A Day to Celebrate

Today, I'm tooting my own horn!  Did you know that I'm #1 Grandma!!  See, you had no idea!!  Y'know how I found out??  My grandkids told me!!  And let's face it, they would NEVER lie!!  

 This is my latest photo of me being #1 Grandma!

Actually, my kids and grandkids stopped by

today to celebrate my birthday!! 

Happy Birthday to me!!

Life is Good!!

A Decade in Review

I was chatting with my girlfriend on Sunday, talking about the crazy medical issues that have hit our families in the last two weeks.  We both mentioned that, due to the rocky start, we either want 2010 to be over or maybe just start February now...fresh start. 

It made me think about all the things that have happened in my life during the "aughts".  To wrap it up in a neat little package, let's just say that I come out of this decade with bones repaired, bones removed,

a bachelor's degree

a couple new family members

(my son-in-law

and my #2 grandson),

the opportunity to call myself a two-time cancer survivor,

additional nieces and nephews by way of marriage,

   

 a job lost,

a job gained,

weight lost, weight gained, much more serenity than I had going into the decade and gratitude for each and every day of my life.  All in all, a good decade.  Of course, I choose to focus on the positive.  Focusing on the negative only accentuates the negative.  To what end, I ask??  I'm 10 years older than I was at the beginning of that decade.  That's 10 years more of experience and wisdom.  I'll take it!!!

I really do have a good life.  Looking forward to seeing how good it gets in February!! 

The Joy of Gift Giving - Part II

While finishing last minute shopping on the day before Christmas Eve, I found a stocking that practically screamed, "TAKE ME HOME WITH YOU." Although I initially resisted, I finally talked myself into it (or rather the grandmother of 7 sales clerk convinced me). Yes, it was totally an impulse buy. But you see, my younger grandson has recently found the wonderful world of Star Wars. And as if looking to capture my heart (yeah, like he even needed to try), his favorite character is also mine...Yoda.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I couldn't have felt more joy in giving this gift. Watching the excitement in his face as he enjoyed it was just about the best gift I've ever received. And although I still have a couple more Christmas get togethers to attend over the next couple of days, it is difficult to imagine that I will experience anything more satisfying than watching the excitement on my grandson's face.

I hope your Christmas Day turned out exactly the way you wanted it to be. Mine was!

Adoring Eyes

Two unrelated stories...yet here I go connecting the dots.

1) As I mentioned in yesterday's post, my younger grandson is at the age where he adores his parents.  Even goes so far as telling his mom she's pretty when she gets a little dressed up (y'know...like maybe putting on earrings or a necklace). 

2) In talking with a coworker this week, we were discussing how her son finally "got it" when he realized that "Gee, Mom really DOES know a thing or two about how and why coaches treat players the way they do". 

It brought to mind the thoughts of Mark Twain:  "When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around.  But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he learned in seven years."

Or this piece entitled "The Images of Mother"

Age 4: "My Mommy can do anything!"

Age 8: "My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!"

Age 12: "My Mom doesn't really know quite everything."

Age 14: "Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either."

Age 16: "Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned."

Age 18: "That old woman? She's way out of date!"

Age 25: "Well, she might know a little bit about it."

Age 35: "Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion."

Age 45: "Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?"

Age 55: "Wish I could talk it over with Mom."

I know it's part of growing up, but isn't it just a shame that it has to be that way?  I don't think I know anyone who hasn't gone thru that with their kids or grandkids.  And I know it's necessary for kids to develop their independence.  My kids used to roll their eyes.  Now, I notice that they are silent with regard to "my ignorance".  Over the last six months, I've gradually watched my older grandson work his way to thinking that his grandparents really don't know everything.  Won't be long before the eyes begin to roll whenever I open my mouth.  Hmmm..... I liked it better when the look in his eyes melted my heart.  If yours are little, enjoy the adornment in their eyes.  It won't last!!