Tim made this beautiful cradle when Robyn was expecting her first baby. I knew she was looking for one and she couldn't find one she liked. I asked Tim if he would make her a cradle and this was his creation. He made of cherry, maple and ash and put love and care into every detail. Tucker was the first to sleep in it then Asher, Abe, Elijah, Kashli, Jude, Gabi, Minie, and Greta.
I always make a new blanket and bumper pads for the new babies. I know we have had several babies due too close together for everyone to use it. I can't wait for my own grandbabies to use it!
President Uchtdorf's talk at the Relief Society general meeting last week really resonated with Tim and me. We both have found satisfaction in creating things with our hands. Not because they are perfect or even the best but because of the way it makes us feel to share “gifts from the heart.” This is what President Utchdorf had to say about creating:
“The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before. Everyone can create. You don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty. Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty— You might say, “I’m not the creative type. When I sing, I’m always half a tone above or below the note. I cannot draw a line without a ruler. And the only practical use for my homemade bread is as a paperweight or as a doorstop.” If you are a mother, you participate with God in His work of creation—not only by providing physical bodies for your children but also by teaching and nurturing them. If you are not a mother now, the creative talents you develop will prepare you for that day, in this life or the next. You may think you don’t have talents, but that is a false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us. The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter. What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside.If you still feel incapable of creating, start small. Try to see how many smiles you can create, write a letter of appreciation, learn a new skill, identify a space and beautify it.”
(President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, General Relief Society Meeting 2008)
More Creations!
Tim made these tables for his den. They are inlaid with ebony.
Last May George's father passed away suddenly. We all loved and respected "Big George" and I made this quilt and afghan in his memory. It was a gift for George and Marie. Big George grew up in Hawaii and loved the islands so much. The fabric I chose reflects that. Chris had a close friendship with Big George and they talked about life, philosophy and religion when they worked out together at the gym.
Chris gave a heartfelt talk at his funeral and I used a quote he read for the quilt label.
"What we face may look insurmountable. But I learned something from all those years of training and competing. I learned something from all those sets and reps when I didn't think I could lift another ounce of weight. What I learned is that we are always stronger than we know."
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
Our front porch hasn't looked this good for years!
Mark has always had an artistic flair and as it turns out so does Tiffani ... and they both have a slight competitive side! Let the carving begin!
