I'm Still Here!

Sunday - May 20, 2012 I'm still here, although I feel as if I have been many miles away!  Life without Mom has been a big adjustment, not only for me, but for the rest of the family too. Losing Mom seemed to hit me harder than when Dad passed away!  After much soul searching I think I understand why!  I loved both my parents equally!!  But, I didn't take the time to grieve for Dad! Although they had completely different personalities, they balanced one another and were married for over 59 years!  They had known one another for much longer than that - Dad's older brother married Mom's foster sister( who was actually her cousin)!  Their love for one another was so evident, especially when Dad was leaving us!  Mom was his soul mate, his best friend, and the mother of his children! He wanted to make sure she would be okay when he went Home!  He told her it was time for him to go, it was the best thing to do! He talked with all four of us - my three brothers and myself - and we all told him not to worry about Mom - we would take care of her! It made Dad's going Home seemingly easier for him! The love of his life would be alright! Therefore, my grieving for Dad was put on hold because I had to be strong for Mom - we all did!  We all took turns in staying with and caring for our mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt, and friend.  She was loved by so many!  It was a family's love that helped her during the six years between their deaths.  None of us did it alone. We did it together; we did it because we loved her! For over sixty years, I have had a mother to whom I could turn to when I wanted help with a recipe, a pattern, or a shopping companion!  I had a mother who was always there when I had surgery, or when I was down!  She showed us all how our faith in God could help us through many trials we might face on life's road!  Her faith was strong , and she was strong because of it!  Thus when we saw her heart broken because Dad was gone, we had to be strong to help her  realize we still needed her! I had to help my mother; I had to be strong! My brothers are some of the strongest men I know, I'm the weepy one in the family! As she got older, we discovered she needed us more!  We all gave as much as we could to help her those last years of her life to be happy and comfortable! Now that she is gone, I found myself slipping into being a recluse!  I don't want to go anywhere, and I find myself crying for no reason! After several weeks of this feeling, I knew I had to do better!  But I also realized I was grieving for Mom and Dad! I didn't have these feelings when Dad died, I had to be strong for Mom! Now I need to be strong for me; for Bill; for my brothers and their families; and for the simple reason that Mom and Dad would want me to be strong!   I hope to be back blogging with some of the things I have been doing during this period of being down! I pray that all have a great week and will make great memories with your loved ones!

Grandchildren are so Precious

Thursday - March 29, 2012

This past weekend, Bill and I, along with all the other grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends helped Cora Ann and her cousin celebrate their birthdays - it was a "Birthday Observed" celebration! It is amazing at how much Cora Ann has grown, with her skills developing by leaps and bounds. She is smart as a tack and quick to catch on . . . no fooling this little girl. We had a great time with her as she celebrated her birthday!! She loves to have her picture taken . . . . but more by herself. Possibly if we were with her more and longer, we could squeeze some pictures in with her and us!!!

Ben is also growing like leaps and bounds. He smiles 90% of the time is as lovable as he can be!!! He is crawling backward and frontwards! He was trying to stand why his mother held onto him. I see him walking before long! He loves his sister and watches everything she does.

They are the perfect siblings! They adore one another, and I see in the future many days of fun days for them both.

Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Cora looks adorable in her sunglasses! We were on our way to the park for a cookout.

Cora is ready for her party. I made her a "Minnie Mouse" dress, and she was modeling it for me!
Our beautiful girl with her Minnie Mouse ball! She loves playing with the ball!

Patiently waiting for her to be allowed to open her presents!

She turned three . . .the day she would release her paci into the air so another little girl could use them!! She was such a brave girl to do this!

The thrill on her face as she watched the balloons take her pacifiers up, up, and away!!!

Ben and Grand-dad talking things over . . .looks like a serious conversation to me!

lol . . . Ben looking back to see if what Grand-dad was telling him was true!!! :):)

I got to hold both Ben and Molly!!!!!

Ben is adventurous . . .sitting in the grass did not bother him as it had his sister!

Love his expression when he saw himself in the camera!!!!

All smiles with Grand-dad

FINALLY . .. :):) Bill and i got a picture with ALL our grandchildren . . . . Ben, Molly, and Cora Ann!!

Words can never express how much Bill and I both love our grandchildren!!!!

Challenging . . . . But Rewarding

Wednesday - March 14, 2012

Before I actually started teaching full time, I did a lot of sewing. I actually made the majority of the clothes I wore. This was a trait I got from Mom. She use to sew dresses for me when I was little. On several occasions, she made a "Mother/Daughter" dress. Oh how I wish I had that dress now!!!

While in Junior High, it was required that all girls had to take a semester of cooking, and a semester of sewing. Whether I really want to admit it or not, I did learn some things from those classes. However, I give my mother and grandmother most of the knowledge, drive, and determination I have to cook and sew.

