As of last week, my parents officially live in Richmond. This rocks for several reasons (free babysitting) so we’re excited to have them (as free babysitters) just about 15 minutes down the road (close enough to easily babysit for free). Plus, you’ll probably get some peeks at their new digs as they settle in (between babysitting jobs) and as we help them tackle some projects around their house (perhaps in exchange for all of the free babysitting). And if you follow us on Flickr, you’ve noticed that we wasted no time breaking in their community pool as soon as the moving truck was returned:
Three days after closing on their new house, my parents also celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary (days before my mom had a birthday- May’s a busy month for us celebration-wise). Since 39 years doesn’t have an assigned anniversary gift theme (35th is coral or jade and 40th is ruby), my sisters and I planned something to commemorate the 32 years they spent at their old house (seen below). This was in addition to the painting we gave them last month as moving gift.
My mom has always collected “The Cat’s Meow” keepsakes, which are small wooden blocks cut and painted to represent specific buildings, landmarks, and even people. My mom is particularly fond of the meaningful ones that represent places that are special to her – like the Dolles taffy shop in Rehoboth Beach, DE (our traditional family vacation spot) or the West Virginia State Capitol (her home state). So when I discovered that they accepted custom orders, we jumped at the chance to commission this:
Using the photo above of the house, they created this custom wood block of my parents’ place. It’s a service they call “My World” and it took roughly six weeks and was about $99 for two (we got one for their new Richmond house & one for their beach house). Hundred dollar gifts are kind of the sweet spot for us kids since there are four of us (and we each toss in $25). Oh and do you see that little black cat sitting in the window? That’s in every figurine that they make (it’s their signature) but it acts as the perfect stand-in for our family’s black cat named Duncan (who now lives with my little sister Carrie).
They did a great job with it (though it’s a bit bluer than in real life – it’s actually grey – but maybe our photo is to blame for that). They even let you customize a message for the back. Their standard collection usually includes the name of the place and some historical facts, so I wrote something to sorta summarize the “history” of their house.
In case you don’t feel like squinting – it reads:
This lovely residence in Burke, Virginia became home to Tom and Kathy Petersik in 1979. Their four children, Katie, Emily, John and Carrie, loved growing up here – from playing with the other neighborhood kids in the cul-de-sac to eventually pushing their own children on the swings behind the house. In their 32 years here, [their street number] played host to Christmas mornings on the stairs, Easter eggs hunts in the backyard, and countless family feasts.
(To explain, we had a tradition of making the kids gather on the steps on Christmas morning before running to open presents. We didn’t actually try to open gifts precariously crammed onto the staircase.)
As we hoped, the two wooden replicas of their former home were a big hit with my parents (who opened them this weekend while we were at the beach). I think they’re excited to have this small reminder of their “kid-raising” house to display at their new “grandkid-babysitting” home (my words, not theirs).
Laura says
I smiled when I saw the Dolles taffy shop refernece. I grew up in Maryland as a kid and our summer vacation spot was Rehobeth Beach. I remember stopping there, along with many other places along the boardwalk!
Ali says
Cute gift! I’m jealous that your parents are so close by and I lol’d about all the free babysitting digs because it is so true!
Katie D says
Great idea! I grew up in Burke, VA too!!!
taysha riggs says
What a great idea!!! Mind if I copy it myself for my dad’s 60th next month? :-)
Kelly says
Great idea!
FYI – None of your sponsor information is showing up on the right side for me. Every other day I am able to view but today there’s nothing.
YoungHouseLove says
You might have ad blocking software running (or your office does?). That would be my best guess. You might be able to change the preferences and get the back. Good luck!
xo,
s
Robin @ our semi organic life says
This happened to me too – even at home. One day last week it just was all blank – no boxes or errors just white space all the way down. It came back the next day or so and then it was back to normal. weird.
Holly M. says
Cool! I live in Burke. And you’re right, no one around here knows where that is.
cathy says
i love this! i just bought my new house and that would be the perfect way to immortalize this step! thanks for sharing!
