An Award and some Introductions..

I received this sweet blog award from Catherine over at TheGiesbrechts Time and Tide. a week or so ago. I "met" Catherine this past year through Linda's Random Dozen Meme. At the time I started following her, Catherine was going through the pain of losing a parent. Her response was absolutely amazing and so transparent. If you get the chance, go visit her...you'll be glad you did.

Here is the information on this award: The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspire others in the blog world.

Below are the rules for accepting this award:

* Put the logo on your blog or within your post.
* Pass the award on to 12 fellow bloggers.
* Link the nominees within your post.
* Let the nominees know they have received the award by commenting on their blog.
* Share the love and link to the person whom you received this award from.

Soooo...here are 12 blogs that bring sunshine to my week...heck they bring sunshine to my life!
They are in no particular order--other than I went straight down my blogroll to add them here:

1. Melli over at Insanity Prevails I met Melli online a few years ago. We had the pleasure of actually meeting in real life when the Blogging Babes merged on Savannah in 2007. Melli has taught me so much via her blog, my email, and her friendship. She's one of my best "prayer pals"! This is one of the things that constantly amazes me about the blog world. I really have found some amazing friends!

2. Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee is someone I have never met in real life, but with whom I feel quite connected. Her posts make me laugh regularly. She is a joy to "read". We realized that our lives sort of intersected several years ago when her church (from Muncie, IN) was on a mission at our former church (in Pt. Charlotte, FL). That was before blogging...but I have always felt like I know her "in real life" for that reason.

3. Next up is Allie of Allie Chilling. Allie is from South Africa. I love her spark when she writes. She shares some fun and insightful blogposts. It has been a joy to get to know this blogging friend from a totally different place!

4. Lauren at Baseball and Bows is such a "bright spot" blogger! She has the sweetest stories of her children and their sweet sayings. Lauren was a teacher before she stayed home with her children. She loves books, reading, and making memories with her family.

5. Kelly at Chatty Kellyis someone I met through Linda's blog. She's become one of my favorites as she posts about her life as well as her faith. She challenges me and brings such joy as she uncovers some of God's promises to us.

6. Jane at Cozy Reader is one of the first blogs I started reading as I ventured into the blogging world. She and I have also met in real life. We are both "Minister's Mates" with husbands who graduated from Asbury Seminary. We connected pretty fast and she, too, is one of my prayer pals online.

7. Busy Bee Suz at Day by Day with Suz is the next recipient. She is a "newer blog" read for me, but I find her musings just delightful! I suppose one of the first things that attracted me to her was her name "Suz" cause many of my friends and family call me "Sooz"...and I thought it was cool to find another one "out there" in blogland. But her posts are definitely what keep me coming back.

8. Leigh Ann at Living to learn and Learning to Live is another "long time blog read" for me.
I honestly feel as if I am watching her children grow before my very eyes! Leigh Ann is a homeschooling Mom who lives in the north. She shares her stories about life with her kids and family as well as her amazing craft creations. She's quite creative!

9. Mary at Mary Hess is yet another blogger I have met in real life. She and I "met" via another website for Christian women a few years back (before blogging). We followed each other into the blogging world. She even designed one of my blog layouts a while back--cause she's a great friend like that! I love reading her insightful posts. She, too, is one of my online prayer pals. I love having these people in my life. They keep me focused and centered when I need it---and even when I think I don't!

10. Merrie at Merrie Days is also a fellow Minister's Mate. I don't even know how our paths crossed, but I am SO GLAD they did! She has an amazing family and shares her life with them as well as in the ministry. Her blog brings me joy!

11. Liz at Tickled Pink is someone I know in real life. She worked at my school and I have LOVED watching her blogging journey as she's become a first time Mommy! Her stories of life with Abby are delightful. They take me back to the time my guys were little. It really DOES seem like just yesterday on most days!

12. Daisy over at Lazy Daisy Log is also one of the "Blogging Babes" I met in Savannah! She is a real inspiration to me as she shares the joys of family and ministry via her blog. Daisy is also one of my online prayer pals. I love her encouragement and "you-can-do-it" spirit! What a joy!

So, there you have it. I hate narrowing down the blogroll to only 12 people! The truth is I follow WAY MORE than 12 blogs. I love reading them all and they ALL bring me sunshine in so many ways or they wouldn't be on my list!

Happy Blogging and Happy Saturday!