I love challenges, and I will not give up until I have successfully made the piece I am working on to look perfect, well at least as perfect as I can make it! Mom would get so tickled when I would take the piece apart again, and again, and again, and again.

I am working on some special projects for a couple of precious girls. The final projects will be posted at a later date . . . actually after their special day!

There are certain parts of sewing that I feel uncomfortable with trying, possibly because I want things to look as perfect as possible; and in my mind I have not made the perfect button hole; put in the perfect zipper; or have the facings look just right.

I love sewing; and I love trying new patterns. Last year it was trying the Pillow Case dresses . . . by summer's end, I felt comfortable with the finished dresses!!! Trial and error in many cases was my best teacher. The one thing you don't do is give up!!! If you come to a part that seems to give you a problem, walk away and come back later. Breathe . . . and then it will come to you!

The following are some of my recent endeavors with a couple of new patterns. Both of the patterns have the word "EASY" written on the front. However, there have been some challenging parts; but I did not give up, and was able to do what needed to be done. It may not be perfect, but it was the best I could do.

These ladies will have an "original" . . . . as far as I know there are no other dresses made with the colors I used!!! :) Hope they enjoy them and can't wait to see them wearing their "originals!!"

One of the first thing I do is choose the pattern, buy a selection of potential material, and get all notions needed to complete the dress!

My machine has a built-in button hole maker; button holes are one of the areas I don't feel comfortable with making. However, the ones I needed to make are okay . . .not perfect, but okay!

The type of dress I am working on is called a "knot dress!" They are apparently called this because a knot is made at the end of the strap and then placed through the button hole to hold the dress up on the shoulders. There were several patterns suggested to use according to the research I did to make the knot dress. This one was a McCall's pattern.

Due to the second dress being much smaller, I needed to use a different pattern. So, I chose a Simplicity pattern. The knot is made by tying two straps together to form the knot. But the first thing you have to do is sew the straps and then turn them!!! My, my . . . have you ever tried turning something so small without tearing it apart? I discovered using a sturdy straw was the best tool to use on this task!!!!

It was a challenge, but it worked . . . . .

. . . . and all four pieces got turned without being ripped or coming apart!!!!

The finished top of the dress with the front and back facings attached and sewn to the yokes with the straps in place!!! Again, another challenged tackled and accomplished!!!

The rewarding part of all my endeavors is that not only am I satisfied with the finished dress, but the recipient and mothers are also satisfied.!!! When we do the best we can, the reward is also knowing we did all we could!! I love being creative and making new things for others!

Happy crafting to those who love it; hoping all others find something they enjoy doing and being creative. Even though something may be challenging, it is rewarding when completed!!!

Rosies Getting Ready for the "Today Show"

Tuesday - March 6, 2012

Where does a person start when trying to explain who a Rosie the Riveter was, and what a big part they played in the war effort during WWII. It wasn’t until 2009 that I really understood the importance of these ladies; the sacrifices they made; and just how important they were to the war effort! Shame on me! My mother was a Rosie who went to Ypsilanti, MI and worked on B 24 Bomber at the Ford Bomber Plant. I, of all people should have known! However my mother didn’t really talk about that period in her life.

As a young child, I knew my father was an amputee due to injuries he suffered in “the war!” Dad was the one who told me that Mom had worked on “planes” during the war. She explained that she and two of my aunts rode the train to MI and worked on the wing of “a plane.” Still, I had no idea it was a bomber, and that it was very much in need during the war. She and Dad never talked about their experiences or the important part they played in this part of our American history. For this generation it was what they needed to do to ensure we kept our freedom. They did what they did for the present and the future generations of our country.

My SIL’s mother sent an advertisement from the “Cabell Standard,” a community newspaper, which was looking for any and all Rosie the Riveters so that they could record their stories. These were stories that needed to be told so that younger generations would know how important these ladies were. Most of the women had been like Mom. They didn’t talk about that time in their lives, not because they were ashamed, but basically because they were doing what needed to be done, and it was no big deal! They were doing their part, nothing more, just helping out the best way they could.

Since September, 2009 Mom’s story has been told. She was interviewed her at the house by three of the nicest people - Anne Montague, John Haulotte, and Tijah Bumgarner. They were able to get Mom to recall that time in her life. They all made her feel special and that the part she played was indeed an important part. They videoed the interview which was later used in a documentary about Rosie the Riveters. And so, the journey had begun for all of the Rosies, their stories are finally going to be told.

