Day 12: Rollin' with it

Is it my turn? Is it my turn!


I've been waiting for the day to write a post. Johnny hasn't had to badger me too much in writing on this blog, because he knows I already love to write posts. And what is more fun than to write about Ruth Ann!

I'm sitting basking in silence while Johnny, Sisi and Kai went to a friend's baptism this morning. At first, Kai was going to stay home with Anders and me (because he simply did not want to go,) then while Johnny and I were chatting over our bran muffin breakfast, he told me that he sometimes "worries about Kai." Kai doesn't like to sing in primary and is not keen on praying. Well, at one point Kai had a choice this morning in regards to what he wanted to do—not anymore. I bustled him upstairs and had him in church clothes, hair done and spiked along with his gummy vitamin in less than four minutes. By golly, he is still young and impressionable, right? I don't even want to start thinking yet about teenhood with him.

Gillson Beach Fall 2010—Johnny, Kai, Ruth Ann, Sisi and Bobby

Which leads me back to the main subject of Ruth Ann. How in the world did she have such fine children? I know I can't give all the credit to her, it is Neil too who helped in the process, but I must give a lot of credit to an excellent mother of eight. As I have thought about what to write, it keeps coming back to me of how Ruth Ann makes everyone around her feel special in some way, even me, the lowly daughter-in-law.

I recall one past Christmas I was in a panic after trying to make rolls (for my first time on Christmas morning, that had flopped in every sense of the word.) We all know that store bought rolls are just not as good, (especially for Christmas dinner,) so I was nervous that I'd fail if I tried them once again. What was I going to do!!

We went to Ruth Ann and Neil's for Christmas morning brunch and it was a busy, wonderful, family filled morning with gifts, songs and yummy food. I could tell Ruth Ann did not get as much sleep the night before (was this the year she made the grandkid overnight bags? or was it the jammies?—I can't remember.) Anyway, I asked if she would mind going over her recipe with me, so I could write notes in the margins. Oh course she agreed, but I knew she could tell I was frustrated with what had happened earlier that morning, and that I was super anxious about making mistakes again.

Next thing I knew, she was whipping out her Bosch and mixing up a batch of rolls right then and there, and walking me through it. Oh, the embarrassment from stealing Nanny away from the family while I got to learn the art of making Nanny's rolls. It was even more embarrassing that I wasn't making rolls for the LeBaron's, it was for my side of the fam.
Oh the shame.
Not to mention she had already made a huge feast of a brunch for all of us, she had to be tired of cooking.
again repeat...
oh the shame.

Apple picking in Wisconsin Fall 2010—Johnny, Kai, Sisi and Ruth Ann

With my selfish request she sweetly walked me through the process. Maybe she doesn't remember this incident, but I can tell you it was amazing her love in helping me that day. To this day, I have no fear of yeast or making rolls. In fact, I really enjoy them so much that I never buy rolls at the store anymore.

I still feel badly about taking time away from the family that Christmas morning, but hopefully I can make up for it someday with homemade rolls. Thank you Ruth Ann!

I love you.
xoxo