As the name of my blog indicates, I spend a lot of time thinking about home. Of course, my Heavenly Home is the one that is eternal, so that’s where I need to lay up my treasures, and that’s the one I’m striving for. But in the meantime, I have been given this tiny piece of the here-and-now—this home on the edge of town, this family, this neighborhood—in which to serve Him. And, though this is in the earthly realm, I want the things that happen here to be investments in the Heavenly realm.




Tuesday, October 21, 2014

gather. {a happy package}



As a grandmother, it is a delight to gather little things to give to my grands. I have "grandmother eyes" when I'm out and about, and see a coloring book or stickers or a small toy that a particular grand might like. I usually have an assortment of small treasures in the "gift bag" I keep in my bedroom, waiting for birthdays and holidays, or waiting for an ordinary day. Or for a happy package! 

Because the three faraway grands have lived far away for their entire lives (changing soon!!), I have mailed lots of packages. And because I want packages from Gran and Papa to always be exciting (it is one of our connections), I make them happy packages!  

A happy package means that there is something for every child, in every package. Whenever I send a package (birthday, holiday, anything), I make sure to include something for each one...a book, a small toy, markers. And candy. Always candy. (Yes, I am that grandmother.) Even if it is your sister's birthday or a Father's Day package, if it comes from Gran and Papa, you can be sure that there is something for YOU inside! Often we'll put stickers on the mailing box or doodle a balloon or birthday cake (with the appropriate number of candles, of course). 

(Psst...don't tell, but the next happy package will have these Goodwill finds for the girls. Two dresses, original tags still attached! WooHoo!)






I have a happy package that I'd like to send to one of my readers! I have gathered some small treasures that thrill my autumn heart and I am going to send them to one of you! 



1) The little plate that inspired this series.


2) A package of Thanksgiving napkins. The word "gather" caught my eye, but there are lots of inspiring thoughts here.


3) A package of pumpkin spice (of course!) votive candles for autumn ambiance! 


4) Some Sweet Harvest Pumpkin tea bags.


If you'd like to get this little happy package in your mailbox, just leave a comment below! I'll pick a winner out of the hat bowl at the end of the week.






This is day 21 in the series gather.  Click ~here~ to see more.


28 comments:

  1. This is why you are my Grandma inspiration!

    Your happy box gatherings are delightful!

    Deanna

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  2. What a 'treat' for your grands to get little gifts whenever a pkg. goes to their home, no matter what the occasion.

    Your gift box will be enjoyed by whoever the winner is. That is kind of you to do that.

    Have a great week ~ FlowerLady

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  3. I have done the same....only now with an elderly person.

    A happy basket is my way...with a little lunch that always includes dessert. Something new to try from the grocery..the elderly are sometimes too tired to walk these big stores.

    I always stay for a visit. Sometimes older people are so lonely and only want to talk to someone.

    Your little idea for your grands...is fun for them and at the same time...fun for you.
    Balisha

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  4. You always make things so fun, pretty, and special and done with such ease. How wonderful to be part of your family and the good times you all enjoy.
    Blessings, Sharon D.

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  5. Such a great post, Cheryl...I am sure that your grands love their "Gran" very much! How excited they must be to receive those special "happy" packages from you!

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  6. The subject caught my eye because I look at things from a grandmother's perspective, too!

    Christmas is not imaginative because the four older kids all want iTunes gift cards for movies and games and such. This year the youngest will get one, too (SOB, she is no longer a BABY.)

    But a lot of thought is put into birthday gifts and packages, trying to be a detective as to each child's "bent".

    Candy works, too. ;)

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  7. What a treat for your loved ones to receive your Grandma packages. Giving is so much fun.

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  8. You are making such loving memories with your happy packages. The package you are giving away looks like a great treat, too!

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  9. How nice to include something for each of your grandchildren. What a wonderful way to make them feel loved and special. I am just getting started down the grandmother path so I am taking good notes from those of you who do it so well.
    That is indeed a "happy package" you have assembled for one of your readers.

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  10. Am I eligible? :-)

    I love your Goodwill dresses! Were they from the local Goodwill? I'm becoming a Goodwill connoisseur (ha ha!), sampling Goodwills in various cities. Our most recent (Bridgeville) was barely worth the stop, but we find something from our favorite (Lancaster) every time!

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  11. Oh how fun to have grandma eyes. Love the giveaway! Thanks :)

    Janet

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  12. Would you be my Grandma? I love happy packages! - ok, just kidding - I enjoy mailing happy packages to my far away grands as well.

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  13. This Gather series was my introduction to your blog; it's been a treat, thank you.
    Sandra at Thistle Cove Farm
    thistlecovefarms at gmail dot com

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  14. Love your idea about the happy packages. I bet they are soo excited to see one arrive, lol. I have begun sending an occasional letter in the mail to a random grand child here and there. I have heard they LOVE it. Never knowing when something for "them" is in the mail. All of us grandma's should get together and share all of our little ideas that bring those grands joy. Wouldn't that be fun? Enjoy your day!

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  15. Great Grandmas' think alike! I also send something for everyone in my grandchildren's packages. You've probably read the book "Long Distance Grandma", lots of good ideas.

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  16. I love happy packages! What a sweet grandma you are!

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  17. I love that you make sure there is something for each child...so thoughtful and special.

    I love pumpkin, so why have I never tried that tea? Definitely something that needs to be fixed soon :)

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  18. Hi Cheryl;
    Altho I don't comment very often, I read your blog every time you post. Love the idea of Happy Packages for the grands, and am happy to hear they will be moving closer to you. Have a Great and Blessed Day. Hugs, Doreen

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  19. Oh yes count me in...
    I'll be happy for who ever wins!!:))

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  20. Cheryl...I love coming home from a hectic day at school to find a new blog post from you. Your words always soothe my spirit and encourage me to keep on! I love your "happy packages" and rejoice with you that soon your faraway grands will be closer. Hugs!! Linda

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  21. Gosh, what a neat thing to do for your grandchildren! I wish I had grandparents like you, LOL. And please throw my name in the hat for your delightful giveaway.

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  22. Sometimes I think the excitement of the package -- especially if there are pretty stickers on the outside -- is almost more exciting than what's inside. It's the anticipation! I haven't been to your site in weeks and it was so nice to come back for a visit.

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  23. Packages are so much fun to prepare AND to receive! You are such a wonderful grandmother!
    Please throw my name into your hat...and thanks!

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  24. The colors and the items in your happy package make me think of a very cozy and enjoyable afternoon in autumn. I'm hoping I win it!

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  25. What a thoughtful grandmother you are! I have been enjoying your gather posts and have read your thoughts every day, Cheryl. Your happy package looks like autumn to me! ♥

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  26. Here I am! (Gathered myself just in time, I hope!)

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  27. What a beautiful tradition! You are a good grandma. I follow your 31 Days every year. Thanks for opening your home to us. :-)

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  28. You sure know how to make Happy Packages! What a blessing you are to your grankids.
    monk5 at charter dot net
    Monica

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