Für Elisa (and Helen)

My thoughtful cousin, Elisa, had send a few home-made goodies along with S's parent's when they came to visit.  I've used the wonderful bag she made as my new super-hefty library bag, but I was pleased to see A wearing one of the skirts yesterday.  She said she had chosen the skirt, but Ai had gone to her drawer and pulled out a shirt and then got her a vest from her closet. Considering it was a 7 year old working with a 4 year old, I thought they did a great job!  I couldn't have found a better match for the skirt myself, and even the bright hairband worked!  She allowed me 'just one' picture and I'm so glad it turned out well enough.  Thanks so much, Elisa. :)

And once again, I was blown away by my adopted-pseudo-mother-in-law's* skill and kindness in spoiling me with some of her amazing quilts.  Iz's grandma Helen mailed us this beautiful wall hanging she'd made.  To give a sense of perspective as to its size, Mary is about the size of my hand.  I just love it!  

She also sewed up this cute advent calendar wall hanging for us (though I confess, I was so disorganized this year I didn't fill it.  In fact, I let the kids open their Playmobile Advent calendars from Omi & Opa early this year, as Iz kept sneaking into Ai & A's boxes when they were away at school.  She just couldn't wait for each day, so it became too stressful!  Next year . . .

And how about this wonderful table runner made in such happy colours?  Not a very happy girl in the background getting mauled by big sister's kisses this morning.  We're all sick, so having a TV and PJs morning.  But is this quilted table runner not fun?

As a non-crafty person, I feel so fortunate to have various relatives who are . . . and who are kind enough to grace my house with bits of their handiwork.  It's all very much appreciated. :)

* said with much fondness for lack of a better term to easily define our relationship.  To me, mother-in-law is a relationship of close affection and I'm so happy to have an additional mother-in-law of sorts.  Helen has been such a gift to all of us, beyond just little Iz.