Distracted by genealogy

 

I actually had lots of time last week to sew, but I've been distracted by family history.  For decades in the pre-Internet world, my mother was writing letters and researching family history for both her family and for my dad's side of the family.  And when she passed away 27 years ago I inherited boxes and tubs of genealogy materials.  I've been enjoying Ancestry.com for several years now, where I have connected with a number of relatives on both sides of my family and with my husband's family too.

 

One of the really exciting things is how easy it is to share photos even with folks I've never met in person.  I've always had a formal portrait of my paternal grandparents that I understood to be from their wedding day.  But I was really thrilled when a distant cousin posted this 100 year old photo in her Ancestry gallery.  Philip and Marceline married in 1918 in Kansas.  I love her simple dress, with the flowers in her hair. Look at those shoes!!  Since she was only 4' 9" tall, I'm sure those were tiny shoes.  And my grandfather was so handsome!

 

The formal portrait that I have probably was taken the same day, but they are seated and she isn't wearing the veil or flowers.  Now I have a print of this one to frame and add to my family photos.

Growing too quickly

These little ones change so quickly and it's already been 3 weeks since I've seen him and his big sister. However, Grandpa is visiting them this week while he is in Rapid City on business.  I'm jealous!

The rocking chair

This photo was taken near Whitehall, Wisconsin in about 1928. The little girl in the wooden rocking chair is my mother and the baby that my grandfather is sitting by is probably my aunt June or maybe even the younger sister Lois.  Mom would have been about 4 in this picture.  My mother told me that her father made this rocking chair himself, and since he was a cabinet maker/carpenter/farmer I'm not surprised. It's a very sturdy, but simple chair from very common wood (pine probably).

That rocking chair is one of the few pieces of furniture that made the move to Minnesota with the family in 1930.  And it was always in our house when I was growing up. Years later my own children sat in that rocker at my mom's house. When she died in 1991 there was no doubt in my mind that the rocking chair was coming home with me.  And right now that little wooden rocker lives in my basement office/family room area where I can enjoy it every day. 

The quilt draped over it is one my paternal grandmother made for me in about 1958 or 59.  And my grandchildren can rock in a chair made by my grandfather for his children almost a hundred years ago.  So 5 generations of my family have touched this small piece of furniture. I'm so glad it is still in the family and that I can feel the connections with my ancestors.

Family fun!

We had a wonderful family day on Sunday with extended family. One of my nieces who lives close by hosted a whole LOT of us at their house for food and fun.  About a dozen of the 18 cousins in my girls' generation were there with their families.  Only 1 of my husband's siblings couldn't make it due to work. And I lost count of the children.  I'm so glad we could go and also glad both of our girls and families could be there too.   

Another Engagement

My older daughter got engaged back in October. One of her best friends from college is a professional photographer and they got some of the first photos back from him yesterday. They are a handsome couple - in my opinion of course!

The BIG DAY is coming quickly - at the end of April. She has a dress fitting tomorrow, and I had planned to be there. However - we have another winter storm moving in so I probably won't be able to make the 75 mile trip. Bummer!

2 Daughters & 2 Diamonds

My daughter Jerilyn is engaged! Darin popped the question a couple of days ago and she said YES. Her engagement ring is beautiful, with a triangular diamond. I've never seen one like it before. Congratulations to both of you - and welcome to the family, Darin!

Now both of my lovely girls are getting married in the coming months. That means I need to start planning another signature quilt. FUN!!

Nothing to do with sewing, but . . .

I did something last night that I haven't done since I was a kid - watched roller derby - in person. My youngest daughter skates with the Sioux Falls Roller Dollz and I went to Lincoln, Nebraska last night to watch the team skate. It was fun, and the Dollz won 100-37. Other than the 4 hour drive down and the 4 hour drive back to Sioux Falls last night, it was a fun way to spend a Saturday.

I just know there were quilt shops out there (in the dark) calling my name as we drove on past . . . oh well, next time.