[Awww]arded

It made me say "Aw!" this morning when I saw that both Mrs B. at She's Star Crossed and Miss Jordan at The Arnold Family had tagged me for this award:

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.”

Well, bust my buttons! Thanks! I just love blogging...it's been a great way to reconnect with faraway friends who I'm unable to see often, to keep up with those that I live nearer to and still don't see enough, and even to get to know fantastic people who I never would've had the pleasure to otherwise (Jordan)! ;)

I'm awarding some of my blog friends:

Janel @ Team Sullivan

Lori @ My View From The Mountain
Sara @ The Jensens
Rachel @ Changes With The Seasons

Erica @ Claessens Family
Jamie @ Why Not One More?
and...I'm re-giving (not re-gifting) it to Jordan and Ashley, even though they already got it once. Because they deserve it. And it's my post. I get to choose. :)

Here's to you, fabulous friends of the blogosphere! Keep on doing what you do...you're an encouraging spot in our cra[sieh] days!

Requesting Prayer For Anna

Hi Friends,

I am writing today to ask you to lift up my friend's little girl in prayer. Her name is Anna and she's had a horrible few weeks filled with fevers and sicknesses. She started with 105-106 degree fevers and trips in and out of the ER, and now she's been diagnosed with pneumonia and RSV. She has a pre-existing heart condition and athsma, and hasn't been able to keep her oxygen levels up where the doctors would like them.

She's in ICU, on oxygen, and fighting hard. Little Anna weighs 25 lbs at 3 years old (she was a preemie and a twin), and has already lost a couple pounds. She has a twin sister and older brother at home, and as you can imagine, her parents are both exhausted and torn to pieces seeing their baby so sick.

Please pray for a complete healing in sweet Anna, that the Lord would mend what's broken and protect her little body from the onslaught of sicknesses she's fighting. The whole family just needs strength, health and protection. Thank you so much!!

Baby Deja Vu

Elly, almost 9 months

Cameron, almost 9 months

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today is my Dad's birthday. Since I have a blog now, I can go beyond telling him how wonderful I think he is...and tell all my friends and family online, too. My Dad is the best. I know, I know, everyone thinks their Dad is, but he really is an all-star.

He was born and raised on a farm, and as you would expect, he is an incredibly hard worker.

He spends hours and hours in the hog building and the field (in season) each week, and never complains one iota.

He's usually up before the sun, and always up before the rest of us.

He rarely misses my siblings and my concerts, sporting events, plays, etc., etc., etc. This sometimes meant he had to go back to work after the evening event.

He is an amazing spiritual leader for our family.

He is probably the most disciplined person I know -- my ability to discipline myself is a direct result of what I learned from him.

He's incredibly selfless. In all my life, I've never seen my Dad go to the store and buy something for himself (except maybe some peanut butter cups or Twizzlers)... :)

He loves Dairy Queen. If ever we're on a road trip, you can bet we'll find a Dairy Queen along the way and stop for a Blizzard, a strawberry shake or a cherry dipped cone. YUM!!

He's excellent at making conversation with people, making them feel welcome, included and accepted.

He's always been a good athlete and supported us in all our athletic endeavors. I remember him taking us to the softball field on Sunday nights and hitting us fly balls, that was my favorite! He'd also run with me and make me "finish hard," (sprint at the end), and never let me look behind to see how far away he was. In all my races, I've always tried to finish hard, and I've never looked over my shoulder, not once!

He made me learn how to change my own tire. (Wasn't thankful at the time, but now I am). ;)

He strongly encouraged me to work in the hog building with him. If nothing else, it gave me a greater appreciation for what my parents (and grandparents) do to earn a living. Plus, how many girls could say they had processed pigs (I'll spare you the details) in their freshman orientation class in college? Not many...

He's an awesome Grandpa to Cameron & Elly...and he's already playing the same games, reading the same books, and doing the silly things I remember him doing with me as a child.

I could go on and on. I will always look up to you, Dad. Thank you for all you've taught me, and all the sacrifices you've made for us over the years. I love you! HAPPY (#??) BIRTHDAY!!

My Dad (Grandpa B) with Cameron, Spring 2007

Had I Only Known...

...That the potty chair would be used for Hot Wheels storage, an odd-looking hat, or mixing up tasty batches of make-believe soup, among other things...I probably wouldn't have unveiled it so soon.

...That the "Keep Warm" setting on my Crock Pot actually meant "Continue Cooking Perfectly Done Pot Roast and Veggies Into A Boiling Oblivion"...I probably would have turned it off before we went to visit Caleb at work. Ah, well. The babes and I eat anything!

...That digging "burgers" out of Cameron's nose would become so very rewarding for him and cause him to shove his fingers up at every given opportunity...I wouldn't have made it seem like such an achievement every time he blew one out.

...That my daughter had ESP and would gag just by touching a green bean, not even tasting it...I would've done a better job of disguising the nutrition.

...That Caleb was going to use the 50 cents I gave him at the basketball game to buy Cameron a sucker and send him into an all-out, sugar-induced frenzy at 7:45pm...I most definitely would NOT have given him a dime.

Just wanted to share a few jewels from this week. Hindsight is always 20/20, yes? :)

All You Need Is Love

Monday "Coffee"

Ok, it's not caffeinated, but here's a little Sieh baby cuteness to get your week started.

Elly scoots! And isn't she just adorable in nothing but a diaper? She is quite good at saying "Ma Ma," but of course as I recorded, decided to declare "Ba Ba" instead.

Caleb's brother and his family visited this weekend. They are so much fun, and the kiddos have a ball together. This is Cameron and cousin Malachi ready for church. They're only two weeks apart in age...buds for life.

Drink up! ;) I needed lots of real coffee this morning, how about you?! Have a blessed week!