It’s bitterly cold here today. But not as cold as in Chicago. School’s cancelled there today due to the freezing temps. So says my teacher cousin. (If you haven’t yet read my humorous story about the cold here in New England, don’t miss Misery Loves Company )
When it gets frigid around here, we have to get creative entertaining ourselves. So I was thinking that today might be the perfect day for Show and Tell. What do you think? Ok. So let’s do it this way. Everyone who doesn’t want to do Show and Tell today, raise your hand.
OK. OK. Would you believe it? I don’t see any hands. Not a one. No rotten tomatoes either. So that works out nicely for me, and hopefully for you also. (Thanks for the vote of confidence.)
You probably think I want to do Show and Tell to return to happy childhood memories. The thing is, you’d be right. There were lots of happy childhood memories. But you’d also be wrong. Because none of those memories involve Show and Tell. I don’t ever remember doing Show and Tell as a kid. At school or anywhere else. So what I’m trying to say is, I was royally cheated out of Show and Tell. So today’s my turn, finally. We’re gonna have Show and Tell, and I get to bring more than one thing to make up for all the lost time.
So as I was gathering things for Show and Tell today, I chose random items that bring me joy. Honestly, I didn’t really pick these objects. It was more like they picked me. They either entered or re-entered my life in the last few weeks. And you’ll notice a recurring theme. So let’s go. (Are you in?)
So THIS, is an alliegator hook. You know, “see you later alliegator?” That’s me, Alliegator. Loved this clever Christmas present. It hails from North Country Wind Bells in Round Pond, Maine. They also make really neat “wind bells” that mimic the sound of various buoy bells from around the country. These make an awesome, unique gift… especially for someone like my dad who grew up near the Portland Headlight. http://www.northcountrybells.com
This elephant apparently wanted to come back home and live with us. I bought this elephant for a white elephant gift exchange, maybe five or six Christmases ago. I don’t even remember where I got it. So one of my friends who ended up with him at the exchange, returned “him” last week. Said he really belonged with us, considering the recent events of last fall. (You can read more about those crazy events here. Near Death by Elephant and DIY Clay Elephant Ornaments ) This elephant’s cute, and I’m glad he’s returned home.
So I found this adorable hippopotamus puzzle at a little gift shop in Bar Harbor, Maine five years ago back when I still had three children. Jon and I were staying up there for the weekend and we found a great little shop with unique handmade children’s wooden puzzles. Sorry, I can’t even remember the name of the shop. But we bought this as a gift for one of the kids. Each year at Christmas I tie a bow around her neck. Yeah, it’s a she. And did you notice, she’s expecting? Yup, a pregnant hippo puzzle.
She’s expecting… times three! (No subliminal messages here. I’m not expecting. And certainly not triplets.) I just thought it was adorable and you might too.
And bear with me: one more. I love this mug. Because it says it all. And because of who gave it to me. My heart is blessed to be very very old friends with some beautiful hearts. I sincerely hope you are also blessed that way. One of the most wonderful gifts in life: deep, lasting lifetime friendships.
So I guess you figured out the recurring theme by now….animals. Seriously, I didn’t plan it that way, it just kinda came together.
So a polite person would say, “Now it’s your turn. And what did you bring for Show and Tell today?” But I guess I’m still working on my manners, because I don’t think you can even post pictures here in the comment section.
Did you get to do Show and Tell growing up? Maybe you’d like to comment on something memorable that happened or something you brought. Or what your kids or grandkids brought. Or something(s) you find unusual or interesting in your life today. What’s on your mind?
“Remember, no man (or woman!) is a failure who has friends.” – It’s a Wonderful Life
nancy mcmahan says
No show and tell in my days. I have had the pleasure of watching the grandkids decide what they were going to bring. One could tell it was always something that meant the world to them if only for a short time in their lives. Would be interesting to see what they would bring to show and tell now that they are older. Pregnant hippo.. 3 babies for her and 3 for you. That would have been something I would have bought and brought to a show and tell.
Karen says
I’m glad your elephant got home to you safe and sound! But I love the hippopotamus most of all. She is so happy to be expecting 3 babies!!
If I could share a picture today, it would be of the five pudgy bluebirds that visited our feeders a couple days ago. What beautiful little creations of a loving God who cares when even a sparrow falls!
