Monday Mish Mash

There are a few odds and ends I'm just going to put all together in this post!

First: Leticia from Cause of our Joy has organized the first-ever Down Syndrome Carnival with some great posts from parents from all over. I'm honored to be a part of this!

Second: A couple of contests coming up. 5 Minutes for Mom is giving away a Comfy Easy PC System. It's a uniquely designed keyboard with software for ages 1-5.

Overwhelmed is looking to start a home-based business and is having a Name That Business Contest contest - go see what you could win!

Third: Some Bloggy Awards!

Janeen and Annie have both given me the . I don't consider myself a very courageous person and don't think I've done anything out of the ordinary to deserve this award, but thank you so much ladies, for thinking of me as courageous!

According to the rules this is to be awarded to "Those bloggers who are battling, or have battled, with physical or mental illness, those who are survivors of abuse, poverty, or who have overcome other challenges in life. Those who serve in the military, or work/volunteer in dangerous situations in order to provide a service, or to help others. This award is for the strong, brave, and courageous."

So I'm passing this on to these bloggers dealing with medical issues:
Amy from Laughing Through The Tears - she's been through a lot of medical issues and it's been extremely difficult for her to get around. She just recently had a hip replacement and is due for her other hip replacement next month. She always sounds so upbeat and positive!

Dori from The Ups & Downs of our Life - she has been through so many different doctors this past year trying to find out what is going on with excruciating back pain she's had; I know it's been frustrating for her, but she's hanging in there!

I know Annie already gave Tammy and Parker this award, but I couldn't not give it to her as well; I'm sure she'll get this more than once! Parker recently had surgery for a trach and they are now learning to adjust to that and all the ins and outs that go along with caring for someone with a trach. They are both courageous!

Laura from This Is Me - she's a single mom to Aaron who has a unique set of his own medical issues and history, to include back surgery. She handles all of this on her own and with such grace and a positive attitude!

For the military families: Andrea from Sgt & Mrs Hub, Eden from Once Upon A Dream, Jenna from A Joyful Journey, Kacey from The Amazing Ella Grace, Sandra from Diary of a SAHM, Carrie from My Lil' Corner of the World, Michelle from Snippets, Michelle from Learning How To Deal, and Alycia from Where My Treasures Are.

and to Sarah from The Barkers (her husband is in law enforcement) and Jennifer from Pinwheels (her husband is a volunteer firefighter).

Karen gave me the Nice Matters Award. Thanks so much Karen, you are someone I would have definitely given this award to!
I'm passing this one on to the following bloggers I've had the privilege to meet in person (and can attest to their niceness!): Mayhem & Miracles, Gentle Retreat, Overwhelmed With Joy, Sweetest Cherry in an Apple Pie and A Penny For Your Thoughts
I could give this to many more bloggers, but I'm all linked out for today!

Jennifer gave me the Rockin' Girl Blogger Award. I know I've passed this on to several bloggers before, and I'm not even sure who hasn't received this one yet...so if you haven't - considered yourself awarded! Thanks Jennifer!

I think that about sums it all up!