Gifts of Love

Things received in exchange for bits of paper then brought back home in bags are far less superior (in our home) to those that are created with love. In the latter case, the wrapped package is not the only gift, but presents alongside are the thoughts behind it, the time spent creating, and the anticipation in exchanging those personalized bits of love.

To me, there is no greater gift than the gift of time. A gift that cost moments, not pennies, is the most cherished of all.

Many moments were spent on Papa this birthday.

Plump Panda fingers, that lose more baby-clumsiness each and every day worked meticulously to string beads onto a keychain. Picking only the ones he thought Papa would like best. When I suggested a striped one, saying "oh-I bet Papa would like THAT one too!" he promptly filled an entire side with it.

And a peacock proud girl~who cleverly made a popup card, and a bookmark with the note PAPA LOVES BOOKS on a side all topped off with a blue ribbon. And then created a handful of valentines to be SURE he got the message that she loved him.

The children contemplated what Papa would love, made their gifts, wrapped them, hid them and eventually presented them. All by themselves.

While the little ones worked, I wrapped my gift to Papa with love moments too, as I prepared a feast, for my king. Ham and Cabbage, potatoes, onions, carrots, corn spoonbread, homecanned applesauce, artisan bread and Maple Syrup Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting.

I took this photo at the END of our meal~so yeah, I was a little overzealous!

Many moments, devoted happily to a most beloved man and wrapped in love.

(He did get a brought-home-in-bags gift too, one that he's been wanting for a while.
A harmonica and how-to-play book; the sounds of which, intermingled with giggles and song, filled these four walls gaily until children begrudgingly plunked their way up to bed.)