Christmas cross-stitch

Last year, we decided for a number of reasons to make most of the Christmas presents we were giving to family. I knitted a sweater for my mom and a scarf for Naomi. Derek carved and painted a fish sculpture for Nick. We painted and decorated frames that held our family portrait; we gave them to family (shameless self-promotion!). We even got the kids in on it: they painted little wooden ornaments for everyone.

The one craft-gift I am most proud of, however, is the one I made for Ken, my father-in-law. Almost two years ago, I was having a conversation with Ken about kids and about the empty nest. I mentioned how I could understand enjoying having your kids be all grown up. He looked at me, a mother of two very small children and said something very ironically, in that way that he has of being serious and silly all at once. I laughed and laughed. I immediately had a vision of a old fashioned country cross-stitch with his thought stitched on. So very heart-warming. I planned, then and there, to make it for him. (Just a little side note, there are a number of times that Ken has said things, usually ironically, that are quite memorable and quotable. This is one of the best.)

So here is my creation. I'm glad he enjoyed it! (we made and painted the frame, too)