I was nominated for the Liebster Award!



There are a few, easy guidelines to follow when you are nominated for a Liebster:
4. Nominate 5-11 other new bloggers who you think deserve this award, and come up with 11 questions of your own for them to answer.
5. List these rules in your blogpost.

My answers to Meredith's questions:
1. What is your favorite thing about blogging?
Allowing others to see my heart. I'm not normally an open book who lets just anyone in, but as I write I can hide behind my pen and paper (or computer) and it makes it easier for me to open myself up. Blogging has allowed me to be vulnerable in ways I wouldn't otherwise be. It's challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, and while I still get a lump in my throat every time I click "publish", I love it.

2. What is a blog achievement that you have?
My recipe post for banana oatmeal muffins went viral on Pinterest a few years ago. All of a sudden I gained a ton of followers (and when I say ton, I mean over 100) and had people stopping by and commenting every day for several months. It was great for a while, until I changed my domain name (like a dummy) and lost all my followers and the link on Pinterest was broken. 

3. What has surprised you the most about blogging?
How much I care about the likes and comments I receive. I've contemplated not blogging anymore because of what it turns me into at times. I've had to step away at certain points in the past few years (I still write but not post as much) so I could remind myself why I do it in the first place--because I love writing and I want to share it with others, not for the accolades.

4. Right at this moment what is the song that would best describe your mood and this moment in your life?
Here We Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush. Really that's the only song that's in my head but it's fitting as I'm a mom and I sing preschool songs all day and my life feels like we're just going in circles most of the time.

5. What is your favorite number and why?
The number 5. It was my softball number growing up.

My grandparents. I can't choose just one because they have all passed away and I'd love to be able to sit with each of them and hear more about their life, listen to the wonderful stories of their past, and maybe get a glimpse of who I am from them.

7. What is your favorite post that you have written? 
Unqualified. I wrote this and took a month or so to actually publish it. I was scared out of my mind for how it would be received, but I was blown away by the encouragement and "me too's" from so many people. I had people I hadn't talked to in years send me messages encouraging me they felt the same way and they were thankful I was bold enough to write it. I also had people I didn't know sharing it with their friends. I was completely humbled, to say the least. 

Italy. I don't have any Italian descent in me whatsoever, but my love for their food draws me to their country. To be able to visit the Vineyards in the fall and walk along the stone-cobbled streets of Rome, visiting the Colosseum and eating a hearty bowl of pasta sound like a dream come true. 

9. Who is your biggest inspiration?
I'm going to have to go with Travis. I know that's your typical wife answer but it's so true. He's inspired me to be a better person, encouraging me to be a better wife, mother, friend, daughter, and follower of Christ, and pushing me to achieve goals I would try to snuff out for fear of rejection or because I think they're silly. I'm proud of the man he has become, and I thank God for bringing him in my life and putting up with me after 15 years. 

10. What is the most random fact about you?
I was born with a broken rib that never healed properly. It sticks out from my body but no one can see it or feel it because it's under my right boob.

11. Is your life how you pictured it would be when you were younger? Explain!
Yes! Well, almost. The wife and mother part, definitely. That's all I ever wanted to be, a wife and a mother. I did think I would be a teacher but that didn't happen (I'm totally fine with it). And I never imagined I'd be a missionary. But looking back over my life I know exactly how I got to where I am today, and I'm so thankful God stuck by my side through it all, guiding me and protecting me for his glory.

Here are the bloggers I'm nominating for the Liebster Award! Congrats Ladies!

Callie from Notes by Callie

Sarah Elizabeth from SEB

Allison from Nestful of Love

Kristin from Splashing in Still Water

Carly from Carly Jones Music

Tiffany from Seeing Sunshine

Jodie from Big Sky to Big Apple

Here are my questions for my nominated bloggers to answer:
1. Why did you start your blog?
2. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your 13 year old self?
3. What are three things you can't live without?
4. Cat or Dog? Why?
5. What is your guilty pleasure tv show or movie?
6. Where was your last, best vacation?
7. Where do you get your inspiration to write?
8. What do you have for breakfast?
9. What is your best feature?
10. What would plan B have been, career wise?
11. Would you still blog if you knew no one would read it?

Looking forward to reading your answers and learning more about you lovely ladies!

Thank you again, Meredith, for nominating me. You made my year, for sure! Also, I want to thank Erin at Truthfully Told who nominated me last week as well--I'm so honored! Be sure to check her out too! Her writings are raw, inspiring, and so beautifully written.

Happy Writing!


  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

  2. Your blog is so motivating in MANY ways, one of which being that you inspired me to start a blog! Keep on writing and sharing, Jess, we are all better for it! xoxo!

    1. You are too kind! Thank you!! I'm so humbled to know my writing was your inspiration to begin blogging. That means so much! You keep on writing too, Meredith! You have a real gift of reaching out to others through your words. ❤️

  3. I loved reading your answers! Thanks for nominating me!