bit surprised if she is so humble about the award that she doesn't mention it on her blog!  Hollie is my real life friend...we just hung out this morning and then raided the Target dollar section together afterward.  She is so generous too...always comes bearing gifts.  I am always so thankful to have Hollie as a friend when something good OR bad happens.  It's fun to have her as a "go to" friend when there is news of any kind.  She encourages me, prays for me, and makes me laugh all the time.  Hollie is also a bit of an accountability partner, though we sometimes need accountabilty to hold each other accountable!  Thank you Hollie for being my friend. 

Next is Candace.  Candace is another mom of three.  I love how she shares her questions and ponderings with the rest of us.  We have learned that we have a bit in common too.  We are both teachers turned homschool moms and married to accountants.  Candace has the best ideas for teaching little ones.  I read her blog and think she must be a bundle of energy to put so much into her teaching!  No busy work at her house!  Candace loves her husband and children and especially her Lord and I am glad to get a glimpse of how she seeks him continually via her blog.

Next is Alicia.  Alicia and I have only recently met, though we have been at the same church for a while.  We have both recently become a part of the same small group at church.  The second time I was there, I had had a horrible day and started crying right there in front of everybody when I was sharing with the group.  (I HATE when that happens!!)  Alicia marched right on over, put her arm around me, and prayed for me right then.  I have been reading through her blog in the past week and have enjoyed getting to know her a little better though her writings.  She is such an example (like Candace) of ways to make school fun, of loving your husband in sickness and in health, and make the truth of scripture central in the home.  And she is a FIREBALL!  I want some of her energy!  Alicia, I am so glad God has led us to the same shepherding group and I look forward to getting to know you better!

I must nominate Leslie.  Leslie started blogging after her sweet daughter Eliana was born last December with Down Syndrome.  She has been so transparant about the struggles of finding a new normal among the many challenges she has faces, including surgery, feeding troubles, and more.  Not only is her blog a reminder of how God works in us and that all children are a gift from Him,  but she recently ministered to me in a more personal way by sending me a gift in the mail and some of the most kindhearted notes and emails you could imagine.  Leslie has a gift for building others up, even when she hurts.  I want to be more like her.

 Here is the link to the blog where this award started.  Rules for passing the award on can be found there.