Last-Minute Gifting

I sewed (and should have pressed) this little dish-detergent apron less than an hour before we had to be at Joe's mother's house for a "surprise" birthday gathering a few weeks ago. I folded a piece of paper in half, put the fold in the center of the bottle and drew a shape. After I cut it out, I tweaked it a little more by rounding the edges on the bottom. Then I added the trim. When it came time to measure the hoop for the neck, I just held them up together and pinned it. Pretty easy, although I was stressed that I had left so little time to make it. (It was supposed to be part of her Mother's Day gift that never happened.) I guess that's what happens when you are invited last minute, though. I also grabbed a jar of blueberry jam on the way out the door.


And Saturday my grandmother (right) turned 95! She is the sweetest, sweetest lady in the world. She is so very kind and generous. I have never heard her speak an ill-word about anyone. The worst thing I have ever heard her say was "hussy," which she would call the lawn mower if it wouldn't start. As a teenager it was both startling and hysterical simultaneously.

Mom-mom worked in a sewing factory for most of her younger years. When she was newly married, she would give most of her weekly wages to her parents and my grandfather's parents. She made me my first pair of gauchos and an amazing little denim tote with a lion patch.

She taught me how to can. I spent many summers canning tomatoes with her. My sister and I used to help her pick fruits and veggies from her garden.

She was the oldest daughter of a large family (I think like 9, 10, or 11 children). Her only surviving sibling is her sister (above left), who was the baby in the family.

She was married to Pop-pop for 60+ years before he died. She lives alone in her house. She is spry, smart, and alert. She does not look like she is 95, but she has the wisdom of someone who has lived 95 years. She's the best. The absolute, cream-of-the-crop best. And she's mine.


We always give her money for her birthday. This year (last minute, of course) I made her some place mats and cloth napkins, in addition to giving her money. I had made some cloth napkins for her a while back, and she asked for some matching place mats. I didn't have enough fabric leftover to match the napkins, so I made a whole new set.

She was pleased with her gift. In fact, as soon as she opened the bag, she knew it was from me, she didn't even open the card yet.

(The place mats are a little wonky, but I also had them rolled up before I decided I should take a picture of them.)

Comments

Stacey said…
Very sweet story! I love that little dish soap apron...great idea.
How sweet. I love reading stories like this.
beki said…
Aw, what a great lady! You're lucky to have her.
Anonymous said…
Happy Birthday to your Mom-Mom. What a special woman - and what a lucky girl you are!
Barbara said…
I just found four little aprons at a sale, so I loved the detergent bottle idea. (If they don't fit, surely I can make one.) Your grandma sounds like a real treasure.
Lana said…
I love the little dish soap apron, how sweet.
And what a cute little grandma you have!
utmommy said…
Sounds like she's an awesome lady!
Anonymous said…
i love that you have all of those memories of your grandmother.

happy birthday to her - and why were you invited last minute?
Diane said…
Very nice gifts. I laughed out loud at your grandma's story. From her picture, one can tell how sweet and kind she is. We share the same b-day, but she's got a few years on me!
Lora said…
What wonderful memorieis of your grandmother. I think I'd laugh too if I heard my grandmother say hussy too LMAO!
Oh My GOSH!!! My children call my parents mom-mom and pop-pop! I'll have to forward your blog to my parents so they can see they aren't the only two out there! :)
Karyn said…
1. I love the dish soap apron! (I may need to make myself one).

2. Your Grandmother looks like a sweetheart!!

3. Did I not comment on this yesterday???? I read it!!!!!
misschris said…
Well, this is just the sweetest post. My mom's mom we called mom-mom, too. (Like Muh-mom, though)

Are you wonderful with your placemats! Sweet gifts...
Hi, Lora sent me your blog. I loved reading it. Our oldest granddaughter, Lacey, named us Mom-mom and Pop-pop. I love it!! You don't hear that very often. All five of our grandchildren call us that. Lacey takes great pride in being the one that named us.
The Apron Queen said…
I am in love with your little dish soap apron! Did you make it? Is it avail somewhere or did you just find while treasure hunting?! Lucky you! So cute!

Confessions of an Apron Queen
Bonus Mom said…
She is Lovely!
susan said…
i love your story of your gran
what a wonderful lady
and your gifts are super sweet, i think i need to make some detergent aprons now

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