Grandma D and Princess Sassy. 1995 |
Grandma came from a family with several siblings. Her parents owned a store in which Bing Crosby used to come and read magazines in his pre-star years. When my mom was little, she and Grandpa managed a logging camp, and Grandma cooked hearty meals for all the loggers. Later they moved and opened a small town hardware store; Grandma by Grandpa's side much of the time.
Grandma loved a good game of Scrabble, and was famous for her always-full cookie jar, her butterhorns (similar to cinnamon rolls), homemade hamburger buns, and lemon meringue pie. She was a talented and prolific knitter. We still prize our knitted afghan, made especially for two, as a wedding gift. She knit afghans for each of her 18 grandchildren, and all of her great grandchildren until she couldn't see well enough any more. 3 of our kids were so blessed.
She and Grandpa built at least 3 houses together, and home was especially important to her. I so wish she could've seen the house we've built.
Grandma went Home to be with God and Grandpa 11 years ago, at the age of 88.
Grandma H: My paternal grandmother. This grandma obviously loved her family, and was especially happy to welcome each new baby. She had a great sense of humor, too, and was the picture of hospitality. We couldn't visit without being served a bowl of ice cream and homemade cookies. She loved to share what she knew with the kids. She and Princess Bossy exchanged recipes over email well into her 90s.
Grandma H and Prince Go-For-It. 1998 |
She was widowed at a young age, herself, and left with 5 children, ages 6 to newborn. (My dad was the 6 year old.) 4 of the 5 were boys, and a mischievous bunch, from the tales my dad tells. Approximately 10 years later, she married the man who was my wonderful Grandpa. They added my uncle to the family. (He later married the aunt whose guacamole recipe I shared on Thursday.)
This grandma also knitted and crocheted. She sewed, too, and I remember many handmade gifts during my childhood. She was famous for her platters of cookies at Christmas, including Creme Wafers, Russian Tea Cakes, and Krumkake. Knowing how much they were loved, she continued making those into the latter years of her life, even when she needed Grandpa to pitch in and help. She left us for Heaven almost 4 years ago, at the age of 95.
Mom, top left. Me, bottom left. 1966 |
Mom loved us through her cooking, including bread-baking and cake-decorating. Her frosting roses are the best I've seen. She has a skill for gardening, especially with indoor plants, that I didn't inherit. African Violets are her specialty. If anyone she knows has a birthday or other special occasion, it doesn't go by without a nice card and note from Mom.
Mom with my younger sis and me. 1976 |
Mom with Princess Artiste. 1996 |
Mom is the kind of person who we never heard say a bad thing about anyone. She often quoted, truly believed, and always lived, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." She never missed a recital, school activity, or sports event. She would be at all those of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren if she could.
She and Dad love to travel and are hoping to make a motorhome trip soon to visit family that's spread across the country. That now has to wait until after a couple of weddings!
She cares so deeply for her husband and family. I could have asked for no better role model as a wife and mother.
Happy Mothers' Day, to all!