Imagine My Surprise!

What a nice surprise.

When I checked my blog comments this evening, there was a message from Veronica saying that she was awarding me the "Stylish Blogger Award!"  I had only seen a little chatter throughout the blog-world about this award - so I wasn't sure what to do, or who to thank.  I did a little "research."  Here's what you do!   

** Thank the person who awarded you (of course).

I would like to thank Veronica at Veronica Victoria Chronicles.   
Thanks so much!  You made my day!
I tried to follow a trail back to a place of origin to express thanks there as well.  It looks like that is a l-o-n-g trail.  If anyone has information on who started this award, I'd love to know.

** Tell 7 things you may not know about me.

1.  I have been married to my sweet hubby for 18 years.

2.  We have two children (teens) whom we homeschool.

3.  I have a bachelor's degree in Family and Child Development, but have only ever worked (before kids) in the accounting field.

4.  I hated math when I was in school, but loved working in accounting.

5.  As a kid, the only job I ever dreamed of was being a mom.  As it turns out, I got that job (without so much as an interview!), and love it the best!

6.  My favorite vacation is at the beach -- and our family loves the North Carolina beach.  It is affordable.  But, if money were no object, I have a feeling we would vacation in Hawaii regularly.

7.   I love to bake, but my sweet hubby is a far better baker than I.  (Today, he made The Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon rolls!)

** Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers. 
Oh my, this may prove a challenge.  There are so many great blogs out there.  I realize that some of the blogs I will list are "well established," and don't need accolades from me to gain readers.  That said, they are still "new to me" and I am appreciative of their example to me.  Perhaps you have already heard of some of them.  I hope that others will be new to you.  Please pay them a visit!  Meet a new friend.  Share the love.  You get the idea.
 1.  http://livealifeextraordinary.blogspot.com/
 2.  http://www.abeachcottage.com/ 
 3.  http://themeadowbrookblog.blogspot.com/
 4.  http://www.number17cherrytreelane.com/
 5.  http://makeroomfor.blogspot.com/
 6.  http://www.eclecticwhatnot.com/
 7.  http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/
 8.  http://katielloydphotography.blogspot.com/
 9.  http://www.rareandbeautifultreasures.com/
10. http://iammommy.typepad.com/
11. http://sitrelaxandread.blogspot.com/
12. http://bungalow56.blogspot.com/
13. http://westfurniturerevival.blogspot.com/
14. http://humblehomemaking.blogspot.com/
15. http://www.thecottagechick.com/

** Contact the bloggers, and tell them about the award.

{This part will keep me busy & out of trouble for a while, ay?}