Katie Rose says
There HAD to have been tears with that gift! That is always my goal when gift giving…if you get some tears, you know you did well :)
Ruthie Hart says
What a great gift idea you guys!! My parents have a pencil drawing of their first house and I would love to get them a picture or momento of their past 2 houses! Thanks for sharing
Mary @ stylefyles says
great gift idea!!
Kayla says
random baby question… did you guys switch from Clara’s infant car seat to a bigger one like a booster yet? if so, I was just curious which one?
YoungHouseLove says
She still has the same one (a Chicco KeyFit30). It goes up to 30lbs (Clara is around 20) so it might be another year or so. Haha.
xo,
s
Amanda K says
I totally recommend the Sunshine Kids Radian 80 if you want them to stay in the 5 point harness for an extended amount of time. My son, who is tall for is age, out grew his Graco brand 5 point harness just after he turned 4 and was around 40 lbs. The weight guidelines for the Radian 80 are 5 lbs to 80 lbs in a 5 point harness and can face forwards and backwards. This one saves you from buying a convertible that faces both ways that usually has a weight limit of 40 lbs and then having to buy another when they out grow it because of height or weight. There is also a Radian 65, which has a lower weight limit of 65 lbs and costs less.
Graco now makes one that has a higher weight limit, 20 – 65 lbs (note it only faces forward) that is very nice and less than $150 called the Nautilus. It gets 5 stars on walmart.com
sorry for the long post. I take shopping and comparing baby gear very seriously ; ) Best of luck on your shopping. And make sure to pick what you feel is best for you and your families needs.
Kayla says
thank you so much for the tips – off to check out the ones you mentioned! :)
Jennifer says
We have the Chicco KeyFit30 too. Make sure you know Clara’s height. It only goes up to 30 inches and our 8 month old just grew out of it.
YoungHouseLove says
Oooh good to know! She’s getting close I think.
xo,
s
Jana H. says
While I love the sweet gift you got for your parents, I gotta say all the free babysitting jokes cracked me up. LOVE IT. LOL
Allison says
Great personalized gift idea! It’s Friday and I miss me a new weekly picture of Clara……
YoungHouseLove says
Funny you say that because we were just said this morning “Oh, it’s Friday! That’s means we’ve gotta take Clara’s… oh wait… nevermind.” But on the bright side, she’ll be 13 months a week from Tuesday which means another monthly photo is right around the corner.
-John
ruth says
I didn’t know they did custom ones. My mother loves those too.
jenn says
What a cute gift, you guys are never short on creativity! Hope everyone (Burger included) has a relaxing and fun weekend.
Jenna says
What a great gift idea! On a side note, do you use reusable swim diapers for Clara? We have pool and beach on tap for this summer and want to take our 4 month old in the water. Any recommendations? Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
We got one hand me down and bought two reusable cloth swim diapers at Target. Love them!
xo,
s
Shelley says
My mom collects those too and I never knew the company made custom ones! What a great idea for gifts – maybe I will even get one made for our house! Thanks for posting this!
Anna M says
Totally off topic- but you guys NEED to make one of these for an anniversary party or something. :)
http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/entertaining/simple-decor-make-a-buzzing-beehive-pinanta–147771
YoungHouseLove says
I love it! Already pinned for Clara’s next party!
xo,
s
Kristin H. says
Perfect post because I was randomly wondering what you guys usually do for gifts! You often mention that you’re “cheap” (in a good way, as in “thrifty”!) but I didn’t know if that applied to gifts for others also.. bday gifts for siblings, parents, nieces/nephews, wedding gifts, etc. Seems like you go for thoughtfulness while keeping price in mind?
