My {Favorite}Blog Friday

Before I go into my {Favorite}Blog Friday....I need to set the "scene". Let the truth be known...I am not a reader. I have never been. YES! I am a teacher and I like to read to gain knowledge. However, you will never find "Sandy Toes" sitting at the beach reading "Twilight"! I love magazines.! When people tell me about a great book they read...my first response is "Are there pictures?".

My {Favorite} Blog Friday is one with pictures but her gift for writing and expressing her "journey" as a mother and wife is what stands out. Sometimes, when I see a new post of hers pop up for the day. I wait to read it when I can "soak"in all her knowledge and insight.

"Straight From The Heart"

If you do not read her-Start today! Her love for her girls shines everyday. She has even written journals on her journey and memories as a mom-

Keeps her girls artwork from the past and her words express how much she cherishes every piece-

Some of her posts are so funny and heart wrenching- especially with her dog....

Her words on homemaking, cooking and dealing with her daughters new "beau" are full of inspiration-

I asked "April" a few questions...

What is the "best" thing you love about blogging?
Well, I have to say that there are many things I love about blogging. First of all, I'm very much a "people person", so I enjoy getting to know others a lot. I've been so amazed and blessed by the friendships I've formed through blogging! I've met such interesting people across the country and the world. I've learned things I may never have had the opportunity to learn had it not been for blogging. Also, I love the fact that blogging allows me the opportunity to offer words of support and encouragement to my fellow bloggers. I like to think that I can lessen someone's load by saying things like, "You can do it", "I'm praying for you", or "Hang in there!" Plus, there's a lot of gratification that comes from finding others who have walked a day in your shoes. It's comforting to know that you're not alone, whether it's dealing with raising a teenager, grieving the loss of a parent, or just trying to figure out how to put one foot in front of the other. To me, blogging is all about connections with people and really caring about what happens in their lives. I think when you've been a stay-at-home mom for as long as I have (17 years), it's often easy to lose your sense of self. Thanks to blogging, I've rediscovered who I am and what I'm about, and I'm happy to say...I like being ME!

What does your family think about you and your blog?
Well, I know that my family loves me dearly! They know that I enjoy writing...always have! At first, I don't think they quite understood the whole blogging idea. However, they've since read many of my posts and have seen the awards I've been given and they're very proud of me...they've told me so! There's nothing I like hearing more from those I love the best!

Her blog is a keeper and I cherish each word she types!