My grandma, Emma Marie Grimmett Baldwin, was born on February 29, 1912. The midwife who delivered her didn't want her to be a Leap Year baby so she went door to door to make sure that the Grimmett's clock was correct. It was. So Grandma only had a "Real" Birthday once every FOUR years. If she were still living, she would have been 100 years old on Wednesday and we would have thrown her 25th birthday party. In her honor, we created a Facebook event where relatives could share their memories and thoughts of such a wonderful woman. I teared up after every entry. Grandma Marie left behind quite a legacy of 7 children, 43 grandchildren, and many, many great-grandchildren. She was loved by all:
Just to clarify, there
really isn't an "event " for grandma's birthday, rather we
want all the family members who are on Facebook to use this venue to
write memories of her in honor of her 100th birthday. I'll go first,
and I might write more than one over the next couple of days. I
remember that my mother could make an endless amount of sandwiches
out of 1 can of tuna fish! She could feed a lot of people on very
little! Sometimes when I look at my hands, I see my mother's hands,
although I doubt my hands will never work as hard as her hands!
I
didn't see my mother in her night gown or in bed while I was growing
up. She was always up, dressed, hair poffed, a dab of lipstick, and
sensible shoes, ready to conquer the day! A coat of paint, crisp new
curtains, a bright table clothe, or new throw pillow, could make our
old house look new. She always had a song on her lips. "Old"
songs are familiar to me, because she sang them. I loved Sunday
evenings when she would finally sit down at the piano. I was amazed
she could play almost anything without music. That was a real talent.
And yes, if my hair is fixed just right or I have the right color of
lipstick on, and my glasses on, I look in the mirror, and OH thats my
mother.
Who
can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The
heart of her husband doth safely trust in her...She will do him good
and not evil all the days of her life. She stretched out her hand to
the poor; yea she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Strength and
honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She
openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of
kindness. Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband
also, and he praiseth her. Favour is deceiful and beauty is vain; but
a woman that loveth the Lord, she shall be praised. Many daughters
have done virtuously, but thou excelleth them all. (Proverbs
31:10-30). I believe this proverb describes our Mother, Marie
The
very last time Jeff and I saw Grandma Marie, she looked at Jeff and
said "I claim you, no, I mean I have a claim on you."
Although she was somewhat confused, those words have been remembered
by Jeff because she does, indeed, have a claim on him. This claim was
made when she chose to seal her family to her for eternity. We love
Grandma Marie and honor her on what would have been her 100th (or
25th) birthday!
I
used to love watching Grandma bake her bread or rolls. She was so
proficient at all baking but bread and rolls were my favorite. She
never had a recipe... she would pinch off some dough and slap the
heck out of it and tuck it neatly in the pan. I never really knew why
the slapping was involved. Her rolls were perfection, I would watch
them raise and she'd put them in the oven and we would just wait for
that aroma... warm bread! Bread is a comfort food for me... Grandma
was comfort to me. I was not her daughter but as Aunty Jane and Sue
said I catch a glimpse in the mirror or a picture and think, " I
am my Grandma Marie!"
Salina
Baldwin Anderson
Do you
remember when i cut my ankle mowing Grandma and Grandpa's lawn?
Remember when she freaked out and insisted I get into her wheel
barrel so she could wheel me home? I can remember giggling and
thinking what a sight that would have been... I was 14 and already 6
ft. still sort of funny to think about!!
Salina
Baldwin Anderson
After
basketball games Grandma would do her little laugh and while patting
my hand say , " I don't know how you go out in front of all
those people to play basketball but you still cry when you have to
give a talk in church!" My response was I didn't have to say
anything while playing ball!
My
mother's namesake and granddaughter, Marie Baldwin Poulter, shares
Grandma's Leap Year birthday. Although Marie isn't on Facebook, she
has a blog where she wrote a tribute to Grandma. She also posted a
picture of Grandma and Grandpa. With her permission, this is what
Marie said:
Marie
Baldwin Poulter:
I
doubt there's a Baldwin alive that doesn't get a little choked up
just looking at these two.
