"Small Successes Thursday" and Awards!

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we (this website) do exactly that.

To participate, just write up a list of 3 of your recent Small Successes and post it on your blog (you can use the above sticker, or not if you prefer - but come on, do a list and cheer yourself up!) If you don’t have a blog, you can share your Small Successes in the comments.

1. With the oldest child being sick with fever over a week (she was "well" over the weekend) and the baby getting sick the other night, little sleep for me, and a busy working Hubby - I have managed to not lose complete control over the downstairs. It still has some order!!!! Now, please don't come upstairs or use our bathrooms. Oh wait...we're only focusing on successes here....

2. I started my first "just for me" book this week, just for FUN!!!The book is called The Rule of Four and though I was warned the start of the book was boring and to just "get through the 1st few chapters and then it gets good" I have loved the start of it because of all the history (fictional for the most part) and academia. I'm such the nerd!!!!

3. I have a shower to attend on Saturday, and I have managed to start creating a homemade (for the most part) gift, as well as getting one errand run to get the materials needed for a totally homemade gift for another shower in a few weeks, despite the crazy times abounding in my home. SCORE!
Now, share your small successes either in the comments or on your blog!! Come on....you know you wanna!!!

Ok - I've taken many breaks to do real things in my house, haha. The below took a while!
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Now, one of the greatest gifts in my life had this crazy notion to award me a blog award! WHAT??? But you know, the name truly fits cause she truly is to me!! As for the description, she really is being too kind to me. I promise her she definitely inspires me with her creativity, spirit, home schooling talents (a HARD worker!!) and determination, and good grief her crafting skills - wonderful, so humble about it!!! And it comes with responsibility...I have to pass it on - to like 10 people!! So, without any further adieu, here is

THE

The rules of this award are as follows:
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 the person from whom you received your award.

Wow!! 10 Blogs? You know, I'm up for the challenge! God Bless these lovely ladies (and, haha guys):

Nino is just one cool chick! She takes pictures, she writes books, she's warm, creative, and wonderful (and I know this personally). She has to be one of the most positive people I know. You read and want her constant gratitude AND attitude!
Holly is truly a sister, and with attitude and gratitude. She doesn't hide her true self, her beliefs, and is always running with the grace she gets from those 'tude's. She's one of my homeschooling inspirations, marriage inspirations, and she's just real. Update that blog girlfriend!!!
Laura is adorable, crafty (see her business sticker Blueberry Daisy for her creations) and I LOVE her blog name!!! A great place to go for a smile and gratitude for all she has!
April is another wonderful person who has seen the world! Reading her journeys is amazing. She has a lovely family too and she is so sweet and generous!!! I wish my life was so interesting!
Suz was a fun blog discovery when I was pregnant. She is so funny, honest, creative, and seems to make parenthood of young kids look EASY!!!! Go AGGIES!!!!! Talk about attitude and gratitude when you read her story!
Ginny (and hubby Matt - haha sisterhood) are amazing people. Their 1st blog and video "99 Balloons" was forwarded to me and I became a follower LONG before they were on Oprah late last year (the video was on Oprah , and she cried as all do in amazement - the end of her show's clip "the child who touched almost a million people" shows her tears and Celine Dion's). This mom and dad have been through something unimaginable and the grace they showed moves me to tears EVERY time I watch in GRATITUDE. What an example of marriage, and focus on life too! I also hug my girls more and appreciate life. Their current blog is great too (click on Ginny's name). Yep, a guy is also getting the Sisterhood Award LOL!!! Haha Matt!
Brea is a truly lovely and gentle, spirit. I love how her family updates are mixed with gratitude, positive attitude, and warmth! Her family is sooooo cute!!!
Sandi is a dear person who works so hard!!! She updates when she can, but she too is a person of gratitude and determined attitude with all she has going on!
Jenny is one of the 1st blogs I ever was led to. When I was pregnant with Lovely, I was introduced to her story, and her older daughter, Baby Allie. In Jenny's 1st blog, she wrote candidly of their struggle, Allie's fight, the highs, lows, and realism of their journey. I ended every day reading. She, Allie, and Andrew are inspirations. She is real, honest, and I appreciate her attitude, honesty, and her gratitude for her family and non profit work. She's also witty!!! I love her new blog, Charity Mom, and her updates on work, family, and all the hectic details of life with passion!
Nathan and his lovely wife Tricia are also VERY deserving of this blog award! I don't know them personally, but if any guy can pull off a sisterhood award, than he's our man!!! He writes with complete gratitude and great attitude! He shares pics, funny stories, faith and inspiration, fish tacos lol....and his whole family seems fantastic. His marriage, his Tricia, their daughter...all inspirations! Tricia updates her blog when she can, and she can render anyone speechless with her words.

This does seem like a chain letter, but still...a cool way to "meet" other neat bloggers out there of all walks of life. And, making this list and descriptions a cool way to take breaks from laundry! I'm trying to make a 4th "small success" lol!!!!

Until we blog again....much love!