My life is to make everything around me beautiful.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Gifts for New Great Granddaughter

I'm somewhat—but not compulsive—about the things of my forefathers and foremothers. I mean if I have something my grandmother gave me, I cherish it, but I certainly would never, ever fight my siblings over something. It just isn't worth the time, trouble or negative feelings you get from those disputations with family.

My parents were divorced after about 38 years of marriage and each remarried. They're both deceased now but my father had a pocket watch from my mother's father. It never stated in any will that it was his—my brother's—so it went to his widow. My brother laments to this day over a pocket watch our grandfather told him would be his. It's been 40 years! I inherited nothing from either parent and I have never, ever—not for one second—given it any thought. Those are just "things" and I have wonderful memories. Those I can hold and savor and take with me to the next life. But my brother has let it wear him down for all these years over things that "could have been." I don't think I've ever done that.

I have a corduroy quilt my grandmother made for me. (That's it in the pictures below.) She made it out of scraps from jumpers she made me when I was a young child. She gave it to me when I got married almost 49 years ago. I used to snuggle under it when I was very cold because it is heavy. When you get under it you'd better be in the position you want because it is so heavy you can't move once it's on top of you! But that quilt will go to Washington state with us next week to be in our great granddaughter's room, and she'll know it came from her great great great grandmother. It sounds so ancient when put that way but it's only 60+ years old.


Our granddaughter and her hubby haven't decided on a name yet but so far they've liked the name Violet or Anastasia. Mandy's favorite colors are lavender, violet and purple and I think she likes pink but her house isn't decorated in those colors. Mostly she used beiges and darker colors but her office has lavender walls. She was going to put the baby in the office and work there when she wasn't at her office at Microsoft. Her hubby's office is downstairs in a big room but since he has so much computer equipment in there it wouldn't hold her office equipment. He does a lot of work at home also since he works for MS XBox as a designer and...well, you can just imagine what that room looks like. But guess what?! All her office stuff has been moved out and it is now officially a little girls room! Gee, what being pregnant can do to a professional chick. *Wink* She's told us we can do lavender, pink and soft greens.

Now, I do not plan on spoiling that girl; I'll leave it to her grandmother, my daughter. That's a grandmother's prerogative. I'm talking about clothes, nursery furniture, etc. But I do plan on making her as much frilly and froufrou-y stuff as I can. The birdhouse below is the first thing I've actually made since learning of her imminent birth and confirmation of her gender. I have a box full of stuff that is going over to Washington with us and so far I have a lamp I made, a crown, the quilt, another doll quilt my grandmother made that I think she'll enjoy having knowing its sentimental value and various other things I think Mandy might want from me. I've already given her my original wedding rings and some jewelry. I think she should enjoy them now and not wait until I'm dead! I want to see the sparkle in her eyes when she is wearing something that came from me.


These pictures were before I finished it with the bow, added a few minor touches and Love Bunny put the screwy thing on top so it can be hung from the ceiling.




This little crown I made last year and was for sale on my selling blog. She'll love this in her bedroom. Fit for a princess, which she is.

In her later years my grandmother had to live in a nursing home but she made these little doll quilts to keep her hands busy and to give to indigent families. This one came to me. She always thought of me and told me I was her favorite granddaughter. I believe it to this day. I think I was.

Another little lamp I made but never sold. It's hers now also. I'm glad it didn't sell. ;-)

I made this a few months ago and it was meant to be a giveaway. It will now go to her and I'll do another one for a giveaway soon.
~*~


19 comments:

  1. Isn't it strange how "stuff" can cause so much family dicontent... my mum keeps on about "things" that her sister has of hers and I think is it really worth all the ill feeling and bickering....

    Lovely items for the little babe...her room will look amazing...

    x Alex

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  2. wow,
    your choice of pink is gentle,
    soft, and full of light,

    what beautiful blog.

