Cabbage and black-eyed peas? Check. We just finished our New Years Day meal –yes, a day late thanks to not having the energy to cook yesterday due to colds- so we’re ready for 2011. I love all the possibilities wrapped up in a new year. I can put my shoes away one time and feel like I’m a brand new, clean, organized person who doesn’t leave her stuff everywhere.
I recently read a letter in Dear Abby that was so appalling to me that I wrote Abby a letter in response and even used my real name instead of my pen name. A woman wrote in saying that she and her niece had a tradition of getting together every year to make handmade Christmas cards. Last year the woman received a check in the mail from one of card recipients with a note that said something to the effect of “here’s some money so you can buy real cards next year.” What a disgusting response. I hope that woman and her niece find some nice friends who will appreciate their cards. Not only do Trent and I genuinely enjoy making things, we also love receiving things that other people have made as well. The handmade gifts abounded this year, so here’s a hearty shout-out to everyone who put their time, energy, creativity, spirit, and heart into gifts for our family…
My brother Hunter painted this picture of birds for me. Again, is it fair that one person should be so good at some many things? I considered stealing the painting he made for my sister, but in the spirit of Christmas I refrained from hiding it and let her take it home.
My sister Casey photo-shopped the picture of Rush (below the birds) for Trent and also made bath salts for me. I've already used them once, so relaxing.
In Trent’s family, we drew names this year and made a gift for that person. Trent’s mom had me and I received this fabulous twirly scarf, which received multiple compliments when I wore it to church today.
Trent’s sister Kelley had Rush’s name and made him a picnic blanket which rolls up and ties for easy transport. We were already using it on Christmas morning. I really hope the name drawing/gift making sticks as a new tradition. (Side note and confession: I drew my niece Trinity’s name and haven’t finished my gift yet…maybe tomorrow?!? I stalled after cutting out the fabric. Trent finished his gift for our nephew Tanner, so I’m the hold up on getting that package in the mail.)
My mom gave me the Christmas tablecloth that my grandmother embroidered for her. My grandmother made it while recovering from both a heart transplant and eye surgery, so I plan on honoring her time and love by using the tablecloth.
Rush’s godmother Kate, the reining queen of the handmade, sent him a very cool mat that hold three matchbox cars, includes a road for driving them on, and rolls up to contain it all and take places. She also sent the green monster that, in the picture below, is about to eat the road.
Then there is our neighbor Alan, who instead of giving us a gift should have sent us a bill for advice, electricity, and sandpaper after Trent was in his woodshop garage for hours, night after night, working on his own Christmas projects. Instead Alan made a nutcracker for us and his family gave it to us with a box full of nuts. Not only was it incredibly thoughtful, but I’ve always wanted to have a bowl of shelled nuts with a nutcracker out during the holidays.
I’m not forgetting Nick and Kellaura who, besides being the most thoughtful gift givers ever, made homemade peanut butter cups for us. If we’re getting into baked goods…the peppermint cupcakes from Kim, the toffee cookies from my mom…yum…obviously none of that is pictured because it’s gone and contributing to the baby weight I’ll have to start losing soon. If I did forget to mention any handmade gifts, it’s only because they have already become such a part of our daily lives that I didn’t remember to take a picture. To anyone who has ever made a gift for Trent, Rush, or me: thank you. I will never send you a check to buy something “real” next year and I will always use what you make for me.
(Related note: One of my favorite short stories is “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker. If you make a gift for us, we use it. Happy New Year.)
Forgot to tell you- that's a freezer monster. He's full of rice so he can live in the freezer and make you feel better when you fall and hurt yourself. My very accident prone girls have them (sort of) and I thought Rush was wild and crazy enough to need his very own.
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