Libba Wolfe

Libba Wolfe's column appears twice monthly in Extra.

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I’m not one who likes to rush the season. I like to at least get the Thanksgiving dishes washed before I plunge into holiday gift shopping.

But here’s an idea I want to pass on early so, if your family is going to be together next week, you can get started. It’s a gift I’m giving myself.

Carolyn Warner is known as Mimi by her six grandchildren. In her backyard is a section called “Mimi’s Garden.” Little cement animals peep through the plants that surround a birdbath and bench. Custom-made stepping stones wind up the slope.

Each stepping stone was made by one of Warner’s   grandkids and includes his/her name and birth date. Some include footprints or handprints. One granddaughter smushed in some plastic hearts to add a little spice. A grandson embedded his favorite red toy car.

Some of you with know-how and a well-stocked workshop could knock up a wooden mold and mix your own cement. The rest of us can buy kits at any of the big box craft or hardware stores.

I checked out what’s available. There are different sizes and shapes — squares, circles, stars and octagons. Depending on what you choose, you can make a stepping stone for less than $20. Most of the molds are reusable.

Of course, you can go hog wild with plastic or glass embellishments. But I love the idea of special toys. Next time I rearrange the attic, I’m going to pull out my children’s Matchbox cars and plastic horse figures. What could be nicer than to be reminded of David and his friend Kevin giggling and talking as they created miles of Matchbox roads? Or Mariah and a gaggle of little girls “naaahhaay-ing” and snorting as they made corrals for their horses?

I’ll probably have to make a new patio by the time I finish those and start on the grandbabies.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be all about children. You could use shells or rocks you’ve collected on vacation. Or your chipped grandmother’s plate that you can’t bear to throw away. Or wine bottle corks from a memorable occasion.

Use anything that reminds you of a special person or special time. What’s set in your heart, you can set in stone.