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  3. Congrats Connie dear.. woohooo.. beautiful blanket for your great granddaughter!.. am sure your great granddaughter will love all the frou frou she gonna get from you!
    xo
    fitty

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  4. They will be treasured gifts, I'm sure.

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  5. Wonderful creations, Connie, that will mean so much to your granddaughter and great-granddaughter! You are so talented. I think having something handmade by a loved one is so special.

    xo
    Claudia

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  6. Gosh, are you sure you aren't talking about my family.... my brothers still don't talk to me, I don't know what I've done cause they won't talk!!!
    I can't be bothered by it all!!!
    I love all the wonderful things you have made, your precious little bird house! So cute, I am sure the baby will be well loved! The lavender bow is a really nice touch. The quilts are beautiful, great memory keeper.
    Hugs,
    Margaret B

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  7. It is so nice that you have family keepsakes to pass to the new great-grandaughter. She will also love all the pretty things for her room her great-granny is bringing.

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  8. Oh, Connie, you make such pretty things! I love the bird house!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  9. Such pretty creations, Connie! Congrats on the coming bundle of joy! How exciting!!

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  10. What wonderful gifts you are taking to Washington! The quilts are really nice. You are so right, it is the time we spent together that is more important then the stuff. I do feel sorry for people who grieve for the items.

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  11. Oh Connie what a lucky grand daughter ! Everything you made her is so cute ! The quilt that was yours is fabulous !

    Thank you for your prayers for me Connie !

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  12. Connie,
    Great grandbabies are made to be spoiled! I know my grandmas have spoiled my kids over the year! I spent the day with my mom, dad and sister going Thur my grandmas stuff as her condo will be sold on Wednesday. Both of my grandmas are still with us, however we have moved them both in with my parents. My mom's mom has always lived by the rule, if you love it and need it, then it is yours. She has gotten so much enjoyment out of seeing her things used by her children and grandkids!
    After all we can't take it with us!
    Dee Dee

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  13. oh what fun you are having! That blanker is a keeper for sure!! Thanks for your comments on my photos...

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  14. Some people just cannot get over hurts from their past can they.
    They are just things - things we will leave behind when we leave this earth.
    The things you made your great-grandchild are beautiful. Enjoy!
    (I'm still waiting for great-grandchildren. Some day!)

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  15. G'eve Connie ~ What wonderful thoughts you have shared. By the time my 3rd sister got done cleaning everything out from everyone she could before they passed, there wasn't much left to ask for. I got the baptismal gown I've displayed on blog, & treasure every hand stitch that created it.

    What exquisite treasures you are giving to your little wee one ... they are just beautiful. The baby will have the room of a princess.

    Where do they live in WA ST, we are originally from Chehalis.

    Congratulations on the new arrival ... enjoy your granddaughter.

    Hugs & love, Marydon

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  16. That is one lucky little girl, Connie! She is so lucky to have not only a grandma, but a great grandma. I barely got to know my grandparents, but such is life. I think you can fit in a teensy bit of spoiling when your daughter is busy!

    Happy belated PS,
    Judy

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  17. Hi Connie,
    Lovely gifts! full of love and made my you!!!. The blankets made by your foremothers are a very specail gift and so very sweet.
    I enjoyed your post so much.
    Take care and enjoy your day,
    Elizabeth

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  18. Hi, Connie,
    I am sure your little great granddaughter will cherish all of her wonderful presents!! The quilt made by your grandmother is truly a piece of art. I can remember going to my grandmother's house in the winter, and she would put so many quilts on top of you that you couldn't even turn over!!! Have a lovely week! Vicki

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  19. Wow, Mandy is gonna think it's Christmas when you show up with all this loot! I remember that beautiful lamp, and that cute crown, too!! The birdhouse is the best one yet that you've made and the little dressform will be just perfect for a little princess bedroom!

    Love you,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

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Comments are so nice and I thank all of you that leave one for me.