Wednesday, January 13, 2010

My Favorite Christmas Gift!

The best gift I received this Christmas was truly a labor of love! My Dad decided mid-December that he wanted to stay after Christmas and help me with projects around the house, giving me some time to do errands and have fun with the littles.

What a wonderful gift! We had a great time together - he is a very hard worker! And, I had a list of projects in mind for him to work on. Some had been waiting a few months to get done (new bathroom light below - found at the Habitat store and spray painted), the longest one was six years (mirror getting hung below)! Whew - so glad to have that done...

It was so special to have him every day for all our meals, ordinary times and getting projects done! He was also a big help with the littles - taking them for walks, allowing me to run errands alone (!) and occupying Samuel during our schooling.

We also had fun together - playing games, treating him to some favorite food, and making sure he was not bored! :) And, he gave me a full day off to do whatever I wanted! I ran some errands, found a cute glittery church on a 90% off clearance ($1.50), made $30 by taking some clothes to a consignment store and had lunch at my favorite spot - so refreshing!

I will reap the benefits of his gift to us in that I'll enjoy all the things that are done around our home! And, I will treasure the memories for years to come.

A few have asked - how is your dad doing? His doctor reported at his last appointment that his treatment was still working, he is very conscious of staying active and planning to run another marathon in June. We are thankful for this time God is allowing us!

Thank you, Dad - for your sweet gift! We love you and are thankful for you!

17 comments:

Ginger said...

Just precious! Dads really are the BEST (no offense to hubbies) My dad is 82 and still occasionally comes and does things for me. He has been a godsend.

angela said...

What a special gift.

Wendi said...

Such a special gift. Certainly one that money couldn't buy. So glad that you had this special time together.

*carrie* said...

Yay--so glad you had such a good extended visit together!

Mom said...

Lovely post -- I'm so glad Dad could have this extra time with your family! And I'm glad for you that so many projects are now completed! Happy New Year! :) Love, Mom

Cheryl said...

How sweet of your daddy to give the gift of time. It sounds like you both benefited from the gift.

So glad to hear his health is doing well. Looking forward to seeing you post pics of his next marathon.

Grace said...

Dad's really are GREAT!! I am so happy that you got to have this time with your dad. What a special time. and YAY for things getting done off your list.

Chrissy said...

Wonderful! You are so lucky (I know you know) to have your Daddy with you still!

Anonymous said...

There is gratification in having things accomplished. So thankful for helping hands that do it.

Thanks for the update about your dad. In all of the Christmas photos you've posted recently, he looks really good. Healthy. :) Praise God.

Andrea L.

Willys and Elizabeth (Lizzie) said...

Gifts like that are the best! Just the time together is a huge gift and then add all the other things you were able to accomplish and it makes it that much sweeter.

Sadie said...

What a wonderful gift - every time you look at that mirror and light you will think of your special time together!

Bevy @ Treasured Up and Pondered said...

That is so wonderful!! Reminds me of Scott's mom - Grandma Susie- as we call her... who just moved here to PA from VA.

Same ideas (from her) in mind. It's been fun having her around and some getting used to.

Elise said...

Wow, your dad rocks!! Wanna trade?? Just kidding!!
Love the light fixture, too!!
Elise

Jenny said...

Oh that sounds WONDERFUL, Monica!!!

Just Me said...

It is wonderful to read about your special times with your father and you are so blessed to be aware of how important that time is, and taking advantage of it! I lost my father almost 8 years ago, and as the oldest of three daughters thank my lucky stars every day that I had so much "extra" time with my father - something I'd give a billion dollars (if I had it) to spend just 10 more minutes with him.

Anonymous said...

YOU ARE MOST WELCOME! I ENJOYED THE
SPECIAL TIMES WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
LOVE,
YOUR DADDY

Beth Niquette said...

There is nothing more precious than spending time with one's Dad. Your Papa sounds so sweet. What a treasured gift.