The Nice Matters Award

Thank you Heather for nominating me for this very "nice" award. Let me say a little about Heather. We became friends through our adoption agency's web board as we were awaiting the referrals of our girls from China. I remember emailing each other with the exciting news of all the details once we received those calls. Our first real life meeting was in the Chicago airport where we were delayed going to Beijing. We had hours and hours to get aquainted there...and then two more weeks together half way around the world. I had the very special (and intensely personal and unique) pleasure of watching Heather become a first time mom - and a very good one at that. She is a dear friend now and I am thankful that God put us on the journey around the same time so we could know each other. Oh, and her husband Ray was great to have around in China too. If we were ever unsure about any of the food, Ray would always try it first!

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According to Heather's blog, "This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you've been awarded please pass it on to 7 others who you feel are deserving of this award."

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So I get to find seven other really cool blogging buddies and let them know they are having a positive influence in the blogosphere.

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First off is Sheri. I know for a fact that she is having a positive influence in the Five in a Row blogging world because a bunch of us look at her scrapbooks each week for ideas. I totally copied her (minus a little creativity) in this area. Plus Sheri is a lot of fun. Oh yeah, and she can cut her own hair and climb up on really high ladders. Go to her blog and see for yourself!

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Next is another Heather. She is another creative and fun Five in a Row mom. Last year we were in a Flat Stanley group together. (It would take a whole 'nother post to explain that!) Her whole family got involved and our little Flat Stanley had a great time in her part of the world. If you visit her blog, be sure to read about her $100 trash can.

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My third pick is Amanda, who is actually a new blogger. Maybe receiving an award will encourage her to keep at it! Amanda is a really sweet lady from Australia and you'll never guess how I know her. How'd you guess? Yep, the Five in a Row boards. It's fascinating to hear about her life down under (like how she was just bidding winter good bye!) Amanda is such a kind hearted prayer warrior too...just had to nominate her!

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Next is Jill. Jill absolutely rocks. And if you don't believe me just read the "about me" section on her blog. She is one of my heroes because her faith is so obviously lived out in her real life. (James 1:26-27) Jill definitely is an inspiration to many of us who have adopted and many others dealing with special needs. I can't say enough good things about Jill...very deserving of this award.

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Next is Amy. She has a really neat blog and it looks like she is joining the rest of us Five in a Row scrapbookers this year. I bet hers are gonna be good too because she is a scrapbooker already! I am definitely adding Amy to my blogging buddies list so I can get some more ideas from her.

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Christa is another great blogger. I was looking at her blog today thinking I should hire her to come clean my house. Apparantly she is getting no school work done though because I am totally convinced that if you can clean and do school, you are not human...or you should be writing a book. Okay...a closer look reveals that this is a school break week. See! You can't do both! Anyway, Christa and I share a love for the Yada Yada books as well and her blog is also a fun read.

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Okay, last but certainly not least is Jen. I love to go to her blog before I plan a Five in a Row book. She does such great things with her children. She has a great recipe section too. Jen inspires me to look for ways to homeschool and have FUN doing it!

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So there you go, lots of super nice bloggers out there! Thanks again Heather for awarding me!