For all you mom's out there (and dad's too)~

I just viewed this video on a fellow blogger's page.  I have always been inspired by Erin of Rare and Beautiful Treasures.  She is a woman of faith who truly speaks from her heart.

Tonight we celebrated Honor's Night with our youngest daughter.  As you all know, she suffers from migraines and has missed A LOT of school (25 days last year, and we have yet to count them all this year but it is close).  Tonight she celebrated all of her achievements despite all of the obstacles she has faced.  She received her International Baccalaureate stole along with her Honor Grad stole.  No small feat for someone in her position.  It has truly been a blessing to raise her.  She is all and MORE than we could have ever imagined her to be.

I watched this video, and it brought tears to my eyes.  Because tonight, our community came together to celebrate the achievement of young people...young people of all different colors, nationalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and religious beliefs.  However, they all had one thing in common...a parent or parents who truly believed in them.  They are ALL remarkable kids!  It was an honor and a privilege to be a witness to all they have accomplished at just 17-18 years of age.

The Liebster Blog Award~

Imagine my surprise the other day when I received a very sweet email from Laura of Elegant Nest, telling me she had nominated ME for the Liebster Award.  I felt so honored to be among the five wonderful new bloggers Laura selected, Elizabeth-The Little Black Door, Erin-The Great Indoors, Laura-Cookie Crumbs & Sawdust, and Gina-A Sense of Design.

It's funny, Laura stated the exact thing I would say about her.  We seem to follow a lot of the same blogs, and usually end up commenting at about the exact same time.  And, she usually takes the words right out of my mouth.  I know we would be instant BFFs if she lived close by. However, she is on the West coast and I am on the East coast.  But, we have this wonderful thing called blogging to keep us connected!

The Liebster Blog Award promotes blogs with less than 200 followers, as a way to get their names out there.  Liebster means, 'beloved or dearest', but it can also mean 'favorite'.

As a Liebster award recipient, I now have the pleasure of passing the award on to five other up and coming bloggers.

In order to accept this award, the recipient must do the following:

1. Thank the person that presented the award.

2. Link back to that person(s) blog.

3. Copy and Paste the award to your blog.

4. Present the award to 5 bloggers with less than 200 followers (bloggers who you think deserve this special recognition).

5. Let those deserving bloggers know by leaving them a comment, or emailing them.

My Fab New  Five:

All of these ladies are known to leave the sweetest, sometimes very heartfelt commments.  I have found most follow a lot of the same blogs I do, so we instantly have a lot in common!  I really couldn't think of a more deserving group.  They are all so geniune.

Amy-Fresh and Fancy

Tara-The Silver Lining

Isaiah 55: 8-9  (one of my favorite verses by the way!)

Amanda-Small Home Big Start

Kristin-The O.C.D. Life  (okay, I admit, being a wee bit OCD and a perfectionist, I was hooked!)

I can't thank Laura enough for giving me this award, and the opportunity to introduce five more talented bloggers to my readers.

The world of blogging has been such a tremendous support to me.  I have made so many wonderful friends along the way, and I thank each of you for taking the time out of your day to stop in and comment.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Tuesday!!

From the heart...

Most of you are aware that our youngest daughter suffers from migraine headaches, or as we like to refer to them...the "sometimes silent, not so well known debilitator." 

She missed 25 days of school last year, not including those days she checked in late or checked out early.  She has probably missed an equal amount this year.  A silent disease, not well recognized.  I hope to put a face to it.  She is a beautiful, loving teen, someone who puts others before herself.  An honor roll student taking AP/IB classes and doing the best she can.  Yet, is often misunderstood...overlooked. Migraines are VERY real.  Often debilitating.  My prayer is that over time more will be done to explore the causes and advance treatment.   In the meantime, pray for those who suffer. 
I love this quote by Maya Angelou, and wanted to share...

“I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
― Maya Angelou

No pretty pictures, just reality today.  A plea to think twice before judging those around you...you never truly know what they are going through.

Quality Thoughts for Tuesday~

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" ~Robin Williams

Newness~

“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.”

Margaret Atwood

I love this time of year!  Everything is so fresh and new.  The grass has greened after a long winter nap, the flowers are in full bloom, and the birds are singing up a storm each morning!  I can't wait to get out and play in the dirt.  We plan to make a few changes to our backyard this year, and I can't wait.

Sorry I've been MIA, we just got back from the beach...a little Spring Break getaway.  Just what we all needed!  Now we are all refreshed, a little sunburned (despite wearing sunscreen!), but ready to tackle several projects that had been left on the back burner.

And, I cannot believe my BABY will graduate in 6 weeks!!  Where did the time go?  We are so very proud of her.  She is super excited about heading off to college in the fall. 

I hope everyone had a Blessed Easter with their loved ones, and is enjoying the newness of life!