Byg Family: 99 is Mighty Fine!

Grandma Coleman is 99!

February 18, 2012 ... This is not the greatest picture, but we are all here! This picture reveals to me Deryn is apparently taller than Grandma... of course Grandma is only 4'11", it was bound to happen sooner or later!

Grandma has played a large role in my life. These are some of my favorite memories of being at Grandma's house.

I remember when Grandma still had all her land and we had a family garden. I have many memories of playing with cousins and siblings, and I suppose trying to help as well. I remember going with my Dad or an Uncle to turn on the canal water, and at the end of the night, going back to turn it off.
I remember watching the Dad's flood out gophers.
I remember catching water snakes.
I remember exploring the chicken coop, climbing, in the apple tree, and helping to store food in the cellar under the apple tree.
I remember riding on the bus with mom, along with all our shovels and rakes to go to Grandma's house to work in the garden. The bus picked us up at the end of our street, and dropped us off right in front of Grandma's house.
I remember wagon races! Grandma had two red wagons she kept in the garage, we took them to the top of the driveway, which was conveniently on a hill, sat down in the wagons, and used the tongue to steer. Side by side we would race down the hill until a wagon slowed or crashed - if you were lucky, you made it past the concrete and onto the dirt/weed path leading to the garden - whoever went the furthest won!
I remember picking "snowballs" off the snowball bush and lilacs from the lilac bush.
I remember dress up clothes - Grandma had the best collection of full skirts and dresses. There were enough for everyone, and the skirts were so full it was a blast to twirl!
I remember the time the family was working in the garden and I could not because I was sick. I had to stay inside with Grandma and shell peas, but she made it seem special.
I remember the candy bowls with chocolate raisins and M&M's.
I remember the marble game we played with Grandma... you put marbles in your hands and the others try to guess how many. Sometimes you stuffed your hands full until you could hold no more, hoping they would not guess the number. Other times you went to great efforts to make your hand seem full when in reality the only marbles you held were the ones you placed between your fingers to give the impression you were holding 50.
I remember the checkers games and the lincoln logs.
I remember calgon bubble baths when I slept over at grandma's and eggs in the special egg holders for breakfast.
I remember the sound of the cars on the busy road as I tried to fall asleep in the coveted black chair that converted to a bed. I remember waking up to the same sound.
I remember the sparkles on the asbestos ceiling.
I remember watching Grandma take care of Aunt Margaret.... I remember asking Aunt Margaret what the animals said.
I remember listening to her speak German and trying to figure out what she was saying.
I remember living with Grandma while I was going to college. Coming home and listening to her talk about memories from her past.
I remember Grandma's meat was always the most tender and flavorful meat I had ever tasted.
I remember Christmas cookies and Christmas breads.
I remember gathering as a family on July 24th.
I remember the magic of Christmas eve dinners.... the food, the present exchange, and the mysterious ringing of bells as if Santa was on his way.
I remember advent calendars at Christmas time.
I remember that little cookies won't make you fat!
I remember seeing grandma read her scriptures and say her prayers... things that told me the gospel was important to her.
I remember the only time Grandma ever wore pants was to work in the yard.
I remember she can grow anything successfully and her flowers were always beautiful.
I remember taking Grandma to the german store, and getting lunch together at Marianna's.
I remember $2 bills in small red christmas stockings.
I remember that Grandma was always giving and always thinking of others.
I remember she expected you to do your best - there was no reason to do anything less.
I remember living with Grandma after Mike & I got married.