Kreativ Blogger

Yay... I was given a Kreativ Blogger Award from my Sweet Friend H(thanks). I am honored, although I don't know that I deserve it. But, I am not one to turn away from the spotlight... wink wink!!!
The official rules state that I need to...
thank the person who awarded me and link their blog onto mine- Check!
Identify 7 things about myself, award 7 other bloggers with the Kreativ Blogger Award, post links to their blogs, and leave a comment on their blog letting them know of the honor. I just drank my two cups of coffee, so lets get started.

7 Things About Me

1.) I am having a real hard time with Christmas this year. After my eyes have been opened to all the things I used to take for granted the only "gifts" I want are sponsorships to help others. This makes it difficult when people still only want to buy me material gifts.
2.) I look forward to my daily grateful living quote every morning. Try it for yourself at www.Gratefulness.org
3.) I am married to my very best friend.
4.) Both my husband and I are from families of 3 and our siblings are much older or younger than us (Mike's are all older and mine younger). This is why I think we were so set on having 4 and having them all close together. I am also pretty sure that they are going to do the exact opposite of us once they are grown. Isn't that how it works?
5.) I love my kids and I LOVE being a mom. But, I also love a clean house and alone time... Ha!!! If someone knows how to find a good balance let me know.
6.) I had my first son at 20, I was the first to get married in my circle of friends, and I started my own business when I was 21. I think that this put me in a unique place. I never had anyone to compare myself to so there has never been any need to try to fit in. I think this has allowed me to really be true to myself and I am very thankful for that.
7.) I try not to take life too seriously... it is just way too short.

Whew... okay now moving on I would like to award the following 7 bloggers.
1.) Embracing Ethiopia- I started following this blog when I was with my first agency and I continued to watch Rachael through her entire process. I felt privileged to watch her bring her son home. And, her detailed posts of Ethiopia were a treat.
2.) Googins Adoption Journey- I enjoy reading this blog to see a glimpse of toddler adoption. The writer is honest and her son is adorable.
3.) Robertswitmer + Ethiopia- Another blog I have followed through the process. Their daughter is adorable and Julie writes candidly about what life is like now that Naomi is home. She also posted details about ET.
4.) Ethiopia- Here we come- I love the pictures on this blog and this was one of the first blogs that mentioned how hard the trip can be picking up your baby. It makes perfect sense that they (your future child) would be scared to death of you (a stranger) coming and taking them away from everything they know. But, I hadn't thought about it until I read on of Rebecca's posts.
5.) Easties & Co.- They just came home (like a week ago) with their sweet little girl and they are also a blog that I followed through the process. I am very appreciative of her journal posting from her trip to Ethiopia. It really helps with the wait to watch others complete the process.
6.) ...Ethiopia or Bust...- this was the very first blog I came across. Is it creepy that I started at one of her early entries and then read through her whole blog in 3 nights and was nearly in tears after I watched the video of her bringing her son home? Yup... to creepy. I am sorry Amy. But, her blog for whatever reason really resonated with me and from that moment on I knew I was adopting from Ethiopia. I think it was Spring of '08 and I can't believe it is now actually happening... AMAZING. ( update- I went to copy her blog address and Amy just received a referral for her baby girl- YAY).
7.) The A Team- I love the beautiful pictures in this blog. Her Ethiopian son has been home for while and I enjoy seeing the dynamics between her children. I think I relate since I will also have 3 biological children. Did I mention she is a great photographer?

H you were right... this really does take a chunk of time. I apologize if you are still reading. You must be a real friend. Or you drank too much coffee... anyhoo Thank You!!!