Happy Monday! I feel so much better entering this week, than I did when last Friday dawned. What I didn't mention (because it was too painful) was that the current schedule, and various other elements, determined that I wouldn't be with my son on his birthday. At all. Ache. It was super hard on both of us, but yesterday we made up for it with such a splendid day and evening that we're literally bouncing into this new week!
We didn't throw a bash or set of fireworks, we simply shared the day and evening with his two closest friends (and a little sister for his little sister!)... children I've watched grow up, as well. Dinner was a feast of favorites and the birthday cake was the same recipe from my own childhood that has graced most of my children's celebrations, as well. Those candles... yes, they've been around since his beginning! Beneath our family birthday banner we tasted tradition with renewed appreciation for how important and vital continuity is in all of our lives. Never, never underestimate the beauty and significance of repeating unique traditions within your family. When push comes to shove, it's those gifts that are the most valuable. I see that to be so true, right now.
And a little bit of something handmade, customized specifically to him, was just the love he needed. I mentioned a few weeks ago that my son's room had some reorganization to accommodate the teen scene. Our old sunroom couch moved upstairs, and last week I made some birthday pillows to freshen it up. Aviation continues to be his passion, so planes were a no-brainer. A little freezer paper and textile paint were applied to his favorite fabric (super soft chambray I used for
the first travel pillow years ago) before I stitched up a
sweet cool set of
take off and
landing pillows. The Boeing blue print tacked above the couch came from one of my mom's garage sale adventures. Love!
p.s. I was informed (rather sheepishly) that the nose on the left plane wasn't very realistic, but that he loved me and the pillow just the same. Adore that boy!
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Love that he "corrected" your plane. I've been looking for aviation-themed crafts/projects for the GuyFriend who loves-loves-loves planes, but everything is not quite right according to him. :) He did send me some specs recently and I'm gonna stitch that up, probably onto a pillow.
ReplyDeleteLove your pillows (and the poster about the couch)!
thanks Teresa... getting the specs is key;)
DeleteMy heart went out to you when I read that you would be apart on his Birthday. My daughter's birthday is on Wednesday so I'm in the finally stages of planning our day. It has somehow snuck up on me so I'm way behind on the handmade gifts. She's turning 10 (double digits!) so I've been racking my brain for a special gift to commemorate the milestone....any ideas?
ReplyDeleteYour gifts to your son are so perfect and obviously made with so much love.
xoxo
~ joey ~
Happy birthday to both of you! The first decade is so significant. How about incorporating 10's into what you give... ten flowers, ten thises and ten thats. They don't have to be big, just equalling 10.
DeleteThat's exactly what we ended up doing! 10 little personal gifts each with a hidden bill so that she can buy herself something special! ;o)
Deletexoxo
~ joey ~
My family has a cake recipe that is actually called "Birthday Cake." Even now as an adult knowing all the other fabulous cake possibilities that are out there, I can never want anything other than the tradition of that birthday cake we have all been eating for years! Yours looks delicious and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteyup! we call it chocolate birthday cake, too!
DeleteIt has been such a difficult time, but I have no doubt that your children know that they are loved and cherished. Who does it better than their mother?
ReplyDeleteCherish yourself for the loving and good person that you are..please do...and may you find loved ones to cherish you.
With love, Ellen.
mmmm... thank you ellen. it really is all about loving and cherishing, isn't it?
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