I always wanted to be a Mom.
When I was growing up, I was around girls who wanted to travel and see the world, who wanted to go to college and have a career, who wanted to wait to have kids until they were ready and then only have one or two so they could give them everything they thought they had had to live without.
I always knew I wanted to be a Mom and one day a Grandmother.
I grew up in a hard working family. You took whatever life gave you and made the most of it. My grandparents on both sides had been farmers. They had worked long and hard to make a living. There was no welfare programs or food stamps or anything like that. What you had was family.
I have wonderful memories of my grandparents. We visited them often. They were always a part of our lives. They raised their families and were there for them and when they got older, their families were there for them.
I was around babies most of my life. I knew how to feed and take care of them. I knew how to change diapers and babysat younger cousins often. Being a mom is what you did and I looked forward to the day to be able to have children of my own.
To me, being a Mom is what you did. Those other things were not necessarily bad things, it is just that I wanted to be a Mom more.
My Mother went to work when my Dad had two back surgeries and worked until after I was married. She did what had to be done and even though I missed her and hated her not being there, it was a part of life. She was a good Mom and did the best she could under her circumstances. She was a great example to me.
When i met and married my husband, he too had been raised in a home with a working mom. We did not want that if at all possible.
We were blessed throughout our lives that I was able to be home with our family.
Being a Mom was hard work and a challenge. I learned and grew and found joy in the process. I was blessed with great kids and they taught me so much along the way.
Even before my children were all grown and out of the home, I looked forward to being a Grandmother. It was not a negative thing to me. It did not mean being old, it meant having grandchildren and having the fun and joy of seeing them grow up. I couldn't wait to be a Grannie.
As my children grew up and married, I was blessed with wonderful sons and daughters-in-law. They too have been a joy. They are so talented and are raising great kids. They have each taught me many things.
I was not a perfect Mom, any more than my mother or grandmother were perfect before me, but I did the best I could under my circumstances. I loved it and am loving being a Grandmother. I do not regret not going to college or having a career.
I have learned more about what life is all about from my children and grandchildren. They are still teaching me and I am thankful for the privilege of being a Mom.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
the love of reading
When I was a kid, television had just come out. The screens were small and only in black and white. We were one of the last families on our block to get a television.
Summers were long and boring. I learned to escape through books. My Daddy would take my sister and I to the library and we could check out as many books as we wanted. I remember bringing home literally stacks of books. I would sit by the window in my room (the coolest place where a breeze could be found {yes becasue it was also before airconditioning}) and escape into wonderful worlds outside my own.
My favorite books then were about animals. There was a particular author I think it was a really odd name like Klgaard. I think I read everything he ever wrote. I started out getting books with lots of pictures and then took on the challenge of all words.
One year in school we had to read so many books from each of several catagories such a non-fiction, biography, etc. Initially I didn't like reading outside of my favorite books but actually found myself enjoying some of the things that I read. I remember reading the biography of one of the men who was famous in Texas history and died in the Alamo. I read a book about bees and how the colony worked together. They really have a facinating world of workers, drones and queens. I read a book on pineapple plantations. I can still remember some of the things that I learned from those books that I would never have known and was surprised by how really interesting they were.
When I was in middle school I remember most of the girls reading romance novels. I read a couple and thought they were so very sappy and silly.
When I was first married, I didn't have alot to do and I would go to the library and get books. I liked Science Fiction by then and found a huge book that I decided to read just for the sheer challenge of it. It was one of those plots within a plot within a plot kind of books. It was Frank Hurberts Dune. I have since read it several times throughout the years. It tends to be somewhat on the negative side of human nature but I enjoyed finding answers to the mysteries of the plots within plots.
I read the Lord of the Rings series. Again because of the challenge of length. I read Gone with the Wind and fell in love with the character of Scarlet. Not necessarily becasue of her selfish side but becasuse of the strength and courage she developed throught the hardships she lived through.
