Does Show and Tell bring back fun, fond memories of childhood days gone by?
Well, I am joining in this Friday’s Show and Tell, during the midst of procrastinating, I mean packing, to honor my sister in law who passed away from breast cancer.
I have shared a bit of her story, but there is no other time like Christmas when the memories of her presence ring more clearly in my mind.
She would have been a “famous” blogger. I am certain of it.
Not only was she wired that way, but she lived the ‘Feathering her Nest’ lifestyle before the term was ever coined.
Every year we received hand made gifts from her, and I thought I would take a minute to showcase a few of them.
Well, I am joining in this Friday’s Show and Tell, during the midst of procrastinating, I mean packing, to honor my sister in law who passed away from breast cancer.
I have shared a bit of her story, but there is no other time like Christmas when the memories of her presence ring more clearly in my mind.
She would have been a “famous” blogger. I am certain of it.
Not only was she wired that way, but she lived the ‘Feathering her Nest’ lifestyle before the term was ever coined.
Every year we received hand made gifts from her, and I thought I would take a minute to showcase a few of them.
As I was in Michael’s last night, the kids started declaring, “Mom, there’s a reindeer just like Auntie Dawn made.”
Sure enough, these golden reindeer line many of your homes.
The difference with mine?
My sis in law made this over 15 years old. Yes, she did….decoupaged it and everything.
Now the question remains? Did they copy her or did she copy them?
Sure enough, these golden reindeer line many of your homes.
The difference with mine?
My sis in law made this over 15 years old. Yes, she did….decoupaged it and everything.
Now the question remains? Did they copy her or did she copy them?
It’s such a blessing to bring her memory to life during the holidays. Every time we unpack a new box, we share all the ornaments that she cross stitched, painted and sewed.
And ladies, nearly two decades ago, she was already painting her brick fireplace white.
If I am truly showing and telling all, then I must share my deal on that awesome “bird” house (is it a bird house?).I bought it for $4 dollars at Hobby Lobby. I have only gone to HL twice (gasp), even though we have one in our city, and this was marked to $8…80% off.
Well, my yard saling mentality kicked in when I noticed that it did have quite a few chipped paint areas on the top.
So, I OH SO SWEETLY asked (that’s the key here…no entitlement attitude or it won’t work) to see the manager at the check out line. I told him, I knew this was already a wonderful discount and I completely understood if he couldn’t mark it down more, but would he consider bringing it down a bit more since I was buying an ENTIRE buggy full of merchandise. I pointed out three items that I thought were still marked a bit high and he took ANOTHER 50% off the mark down.
“OH. MY. That is SO generous, Mr. Manager…thank you so very much.”
Yep, that’s what I said..except for the Mr. Manager part, and I meant it with all of my heart.
Ladies, it’s always worth asking…
but that was a complete tangent just for my Balancing the Budget readers.
It was a reindeer year…..here is another sweet one that she crafted – don’t ask me how.
And here is a sneak peek at my Nesterized garland that I made. Yipee!!
We’ll show it off Dec. 10th for her Garland Round up.
Pray for us as we leave tonight at 9pm and drive through the night to Orlando.Any one want to vicariously live through me?
All 24 football players, families that are going and our little ‘ole mini van squished to the gills with all 7 of us, will be caravaning TOGETHER through the night? Can I just ask….what is the coach thinking in his insanity? A 12 hour ride will quickly become a 18 hour ride, but I know bonding will be had by all, and I am the QUEEN of Forced Bonding.
This is the same coach who had us caravan to our regional game with our hazzards blinking the whole way. You gotta love him!
Weigh in is Saturday morning and the first game at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Arena is Sunday at 3:00.
Blogging at it’s BEST next week straight from Cinderella’s castle…well, maybe from the football stands, but…you’ll never know. 🙂
You have wonderful memories here. I pray a hedge of protection around your automobile and those going with you. May Angels make the path for you to follow.
I love the arrangements you did. I like the deer throughout.
Have a safe time traveling.
Have so much fun and be safe!
Just said a prayer for you and the team for safety in travels and a fun, fun game!!! 🙂
I love the reindeer that your sis-in-law did! They are so beautiful, and what lovely reminders of her! Can’t wait to see the rest of your garland, it looks so pretty!
Blessings,
Stacey
Wonderful memories. I think it is safe to say she was way ahead of her time in decorating! One question: WHYYYYYYY have you only been to Hobby Lobby twice?!!!!!?!?
Wow…beautiful.
Have a wonderful trip to Disney, my favorite place on earth.
And could you please share some of your black bean dip recipes??? I simply LOVE black beans and would love some ways to sneak them into my kids’ food. They aren’t crazy about the beans. 🙂
Sandy Cooper
Praying for safe travels…I’m betting it will be lots of fun!
I’ve only been to Hobby Lobby once 🙁 We don’t have one here, but I went with my sister once in Colorado. We have other stores though that I think are just as good.
Thanks for sharing your pretty arrangement. It looks great.
First, prayers for your safe ‘journey’, Second, they copied her! What memories she made:) Third, love Hobby Lobby! (it never hurts to ask:)
Have fun!
First…your decorations are lovely, and so is your family. Secondly, you’re headed down my way!! I’m praying for your safe arrival, and that you will have a great time! We just got back from a visit to Texas–16 hours–know how it is!! 😉
Blessings, Becky
Wow, looks beautiful, Christmas central!
Hope your trip goes well and everyone brushes their teeth well and wears good deodorant and all being in such ‘close quarters’ with one another. LOL!
Your garland is beautiful and so is the memory of your SIL. We do the same thing with my MIL's things. She loved to cross-stitch & it's a great reminder to see them in our home.
Have a safe trip.
A wonderful read. Everything is so beautiful. Have a safe trip.
Zaroga
I hope that you have a safe trip to Florida.
What a wonderful way to honor the memory of your sister in law. Everything is so pretty.
Your sis-in-law was very talented….it is so neat that you have precious memories of her.
I wish you a safe trip to Orlando…have fun!
What wonderful memories…I love the reindeer…my prayers and thoughts are with you:)
Wow. She was quite the talent, wasn’t she?! I will be thinking of and praying for you tonight as you are traveling. I hope you are able to bask in the crazy that will be this weekend. Beauty and Bedlam indeed.
Love that reindeer. Its looks sort of retro. Beautiful mantle/garland, too!
What a wonderful tribute to your sister-in-law. Her crafts are very special. Amazing talent.
Linda C
What wonderful decorations and so special to be made by such a talented lady as your aunt.
Safe travel to you all!
Your Sister~in~Law was very talented…you are so sweet to honor her memory…Blessings for a safe trip…
Susie
What a creative and talented sister you had, and how wonderful that you have beautiful treasures that she made. Your memories of her brought tears to my eyes. Have a good, safe trip. laurie
What special tokens of memories you have.
Hope your trip to the Magic Kingdom is fun. Please enjoy a Dole pineapple float (near Aladin’s carpet ride) for me. They’re the BEST.
ONLY TWO TIMES woman?? What are ya, crazy?? 🙂 I love that bird house, and you are a great bargainer. You need to go to NYC, you’d do major damage with those skills in China Town!