My Favorite Gift

I heard of this company called Artisan State on Facebook. Just one of those ads that pops up in the newsfeed, that I usually ignore. But this one caught my eye. When I knew that Dylan was coming for Christmas, and I knew that he only wanted money as his gift, I wanted to think of something else I could do for him that would be personal and meaningful. My boy is about to turn 18. He's all grown up. He'll graduate from high school in a few months and his years of childhood are behind him. We enter a different phase. I wanted something to capsulate the memories of his childhood. Something that put in front of his face all of the good times and blessings, despite the trials. Something that made him feel supremely loved and cherished. And I wanted him to know the feelings of my heart for him in a permanent way.

Artisan State makes these amazing books. This one is called the Little Black Book and it starts at just $20 for 20 pages. I added some pages to mine. It's like a board book, very good quality, and it can come packaged in a very handsome gift box with a lid. You can add writing and you can choose your own layouts. I had a very hard time narrowing down pictures from Dylan's entire life, but I decided on pictures that showed his milestones, family traditions, and lots of pictures of the two of us together through the years.

In the inside front cover, I wrote him a letter. I did my best to sum up my heart for him as he enters this new phase of his life.

Here are a few of the pages in his book. Holding it in my hands and looking through it was so emotional for me before I wrapped it up. It was my little boy's childhood before my eyes. I read my words to him, and I looked at each page before I wrapped it up.

I was so excited to give it to him. And he loved it. The other kids loved it and want one as well, but this year this was my special gift of love to Dylan.

I am in no way being sponsored by Artisan State, but I wanted to share a good thing.