We had a busy morning here at home, and then out and about—to the library, to the doctor’s, and to the store. It was a relief to get home. Jacob went out to get the mail and to my surprise, he came back with a couple of boxes for me, and a letter. I sat on the couch with Caleb and Seth, who were excitedly watching my every move.
The first box I opened was from my friend Dawn. Out came a handmade smocked baby bonnet (“IT’S CURTAINS, MOM!” ~ Caleb, thrilled, at first glance). There was also a tiny pair of white lace socks. Ruffles and ribbons and lace, white with a little bit of pink. When I saw these lovely creations, knowing the time and thought that went into them, I felt so touched and happy, even if dear Caleb was a little confused (we are used to baby BOYS around here!)
The other box, from my friend Angie, had in it a handmade blanket. The blanket is thick and soft, and Angie crocheted an edge around it (her grandma taught her how). It is dainty and beautiful and my heart aches to see Sarah gently wrapped in it, while wearing her bonnet and lace socks. Tucked inside the box, there was also sent a lovely lilac candle, a baby bib, a beautiful card and letter, and some wheat flour that she had ground herself.
Another friend of mine mailed me the sweetest note, letting me know that she loved me and thought of me often.
All these things made me cry (I am crying as I type) happy and thankful tears. It’s been a blessing today, to be on the receiving end of so much love and encouragement from dear friends.
Good to be Home 
The gifts are so sweet,i think they are just what you needed!
So sweet. Handmade gifts from friends are the ones that are the most precious!
I love how God uses other people to drop encouragement right in out laps – or our mailboxes- just when we need it the most. All of those things are so precious… I LOVE the blanket, with the edging! I MUST look up how to do that!
Hi Shanda I got misty eyed just looking at the pictures! SERIOUSLY!!! That bonnet and socks are past adorable!!! Such talent your friend has. And what a loving gesture to make them for you. Did you have to rub the blanket against your cheek to confirm whether it was as soft as your eyes thought it was? I would have! And I bet it was! Friends are such an amazing undeserved yet humungous blessing from our Lord!!! And getting notes or packages or anything from them in the mail, rather than just the usual bills totally makes a day, a week, a . . . I am thankful that the Lord used them to bless and encourage you in these ways. Cheryl B.http://thebzhousethatlovebuilt.blogspot.com
My how many blessing you have that you SO deserve!!!! BEAUTIFUL!
I am salivating at the sight of that bonnet and socks; I MUST MUST MUST learn how to make those (especially the bonnet)!!! I think that no baby girl should be without such things.It is so satisfying to make something pretty with one’s hands, like the crochet edging. And you, someone who appreciates handmade things, deserve to receive a profusion of them from your friends. <3Hope you can get some rest after your busy morning, and have a wonderful weekend with the whole family together!!Love,Angie
@diary_of_a_soldiers_girl – Here is one site I occasionally reference: http://www.mormonchic.com/crafty/crochet-edges.asp
you have some really sweet friends, what a blessing!
Dawn is amazing, every single thing she makes is incredible. That bonnet looks like an heirloom! There have been times when I see her handwriting on a package and I sit on the steps and get all teary eyed, before I even open it, just because of her thoughtfulness!So wonderful that you had TWO things today! That blanket does look so soft. I was just talking to Amanda G. about how lonely it is sometimes to be home so often and how it brightens the entire day to get something in the mail.It was the perfect week to get these treasures in the mail!!!Lots of love, JO
That bonnet is BeAuTiFuL!…every baby girl needs one.So glad you were treated in that way today! We all have the need to feel cared for!
Beautiful! You have wonderful friends.
How fun to get packages in the mail. I love the bonnet and little socks! I bet you can’t wait to put them on her. =)
Oh, those gifts are gorgeous! I love her handwriting too:). That edging on the blanket is so “girlie”. Your little one will look adorable in all that finery!! What love from friends.
Wow! Beautiful gifts and such precious friends who sent them! Thanks for sharing them here with us. 🙂
Oh good…you liked it.It was my pleasure to make it for your sweet babe.xox
How beautiful and what a blessing!
Wonderful Day! PTL
Simply beautiful! Handmade things are wonderful- to make, give, and receive! What a special-mail day you had today. One of my friends recently started grinding her own flour. When I was visiting, we made cookies and bread from it. So good!
What wonderful blessings and what dear friends! Enjoy all those sweet things!
Awesome! Beautiful!
o my goodness – the bonnet is amazing. incredible work! Sarah will be beautiful in it! won’t it be wonderful to have her in your arms and I just know Grace will love dressing her and being a big sister to her!have a wonderful Sunday.
hmmm, people must really love you Ms. Shanda, and I can see why 🙂
I adore that little bonnet with its sweet pink bullion roses…and the edging on the warm, soft blankie. Handmade gifts are the VERY best!
Such wonderful presents! Dawn surely has a gift in the beautiful items she makes! It will be wonderful to see Sarah dressed in those and wrapped in that beautiful soft blanket.I found a precious sweater and booties that our Nana had knit and put in her “present drawer”, I decided they had to be saved for the first grandchild I only know the first basic steps in crochet and knitting…something I hope to take up in the future.