So Um… I Won the Iris Award for Mom Blog of the Year!

The name that flashed on the screen of my phone made me smile as I swiped to answer the call.

“OMG! You won!,” my dear friend Danica said as I Iaughed. “Mom Blog of the Year! Can you believe it?”

Honestly, no. Minutes before I was watching the Iris Awards livestream on my phone while sorting lights from darks. My pair of black joggers had dog hair on them that I couldn’t care to pick off and the shirt I was wearing? It may have been worn the day before. Who knows.

I had to laugh when Danica called because everything about the moment was a far cry from the red carpet award dinners that concluded every Mom 2.0 Summit for the past seven years.

As Mom 2.0 roommates for who knows how many years, Danica and I always have the fun of getting glammed up before the event. Long gowns, heels, makeup, champagne, photos in front of the step and repeat, and the nerves. These traditions from years past were nowhere to be found tonight.

“You didn’t get to make a speech,” Danica said as we reminisced about my previous Iris win. “Would you like to make one now? The nominees for Mom Blog of the Year are…”

Caught off guard, I didn’t know what to say. I told Danica it was ok. Unlike when I won an Iris Award for Philanthropic Work of the Year for my work in Haiti two years ago, I really was speechless. You never think you’re going to be the one who wins when you’re nominated by your peers for a category where your fellow nominees are just as inspiring.

This morning I woke up and wanted to share this win you. You’re the reason why I write and it seems more fitting to share my acceptance speech here. So here’s what I might have said underneath the bright lights on a stage in front of all of you as the awards were being live broadcast.

Iris Award for Mom Blog of the Year Acceptance Speech

Back in 2008 I started a blog to share what I knew about technology, parenting, and education. It was a time when blogs were a place to share our stories and serve as a resource. We didn’t start them to make money or to win awards and if that makes me sound old, that’s ok. I’m totally fine with being a card carrying member of the OG blogging group!

Over the years my blog has grown as I have, first sharing tech & education resources for toddlers and preschoolers, then tweens, and now teens!

My goal has always been to help other parents through my writing and bring awareness to causes I care about. I’m so glad I’ve been the person you’ve turned to for questions about tech and education as you’ve parented, especially now in the age of virtual school!

I never set out to write to win awards but to win this industry award by my peers feels absolutely amazing!

Thank you those who nominated me and the many of you who have been with me, reading and following along for years. Huge congratulations to last night’s winners and nominees who inspire me on a regular basis! I look forward to seeing you at Mom 2.0 2021 in Miami where I hope there will be fancy gowns, dancing, and all the hugs.

Until then, I’ll be here. Writing and sharing as I always do.

Images of past awards courtesy of Mom2Summit.