D is for DAD

My dad has always been very special to me. Some of my earliest recollections include being with him. From an early age I loved to sit on his lap. I can remember getting up each morning and while the others got ready for school I would sit on Dad's lap. At night I would also return to Dad's lap as we watched TV.
I loved to watch football games, feed the cows, and I even attempted to play chess with my Dad. Dad was always very patient and rarely ever got upset. The only memory I have of Dad ever getting mad at me was when I got upset with my older brothers and sister. They had made a cake and I wanted to lick the spoon or beaters or bowl - anything. They all claimed a prize and I didn't get anything. I threw a little fit and Dad spatted my behind and sent me to my room. I felt things were so unfair. Now that I have experienced children of my own, I understand how he felt.
My first experiences of driving were behind the wheel of the pickup while Dad threw hay bales from the back. I couldn't reach the gas peddle, but Dad would put the pickup in 1st gear and off we'd go. It was always an interesting ride as I tried to dodge the hard cow pies, but Dad didn't complain. I felt so important. I would often wake up early, get dressed, and hope that he would take me with him.
Dad's love of the farm rubbed off on me, and I enjoyed spending time there. I liked to ride with him on the tractor or combine. Usually I would fall asleep sitting on the toolbox. Later I started helping on the farm. With David and Paul off to college and missions, the good help was hard to come by. Dad taught me to drive the tractor and I would do the weeding (the rows didn't have to be perfectly straight for weeding). I would spend the day going back and forth trying to follow my tire lines.

Dad has always been very understanding and loving even in the most trying circumstances. When I was about sixteen, Dad bought a brand new pickup. Mom and him had gone for the evening and my friend and I wanted to go and get a ice cream. Instead of driving my car I took the NEW pickup. I wasn't used to driving a big outfit and as I turned the corner into the drive-thru I hit a post on the passenger side bending the mirror and scraping the side of the new pickup. I felt so sick inside and was worried about what my parents would say. It was a long, anxious wait for them to come home and then through tears I retold the story. Dad was very calm and simply said I can see that you learned your lesson. I learned more than one lesson that night. People were always more important to him than things.

Dad continues to be a favorite person in my life. He always has a smile and a hug whenever I see him. He has been a great role model to me.

C is for Crocheting

People tend to learn to do things they observe others doing. As a young girl, I watched my mother and Grandma Rapp always keeping their hands busy. When they were watching TV they had a crochet hook in their hands as they lovingly created handmade items from yarn and thread. Brightly crocheted afagans, lacey doilies, and other handiwork decorated our home. I loved to sit with them and learn to make pretty things, and I treasure the gifts they created for me.

I don't remember when I started to experiment with a chain stitch, but by the time I was 11 or 12 I was making many projects. I can even remember creating crocheted clothes for my dolls. By the time I was 18, I had made afagans for all of my siblings and a few others as well. Crocheting is still a way to wind down at the end of a long day. It helps me relax while still doing something worthwhile. Although some crocheted items aren't as popular now, I hope that my children will enjoy the love that is included in each stitch.

B is for Boys
There have been many special boys in my life, but four of the most important are my sons. Someone once gave me a sign that read,

"A Mother of boys works from son up to son down."

Along with the work came many happy moments and lasting memories.

Reed Douglas Rockwood was born on January 29, 1985. He was a terrific baby and spoiled his parents. He rarely cried and was sleeping through the night at 3 months old. He has always been a good example of a big brother.

Rod Warren Rockwood was born on April 6, 1987. There was much excitement to welcome another boy into the family. From the start he was very determined to get what he wanted. This may have been one reason that he started moving in an untraditional way, scooting on his bottom, at 5 months old.

Daren John Rockwood joined the family on July 25, 1990. He was named to have the same initials as his father, "DJ" and had many nicknames. He was known as "Little DJ", Dare Bear, Bear, and Dare. He was the cutest little curly headed boy and always on the go. Maybe that prompted his early desire to walk at 9 months old.

Scott made the family complete on June 30, 1993. He was Mom's little sweetheart and was good as gold as long as Mom was in the room. He's always followed after his brothers wanting to do everything they do. He has also loved the farm and at an early age accompanied his dad to work and has been a big help there.

A is for Ann.
On June 14, 1960, a little girl entered this world. She was given the name of Ann Schwieder by her parents, Harold Gale and Mary Catherine Rapp Schwieder. She joined a family with two older brothers, David and Paul, and a sister, Janet.
She was a good baby and was satisfied with a thumb for a pacifier. However, as she grew older there were a few moments of tantrums. Her mother often quoted the nursery rhyme

There was a little girl

Who had a little curl

Right in the middle of her forehead.

When she was good

She was very, very good,

But when she was bad, she was horrid.

Nevertheless, she was loved by her family and grew up in a wonderful home.