Awww.....shucks!

I am so honored to say that I have been nominated by my sweet friend, Nicole, from The Baker's Sweets as a recipient of the , "I LOVE YOUR BLOG" Award! Is that cool or what?!!!

Nicole is an amazing Mama to 4 beautiful kiddos and I am ecstatic to say that she has just received TA to bring home her fifth sweetie, Logan. Logan just happens to be one of the most adorable little guys I have ever laid eyes on. I remember he made my heart skip a beat the first time I saw his picture. I'm chompin' at the bit to see him in his Mama's arms! So be sure to check out her blog if you need a smile and to follow her journey! Thank you, Nicole!!

So, here are my 4 recipients. (This was tough since I LOVE so many blogs!)

1. Kim at The Byrd's Nest - Kim is a huge inspiration to me. The Lord lead me to her blog for the first time when I really to hear a message from Him. She has 4 children, including 2 adorable little ones from China and S. Korea! Her husband is a pastor and I have to say that this faith-filled family truly rocks! I love her blog!
   
2. Holly at A Purpose Driven Family - I first was contacted by Holly on our trip to China for Anna Grace. Her belief and faith in our Savior is awesome. She is now struggling with her own challenges of adding a new daughter to their lives, and through every storm that comes her way, her eyes continue to be fixed on Him and not on the crashing waves. When in doubt if I could get through hard times, her blog consistently reminds me that God is the one in control. As you could imagine, I find myself going there often.
   
3. Marie and Aus at Our China Doll Makes 5 - This dynamic duo is amazing! I met them as we journeyed to Anna Grace and they have both been pillars of support, for both Scott and I, ever since. They have 5 blessings, which include two very special little girls, Brianna and Braelyn, that were born in their hearts. With the exception of family, I think Aus is my only male reader and he even comments! Real men DO comment, ya know! heh! I am blessed to call them friends.
   
4. Michelle at Day By Day - This amazing lady has 4 beautiful children. I am so indebted to Michelle for opening her heart and allowing us into her world and her struggles with her daughter's attachment. On some nights I've spent hours at a time reading and comparing our little ones' difficulties. Some entries were so eerily similar to our situation with Anna Grace that I felt it was me I was reading about. She as helped countless people, many more than she knows, by using her blog to share and educate others about the not-so-rosy-side of adoption. Yet, she continues to love her children endlessly while continuously praising God for her blessings!

Here's how this award's stuff works:

1. Put the award on your blog (if you want to or have the time to)
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you (but I won't be upset if you don't)
3. Name at least four fellow bloggers for this award
4. Add links for the recipients
5. Leave a comment to let the recipients know they have received the award.

In Slow Motion on this sad day of remembrance

That's how I've been feeling. Everything seems to be whizzing by. Both good and bad. As to how I am feeling physically. I am so much better today. Yesterday was 2 weeks since the surgery and Monday all of my caretakers went back to their normal lives and I began our regular routine at home (minus carrying the kids and heavy cleaning). Monday was very rough. I had a lot of pain. For the past two days, I've slowed down and realized that it truly isn't that important for the floors to be spotless and the sink to be emptied. Scott and Amanda had been wonderful in taking care of everything and I am learning to accept the help.

I know my blogging has been few and far between, but the laptop has been in the bedroom and having it on my lap while I'm in a sitting position became too painful, so I decided to take a small hiatus until I'm able to sit for longer periods of time. Hopefully I will be back on track soon.

I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has prayed for my Mom and her broken arm. She is doing better and she is counting down the days for her cast to come off. I also want to thank my sister and nephew for their help last week. Not only did they cater to me and take care of AJ, but they did the mountain of laundry that had accumulated while I've been in bed and cleaned my house from top to bottom.

I sat in church on Sunday thinking about how truly blessed I am. I know I've saiud that before, but I mean TRULY blessed. There are so many people that have no one to be there for them, and I have an overabundance. My Savior watches out for my every need and so many times I take it for granted. Lord, I give you all the glory and honor for everything that I have and I praise and thank you for your unconditional love for me.

Lastly, would you join me in prayer as we remember the events of 9/11 and all the families affected by the attrocities that occured on that day? We will never forget.

Heavenly Father,

You are our redeemer, our Savior and our guiding light. You give us strength when we feel we can no longer move on. You bring us eternal hope in knowing that if we believe in our hearts and confess with our tongues that you are God, we will be saved. You love us more than we could ever fathom. I ask you Lord, to have mercy on the souls that were killed during on that tragic morning. May they be rejoicing with all of the angels and saints and singing praises to you who is so worthy of them. May the families who have been left without fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, brothers and sisters find peace in knowing that their loved ones have attained what we are all trying to achieve, to be at Your side. May they continue to use this tragedy as a way to bring You glory and to show the world that although their hearts ache, our country has never been more united than we were following the days of September 11, 2001.

You created us to bring glory to you, Lord. We thank you for the thousands of miracles that occurred on that day. Hundreds of people were able to flee the buildings just in the nick of time. A small handful of firemen and one civilian survived in a tiny space in a stairwell as the one of the towers collapsed around them. The passengers on Flight 93 defeating the terrorists was a miracle in and of itself. You were there Lord. You give men free will. Although great devastation occured on that day, we know you are still in control. We never doubt your sovereignty, Father. We continue to stand firm in your word when you tell us that "all things work together for good to those who love You, and are called according to Your purpose".

In your precious name we pray.

Amen.