An Award? (I Never Win Anything!)

My new virtual friend, Ashley, nominated me for a Liebster award last week.

A who? What?

Here's the deal (copied and pasted from Ashley's blog):
 In Jen's words, it's "a networking tool for new bloggers, to recognize 'up and coming' bloggers with less than 200 followers. Liebster is a German word meaning: sweetest, kindest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome." I love that this little award recognizes the small blogger, the little stay-at-home mom who doesn't have a giant following, the writer who hasn't made it "big" in the blog world.

I am a fraction German so I thought, why not? And I am currently at a loss on how to finish the 10+ drafts that are sitting there, calling my name to be finished and posted. So this, my friends, is a prime example of my  procrastination skills. 

The rules:
1. Answer the 11 questions that were posted for you by the blogger who nominated you

2. Give 11 random facts about yourself

3. Nominate 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers

4. Create 11 questions for your nominees to answer

And here I go...
(Ashley's questions)
1. Why did you start blogging? 
Well, I started reading blogs about 3-4 years ago. I never commented. But then I started to feel kind of creepy for reading all about these peoples' lives (the parts they choose to share, don't forget) and not sharing my own (or what I choose to share - like my awesome selection of clothes <that's a joke> and my kid, sometimes my pugs, rarely my other half). And then I had Avery. I wanted a place for her to be able to go when she is older and read about our life, witness my saneness, when I still had it because I am certain I will lose my mind when I get older. 

2. When & where do you normally blog?
On the toilet, when I poop. 

Notreallyjustkidding. Usually before bed. But now every time anyone who has read this post reads anything else I write, you will probably picture me on the crapper. And my husband and I will attest, it is not a pretty sight. Picture Lena Dunham. I could be her body double if I had smaller boobs.

3. What scares you?
I used to be scared/fearful of a lot. But as my relationship with Jesus has grown, I have been able to give it to Him. Not that I walk around now with rainbows falling out of my behind, I still have fears, I am human, remember? I am scared that Avery is going to get kidnapped - or worse. I am scared of flying, so I take drugs. I am scare that the people I love and care about will not come to know Christ and will not be in heaven with me. But when these fears start to get the better of me, I just give it to the One that is in control and I am still amazed at how much more peaceful I feel.

4. Tell me a little bit about your family (parents, siblings, etc.)
How about you read this post. I am the oldest of 6. My parents were 24(my mom) and 22(my dad) when they had me. Then Lauren, Amanda, Zach and Eric. My parents separated when I was 11 and divorced when I was 13. It was not a nice divorce and they still despise each other to this day, almost 20 years later. My dad remarried and had my sister Lindsay (#6 in case you lost count). Then he divorced his 2nd wife and has not been remarried since. My mom has never remarried and doesn't really date. She says she is married to Jesus. My mom is the oldest of 5 and my dad is #5 of 7 kids. So I have lots of aunts and uncles and cousins. I plan on starting a blog about my family. It will probably be anonymous. But there are stories I have to write down. 

5. How many children do you currently have/hope to have?
Well we all know about Avery - I mean if you have read anything more then this post you know about her. We would like one more and then we will see how we handle 2. I always thought 3 but we will see what the good Lord provides. 

6. If you had to name one thing as your "happy thing," what would it be?
A thing? stripes make me happy. so does chambray. going to church usually makes me happy. spending time with Avery and The Husband usually does too. I cannot pick just one. But all these "things" can only make me as happy as I can make myself. 

7. What's the one food you could eat everyday?
chocolate.

8. Is there one food you will never eat?
liver.

9. Tell my your favorite holiday & why.
Thanksgiving. Because you don't feel obligated to buy people things. And you get to eat. A lot.

10. What's your ideal "date night?"
The movies. Goobers. movie theater popcorn. Cherry coke. 

...and to keep it light...
11. If you had to do one in public, which would it be: picking your nose or passing gas? (I wonder how many of you will actually answer this one!)
definitely picking my nose. I might wait for the deep dig when I am home, but if I feel a booger, its gotta come out one way or another. 

11 random facts about me:

1. The best thing I do is procrastinate. 
2. I cannot stand second-hand cigarette smoke. 
3. I am very critical, but the hardest on myself. 
4. I have always wanted to live in England. 
5. Ireland is my favorite place in the whole world. 
6. I already have a lot of gray hair. 
7. If I could do it over again, I would do better in school and become a Veterinarian. 
8. My Pop nicknamed me the "Queen of Mean" when I was younger 
9. I have diagnosed myself with ADD and believe I would do a lot better in school and at work if I had some drugs. 
10. My dogs are my anti-depressant. 
11. Summer 2001 was the best of my life when I lived in OC, MD. 
12. I met Richard Simmons at the Lionville Regal. 
13. I got "flown" up the Morgantown Burger King flagpole when I was 12 (by choice), and I still have phantom feelings of that wedgie.

So I went over 11, sue me.

And if you are still reading, here on my nominations:

1. Kaly
2. Laura
3. Sarah
4. Jill

And I am not sure who else.

But here are my questions:

1. What makes you read a blog and/or follow?
2. How long have you been blogging?
3. What is your favorite dinner to make? Please post the recipe if you know it off the top of your head.
4. Do you know - or have you met anyone famous?
5. Do you get along with your parents? One better then the other?
6. Besides your spouse and kids, what is one of the biggest blessings in your life?
7. Do you have any pets? Give 'em some love, tell us about them.
8. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
9. When was the last time you peed the bed?
10. List 5 of your biggest pet peeves.
11. List 5 of your favorite bloggers.

Hope this was entertaining.
Toodle-loo!

xoxo