When we were stationed overseas, my husband was gone for long periods of time on military manuvers. It was books that kept me company and from getting overly depressed because I was alone so much. The post library was a life line at that time of my life.
I have read Anne of Green Gables. There are actually 7 books in the series. I loved Anne. She had such a rough life but was resilient and willing to try new things. She was not a bad person but her imagination and zeal for life, got her into trouble all of the time. Her character helped me to understand my children so much better.
After I joined the church, I found that reading was a way to receive answers to prayers. Many times as I was struggling with a problem in my life, an answer would come through a book I was reading. Sometimes through a church book and just as often a non church book. I learned how wise the counsel was from Joseph Smith to seek knowledge from the best books.
Outside of the scriptures the book the Hiding Place by Corrie tanBoon touched me the most deeply. It had profound insights into dealing with incredible trials and yet trusting in the Lord and by doing so, overcoming where others came away bitter and broken.
I love the Janette Oke series. She has a way of telling a story of hardship and trial but through the love and trust in the Lord being able to find strength and overcoming the trials and obsticals of life.
I loved the Work and Glory series. I have read it several times. It too tells of people overcoming incredible odds through their faith and perseverence.
Reading has been a joy in my life. I am so thankful for the many many really good uplifting books that help one get through life and see the good that is all around us and to better understand ourselves and others around us.
Summers were long and boring. I learned to escape through books. My Daddy would take my sister and I to the library and we could check out as many books as we wanted. I remember bringing home literally stacks of books. I would sit by the window in my room (the coolest place where a breeze could be found {yes becasue it was also before airconditioning}) and escape into wonderful worlds outside my own.
My favorite books then were about animals. There was a particular author I think it was a really odd name like Klgaard. I think I read everything he ever wrote. I started out getting books with lots of pictures and then took on the challenge of all words.
One year in school we had to read so many books from each of several catagories such a non-fiction, biography, etc. Initially I didn't like reading outside of my favorite books but actually found myself enjoying some of the things that I read. I remember reading the biography of one of the men who was famous in Texas history and died in the Alamo. I read a book about bees and how the colony worked together. They really have a facinating world of workers, drones and queens. I read a book on pineapple plantations. I can still remember some of the things that I learned from those books that I would never have known and was surprised by how really interesting they were.
When I was in middle school I remember most of the girls reading romance novels. I read a couple and thought they were so very sappy and silly.
When I was first married, I didn't have alot to do and I would go to the library and get books. I liked Science Fiction by then and found a huge book that I decided to read just for the sheer challenge of it. It was one of those plots within a plot within a plot kind of books. It was Frank Hurberts Dune. I have since read it several times throughout the years. It tends to be somewhat on the negative side of human nature but I enjoyed finding answers to the mysteries of the plots within plots.
I read the Lord of the Rings series. Again because of the challenge of length. I read Gone with the Wind and fell in love with the character of Scarlet. Not necessarily becasue of her selfish side but becasuse of the strength and courage she developed throught the hardships she lived through.
When we were stationed overseas, my husband was gone for long periods of time on military manuvers. It was books that kept me company and from getting overly depressed because I was alone so much. The post library was a life line at that time of my life.
I have read Anne of Green Gables. There are actually 7 books in the series. I loved Anne. She had such a rough life but was resilient and willing to try new things. She was not a bad person but her imagination and zeal for life, got her into trouble all of the time. Her character helped me to understand my children so much better.
After I joined the church, I found that reading was a way to receive answers to prayers. Many times as I was struggling with a problem in my life, an answer would come through a book I was reading. Sometimes through a church book and just as often a non church book. I learned how wise the counsel was from Joseph Smith to seek knowledge from the best books.
Outside of the scriptures the book the Hiding Place by Corrie tanBoon touched me the most deeply. It had profound insights into dealing with incredible trials and yet trusting in the Lord and by doing so, overcoming where others came away bitter and broken.
I love the Janette Oke series. She has a way of telling a story of hardship and trial but through the love and trust in the Lord being able to find strength and overcoming the trials and obsticals of life.
