When I began writing this blog less than a year ago, I didn’t know if anyone beyond my faithful Ya-Ya’s might read. I remember the first “non-friend” comment I received. I screamed out to my girls who celebrated with me that I had been read by a “stranger.” With each post, I’ve grown more comfortable with the writing process and uncover a bit more of my authentic voice. This blog has become as much a tool for excavating me as it has a tool to help me through a period of transition. And, as I had hoped when I clicked “publish” my first time, it has helped others along the way.

This past Monday morning, I was surprised to find a comment by a blogger I read regularly. HappilyEverAfterorSomething nominated me for “The Versatile Blogger Award.” I almost fell off my chair. I mean I had seen awards on other blogs, and truth be told, coveted those awards, but never expected to get one myself. And, I certainly never expected to be offered this recognition by a blogger I really enjoy following.  I was absolutely humbled. I read the post (twice) where she nominated me, along with several other pages I really enjoy, and noted the directions to “pay it forward.” I promptly added it to my “to-do list.”

Only a few hours later, I was humbled again by another blogger I faithfully follow. BelieveAnyway writes wonderful posts, sharing her faith and charcoal drawings to inspire her readers. She awarded me the “Candle Lighter Award” she created to recognize inspiring blogs. Like HappilyEverAfterorSomething, she notified me of the award via a very sweet comment in response to one of my posts. My week was off to a fabulous start!

Now here it is, Friday, and I still have yet to “pay forward” the Versatile Blogger Award. Only last night did I get either award linked to my blog. (You can see them there, on the right. :)) I had thought I would have had both done by Tuesday. Clearly, that didn’t happen, which in no way minimizes my appreciation.

It has been one crazy week around here. Sick kiddos, holiday preparations, end-of-the-year business, and preparing for a special, surprise visitor have robbed my schedule of the  free-time I reserve for writing. My guest arrives this morning. It is my one of my closest Ya-Ya’s, that happens to also be my sister, and an incredibly special aunt to my girls. Due to health reasons, it may be her last visit for some time, and why this visit is so very important to me. That said, I am taking a short break to enjoy my week with her.

It’s hard to believe we are already heading into the last week of 2011. There are many posts “floating around in my thoughts” that I thought I would have written before today. But, as I wrote on Wednesday, sometimes we just have to roll with the bumps in life and let go of what we thought our days/weeks/schedules would or should look like. It’s during those times, we must really focus on our priorities. For the next week, playing with my family and creating memories that will last a lifetime with my sister will fill my days. My posting (including my nominations for the Versatile Blogger Award) will resume after she has safely returned home and I have taken a long winter’s nap. ( In other words, in a week or so. :))

Until then, a very Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah/Blessed Holiday Season to all! With a humble heart, I thank you all for reading.