Friday, January 11, 2013

The Master Gift Giver.

Gift giving is not my speciality. To give the best gift, in my humble opinion, it must be bought online, shipped to your door, and (as a bonus) be already wrapped; and yes, a cardboard box can be considered 'wrapping'. I'm one of those dads who on Christmas morning is just as surprised as the kids when they open their gifts. Although I will admit that about five years ago I resolved to be more personal, thoughtful, and generous in my gift giving; I failed both times.

So it is a little surprising (or maybe not...) that my daughter is the Master Gift Giver. She doesn't just give a gift, she gives a little bit of her heart in every present. Her gifts are unique, fitting to the personality they are meant for, and filled with character. Years ago I recognized she had this trait and, good parent that I am, actively encouraged her - for purely unselfish reasons of course!

I still have many of the gifts she has given me over the years.

The Christmas of 2012 was no exception. Kaybi, combined with two of her brothers, Will, and Fenton (and spouses) went in together on a wonderful gift for me. They split the cost, but Kaybi did the work (smart brothers that they are..) and it was a LOT of work. (I should mention that while she was making this present her husband was completing a yearlong tour in Afghanistan, she was working an at home job, and additionally working as a mother of two active children 6 and 3 years old.)

And here are the fruits of her labor;
Tombstone's Travels Blog book.

And some pics of the pages.

The famous (infamous?) Christmas tree.
Even though I know how this book ends, I've read through it several times....

Grandson's signature.
Some other gifts over the years;
A couple from many years ago.
If you ever visit, the blog book will be in here.
Thanks for reading!
And thanks Kaybi and Mike, Will and Debbie, and Fenton and Laurie for the great gift!

12 comments:

Teresa Rae said...

Well done Kayb and I comletely understand about not knowing what gifts to give...so much so that I am still trying to figure out what to get the kids for Christmas last month!
Love you all,
Teresa

VegasHotWheeler said...

Awesome gift!

BeemerGirl said...

Very nice. I love photo books accounting for our travels. I'm so glad they created one for you.

Kaybi said...

Mom helped too. It was really fun going through all your past rides. You forgot to mention that I told you for a month that you were going to love your gift. What was it that you said you were worried you'd have to do when you opened it? Silly me, I forgot... :) Love you Dad!

Ken said...

Teresa - Meh....just start planning on next years gifts. It's never to early to start procrastinating..

Mike - Thanks, but you're just saying that because you're in it.. haha!

Lori - I agree, thank you!

Kaybi - My number one advisor didn't think it would be a good idea for me to bring that up nor to say that I was afraid I was going to have to 'fake it' Christmas morning..

It really is a great gift and you REALLY ARE my favorite daughter!

Pastor Chris said...

Gift-giving, cheap cycle, stromcache and smokin'.....interesting commentary, good pics and roads I haven't travelled. Good stuff all around. I'll be back!

Ken said...

Scootard - Thanks for reading.
If you leave another comment, tell me a bit about your scooter. We owned a Silverwing one of the first years they came out. What a great machine!

JMGant said...

Great great gift! I think I even see a picture of me in it. :)

Ken said...

Jared - Just one?! Nope, next time you're at my house, check it out, there are no less than eight pix of you!
Good times!

Unknown said...

Ken:

that was a great idea !

I often thought about making a book but it seemed like too much work trying to figure out how to do it, but it wasn't too hard for Kaybi to come up with a unique creation

bob
Riding the Wet Coast
My Flickr // My YouTube


Ken said...

Bob - I have had the same thought and the same obstacle, good thing for kids, eh?

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