By the time I came along, the house was already full. But, as usual, they made room for one more.
It was always that way at our house - very hospitable! My mom and Dad, Irving and Lois, already had Sharon and Faith in junior high, and Diane and Steve in elementary school. I stole their hearts anyway :) and they babied me a lot.
My dad was a Baptist Pastor and my mom kept the house running smoothly. She also sang in the choir, played piano, taught Sunday School and sewed almost all of our clothes, all while trying her best not to get a headache. Then 13 months later came my brother, Jon, who now stands about 6' 3".
Our house was always full of people; friends of my siblings, folks from my Dad's churched and ten foreign exchange students who lived with us during my school years, along with a few foster kids. Obviously, there was always a lot of activity in the kitchen and plenty of crumbs on the floor for the dog. Thank goodness my parents were both excellent cooks. Ironically, it was my dad who taught my mom how to cook when they were first married.
My parents on their wedding day in 1942
My parents believed in raising children the old-fashioned way - lots of love for everyone, tough discipline, responsibilities for all and a home centered around Christ.
Our family portrait Circa 1958
We all pitched in with the cooking, the cleanup and of course, the eating! We certainly ate well, the good home-cooked Minnesota Scandanavian meals, even lefse and lutefisk, YUCK!
My parents on their 50th wedding anniversary
Mealtime included not only eating, but lots of laughter (always), Mom reading the "good manners" book (sometimes), the discussions of Diane's wild hair (most of the time), Steve making funny faces (usually - you know how boys can be), John's distaste for studying (on occasion), and my boyfriend problems (even at age 6).
As you can tell, growing up in our family was a lot of fun. I thank my parents for creating an environment of laugh, laughter and closeness, which continues to this day. Through good times and bad, and even now as our family has grown with the addition of spouses and children. Thank you Mom and Dad! YOu are missed and will always be remembered for the loving legacy you bestowed on our family!
Counting our blessings,
Mary Beth Roe