"I Remember Laura"

I have enjoyed reading Laura Ingalls Wilder's biography; however, it is so sad that this book was written way later in life. I really wished that it had been written while she was still living or just after her death. This biography is a collection of stories and memories of Laura's friends and neighbors. When stories haven't been retold in several years, people begin to forget a lot of the details and it just leaves you thirsty for more. I'm grateful that a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan did have the strength and patience to go out and dig for stories about Laura, when they soon found out that there was no biography on this extraordinary pioneer. Stephen Hines made it his mission to put together this book, in memory of Mrs. Wilder.
The photo above is younger Laura Ingalls Wilder

I take for granted so many times of the luxuries that I've been blessed with and then soon thank God for not allowing me to grow up in the pioneer days. Ugh! The life Laura lead, the struggles and fear she must have felt living in an Indian Territory before moving to South Dakota. The Winter of 1880 is mentioned a lot in this biography and it must have been awful. To sit in a cabin, trying to take your mind off of the thoughts of dying or someone else that you love, dying in this terrible storm. How horrible it must of been as a child. But I believe her childhood and adulthood trials are what made her the strong and charismatic women she became in her older days. Apparently, Stephen asked Laura's friends and neighbors why there was never an autobiography of Laura, while she was still living. They stated that she was a private and humble woman and never would have allowed it. In fact, her daughter, Rose, was the one that asked her mother to write down all of her childhood memories for her. At the age of 65, Laura finally did it. Since Rose was an author, Laura assumed Rose would want to add a few of her stories in a book. Nope, Rose told her mother how good the stories were of the past and told her to make it into a book. Laura would write with a pencil and tablet between loads of laundry and pulling weeds in her garden. She would tell how rough it was for women especially to survive in the Indian and Dakota Territories. They either made women tough or broke them down and nearly crazy. I'm thankful, I never lived in thoses days. She never considered herself a celebrity and loved people. Her husband, Almanzo Wilder, died at the age of 92 and she passed away at the age of 90. Almanzo was much older than her, so she spent a lot of time alone. Did you know that Almanzo called Laura "Bessie" and Laura referred to Almanzo as "Manly". I just thought that was interesting.

The photo above is the Ingalls Family Portrait. (L-R: Caroline "Ma" Ingalls, Caroline "Carrie" Ingalls, Laura Elizabeth Ingalls, Charles "Pa" Ingalls, Grace Pearl Ingalls, and Mary Amelia Ingalls).

According to the biography, Ma Ingalls was a refine and well educated woman in her day and Pa Ingalls was fun loving and reckless at times. Would you believe that the friends and neighbors of Laura and Almanzo said that the producers and actors of the television series "Little House On The Prairie" never once came out to Mansfield, Missouri to do any research on Laura Ingalls Wilder's life? In fact, they said that the series wasn't true to Laura's stories of her childhood. I thought that was interesting as well.

I'm on chapter 10 and nearly through with the book. The book also contains old pioneer recipes from either Laura Ingalls Wilder or other pioneer women. I'd like to try the "Cream Puff" recipe one day because it sounds very easy. Sandy - I've really enjoyed reading this biography, so I would like to take you up on your suggestion and read Eleanor Roosevelt's biography as soon as I'm finished with Laura Ingalls Wilder. Well, that's enough of the history lesson. Sorry if I rambled on and on.

Sandy - have you read any of Kelli's blog? She is bookmarked under my friends and family. She has such a passion for antiques and days of old that it reminds me of you and your passions as well. Do you still like to shop for antiques? I checked in on Kelli's blog yesterday and she has a favorite shop where she picked up a few antique pamphlets, it looks like it. Thought you might be interested.

Hell's Kitchen

Well, Hell's Kitchen is over and I was right, Christina won the competition. I wasn't really into Hell's Kitchen this year. I don't know if it was because I didn't have a favorite competitor this year or what it was. Now, Kitchen Nightmares will be coming on pretty soon. Woo Hoo! Have you ever seen that series? It's not for the weak stomach people at all. There have been times where I had to stop watching for awhile, it can be that bad. It will almost make you stop going out to eat.

The Bucket List

Okay, The Apron Queen came up with a good idea. She started a "Bucket List" and asked what was in everyone else's bucket list. Well, if I had a bucket list, I guess I've already successfully accomplished 5 out of a list of 10 things that I would like to accomplish before God calls me home. The top 5 items that I've accomplished are listed below:

1. God saved my soul from Hell, so now I have an eternal destination in Heaven.
2. God blessed me with a wonderful and very close family
3. I married the man of my dreams
4. God blessed us with the most precious gem - our little daughter
5. God blessed me with the ability to stay home and raise our daughter

The items in my bucket list that I would like to accomplish before I die are as follows:

1. I have some interest in genealogy, it's the whole history of it that I enjoy. Most of my decents came from England, so I would like to go and visit.
2. I would like to go on Missionary Trip to South America. I know that sounds crazy, but I would like to get the nerve up (of course, have God with me) and do it. As an American, it's so scary to go out of the country because you know every one (just about it) outside of this country hates Americans (me). It's God's work and what a blessing that would be. I guess the only thing keeping me from doing it is Doug and Katie.
3. I would love to take Katie to Disney World and become a kid once again. Wait, did I ever grow up? I don't remember. LOL! I would love to see her face when she sees all of the Disney characters in real life. What a face she would have.
4. I would love to go to Hawaii on vacation and be able to swim with the dolphins. That would be the ultimate vacation destination for me.
5. Never be too busy for my family.

So tell me, what is on your "Bucket List"? I would very interested to see what was in it.

Until next time, take care of yourself. By the way, tomorrow is picture day for Katie. Wish us luck! (Pleeeese!)