Super proud of Sam

Have you ever had that moment where you just feel an incredible amount of pride over something a loved one has done? Yesterday, Chuck, Sylvain, and I headed to White Cloud for my niece Calista's 7th birthday party. Calista had invited a dozen or so friends to the party and about half of the moms and dads stayed to hang out since they were family friends and folks we had gone to high school with. As the time for the unwrapping of presents drew near, you could just feel the excitement build. While the adults were talking in the living room and the kids were busy playing, my brother Sam wheeled into the dining room a doll house he had built for Calista. When we were called to come into the dining room for presents and cake, you could just hear all of the little girls gasp with awe; meanwhile, the moms in the room were all reduced back to their 7-year-old selves and stood in amazement.

Calista had wanted a dollhouse for Christmas but it was something that Santa didn't deliver. Not being a child prone to complaining, she did mention this little fact to her parents because the "dollhouse" she had kept falling over. Knowing that she didn't already have a dollhouse, Sam and my sister-in-law Jaime found that Calista had saved the background from a Barbie toy she had recieved and was using this cardboard cut-out as a house. Nice in imagination, but this would certainly not do! So, the day after Christmas, Sam began building one for her. Not only did he manage to squeeze it in and have it built in 15 or so days, but he also managed to wing-it in design and keep the whole thing a surprise from his daughter. As you ca see from the photo, the roof consists of wood shingles that Sam set individually and stained using four different stains. The interior is the perfect size for Barbie and friends, and is decorated with wallpaper and carpeting remnants from some remodelling they had done. And as I mentioned before, the whole house is set onto a wooden base with wheels, so it can be easily moved. Jaime also contributed by sewing together the valences, bed-spreads, and pillows; and by doing the set-up.

Needless to say, it was seeing the joy on Calista's face that made me feel very proud of Sam. When it is so easy to run down to the local big-box store and purchase toys, how many dads now-a-days take the time and effort to build these things for their daughters? Of the parents I know, I can think of maybe four or five that would do it. Maybe. Not only did he give Calista a gift that she will truly enjoy, but Sam also built something that I hope will be an heirloom in the Rachol family.