I think due to the fact that Sunday is Mother’s Day, I thought I would feature this Post on My Sweet Mama.
I want to share a few memories that I will have forever. When we were little, we had chores to do and mama always put our chores on the refrigerator with coin amounts on them. So when we would do a chore, we would check it off and then at the end of the week that would be our allowance. We would save that money all year to spend at the fair. She taught us both how to cook and we both are pretty darn good cooks. We played games as a family and we were taught at a very young age to play all kinds of card games and we still play a lot of games and as sis and I are mothers and grandmas we have taught our kids the same games. From the time I can remember, there was not one day that we did not have a hot breakfast. Mama got up early everyday and cooked us a hot breakfast. As I got older, I knew we didn’t have a lot of money but we were so rich in love and friends. Mama took in laundry and ironing for people, she babysit, she did bookwork for Mid Continent and then for Daddy’s Propane business, and she tied fishing lures for a company after we all were in bed. She has always worked hard and I can never ever remember Mama complaining or saying she was tired. She also sewed all of our clothes and Daddy’s shirts and suits. She sewed for other people as well. She even made my wedding dress. We had so many hugs and kisses from Mama and Daddy and we heard many times of the day….”I love you.” We saw our parents kiss and hug as well, so that was just natural to us.
Every year, we took a two week vacation and the one thing us girls loved was, we would get up really early and get in the car with our pajamas on. I found out later, Daddy wanted to leave early because it was cooler to travel. We would stop around noon and Mama had fried chicken, bread and butter sandwiches and chips. We would sit outside and we would eat and that was so fun as children. Sometimes, we would stop at a grocery store and buy ring bologna, cheese and crackers and we got to eat in the car. Daddy would cut it all with his pocket knife.
Every night, we would kiss Daddy goodnight and then mama would tuck us in. We shared a bedroom so we would cup our hands and drag our hands across mama’s face so we could smell her before we went to sleep, but sister would say, “I have more smell than you.” So I would say, “Mama come back in here cuz TeeDee has more of your smell.” So Mama would come back in and we would do it all over. This would go on for a few times till Daddy would say, “Girls that is enough, go to sleep.” lol lol
When Daddy would go pheasant hunting, mama would sit on the floor at night and we would play games till it was time for bed.
When Daddy sold the propane company and went on the road as a salesman for Fairbanks Equipment, I was getting ready for my Senior Year. Mama decided to go back to collage and become a hair dresser. So, that year, mama was really excited that she was going to get to take me school shopping for the first time and not make my clothes. Well we went to Wichita and we went to the first store and I went into the dressing room to try clothes on and I started crying. Mama came in and ask me what was the matter and I said nothing fit and I just wish she would make my clothes. Well, guess what…..that is exactly what she did. We went home and she made my clothes. But that year, we were like room mates. She left so very early to drive to Independence to school and I had school and when I got home I would start supper and she would get home later. We would eat then study. Mama was so smart and she made excellent grades. I was so proud of her. But through all of her going to school, being a great mom, she never ever missed anything I was in at school. She was always there.
When mama first became a Grandma to Danny, there were no words to describe how proud and excited she was. Then next came Derek and the same love and excitement for another little boy was evident in everything she did. She babysat for the boys and there were always kisses and hugs and lots of love and laughter. Then next came a little girl, Tania. Again, the love and excitement was the same as for the boys. She spoiled all of them rotten and to this day she still loves them all the same. Then the great grandchildren came. First, Ashley, then Mason, Cooper, Ella and Cole. They all love Granny/GiGi just like we knew they would. Mama loves them all so easily and is so very proud of all of them.
Sister, Mama and I all went to Branson and we really had a good time. It was nice to just be the 3 of us without anyone else. We laughed, played cards, went to shows, fished and just enjoyed each other.
Mama and I took a trip together to Minnesota and oh my goodness we had such a good time. We were with a couple of mama’s friends at a cabin on the lake and we had a blast. We played cards, went to casinos and laughed till I thought we would all puke.
Mama and I love going to Casinos and when we took a trip to Texas to see my friends, we stopped at every casino on the way and stayed in each one about 30 minutes then would go on. While we were in Texas we stayed with Mitzi and Jim, and stayed with my good friend, Jan Hatherly. We went out to eat with Kyle and mama always said if she was a lot younger, Kyle Smith, wouldn’t have a chance because she would chase him. hahahaha. That trip was so much fun.
Mama was blessed to go to Brett and Tania’s wedding and she had such a good time and she was just beautiful. We all had a great time.
There are so many stories I could tell and so many memories but I will close with this. Mama has taught us so many things that we will carry with us forever and she has shared herself with many. All our friends love mama and she loves all of our friends. Everyone always wanted to be at our house because it was a house of love, laughter, good food and safety.
Mama……Sister and I love you with all our hearts and all of the Grandkids love you with unexplainable words. You are such a jewel and you are precious to many and I can only say this. I am so thankful for you and your love and not a day goes by that I don’t think of you, talk to you and love you. Thank you for being the best mama in the whole world. YOU ARE LOVED by your girls, grandkids, great grandkids, son in laws, ex son in laws and many others. HAPPY Mother’s Day!!!
