A sampler is a great idea! And I love story quilts. The very first quilting project I made was a story quilt that was a JAF BOM based on a historical pattern. It was so neat to read about the history of the quilt & what each block was meant to represent in the designer's life over a hundred years ago. Make sure to document the meaning behind each of your blocks -- maybe in some kind of scrapbook (Shutterfly is my go-to site for documenting my quilts -- you can upload photos & add a story & family pics next to each block). What a treasure that will be for your family both now and for future generations ... and a perpetual memorial of both your time with your FIL & your husband's recognition of your care of his dad (not to mention, all the glorious fabrics you acquired!). Can't wait to see the pictures!