Thursday, October 6, 2011

Family Traditions

I love family traditions, especially ones that have been handed down from one generation to another for many years. There's this connection that continues on for many years. There are few traditions that I hope to continue with my family.

First, every Christmas, on the S side of the family, the grandkids all got their drink in a Santa Mug. When Grandma Bonny died each of us received one of these mugs.

Second, the hand embroidered baby quilts, from the Van Sabben side of the family. Each new baby receives a quilt that has embroidered pictures that represent the family members. The quilt I received as a baby is safely tucked away in my hope chest and has blocks for my cousins, aunts, uncles, and other extended family members. I've been working on the quilt for my nephew since before he was born. Originally my mother was helping, but then she had her accident and I've had to finish on my own. His has blocks for just the S side of the family, including my sister's pets. I just finished it this week and I'm now starting on Patrick's. His is going to have both my side as well as M's side. Here's Jonathan's quilt.

I also hope to start some traditions of my own with my family. Something that they will remember fondly and want to continue with their family.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Free Stuff and Giveaways at Ancestry.com

I'm kind of excited about this. Ancestry.com is celebrating their 15th anniversary and doing a daily giveaway as well as free access to certain searches. I love giveaways and free things. I hope to have time to use this free access in order to do more research.