One nice part of spending the weekends in the mountains is escaping the winter valley fog. As I drive up the hill and the greyness disappears behind me I feel my spirits lifting. Seeing the sunrise over the Sierras makes up for any early morning grumblies I might have.

I think that must be one reason why Michael Ann from The Big GreenBowl awarded me the Sunshine Award! Michael Ann is one of the best baking bloggers out there-everything she creates and blogs about is super yummy and easy to make – I just made her Buttery Almond Crunch recipe this week!

Here are the rules for accepting this award:

1. Thank the person who gave this award and write a post about it.

2. Answer the following questions below.

3. Pass the award to fabulous bloggers, link their blogs and let them know you awarded them.

Favorite color?

Black. I wear it every day, usually with other neutrals and the occasional leopard print for pizzazz. Some people think black feels depressing-not me. It makes me feel like me.

Favorite animal?

If I have to be around animals-within touching distance-it would be a dog. I like them hairy, soft and just the right size for my lap. Not those kind of dogs that fit in a purse-they have to be big enough to take on a walk.

Favorite number?

16. The best elementary classroom I ever had, my favorite president, but not my favorite year to be alive. John Lennon died on my 16^th birthday-that is all I remember about it.

Favorite drink?

Strong French roast coffee with a good dollop of real half and half. Several cups get me going every morning.

Facebook or Twitter?

When I can figure out the new formats, it’s Facebook. I’m constantly amazed how this application has reconnected me with old friends, helped me make new ones, and lets me talk to people around the world.

Your passion?

Mothering. Every morning when I kiss my children awake I am awed that they are in my life. I have never before felt so much love, humbleness, laughter, pain, and joy.

Giving or getting presents?

Giving, especially those that I’ve been planning for a long time. I love thinking of something a person would never buy for themselves, something that will bring a little beauty or happiness to their lives.

Favorite day?

The day that ends with a smile on my face. The day that my child hugged me. The day that someone said thank you for helping me. The day that I learned something about myself. The day that I kissed my children goodnight.

Favorite flower?

Tuberose. They are hard to grow, overpoweringly fragrant, and grow straight and tall on their own.

I am happy to pass along the Sunshine Awards to the following blogs-be sure to visit them and see why they make me smile!

Scribblesaurus

Catharsis

Forkednighties

Adventures in Alyssaland

Thinking In My Head

Perspective Parenting

Mommy LaDy Club
The Organic Blonde

You and Your Teen = A Perfect Partnership

Please, Don't Go Outside

A Year of Change and Possibilities: January, February, March, April 2014

Jennifer Wolfe

Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.