I'd like to thank my hairdresser and my garbage man...

WOW! I got an award? Really?? The only other award I can think of that I have ever received is "Typing Student of the Quarter" in ninth grade. Well, that might be stretching the truth just a little. Anyway, thank you Sara/Sofa! I feel so loved, albeit a little undeserving (at least today after an ENTIRE gallon of dark blue latex paint was spilled on Beano's floor, but that's another story for another day. Nevermind, see characteristic #3...)

Here are the Smile Award rules:
1. The recipient must link back the the award's creator.
2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.
3. You must choose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself.
4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award.
5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.
6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.
7. You must thank your giver.

Characteristics for the Smile Award:
1. Must display a cheerful attitude (not necessarily at all times--we are all human).
2. Must love one another.
3. Must make mistakes.
4. Must learn from others.
5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world.
6. Must love life.
7. Must love kids.

So, now it is my turn to pick my worthy recipients!

My old buddy, Kathy Wathy. Oh man, if you ever have a chance to read this gal's blog, you will bust a gut laughing by the end. Kathy is one of my best friends who always manages to make me smile.

Pam, who is currently in Taiwan, getting her little miracle, Anna Li Grace. Pam is such a woman of faith and hope that she is pure encouragement to read about and chat with on email.

Jeri, who is a FOUNTAIN of knowledge about this whole adoption business. She (and her husband) was one of the really influential folks who talked us into going the SN route-- and I'm so glad she did. She has her hands full, but she has such a great sense of humor about it all.

Miss Carala! Okay, now this girl has some FAITH. She and her family have had a tough road with adoption, but even in her down times, you can feel her JOY! What a presence she has.

Noelle, my local friend in the adoption world! If you have never heard me tell our story of how we came to adopt, then you wouldn't realize what a huge influence Noelle and her family have had on me. She told me her family was going to adopt from Ethiopia 1-1/2 years ago and it was at that instant that I knew, we were called to adopt in China. I'm so glad we can share our journeys together! Your family is beautiful!

That's all for now, folks. I know I missed so many others out there, but this award is spreading fast amongst the blogs I read regularly. Be blessed!