Smile Award

The Smile Award
Ashley gave me this smile award today and I want to thank her for it here. Ashley and I don't know eachother well...or really at all, except by word of mouth. I've spoken to her only a handful of times and only a few words on those rare times. Ashley grew up with Joe and we have many mutual friends as well as a mutual affliction...inability to concieve naturally. She is already enjoying the fruits of her labor...2 cutie pie little boys. I am hoping to join her in multiples motherhood soon. So thanks Ash, for the shout out for smiling!

My duty now is to grant 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

And here are my 5!!!

1. Taylor (http://tstapes.blogspot.com): Taylor is the most inspiring person I have come across in infertility. She has had such a struggle to concieve and then lost her sweet boy earlier this summer to Trisomy13. She is so godly and has the sweetest, kindest heart. She has smiled through the tears for months now and has caused many of us to smile through our tears for her as well. Carry on, Taylor! Your day is coming!

2. Tanya (http://thewilsons06.blogspot.com): Tanya said something about me smiling in her first post. It made me laugh immediately! Tanya has been my backup BFF for over a year now and she has really come through this summer. Although she was gone for 6 weeks to Japan, she has been here for me so much since she came back. Her artistic ability is reason enough to smile, but her perserverance through some VERY hard family stuff and her willingness to come when I call is what makes her deserve a smile award. Smile on, Nikitenko!

3. Becky (http://forever25-becky.blogspot.com): Becky and I were instant friends several years ago. We backpacked Europe together for a month and made memories that will last my whole life. Since then, we've both bought homes, taught hundreds of children, and found our sweet husbands. Becky is also trying to have a baby right now and is smiling about so much...great husband and home, so many wonderful travels and experiences behind and ahead of her. I love hearing what she has going on!

4. Summer (http://best-family.blogspot.com): Summer and I were friends in college and she is the mother of 4 boys. Yeah...4!!! She had her first when we were seniors. Summer is one of those amazing people who can do anything and everything. She is an amazing teacher, has the sweetest voice and spirit and LOVES those kiddos. The few times I've been able to see her since graduation..she is always smiling and happy and I know she is thankful everyday for what God has given her.

5. Carrie (http://thetungates.blogspot.com): Carrie is my best friend from high school. She also went through infertility and now has 3 little angels now. She is one of those friends that I will always have in my life. It doesn't matter how long we've been apart, we always reconnect and I always want to see her when I'm home. Right now she is a stay at home mom and sacrifices so much to take care of her kiddos. I know she's tired and busy, especially with little Branson, but she is so thankful for those kids. Keep smiling, Steve!