Liebster Award

Okay, now that all the blog tour and Q&A stuff are over, I decided it was time to go scrolling through the 190+ posts in my pesky draft section of the blog and decide what to tackle next. And what do you know? I stumbled upon an ancient post (about a month old) that I completely forgot to publish. >.< Emma tagged me for this award a while back. Thanks, lovely! (Emma has a fabulous blog, so be sure to check her out and give her a follow! :D)

THE RULES:

1). Thank the person who nominated you. 
2). Display your award

3). Answer the questions you were asked
4). Nominate 5 bloggers
5). Ask 6 new questions
6). Let your nominees know they were nominated.

Emma's questions:

What is something your mom does that makes you feel loved? Oh, soooooooo many things!! It's impossible to choose just one. :) She was with me every step of the way on my writing journey for The Whispers God Gives, offering her feedback and encouragement. Even now, she continues to endorse, influence, and remain my #1 fan. :D
In the morning, if I'm awake early enough, Mom will pop in my bedroom on her way downstairs to smile and say she loves me. During the day, she's there to answer my questions, offer her wise counseling, or just listen as I share my heart. And of course we can't forget the a.m.a.z.i.n.g. meals she makes for our large family! 
In the evening, when Mom and I are in our separate bathrooms brushing our teeth and getting ready for bed, we'll knock patterns on the wall to each other (and yes, we like to joke that the walls in this house are paper-thin. XD) 
Sorry not sorry, friends, but my mom is truly the best!! <3

What is your favorite natural phenomenon? Why? Hmmm, probably ice glaciers. Why? Because I had to look the word "phenomenon" up in the dictionary to answer this question, and the example they gave included ice glaciers. *laughs*

What are three of your quirkiest habits? Picking up things with my feet (literally, I can lift just about anything using only my toes . . . don't ask. it comes from years of practice), handling my favorite books with the utmost care (what? you do it too? great! maybe it's not such a quirky habit, then), and . . . hmm . . . not sure I have a third one. *shrugs*

What do you and ducks have in common? Uhhh, a love for fresh bread and cool water? :D

What do people overestimate/underestimate about you? Overestimate? The "nice" side of me. Contrary to what some people may be inclined to think as they read my well-written, organized, always-pointing-back-to-Christ posts and see my behavior outside the home, I'm a wretched sinner too. I mess up more times than I'd like to admit and struggle daily with anxiety, the need to surrender, patience, and self-control.
Underestimate? Just how much I care for any one particular person. I firmly believe that whoever God places in my path has a purpose in my life and I in theirs. I long to show them love and friendship in ways they've never experienced before. If I've met you, I'm not about to forget you. Virtual friends and blog viewers also have a special part of my heart. :)

Do you believe in penguins? (This is a very controversial topic, so please be thoughtful in your answer.) Well, sure, I believe that penguins exist!! I think they're extraordinary creatures, and I'd love to meet one in person someday. :)

This was a lot of fun!! Now, for my six questions . . . 

What's one thing your dad does that makes you feel loved?
Do you consider yourself a morning person?
Would you rather watch movies or TV shows (or neither)?
Can you describe to me one exciting moment of your life when you felt like you were walking on air?
If you had to change your name, what would you change it to, and why?
What's one book on your TBR that you absolutely can't WAIT to read?

I nominate:

Caleigh @ Caleigh's Random Thoughts
Caitlyn @ Flight of the Quill
Annika @ Annika Lorraine
Izzy @ Dappled Sunshine
Brooklyn @ Five Shekels
Rhoda, Lilly, Sarah Grace, & Elate (in the comments!)

. . . as well as anyone else who'd like to do this award, whether on their own blogs or in the comment section below. :D I look forward to reading everyone's answers!!

Blessings,

Ellen S.

Just because . . . here's a picture of one of the gorgeous roses I found while on my walk today. :)

p.s. Have you noticed that Ellen's Musings is officially six people away from fifty followers?? It seems so surreal. You guys are amazing! <3 And if you're stalking me right now and debating about pushing the "follow" button, allow me to give you a little extra incentive: fifty followers = another awesome giveaway. :)