Thanksgiving or....
 Giving Thanks at Elves and Angels

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and as I ponder the meaning of Thanks, I realize that there is a presupposition that must be, in order to be thankful.  There must first be someone who you are thankful to.   Those who celebrated the first Thanksgiving knew that.  They had a real living faith in the Creator, as the one who gives life, and sustains life.  
Sometimes the hardships of life , cause one to reach for real faith, and if instead of despair, we reach for the one who sustains us, we will find that the creator was always here, waiting for us to notice Him.
      This year will be a very special Thanksgiving for us here at Elves and Angels.  Our daughter,Priscilla, will be spending Thanksgiving here with us for the first time in many, many years.  She and her husband, and three children will be here for several days to visit and catch up, and to spend some quality family time together. 
 Our Marine son, Private 1st Class John Smalley, will also be coming home for the holiday.
We are all very happy, and very thankful.

    As I think back to the early days of Elves and Angels, I am awestruck by how quickly 25 years passes.  I am grateful that we were able to spend our lives making beautiful toys for children, and giving them an experience of wholesome play, that nourishes the soul of a child.  
    David and I began this journey a long time ago.  With 12 children, it wasn't always easy, but it was always full, and we tried to make it as special as we could, for our own children.
We worked, and prayed , and struggled, to forge a path that would enhance the innocence of children, and enable them to enjoy childhood, and be touched by something of beauty.
I believe that this has been accomplished. 

 I would like to share with you some early photos of Elves and Angels, back in the day.  We have been so blessed to be able to support our own family, and nourish yours at the same time.  
Some vintage photos of Elves and Angels.......

First Elves and angels Catalog- 1988 Scarborough, Maine

Product tag for Elves and Angels-1988   Our commitment to quality still stands.

Elves and Angels business cards-1988

Small Beginnings-Elves and Angels 1st workshop-the small room on the far right.
We outgrew that space within a month, after doing the NY toy show.

Elves and Angels sign-Julianna's Kitchen 1988 Scarborough, Maine

Priscilla Smalley with Nathan's Crib 1988

Suzanne Smalley with Sue and Sal's Bunkbeds 1988

Priscilla and Suzanne Smalley with Jessica's stove, Jeremy's Highchair, and Maya's Sink. 1988 Scarborough, Maine

Suzanne's Kitchen 1988, Elves and Angels Toy Store, Payne Rd. Scarborough, Maine

Suzanne's Puppet Theater 1990

Julianna and Christina Smalley with Suzanne's Kitchen and Priscilla's Stove-1992

Early Julianna's Kitchen and Pappa's Kitchen (named for David's Grandfather) 1992

Julianna and Christina with Elves and Angels Table and Chairs set, Dolly's High chair. 1992

Elves and Angels Johnny's Castle-1993
An original design by David Smalley.  This castle has been copied by another woodworker, but it was first made by David and named for our new baby, Johnny.

Elves and Angels Toy Shop- South Portland, Maine  1993

Christina's Kitchen by Elves and Angels
This kitchen won the Directors Choice Award at the National Daycare Convention in 1993

Shipping from Drew in 1995

Home of Elves and Angels before the fire of 2004
Drew Plantation, Maine

Home of Elves and Angels after the fire of November 2004.

Home of Elves and Angels Today.

David Smalley-The Toymaker

Rebuilding the Elves and angles workshop.  January 2005

Elves and Angels Expandable Castle

So, as you can see, we have so much to be thankful for.  God has blessed our lives richly , and abundantly.
We thank God for our family, our home, our business, and for you, who made it all possible, by supporting Elves and Angels all these years.
Happy Thanksgiving!from
Elves and Angels and the Smalley family.

by, Susan Smalley,  for Elves and Angels