Bits of Blog Related Banter

First, I won a giveaway! If anyone wins anything in our family, it is normally Craig (just ask how many t-shirts he has caught at sporting events) so I was beyond thrilled to hear from Stephanie that I had won her tickle trunk giveaway. The Tickle Trunk is a company that makes stainless steel water bottles and storage containers, so you don't have to worry about what is in your plastic. Unfortunately, she had done such a great job promoting the company that I had already gone and bought a water bottle from them. At the time I figured, if I did happen to win, I would get another for Craig but then he got one for Christmas! But the company had decided to also let me choose from their storage containers too so I will be receiving one of those. I will probably be doing a review when they all arrive. It makes me giddy to think about. But be sure to check out Stephanie's blog, Keeper of the Home. It is one of my favorites.

Secondly, I received my first blog award from Karen over at Candid Diversions (thanks, Karen!). At least, I think it is my first, I can't remember any others. Here it is:
Isn't it purty? It will make my heart happy to have a little piece of girlishness on the blog. I always get the itch to redesign the blog but all my ideas are much to feminine for Craig so I never do. This will tide me over for a while I think. Now to the offical rules:

-Link to the person who gave you the award.
-Name seven recipients of your own. (As per my mom's instructions, it is okay if you can't come up with that many. Just try to brighten the day of as many people as you can.)

In no particular order, we have: (drumroll.....)

Amanda - Just one of my real life friends who I insisted must start a blog because she is so funny. As most of the blogs I read tend to be of the "mom-blog" persuasion, I really enjoy just reading about how another not-quite-newlywed couple spends their time.

June Cleaver - Her blog design is cute :-) but her writing is even better. And I'm not just saying that 'cuz she's my mom. Plus it is one of my favorite ways to hear news about the Beav, because of couse he would never tell me anything himself. It's also a great place to go for book reviews, even if you can't steal all the ones you want while you are home for Christmas break like I can.

Heather - Have I mentioned lately that I heart Heather and her blog. Well I do. She is so willing to share how God is challenging her and molding her and is great at encouraging you to not just read the scripture, but apply them as well. Plus, if you stick around long enough, you will probably get to see some pictures of her youngest baby boy, who is so cute I could just eat him up, or see videos of her second youngest singing. You might now always understand what he is saying, but I guarentee you at least a smile.

Carrie - Another real life friend, she blogs with her husband too. I will pass on the favor Karen gave Craig by saying this award is only for the Carrie part of the blog, because Scott's posts are very good, manly stuff, but not lovley and flowerly. One of the loveliest parts of her blog are the pretty pictures that remind me of a place I used to live. I get all the views of the mountains and snow, without having to actual deal with it or even wear a coat. (Did I mention it is supposed to be in the 70s today?)

Aggieonboard - Because what is more lovely than reading about a baby? And maybe knowing his mother won a pretty blog award will entice little Lenny to come out so we can see how cute he/she is. Okay, maybe not. But he/she has got to come out sometime and I will be there, reloading the page waiting for pictures when he/she does.

Rachel - Her blog is very lovely. When she writes. Please write more Rachel. I know you are a grad student and a newlywed, but really, that is no excuse :-)

And third, speaking of adding stuff to the blog (yes, I was speaking of that, don't you remember?) be on the look out for some changes. You really will have to be looking for them, since they aren't going to be big at all. But Craig and I have been talking about it for a while and I figured if I wrote it down, I would have to actually make myself do it. But no promises.