I loved the Work and Glory series. I have read it several times. It too tells of people overcoming incredible odds through their faith and perseverence.
Reading has been a joy in my life. I am so thankful for the many many really good uplifting books that help one get through life and see the good that is all around us and to better understand ourselves and others around us.
Friday, May 30, 2008
the chaos
When we have a family get together, it appears to be total chaos.
There are small groups of adults and children scattered all over having various conversations or games or activities going at the same time.
I love it. I can walk around and stop and catch a little of what is going on in each area.
I see cousins playing, even with little ones walking through the game. They just pick up the pieces and keep going. the little ones can wander around and still have the security of moms or dads and yet explore new things and new people. They get scooped up and kissed and let back down to continue their travels around the house.
The guys gravitate in one place and sports will be discussed, again little ones wandering in and out of the tall people.
The women tend to group and talk, garden, recipes, babies, upcoming weddings, sharing ideas and the newest milestone of a child, etc.
As I walk around and observe, what I see is a family of all ages interacting and spending time together. There are loud conversations, a lot of laughter, teasing and squeals of babies.
It is loud and chaotic to some but, to me, it is one of the most wonderful sounds there is.
There are small groups of adults and children scattered all over having various conversations or games or activities going at the same time.
I love it. I can walk around and stop and catch a little of what is going on in each area.
I see cousins playing, even with little ones walking through the game. They just pick up the pieces and keep going. the little ones can wander around and still have the security of moms or dads and yet explore new things and new people. They get scooped up and kissed and let back down to continue their travels around the house.
The guys gravitate in one place and sports will be discussed, again little ones wandering in and out of the tall people.
The women tend to group and talk, garden, recipes, babies, upcoming weddings, sharing ideas and the newest milestone of a child, etc.
As I walk around and observe, what I see is a family of all ages interacting and spending time together. There are loud conversations, a lot of laughter, teasing and squeals of babies.
It is loud and chaotic to some but, to me, it is one of the most wonderful sounds there is.
Monday, May 12, 2008
If I have to share my husband
I was reading Alisha's comments about a husband being gone alot. It brought back memories of when my husband was a Bishop and then in the Stake Presidency. It was really hard at times but I always felt if I had to share my husband, I would so much rather it be with the Lord than so many other things that some women experience.
A friend told me years ago that it was better to have 10% of a 90% man than 90% of a 10% man. I have come to appreciate that fact.
So those who are blessed with a 90% man, especially in the church, we can be thankful that it is the Lord we are sharing him with.
It is still hard, but it is worth it and each will be blessed for that sacrifice. I felt the Lord was mindful of me and blessing me with strength when needed and that He was also blessing our family
When I stand before the Lord one day and am asked if I willingly helped and supported my husband in his service for to Lord, I want to be able to say, yes.
Thanks Alisha for sharing your thoughts.
A friend told me years ago that it was better to have 10% of a 90% man than 90% of a 10% man. I have come to appreciate that fact.
So those who are blessed with a 90% man, especially in the church, we can be thankful that it is the Lord we are sharing him with.
It is still hard, but it is worth it and each will be blessed for that sacrifice. I felt the Lord was mindful of me and blessing me with strength when needed and that He was also blessing our family
When I stand before the Lord one day and am asked if I willingly helped and supported my husband in his service for to Lord, I want to be able to say, yes.
Thanks Alisha for sharing your thoughts.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
A Parable and Motherhood
A PARABLE
I took a little child’s hand in mine. He and I were to walk together for a while. I was to lead him to the Father. It was a task that overcame me, so awful was the responsibility. And so I talked to the child of the Father. I painted the sternness of His face, were the child to do something to displease Him. I spoke of the child’s goodness as something that would appease the Father’s wrath. He walked under the tall trees and I said that the Father had power to send them crashing to the ground struck by His thunderbolts. We walked in the sunshine; I told him of the greatness of the Father who made the burning blazing sun. And one twilight, we met the Father. The child hid behind me. He was afraid. He would not look up at the face so loving; he remembered my picture. He would not take the Father’s hand; I was between the child and the Father. I wondered, I had been so conscientious, so serious.
