VERY SPECIAL GIFTS

This year I received two very special gifts.  You know, those kind of gifts that you are forever grateful for, the ones where no money in the world would be worth the persons time or effort.  These are the gifts I got this year that sent me screaming with excitement and left me crying uncontrollably (because I'm sensitive like that).  

This is the plate that my dear friend and sorority sister, Michelle, made me!  I absolutely LOVE it----and will cherish it forever!  Go Illini!

Then we move on to the next PERFECT gift.  As many of you know, I have been collecting antique dishes called Candlewick since my best friend, Allison, got me hooked.  I received my first piece as an engagement gift from a family collection.  Ever since then, I've been finding these treasures at antique stores, garage sales, and even strangers buying and sending me pieces to add to my collection.  Each piece is very special to me.  But I have to say that the gift I got this Christmas goes to the top of the list!

We were celebrating Christmas with my family in Southern Illinois.  The first gift they gave me was neatly wrapped in bubble wrap and tucked inside a shoe box.  My initial thought was that it was a fragile ornament.  My mom kept saying that I had forgotten about this gift and that I would be surprised.  Shocked was more like it!  When I finally got it unwrapped and saw what it was.......I started crying uncontrollably and couldn't even mutter a "thank you".  My parents had purchased a Candlewick Calendar, but the most interesting part was the November 1977 calendar that was attached.  I was born on November 10, 1977!

I had actually seen this calendar on ebay several months ago.  After calling my mom to tell her about it, I flagged the auction and kept going back to check on it.  The price was very expensive (especially for something that would no longer serve much "purpose").  I had hopes that no one would buy it and the seller would relist it at a cheaper price.  I was so disappointed when someone else had bid, won, and took off with the calendar that I felt I was suppose to have.  Little did I know that my uncle bid on the calendar for my mom and won!  Receiving the calendar THIS year has extra special meaning after loosing my Grandpa on my birthday.  Now you may understand why I was crying so much at this "perfect" gift.