FTF: GRANDMA'S STUFF

My parents recently moved to another city. The Kids and I were lucky enough to get to visit them right after the move and before they had finished unpacking the boxes of goodies.

The Kids caught on a lot quicker than I did that The CA Grandma &Grandpa were merely using us as slave labor.

It worked out for me though. As I helped my mom unpack box after box of childhood memories I was able to snatch a few to bring home to my house.

The table now sports a set of homemade placemats, quilted by my Grandmother. Three of my grandparents passed away long before I had children, the fourth passed away shortly after The Girl was born. I have always been saddened that they didn't get a chance to meet my children.

It is so nice to have items around the house that get daily use that remind me of them.

Thankfully, my Mom's mom was much more talented with the sewing machine than I am. These mats get washed quite often and are still holding together strong.

This quilted one is my favorite. I just love thinking about how she chose the fabrics and put them together. Craftiness is a family trait.

The other items I stole from my Mom's house are perhaps the most fancy items in my house.

Grandma's salt and pepper shakers. I remember using these at every holiday meal. I have them out for everyday use because I want to remember. I want to look at them daily and think of getting together at her home, with my cousins, and extended family. Gathering and celebrating. Enjoying being together.

Hoping that somehow, my Grandmother knows that her Great-Grandchildren enjoy listening to my stories of spending time at her house. Knowing I was so very loved and cherished.

Comments

[Janice]

Those are the really good memories of our grandparents and keeping the memories of our parents alive long enough for our children to appreciate them.

Thanks for sharing. I have some special things that belonged to my grandparents and my grandchildren know how special and precious they are to me. Displaying them in my home gives me the chance to share the stories with them.

[Thea]

Wonderful memories! thanks for a great FTF .. though makes me feel a little melancholy .. I have a quilt my grandmother made for a twin bed and I have yet to display it. i think i need to.

[P.]

Those are such sweet things to have from your grandparents. I love that you're using and enjoying them.

[Lisa Flaherty]

How lovely! It is great to have tangible reminders to go with the treasured memories. My parents will be moving soon, and I'm hoping the smell of their old house will move with them. It's a mixture of coffee, food, fresh laundry, antique furniture, and a little something peppery that is uniquely home to me.

[Kirsten]

What a great memory..and you have your grandma close everyday now.

[Marg]

It's always lovely to have things to remind you of your grandparents. It's great that you are able to use the placemats and enjoy them.

[Shay]

Those salt and pepper shakers are truly truly beautiful. I think using them every day is far better than putting them away and only using them occasionally.

Love the quilted placemats- somewhere in you runs the quilting gene, and now we have proof!

I loved this FTF !

[nanci]

As soon as I see those brown prints, I know I'm back in the 60s, gosh just those reminded me of days gone by!
I have a set of those shakers too! Good memories.

[Kirsten]

I love this!! There is something so special about displaying something that has been lovingly maintained by someone you love.

I have plates that my grandparents brought back from a trip to Israel [that are hanging on our wall]. My husband recently broke one into several pieces - I made him glue it back together even though it doesn't look quite the same!

Enjoy your treasures - hopefully you can pass them down, too!

[Kate]

Lovely FTF. It is so nice that you keep the salt and pepper shakers out so you can remember. The placeemats are very cool too. It's good that you are not scared to use them.