I took a little child’s hand in mine. I was to lead him to the Father. I felt burdened with the many things I had to teach him. We did not ramble; we hastened from one spot to another spot. We compared the leaves of the different trees. While the child was questioning me about it, I hurried him away to chase a butterfly. Did he chance to fall asleep, I awakened him; lest he should miss something I wanted him to see. I poured into his ears all the stories he ought to know, but we were interrupted often by the wind a blowing, of which we must study, by the gurgling brook which we must trace to its source. And then in the twilight, we met the Father. The child merely glanced at Him and then his gaze wandered in a dozen different directions. The Father stretched for His hand. The child was not interested enough to take it. Feverish spots burned his cheeks. He dropped exhausted to the ground and fell asleep. Again, I was between the child and the Father. I wondered. I had taught him so many things.
I took a little child’s hand in mine, to lead him to the Father. My heart was full of gratitude for the glad privilege. We walked slowly, I united my steps with the short steps of the child. We spoke of the things the child noticed. Sometimes we picked the Father’s bright flowers and stroked their soft petals and loved their bright colors. Sometimes it was one of the Father’s birds. We saw the eggs that were laid. We wondered, elated at the care it gave its young. Often we told stories of the Father. I told them to the child and the child told them to me again. We told them, the child and I over and over again. Sometimes we stopped to rest, leaning against one of the Father’s trees, and letting His cool air cool our brow, never speaking. And then in the twilight, we met the Father. This child’s eyes shone. He looked lovingly, trustingly, eagerly up into the Father’s face. He put his hand into the Father’s hand. I was for the moment forgotten. I was content.Jean BetznerEspecially for Mormons Vol. 1
I have always loved this Parable since the first time I read it. Today especially on Mother's Day I was thinking of it and how it could apply to Mothers.
Being a Mom can be bitter sweet. If you do a good job and raise strong independent children, the day will come when they wont need you as they once did. They will be able to stand on their own feet and live their own lives.
Sometimes we fear that day and feel that we will lose that special bond that was there when they were little.If we understand that they are not ours but are Heavenly Fathers and our job is to help them learn to depend on HIM and not us, then we can better understand what true joy is as a parent.Like in the parable, sometimes we need to be careful to not come between the child (at any age) and the FATHER.
If we truly love our children, we will do all that we can to lead them to the FATHER and step back and have joy in seeing them become true sons and daughters of God.
I am so very thankful for the privilege of being the earthly mother to 8 wonderful individuals. Each one has grown up to be pretty neat people. They are doing wonderful jobs with their children. They are living good lives and no longer need me as they once did. I am proud of each and every one of them. They each know the Lord and are living the Gospel.
I am content.
I took a little child’s hand in mine. He and I were to walk together for a while. I was to lead him to the Father. It was a task that overcame me, so awful was the responsibility. And so I talked to the child of the Father. I painted the sternness of His face, were the child to do something to displease Him. I spoke of the child’s goodness as something that would appease the Father’s wrath. He walked under the tall trees and I said that the Father had power to send them crashing to the ground struck by His thunderbolts. We walked in the sunshine; I told him of the greatness of the Father who made the burning blazing sun. And one twilight, we met the Father. The child hid behind me. He was afraid. He would not look up at the face so loving; he remembered my picture. He would not take the Father’s hand; I was between the child and the Father. I wondered, I had been so conscientious, so serious.