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah we love giving people help (ex: we painted John’s sisters new apartment with her for her birthday and bought her the gallon of paint) or something meaningful in the 25-35 range (usually). Something customized or personalized in some way just seems like the sweet spot for us.
xo,
s
Norell says
I have had a rather down week & had to let you know that each time I see that you have posted, I immediately race to your blog. My children are grown and on their own. Reading your blog makes me feel so close to them. You make me smile and laugh and give me that warm fuzzy feeling only my lovely children can. Thanks for sharing your lives with all of us.
Beth says
moving soon and using your blog for much needed inspiration love! i was wondering where in the world you got your living room rug? i need something big and fluffy. have me some babies too. :)
thank you!
beth
YoungHouseLove says
That’s from overstock.com. So baby friendly!
xo,
s
Kelley says
Love it! I bought my parents a Cat’s Meow of their house for Christmas last year and they LOVED it! They also collect them. :)
Nicole says
What a perfect gift. My parents have lived in their home since 1977 and know how strange it will be when the find a different place to call home (which may happen sooner than later since their only granddaughter is with us 3 1/2 hours away. Your parents might miss the memories of their old home but will be making som great memories with Clara in their new home. And you can’t beat free babysitting!
Asha says
Such a cute idea! But I have to say seeing Clara’s Swimways floaty dealy made my day. I just bought one at Tarjhay and plan on using it this weekend. My baby boy is 3 months behind Clara so it’s good to see her enjoy it. I’m crossing my fingers the lo likes it too! Totally off topic, I know.
Grace says
My mom just sold her house of 28 years! I just downloaded the order form and will go next week to take pictures for our very own keepsakes. I am tickled that you clued us in on this great gift. I’m getting one for every member of the family. Way to go Petersik kids!
Keep up the good work!
Grace
Erin@His & Hers says
We recently moved 11 minutes from my in-laws and 17 from my parents (yes, they timed it). :) No kids yet for babysitting–though our mothers wish there were—but it’s awesome having them so close, to just pop over for an evening or just a few minutes!
Renee says
This is a very sweet gift, and close to my heart. My parents built their house (all by themselves) in the early 70s, and are currently building their second home. When they put their first house on the market in a few weeks, my heart is certainly going to break a little.
Luckily, my mom also collects these Cat’s Meow keepsakes, so I may have to special order one of these little guys too!!
Thanks for sharing,
Renee
http://www.bettycrockettrocknroll.blogspot.com
1956okie says
LOVE that!! I had no idea they would do those for individuals. I have collected Cat’s Meow buildings of all sorts for years, from historic places in our area to some that were just cute. John’s parents have to love the gift! Great idea!
Lizzy says
My mom is moving out of her home that she’s had for 22 years, and this would be a GREAT gift for her! I just wish I had 3 sisters/brothers to split the cost with. ;)
Katie T says
I got one of those slap wrist braclets when I was on vacation… I just couldn’t pass it up. I loved them once upon a time!
Skye says
I love this!! The cat’s meow factory/village is actually located in my hometown! I definitely went there on a field trip sometime in elementary school many moons ago. What a small world :)
Shaye says
That is the coolest idea for a gift!
We have a few Cat’s Meow pieces that we’ve gotten as gifts from different people. (It seems like once you have one on a door frame, people assume you’re a collector.) ;)
We now have the church where we were married, the hospital where our son was born, both our high schools (neither still exists), and a place where my husband used to volunteer.
I’m totally going to look into getting a few custom ones made for some people now!
Lindsay says
I love that Cat’s Meow house! I live in WV and my mom and grandmother collect those too. A custom Cat’s Meow would be a great gift for both. Thanks! I had no idea they did that.
Melissa @ HOUSEography says
My grandmother collected those same ones. Wish I had known that you could do custom ones because she would have loved that. When she died last year, each of the grandkids took a favorite location.
Donna Huebsch says
This is just the sweetest thing! I know this will be such a special keepsake for your parents.
Also, what a fabulous deal having your folks local now!
Amy Butler says
OmG Emily-Marie LOOOOOOOOOVES Ugly Dolls!
