Wednesday 5 December 2007

GETTING BACK INTO A ROUTINE

HOME AGAIN
Home again after spending time with Max’s family during his father’s final days and up to his funeral. It certainly has been a very difficult time for us all.
I was very proud of the way our children participated in their Pop's funeral. Melanie (age 30) and Amy (age 29) handed out tomato seedlings in memory of their Pop, as it was something that he always grew and shared with his friends. Daniel (age 26) and Michael (age 24) assisted their father and cousin in carrying the coffin from the church to the hearse, a very emotional moment for them all.
Thank you to everyone that has left such caring messages, it meant a lot to us all.

DECK THE HALLS ORNAMENT SWAP GOODIES
Sorry to take so long in showing what Laura of katdiddys sent to me.
4 beautiful Glass Baubles with Cupcakes handpainted by Laura. A lovely store bought star with Santa, a Snowman and little child hiding away in the middle. Some of Laura’s fabulous cards that she sells in her Etsy Store. Last but not least is this beautiful Slice of Cake Giftbox made by Laura with a gorgeous Pink Christmas Ornament inside.
Thank you Laura for being such a fun Swap partner.

39 comments:

Gail McCormack said...

Hi Alison
It is a very hard time for you all, isn't it great you've got a wonderful family who can support each other.
Your Christmas goodies are adorable
take care xxx

Anonymous said...

Hi Alison, your close family will be of great comfort during this hardest of times. We are very sad for you all. Jenn and Jacqui

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

Oh, that is so sweet. When my dad passed away, I took a tomato to the funeral instead of flowers, too. He was also an avid gardner.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss.

Adla said...

Hi Alison,
so sorry to hear of you loss, hope things get better along the way.

On another note you received such pretty things for you swap, those glass baubles with the cupcakes in them are really unique. Wonderful!

You take care and remember that there'll always be a rainbow at the end of the tunnel :)

shabbyfufu said...

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your F.I.L Alison. My prayers are with you in this difficult time. Warmest regards~janet

Miss Rhea said...

I am so sorry about your loss, it is never easy . Your Mother in law is very lucky to have you. And your Max. Again, really so sorry...

Lori said...

Alison, you must be so proud of your children...your swap goodies look very wonderful!!!

Michelle said...

Alison, Thanks for stopping by. I will keep you and your family in my heart and prayers through this holiday season. On a bright note, what lovely gifts to come home to. Michelle

Unknown said...

Thanks for visiting me Alison...I had to check out your blog!
Though sad to read about your fatherinlaw, having his family around when he passed, would have been comfort.
It looks like you have been busy too, I suppose it is that time of year!
Sue

Kingswood Food and Craft Market said...

Hi Alison,

Im so sorry sweetpea to hear about Stans passing. It's such a hard time i know, and i hope you all stay strong and comfort one another, im sure you will.

Im thinking of you.
Love n hugs,
Shann :)

bluemuf said...

I think the tomato seedlings is a lovely idea. What a lovely memory.

Hugs Karen

Sugar Bear said...

Hello Allison,
It sounds like you have really pulled together at a difficult time. It is nice to see you back. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers. Your swap items are delightful.
Karla

Britt- Sparkled Vintage Charm said...

I am sorry for your loss :-( I hope your family are doing ok :-) xo Britt

love.boxes said...

...still thinking of all of you. I love the idea of the tomato seeds.. a very hopeful gesture I think. :)

Donna Layton said...

Alison....it must have been so moving for you to see your children express their love for their grandfather in such an appropriate way. I'm just so sorry for all of you. The love you have for your father-in-law is apparent. Life is never the same after someone who is a part of you leaves. It's just not possible. My heart is with you all.
Your swap items are so gorgeous. I'm very glad we bloggers have each other to share with and care with.
Take care.

Beth Leintz said...

So sorry for your family's loss, take good care, I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Hi Alison,
My heart goes out to you and your family.
Penny

BittersweetPunkin said...

I love your goodies...and I'm glad to see you are back. The tomato seedlings was a very nice touch...sounds like a lot of thought went into that little detail. Hugs to your family.
Blessings,
Robin

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Dear Allison,
I am so sad to hear about your loss. Stan looks like such a sweet man, too! Blessings to you and your family,
xo
Becky

Katrina Chambers said...

Hi Alison, what lovely memories you will all have. We have missed you!

Cindy said...

Love the idea of the tomatoe packets.

Those Christmas ornaments with the cupcakes are sooo cute.

c

Michelle said...

What fun treasures! I hope your holiday takes a turn for the better now!

Unknown said...

Alison,
So sorry to hear about your loss, wonderful that your children were able to express their grief. Funerals are so important for us to experience closure.

Sounds like you are smart to get back to the routine of life. Each day it will get easier. I love all of your treasures, they are wonderful.

Blessings, Karen

Nunnie's Attic said...

Alison,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers.

Love,
Julie

Anonymous said...

Hi Alison, My sons helped carry the coffin when their Grandmother died and I too was so proud of them. And what a special memory you made for others and in remembrance of Max's father with the tomato seedlings. That was so thoughtful. I love the goodies you got especially that cake box and that pretty pink ornament. I have had those same ornaments for years and just love them. ~ Lynn

blessings said...

I'm so sorry! I haven't been over in a bit and I didn't realize that you've been through so much! It sounds like your children are as thoughtful as you. Praying for you. Blessings... Polly

Sweet Remembrance said...

Alison...
I am so sorry!
I wish you & your family the best during this hard time.
Priscilla

Christi said...

((((hugs)))) and positive thoughts for you and your family...

Bristol said...

Alison- It is the first time to your site. I was so touched by your post. My father passed away in late April suddenly he was 70. My son called him Pop. When we were at the gravesite, we layed his fav flower tulips over his urn. My son grif and his Pop had this thing with baseball hats. grif is four and he left his hat for Pop and it was buried with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, it is very difficult. It so nice your children had wonderful things to remember him by.
Bristol

Laura Bray said...

Your children's thoughtfulness is a testament to you & your husband. Glad you enjoyed the swap goodies.

Maria said...

Thanks for the well wishes Alison.
Im glad you are getting back into the swing of things. Lucky you, the ornaments you received are very pretty.

Dede Warren said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

big hugs,
Dede

Dede Warren said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

big hugs,
Dede

Jeanne said...

I am sure it feels good to be back home again. My best friend just went on a similar journey to lay her mother to rest just last month. I'm hearing a lot of sad news lately and it hits harder at this time of the year. But that is the circle of life and the one thing we all have in common with each other.
Take care, jeanne

Katrina Chambers said...

Hi Alison, I wrote a comment on my own blog for you...

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

So very sorry to learn of your loss. Stan looks like such an adorably sweet man in his picture. I know all too well the effects of cancer, having lost my precious father only 9 mos. ago. May God bless your entire family.

Beautiful swap items.

Big Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Sandra Evertson said...

So sorry to hear of your loss.
Sandra Evertson

Susan Tuttle said...

I am so sorry for the loss that your family is experiencing. The funeral sounds very moving and special.

Those goodies are just beautiful!

Thank you for your kind comments on my blog.

Susan
xo

Laura said...

Dear Alison,
It sounds like your lovely family made your father-in-laws passing everything it should be. A celebration of his life and the loving comfort of each other. I am sorry for your loss and touched by the ritual.

Thank you for taking time to stop in to see me and leave a friendly comment. It's hard for me to get my mind around the idea of Christmas in Summer. And I live in Southern Calif.!
My thoughts are with you for what may be a bitter-sweet holiday.