I took a little child’s hand in mine. I was to lead him to the Father. I felt burdened with the many things I had to teach him. We did not ramble; we hastened from one spot to another spot. We compared the leaves of the different trees. While the child was questioning me about it, I hurried him away to chase a butterfly. Did he chance to fall asleep, I awakened him; lest he should miss something I wanted him to see. I poured into his ears all the stories he ought to know, but we were interrupted often by the wind a blowing, of which we must study, by the gurgling brook which we must trace to its source. And then in the twilight, we met the Father. The child merely glanced at Him and then his gaze wandered in a dozen different directions. The Father stretched for His hand. The child was not interested enough to take it. Feverish spots burned his cheeks. He dropped exhausted to the ground and fell asleep. Again, I was between the child and the Father. I wondered. I had taught him so many things.
I took a little child’s hand in mine, to lead him to the Father. My heart was full of gratitude for the glad privilege. We walked slowly, I united my steps with the short steps of the child. We spoke of the things the child noticed. Sometimes we picked the Father’s bright flowers and stroked their soft petals and loved their bright colors. Sometimes it was one of the Father’s birds. We saw the eggs that were laid. We wondered, elated at the care it gave its young. Often we told stories of the Father. I told them to the child and the child told them to me again. We told them, the child and I over and over again. Sometimes we stopped to rest, leaning against one of the Father’s trees, and letting His cool air cool our brow, never speaking. And then in the twilight, we met the Father. This child’s eyes shone. He looked lovingly, trustingly, eagerly up into the Father’s face. He put his hand into the Father’s hand. I was for the moment forgotten. I was content.Jean BetznerEspecially for Mormons Vol. 1
I have always loved this Parable since the first time I read it. Today especially on Mother's Day I was thinking of it and how it could apply to Mothers.
Being a Mom can be bitter sweet. If you do a good job and raise strong independent children, the day will come when they wont need you as they once did. They will be able to stand on their own feet and live their own lives.
Sometimes we fear that day and feel that we will lose that special bond that was there when they were little.If we understand that they are not ours but are Heavenly Fathers and our job is to help them learn to depend on HIM and not us, then we can better understand what true joy is as a parent.Like in the parable, sometimes we need to be careful to not come between the child (at any age) and the FATHER.
If we truly love our children, we will do all that we can to lead them to the FATHER and step back and have joy in seeing them become true sons and daughters of God.
I am so very thankful for the privilege of being the earthly mother to 8 wonderful individuals. Each one has grown up to be pretty neat people. They are doing wonderful jobs with their children. They are living good lives and no longer need me as they once did. I am proud of each and every one of them. They each know the Lord and are living the Gospel.
I am content.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
tall and lanky
I was looking through my old pictures and came across this picture of my mother's daddy (Granddaddy Andrews) and my daddy.
I was reminded of when one of the soccer dads Mr. Frakes, wanted to take James home and fatten him up. He was totally serious. I think he thought since we had so many kids that he wasn't getting enough to eat.
I assured him that James came by his tall lankiness through his family and wouldn't fill out until he was older. Both of my grandfathers, my daddy and my husband and his dad were tall and thin until they got into their 30s and 40s.
My daddy had dark skin and dark hair with a tendency to curl. David and James got his coloring and curly hair.
Of course, I took after my Granny. Short, plump and straight hair. How fair is that? Oh well, at least I will always look up to my husband and my sister says I got the little feet and she got long skinny ones.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
ABCs of Me
Sometimes I like these kinds of things but I like to change a few things
A - Attached or Single: Attached for 42 years and still loving it, it is the best thing that I ever did. I have been attached since I was 18 and have never regretted it.
B - Best Friend: my husband, because he loves me enough to tell me even the things I don't want to (but need to) hear and next is my sister and my grown children, they are such good people.
C - Cake or Pie: Cake with tons of icing, especially chocolate but I wouldn't turn down apple pie either.
D - Day of Choice: Wednesday, it is the day that my husband and I serve in the Holy Temple and be an instrument to bring eternal joy to others both living and those who have passed on. Next would be Sunday when I can go to church and feel the spirit and learn things I need to change in my life to be more like my Savior becasue that is when I feel the best about myself.
