I grew up in Willis, Michigan, in a home built by my father on the family farm.  I lived here with my mom and dad, three sisters and three brothers until I went off to college.  My two aunts and an uncle along with their families also lived on the farm as well as my grandmother and grandfather. I remember playing with my siblings and my cousins, carefree and happy.

My mom was a stay at home mom and my dad worked as a mechanical engineer. It was special being the first born girl.  I remember I had long hair that my dad would braid for me and my mom would dress me in lovely dresses she made me.  Perhaps this is where I picked up my love for sewing?

I attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School for my elementary and middle school years.  I then transferred to Lincoln High School.

My playmates were my cousins who lived next door.  We lived in the country so we were outside a lot and were inseparable.  This friendship and closeness carried well on into our teen years.

Holidays were always special in my family.  I remember every Christmas Eve we celebrated with my dad’s family at my Busha and Dziadziu’s (Polish for Grandma and Grandpa) home.  Santa Claus always made an appearance and we each received a toy.  We had traditional polish food; pierogis, rice pudding, borscht, mashed potatoes and egg bread for dinner.

When we would arrive home Santa had also visited our home. We were always surprised and excited. Presents under the tree and stockings stuffed.  Midnight Mass was a tradition that followed.

Christmas Day was always spent at my mother’s family at grandma and grandpa’s big farm house.  All my cousins, aunts and uncles would celebrate together.  What fun!!!!!!