"Stuff I Like" Sunday: YOU!

Yes, that's right. I'm talking to you. If you're reading this right now, consider this your own personal post ... because you're one of the people that has unexpectedly come into my life and helped to make it that much more awesome.

Less than a year ago, I started this blog as a way to express my feelings about motherhood, about myself, and about my struggle to keep "Mommy" from overwhelming "Rita." I figured my family would probably read it, and a few of my real-life friends, just to be polite. But then something amazing happened: a stranger stumbled across my page. And then another ... and another. And those strangers became friends, people who have come back again, who have shared in some of the most emotional and profound events of my life - like my Grandma's death and Coby's birth - and who have given me their thoughts and advice and encouragement when I've needed them the most. I never imagined that there were so many kindred spirits out there, but you guys have surprised me. You've come from all corners of the world, and it blows me away that you care enough to keep reading ... and to invite your friends to read, too.

I appreciate each and every one of you, and often wonder who you are, how you found me, and what we have in common. Like the people visiting from Kaiserslautern, Germany or Wichita Falls, Texas - I've lived in both of those places. (If this is you, holla!) Or the people reading in Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, or anywhere close - seriously, talk to me! We could meet in real life and be, like, super cool friends and stuff! And the people in all the different countries and continents: it's such a small world when we can all relate to the rollercoaster that is motherhood - or at least enjoy stories about it.

From now on, I'm going to try ("try" being the operative word) to respond to all of your comments. I often bite off more than I can chew, and responding individually every day seems like kind of a lofty goal, but I SO want to show you guys how much I love and look forward to each and every word you write to me. So don't hate me if I miss a few, but do check back in.

Finally, I want to thank the peeps who have bestowed upon my blog the highest honors: the awards you'll find in my right-hand sidebar under the heading "They Really Like Me!" Take a minute to scroll through them and visit the sites of the wonderful, witty women who deemed me worthy - you won't be disappointed. In this spirit of giving and sharing the bloggy love, I've created my very own award: the Freakin' Sweet Blog Award. Marvel at my mad Photoshop skillz. ;)

(Actually it's GIMP which is like a free version of Photoshop 'cause I'm too cheap to buy Photoshop, but whatever.)

I'm awarding this to five bloggers, and the only rule is that you must pass it on to a blogger you love - whether it's one person or one hundred. My picks for the first round of the Freakin' Sweet award:

JenJen at Jen's Voices
Alicia at It Ain't Easy Bein' Cheesy
The Lady of the House at Checking the Electrical Box
Julie at Foursons
Kate at Practical Pablum

And that, my friends, is just a mere sampling of the awesomeness that makes up my regular reads. I may bust out this unbelievably amazing award for more deserving recipients sometime in the future, but for now, nosh on those.

I know that "Stuff I Like" Sunday is generally about, well, stuff - but this time it's about you. I just wanted to tell each and every one of you that you make me happy. Your thoughts, visits, and advice enrich my life in immeasurable ways. Leave me a comment, even if all you say is "hi" ... it means more to me than you'll ever know.