E - Essential Item: the scriptures, a day isn't complete without time spent there
F - Favorite Color: definitely red, I love it
G - Gummy Bears or Gummy Worms: bears
H - Hometown: Waco, Texas but haven't lived there since I married. Huntsville and Meridianville Al. since we have lived there the longest
I - Indulgence(s): I have to have a Butterfinger Blizzard once in while and a Snowball (a small chocolate cake, with filling in the center,covered in icing and coconut)that is pure sugar
J - January or July: January, it gives me the opportunity to start a new year fresh and move forward and not look back at past mistakes
K - Kids: Ah, where to start, Barry my first born and an example of strength at an early age; Dawn the first daughter and ray of sunshine when things were tough; Misty the miracle baby (my firstborn after joining the church and having had a tubaligation reversed) ; Nathan (name means gift of God) the hardest to raise but the strongest in disposition ; Cari, the most beautiful baby and my reward for not killing Nathan; James, so like the beloved Grandparent that he is named for; Jared such a beautiful little boy and sweet spirit, loves to pick on and tease his mother; David, name means Beloved and as the youngest of 8 had the most bosses and critics in his life and truly was looked forward to and has been beloved.
Each child was wanted, looked forward to and has been a source of joy through the years and have given me wonderful sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and grandchildren that are wonderful to behold.
L - Life is incomplete without: without feeling close to my best friend
M - Marriage Date: 27 May 1966
N - Number of Siblings: one, an older sister, who after my husband is my very best friend
O - Oranges or Apples: a wonderful expression to describe differences of opinion, I like both and have found both have value in relationships
P - Phobias or Fears: that my husband will give up on me
Q - Quote: Only one life, will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last.
R - Reason to Smile: when one of my children realizes on their own, they messed up and then learns from it and moves on; not needing my help or advice
S - Sappy or Adventure Movies: Here is one of my changes, I don't like the word sappy as if a moving, uplifting movie is silly or trivial. I love a movie that touches your heart, makes you cry and that you are better for having seen it. Where the goodness of a person and life is depicted. I like adventure movies with lots of action and heros that win over the bad guys. I really dislike movies that only depict the dark side of people or life.
T - Tag: anyone who wants to go back and change anything
U - Unknown fact about me: wow, whats not to know, I am pretty open and especially my husband and kids know me pretty well, I may come up with something later or maybe one of my kids can chip in.
V - Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals: this is one that bugged me a little, as if eating meat makes you an oppressor of poor little animals. I don't make fun of people who eat only plants. If you don't eat meat, fine. Just don't try to make me feel like I am a murderer becasue I do. Apples and oranges.
W - Worst Habit: working outside or reading a book instead of cleaning my house
X - Xrays or Ultrasounds: apples and oranges, but don't ask me about mammagrams.
Y - Your Favorite Foods: sonic hamburgers, pizza, hotdogs (really), mexican, anything chocolate
Z - Zodiac: have no idea, never really understood or got into signs
A - Attached or Single: Attached for 42 years and still loving it, it is the best thing that I ever did. I have been attached since I was 18 and have never regretted it.
B - Best Friend: my husband, because he loves me enough to tell me even the things I don't want to (but need to) hear and next is my sister and my grown children, they are such good people.
C - Cake or Pie: Cake with tons of icing, especially chocolate but I wouldn't turn down apple pie either.
D - Day of Choice: Wednesday, it is the day that my husband and I serve in the Holy Temple and be an instrument to bring eternal joy to others both living and those who have passed on. Next would be Sunday when I can go to church and feel the spirit and learn things I need to change in my life to be more like my Savior becasue that is when I feel the best about myself.
