best gift ever

The gift that keeps on giving…

It’s true that money can’t buy happiness, but it is necessary when making a purchase! I have always loved the act of gift giving – it’s fun for me. Thinking ahead of the event that calls for something special, and then matching likes, interests, hobbies or memories with the person that will be receiving the gift. It’s a bit like putting a puzzle together and finding the last piece is a perfect fit. Making someone happy is my favorite and gift giving is the perfect way to bring a smile. I am also a big fan of keeping to a budget, so it makes the whole thing a bit more of a challenge, thus more exhilarating when the “perfect” gift is found. I am beyond thrilled that my children have “inherited” the joy of gift giving. Watching them buy or create for each other on birthdays and holidays is the absolute best, and I love when they pull me into their plans ahead of time allowing me to see the entire idea unfold. As our children have grown into young adults, the gifts have become more thoughtful and unique with each special occasion. Last year at Christmas, for example, the four of them found a photographer and scheduled a day that they would all be home together (a gift in itself!) so that we could have family portraits done. Just the thought of it was amazing to me and the memories we made at the photo shoot are just as special to me as the pictures we received. I will treasure both the memories and photographs forever. For my birthday this year, my son got me something along the same lines that is now one of my favorite things!   

Years ago, we had a digital picture frame that we could stick my sd card in from my camera and would allow us to enjoy a  picture slideshow of sorts. It was about the size of your average 5×7 picture frame, and we all loved being able to see various pictures change out as we passed it throughout the day. Time passed and technology changed and now there are similar digital frames that offer a few more bells and whistles… enter my new gift. I received a picture frame 9 x 16 inches in size (which by the way, seemed way too big at first) that allows anyone you’d like to download an app and send me pictures! Not only do I receive pictures throughout the day from my children that live hours away (priceless!) they can also choose to write comments or give information about each picture which shows up at the bottom left hand side of the screen. On the lower right hand side of the screen, I can choose to have the time and temperature displayed – yes, please. And if all of this isn’t amazing enough, I can opt to have a sweet little “ding” notification when a new picture arrives – are you serious?! Yes! I want to hear the ding – bring on all the dings – it is now my favorite sound in the world and I have the volume turned up as high as it goes. I about break my neck racing down the stairs if I hear that ding, knowing it may be a picture of my grandcat in Cleveland,  a beautiful sunset in Grand Rapids, or a picture from my daughter who is in another country on vacation. Such fun, I tell you! Knowing that my family and photography are two of my favorite things, my son was able to present me with a gift that will allow all of us to feel close and connected for years to come.    

The idea that “it’s the thought that counts” still rings 100% true. Were you aware of the special occasion? Did you give yourself enough time to purchase a gift that would be heartfelt and meaningful for the receiver? Making someone feel special by giving them a gift that is unique to them is one of the best feelings around. And remember, more money does not mean more special. Years ago, my young daughter decorated a jar and filled it with positive handwritten quotes for me – I still absolutely love it and display it proudly. This past summer, my daughter brought me yarn (because she knows my love for knitting) from a country that she visited while on a mission trip and it is one of my favorite gifts to this day! Give your gift thought and really try to find something that will be treasured. Take the time and effort the next time a gift giving holiday rolls around – it will be greatly appreciated, I promise!

My first…

It was February 13th, and I couldn’t believe that I was finally sitting in this chair. The chair itself wasn’t that extraordinary, although it did allow me to lean back and put my feet up in a comfortable position. It has taking me 50 years to get into this chair, and I was more than a little bit excited. I was getting my first tattoo!

I never really thought that I was the “type” of person to get a tattoo (is there even a “type”?). It wasn’t that I had anything against the idea, or the people that had covered their bodies in this type of art. Rather, I’ve always been intrigued as to how each individual had select their design, and where on their body they would display it. In all honesty, I simply didn’t think I’d ever find an image that I’d love enough to have on my body forever. The permanence of it made me hesitant, but clearly I had simply not yet found the perfect tattoo for me – until now.

As my 50th birthday approached, one of my daughters suggested that we get matching tattoos as my gift. She knows how much I love our time together and thought this might be a fun gift that we would always remember and be able to show everyone. She knew that I had a Pinterest board of tattoo ideas and we would often send each other pictures and texts as we tried to narrow our options. The moment I saw a particular image, I knew it was what I wanted for my first tattoo. The funny thing is, I don’t even think it was a tattoo – just a graphic that caught my eye, and captured my heart. I had a few requirements: I wanted it to be small and I wanted to have it on the inside of my left wrist just above where my watchband would rest. And I wanted it to have significance. This image fit all of my criteria. When I showed it to Hannah, she also fell in love, and immediately knew how she would make it her own.

The design was simple. The basic outline of a house with a heart inside. It was exactly what I wanted. This little design will represent my happy 27 years of marriage, and four children who make me so proud. My heart’s at home. Hannah decided to only use the house design – no heart- reminding her to surround yourself with people who feel like home. She was going to have hers on the inside of her right ankle. Since it was her gift to me, she researched tattoo artists, chose one, and made us an appointment. We were so darn excited to do this crazy thing together – such rebels 🤪

The day arrived, and we met at the tattoo shop after work. After discussing the image at length via text, other than signing the required papers before the tattoos, there wasn’t a lot of prep to be done. We all laughed when I asked a few questions regarding the paperwork I was signing, and the tattoo artist admitted that “Most people don’t even read that, they just sign it !”. Well, not this girl! After learning about the care of our new tattoos, we both decided that I’d go first. I knew that once we started the process, I would pick out something to focus on and use my Lamaze breathing to get me through it. For me, when I’m in a new, stressful, or painful situation, it’s easier if I don’t talk. I was happy to find that it wasn’t as painful as I had expected. After having four babies and several kidney stones, this was a piece of cake – and yes, I fully realize that my tattoo is teeny tiny! Hannah preferred for me to chat her up as she got her tattoo, my stories and laughter helping to distract her, but she was also surprised how little it hurt. We did it!!!

What a fun experience! This is about as rebellious as I get… until I get my next one – ha ha! But seriously, I have a few more ideas ❤️ I love the placement that I chose and the size (it’s actually smaller than a nickel!). I can catch a glimpse of it easily at any point during the day, and no one knows what I am smiling about. I’m glad I waited until I was 50 and didn’t rush the process. I love that my daughter and I did this together and we’ll always have this memory. My advice – if you have any inclination of getting a tattoo – take your time finding just the right one, and think a lot about the size and placement – and GO FOR IT!