Allie Taylor says
Wow, what an awesome gift to see five bluebirds, Karen. Would have loved to have seen that.
Susie says
Hahaha!! I love the white elephant elephant. We have a cat clock white elephant gift that keeps circulating amongst our church staff here. It just reemerged a few weeks ago at our staff Christmas party, but it doesn’t usually stay put until the next Christmas. In fact, Jac made a music video starring the clock, and it has made appearances in clothing, automobiles, and our sound booth, to name a few, throughout the years. Lots of fun!
Allie Taylor says
That’s so funny. I would be very interested to see Jac’s music video. (Hint, hint.) Is it like…”the cat came back, the very next day. Yes the cat came back and he wouldn’t go away…..” Do you remember that choir party white elephant gift exchange where everyone fought over a dozen farm fresh eggs from Leeanne’s chickens? And a number of times where various large and unwanted gifts were quietly stashed under our sofa. The first year we found some during spring cleaning. The following year we started checking under the sofa as suspect, empty handed people were leaving….just to make sure they had their “gifts.” Someone brought an old computer manual once. I think that was David White. Once Chip and Tina ended up with an old 70’s set of 12″ tall glass candle holders with wheat stalks emblazoned on them. I’m sure they were avocado green. Somehow they got “left” under our couch. So we visited their apartment (when we knew they’d be home shortly) and left their “new” candles all lit and purty to welcome them home! Too funny.
Jon says
Actually, the wheat candle holders were beer bottle brown. I could never forget them, or the peppermint foot cream…
Linda Jenkins says
I don’t remember having to do any Show and Tell when I went to school; however, my children did have the pleasure during their elementary school years. I did just receive a special gift from my grandson Lucas that I will share. (I am not sure how to add a picture here.) I have been sick recently and Lucas and the family came to visit to cheer me up. His Mom had drawn a heart on a piece of paper. Lucas then glued his colorful goldfish crackers around the heart. It hangs on my kitchen wall, and I swear I will keep replacing each cracker as it falls off. One of my very best presents from my special monkey man.
Allie Taylor says
That is so sweet Linda!
Jennifer says
Thank you for your show and tell, Allie! Surprise Bag is a fun version of Show and Tell where there is a theme to help guide things to share, with the item being “hidden” in a bag. For example, the theme may be things that are red, or square shaped. The child has to write three clues to read to classmates, allowing for a guess as to what is in the bag after each clue is read. Learning can be fun! 🙂
Cindy Bennett says
Hi…I love my Ninja crockpot. It can slow cook, stove top cook as well as oven cook. I came home to a lovely beef stew made by my hubby cuz we are all going to school now and it wasn’t quite done, so I turned it on oven setting and I didn’t have to transfer the food at all. It has been an awesome kitchen friend!
Allie Taylor says
Never heard of a Ninja crockpot. But it sounds wonderful! I can always use some Ninja!
Cindy Bennett says
PS..I love your awesome show and tell items! I just love things that have special meaning to them. Heart warming…I would love a hippo with a few more little hippos! And, someday if we meet in person I will tell you my elephant story which involves going to see Barnam and Bailey elephants in a parade down Elm Street, Manchester , NH.
Tracy says
I just loved this post Allie! What a great Idea! I enjoyed hearing about and seeing pics of your show and tell items. I do remember having show and tell when I was a child. The only show and tell I specifically remember was the time I brought in…….. A rattle snake’s rattle and skin. Not what you expected I’m sure! Lol! The only reason that I still remember this is because this particular rattle snake was visiting our camp site during a camping trip in West Virginia. With this dangerous guy lurking about my dad decided to go find him…… And he did!!!
Allie Taylor says
You, Tracy, are FULL of surprises! So how’d the teacher like your Show and Tell???
Your dad’s a hoot!
(And brave to boot!)
And I’m a poet. Ha.
Tracy Costa says
I can’t remember the teacher’s reaction. Yes, he is a real hoot to boot!
Linda says
Loved the choir Christmas parties we had. Those were really fun times. Miss you guys so much.
Allie Taylor says
We love and miss you too, Linda. No one can take away our great memories, we hold them very dear.