Do you have any family keepsakes that have turned into a game for children? My husband and I have such a thing for our grandchildren! I was fortunate enough to have in-laws who enjoyed making crafts to give to family members for a number of years. My father-in-law, Merle, was into woodworking and my mother-in-law, Becky, would add finishing touches with detailed painting. So, for a number of years, extended family members were the recipients of clever handmade crafts.
It goes without saying that in my own home, we enjoy the memories attached to these crafts. My wooden turkey comes to visit my kitchen every Thanksgiving. And the wooden reindeer family add special décor touches to our fireplace hearth every Christmas.
But one prized craft makes himself at home year-round, creating competition with our grandchildren. Years ago, my father-in-law made wooden mice for family members that are actually comprised of four parts. Each part fits together like a three-dimensional puzzle. My mother-in-law painted some delightful features on to these little guys, completing them with a black pom-pom nose. In my opinion, my mouse is more handsome than Mickey!
Tenny, for the most part, remains stationary in one place. But when we have a family get-together, Tenny somehow travels to a different place in our home, hiding from the grandchildren. What fun we have when they arrive, and I remind them that Tenny has disappeared again. The swift movement of little legs and cries of excitement fill our home as the grandchildren scamper around to find him.
Ahh, I treasure these family moments! And our grandchildren all know that Tenny was made by their great-grandparents for us to enjoy today. (Tenny was named after Tennessee where he came from originally.) What a privilege it is to connect the generations, creating and preserving family memories.
I would love to hear from my readers if you have any special keepsakes that have turned into games or special stories for your families! Just hit the comment box–or–go to the “Contact” tab at the top of my website to share your story.
