I just wanted to remind you that these fine ladies, listed below, are hosting "Pay It Forward book exchange" giveaways. Some of these giveaways are ending soon, so hurry over to sign up!

1) Iris gave away the book Safely Home by Randy Alcorn. Thanks, Iris!

2) Cee Cee gave away the book The Elevator by Angela Hunt. Thanks, Cee Cee!

3) Vail gave away the book Death of a Garage Sale Newbie by Sharon Dunn. Thanks, Vail!

4) April gave away a great mystery book, Dead Eyes by Stuart Woods. Thanks, April!

5) Sheryl gave away Hitched by Carol Higgins Clark and I was the winner! Hooray! :) Guess what? This coming Wednesday she'll be giving away Fair Game by Carol Cox. Thanks so much, Sheryl!

6) Danielle gave away the book Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg. Thanks, Danielle!

Are there any other Pay It Forward book exchange giveaways going on (or being planned) that I need to post here to inform my readers? If so, leave me a comment and I'll add you to the list!

I'm also hosting my own second Pay It Forward book exchange giveaway starting Monday, 6 August, and I believe there will be a few more new book giveawas so please stop back then to sign up to win, and I'd appreciate it if you'd help me spread the word!

Also, I wanted to thank Sheryl at Taking the Challenge for awarding me with the Creative Blogger Award for my Pay It Forward Book Exchange idea. I sure do appreciate it, Sheryl!

In turn, I'd like to award this Creative Blogger Award to Melody at Slurping Life for organizing the Love for Parker fundraiser that raised over $2,000 for Parker and his family to be used for medical expenses! Great job, Melody! I'm impressed with your creative efforts to make this worthy effort such a success!

Labels: awards, books/reading, giveaways, Pay It Forward

First, Katie over at Roses are Red, Vilots are Blue honored me with the Rockin' Girl Blogger award. What a sweet surprise!

Here's what she wrote:

She's a fellow adoptive parent whose blog has been one I've lurked on for some time now. It's pretty to look at but she always has something cool to share...whether it's ingredients, or tips, or just feelings about the adoption process. Check it out!



Then, Michelle over at Big Blueberry Eyes bestowed upon me the honor of the Blogger Reflection award!

Here's what she wrote:

The first post I read of hers was about a conversation she overheard between her husband and son via her cellphone. Unbeknownst to her husband, he, or their son, accidentally called her cell phone. He didn't realize his phone was connected and she got to listen in on a small part of their day. Then I started reading her adoption story and was hooked and couldn't wait for the next installment. I've also been lucky enough to meet her twice now! She is just as friendly and down-to-earth as she comes across on her blog.

Can I just say, "Wow!" I am so flattered. Thanks so much to both of you. It's so nice to be appreciated!

In return, I'd like to mention a few bloggers who keep me coming back for more (blog reading, that is) and deserve to be awarded both awards:

Heather- This woman inspires me and encourages me to work harder at living a truly faith filled life. Heather is battling brain cancer. She's at the half way point in her radiation treatments. She writes with courage, grace, and determination and I love her, even though I've never met her. On her 25 June post she asked people to leave a comment letting her know where they're from. She's had 1224 comments thus far. If you haven't already, stop by and offer her your support and encouragement!

Kelli- Here's another blogger who inspires me! She spends 12 hours a night on a dialysis machine and she needs a transplant. Despite all of this, she is faithful in her trust in God, she's got a positive, upbeat attitude, and she'll be the first one to offer up prayers for others in need! She can use all the prayers and support that we have to offer, so go over and leave her a comment or two!

Cookie's Mom- This is a mom who adopted her daughter through foster care and she's fostering again. I discovered her blog not long ago and I love reading what she has to say about the ups and downs of fostering. I feel as though I'm able to gain insight into some of what we might experience during our next adoption journey. What a blessing this blog is to me.

Sandra- Although I don't participate as often as I should, I love the fact that Sandra does a Slow Cooking Thursday recipe exchange! I've gotten some fabulous crock pot recipes from this exchange. My family thanks you Sandra. Keep up the good work!

Jen- Her blog just makes me feel relaxed and at home. The design is one of the most beautiful ones out there, her posts are fun and often encouraging, she writes frequently about her two adorable kids, she includes a lot of pictures (I love that), and she's a regular participant in my Favorite Ingredients Friday recipe exchange, so I can't help but love her! You will too!

Thanks, ladies, for your part in keeping me addicted to blogging!

Labels: awards, blogger friends, blogging, bloggity goodness