My Little Old Man

The simplest toy,

one which even they youngest child can operate, is called a grandparent.

– Sam Levenson- 

Most of you know there is nothing I love more than bragging about my grandkids.  They have brought more joy to me than I can even begin to describe. I am amazed at times at the ability they have to bring a smile to my face so quickly and many times they don’t have to do a thing to make it happen. 

My oldest grandson started kindergarten this last year.  He was terribly excited about it.  His birthday was in late September and they were a bit concerned at first as to whether he would be old enough and/or mature enough to go.  At first they decided to wait till next year.  Yet at the advice of his pre-K teacher they enrolled him a bit later in the semester. 

 

Yesterday was his 100th day at school.  It is tradition for them to dress up as an “older” person on this day. Needless to say he ate it up.  He reminds me of my own little Benjamin Buttons.  The later picture is him imitating a grumpy old man chasing ornery young'uns off of his yard. 

 

From the day he was born this little man has brought nothing but smiles to me.  His nature is warm and his charisma even warmer.  I swear he could melt the north pole with his smile.  Yes, I know I am partial yet even if he was not my grandson, I think I would feel the same.  I think as I progress in life the one thing I will always be thankful for is the gift of grandkids and the youth they seem to give to me.  A magic elixir I think it is.  If only I could bottle it and put it to market.  But then all you grandparents out there know exactly what I am talking about and exactly where you can get some. 

 

Blessings

One Never Knows

Morning all. Once again I find myself distant and not blogging as much as I would like too. It has definitely been a year of distractions and other things to keep my attention and energy. I have so missed being here and keeping up with everyone and what has been going on. Yet I think that all of us can identify with how life can sometimes just have other plans.


Since I last was here I made yet another trip to my grandkids for a visit. It was my granddaughters 8th birthday and of course I could not miss that. She is growing up so fast. She had a slumber party this year with four other girls. Oh how that brought back memories. Although I will say that it seems little girls grow up faster these days. I am glad she is what some may call a nerd. Interested in school and reading. Although I know that it will not keep her from some things forever, for now she can still be a bit of a little girl. No Justin Beiber for her. Yippee.....


Earlier this week we also had our first official scare with Oklahoma weather. It seems to be such a frantic year for everyone when it comes to weather these days. In April it seemed that it was the southeast that would take the brunt. I kept my tongue tight as I knew that May was the month that Oklahoma always seems to experience its share of tornado alley. The month went smooth for some time until earlier this week. For three days we were warned that severe weather was an extreme possibility. We had went to our moms for a visit and was heading home when we were hit the first time. We were caught in a good storm with all the makings. Strong winds, heavy rains, and hail. Fortunately no tornados were produced at least not in our vicinity. We did however get Vince's truck battered sufficiently with the golf ball to tennis ball hail that fell. A cracked windshield and plenty of dings were our evidence when we finally arrived home that evening. The next day brought even stronger warnings. I prepared the tornado bad as well as the bag with items in it that I may want to have if everything blew away.

It is not an easy thing to pick what one would put in such a bag. Jewelry, trinkets, important papers and such. Thank goodness for backup drives. As all my photos and such can also be kept if need be. As expected, the storms started in the early afternoon and exploded immediately. We watched as they marched across the state growing into massive tornados. We knew that they would eventually have to cross over us and sure enough they did later in the afternoon. In a matter of 15 minutes the storms started and escalated themselves up to tornado status and headed straight for us. Getting Winston into the cellar was a bit of a chore. Last year when I went to the cellar he was still a bit of a pup so I could easily toss him in when he declined from wanting to do it himself. This summer was a bit of a different story. At 95 pounds I was glad Vincent was home with me as I am not sure if I could have gotten him in by myself.


