Celebrating Mothers-Great Grandmothers

Today we are celebrating Great Grandmothers! If you plan on joining in head over HERE to post your link so we can all enjoy your post:-) I think this will be fun!

Honestly, this might be my hardest to do. I only ever met one of my great grandmothers(at least in my memory..though one I met as an infant) and so my memories are limited. But I thought I'd at least introduce the two I best know of :-)

Emmalina

Emmalina is my maternal grandfather's mother. I didn't know her very well but have heard she was an interesting woman. This picture above, she is in her late teens I believe. I know she was engaged a couple of times and was very much an independent woman for the time. I think she might have been a poster child for the '20s! I remember visiting my grandparent's home and I was allowed to look at the jewelry that was kept in the guest room. Most of it was hers...long dangling necklaces and screw/clamp earrings! Lovely :-) My grandfather had a twin, but he died in infancy and so he was raised an only child.

She died when I was not even 8 and so I really don't have many memories with her, but I knew her as Grammy and my mom called her Gram. She was definitely not your cuddly great grandma, but she was a fascinating woman for certain. When I graduated from high school my grandparents gave me the cameo you see her wearing in this picture...I love it! And I love that I have a picture of her wearing it :-)

Pearl

Pearl is my paternal grandfather's mother. Sadly, I never really met her, but I have heard many loving stories of her. Apparently she adored my grandpa(he also had a sister) and my dad and she gladly came to be with my mom for two weeks after I was born. She was a very lovely woman and she loved to talk and tell stories. Often when I would be slow at the dinner table, I was told to be as slow as Grandma Pearl.

This picture is of Grandma Pearl and her husband Ed on their wedding day. I absolutely love this picture of her.

Of all my greats, I wish I could have known her growing up. She seemed to be just my kind of lady.

Both of these women mean something to me. Not because they were influential in my personal growing up and life, but because they were in the lives of my parents. My Grammy(Emmalina) was hard, but gave my mom what she needed growing up. She encouraged her reading and independent spirit. My mom has often talked about her with some affection(though Grammy wasn't very affectionate). My Grandma Pearl adored my Grandpa(her son) and loved my dad. She encouraged and showed her love in many ways. Again, she too gave my mom something she needed and for that I will always be grateful. Their love and influence has given me a chance to know two women that I might otherwise have never known about. Had they been distant or uninterested in their children and grand children's lives, they wouldn't have cared to share them with me.

I hope that I can be a great grandma that is remembered with some affection and that makes an impression on the lives of family.

Blessings,

Sommer

Great Idea for Honoring Mom!

Keri over at Quaint and Quirky has a splendid idea! She plans on hosting a "Celebrating Mom" week next week and I'd love to invite you to join in. Pop on over to her blog, HERE and read the details. I know I will enjoy participating...will you join us?

Blessings,

Sommer

One Year With Our Rose Bud

Today we celebrated Rowan's first birthday. It was a simple affair (the big party will be Saturday with family) and quite low key. I think the bigger kids were more excited than the Birthday Girl ;-)

And what a lovely year it has been! What a blessing this sweet little girl has been to our family.

From the day she came into the world until now(and I pray for many more years to come) she has filled our home with smiles and joy. She is a darling little one. Yes, there are hard nights(will she ever sleep through the night?) and tough days...but they have been fewer than one might have expected.

My wee girlie just a few days home. She was much doted on in these early days by everyone.

As a matter of fact...she still is! I can't believe how much my older children adore her. Each of them love to make her laugh or hug them..and she gladly does so:-) I'm sure there has never been such a well loved baby!

Here is Rowan at about 5 months or so. The smile and brightness of her eyes sums up this little love. She is so very happy, content, and is constantly moving, learning new things and finding ways of making everyone happy.(or finding new things to get into and make a mess...) Seriously, who could resist that smile?!

And here is one last(more recent) picture of my little girlie. I'm afraid this is from late last month because my camera has been left at the in-laws(ack!)! I don't have anything more recent..but she still looks about the same.

She has changed in so many ways this last year and has begun to develop her own little character. She fills me with joy and causes me to wonder at God's goodness in giving me one more amazing blessing. How can I possibly deserve FOUR beautiful, loving, sweet children?! I look forward to this next year of discovery with Rowan...learning more about her and seeing her grow from a helpless infant to a toddling little girl! Joy is awaiting me just around the corner :-)

Blessings,

Sommer

My Daybook

FOR TODAY~ April 6, 2010

Outside my window...A crisp, cold day. The sun is out though :-)

I am thinking... About how the home and termite inspection went on our prospective home.

I am thankful for...God's redeeming Grace and seeing it working in my brother's life. This Sunday he is getting baptized and making a profession of faith! This has been long awaited :-)

From the learning rooms...We are off this week!

From the kitchen...Possibly left overs from Easter dinner.

I am wearing...Um, I'm still in my PJ's :-0

I am creating...I still have grand sewing plans, but I better create some clean spaces first!

I am going...Hopefully no where.

I am reading...The Sacred and Profane History of the World and Biblical Principles of Government study guide.

I am hoping...That this house will be ours soon! Praying inspections went well, that it will appraise for less and that we can move in before June!

I am hearing...A Beatrix Potter show. Love these little animated stories...very well done :-)

Around the house...Laundry, dishes, and such.

One of my favorite things...Increasing my skills and adding joy to our day.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Nothing much.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

(My sweet hubby and Rowan)

Reflections on Him

Today is Good Friday. I find myself reflecting on the amazing love Christ showed to me so very long ago and find it hard to imagine. I am such a great sinner...I am not deserving of His Grace...yet He has given it freely to me! Thank you Lord!

The beauty of Good Friday is that three days hence He rose again! And we have hope like none other because of Christ's great sacrifice. If Christ had not died upon the cross and then been raised up again...we would be with out hope and what a sad thing that would be.

May you remember what has been done for you. May you remember that He is already victorious and He is our King!

Many Blessings this Good Friday and Easter Sunday to my dear friends!

~Sommer