Mom was able to attend one of the gatherings in which the Rosies were going to be recognized, and they were going to be able to tell what part they played. I smile when I think back on that day. My mother was not a public speaker. Put her behind the scenes, and she would work just as hard as she could. She tried to get me to speak for her, and even asked her grand-daughter where the door was. I think she might have made a fast retreat given a chance! She was a trooper and spoke to the group. They were gracious and understood she was nervous and encouraged her. She did a great job.

Mom’s health kept her from attending many of the Rosie gatherings, but they always kept her in the loop. She felt honored that they were inviting her to all the activities. She was so proud when I ordered her a copy of the documentary. She was a simple lady; a humble woman; one who never sought the attention, but was appreciative of the honor given her.

Mom has gone to her heavenly home, but her being honored as a Rosie is not over yet. The Today Show is coming to Charleston to interview the Rosies and to get their stories. It will be a segment on their morning show in the near future. I was notified that Mom’s picture, as well as two other ladies who have passed away, have been submitted to the Today Show. Her story will be told, and she will be honored again, but this time, she will be looking down with Dad and John by her side – and she won’t have to talk!!!!

We will keep you posted as to when this segment will air!!!

Mom - early 1940's

Mom and Dad right before they were married - Dad was out of the service!

The Newlyweds - August, 1946

Mom with her brood of four - Dink, John, Sue, and Mike in her arms! She was a great mother! The was about 1954
Another mother and kids pic - Dink was still in this one - look at the picture of the end table! :)
This was probably around 1955 - 1956

Mom posing beside a "Rosie the Riveter) mannequin

Had we been able to see Mom dressed as a Rosie, this picture would come close to how she dresses when she worked on the bombers!

The Quietness . . . "Be Still and Know . . . ."

Wednesday - February 8, 2012

As we all have done at one time or another when we have lost a loved one, we tend to think about the quietness that surrounds us. During the past few days that quietness seems to have gotten "louder!" But this quietness was one that brought me back to a passage from Psalms that had been the theme of a Ladies Retreat I had attended several years ago.

10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46:9-11

So as our world seems to be changing, I felt this verse telling me to remember that God is always there . . . "Be still," and we shall feel His presence. We must be still because of what we know about God, and that He is the one who will guide us through this quiet time - this time of sorrow, just the way we knew He always would.

I have many devotionals that I read from, but this verse kept coming to me . . . I need to be still and know that God is here, and that Mom is now in His Heavenly Home.


“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth do change”
Psalm 46:1-2a

A Simple Lady, A Caring Lady, An Elegant Lady

Wednesday - February 1, 2012

Our precious mother joined her Heavenly family on Saturday, January 28, 2012. She was 91 and lived a long life as a Christian lady, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She will be greatly missed by us all. The Pastor who was to oversee her service had pneumonia. Therefore we asked the Pastor from my nephew and niece's church if he would do the service. Mom had attended his church on occasion, and he came to visit while she was at the Hospice House. He was more than willing to do this for the family. He asked that we put together some thoughts, stories, or anything that would help him get a "feel" of who Mom was. Huh - oh . . . ask an English teacher to write a paper, and you may get a book ( or so some of the family thought!) :)

The following is what I put together to help him to know who we thought Mom was! He actually read it during the service. We love this simple, caring, and elegant lady with all our heart and will miss her everyday of our lives!!! One day, we will all be able to hug once again!! Love you Mom!!



Let's all stand and give five cheers for Mom. Why??? Because she was what motherhood was all about. She brought her family up praising God and thanking Him for what we had, and not what we didn't have. She lost her mother when she was only a day old, but she was brought up and nurtured by many who taught her what being a wife and mother was all about. She taught her children right from wrong; how to share, and why we should; how to be caring and compassionate towards others; to take responsibility, and to do the best we could; to never give up, and to keep trying regardless of the obstacles we may face; but most importantly, she taught us we were never alone!. Not only were she and Dad always there with us, supporting us all the way, but our Heavenly Father was always there too. She never lost her faith even when things were tough. She knew God was always there!

She was a simple woman, one who never wanted to be in the limelight. She was set in her ways, and as her family, we knew which way to go, and how fast we needed to move. Mike, the youngest, learned that at a very young age. He was "running" from Mom so that he wouldn't get "spanked", when all of a sudden, he fell into a "hole" (it was actually a footer our neighbor had dug), and Mom caught him!! He always thought she had dug the hole just so she could catch him! :)

She loved doing for other. If there was a luncheon at church, a party at school, or a Sunday School get-together at some one's home, she was more than willing to make something from scratch to take. She loved to crochet and had crocheted more than four hundred afghans. She never asked for anything in return. She delighted in seeing the joy on the faces of those who received the afghans. That was her pay . . . . making others happy.