We listened on our weather radio as the tornado sirens went off and we could hear the wind howling above us. When we finally emerged some wind damage was evident. A wooden fence had been blown into the neighbor's yard, taking the pickets and stabbing them into the ground upright, yet all our homes were ok. The storm had just passed north and west of us by not quite a mile. Later that day we went out to survey the damage and I was astonished at how close we were to being hit. The more severe damage started to show itself just a quarter of a mile from our home. Trees uprooted and stripped of their bark, roofs torn from homes, mangled metal twisted around fences and thrown into the tops of trees. Tornados hit on all sides of us. To the south and west, to the east and to the north.


Some ways north of us a mother huddled with her three kids (7,3, and 15 months) in a bathtub. The storm took their home completely off the foundation and threw all four of them in multiple directions. The mother (5 months pregnant herself) was found beneath debris. Two of the kids were found near a lake not far from their home. The 3 year old little boy Ryan is still missing. The 15 month old little boy later died of his injuries and the mother and 7 year old girl lay in a hospital in critical condition. Remember this family and little Ryan who is still missing. It is a clear example of how quickly something can be taken from you and how much we need to remember how precious life and those we hold dear are.


Last time I was here I promised to return and start up my blogging at a more frequent pace. I am hoping once again to do that. Yet like last time I am not sure what life may throw my way again. It has been a funny year, full of things unexpected and a reflection and realization of things that are constant and fixed. I hope that spring/summer is bringing all of you happiness and times of special joy. For those of you who may be traveling through some rougher times, I wish you the energy and wisdom to continue and to find the rare gems along the way that will make the journey worthwhile.


Blessings until we meet again.

I'm Back... At least for a Bit

Good Morning all. It has been some time since I last wrote. Goodness well over a month. It seems like so much has been happening and unfortunately it seems that my blog has suffered the worst of it.

 

After a much needed vacation with my grandkids last March, I truly thought that when I arrived home I would have a bit of time to get ahead on some of the things that I knew may suffer once I started all the things that have occurred. Well needless to say I was far from right.

 

No sooner had I arrived home when I needed to get myself ready to go to my middle sons wedding. It was a wonderful event. A nice quiet small ceremony outside of DC in a little nook called The Inn at Little Washington. Wonderful food and fantastic company. They opted for a small gathering of just close family and will have their big reception in July after they return from their two month honeymoon of a trek around China plus a few other smaller countries nearby.

 

On arriving home once again I thought that there would be a bit of time to "catch up". Once again I was wrong and my mother's cataract surgery (both eyes over 2 two weeks) and the urgency of my garden and yard took most of the extra time I had. I am still trying to catch up in regards to my yard. The weather has been a bit crazy this year to say the least. We have not gotten the terrible storms that so many have had to endure yet the warmth is slow to come and the wind has been fierce. We received a meager amount of rain last weekend which even though it was minimal was nice as it helped to clean the months of dust that had accumulated in the air. I am hoping for a bit more this weekend yet am not going to hold my breath.

 

I considered asking for it yet after last week's occurrence in Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia I am reluctant as May is the month when we in Oklahoma receive the largest amount of our tornadoes. I will continue to water my yard and pray for those who have suffered from the heavy hand of nature this spring.

 

Things are slowing down a bit. This last week I had it all to myself and I have to say it was a true blessing. Although once again I had big plans to get so caught up in regards to my blog and other things, I took a couple of the days to just work in my yard and play with my flowers. The quiet and simple sounds of nature were much needed. I also wanted to be sure that my gardens and such were in order for May day tomorrow. Although the weather man has informed us that it will be a cold blustery day with possible cold rain I still wanted the flowers to be tended and primped for the fae that may come and visited.

 

My peony bush finally bloomed this year. I was so excited when I say the blooms last week. I worried for a time that the wind may tatter it a bit. However I was able to cut two beautiful blooms to enjoy inside. I also found another pink peony bush on one of my many visits to the local garden stores. It was kind enough to also lend me a couple of its blooms to enjoy.

 

I am hoping to be back at a more frequent pace in the coming weeks. I will admit that I cannot promise anything as this has been a different kind of year. i am still trying to figure out why it is so array. I have missed so many of you and thank the ones of you who wrote and checked on me in my absence. It is always nice to know that one is missed. Wishing all of you a wonderful and safe weekend. And of course a wonderful blessed May Day.

