Inspiration Blog

Melissa was my Inspiration for June. I met Melissa (I blog-met her, haven't actually met her) after I noticed that she lived in the same city that we moved to in October. I left a message on her blog and she responded. Ever since, we have been reading each other's blog and I have found out so much about her. For one, she lives near me and another thing that I learned was that Melissa and her husband struggle with infertility. After reading her stories, she really lets her feelings out there and I realized that many people struggle with infertility on a daily basis. Melissa is a strong woman yet is very loving and caring. I believe that she will make an excellent mother some day and she and her husband are definitely on my prayer list.

So, I wanted to give her a beautiful blog since I believe that she is a beautiful person. I offered for her to be my Inspiration for June and what did she do? She went and ordered a blog for her twin sister because she wanted her to have a beautiful blog since she is such a wonderful mother! What a true inspiration! I'm glad that I picked you, Melissa! You have a natural kindness and a big heart! :)

Take a look at Melissa's blog below and stay tuned for her sister, Amie's blog:

March Inspiration- Gavin's Journey

March was a big month! I just finished the Inspiration blog from March and I have to say, this blog took my breath away. Gavin's Journey is a blog about a 2 year old little boy who suffers from Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Gavin was born with HLHS (a rare heart condition) and has undergone major surgeries on his heart already in his short little life. Gavin's mom, Faith uses her blog as a way to keep everyone informed on Gavin's condition and his progress.  

Faith was nominated by Kristen who had this to say about her,

"Faith is an amazingly strong Christian woman and a wonderful Mom to Gavin, no matter the stress that she is sometimes under! She would be a great candidate for a Sweet Cheeky Makeover, especially before Gavin's next surgery!"

I just got an email from Faith and they will be going to California soon for Gavin's third open heart surgery and to finish repairing his heart. Please keep this family in your prayers.

Giving Back For February

Yes, February! I'm just a little behind! :)

I am proud to announce the winner of the Giving Back contest I did in February. I picked a blogger that is described by her friends as, "One who shares her great belief and love of God with so many people. She often finds time to pray for others and gives of herself in countless ways." Tasha of The Gonce Family blog was my pick for the February giving back contest. She actually had a couple of nominations from different people.

When I first went and looked at her blog, I knew that I wanted to give her just a small piece of happiness since that's what she has been doing for others, even while caring for her daughter who was sick. She was a joy to work with and I love the fact that she has a Riley as well. :)

I think it's really fitting that instead of a signature, she opted for a saying to end all of her posts with. The saying is, "Hope this finds you happy, healthy, and in love with life!" I need this kind of positive influence in my life! Tasha, you make people all around you smile. You are an inspiration to us all!

Click on the header to go to her blog.

Giving Back & Nominate Someone

Each month I try to pick someone who I really admire or that has done something to catch my eye and do a courtesy blog for them. This month, I chose my blogger friend, Leigh Ann from Horton Happenings. I met Leigh Ann through another blogger friend and I have to say that we clicked instantly! This girl is da bomb! Do people still say that?

Leigh Ann is a mother of two and is a military wife. Her husband, Derek, spent 15 months in Iraq as a helicopter pilot, flying Medevac missions in a Blackhawk. I can't imagine my husband being gone from our family. It takes a strong woman to endure that lifestyle and I admire her greatly for that. 

Leigh Ann and I have something else in common. Her son has been diagnosed with Autism. Evan is the cutest, smartest little boy I have had the pleasure of reading about. He reminds me of my Riley in so many ways. Leigh Ann has lifted me up with her kind words several times throughout the year. 

Last July, Leigh Ann prepared a speech and spoke at the Capital about how ABA should be offered to all kids with Autism. At the end of her speech, she closed with these words that give me chills and make me want to hug her.

"In closing, I want to mention I have two heroes in my life. One fought for freedom for our country and one fights for freedom from Autism every day."

I was really proud to be able to give something to this extremely giving and courageous friend. You are an inspiration to a lot of people everyday, Leigh Ann. I hope to finally meet you some day and hug you- one autism mom to another.

If you have a friend or blogger friend that you think deserves a redesign, let me know and I will consider them for my February courtesy blog. I would love to know why you are nominating them.  

Click the header to go to Horton Happenings.