Making lemonade!

So, I am waaaayyyyy behind on this one but ... sweet Nicol on Classy and Sophisticated gave me the Lemonade Award last month. I was so excited about it but was completely distracted by the end-of-the-year madness at Casiday's school and unable to keep the bloggy love going. So, finally, tonight, I am continuing the Lemon-Love fest!

Here are the rules for this award:

1.Put the logo on your blog or post
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs that show an attitude of gratitude
3. Link to your nominees within your post
4. Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received this award
5. Share the love and link to this post and the person who nominated you for the award
6. Tell us how you've come to have an attitude of gratitude

So, I now pass along the Lemonade Award to the following bloggers (in no particular order, I promise!):

Imitating Steventon, Half a Dozen or the Other,
Mundane Musings,Pillaging with Buffie,
Syma Says, PW-The Real Me,
Livin' la vida Lulu,Joy in the Journey,
Closing Time, The Smith Family Blog

How have I come to have an attitude of gratitude? Well, over the past few years I have noticed that my comments and thoughts have leaned toward the negative - lots of complaining, sarcasm, etc. This year I determined that I am going to have a different mindset. So, I began my "Fab Five" posts for each week. By listing five of the best parts of each week I refocus on the many great people, places, experiences, and more in my life. Things like good coffee, a great book, sweet phone calls, trips with loved ones, and time to reflect receive my attention. I find myself through the week paying attention so I can take note of those "Fab Five" moments! For me, gratitude must be purposeful and intentional ... because the world around me, around all of us, does not encourage looking for the good things, the blessings.

So, thank you, Nicol, for the kind acknowledgement and encouragement. Let's all celebrate the many wonderful things, times, people, and places in our lives - big & small!

Philippians 4:4 ~
Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I say, Rejoice!