She has three (and calls them “no no babies”) and they are so ugly they’re cute!
You are so lucky to have a private pool! we’ll have one at our new place, but our community pool here is always PACKED with people that DON’T LIVE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD!
Honestly, it’s like someone called all the local college kids and yelled “free pool!”
YoungHouseLove says
It’s so funny! No one is ever in there! Although I wonder if later in the season it’ll start filling up.
xo,
s
jesse says
This is so random, especially because I hardly ever comment but I was just cruising the internets and I saw this:
http://www.alexandraangle.com/sphtm/losfeliz12.htm
I thought of your House and that neat little cove you have. I can’t wait to see what it ends up looking like. I hope you see this! Do you even read unrelated comments posted on a Friday night? :)
YoungHouseLove says
Wow- what a charming little cove! I love it. Here’s hoping ours looks half as inviting and sweet when we’re done with it!
xo,
s
Jennifer says
What kind of diapers are you using for Clara’s water adventures? We use BG’s too but are curious what you use for her to play in the water with.
YoungHouseLove says
She inherited a reusable cloth diaper from her cousin Elsa (not sure what brand it is) and we picked up two more from Target. We love that they can be reused!
xo,
s
Claudia says
that is the sweetest gift (ever) for such a sentimental occasion (selling/moving houses). i wish i had a figurine like that for every house i lived in while growing up. so much better than just pictures. well done guys! you never fail to impress me with your creativity; such a gift! :)
Debbie Summers says
Love the Keepsake by “My World”… You can bet that I’m going to take myself right over to their website to check them out. Thanks for sharing! I’m sure your folks will cherish the gift.
JennyB says
Last fall, we moved to the street my husband grew up on..just two doors down and across the street from his parents. It’s been fabulous. I’m lucky that my in-laws are the coolest folks around. And we both love that our little boy can see them so much. It so nice having family close by!
Karla says
That’s such a thoughtful gift, it brought a tear to my eye!
Christy Q says
That is so cool! I have quite a few Cat’s Meow keepsakes of special locations or collections as does my mom. I’m definitely holding on to this idea for Christmas so thank you for sharing it!!
Brooke says
LOVE this! I may need to do it for my childhood home.
Thanks!
Brooke Annessa
http://www.theannessafamily.blogspot.com
Lindsay says
What a great gift idea! I love it. May is a crazy month for our family, too (2 birthdays, an anniversary, Mother’s Day, graduations, etc.)…we’ve looked at it as a month-long kick-off to summer!
Heidi says
I love Clara’s pic, she looks like she’s having a blast
Amy @ A Little Nosh says
I live in Burke! I didn’t realize you were from here. Awesome!
Joanne says
Hi John & Sherry-
Just wanted to comment on how I enjoy your energy for all things “home” and today especially for sharing your idea from The Cat’s Meow! What a great idea! We also have a vaction home in “Reho” (as we call it) and about 8 years ago we bulldozed the old cottage and built a new house which we use when we can and rent out throughout the summer. I already have a few Cat’s Meow(Dolle’s, The Welcome to Rehoboth Beach sign, a lifeguard chair, Sea Dragon ride, Thrasher’s Fries) here at our home in Florida as a reminder of our Reho house. ANYWAY! What a great idea for us to have a custom one made of the old cottage! I will start looking for a great pic to send off asap! Thanks for sharing this great idea! And I’ll be keeping my eye open- looking for that cute baby on the beach when we are there in July!
Erin D. says
I have a Cat’s Meow too, of the church-turned-art center where my husband and I got married in southern Wisconsin. I didn’t realize they were such a large operation!
Penny says
I’m so happy for your families, you are going to love being this close!! My daughter and her husband bought the house behind me and we took down the fence between the two yards. Now my 3 and 8 year old grandkids are over here all of the time. In fact they are on their way right now, to spend the night while their parents go to a concert:) It’s a really special situation, and I feel very lucky.(And my daughter does too:)