I was checking out my Pinterest recommendations last week, when I came across this poster. That, I thought, would make a great little piece of embroidery, and it turned out to be the perfect centerpiece for a pillow I wanted to make for my Mom for Mother's Day. The embroidery was done with navy floss on a piece of natural essex linen, and I surrounded it with scraps and charm squares of Happy Go Lucky by Bonnie & Camille. The back of the pillow is from the Everything But the Kitchen Sink collection by RJR Fabrics. I love the vintage look of these fabrics, and thankfully my mom does too!
When my parents, my husband, and I started looking for a house together just over six years ago, everyone thought we were well meaning but crazy. Honestly, I think we wondered if we were a little crazy ourselves. Could we really pull this off, all living together in one house? I won't lie -- that first year of finding a home, buying it, moving in, and then slowly figuring out how everything would work was tough. Really tough. Looking back, we've had plenty of ups and downs over the past six years as we learned how to give and compromise and be patient with each other, but oh the blessings... It has been wonderful to be together, to face painful difficulties and disappointments as a family and to celebrate the victories with each other too. It's not just the big things, it's so many little ones: bringing the girls in every night before bed to Grampa and Nana's room for prayers and hugs and kisses, waking up at 3am and chatting with Mom for an hour in the loft because she was up worrying about the same thing I was, watching my husband and my dad joke with each other while they tackle a home improvement project together.
Last week my parents went off for a few days of vacation in Solvang, leaving us in charge of the house. "You're going to say, 'Free at last! Free at last!' once we're out the door," my dad teased, when I insisted that we were going to miss them. And you know, while we were able to manage all right with them away, the house just wasn't the same. We were all so incredibly glad to have them back again by the end of the week. Life is just better when we're together, and so much of that has to do with the kind of people that my parents are and the love that they have for us. I can't tell you how grateful we are to have them in our lives.
Linking up with Let's Get Acquainted Monday.
Beautiful pillow! I think it's a great idea! I'm sure there are ups and downs, but it sounds wonderful. After living away from family for 6 years now I would do it in a heartbeat. :) We are moving into my parents house in Oct. when the Army sends us back to Texas! We plan on only staying for 6 months to save money to put down for a house. Unless my husband deploys then our daughter and I will be staying until the deployment is over. Nana is very happy about that idea if a deployment happens. Happy Mother's Day to you and your mom!
ReplyDeleteoh, how totally sweet. The pillow is perfect, thanks for sharing this lovely story.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post Heidi. I'm not sure I knew you lived with your folks. We must have been house hunting at the same time. After my dad died suddenly, my hubby asked my Mom to move to our town either in her own home, or with us. She chose with us. She has her own space on the main level, and we're upstairs. The first year was kind of hard on hubby and me, but things settled into a routine. That was 6 1/2 years ago. We will be the care givers as long as we can. We are blessed to be able to do it. Everyone gets along we'll and she can see her grand kids and great grands. It's wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. Thank you for sharing! Oh and your pillow is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty - your embroidery is just gorgeous, Heidi! I just love it!
ReplyDeleteAnother great finish - love the handwritten embroidery :)
ReplyDeleteAw, that's such a beautiful pillow with such a beautiful story behind it! I bet she cried!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up!
Beautiful pillow and beautiful post Heidi!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful pillow and what a great story. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI know your mum will love it. What a happy story!
ReplyDeleteLove your pillow! This is a very sweet post. I love stories like this.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful gift!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pillow with an equally beautiful story to accompany :) thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love this post, Heidi. You are a treasure! PS The pillow is lovely!!
ReplyDeleteI give you props girl. I don't think I could do it with either set of parents.....maybe my mom when she was alive ...but the rest of them I'd be butting heads with. My husband is much more easy going than me. The four kids wouldn't have had room to move either. See? Excuses ..still I give you mad props.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ann! It takes time and work and lots of patience, but it can be done...honest! :)
DeleteI grew up in a home just like the one you describe. Having my grandparents 24/7 or nearly is one of the greatest blessings my parrents gave me. You are lucky to be able to do the same for your family.
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute pillow and saying!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story and a wonderful pillow!
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