Award Time

I was nominated for this award awhile ago, and have been mulling over my responses, being no closer than when nominated, here we go:

Kimberly so graciously nominated me along with 6 other people for this award. Kimberly and I are linked forever through marriage, lucky me! I have always loved her sense of adventure, and it is still three kids later. I admire her approach to life with unique circumstances and ability to always look forward. I cannot get enough of her kids and cannot wait to be plant my lips all over them as soon as I can. Something special, to me, is the way she allows others to get a glimpse of her world through photographs. I love the moments and personalities she catches, she does an amazing job! She is truly inspiring.

So this award comes with strings attached: I need to tell 7 interesting things about myself (why this has taken me so long) and then nominate 7 others for this award. Here it goes:

1. Though you might not know it by the sheer number of kids and the fact that this is my 5th pregnancy in almost exactly 7 years I really dislike (since Grant always tells me hate is such a strong word) being pregnant. I probably should have 5 more kids since I am an easy patient, but I have hit my max!

2. I was so shy in high school it was painful! My older sister had a boyfriend that knew someone who liked me, but I was too embarrassed to find out who it was (I probably also had a hard time thinking anyone could like me.) I decided to try and break out of my shell and ran for an easy position in student senate, and lost...yeah, I was not meant to be "popular."

3. I was months away from turning 18 and going off to college when I got my first kiss. My best guy friend Craig Young scared me to death about kissing, so I was not about to go there. My first kiss was someone I barely knew, and he took me by surprise (thank goodness or I may never have done it.) I have never looked back :-)

4. I love to dance. I love loud music, a strong beat and working up a sweat. I miss dance clubs, and create our own little one in the car sometimes. I always wished I had been able to do ballet or tap. Though I have been told I have the body for that type of dance, I do not have the grace. So now Lady Gaga feeds my dying addiction.

5. I do not like my handwriting. I tried for years to make it "cute" but it never worked, so I fell back to my neat typewriter style that I have today. I always look at other's handwriting (i.e. Christi and Annie) and wish I had something cool like them.

6. I love food. I am sure being married to Grant has aided in this obsession, but I think I always have. I especially love a good steak. Growing up we were allowed to pick what we got for dinner on out b-day, and I recall often asking for steak. Mmmmm, my mouth is watering right now just typing about it.

7. There are so many things I want to do better (as I am sure everyone feels similar.) A few on my list are: photography, sewing, typing (I stink at it!) speaking (yes I am vain I want to sound smarter), be a better shot, be more athletic just to list a few. Maybe someday I will have time to work on some of these things.

Now on to my nominees:

Chanel is the most amazing older sister and girl could ask to have. She is also one of the most amazing mothers I know. I learn so much from her and rely on her advice and example soooo much. She has a spunk, energy and drive that amazes me. I love her ability to be honest and open, loving and protective. Chanel is truly a best friend.

Chelsey is another incredible sister I have been blessed to have. We may have fought like grandy grandmas growing up, but we are as close as can be now. She has a capacity to love and be patient that most people would envy. She is no question the fun aunt and has my back no matter what. She definitely has the creative eye and expresses it so well.

Mikael another seester whom I admire and love. She has the best sense of humor, she always keeps me rolling. She is so smart, so beautiful, so giving and oh so fashionable. We have only lived in the same house for about 8 years of our lives, but that has not taken away from how close we are. I love being with her and hearing about all her adventures.

Christi is the only true blond in our family, and I am referring to hair color. I am so lucky she married my brother. She never ceases to amaze me with her music and athletic talents. Her strength and composure in times of trial are amazing. She makes me laugh, and I love when she laughs at herself (I wish I was more like that.) I am so lucky to live right behind her and be able to be so close!

Stephanie has a laughter that is infectious. I love to watch her make my brother Andrew laugh, and who am I kidding, I love to laugh with her. She is a person that I just want to be around. She is a strong person and I admire her ability to be a military wife. She is also very musically talented and very creative. She has a love and conviction of the gospel that I admire. She gives it her all and is an incredible example to me.

Annie (who has a private blog) is another sister-in-law with which I am blessed. She is also very talented musically and artistically (thank all you sil's for making us Webb girls look so bad). Her most amazing creation to date is their son Eli (any hints on how to get that hair, I only have 1 1/2 months left) Annie is always so kind and thoughtful. I love that she relishes the moments even when they are gone because those moments did not always come easy.

Janae is a dear friend that sees way to much of me. We were meant to be friends before we even knew each other. She is an amazing mother who never ceases to amaze me with all that she does for her family, both immediate and extended. I love her confidence and willingness to try anything. I should never call her, because it is never a short conversation. Thank goodness for good friends!

So I could not just narrow it down to 7, and am going to cheat and add two more:

Britney and I were kind of thrown together. We were in YM's together, visiting teacher partners and became running buddies. Thank goodness we get along so well. I have to admit it was weird at first being friends with someone that has the same name but in our family she is known as Britney Nygren, and our family loves her! We have so much in common with perspective on life that she just gets me. She is extremely thoughtful and terribly talented creatively.

Kristy is newest addition to my list of amazing friends. I love to sit and talk with her, hear her story and see the strength and courage she has. She is an amazing wife and has such a talent to make things beautiful. Did I mention I cannot get enough of her goodies! Those sugar cookies are dangerous! I love her honesty and fun loving personality. I am lucky to have her as a friend.

Well, there you have. Can you tell I have a lot of cool people in my life. Maybe that is the most interesting thing about me! Now it is your turn. Here is what you do:

-Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
-Copy the award & place it on your blog.
-Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
-Tell us 7 interesting things about yourself.
-Nominate 7 bloggers.
-Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.