Thoughtful Recognition...

I recently received a lovely blog award from my pal, Dee Dee over at Dee Dee's Craft Spot. She stated in her post that I "knock her socks off" over here at Brynwood. That's quite a compliment, my friend!

Now, I need to award three other blogs, and list ten things that "knock my socks off".

I'd like to pass this blog award to the following blogs:

• Debra over at Common Ground always offers up oodles of inspiration sprinkled with her special brand of humor. I love visiting her and I'm sure you will, too! Debra has a second blog, A Day In The Life, which offers a Bible study for those of us seeking to explore and grow in the understanding of our faith.
  
• Twyla and Lindsey at Two Crazy Crafters. Oh, goodness this mother/daughter team have boundless energy and their wellspring of ideas are always bubbling over. Check out the girls!
• Anne at Fiona and Twig (Don't you just love her blog name?). A junkin', craftin', stylin' gal who makes my day brighter with her F & T posts and visits here at Brynwood. She's got great taste and offers up many of her finds in her Etsy shop. Tell her I said, "Hey".

Now...For those Ten Things That Knock My Socks Off

1. My talented Handsome husband. After twenty eight years together and twenty five years of marriage, this man still knocks my socks off...mind, body, soul and rhythm. 'nuff said.
2. My grandchildren. They are intelligent, beautiful and so much fun. I'm constantly awed by their loving personalities...and their vocabularies! Wow. Yup, they knock my socks off!
3. Our sons and their wives. Both loving families are the incubators for our wonderful grandchildren. They are hardworking, supportive of each other and all-around great people.
   
4. My mum. Her capacity to love, her inner strength and her faith make her a daily inspiration in my life.
5. My BFF, Lee, who is the hardest working women I know. Her employer gets 2000% for their money and really don't appreciate exactly what she brings to the table. I mean it. Would you go into work in the middle of the night to file forms online when the computers would be least clogged with people trying to do the same thing you were? She did and does on a regular basis. All that and a fun-loving gal, to boot!
6. My brother, Del, who shelters his family and friends with his love of God and His word. He is one of the few people I personally know who speaks freely of his beliefs. He really walks the walk and I admire him immensely.
7. Eli - I don't even know where to start. Your strength in the face of unspeakable loss, the love and support you give to your children and grandchildren, and the friendship you give to me...I love you and hope to be as good and loving a wife as you are.
8. My girlfriends at Project Linus in Port Charlotte who have created (knitted, crocheted or quilted) literally thousands of blankets for babies, young children and teenagers. There are so many individuals who go to sleep with a warm hug each night because of these generous women.
9. Kes. Old dogs really develop special personalities. She makes me laugh and cry. She humbles me with her unconditional love, her blind trust and her friendship. I joke about her regularly, but darn, I love this little Labrador!
10. All of the friends and acquaintances I have met because I decided to start blogging last March. I really enjoy my daily "fixes" from those of you who have your own sites, or who leave comments on mine. You are all the best of the best of Blogland. Thank you!
    
11. The spirit of the Haitian people who, in spite of immense loss and hardship, still find a way to carry on their daily lives and reasons to smile.

I know that was eleven...but I just had to include the last one. Please remember the Haitian people in your daily prayers.

Thanks again, Dee Dee. Not only for the award, but for inspiring me to sit quietly and really evaluate what knocks my socks off. Sending a big hug your way.