Day 35 - { my mother-in-love }

 

Are you ready to play a guessing game? Are ya? Are ya? :) These next three Days of Gratitude posts will all have something in common, clues to a puzzle. See if you can figure out why I am doing these particular ones. . . .

 

Today's post is about DC's mom.

 

 

Can I just say that I have been blessed with the sweetest, easiest-to-get-along-with in-laws EVER on the face of this planet?

They have raised a ginormous family (DC is 3rd of 10 kids), and it has made them the most awesome people. Or maybe they were awesome to begin with, and raising such a large family only enhanced their awesome-ness. :)

Anyways. DC has never made me in any way feel like I need to "live up" to his mother. And it's a darn good thing:

For one thing, Ma Baker is patient. I have known her now for 14 years, and NOT ONCE seen her lose her temper or even come close. I have seen her in very stressful situations, and not a feather ruffled. If I ever learn her secret, I'll publish a book and be a millionaire! :)

Another neat thing about her is she is a FANTABULOUS COOK. Oh, I love her food. And she loves to cook for those who love to eat. From her enjoyment of watching us eat, it seems as though it's one of her favorite ways to show love. Very cool. I will include a couple of my favorite recipes from her at the bottom. . . .

Ma Baker is a delightful Grandma! Our boys just adore her. She always remembers their birthdays and has been at their baby blessings and baptisms. She even flew out on very short notice to be here for Benjamin's funeral. I love how she has continued to include him in many ways in our family, so that he is never forgotten.

She is a beautiful singer and seamstress. Her testimony and faith are so strong that you cannot imagine her without them. She radiates goodness and the Light of Christ.

Ma Baker is a loving listener. It is so soothing to be able to just pour out your heart to her, and know that she doesn't judge you. She just loves you. This to me is her single greatest attribute.

I am so grateful for such a wonderful mother-in-love!

 

My favorite words of wisdom from Ma Baker:

"Ice cream is the secret to a happy family."

 

Ma Baker's Classic Spaghetti with Meatballs

This is SO GOOD. It's worth making from scratch (and not hard)! You'll never want to go back. . . .

2 - 15 oz. cans tomato sauce

1 - 15 oz. can diced tomatoes

1/2 tsp. garlic salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. minced garlic

1/2 tsp. basil

1/4 tsp. oregano

1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning

Mix all ingredients in large saucepan. Cover and simmer for about 1/2 hour.

Meatballs:

3/4 lb. ground beef (I use ground turkey and it works fine)

1/2 c. bread crumbs or rolled oats

1/2 tsp. garlic salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. basil

1/2 tsp. minced garlic

1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese.

Mix all ingredients well, and form into walnut-size balls. Drop into sauce. Cover and simmer for about 1/2 hour.

 

Ma Baker's Eggless Raisin Squares

One of DC's childhood favorites. He says the smell of this still takes him back to the good old days. . . .:)

1 c. raisins

1 1/2 c. water

2 tbsp. margarine

1/3 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1 c. sugar

2 c. flour

1/2 c. chopped nuts (so optional in DC's book :)

Simmer the raisins, water and margarine for 1 min. Add to remaining ingredients and blend thoroughly. Pour into greased 9x13 pan and bake at 375 for 15-18 minutes.