Sewing Napkins

There was some other sewing going on also.  Emily sewed napkins for her grandparents and aunt and uncle.  This went well into the night.  She picked out some beautiful fabric for them, each to match their respective kitchens.  She sewed them double sided which took some doing and some ironing.  They were beautiful, wrapped up with a silk ribbon. With a lot of perseverance and Grandma's sewing machine she got them done just in the nick.

Simply Celebrate

On the morning of Eli's birthday party he got a letter from his big brother across the country.  A long letter with some bark from the native trees and a local rock.  He sat and carefully read that letter.  When asked if I could read it he quickly replied, "No.  It's for ten year old boys."  He added the "boys" to ensure that I wouldn't say that I've been ten before and therefore am authorized to read it.    Also, there was a big box with a super cool, new Lego set.  Can't beat that.  Well, maybe having
  him here would be that.  He did get to talk to him on the phone and as he did he walked around the house kicking a ball.

When I asked Eli what he wanted to do for his birthday he kept answering the same thing, "Hang out with my friends".  I would ask if he wanted to go to the beach, have a fire, go skating or mini-golfing.  Nope.  Just hang out with friends.  So that's what it was.  There was a lot of laughing, tag, running and wrestling.  One of his presents was a big, big box and in the box was another box and another and so on.  All wrapped.  Then in the smallest box was a brick and next to the brick was a beautiful gold envelope and in the envelope was a special season's pass to the local amusement park.  We laughed and laughed.  A rousing game of night tag was followed by sugarless mixed berry pie.  Just as requested.  It was surely delicious! 

Presents Handmade

Here are some pictures of a few of the handmade gifts we exchanged this year.  I love all the work that goes on behind closed doors.  Emily made this lovely lavender lotion for me and lip balm.  I came home from running errands the other day and the kitchen sink had an oily shine and smelled of luscious lavender.  She made journals for her brothers.  She also made candles and a hat.  Eli gave stars to some relatives to hang in the window.  He also did a few collages, put them in frames we had around and had them wrapped and ready to go stored under his desk.  I made cozy pajama pants for everybody.   I got wonderful poems and a photo album.  Also, we got our delicious jam and plum butter.  All that thoughtfulness makes giving a little sweeter.

Thirteen

We celebrated Emily's birthday just the way she wanted to.  She wanted to go over to Grandma and Grandpa's house like she has for so many years.  We brought delicious cupcakes from our favorite bakery.  I bought her her first mocha decaf coffee and told her it was a special occasion and not to think it just comes with the age.  There's plenty else that does that.  To pick Eli up on the way over we wound our way on a road I had never been on before.  Through the trees and filtered sunlight it was a beautiful drive.  We had a special visit with Grandma and Grandpa who was especially honored that Emily would want to spend her special day with him.  Back in town we had pizza and watched the local Derby Girls skate a mean bout.  Then out for yummy ice cream and home for presents.  

Thirteen.  I see her teetering on all she has been and blossoming into all she will be.   She's my fiery, mighty girl.  Happy Birthday dear Emily!