THE SMITTEN KITTEN ~ SOME GRATITUDE AND GRAPHICS

I'm a smitten kitten and am tickled pink by the genoristy and kindness of many of my fellow bloggers this week.  They're simply the cat's meow, so I thought I'd send a little love back into the blogosphere by posting some free clipart/graphics:  three vintage cat images from my personal collection.  Download, save, create, enjoy!

Cats in Hats

Cat School

Tabby Twosome

Now, indulge me just a moment as I give a shout out to the cool cats that made my week:

SWEET JESSIE:  misadventures in craft, thrifting, sewing, life... ~ If you don't know her already, well, you simply must pay her a visit!  I've been following her blog for a long time; enjoying her style, her crafty inspirations, tutorials and charming Etsy store.  On a recent visit to SWEET JESSIE I entered a giveaway and ***Great Hammer of Thor*** I won!  I'm so excited about receiving One-Yard Wonders, reading, creating and reviewing.  And wasn't her award post (above) just about the cleverest thing ever?

Polly, The 5th Sister ~ I love her for her wit, her wisdom, her humor and her inspiring faith!  I'm honored that she has tagged me as a Theta:  The True Authentic Mom Award.  Cool!  This award comes with a few rules:  If you are tagged you must list 5 things that make you a true, authentic mom and then pass along the tag to 5 other deserving bloggers.  Okay, I can do that.  Hmmm... let's see....

1)  I'm a True Authentic Mom because I've proudly worn a macaroni necklace, and have sported the classic baby spit-up corsage without shame.

2)  I'm a True Authenic Mom because I can say that this "job" is harder than I ever imagined, but it is also way more rewarding.

3)  I'm a True authenic Mom because I've taught my girls to be kind and compassionate to others, polite, gracious, good-sports, and most importantly to be themselves.  Most days, my lessons seem to have sunk in.

4)  I'm a True authenic Mom because the floor of my car looks like a page out of an "I Spy" book.  If we are ever stranded out in the wilderness, there will be enough cheerios and pretzel sticks to keep us alive for at least a month.  There is plenty of flammable material to use as fodder for a fire, and enough marbles, jacks, tiny toys, and stickers to keep us busy until we're rescued. 

5)  I'm a True authentic Mom because I've become an expert in splinter & chewing gum removal, taking sharpie off of antique furniture and walls, feigning interest in Pokemon, making costumes on the fly, parties on the cheap, and nutritious meals in a wink. 

I'm tagging:

Tracie of Stir-Fry Awesomeness ~ "A  part-time speech language pathologist with a husband, 2 wild boys, and a passive-aggressive hamster that she is trying to sleep train. She enjoys pop culture, reading, sewing, and internet stalking. Her addictions include Retin-A, coffee, and clean laundry. She's winning the battle against anorexia through non-prescription Zebra Cakes and Ben & Jerry's Chubby Hubby."

Lee "the Hot Flash Queen" at Hormones Headaches & Hotflashes ~ "A work at home and stay at home mom to an 8 year old girl and a 5 year old boy and 2 St. Bernard/Great Danes! She considers herself a closet crafter and idea gal. Learn all about her trials and tribulations and successes!"

Nicole of Tattoos &Teething Rings ~ "A typical housewife and mother of two...with tattoos and a husband in a touring rock band. They're normal with a twist. She enjoys getting new ink as much as trying new recipes and doing repairs around the house, or printing band tee shirts and volunteering in her daughter's class."

MJ at Dirty Little Confessions ~ "A 30-something that is trying to juggle being a wife, mother, and full time employee. She's a little nuts (ok alot nuts) and loves her girls more than anything.

She's trying to re-find herself and that includes her Spiritual self - and is hoping that her blog will allow her an outlet and some support along my journey"

Picked up this chic little number from my friend Nicole of Miss Dot's Cupcake Spot.  Her heavenly treats will make you swoon!  Wonderful recipes, incredible sense of humor, and a great sense of style.  You've gotta see what this gal can do with a pair of tinsnips and some sheet metal! 

The rule to this award is simple:  "Pass on the award to 10 other people while notifying and prompting them to do the same."

My nominees are:

1.  Holly & Charisse of Life Laugh Latte

2. Holly of 504 Main

3.  Karen at The Graphic's Fairy

4.  Sydney at Diapers and Deadlines:  Musings of a Media Mom

5.  Cathe at Just Something I Made

6.  Priscila at Little Miss Heirlooms

7.  Ginger The Seamstress of Avalon

8.  Willoughby from This Stop Willoughby

9.  Kelli at Sustaining Creativity in a Busy Mom's World

10.  Alexis at My Mama Made It

Lastly, my incredibly talented, fabulous friend Holly at 504 Main (whos book The Everything Wedding Etiquette Book is on bookstore shelves now!) was the recipient of a whole potpourri of awards -- all richly deserved -- and I was thrilled that the one she bestowed upon me was my absolute favorite of them all!  Holly, you know me so WELL!

There's no doubt in my mind that this one's getting passed on to:

Daffy of Batcrap Crazy