Wanna Play A Game?

Guess What I did last week?

 

I will give you a hint.... three in fact.

 

Did You Guess?

I Have Been Grilled

A while back a dear friend of mine Linda from Olde Baggs and Stuffed Shirts, nominated me for a wonderful opportunity. She knows how much I love the blessing of being a grandma. It is one if not the most rewarding adventure I have been on. So she graciously nominated me to become a Grilled Grandma. Head on over to Grandma's Briefs and enjoy. As usual I am bragging about how much I love being a GG as well as the wonderful little ones who have made me so.

Spring Is In the Air

Yesterday many were singing “Love is In the Air”… yet today I have to say my song is Spring is in the air. As I did my morning walk around today, I was pleasantly surprised by a couple of wee crocus peeking out of the ground from beneath the pile of spent sunflower seeds that lay beneath my young oak . As I looked closer I could see more that are well on their way to blooming in the near future. A further walk around the pond showed me even more signs of spring’s nearness. The daffodil and tulip bulbs I had planted earlier last fall were breaking mother earth and starting their climb towards the warming sun.

Most of the snow that we had received the last week is melted. Only the snow that blew and formed the towering drifts still remain. Yet they too have melted considerably and will be a distant thought in the coming days. The weather is warming to the 70’s and possibly 80’s and I find myself craving to take my rake to the garden and clear the accumulated leaves that have blown and piled in the last few months. I know though that a spring snow could still come and the sweet Williams that are cradled beneath the warmth of the decaying leaves are tender and green and do not need to be uncovered so soon. So I will hold myself back a bit longer before I do too much.

The high winds during the winter storms loosened many of the small twigs and branches on the willows that surround the pond. I do have plans to gather them in the coming warm days. I have many ideas racing around my mind as to how I might put them to use rather than just get rid of them. Look for examples of these ideas in the coming weeks as I bring them to life. I have big plans for my garden beneath my fairy tree; many of which include the use of these twigs.

I am also planning a Spring trip to see the grand kids. It is still a few weeks away but I have to say I am excited. Yes I know it was just a couple months since last I visited but what can I say I already miss them. They all seem to grow so fast. It is hard to believe the my little Buddha (my nickname for my grand daughter) will be eight this year. The wee one is walking now so of course that will be fun. And lastly my little sushi pal (my oldest grandson) can’t wait for me to come so we can share a plate of edamane and some tuna rolls. Needless to say I am more than ready.

Have you seen any signs of spring approaching or has old man winter still got you in his grip. Do you have any big plans for your spring garden? In the coming week as the temperatures warm, I hope that the urgings that only spring can bring come to each and everyone of you. Blessings

Why I Am So Thankful - Reflections on Thanksgiving

Last week I enjoyed my home being full with the sounds of laughter, crying, screaming and more.  Yes my grandkids were down for a few days as well as others.  It is always nice to have a house full of people.  The life it adds to air is priceless. 

We did the usual.. Watched Alice In Wonderland, the new one of course.  Their momma had not seen it yet so of course we had to watch it with her.  We read stories, colored pictures, and played for hours.  Vincent shared a new toy with them.  Needless to say they loved it and spent most of the day before Thanksgiving outdoors.  Yet it was a wonderful 80 degree day; something one does not experience much in Oklahoma in mid November.  

 Of course though the following day was to bring colder tempertures so we were sure to take a few moments to fill all the bird feeders as well as leave some corn out for the other animals that may wander through the yard on Thanksgiving.   

The feast went wonderful.  A tradional meal of turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole and so on.  But the highlight for me was a wonderful 4 layer Carrot cake that my oldest son made.  He is not an avid baker but every so often he gets a wild hair and when he does his result is always totally yummy.  I have already put an order in for this to be my birthday cake and present from him for the remainder of my days.  It was totally made from scratch even to the point of grating his own cinnamon.  Believe me it tasted soooo good. 