Since it's gonna' be my 10th birthday soon, I can't help but think about this lady here (and the fella too :)). She would be turning 25 if she were still on earth. I wonder if they celebrate Leap Year in the spirit world. She was 60 the day I was born. Wow. I wish she was still here. If she lived in Moreland and I lived in Riverside, it'd be just a hop, skip, and a jump to get to her house. We could eat a little birthday cake- it'd have to be her homemade chocolate cake. Then she'd make my kids (and any other kids around) an ice cream cone. She'd smile a lot and tell me I was doing good and ohhhh, my kids sure are cute and nice. She had so many grand kids, but she always made me think I was a favorite. She's a great woman. She made a difference to so many people. I hope a grand daughter of mine will say something like that about me in 60 years.
Since it's gonna' be my 10th birthday soon, I can't help but think about this lady here (and the fella too :)). She would be turning 25 if she were still on earth. I wonder if they celebrate Leap Year in the spirit world. She was 60 the day I was born. Wow. I wish she was still here. If she lived in Moreland and I lived in Riverside, it'd be just a hop, skip, and a jump to get to her house. We could eat a little birthday cake- it'd have to be her homemade chocolate cake. Then she'd make my kids (and any other kids around) an ice cream cone. She'd smile a lot and tell me I was doing good and ohhhh, my kids sure are cute and nice. She had so many grand kids, but she always made me think I was a favorite. She's a great woman. She made a difference to so many people. I hope a grand daughter of mine will say something like that about me in 60 years.
I
didn't know grandma as well as everyone, but I know she was always so
kind. I know that my mother in law learned so much from her and in
all honesty I have never heard anything but wonderful things about
Marie!
Teagan Olsen
what i remember most is playing my violin for great grandma and how happy it made her and how much she loved it every time i would play. happy 25th!! :)
Amber Baldwin McArthur
Thinking of Grandma today brings many good memories to my mind. Grandma Baldwin was always so kind. I remember many homemade cookies and ice cream cones at her house on Sunday nights. I remember her welcoming smile, even when her house was overtaken by running kids. I remember going through the plastic curtains in the winter and seeing her sitting in her chair and usually reading. I remember ...her nodding her head to music and her love to hear it always. I was always proud to know that I had big feet---just like my Grandma Marie. I see her goodness in my aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was an inspiring example and has continued to be even with her gone. We couldn't have had a better example of Christlike love in our family than Grandma Marie. I hope to someday be just like her!
Sara Sargent Williams
de
of “All in the Family” – but Grandma usually fell asleep before
the end of the program.
I
remember that summer – I had been out to the movies with Abe’s
boys. We came home late and I walked into the house and in the
hallway just outside of their bedroom they were standing in their
pajamas hugging. I remember feeling awkward seeing them like that –
but she had choked on some aspirin, Grandpa quickly explained, and he
was comforting her. I guess in hindsight we should all see our
parents and grandparents hugging each other more often.
She
did make the best chocolate cake around and I remember that every day
she always made sure that we had a treat: Homemade cookies, a dish of
ice cream or some cake. The perfect way to any 15 year old boy’s
heart. My mom is a lot like her.
I
(Sara) remember seeing her at Brett and Sue's often and feeling like
I knew them by association. I remember that once she had injured her
hand or shoulder and had some sort of contraption hooked up to each
finger. I guess I feel like I know her best by her fruits - and i
have been blessed to know lots of her "fruits" for most of
my lifeThis
is what Shane had to say: Reading everyone’s memories made me nod
my head in a shared memory. I lived with Grandma and Grandpa one
summer – just the 3 of us – although there were always lots of
cousins around. I think I was 15 years old and she always had
breakfast ready when we came home in the mornings from moving pipe.
In the evenings we would always watch the news and then watch an
episode of “All in the Family” – but Grandma usually fell
asleep before the end of the program.
I
remember that summer – I had been out to the movies with Abe’s
boys. We came home late and I walked into the house and in the
hallway just outside of their bedroom they were standing in their
pajamas hugging. I remember feeling awkward seeing them like that –
but she had choked on some aspirin, Grandpa quickly explained, and he
was comforting her. I guess in hindsight we should all see our
parents and grandparents hugging each other more often.
She
did make the best chocolate cake around and I remember that every day
she always made sure that we had a treat: Homemade cookies, a dish of
ice cream or some cake. The perfect way to any 15 year old boy’s
heart. My mom is a lot like her.