She bowled for many years, but when the league she was bowling with folder up and were going to join the Senior Citizen's League, she was not thrilled about the move. She was about 83, and said, "I don't think I want to bowl with all those "old" people!" She was more than likely the oldest bowler. She never felt as if she was old! :)

Several years ago she was interviewed by an newly formed group - "Thanks! Plain and Simple" - who were trying to interview and recognize all the "Rosie the Riveters" from WV. They came to the house and taped the interview they did with her. She also went to Charleston to be recognized for having been a Rosie!! She was really worried about participating and doing the interviews. She kept saying she was afraid she would get into trouble for talking about her time as a Rosie! She was assured she would not get into trouble. She was still going by the guidelines for when she was working on the B-24's, and the fact that she was never to divulge ANY information about her job at the Ford Bomber Plant in Ypsilanti, MI. 60 years later, she was still not giving out any "secrets!" When in Charleston, she realized "she" was going to have to speak to a group about her time as a Rosie. She did not want to do the speaking; she wanted me to speak for her, and when she realized I couldn't/wouldn't, she leaned over to her grand-daughter and asked, "where's the exit?" She was going to make a fast retreat!!! :):)

To sum her up, she was a true Christian lady. She loved her entire family with all her being; making sacrifices through the years so that they could have what they needed. She cared for all who were sick, not just her husband and children, but for anyone who needed her help. She was caring but firm; tender and loving; unselfish with her love; and tanked God everyday for all the blessings He had bestowed upon her.

She was my mother; She was the mother of my three brother - Dink, John, and Mike; the wife of our father - Elmer (Buck) Layne; the grandmother and great-grandmother to our children and grandchildren; but she was the one we always depended upon; the one who loved us regardless; the one to support is in all that we tried; she was our mother whom we loved so very much. She is with Dad and John now; she has been able to meet her mother for the first time! We are sad, but we are happy for her. We love you Mom - always will!

Home Made Gifts!

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Creativity seems to be in my nature. I will take a pattern and put a spin on it that is my own. I love doing crafts - crocheting, sewing, beading, cross-stitch, plastic crafts, and even quilling. Some of which I have more practice in doing, but I will attempt all. I may get frustrated with a pattern, but I will set it off to the side, go back to it later and most times the light comes on, and I am able to complete the project. What I love the most is that when I give away these home made projects that the recipient is appreciative of the gift, and knows that it was made with love! These projects have flaws, because I am not perfect, but they are filtered with a lot of love!

I give Mom, Dad, and my grandparents the credit for my love of working with my hands and trying to be creative. Their generations made many of their items they needed because that was the cheapest and best way to get them. It today's society, they would be classified as antiques. For me they are precious memories that once belonged to those I love.

I also give God my thanks for giving me the ability to work with my hands and to be as creative as I can. Some people say they can't do anything . . . you never know until you try! God has blessed us all with a talent, we just need to find it and put it to use! :)

Someday when I am gone, it would be nice to think that something I made and gave to a loved one will pull it out of storage and say that it was made by me with love!!! Mom has many people who will tell her that they have the baby blanket she made them when they were born. It tickles her to death that they kept it!

I don't make these things for compliments; I make them because I love doing it and hope it will be please the person receiving the gift knowing they are loved!

The following are some of the things I've made since October. I started making things for Mom to contribute to her Christmas Bazaar at church. Others are things I made for some very special "little ones!"

Crocheted Santa's which were turned into pins. I used a different type of thread to help Santa have a fluffier beard!

This plastic container is full of goodies I made for Mom to take to the Christmas Bazaar!

I used #3,#5, and # 10 thread to make a variety of coaster sets!

I didn't make coaster sets in just Christmas colors, but I used a variety of colors and a variety of cotton thread!
Mom and I put the "makings" for chicken noodle soup in a jar! I decorated the top with a Christmas theme! After all, they were going to be part of the Christmas Bazaar! :)

A first for me this year was putting a topper on kitchen towels! I have to admit that in the beginning it almost got the best of me! Again, I did not stay with just a Christmas theme!

With the aide of iron- ons, I made a couple of things for Cora and Ben. Ben got a t-shirt with a tie; Cora got her "red" shirt with sparkles, and she also got an apron with her name in red! I was a little disappointed that all of the "iron-on" pattern did not attach to the material!

I know a couple of precious girls who are huge MU fans!!! So the received a shirt to show their support for their favorite college team!

I also made them a hat and scarf. Their MU monkey also received a matching set!

Working with my hands is therapy to me. I do much of the crocheting while staying with Mom. It helps keep me focused on the positive, and not worry about things I have no control over. mom loves watching me work on a project, and loves when I have to pull out the mistakes and start all over again! she loves looking at all the finished pieces. She is a major part of why I make what I make!