As soon as all the fun started it was over and the house was once again silent except for Winston and I.  Yet there are many things to do.  Christmas cards to write, presents to wrap and goodies to make.  I hope all of you had as wonderful of a holiday as I was blessed with. 

Wanderlust Wednesday - The Joy of Little People (especially grandchildren)

I know I have carried on and on about my grandchildren several times yet I am sorry to say that I do not forsee a time when I will ever tire of doing so.  So I give fair warning to any who have heard enough to stop reading now.

Being the week of Thanksgiving, of course the three f's will run freely.  If you do not know what the three f's are; they are  Food, Fun, and Family.  This year I am graced with my table being full of my children and grandchildren, save my middle son and his fiance who decided to spend their Thanksgiving in the South of Spain.  Can't say I blame them, I would have to think about it abit if that option were open to me also.

Seeing that the kids will be here, that means grandchildren also.  So of course I am happy as can be.  I have taught my grand daughter the love of letter writing and we converse back and forth during the times we are apart.  She has already sent me the grocery list of items that I need to be sure and have on hand as she is going to be my little helper.  She is in full charge of the pumpkin pie, which will also double as her mommy's birthday cake.  Yes, her birthday occasionally falls on Thanksgiving; how fun is that.

Her brothers will also be along for the ride.  I am counting on Vincent to keep her oldest brother busy with a new toy he just had to get for them.  Lets just say it has four wheels and is alot of fun.  Her little brother is crawling like a bug so I am sure we will be chasing him to and fro yet how much fun is that. 

My oldest son and his family will also join us.  He has been out this week deer hunting and has promised to bring me some fresh meat as he put it; as he got a buck yesterday. Although Brandi already has two sons, they are in hopes that they can add to their family soon.  Because of issues, this will have to be done with fertilization.  Yet they are planning on starting the process after the first of the year.

Vincents daughter and husband will also join us.  They are expecting their own little one next summer.  A possibility of twins is highly likely and we can not wait for verification as to whether or not we will be blessed in this way.  I guess I should say, Vincent and I can't wait as the thought of two little ones I think scares them to death.  It will be nice to have a baby (especially a grand child) near to us again.

So although we will have a full house this year, and there will be ample little ones running and crawling around, next year could prove to be even more abundant.  There is a joy that grandchildren bring that I know any of you out there who have experienced it, know what I speak of.

I always wanted to have 12 children when I got married.  Everyone laughed at me and thought me silly. In fact I think my first husband feared I may just try and attempt this feat as it was he who went in and got snipped after the birth of my daughter.   Vincent and I have talked about the fact that it was probably best that we did not get together earlier or that could have very well have happened to us;  being the good Catholic boy he is and I being the wonderful fertile goddess I am... ( my doctor used to call me the fertility goddess). 

I have always loved a big family and even more so with lots of little ones running everywhere.  I was blessed with three children of my own and I consider Vince's daughter the same.  Each one of them have their spouses and/or fiances so that is four more.  So I figure in all I have 8 children.  It's not 12 but it is a good start and the grandchildren are coming along nicely.

Some day I expect I will sit around while everyone else tends to me but for now I am the momma and I like it.  I hope this week as each of you gather with your friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving that you likewise have your share of the 3 Fs.  And if you are blessed to have little ones around take a moment to stop and watch... They grow so fast and before you know it they are gone.  The laughter and smiles of a child can do wonders.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving

Truth #2 - To Love Thyself

To love oneself… Such a simple statement yet truly something that some find difficult if not impossible. Although with such an accomplishment comes great rewards. One usually does not realize the magnitude of this until it is finally achieved. Because when one learns to truly love themselves they are open to give to others all of what they truly possess. No matter how giving one may be they cannot give their full selves to anything or one until they can give it to themselves.

This week in the continuing journey of Truth posts, we fall onto

 #2: Something you love about yourself

If this question had been asked of me some time back I am not sure if I could have answered it with the openness and honesty that I do today. I think this is mainly because I had not reached that point of truly loving myself and also I had not realized other things as well. Although these days there are many things that I “love” about myself I think the one thing that makes me smile the most is the fact that I can now be still and enjoy the small blessings that come to one on a daily basis. The little things that occur to everyone everyday yet too many times we allow them to pass us by never really realizing them for all they are.

