And the stockings were hung...

...By the mantle with care, in the hopes that St. Nicholas would soon be there. And with all of those great looking stockings I think their wishes may come true!! It has been my heart's desire since the kids were just lil' babes to have homemade stockings made for them. Something special, that was unique to just them, and made with love. Mike and I both grew up with stockings such as these, mine made by my aunt. Mike was tucked in his stocking and brought home from the hospital after his birth. These stockings have been with us all of our lives and are our precious Christmas treasures, with many a Christmas' memory stuffed in them. And I wanted that for my kids as well.

I have had every intention of making these stockings for the children.. I have even gone as far as to buy the yarn and start crocheting one.. I got about 1/3 of the way done.. and stopped. I am not sure why exactly, perhaps because life just got in the way, perhaps because I am not a very good crocheter (and forget about knitter..) Whatever the reason, my dream didn't stop. I still desperately wanted special stockings for the kiddos!

And then in enters my mother. My little "stocking angel". I knew I would never finish the task myself. My mother, knowing me as well as I know myself, graciously offered to provide my children with their unique stockings. She worked day in and day out to finish them for the kids, ensuring that they each would have their very own personal Christmas treasure to enjoy for this year. And what a great job she did! Each stocking was made with love and care. The kids may not appreciate them that much right now (for them, it is just another means to get candy and presents from Santa!) But I am certain that as they get older, and start lives of their own, that their stockings will become the same precious Christmas treasures to them as Mike's and I's are to us. Stuffed with many wonderful Christmas' memories and stories. Thank you Mom. They are beautiful, appreciated, and much, much loved.