Happy Birthday, Grandma!

Sunday March 22 was my mother-in-law's 79th birthday anniversary. We lost her seven years ago. Sometimes it feels like just yesterday. Sometimes too long. Thinking about she and my mom together working for good makes me feel happy. One of the last things my mom said to me was, "I really miss Gene." I miss her, too.

She was the glue that held us all together.

She was proud of all of her children.

She was proud of all of her grandchildren.

Each of them had a special place in her heart and they knew exactly where that place was.

She taught me not only how to cook, but how to be a great cook! A pound of butter always makes everything taste better.

She taught Lauren how to make rolls and breads. Yummy, yummy! And Lauren can do it just like Grandma did!

When the kids were little after they were potty trained, they got to spend Friday nights with Grandma.

She got the three oldest grandsons together to encourage potty training. Ask AJ, Cam or Nate about the aiming for the fence adventure.

She taught me about real Eastering. What fun we always had!

She told great stories. Ask any of the kids about the bunny story.

She brought homemade hot rolls to our houses every Sunday.

She taught me how to be a better seamstress.

She and I took quilting classes together, okay she bullied me into them with her and boy did we have fun. It is one of the best hobbies I have taken up.

She had Lauren and Megan take the classes with us!

She made all of her kids clothes with scraps and pieces and they looked store bought. You should see the pictures.

She quilted Ray and I two, yes two, temple quilts because the first one was not centered in the fabric. And this was in four weeks!

She embroidered special aprons for Ray and I. Every time I wear mine I think about how much she loved us.

She treated me like a daughter and loved me a lot and needed a lot of patience because I was kind of difficult.

She raised kind sons. I have the very best husband in the whole wide world. he is patient, kind, compassionate and always showing me love.

She started the 12 days of Christmas tradition and even gave us goldfish one year!

She dropped everything to babysit anytime.

She traveled across country to see grand kids get baptised, graduate, participate in special events.

She taught us to love ears of corn roasted over hot coals.

Umm, salsa and home made macaroni and cheese, a true culinary delight!

Gardening and canning we always activities she not only encouraged but made us do. What a blessing for me.

She owned her own fabric shop and taught not only her girls, who won County fair ribbons for their sewing, but taught ray to sew. ask about his suit.

She made designer "genes".

She quilted baby quilts for my babies and crocheted edges around receiving blankets.

She and my mom made projects together, mom knitting part and Gene crocheting part.

She crocheted afghans for grand kids' high school graduations.

Lauren learned to sew with Grandma and sews to this day.

She made dresses for little girls in orphanages in Africa.

She made tons of baby things for new born kits.

At her death we donated boxes and boxes of fabric and batting to make quilts for the humanitarian program. These were items that she intended to make into quilts for the same program. I think over 50 quilts were made with the fabric and batting.

She secretly gave baby blankets to anyone she saw had a need. (We found this out after her death)

She taught hundreds of people to sew clothing for themselves and their children.

She was always looking for ways to help others.

She sacrificed everything she had for her family.

She never stopped loving those she loved.

Sunday her 5th great-grandchild was blessed. What an honor to have AJ bless Zamari Amber-Rose on Grandma's 79th birthday. Zamari brings a little piece of Grandma with her. I think Grandma was very pleased with the day. I think Grandma is very pleased with her family.