A Little Bit About Me & the Liebster Blog Award

Recently, I was honored to be nominated for the Liebster Blog Award, which is a way to help smaller blogs (having less than 300 followers) gain more exposure and possibly increase their audience.

I have been nominated before but never followed through simply because I've never been really interested in growing my blog. I've always written out of a need within me, not to attract people and followers.

However, I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about my blog's purpose and direction and decided I need to be more involved with other {Christian} women writers in the blogosphere. So, when Lisa Maria of This Little Light of Mine nominated me for the award, I decided that this might be a good way to connect with other bloggers that I respect. Thank you, Lisa Maria.

The Liebster Blog Award Rules:

*Post 11 facts about yourself.
*Answer the questions posted by the person who nominated you.
*Create 11 questions you want your nominees to answer.
*Pass this award on to 3-5 other blogs you admire with less than 300 followers.
*Let them know they've been nominated.

11 Facts about Me

1. I do not like doing crafts with my kids. I would rather scrub the toilets.
2. Reading is my favorite thing to do in my down time. I love historical fiction dealing with Tudor England, mysteries especially Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and classics by Jane Austen.
3. In my former life, I was a PhD candidate in English and taught composition at the local university. Some days I miss that life, but lately I haven't given it even a thought.
4. God has laid on my heart a need to homeschool our kids although I do not feel cut out for it. Still, I am working on submission of my will to His.
5. I've been married 5 years to "my hero" Daniel who I have known and dated for 10 years.
6. We have 3 girls: Kate (4), Cora (2), and Annabeth (6 months). They make me smile.
7. My biggest pet peeve is disrespect of people and property. I especially can't stand when someone hurts another person or messes up a book.
8. A perfect day for me would be one with lots of quiet time, hot coffee, and good books.
9. We don't have cable TV. The only TV watching comes in the form of DVDs from Netflix or the library. Since the spring when we cut off the cable, I have read TONS more books and so have our kids.
10. Cooking is a favorite pastime. I am slowly learning the art of fermentation...very interesting stuff!
11. My blog has been around for about 2 1/2 years but I write to encourage myself and other women not to earn money or have a million followers. I write for writing's sake.

Lisa Maria's Questions

1. Why do you blog?
I blog to share the struggles I'm having as a Christian wife, mommy, and daughter of God. I blog to encourage others who are also struggling. I blog to record life as it is now so I can look back years from now and see how I {hopefully} have grown.

2. What do you think is the best thing about blogging?
The best thing about blogging for me are the comments I receive from friends, family, and people all over the world who are encouraged, inspired, or in some way moved by my words.

3. What are you most passionate about?
I am most passionate about my family and in leading our children to the Lord.

4. Do you have any dreams you would still like to pursue?
When our children are grown, I would love to finish my doctorate in English. It's a personal goal I've had since high school. I would also like to start a new blog all about books and what I read.

 5. What is your favorite childhood memory?
That's tough. I had a great childhood. My favorite memory would have to be the times I spent in the summers with my grandparents and adventures with my cousins. I hope our girls can have the same wonderful times with their grandparents and cousins.

6. What did you want to be when you grew up?
I always dreamed I would be a stay-at-home mom and I am.

7. What do you do when you need to re-energize?
I send the girls off with their daddy, brew some coffee, and curl up with a book or write.

8. What is your absolute favorite thing to do?
Read!

9. Do you have any pet peeves?
See #7 above.

10. Were there Titus 2 women in your life to inspire and guide you?
I have been richly blessed with many Titus 2 women: my mom, both of my grandmothers, and some close family friends from church were wonderful examples for me.

11. What do you consider to be necessary to you for a happy life?
My Bible, my husband and kids, lots of good books, and strong coffee.

My Questions

1. Describe yourself using one word.
2. How would your husband or child describe you?
3. Where is home for you? 
4. Are you a cat or dog person?
5. Why did you start blogging?
6. Who is your favorite author?
7. What do you like to do in your spare time?
8. Are you a glass half-full or glass half-empty kinda gal?
9. If you could go to any place in time, when and where would you go?
10. What do you consider to be your greatest success thus far in life?
11. What dream(s) do you still hope to achieve?

The Blogs I Nominate for the Liebster Blog Award are...

SewJacki of Crafted by Mama
Tauna of Proverbial Homemaker
Jen of Jen's Journey
Ashley of This Southern Girl's Heart 

Thanks, ladies. Your blogs always inspire and encourage me. 

Blessings to you,