Happy Birthday Grandma February 22, 2008

For my paternal grandma’s 90^th birthday (Feb 2007), I had the privilege of presenting a personal storybook paying tribute to my grandma and her family legacy.  What started out as a simple gift from me and cousins, ended up to be a priceless gift of heritage and love filled with pictures and letters from her 9 children, 24 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.  Although grandma was physically frail and weak the day of her celebration, I remember that she was mentally sharp, fully alert and aware of her surroundings.  Her burst of tears and consistent smiles convinced me that she understood every word and that she felt much loved.   

For the first time, I felt a strong family unity that day and I am happy that a simple book could take us back to special moments in our lives and bring us closer together.  Perhaps that was her sign from God letting her know that her time with us was coming to an end.  I am sure she is resting in peace knowing that her children and grandchildren love one another and are there to comfort each other.   

On December 10, 2007, my grandma passed away- two months shy of her 91st birthday.  One of the hardest things I had to do, next to burying my daughters Alyssa in 2001 and Kaitlyn in 2002 giving my first eulogy at my grandma’s memorial service.  I used my grandma’s tribute book as a visual tool for my eulogy and passed it around afterwards for all to see.

As you can imagine, this past holiday season was a difficult time for our family.  Christmas was just not the same.  However, I do find comfort knowing that she is with God and no longer in pain.  I find peace knowing that she is once again reunited with Grandpa, the love of her life and the father of all her children.

Happy Birthday Grandma! 

This is posted in loving memory of

Margarita J. Tanega

(February 22, 1917- December 10, 2007)

Simple Pleasures February 17, 2008

I love my nephews, Ryan (5 y.o.) and Nathan (2 y.o) dearly and saddened that I do not have the opportunity to see them daily. Being 350 miles away from them makes it difficult to make frequent visits. I am my brother’s only sibling and want both his boys to know who I am and how much I love them.

Because my sister-in-law is an avid reader and loves books, the boys have also taken a interest in reading as well (even at such a young age). What a great idea to create a storybook not only to express my love for them, but also to have a personalized book for them to read and share. Besides, what child does not like to see a picture of themselves?

The first storybook was made a year ago in a simple “A-B-C’s” pictorial format to help Ryan use it as a simple tool to teach his baby brother Nathan the alphabet. I used pictures of themselves and their cousins (from their mommy’side of the family). The title page of the book contains a brief letter to Ry and Nate (individually) and pictures of them with me and my husband, Paul. Copies of the book were sent to Ryan and Nathan as well as my parents.

I knew that this small 7 X 5 storybook would be a great personal gift, however, I did not realize that it would make a positive impact on the boys. Ryan loves sharing his book with others, Nathan recognizes who his Auntie Arlyn and Uncle Paul are and my parents love showing off their grandsons pictures! This inspired me to create more storybooks for them.

The second storybook is about my brother before he became their daddy. It has many pictures and “fun facts” of my brother (from baby to present) throughout the many stages in his life. It highlights special and funny moments as remembered by me and my mom. My motivation for the book is to teach my nephews an appreciation for their daddy’s journey through life (before they were born) and to respect and look up to their daddy as their hero.

I hope that that above comments have inspired you. Remember that when you do things from the heart to make others feel important and respected, it can have a huge impact on your life.

Welcome! February 14, 2008

I have created this blog to provide you with more information about me and my Heritage Makers Business.  I will include some storybooking ideas, provide helpful tips to start and finish your project and also post testimonies. 

I LOVE Heritage Makers and I am excited to share it with all of you!  Feel free to visit www.ATributeToYou.com, browse through all the links and contact me anytime.

Happy Heritage Making!