Showered

Last fall was a thrilling time for our family. With Alisha getting married, we were honored to have so many friends and family shower her with gifts. Alisha was honored with two bridal showers. The first one close by in Bow Island. She got to see lots of people that she hasn't seen for a while and she got lots of awesome food storage items along with the food to put in them! I was overwhelmed with the showing of support that she received.

A week later, we attended another shower in Lethbridge. This one was put on by the bridesmaids and grooms family. They had decorated the church very nicely and as we arrived we immediately could feel their warmth for Alisha. There were so many people there. Once again I was overcome with the showing of support and love for my dear daughter. Alisha was given a crown to wear and a special corsage.

There were piles of creatively wrapped gifts for her to unwrap. The most unique, I think, was one wrapped in her tea towels and constructed to look like a cake out of her wedding colors. It was complete with silk flowers!

As the gifts were unwrapped the ribbons and tissue paper were used to construct a beautiful veil. The silk flowers off the tea towel cake were collected and used as a bouquet. Here she is posing in her colorful veil and matching bridal bouquet and an excited bride to be. I love this picture!

Just prior to the bridal showers, Chad and I wrapped up Brandon and Alisha's wedding gift (which we had purchased about 9 months prior) and presented it to them. They had just purchased a house and we wanted to be sure that as Alisha lived there before the wedding she would have some of the necessities available to her. This gift they got to open together. It has been so fun being a part of helping them get started. 

All in all, I would say that besides food storage  containers, one of the most repeated gifts that Alisha and Brandon got were crock pots. Now of course I am including my observation of their wedding gifts in this as well, but despite some duplication, they seemed to get a really nice assortment of everything. There is little that they will need to purchase as they set up house together.

Gifts are always fun to receive.  I love to make and give gifts. I don't think I've always felt this way, it seems in my memory, that there have been times that I have made things and liked it so much that I didn't want to give it away. I know I've felt that way about some purchased items as well, but over the years, that has changed. It is a change that I welcome. I am no longer tempted to covet the gifts I give. I once read that you cannot give yourself poor. It is interesting, because I have tested that principle and I know it to be true. The more you give, the better you feel, and that spirit of giving enlarges your heart such that it encompasses more people. Also, as you give, your resources are seemingly resupplied. I have had more ideas and opportunities to do things and make things for others since I have given more freely. It is a wonderful blessing.

I also love to receive gifts. My favorite gifts though, are those made available to me through my Savior. As I watched Alisha be showered with gifts and well-wishes, I couldn't help but think of the bounty of gifts that the Savior has bestowed upon me. I love to see the generosity of the Savior mirrored in the actions and kindness of others especially toward my children. What fun it is to revel in such feelings.