This is a book of short stories about growing up in a German Catholic family of seven children. The stories are based on the memories of actual events and activities in the life of a native Indiana Hoosier. They address issues of personal development, the importance of family ties, the experiences of a do-it-yourself family and the activities of planting, hunting and gathering. These stories are about a family making ends meet, working and playing together day by day, season by season, and year by year without knowing they were struggling. Some of the events described seem mundane and run-of-the-mill, but all of them formed the character and personality of the family members. These events and activities shaped a generation and generations to come regarding principles, values and behavior toward love for and respect of people in general.