Seasons

Santa was good to us…

17 Comments

He brought that macro lens that I had asked for and he brought my husband the 24-in-1 ladder thingamajig that he wanted. There was food and laughter and the chance to spoil our nieces and nephews and Richie’s mom in a way that we wouldn’t usually.

We had the evening to ourselves to enjoy our gifts. I had to take a few pics with the new lens to show my husband what it can do; in the same way he had to take the ridiculously heavy ladder out of its box and demonstrate for me just what its purpose is. I think both of us are glad to have the other ask for a particular gift – I don’t much care what it is or what it does – only that he wants it and wouldn’t buy it for himself. We’re not extravagant people, but at Christmas it’s nice to throw frugality to the wind.

As happy as I am with Santa bringing the macro lens that I wanted, it’s not my favorite gift. Actually, there are two favorites. One, from my husband, is a tree identification guide that he picked out all by himself. I love it because it’s useful and shows that he does sometimes listen to me when I rant about wanting him to help me learn trees. The other favorite, pictured at right, was made by my brother Brian and is a model of our church. He made it entirely from cardboard to look like the village buidlings that surrounded the train set we had as kids. My SIL had been telling me for weeks that Brian was making me something, so I didn’t know what in the world to expect. I never would have expected this.

Anyone want to share what their favorite gift was, expected or otherwise?

17 thoughts on “Santa was good to us…”

  1. I know I’m a little late (a lot late in your time zone, a few minutes only here) but I want to wish you a Merry Christmas anyway.

    My favorite gift was a George Forman grill — because I wanted it and because my daughter remembered from months ago that I wanted it and told my son (if she had sent it to me the shipping would have been more than the grill, but he just walked it over) who listened! So, it is a gift in thoughtfulness from both of my children.

  3. Can’t wait to see the images you get with that lens! What a lovely surprise from your brother too. My favorite gift was a very unexpected check from my parents which allows us to replace the cushion in our checking since I left work and makes things more comfortable until I return after the first of the year.

  4. Congratulations on your lens! My favorite was my new camera – not as fancy as I wanted but it sure is a step above what I’ve been using! Now I need to read and learn about it 🙂 Second, the Ipod Shuffle will be fun for me when I start walking again. I need to mention my new Dooney & Bourke. I’m not extravagant and think the price of these type of handbags are ridiculous. I’m happy with Nine West or one from Target. But I should be grateful and count my blessings.

  6. I love the cardboard church that Brian made for you. My parents used to make stuff like that for us when we were kids. One year, they made the neatest castle for one of my brothers using just cardboard boxes, cardboard rolls out of the center of wrapping paper, etc… It was beautiful. We didn’t really have a christmas this year, but i did get a new laptop so that i could give my current one to my mom who would really like a computer for reading blogs. I’ll be sure to set up a bookmark to Somewhere in NJ for her! (-:

  7. What a cool church! It’s amazing what neat-o things can be done with paper and cardboard. My mom showed me a very elaborate origami swan that one of her students gave her for Christmas. It was truly stunning and hard to believe it was paper at all.

    I got lots of really nice gifts this year, including a lot of books I can’t wait to read! But most surprising were the photo printer and paper shredder– two items I had been thinking of buying for myself but had never mentioned to anyone. I guess my family employed a psychic to help them with the shopping this year, LOL!

  10. Oh! You’re going to have more fun with that new lense. What a precious gift from your brother – from the heart.

    My favorite gift is the 20Q electronic game my niece and nephew gave my son and husband. It’s FUN! We’ve played it for two straight days now. If you’re curious just google it.

  11. Maya’s granny: Hi! Those are great little grills – glad the kids were paying attention!

    Liza: Glad you’re liking the new camera.

    Samtzmom: A cushion is always nice.

    😉

    Mary: Sounds like you made out like a bandit! The iPod shuffles are so neat – we bought one for our boss. A nice handbag is a luxury I think we ought to allow ourselves to enjoy once in a while, don’t you?

    Naturewoman: Yes – I love both and want to get out in the woods with them!

    Bev: That’s what is so neat about what my brother made – it’s one of a kind. Not sure where he got the idea to do it, but he made one for a lot of us in the family – someone even got a chicken coop!

    Your recycled laptop sounds like a great and thoughtful gift, too.

    Bunnygirl: The swan sounds cool! Glad your family knew just what to get you.

    Sandy: You know, men and their tools. 😉

    John: Thanks. I’m looking forward to learning to use it.

    Cathy: I did google that – sounds like a neat game! Have you stumped it yet?

  12. Happy Boxing Day! Which macro lens did you get, Laura? I know you’re going to have a great time with it. I love models, especially architectural ones. What a lovely gift from your brother! I’m glad you all had such a great time together.

  15. Great gifts! I think my favorite is the didgeridoo my girlfriend got me. She also got me a food dehydrator which I’ve wanted since Ron Popeil first sold them circa 1990.

  17. My favorite gifts by far is a copy of Lang Elliot’s Music of the Birds (with CD) and a Disapproving Rabbits t-shirt. “Whoot!”

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