Pages

Monday, June 17, 2013

a gift from the heart

DSC_0030 (2)copy2

Did you have a nice Father’s Day?

We actually celebrated Father’s Day on Saturday because Michael left town to be a counselor at Camp Rec and Patrick had to head back to San Luis Obispo on Sunday to begin summer classes. This is our new normal. Juggling schedules with kids who are busy carving out lives for themselves.

But interestingly, I’m finding there are benefits to all this stretching and adapting that comes with letting go. It makes our moments together even more precious and I have to say, it’s done wonders for my sense of gratitude.

Funny how when the boys were little I just took all that togetherness for granted.

Slow downadiaryofalovely

For one of his Father’s Day gifts, Mr. Moss wanted exercise and fresh air so we biked around a beautiful little lake and ate lunch at a sunny café with Patrick and Michael texted his Dad from somewhere in the woods on Father’s Day and Mr. Moss felt lots of love from his boys. Which is the whole point.

And of course I stopped by to give my Dad his gifts: a freshly made cake (still warm out of the oven) and these handwritten soup bowls.

DSC_0034 (2)

Do you ever struggle to come up with a personal gift for someone special?  Here’s what I did.

Because my Dad loves to cook and because he adores my boys, I decided to buy six bowls from the Dollar Store and write something on them.

DSC_0032 (2)copy

I used a Sharpie Oil-based paint pen and wrote “Papa is a Great Cook,” (something my boys often say) and I asked Patrick and Michael to each pick three words to describe their Papa.

Then I had Patrick write each word on the bottom of the bowl. (I would’ve had Michael write his own words, but he was gone).

DSC_0031 (2)copy copy

Actually adding the words was Mr. Moss’s idea to make it more meaningful and I loved this added touch.

I baked the bowls at 350 degrees for thirty minutes and according to all the feedback I’ve seen around the Pinterest world, the writing should be permanent. No dishwasher to be safe, but hand washing for sure. I’ll let you know how this marker holds up.

But wouldn’t this be a wonderful idea with smaller children?

 

DSC_0041

My Dad loved it and it was so simple and inexpensive. I think the older we get, these are the gifts that matter most… spending quality time together and objects that have sentimental value.

And flowers. I gotta have my fresh flowers…

cc25e9f3b1ad65e804f4b0fcfe4f8084

What are your favorite gifts these days?

(Happy Monday to you)

xoxo

Leslie

 

 

17 comments:

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

I love the idea of the bowls with handwritten notes on them, so clever, creatives and personal. Great idea, would make a great hostess gist too.

Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap said...

I love personalized homemade gifts! when someone does that, means that they really put thoughts into it...and that is special itself

Gypsy Heart said...

Gifts that someone has taken the time to make are the very best, IMHO. I treasure them so much as I know the giver put in a lot of thought and time creating it.

I agree that as we get older, "time" is such a precious commodity. Young people are going in every direction and to spend a day or so with them is a treasure.

I love the gifts you made for your Dad and adding the words is such a special touch! I know he's loving them. I bought a few plates at the $ store but have not had the time to create. I will though! :)

xo
Pat

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Such a special gift. I love this idea. I have a new great-grandbaby due in the fall, so may a baby cup or bowl. I can't wait to try something. Hugs, Marty

Leslie said...

Gifts that come from the heart are always best:) such a wonderful idea Leslie and sounds like your day was perfect!

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

What a wonderful personal gift for your Dad! He will smile every time he empties his bowl! ... Gift giving get harder as time goes by. You've used up all your inspired ideas and sometimes repeated them. Plus most of us already have everything we really need. We definitely find that just spending time together is the very best gift of all. With both of our kids living in downtown Baltimore, we like to celebrate special days with a trip to the city. The day usually includes a meal and maybe a special event like a ballgame, a play or a trip to a museum. I love all the old neighborhoods, so I'm happy with a nice long walk!

The Divorced Lady's Companion to Living in Italy said...

How sweet! At this point I'm just happy for some time off and an exotic meal. For others: lately I've given cherry jam made by yours truly, pre-loved books, cherry vodka. My favourite thing is to match a book to a new reader and hear someone say, I loved that book! I cherish that.

Love your bowls! Xcat

Unknown said...

The greatest gift my kids can give me is time.....with hours separating and jobs and kids to raise of their own, it's time that truly matters. I also had the opportunity to spend some precious time with my own dad this weekend. It was most special because his health is failing and I'm not sure how many more Father's Days he'll be with us.

Your bowls are awesome. What a great idea.

Lori said...

I fell in love with the Vermont wish bowls when we were getting married. I was able to find someone local that made wooden bowls and I added my own wishes as I gave one as a gift. This is the same kind of idea at a fraction of the price ~ love it and I agree ~ it is a great idea if you have kids.

Blondie's Journal said...

I'm so glad you had a happy and relaxing day with your husband, just being together is enough. The bowls you and your boys made for your dad are so sweet and a great idea...of course he loved them!

XO,
Jane

michele said...

what a thoughtful and creative gift for dad! i love this. i need to get my hands one one of those sharpies. i'm enjoying having the boys home this summer and know this may be the last time we are all together. lovely cream and pink roses are in my bedroom right now reminding me of the master creator's flair.

smiles.

michele

Christy James said...

Leslie, I love these! What a special gift! Aren't the men in our lives, especially our dads, the hardest to find something special for? These are very special!! And thanks for the reminder for me to appreciate having my boys around!!!
XO,
Christy
Confessionsofaserialdiyer.com

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I love the bowls, such a personal and special gift! I am definitely in the appreciating time mode, too...

Sarah said...

What a great idea! I'm sure your dad loved this gift and will enjoy using these bowls. Thanks for sharing!

Art and Sand said...

My favorite gift these days is my children. KC just told us she will be stopping for a night next week with her former roommate. They are heading to Manhattan Beach for a bridal shower and are giving us the gift of them.

JP is with us right now and we feel like it is a gift for us to spend time with our adult son and get to know him as a person, not just as our child.

And, thank heavens for technology so our kids share quick pics of themselves so we feel part of their lives.

I am going to try those plates.

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

Leslie,

What a wonderful gift! I find that as my family ages it is harder and harder to find something to get them, especially something meaningful.

I have been feeling very nostalgic lately, perhaps it is Father's day or the fact that my father in law has recently suffered three mini strokes. I am finding that making memories and savoring time are the most important and precious gifts.

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Thank you for your always kind comments on my blog.

Elizabeth

Monica said...

This is a beautiful idea! Crafty genius you are (among many other things):).

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...