Tuesday, June 29, 2010

My Favorite Vintage 4th of July Display is............

my Mother. She passed away exactly 1 year ago tomorrow, June 30th, and you guessed it....she was born on the 4th of July! She would have been 89 years "young" this year (as she would say)! Amanda Catherine Lehman was a minister's wife, a teacher, a grandmother and a great grandmother. But most importantly, she was my MOM! The 4th of July was much more than just a celebration of freedom and fireworks at our house. It was Mom's birthday and she always chuckled about how EVERYONE in the WHOLE country celebrated her birthday! She was born in Pittsboro, Indiana and always remained a "Hoosier Gal." She loved coming to Florida as in her latter years she was always cold and loved how warm Florida was most of the time. She was also on kidney dialysis the last 6 years of her life which continuously lowered her body temperature and liked the dialysis center here better than up in Indiana because down here they played Bingo and let her eat cookies and popcorn while receiving treatment! She loved to wear red, white and blue so when someone would compliment her she could explain that she was a "Freedom Fire Cracker" Baby! And here is one of the reason's I wanted to share this. I don't know about you, but when I lose someone that is close to me, it seems I am always looking for a sign that they are OK. Well, I was feeling kind of low in April as that is my birthday month and also my daughter's who is named after Mom. I was missing her terribly and just wanted to know that she was OK and I went out on the back patio and looked up in the sky. Here is what I saw....a huge kiss from Mom!

So, see.....our Fire Cracker Baby is doing just fine! Enjoy your Holiday and be sure to say a little prayer of thanks for those that have gone before us and know they ARE OK.
In honor of the 4th of July Vintage Tour, I am going to give to one lucky winner this approximately 14" x 14" Colonial Needlepoint that I bought at an Estate Sale. The center square is needlepointed in a deep rose, so this is really a rose, white and blue prize! I have no idea how old it is or where it come from but I thought it would make a fabulous cover for a journal or even something as simple as a pillow or tote. Just leave me a comment telling me how cute my Mother is and I will have her namesake draw the winner's name on the 4th of July so you can comment up until midnight of the 3rd. I will post the pic right under this post as I don't know how to get a picture down here! I NEED CHOCOLATE!! Happy 4th everyone!

17 comments:

  1. I love your post. It is a great way to share your Vintage memories. Just perfect. I am a Hoosier girl too. I missed being a 4th of July girl by a month. I was born on the 4th of August. Now come by and link this post up xo Joan@anythinggoeshere

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  2. You probably should instead link the one with your mom as a little girl up and then people can read the second one after that. Joan

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  3. I loved reading the story about your mom. She sounds like a wonderful lady and a real "firecracker". What wonderful memories to have of the 4th of July.
    Jane

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  4. What precious memories! I love the picture. I have one that looks similar of me as a little girl - just missing those boots. Have you tried the new pretzel M&Ms? Might be a nice chocolate treat for you.

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  6. Sorry, I do not check my spelling enough! But, what I wanted to say, was....What a wonderful story! It brought a tear to my eye. You did such a good job telling it and it is a wonderful tribute to your mother!
    Happy 4th of July to you and yours!
    Leticia

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  7. What a wonderful tribute to your Mother, and an adorable picture of her! I can only imagine how much you must be missing her. She sounds like she was a real firecracker!
    Happy 4th!
    Carol~~Old Glory Cottage

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  8. Made me smile that cute mom of yours. What a touching story, and the kiss amazing!



    Joy................always

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  9. Ah, honey, your mom is just the cutest little sparkler! I bet she really lit up your 4th of July celebrations! The kiss is the best part of your post.

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  10. Such a Beautiful, Sweet Story.... Your Mom would be so Happy & Proud of this Post, About Her!
    Amanda is My Daughters Name.... I think everyone who reads this touching post, will be Thinking of Your Mom on Her Birthday ~ I know as I watch the fireworks from Greenfield Village in My Front Yard, I will Certainly Think Of You Both ~ xox
    Thank You for Sharing Your Mom with Us!
    Cheryl

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  11. I am sure fourth of July will still be hard for you....but, I appreciate the sign story.....wishing you a happy fourth of july!!!

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  12. thanks for sharing your beloved mom with us. I am sure the 4th holiday's were just wonderful being her birthday and all. I am sure you will miss her each and every 4th and more. I do know exactally what you do mean by the signs you wait for, when they happen to me they are so fantastic, words do not discribe. Have a great holiday.
    michele

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  13. Your post made me tear up! I love the big kiss you saw. I look for signs like that too from my Grandma. :) I hope you have a great 4th of July as we all celebrate your Mom's Birthday! :)

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  14. I loved hearing about your Mom! And love your sign from her too. If you need to know about pics on blogspot just email me and I'll give you the scoop - it's really easy and you can put as many as you want. Hugs and have a great 4th weekend.

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  15. Well, you brought a tear to my eye! Loved your post and your outlook on the world! Thanks so much for sharing!

    ~*~ Happy 4th ~*~

    ~♥~
    Kristal

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  16. A lovely memory and like you I do believe those who have gone before send us messages. And yes your Mama is a cutie pie.

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  17. What a beautiful story. I may never celebrate the 4th without thinking of your Mother's story. Your jewelry is amazing too! I am so blessed to be your friend.

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