Four years ago I was encouraged to leave my job of several years. My daughter was beginning her nursing career and I agreed to take care of my grandkids on the days that she worked her 12 hours shifts. For any of you who know anything about me you know that this probably took little if any encouragement as I love spending time with my grandkids. The time that I was allowed to share with them in the early years of their lives will forever be one of my fondest blessings. We spent days not worried about whether or not the house was tidy and spotless. A new episode of SpongeBob Squarepants was far more important. We did not have to sit still and be quiet; we sang as loud as we pleased and danced to our hearts content whenever we felt like it. Yet my favorite times would have to be the evenings before bedtime. Tucking them in with plenty of hugs and kisses; reading them one two or maybe three bedtime stories, then of course those talks in the dark about all the occurrences of the day before and pondering on all the questions that life had to offer. These many moments of bliss by far helped me to realize the need to enjoy and relish the tiny blessings of life.

Yet sooner than I would have liked, they moved and my daily routine was drastically changed again. I had grown accustomed to these little contentments that had come my way and I missed having them. I knew that I would have to find these joys in other ways. I turned to my garden. I had a great love for the out of doors and the magic that Mother Earth can give. I had been taught this love by my grandma as well as another woman in my early life named Thelma. Both instilled in me a love of the garden, whether it be flower, herbs, or vegetable. They taught me the wonders that the earth can give to one if we only but tend her.

So I turned to my own yard and began to cultivate. There is something about the smell of the earth as it is turned and the fresh soil is uncovered. Vincent always gets upset with me because I do not wear my gloves when I tend my yard yet there is just something about the feel of it against my bare skin that I do not want to miss. I am just as bad in wearing shoes. I think I would go barefoot all the time if I could get by with it. The fresh grass against ones bare feet is one of my favorite senses.

Over the last few years I have worked my yard intently learning each year something new in regards to what to grow, how to grow it and how to tend it. I have cultivated my seeds and reharvested them again the next year. I love the fact that I am planting new generations of my plants. This last summer my sunflowers were third generation and next I will plant a fourth. I have raised a small oak from what was a small sapling when we first moved here to now a young tree which towers well above my head. These simple joys are things I would not trade for anything and I am so thankful that I was given the chance to realize them and also to appreciate them… I love that I am easily pleased; that something that cost nothing can make me so happy and feel so complete. I love that I have such simple things in my life to bring me the joy that surrounds me on a daily basis. I love that my eyes and my mind as well as my heart is open so that I can see the blessings that are everywhere each day. And I love that I do not allow the petty things in life to sit too heavy on me knowing that when it all comes to an end these things usually are not that important anyway.

What do you love about yourself? Ask yourself that question and you may just be surprised with what your answer may be.

New Beginnings

It has been somewhat of a hectic time for me as of late. It seems that so many things have been going on. I am not sure if it is that I am getting older and keeping up with such things is just becoming a bit harder or that I have just really been busy. I like to think it is the second reason. I am hoping that the time to come will bring somewhat of a slower pace for me although I am not sure that that will happen. The holidays always seem to be a somewhat hectic time regardless.

Yet November is here and with it comes the beginning of a new year. (At least for those who follow the Celtic calendar). I have so enjoyed this last year and all the things it has brought my way. It never ceases to amaze me the countless blessings that are constantly occurring if you only take the time to look for them.

Once again I find myself looking at areas of my life that I want to focus on and possibly make changes to or give more time and attention to. Usually I am not too keen on resolutions. Not sure if that is an excuse or a good reason. There are some areas that I feel drawn to work on, although I feel that it may be the fact that my 49th birthday falls this month. I see the days following November 19th to be quite special. They each are a piece of the road that makes up my 50th year of life. Granted I am not too keen on getting older yet the milestone of my 50th birthday is somewhat special. It also pushes me to think on where I have been and where else I would like to go in my life.

