Window Charm and Charming Kids!

  It has been over four years since I have seen my grandkids so you can imagine just how elated I was when they arrived for the Thanksgiving holidays.  My oldest son, daughter-in-law and their kids came to spend five days with us which did, indeed, bring about the true meaning of the holiday spirit.  I only wish they could return for Christmas but I suppose that is too much to ask so I shall be happy about this visit!

  My handsome grandson is the typical little boy who would much rather be playing baseball, going fishing or playing some sort of video game than be bound by planned activities.  His MawMaw is only good at that fishing thing so most of his time was spent with PawPaw or his uncles.  They were more than happy to oblige his whims.  Most of my time with him was spent with early morning "snuggles" and his stories before the others got out of bed. That was a highlight since I got to know him as a seven year old and not a toddler.  He is full of ideas both serious and whimsical.  I am truly impressed with him and loved my "special" time.  My lovely granddaughter and I spent most of our time either cooking or crafting!  She has a love of creating which is right up my alley!  I turned her loose in the craftroom and told her that she could use any or all of the craft items found therein.  We spent hours happily among the beads, charms, canvases, paints and other supplies.

  I was truly amazed at some of her creations.  MawMaw kept her input to a minimum simply to watch her talents grow.  My assistance only came in the form of using the glue gun or other "not-kid-friendly" glues.  She did the rest.  After doing a painting, creating paper angel ornaments and a wearable headband, her thoughts went to the "jewels" she found in one box.  The box held everything from large rhinestones to light prisms.  Another box held broken jewelry that people donate to me.  She scavenged through the boxes and started putting pieces together until she created the loveliest "window charm".  Once she was finished, she presented the ornament to me as a gift.  My heart did a Grinch thing and grew three times its normal size!  

  This MawMaw cannot wait until the next visit.  I am sure the Grand Princess and I shall delve into more crafty things and even the Grand Prince asked to be taught a few things.  How cool is that?  Until then, I will hang onto memories and plan for the future.  Good times at the Little Bayou House...at least, for me.

One of a kind!

One of a kind gifts..those astonishing presents that knock your socks off..the lovingly, handmade gifts that make you think "Wow!". In the past two days, I have received two of those "one of a kind" gifts. Two incredibly awesome gifts that were each handmade..one by my daughter and son-in-law and the other by my niece. I am so impressed with the talent and love that was involved in creating these gifts!

First, I received a cookbook! The masterminds behind this lovely gift are none other than my daughter and son-in-law. These two seem to have the best time working together on things! My daughter created the cover for the book and my son-in-law took time from his job to do the inside. The recipes are dishes that they have cooked in the few months that they have been married. I have already had the honor of eating some of these dishes and can vouch for the tastiness of them! The cover of the book is so darling! My daughter chose denim and plaids to cover the book. She knows that I am a denim sort of person and would much rather be clad in jeans and a plaid, flannel shirt than any other clothing. On the front over the denim and plaid, she stitched a heart. On the inside of the back cover, there is a pocket that holds two pencils so I can add recipes. (She informed me that the pocket came off of a favorite pair of jeans.) They even added extra blank pages! I am thrilled to have this new addition to my cookbook collection..it is delightful!

The other gem of a gift came from my very, talented niece! She created a gorgeous Christmas ornament! The ornament is quite large and heavily jeweled. In making this, she recycled some old Mardi Gras beads, carefully cutting and gluing each in place. It is such a beautiful piece that come time to take down the tree, I am going to have a difficult time storing it! It might just find a place to reside for the entire year and not be stowed away! This sweet niece also made a wonderful initial wall plaque for my soon-to-be craft room/green house/herb house. This, she painted and decorated to be the happiest "B" in the world! I love it!

The time, effort and love that are put into gifts of this sort is what makes each so unique. Again, I am impressed with the immense talent involved in the making of each of these. I believe that I will be hard-pressed to find any gift that can compare with either. They are amazing and I truly love them! I am so blessed!