I
(Sara) remember seeing her at Brett and Sue's often and feeling like
I knew them by association. I remember that once she had injured her
hand or shoulder and had some sort of contraption hooked up to each
finger. I guess I feel like I know her best by her fruits - and i
have been blessed to know lots of her "fruits" for most of
my life
Jill Sheets
I remember grandma's laugh and how she wanted to make sure everyone was okay and had enough to eat. Every time we have tuna fish I think of my mom telling me that grandma Baldwin could make more sandwiches out of one can of tuna than anyone she'd ever seen:) I miss her and know she is watching over us and wants us to do what's right and make good choices.
Brian Brandenburg
This is Sheila: I remember riding in the station wagon each summer for 4 days (each way) from North Carolina to Idaho to visit Grandma Marie with my Mom and siblings. It was always sooo exciting to finally arrive at the "dirt road" leading to Grandma's house! Of course I remember her fresh baked bread and her delicious chocolate chip cookies....I remember that she always looked so pretty with her hair done and her ear rings on! I remember that she smelled like Jergen's lotion. Grandma Marie made each of her grandchildren feel like he/she was precious and loved. I always bawled when it was time to leave Idaho....Happy Birthday Grandma!
Linda
Elkins Baldwin
HI
EVERYONE This is Bill. I have enjoyed reading all the comments about
grandma. I worked on the ranch for 6 summers in my youth. I can
remember coming in to her home after moving pipe each morning. She
always had breakfast waiting for us.We would always start out with a
bowl of oat mill, cream of wheat,or cold cereal. Then the eggs,bacon,
pan cakes,or french toast would be sever.I think that is why I was
there so many summers. I remember when she had the city cafe. We
would load up in their old pick-up truck and head to town for lunch.
Grand pa would drive and I always fell sleep on the way. But, I knew
I could pick out what ever I wanted from the menu.
I
loved my patch jeans. Grand ma put patches on patches. She would
finally say no after the fiveth or sixth time. She would use that
pear to patch the next pear.
The
thing I remember most about her is she love me for me. I got sick
when I was in the thrid grade. The school could't find my mother [she
was working]. Grandma was working at the high school cafetiere. She
came and took me home. She stop at the store in Moreland to get me a
coke. When we started to leave I stared to heave. Grandma would pull
over to side of the road. So, I could puke. I would open the car door
before she was all the way stop. She would have to grab me and stop
the car at the same time. I think I did that three or four times.
Ruth
Baldwin Mecham
The
last time I saw my Grandma was with my dad at the assisted living
home. She was sure having a hard time remembering and would get her
words mixed up. I know she wasn't quite sure who I was and maybe not
even who my dad was. When we got up to leave, she reached over and
grabbed me by my hands. As clear as day, she told me, "Now you
make sure you get married in the temple!" It was the most
coherent thing she had said the whole visit. I promised her that I
would, and I know that it is only through her great example to my dad
and to me that I was able to keep that promise. Whenever I see
pansies or bleeding heart bushes, or have a hot roll with the runny
jam on it, I always think of Grandma.
Natalie
Tew Styer
I
have always felt lucky that I grew up with my grandparents as my
neighbors! I remember watching out our front window on Sunday nights,
waiting for cousins to come visit, and then running to Grandma's to
join in the fun. Grandma always had a piece of candy ready and
available for any visitors. One day, when my parents were at the
Temple, a few of my cousins and I snuck in Grandma's house to get a
piece of candy. When asked about it, we lied and said we hadn't gone
in. Grandma was disappointed in us for lying and taught us that day
how important it was to always tell the truth, regardless of how big
or small the situation might be.
Grandma
and I shared a love of music, especially Chopin. After Grandma's
stroke, she couldn't stand to have the piano played very often. But
many times, when I'd walk in the door, she'd say, "sit down and
play for a bit." Grandma used to take a walk every evening,
about dusk. She'd carry a stick in case any neighbor dogs tried to
get her. I enjoyed walking with her from time to time.
As
many have already mentioned, Grandma was the BEST cook. Our family
got to live in their mobile home after they had both passed...it
still smelled vaguely of Chocolate Cake (and cow manure.) Grandma was
such a great example of living your testimony. Although she didn't
stand and bear her testimony as often as Grandpa did, I knew that she
KNEW the Church was true. I think of her often.
