What She Taught Me

I know it's been an eternity since I've written on here. The thoughts just weren't coming. I can usually go about my day and start thinking about something and a blog post starts forming. That part of my brain has been a bit dried up lately.

So, in an attempt to jump start it, I thought I'd write a bit of a belated Mother's Day Post.

My mom:

I've thought lately about all the things my mom has taught me.

• She taught me to love my family. My devotion to my husband and kids and kids-in-law is rooted in this.
• I learned how to refinish furniture and cook and bake and read a recipe and table manners and how to set the table from my mom. She was a Home Ec major in college and has a vast amount of knowledge in these areas. She was willing to try new recipes and I like to as well. There are the classics like her Swedish Rye Bread and Thanksgiving Stuffing and Rhubarb Crisp. When I bake the Rye Bread, it smells like Mom and Dad's house. The stuffing? Sadly, I'll never be able to duplicate it because there is no written recipe. That's what makes it great. Now that it's spring I start thinking of who I know that has a rhubarb patch so I can make some Rhubarb Crisp.
• When I was signing up for classes for Junior High, Mom suggested on a whim that I sign up for choir. Ever since the 7th grade I have loved to sing. The past 9 years I have been privileged to sing on our church's worship team. I may have never known I could even sing, if I hadn't taken Mom's advice to be in the choir.
• She gave me a love for sewing. From the age of 9, through the first several years of marriage I sewed much of my own clothing. I had very few store bought dresses. I enjoyed sewing things for my kids when they were little. Now I enjoy quilting, which I could not have done without that base knowledge of sewing.
• She gave me a love for Bernina sewing machines. I have owned two. Every time I use my newest one I think, I like this machine.
• Most importantly my mom (and my dad) introduced me to Jesus. The years between age 9 and age 14 my parents sacrificed to be able to send us kids to a two week Christian camp in Ontario. I still remember things I learned there. My mom came to Christ at a Billy Graham Crusade when she was in college. I am thankful for growing up knowing Christ.

Here's a picture of my mom and dad last fall when Mom was in the hospital for sooo long. See what 57 years of marriage looks like:

Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I love you!