Smile Award!

I headed over to Taylor's blog a little while ago and to my surprise she chose me as a Smile Award recipient!! I am incredibly honored. Taylor has been through so much and yet she continues to be a strong pillar of God. She has shown me how to remain faithful in the face of darkness and has done it all with complete and utter gracefulness. Taylor, I am completely blessed by your friendship. (((HUGS))) I don't know if it would be against the rules or not but I would most definitely give this award back to her if I could :)

I now have the pleasure of granting this award to 5 blogger friends!
These are the rules:
1. The recipient must link back to the awards creator the babblings of mere
2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.
3. You must chose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself
4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award, as posted by Mere.
5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.
6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.
7. You must thank your giver.

Characteristics for the Smile Award:
1. Must display a cheerful attitude. (not necessarily at all times--we are all human)
2. Must love one another
3. Must make mistakes
4. Must learn from others
5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world
6. Must love life
7. Must love kids

Here are my five!!!

1) Nikki (http://projectdomesticbliss.blogspot.com/)--my sister :) Although we are still in our 20's and only 3 yrs. apart, we have been through ALOT together. She has been there for me when no one else was. I have watched her transform from a rebellious teenager into a beautiful woman of God. She is also the most amazing single mom I have ever known. Her daughter is her life and it is a privilege to be part of their lives. I know that no matter what I can always count on my sister & for that I am truly thankful. I love you Nikki, always & always!

2) Melissa (http://reallybadhairday.blogspot.com/)-- I recently "met" Melissa when my sister told me that I just had to go read her blog because we had so much in common. When I did, I sat in tears reading through her posts. I could literally feel her heartache through her words. She is honest, truthful, and tells it like it is. I wish I could be more like that. She has been through so much and continues to give thanks to God. You really should visit her blog if you get the chance, she is an awesome lady.

3) Amanda (http://onesacrifice.blogspot.com/)-- A beautiful woman of God, I just "met" Amanda the other day when she happened to come across my blog. She left me a sweet and heartfelt comment that really meant alot to me. Although we are new friends, we have shared and experienced much of the same feelings and struggles in life. She has greatly encouraged & inspired me already, and I am so thankful to have met her!

4) Heather (http://hedz34.wordpress.com/)-- Heather and I met through a group where we shared the desire to overcome this horrible PCOS and to become healthier along the way. I like to call her "Rockstar" because she is absolutely filled with the Holy Spirit. She is almost always upbeat & ready to rock! She has been through many trials and tribulations but she always keeps her eyes on the Lord. She has been a huge inspiration to me & I am blessed to call her my friend.

5) Sweets (http://insatiableamusings.blogspot.com/)-- I don't know if she would be ok with me posting her real name, but my friend "Sweets" is one hard-working mama! She hasn't posted on her blog in awhile but I'm hoping she updates soon b/c I love reading her entries! (She is probably very busy with her precious children) She has been through more than I could ever imagine but has shown her strength time and time again. I am so thankful that God allowed me to meet her because she has truly blessed me.