E - Essential Item: the scriptures, a day isn't complete without time spent there
F - Favorite Color: definitely red, I love it
G - Gummy Bears or Gummy Worms: bears
H - Hometown: Waco, Texas but haven't lived there since I married. Huntsville and Meridianville Al. since we have lived there the longest
I - Indulgence(s): I have to have a Butterfinger Blizzard once in while and a Snowball (a small chocolate cake, with filling in the center,covered in icing and coconut)that is pure sugar
J - January or July: January, it gives me the opportunity to start a new year fresh and move forward and not look back at past mistakes
K - Kids: Ah, where to start, Barry my first born and an example of strength at an early age; Dawn the first daughter and ray of sunshine when things were tough; Misty the miracle baby (my firstborn after joining the church and having had a tubaligation reversed) ; Nathan (name means gift of God) the hardest to raise but the strongest in disposition ; Cari, the most beautiful baby and my reward for not killing Nathan; James, so like the beloved Grandparent that he is named for; Jared such a beautiful little boy and sweet spirit, loves to pick on and tease his mother; David, name means Beloved and as the youngest of 8 had the most bosses and critics in his life and truly was looked forward to and has been beloved.
Each child was wanted, looked forward to and has been a source of joy through the years and have given me wonderful sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and grandchildren that are wonderful to behold.
L - Life is incomplete without: without feeling close to my best friend
M - Marriage Date: 27 May 1966
N - Number of Siblings: one, an older sister, who after my husband is my very best friend
O - Oranges or Apples: a wonderful expression to describe differences of opinion, I like both and have found both have value in relationships
P - Phobias or Fears: that my husband will give up on me
Q - Quote: Only one life, will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last.
R - Reason to Smile: when one of my children realizes on their own, they messed up and then learns from it and moves on; not needing my help or advice
S - Sappy or Adventure Movies: Here is one of my changes, I don't like the word sappy as if a moving, uplifting movie is silly or trivial. I love a movie that touches your heart, makes you cry and that you are better for having seen it. Where the goodness of a person and life is depicted. I like adventure movies with lots of action and heros that win over the bad guys. I really dislike movies that only depict the dark side of people or life.
T - Tag: anyone who wants to go back and change anything
U - Unknown fact about me: wow, whats not to know, I am pretty open and especially my husband and kids know me pretty well, I may come up with something later or maybe one of my kids can chip in.
V - Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals: this is one that bugged me a little, as if eating meat makes you an oppressor of poor little animals. I don't make fun of people who eat only plants. If you don't eat meat, fine. Just don't try to make me feel like I am a murderer becasue I do. Apples and oranges.
W - Worst Habit: working outside or reading a book instead of cleaning my house
X - Xrays or Ultrasounds: apples and oranges, but don't ask me about mammagrams.
Y - Your Favorite Foods: sonic hamburgers, pizza, hotdogs (really), mexican, anything chocolate
Z - Zodiac: have no idea, never really understood or got into signs
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Sisters
This is Patricia Kaye and Barbara Ann. This is the way it was and still is. Me and my big sister. (Only now we are about the same size) She was 2 1/2 years older than me. She was tall and thin and I was short and round. She was the easy going, good one, I was usually in trouble.Her toys and dolls lasted forever, mine were used up, torn up and gone within days. She was obedient and I stretched the limits and broke the rules.
We fought alot, usually because I pushed all of her buttons then we both got spanked. Poor Pat, she got it even when I started it.
We were both very much Daddy's girls. Our Daddy made things for us. He was a jack of all trades and never threw things away if he thought it was useful. He salvaged alot of things and made us a swing set and a teetertotter out of wood he salvaged.
Mother sewed most of our clothes when we were little. We had some really cute outfits for that day. We had lots of older cousins and we had alot of hand me downs. We thought it was cool. Mother made costumes for us when we were in school plays or programs. I was an angel once and she make my costume, another time I was in an arabian knight kind of play and she made me a little vest and bloomer type pants.
We walked to and from school unless the weather was bad. Pat went to 6 schools and I went to 3. She would go to a school and then they would build a new one, I got to go to the new school. That happened in elementary, junior high and high school.
My sister and I have talked alot about our childhood. We both felt loved and protected by our parents. They sacrificed alot for each of us in numerous ways.
