Sunshine

I love sunshine. One of the many reasons that I love living below the Mason-Dixon line is the extra days of sunshine. Makes me feel like singing ... Sunshine on my shoulder, makes me happy! Oh, sorry. Where was I?

I also love the sunshine that good friends bring into my life. Friends keep me sane when parenting gets tough. They encourage me when I've had a rough day. They cheer me on when I want to give up.

I haven't done bloggy awards in quite a while, but this week I was given a few virtual awards that I'd like to share with some of my sunshiny friends. I know there are a few other awards that I have neglected to blog about, and I can't remember who they were from. My sincerest apologies. My main excuse is that Ladybug's toddlerhood is causing me to slowly lose my mind. (that's a whole other post!)

First, from Beth at Life with Two Little Vikings, the Sunshine Award. Beth has become a wonderful friend as we have shared parenting struggles, the joys of seeing our husbands succeed in graduate school, and our journey of faith.

And second, from Minnesota Mami, One Lovely Blog Award and the Beautiful Blogger award. I am just getting to know Mami through the Mamavation program. She is so positive and encouraging! And I'm looking forward to sharing this journey of getting healthier together.
Because I'm not very good at following the rules, I am not posting "the rules" of these awards here. If you really must see the rules, then follow the links to the respective blogs. I would like to take the rest of this post to thank several special friends who are sunshine in my life.

Amanda at Oh Amanda! - She is an encouragement to me when parenting gets rough. She reminds me of the wonderful blessing from God that Ladybug is. Plus she has great ideas for sharing faith with our children over at Impress Your Kids. (And she's a Lost fan!)

Mandi at It's Come 2 This - She's a Christian mama as well who is always so supportive and up-lifting. And you totally have to go visit her blog. I big-puffy-heart-love her blog design. Someday, my blog might grow up to look like hers!

Wendy at Life of a Barefoot MomLady - Oh, Wendy. We found each other on Twitter last summer and became instant friends. And we live sort of close to each other and hopefully we'll have a chance to share a real coffee together someday soon!

Heather at Desperately Seeking Sanity - Heather is one of my bloggy friends that I have had the privilege of meeting in real life. And she's like a real friend too, because I needed shoes for this swanky affair that Hubby and I are attending tonight. And she sent her cute silver shoes to me in the mail! We all need girlfriends who let us raid their closet, don't we?

Lisa at Simply His - I read Lisa's blog a long time ago, when I was a brand new blogger. For one reason or another, I stopped reading it (Sorry, Lisa!). But, through the power of Twitter and the mutual friendship of Heather (see above!), I've reconnected with Lisa. She is leading a virtual book club of sorts for a few of us reading through The Power of a Praying Wife. I'm so glad that I've reconnected with Lisa!

There are so many other bloggy friends that bring sunshine into my life. I couldn't possibly mention everyone. Thanks so much for your support and encouragement here in the virtual world. True friendship knows no bounds.