Veggie Tales and Creative Snacks
In a thrifty family tradition, this meal on the dinner table was a sure sign Mom had just cleaned out the fridge—because wasting food was never an option
What is goulash
Every time Grandma babysat Collin, Emma, and Olivia, this classic Julie Andrews film was non-negotiable viewing—it was basically part of the babysitting contract.
What is 'The Sound of Music'
Grandma spent hours gardening and weeding, only to realize she was doing yard work at this incorrect location.
What is Adam's and Lea's Neighbor's house
Established in 1907, this magical garden is the destination of an annual family adventure filled with wildflowers. We were sure not to trample the Trillium here.
What is Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
For the past three years, stopping by after work has been a blessing for this person, thanks to Grandma’s love and her no-hesitation policy on making sure I have plenty of food and beer.
Who is Kevin
This health food staple of the '70s and '80s was often sprinkled on cereal by mom - sometimes to the dismay of all of her children, who tried to shield their bowls with their hands.
What is Wheat Germ
Grandma flew out to Columbia for my freshman year orchestra concert—a trip that wasn’t easy—just to show her support, making this event even more memorable and meaningful.
What is Olivia's College Concert
After Mike was accidentally left behind during a family road trip, he believes he needed to find a job at this restaurant to survive.
What is McDonald's
After Carter and Peyton witnessed a drug deal just feet away from them in downtown Baltimore on the way to Johns Hopkins, Grandma skipped the commentary and gave this timeless wisdom.
What is "well kids, stay in school and go to church"
With six kids already in the house, Mom still welcomed sleepovers, planned amusement park trips, and somehow made every summer feel like a festival — proving she had a black belt in this parenting skill.
What is making chaos fun
Emma's friend loved one of Grandma’s veggie dip, and asked what was in it, Emma said "I have no idea - Grandma grabs what she has in the fridge, throws it in a blender and puts it in a bowl. It's usually pretty good." it became a tradition—now my friend asks about this mystery dish at every gathering.
What is Grandma’s “whatever’s-in-the-fridge” dip?
Her most notable passions include family gatherings, kids' performances, handwritten cards, thoughtful calls, and vacation planning—but her deepest devotion has always been to God and the prayers she offers on behalf of those she loves.
Who is Mom
Mike tried to act clueless after a flaming tennis ball incident scorched the basement carpet—until Mom saw his soot-covered face and sprinted downstairs. That’s when he realized two things: she really loves him, and he wasn't going to get away with this.
What is the time Mike burned the carpet in the basement with with a tennis ball bomb
On the way to St. Francis, Jeff floored it through a hectic intersection with no stoplight, prompting this passenger to unleash a legendary death scream that had Jake and Kevin silently cracking up in the back seat. BTW, they were all totally fine...
Who is Grandma Annette
Despite loving the veggies and support of Grandma attending their sports, Ashley and Gunnar will never forget this hilariously named version of Grandma’s house, known for its questionable art choices.
What is Naked Grandma’s House
At a Northwestern football game during Kevin’s freshman year, this root vegetable was the unexpected snack brought by Grandma.
What are beets
This lucky animal often received canned green peas and the occasional slice of white bread during late-night snack sessions. (Mom would never serve us canned veggies, now)
Who is Ruffles
After Adam jumped out of a moving car, Mom accidentally ran over his foot. When Adam screamed "Get off my foot!" and she asked "Which way?", Adam's response—while pinned under the tire—was this perfectly unhelpful shout.
What is “It doesn’t matter!”?
This person took Olivia to Como Zoo for her birthday where we enjoyed seeing the animals, but we were both a little disappointed when the rides were closed.
Who is Grandma Annette
This three-word phrase— spoken by Mom—became a lifelong mantra for Kim, encouraging risk-taking and bravery even in the face of fear, and laying the foundation for many future adventures.
What is "do it afraid"?
This popular breakfast item were presents, often gifted on holidays because Mom believed they were “pure sugar" with “no nutritional value."
What is cereal (i.e., Cocoa Puffs, Lucky Charms, and Fruit Loops)
In this clever breakfast hack, Mom snuck nutrition into a kid-favorite meal by starting her pancake recipe with a layer of this before adding the batter.
What are grated carrots
Mistaken for planting explosives at a different home, while actually dropping off milk, food, and pulling weeds, our helpful mom earned this nickname after police were called in Ramsey and she needed to explain her intentions. (Luckily, the police officer was understanding)
Who is the 'Ramsey Milk Bomber'
At 10:30 PM, Adam handed over a handwritten paper due the next morning, and by 11:00, she was typing so fast it looked like her fingers were competing in the Indy 500—proving she always had this crew’s back when deadlines approached. Also, we are pretty sure she was the only person who knew how to use a typewriter ...#beforecomputers
Who is mom
What began as a casual birthday dinner conversation ended with this woman producing a framed photo of herself in her 50's—nude on a log at a nudist colony—sparking laughter, awkward glances, and one very distracted Scott. Photo courtesy of her cousin, Richard.
Who is Annette