Gifts of Love

Gifts from the heart, gifts of time, gifts of LOVE...you mean so much to me. - Julie

I have been blessed with a mother and mother-in-law who know how to give these special gifts. Year after year they bless us with those things of an eternal nature, with deep meaning and where talents shine, not hide. Rich memories are rediscovered and remembered through their thoughtfulness. I am forever grateful.

Our "baby" gets her own calendar from Grandma!

The Christmas Advent Calendar provides daily excitement through the month of December

My mother-in-law has made a Christmas Advent Calendar for our family and also for each of our children. 9 calendars she has labored over - 60+ hours for each one; now that is LOVE. Each felt piece is so carefully hand cut and sewn to represent special symbols of Christmas. This is an exciting tradition for our children...Christmas would not be complete at our house without it. Grandma has provided this special keepsake for each of our children, a tradition they can bring to their family and give to their children. This is just one of the beautiful things she's made for their future home. Thank you, Grandma!!

This year for Christmas, my mother compiled a book of my Dad's writings (he passed away in 1994 when I was 20). What a marvelous treasure for her posterity - spending the time sorting through mounds of information and presenting it in a way that we can all read and refer to. I have been reading this book for the last month - crying, laughing, pondering, remembering. Thanks, Mama, for creating such a fine gift that will bless our family for years and years.

Writings from the past to give encouragement and purpose for today

These gifts and so many more over the years are a treasure to me - so much more so than a movie or a book or this or that electronic. Gifts from the heart - they have meaning and represent LOVE. Because of these special remembrances, I have the desire to give similar gifts to my children - gifts that will hold a special place in their heart for years to come. Many of them are still young and may not appreciate them now. But, in time they will. This desire led me to create a special book this Christmas - depicting our amazing Christmas celebration in 2010. Making this book brought back such fond memories of our family time a year ago. I'm thankful for digital technology (www.shutterfly.com) that allows for quick and easy convenience. 

The finished product

See Inside

Christmas Morning (Grody Picture)

Note: If your child is not old enough to take care of their "special things", keep them hidden away until that time comes.

Create gifts for your children that give of your time, show your love, and are of deep and lasting value. These special gifts provide love in times of trial and give meaning and appreciation to valued relationships. 


More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!