Vincent and I celebrated our anniversary last weekend and with it we were told the news that his daughter and her husband are expecting. So a new grandchild will bless our midst next summer. It is always a joy to hear the news of a child to come. It is even more enjoyable when the child is to be part of your family. It will be a while before we know whether it is a boy or a girl yet that does not take anything from the excitement.

I have also been blessed to have won a couple recent giveaways which I am overjoyed about. First was second place in Byrum Art’s giveaway. I love their work and so when I received an email from Sherry telling me I could hardly believe it. The next prize took me totally by surprise. It was the wonderful Salem gift basket from Jaz over at October Farm in Mrs. B’s last giveaway of her 31 days of Halloween event. Her baskets are always so wonderful and her trips to Salem each year are amazing. It is always fun to get goodies in the mail.

The weather has cooled considerably. In fact it is coat weather her with a brisk cool breeze blowing all week. I have work to be done in my yard yet am not sure if I will be able to get it done this week. Time will tell I guess. I am slowly getting back to all the things that need tending. Life calls as it does most of us from time to time and we have to give in and give it the time and attention that it demands. Hoping this Tuesday finds those who visit well and in good spirits.

Blessings

A Thought To Ponder - The Joy of Being GG

I know I have probably bored the lot of you to tears with my week of posts involving my grand kids. Yet what can I say they are the joy of my life. To finish this week off I would like to share a few other photos of us at the park as well as a few quotes to go with my Thursday theme. For those of you who are already grandmas, nanas, gg's whatever you know the joy I speak of. For those of you who are yet to become a grandmother, know you are in for a wonderful adventure. blessings.

Few things are more delightful

then grandchildren fighting over your lap.

-Doug Larson-

A grand child fills a place in your heart

you never knew was empty.

-unknown-

 From a little girl so small,

how and when did you get so tall.

-Karen Mortensen-

 One of the most powerful handclasps

is that of a new grandbaby

around the finger of their grandparent

-Joy Hargrove-

Grandchildren are loving reminders

of what we are really here for.

-Unknown-

  

When GG enters the door,

disciplines flies out the window.

(paraphrased by my daughter)

Grandchildren

are Gods reward for not killing your kids.

-unknown-

My Little MVP and His Sister the Cheerleader

Although my grandkids were on Fall break during our visit last week, we still had to go to soccer and cheerleading practice.  I did not mind this much as we also were able to take in their last game of the season.

The last time I had visited I had the pleasure of attending one of my grandson's soccer games and it was at this time that I  was introduced to what would become his nemisis. 

A ball cap covered the long hair of his nemisis.  From a distance we were sure that it was a girl.  Although they appeared to be quite a player with a natural ability or at least someone who coached them often.  Yet as the game progressed and the hat soon came off due to the heat, we realized that what we thought to be a girl was really just a little boy with long hair. 

Even after that first game we told my grandson that his rival was a boy yet he refused to believe us, that is until he took a closer look.  He had been polite and purposely avoided being too rough with this player as he did not want to hurt "her".

Therefore when I was able to see his last game of the season and I realized that once more he would be playing the same team I was glad and wondered how he would approach it this time.

Needless to say his manners were a bit more laxed than previously and he was not as cordial as he had been before.  It was good to see him play so hard.  He has a natural talent himself and it is definately coming out.

His sister cheered him on as best she could or should I say as much as she wanted too.  The rest of the time she relaxed in her chair or played with her baby brother.  It was only 4 and 5 year olds playing soccer. 

Between plays my grandson could not even keep the little women off him.  Although from what I hear he sort of likes the women.  This was the baby boy who hid a pair of silk panties in his stroller from Victoria Secrets before he was a year old. 

That afternoon my grandson's team celebrated the end of their season with a picnic and awards.  My grandson grabbed the overall MVP for the season.  Not too bad for someone who was only 3 when the season started which made him the youngest on the team. 

I look forward to the years to come where there are sure to be many more games and much more trophies.  Can you tell I am a bit proud.... didn't think so.