a labor of love.

Please forgive the poor lighting on these photos, as it's currently 2am and there's no natural light to be found!

After several hours scheming + shopping, plus a few nights wrapping, I've nearly completed the advent calendar care package for my love. Luck of all luck, I also found a manageable-size Christmas tree for just a few dollars. I am so elated!

Each little numbered package is a fun treat or something usable, with an itty-bitty note inside which sweetly ties the trinket to a reason he holds my heart. (Some are silly, some are saucy, some are truly-heartfelt. I'd give a few example, but the boy reads my posts regularly, and I don't want to give it all away!) Seven of the twenty-five days are actually numbered DIY ornaments on the tree into which I slipped a small love note with a favorite memory from our time together.

As a creative type, the quickest way to my heart is acknowledgement and true appreciation of my creative efforts, something that has typically fallen flat in my past relationships. But not this time. Gabriel is such an appreciative guy and I consider myself a lucky lady. I cannot count how many times he's thanked me for this package (although it's still stateside!), or let me know that he loves the creative time and energy I spend on things like this..down to the ridiculous felt flowers and coordinating ribbon. Isn' t it the best when your guy notices your artistic efforts?

Now, I can barely wait to get this enormous box in the mail and will hold my breath until I know it's found it's way to the sweetest guy in Baghdad!