Counting my blessings

Sometimes I just can't believe the generosity of others. After being MIA from the blog world for a few days, I get a message from Mary at Gettysburg Homestead saying that she has a surprise for me over at her blog. And what do you suppose I find once I get there?? This lovely and extremely kind award.... I simply can't believe that she has awarded me this, especially given the fact that I have been doing some whining on my blog lately..... But, THANK YOU THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart, Mary. Here are the rules to this little bit of fun! 1. The winner can put the logo on her blog. 2. Link the person you received your award from. 3. Nominate at least 5 other blogs. 4. Put links of those blogs on yours. 5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you’ve nominated. And the nominees are........ 1. Kim at Bitty Bits and Pieces. She makes some wonderful quilts and is so giving to all those around her. She also shares wonderful recipes, too! 2.Linda at All Stitched Up.She has organized the most fabulous swaps. She is a very talented seamstress and her stitching work is impeccable. 3.Cori at familywithfivekids Cori is so dedicated to her sweet family.She is always volunteering at her kids schools. She is a scrapbook aficionado and gifted card maker! 4.Tara at Just the Bergie Boyz. Tara is also a very talented quilter and crafter. She recently made THE cutest pincushion for Linda's pincushion swap. She also posts the sweetest pictures of her boys. 5.Nicole at Our Cozy Nest. She posts some wonderful pictures of her home (and those of others!)on her blog. And do you want to hear a strange coincidence??? Nicole and I attended the same high school!!(I do believe there were many years in between, though! haha!) 6.Anna at Thimbleanna. Anna is so funny! I always have a little giggle every time I read her blog. She also leaves the sweetest comments! Then, I received this wonderful PIF gift from Kindra at Three Guys, a Girl and a Prim place. I just KNEW she would send something wonderful! Thanks Kindra!! It makes me want to get out all my fall decorations, even though it is still as hot as Hells Hinges here in AZ! :) Craig returned from China on Sunday. He brought so many wonderful gifts for the kids and me!! He called it our "Chinese Christmas"! He brought me this beautiful pearl necklace, bracelet and earring set. He also brought me a little sugar bowl...not for sugar, though. He said it's for my "trophy case". (That's what he calls my curio cabinet.) He is so funny!! Here is a little something I have been working on for my Whatcha' Working on Wednesday post..... It's a Halloween table runner. I seem to be making a lot of runners these days. I know it's because (a) they work up faster than a quilt (b) they are easier than a quilt and (c) I am a finish it tonight kinda gal!! Well, I am off to prepare dinner for the missionaries. This is their third time in as many weeks. They are a lot of fun. I am going to get some pictures of them tonight!