Celebrating Mom

Today my sisters and I celebrate the life of our Mom.  This would have been her 90th birthday.  Mom was a soft-spoken, extremely shy, loving, gentle, kind and Godly woman.  Mom loved to sew, bake and study the Bible.  Her 5 grandchildren were the joy of her life.  

 (Mom crocheting snowflakes)

At an early age, all 3 of us girls, were taught how to sew on the treadle sewing machine.  My sisters went on to win many awards in 4-H and the Make It With Wool contest.  We were also taught from an early age to love music. (Yes, we grew up with "Sing Along with Mitch", "Lawrence Welk" and "The Andy Williams Show")  Mom not only played piano but the accordion and guitar (and I believe mandolin?).  Mom was active in the Mennonite Women's Missions Society and designed and finished many quilts for the Relief sales.  These quilts would bring several thousands of dollars at the auctions.  Mom even had a couple of quilts published in a quilt magazine in her 70's. 

I can remember Sunday afternoon's (after naps) when we would all gather around the piano while Mom would play hymns and we would sing.  Summers were all about preparing food for winter.  We would be up early, still in pj's, picking the ripe vegetables to can, freeze, pickle or eat. (my mouth is watering for a jar of her bread and butter pickles as I write this)  Mom would also have us stir up several pots of her famous lye soap. (Ask Mike about that!) Mom's dinner rolls were quite famous with our husbands, they would walk by the still warm rolls and foolishly think they were sneaking a taste.  Mom always knew what they were doing, but let them believe she didn't know.  

 (Mom and me in 1965)

After my sisters moved on to college and marriage, Mom helped me paint my room, make a quilt to match and taught me to drive on country roads.  Dad and I so enjoyed playing practical jokes on her.  She was such a good sport about those stupid jokes.  Thank you Mom for giving us a wonderful, loving childhood.  We miss you!