Monday, December 29, 2014

Family Gatherings

Christmas afternoon found us traveling to New York for Christmas dinner with Dave's side of our family. It was a gorgeous day that felt far more like Easter than Christmas, if truth be known. 
It was so lovely to be able to be part of the Christmas day celebration! With Dave having only Christmas day off from work, traveling for more than just that day was not possible for us. We are so grateful that Aunt Lucia and Uncle Joe were hosting the family this Christmas so that we could be part of the fun this year! 
 Yesterday saw my parents, brother and sister journeying to our house for dinner (lasagna made by Dave) and a Christmas celebration. 
This beautiful creation (an oven rack puller/pusher) was made by my insanely talented father. I had seen one in a catalog and thought that it would be perfect for the girls to use when using the oven. Rather than purchase that one, I asked if my dad could make us one. Forgetting that I had asked for this, and not expecting it to be skeleton key shaped (though with having keys like that in our old farmhouse it truly is the perfect choice), it took me a minute to figure out what it was (where they buying us a new house?!). Nope, not buying a house just fulfilling a request. Mom and dad did share with us that the wood used to make this gorgeous item came from the tree that had held the best rope swing ever. While we are sad that that tree is no longer standing we are happy that it will continue to live on for years (and maybe even generations) to come. Daddy, you never cease to amaze us! Thank you so very much! 
A much hoped for Christmas wish has come true! 
These gifts were a total surprise to David and I. We had no idea what these boxes would contain. 
Inside each box were items made by my Aunt Gail. My father's only sister is as insanely talented as he is. Though her craft item of choice is not wood or stained glass but fabric and thread. She inherited her mother's gift for sewing, and over the years has created some wonderful gifts for all of us (and this now includes her great-nieces). Last night, the girls opened these boxes to discover some wonderful creations. The first was a nightgown and mop cap. The mop caps had been given to Kaitlyn and I-along with matching nightgowns- when we were kids. The nightgowns were much loved and totally worn out but the mop caps lived on. Mom discovered them and enlisted Aunt Gail in the making of new nightgowns and the sprucing up of the aforementioned mop caps. Not one to stop there, she decided to to add to the gift and chose two dolls from her mother's (my grandmother's) extensive collection. She went on to create a matching outfit for each doll and enclosed them in the gift as well. What a truly incredible surprise! 
The dolls chosen for each girl were just perfect for them. Emma's doll's hair color is very similar to hers, and Grace's is too. It's as if Grandma Ruth knew all those years ago that she'd eventually have two great-granddaughters who these dolls would go to. Oh, how I wish my grandmother was still alive so she could see how instantly these two dolls were loved. 
"I love you!" xo

12 comments:

  1. How lovely... The dolls and nightgowns are gorgeous.
    Is this your first year doing Little Passports? We opted for Kiwi Crate this year. I'd love to know how you like it throughout the year. :-)

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    1. Yes, this will be our first year with Little Passports. Dave's sister and her husband were so sweet to give that to the girls for Christmas! They went with the "early explorers" edition (new this year) as it looked more appropriate for Grace and Emma. The older kids addition is *much* more wordy so we thought it best to start with this one. I'll be sure to give a review on it in a couple of months (after we've spent some time with it)! Kiwi Crate has always intrigued me too! I'd love to hear your thoughts on that one! xo

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  2. Wow, what special gifts. Something to treasure forever.

    Looks like a wonderful few days of celebrating Shel. All the best to you guys as you welcome 2015!!! xo

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    1. It was delightful! Thanks, Kim! Have a wonderful start to 2015 too! xo

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  3. How perfect, what a wonderful family you have. Happy New Year to you all x

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  4. Love the dolls and the sweet outfits, what a beautiful gift. Happy holidays!!

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    1. Thank you so much! We were all very surprised! xo

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  5. It looks like you all had a wonderful Christmas! The gifts are fabulous- definitely my kind of thing. The oven rack puller/pusher your dad made is fantastic- what a treasure! Homemade gifts are the best! You'll have to let me know how the Little Passports is- I wanted to do that for Alice this year but wasn't sure about it. Give us a review when you have the chance! :)

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    1. I keep hoping that one year we'll get to the point where all gifts are homemade as they really are the best! Something to strive for I suppose! I will surely give you the scoop on Little Passports! I'm excited to see what they are like! xo

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  6. It really was! Hope your holidays were just as lovely! xo

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  7. This post made me smile, Shel. Your photos are so wonderful and the thought that your family put into each of the gifts they gave was just so incredibly special. The key that your dad made for the girls to use is beyond beautiful and the fact that it was made from such a special tree is just beyond words for me. How truly blessed you are to have such a wonderful family. If I had a do-over with the kids, I would've made it more of a handmade holiday. Enjoy your new gifts in good health!!! xoxo

    ~ Wendy

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