Shelby texted a video to the Gingham Apron ladies a couple days ago. When I opened up the text on my phone, there it was! The BOOK, OUR BOOK, the one we’ve waited for so long to see! It had finally arrived in her mailbox. She quickly walked up the hill to her house, carefully laid it on some beautiful fabric, took her I-phone out and clicked the arrow to begin a video and sent it to each of our households. From California to Iowa we girls jumped for joy as we viewed and clicked “hearts” and “thumbs up” while she began her descriptive tutorial. To see our “project” come to fruition–tangible evidence to have and to hold, truly excited us! Our thumbs and fingers rapidly texted as she thumbed through the pages. We pinched ourselves. “Ouch!” Real it was!
Each chapter represented a gathering of our dear family. As Shelby described the weight of the paper, the colors of the photos, and the size of the book, each of us leaned in to our little screens to view and to listen to every last detail she described. Mr. Farmer and I were traveling to Des Moines to celebrate our anniversary when the “ding ding” sounded. Together we, (Dad and Mom, Gramps and Gram) listened and smiled and laughed out loud, from pure joy within, This beautiful gift of a “family” book represented much accomplishment for The Gingham Apron gals and our entire family who has supported us from the beginning.
How I wish we all could have been together for this landmark occasion! We were able, though, to realize together our accomplishments of the past. I felt thankful, grateful, honored, and delighted as Shelby carefully unmasked this gift by virtual mode. This sweet girl held it delicately in her hands as if it were a fragile piece of glass; ran her hand across the different weights of paper and described every minute detail as she held her phone closely to view all the things she thought we would care about viewing.
Last evening our family, minus a few the California members, gathered for some Sunday night pizza in our backyard. The sounds of laughter and fun filled the evening air as the kiddos jumped on the trampoline and played some games. At the shelter, each one of us adults took turns holding the book as we gazed and jabbered throughout the evening. Our men complimented us numerous times as they perused the stories and photos. What confirmation that gave me. I needed to hear this from our men. Yes, this truly was music to my ears! We continued the topic around the bonfire Mr. Farmer had once again, so skillfully made. The marshmallows roasted to a dark brown as we hurriedly unwrapped the cookies, crackers and chocolate bars. S’mores won out again.
As some of you have seen on social media, our book, The Gathering Table, launches in a few short weeks, so publicity continues to envelop numerous media sights. Honestly though, this is one area of the steps that doesn’t thrill us but is mandatory for the process to come to fruition.
What does thrill us, though, is the fact that we girls purposely sat down together a few years ago and made a decision to gather together as a family and compile the details to make a book. And now we finally have the tangible evidence. What started as a dream, a vision, an idea of placing components of who we are, what we love and where we live all together finally happened, and we can see it and touch it. We do so hope this book will inspire our readers to gather and build relationships.
Most importantly, love sustained us throughout the entire process. And beautiful memories were made for all nineteen us. Memories of showing love and building relationships will never be taken away for us all.
“Oh taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”
Psalm 34:8 ESV
While you can, purpose to build and bond and love and listen in your relationships the Lord has given you. Everyone wants to belong and enjoy close-knit relationships.
On another note, it’s time to clean out the fridge and work on items in the freezer. I hope I have some ingredients to make at least one of these recipes as the temps begin to fall.
Fall Seasonal Favorites
When warm temperatures begin to drop, these would be my choices. 🙂
Denise
Congratulations! Sooo exciting! What gifts you are sharing!
Love,
Mom/Cath
Think I will truly love this family’s compilation! Much thanks, ahead of time!! Gretchen
And much thanks to you! If it weren’t for our readers we couldn’t attempt this opportunity! We appreciate your support so very much!
Denise