We were the oldest grandchildren on the Andrews side and kind of in the middle on the Price side. We grew up in the same town with both sets of grandparents and had sleep overs at their houses often. We had lots of aunts, uncles and cousins around.
We were spanked when we did something wrong but when we reached a certain age, Daddy would sit us down and talk to us, explaining what he expected and when he was disappointed in our behavior or choices. We would rather he have beat us than to talk to us.
When we were growing up my sister was called Kaye (actually Kaye baby). She didn't go by Pat until she was a teenager. Even today, older family members still call her Kaye.
We are alike in some ways and totally opposite in others but have always been close and especially these past few years, we are best friends and are there for each other.
I am so very thankful for my big sister. She makes me laugh and we have fun just being together.
We have rubbed off on each other. She is more forceful and outspoken and I have learned to be more patient and not to over react.
We have both come a long way through the years and we are still best friends.
I am so thankful for my sister.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
memories of Papa and Mama Price
This is Jessee Alfred (Papa Price) and Mary Ellen Westbrook (Mama Price), they are my Daddy's parents. The picture on the left is my favorite picture of Papa. He loved to sit on the front porch in his rocking chair and watch the people and cars go by for hours on end. I loved going over to their house when I was little but it got pretty boring when I got older.
the picture on the right is of Papa and Mama Price. He died when I was 12. I remember going over to their house frequently and the grown ups sitting on the front porch and visiting. There was a porch swing to the right on the porch that was all of the kids favorite.
Papa was a simple man. He had worked hard and raised a large family of 9 kids on a farm. There was 7 boys and 2 girls, my Daddy was number 5. My Daddy really loved his daddy. He said he was strict and believed in the belt but was fair.
When we would visit, my mother would fuss about us girls always getting our clothes dirty. He would tell her " Lucille, don't go fussing at those girls, a little dirt in their craw wont hurt them." I don't think my mother appreciated the advice but I sure did. I loved playing outside and the harder we played the dirtier we got.
Mama Price would make us butter and sugar sandwiches. Sounds gross now but we loved them. I am sure we got sugar all over the place. My mother would lecture us before we would go over to their house and tell us not to ask for anything. As we were all sitting on the front porch, we would watch Mama Price and if she went into the house, we would follow her. It is like this, if you mother can't see you it is OK to ask. Once we had the sandwiches Mother couldn't say much. We knew we would get in trouble when we got home but it was worth it.
There was a huge pecan tree in the front yard. Us kids would pick up the pecans and take them in the house and crack and shell them. Papa had an old cracker that clamped on the end of the table and then you would turn the handle and it would screw down on the pecan and crack it. It took a lot of pecans to make a pecan pie because we usually ate as we shelled. Mama Price could make a mean pecan pie.
Mama Price kept peppermint candy, not my favorite but what the heck, back then candy was candy.
She kept salamie lunch meat, the kind with the peppers in it. I really didn't like it but back then you never complained about what you were given to eat. I always picked out the peppers, yuk. I still do not like salamie but it reminds of her.
We thought the lady who lived next door was really mean. She didn't want us anywhere near her yard. She kept a canary in a cage on her back porch. We always thought it was odd that such a mean old lady had such a pretty sweet sounding bird.
We walked around the neighborhood alot and collected empty soft drink bottles. When we found enough, we would take them to the little local store and cash them in and buy a candy bar or a soft drink. We would punch a hole in cap of the drink with an ice pick and shake it up and make it fizz and try to squirt each other. It was great fun.
There was no TV then. We played all kinds of games outside most of the time. We played monopoly alot. We could keep a game going forever.
Mama Price was good to us in her own way. She had worked hard all of her life and playing was not something she did much. We still liked going over to her house. After Papa died my sister and I went over there frequently and spent alot of our summers at her house so she wouldn't be alone.
It is amazing how many memories there are of that old front porch. There are so many things that trigger thoughts of those times, front porches, rocking chairs, porch swings, monopoly, pecans, old pop bottles, peppermint, canaries, and even salamie.
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