My New Hope Chest...

"A Hope Chest is more than a wooden box and the treasures hidden within its depths... The Hope Chest contains the love, hope and dreams parents have for their daughter. This is shown in a very special and physical way with each and every item the parent has searched for, considered, and either accepted or declined. It is not the money that goes into the acquisition of a Hope Chest that will make it special, but the love, time and effort of a parent for their child..."

Rebekah Wilson- Author of "The Hope Chest ~ A legacy of Love"

Ever since I was little, I adored any type of old furniture. I was always especially fond of trunks and chests. There was just something so beautiful and mysterious about an old wooden chest that stood locked in some room or attic, holding within itself precious memories of days gone by. As a young girl I asked my parents when I might receive my hope chest. My Momma always would tell me, "You might get one when you turn sixteen." I would inwardly groan thinking that sixteen was so old and so far away:)!! Well, I am now sixteen going on seventeen and I have received that long awaited treasure. My hope chest was hand crafted by an Amish man in Pennsylvania. It is absolutely beautiful and the craftsmanship is magnificent!

Some of the items that have been placed in my hope chest are...

A beautiful hand stitched quilt made by my Grandmother

Several books my grandmother read to me when I was small (two of which she made.)

A beautiful teacloth and brightly colored kitchen cloth made by a sweet lady in our church

A lovely scrap book given to me by my dear cousin Abigail

A homemade apron from my Grandma

Three wonderful kitchen cloths given to me from my dear friend Hannah

Two adorable old-fashioned, glass ice cream cups

And a french bread pan:)

Two questions that people have asked me are, "Do you have your drivers license?" or, "Did your daddy buy you a car for your sixteenth birthday?" Well, I may not have gotten car keys for my birthday, but I got hope chest keys!!:)

I had so much fun rearranging " the girls" room! My sisters love my hope chest and Mariah (7) said " I just can't wait till I'm sixteen"!

~ The End~

I would love to know what you ladies out there put in your hope chest! If you have the time please comment and leave your ideas! I still have a lot more space to fill:)

Much Love & Many Blessings

~M.E.~