Tracy
McGuire Williams
When
I think of Grandma Marie, I think of all of the times all of the
family were together. Even when Cole and I were just dating, i felt
so welcome. She was so nice and I just loved how everyone got
together so often and knew each other so well. I never had that with
extended family. Grandma Marie was at the center of all of that love
that was radiating out to all of her family and to anyone else that
was fortunate enough to be there. I hope I can be a grandmother like
that. I feel so blessed to have known her and to be part of the
family.
Tim Baldwin
100
earthly years old. I remember her very well when she was only 50
...and that’s a real good thing! I have a long list of those that
have past to the other side that I hope to see and perhaps even talk
with. Past prophets and church leaders and other famous people that
we read about in the scriptures make up a portion of my list. I want
to see and spend time with our forefathers and mothers.
However
when I pass through the veil I am going to be looking for my mother.
When I see her I know we both will smile. and that’s a real good
thing!!!!!
Amy
Manwaring Taylor
Like
everyone else, I have so many good memories of Grandma Marie. I've
never looked ANYTHING like her, but I've always felt special because
my middle name is Marie. We're all so lucky to have such a role model
to show us how to be a mother and grandmother. I’m sure my husband
and children wish I would have paid more attention when she was
making things in the kitchen, rather than just waiting to eat. It
wasn't until I was older that I recognized that she was very
knowledgeable about the gospel and spent a lot of time reading and
studying. All of the grandchildren were given a book from Grandma and
Grandpa's library - filled mostly with books about the gospel. I
received an old, worn copy of "Jesus the Christ." Grandma
had not only read the book, but had studied it, leaving notes all
throughout. Each of the books I've seen have similar notes.
I
also didn't inherit any of her amazing musical talents, but I always
loved watching her sit down at the piano and start playing - without
music! It was unbelievable to me.
Some
of my favorite times were when she would let me go into her bedroom
and look at all of her jewelry, lipstick and perfume. She always had
a soft bedspread with roses on it. I loved to sit in the fancy chair
in the bathroom and use her comb and brush.
Although
I didn't get the long arms and legs, athletic ability or musical
talent, I hope I inherited her love of learning, and a testimony of
the gospel. One of the apostles said something like, “If you save a
young woman, you save a generation.” I think of the impact that one
woman had on all of us, her posterity, and I’m so grateful.
Callie
Beidler
A
few things I loved about Grandma Marie! Happy 100th Birthday!
I
loved that she called me Callie Dawn.
I
loved playing kick the can, spoons, annie annie i over, etc at her
house.
I
loved looking out the window & seeing their yellow car parked in
the driveway.
I
loved how she let me pull the skin on the back of her hand &
"time" it to going back to place.
I
loved hearing her hum while she was busy in the kitchen.
I
loved that she always had a crossword puzzle going.
I
loved that she would stick up for us when Grandpa scolded us for
being kids.
I
loved that she thought my name was Cotton & called me that
frequently after her stroke.
I
loved getting a birthday card with $3 in it every year.
I
loved her reaction EVERYtime when Carlos would scare her with a stick
saying it was a snake.
I
love that lilac trees or even the smell remind me of her.
I
love that her family was her life, and I am so blessed that to be
part of it.
No'el
Martin Tew
We
love Grandma Marie and miss her so. She was always so loving and
patient and had a way of calming grandpa down...even when us boys
would put butter AND gravy on our mashed potatoes. That could always
get him going! How grateful I am for the knowledge that we'll see
each other again.
Ryan
Linda
Elkins Baldwin
I
feel so blessed to be a part of Grandma Marie's Family! She was a
amazing Grandma. She always remember everyones Birthday! Every year a
got a Birthday card from her. After our children came, she even sent
them Birthday card! I didn't get that from my grandparent as a child.
I only hope that I can be a Grandma like her! Happy Birthday Grandma
Marie!!!
Jane
Tew
Thanks
to everyone who wrote a tribute about Grandma Marie. Many were
touching, some were humorous, but from these tributes, it's evident
she fed us, loved us, encouraged us, and now we have her great
example to follow. We are the "fruits" of her labors, so
may we all continue forth in our lives living up to the legacy she
and Grandpa left.
