I'm Feelin' Loved

I won something better than the Berndes cookware over which I am currently drooling. (Hey, I'd even be happy getting some of that as an anniversary gift! *grin*)

Here's what has given me the feeling of being loved:

First, from my dear friend, Karen, whom I finally met in person on Thursday, by the way, comes this.
I asked Karen how she knew that I had been wanting one of these. I guess there is always that little piece of you that wants to be popular. In posting about this kind award (created by Roberta Ferguson of Blogging Made Devilishly Simple), I am accepting the following terms:

-Place the badge on your blog.
-Give credit to Roberta.
-Pick 5 rockin’ girls of your choice and add them to the list. (I'll get to that list in a moment.)

As if that weren't enough, I just learned today that Shawna gave me this award:


Someone thinks I'm nice?! *wink* Seriously, though, I am honored to be given this because I do try to be kind and considerate toward others. I don't care what that old saying says; I'd rather finish last while being nice than finish first while being a complete jerk.

Here are the conditions that accompany this badge:

"This award will be awarded to those that are just nice people, good blog friends, and those that inspire good feelings and inspiration! Those that care about others that are there to lend support or those that are just a positive influence in our blogging world!"

So here is my list of people to whom I would like to pass these badges of honor.

Rocking Girl/Guy Blogger:

1. MInTheGap - His conservative values and thought-provoking posts (both at MInTheGap and at Weekend Kindness)are a real encouragement and are sometimes often the proverbial kick in the seat of my pants. (He gets the Awesome Guy Blogger award created at New Blogger.)
2. Cheryl - She is so busy and is so creative at everything she does. She has just been certified as an interior redesigner and is having me design her new site, Just Heavenly Decor.
3. Kate - Honest and forthright, Kate blogs passionately about new motherhood and is a great source for plain information about what happens after you have a baby!
4. Rindy - Her posts range from deeply insightful to journal-style entries of everyday life, but every facet of her blog is enjoyable.
5. Tracy - I love The Simple Life of the SuperMom (formerly Mom's Niche blog)! She offers such great information and seems to have the whole Mom-blogger thing by the tail.

Nice Matters Award:

• Karen has become a dear friend and is a wonderful encouragement to me. Thanks!
• Linda - We share a special friendship, even though with her living in Brazil we will probably never meet in person. It is so nice to be able to talk to someone who "gets" my sense of humor!
• Holly has been special encouragement to me during a particularly difficult trial. I appreciate her taking the time to help me, even during the midst of moving and finding out about pregnancy complications.
• Jenn also came alongside during my time of need even though she only knew me from my comments at her blog. She took the time to find my contact information and asked me if I needed a helping hand. That meant so much more than she will probably ever know.
• Frank is a friendly face in this vast blogosphere and has been for quite some time. I enjoy his parenting insights and have enjoyed even more the exchange of ideas between us. Always courteous and thoughtful, he is training his daughter to be the same.
• Sho, my sister, my friend. We share so many memories, and it wouldn't be the same if I couldn't talk to you nearly every day.
• Lizzie is such a great example! She shows such courage in dealing with her circumstances. Her blog is truly inspirational.