Thursday, June 4, 2009

Isn't It Romantic?

Early in our relationship, long before he became Double Daddy, Scott demonstrated an uncanny ability to bestow a gift. Once he learned of my initial plan to be a Studio Art (do-er) major as opposed to my eventual Art History (absorb-er) major, I received this:

Naturally, a standout token was this (note the 10 year anniversary addition we picked out together on the twins' first day of preschool...the diversion on that day was a gift in itself) :

Hands down, the best gift was this two-fer:

Evidence of his thoughtfulness is everywhere. My dresser drawer is brimming with jammies both cute and comfortable---including a pair of footie pajamas---bought for me when I expressed a wee bit of post-partum jealousy over how cozy our cuties looked in their crib.

But my Rorschach response---that first present that popped to mind when the "memorable gift" prompt was given---was none of these. In love's fledgling days, when hours were spent in lengthy talks over topics tender and ideas inane, I fleetingly mentioned an affinity for the now-antique, oft-televised toy monkeys with their noisily clanging cymbals. For reasons unknown, they enthralled me, charmed me, made me smile...yet I'd never even seen one in real-life.

Guests to our home are likely hard-pressed to explain---or understand---why a straight-faced simian sits proudly mid-mantel. Love is the answer.

Many thanks to Mama Kat of Mama's Losin' It for the incentive to opine...go do the same!


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19 comments:

Nicole S. said...

those are the best gifts - the ones only the two of you could ever understand!
and who doesn't love a toy monkey??

SouthernDogwoods said...

What a love-filled post! The thought that goes into a gift is often better than the gift itself. Love your cymbal clapping monkey!

Devri said...

How sweet! That is why they say it's the thought that counts!

Unknown said...

I am totally in love with you monkey...I hope you have him forever! Fun post.

Visiting from Mama Kat's!

Leigh Anne said...

you have to love a thoughful husband who also listens...not only to the obvious but to the whispers as well.

sweet post!

Raina said...

I am also a mom of twins and I can appreciate the best gift being the kids. But I do love the monkey. :)

noble pig said...

Hand held to God we had these hats on yesterday evening at Target!

Mamí♥Picture said...

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Cute Pics! but I really loved the Monkey one...

kisatrtle said...

who doesnt love a toy monkey. Great post

MIITB said...

That is very sweet! I will admit though, the monkey creeps me the f' out lol.

cat said...

Cool post Cheryl - DO you not wish you can get back into painting? I really wish I could.

Sharlene said...

I swear to you the first gift Paul ever gave me was one of those cymbal monkeys. How weird is that? Now I know someone else who has a love affair with the same monkeys.

Kit Kat said...

Anyone with a love for monkeys is tops in my book! I come from one of the only families I know with our own animal: the monkey. Love the post!

Visiting from Mama Kat's!

KatBouska said...

I love your "twofer"...that's great.

And I'm sorry but those monkeys scare the devil right outta me!

Unknown said...

He sounds like a real gem to me. WOW : ). And that monkey is the coolest thing ever. I love how you write! I could totally see the word pictures in my head : ).

Threeundertwo said...

What a sweet post! And I admit I get a little creeped out by the monkey too, but maybe not now that I know what he means to you. I have, after all, learned a new appreciation for circus peanuts.

debi9kids said...

How fantastic! Not sure which I love more, the story or the fact that that money sits in the center of your mantle this many years later.
That is love!

Renata said...

That monkey is just too funny!
I like the eternity ring story - I can only imagine what a great diversion it was!

Maria (also Bia) said...

I saw your monkey and thought of Phantom of the Opera . . . I think I'll watch it tonight.