When life hands you lemons....

...Make lemonade! Thanks to Amanda over at The Sweet Life who gave me the Lemonade award. This award's rules are:

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

I have come to have an attitude of gratitude due to the beliefs that my parents instilled in me. Neither of my parents has a job that is lucrative to say the least- my dad is a state employee and my mom a teacher at a small private school. However, they always provided for me just what I needed and went above and beyond to provide many of the things I wanted. But, most importantly, they instilled in me a deep faith in the Lord by taking me to church every single Sunday, as well as Sunday School, church on Wednesday night, mission trips, etc. I came to realize that God will provide whatever it is you need and does not give you any more than you can handle. This has made me a thankful person and I hate for anything that someone does for me to go unnoticed. Being grateful to those around you is so important and I believe that's a Godly characteristic, one that was taught to me by my parents and carried on through my belief in God and His kindness to those who believe in Him.

Now, I'd like to nominate for this award (and if you've received it already, you're extra-loved!):

Gwen (Confessions of a Control Freak); Naturally Caffeinated Family; Sweet Carolina Bride; Bama Belle; Mary (Quite Contrary); The Pink Owl; Erin (Prep-E Girl); Katie (A Thrifty Girl's Guide to the Kitchen); Randall (Be Happy for this Moment); Belle of the Ball; Saskia (Saskia's Spot)

I wish I could give it to all of you, but I narrowed it down to 11 :-)

**ETA: Also, thank you to Jen over at Jen & Rob for giving me this award, as well :-)