Husband's Christmas gift
 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]606799[/ATTACH]Thought I would share a picture of the quilt that I made for my DH. I started making the blocks (all paper-pieced) over the past few years as I saw a pattern I liked. I was trying to portray his life with me over the past almost 40 years.
From the top row: Church-honoring our ministry for the last 25 years or so to children
Green tree frog: he has a pocket frog that he wore in his suit pocket that the kids loved.
Sailboat: he is a sailor and honoring that part of him
airplane: he is a pilot (although he has given up his license since becoming diabetic. His plane was a small experimental aircraft in red and white.
Second row: Heart in gold red, white and blue: his military service in the Navy
Cat: we have had a few cats in our life together although none right now
Cross: Honoring our faith in Christ
Dog: Similar to our 2 most recent dogs, Lhasa Apso
Third row: We had a small coral frame house for over 37 years before moving to our present location
Groom the heart and bride honoring our marriage of 42 years and going strong.
fourth row:Fish, he used to scuba dive a lot in younger years
Lego man: Honoring our son and 2 grandsons who love playing with the blocks. And yes my 39 year old son still loves building with them. Son used to enjoy wearing Hawaiian print shirts so used wild fabric.
Tardis, DH enjoys watching Dr. Who
Uncle Sam hat: love of country
Last row, His initials
Palm Tree: grew up in Florida
Meander quilted but with leaves in sashing. When I met him, he had a small plant nursery.
The border is a print of children, school buses and teachers. He worked with children not only in the church but also volunteered for about 15 years in an elementary school close to the church.
Sorry for the long post but wanted to explain the meaning of using these particular block patterns.
After he looked over the quilt he mentioned I should have left some blank blocks because he isn't done living yet. LOL I told them they could be put on the back.

Don't apologize for the long post. I absolutely loved reading the significance and meaning of each block you chose and LOL at his comment about leaving a blank block because he wasn't done (which is rather clever of him). Great quilt.

Beautiful quilt !! I like the personal meanings of the blocks and the border.

Very thoughtful and meaningful motifs you put together. Bravo! What a variety of interests he has had, and commitment to what he puts his heart into. What a sense of humor, too--leave an blank block. LOL

Such a personal and interesting quilt for him! It is very evident that you took lots of time to make the special blocks. Well done! :)

My first thought was, 'what an odd quilt for a husband/grown man'. However, my second thought after reading the meaning behind each block was, 'how thoughtful of his wife to put each part of their lives into a quilt'. I recently made one for my husband for our 50th anniversary. I embroidered events in our lives. The family loves it and he shows it to anyone who he can drag in to look-lol-I know your husband loves his too. Good work!

Very nice and so personal for your hubby. He will treasure your wonderful thoughts that went into this quilt

very nicely done

A special quilt with a special story and well-treasured memories.

Thanks for sharing your life memories with us through your beautiful quilt of love. What a very special quilt for him to enjoy all the rest of your days together.