I'm tired of not being able to walk....

.....because some people don't shovel their sidewalk. Lily has a yard to run in with her 'cuz' Sophie - she doesn't give a fig about the snow. Just what I need is to slip on the ice and brake something. Yae - high 40* and above for the end of the week. Tim & TJ will be here tomorrow - lucky me. Looking forward to returning to NC.

Merry Christmas...

One of the things that separate us from animals - we celebrate. I hope your New Year is Happy, Healthy and prosperous.

Christmas eve morning.

The alarm that I set for yesterday kept incessantly trying to disturb my sleep this morning. Taking grandson Jay [Jim old name] Christmas shopping this afternoon...nothing like waiting till the last minute - men! I'm ready to return home to warm [er] NC. I miss my baby TJ and his parents. Speaking of TJ, Tim is flying him to Michigan after Xmas. This will be the 3rd time he has flown in an airplane this year! He's not even 10 months old! We all know people that have NEVER been 'off the ground'. Tim will disembark in Detroit, spend the night, borrow a car, drive 5 hours [with TJ] north, and arrive at Grandma and Grandpa Budry's house to visit with Tj's maternal relatives. Ann is staying in NC to prove to her new employers that she is an awesome asset [that and she doesn't get enough time to freeze in MI]. Updates soon. Merry Christmas [Anita] everyone............I wish you happiness.

Written by my 14 year old grandson Jim.

"I don't know what to do..I feel like my heart is mocking me..every time I find a girl I really like..and I feel happy even for a split second...it gets ruined...why don't I deserve to be happy?" Written on his facebook page.
AND:
"The hardest thing that I have ever had to do..was make you feel like I don't care.'

You can read/feel his aching pain. It hurts to be 14.....your emotions are so close to the surface, that just a tiny scratch feels like a broken bone.

Tim called from NC....

My son Tim [stay at home dad] called from NC telling me that he had a possible job interview for a great job. I feel badly that I'm not there right now to watch TJ, but being the resourceful son that he is, he will go to the interview sans baby TJ. I did tell him that I would drop everything [Dr. Appointment] to come and resume my job as full time day care for my happy grandson TJ. No fear ---- GrannyNannyGG will be at her post ASAP ...... if he gets the job. I'm here [MI] and I'm watching the older grandson [Jim] play High School Basketball. Go # 22!!!!!

Did I learn something new today?

Everyday I try to learn something new....it makes me seem more alive. I had a dental appointment with the cutest dentist Downriver. Nope - nothing new there. I shopped for softer food because the DDS bonded a front tooth. Nope - nothing new at Kroger. I had a visit planned with a cousin, but a heating thing at Dee's rented house trumped that [visit with cousin rescheduled]. Nothing new. Then I went to Jim's basketball game [DCDS lost] Well I did go into a High School I never was in before, but I don't think that counts as learning. Drove home, ate dinner, played with dogs and tried to take a nap... see 'played.......'. Now I'm typing here - straining my brain to think of 'at least' ONE thing that I learned today - that I didn't know ...before. ............................................................................... NOTHING......damn!

Snow Snow Snow

Snow is a four letter word - Welcome to Michigan. I have shoveled the sidewalk four times today and the neighbor used his snow blower on it. Still I can not see the walk, for the snow. I even salted [table]. The snow was very wet and heavy. It supposed to get up to 16* tomorrow and I'll never get through the ice. I'm stuck here in Allen Park until the January thaw. Then I'll regain my senses and return to the cutest grandbaby in the world! TJ here I come!

Cookies baked....

Fun with female family decorating, frosting, making & baking Christmas cookies. It looks like a bakery exploded in my niece's house. Her 10 month baby girl experienced her 'female family Christmas cookie bake'. Lena [baby] did seems quite pleased with my gingerbread cookies. Gingerbread cookies have made an appearance at every Christmas that I can remember. They're fun to decorate - top with red hots........yum. 'Tis the season. Be merry!

Gingerbread kids & Christmas cookies.

Katrina [my sister] and I made Gingerbread cookies for tomorrow's Friendly - Fantastic - Female - Family yearly [ 'tis the season] Christmas Cookie bake. The smell of gingerbread baking was wonderful. Of course we played Christmas music to get us more in the mood for mixing, chilling, rolling out, cutting shapes, dusting flour off, baking, cooling and packing the dozens of 'ready to be frosted & decorated' cookies. Tomorrow is the fun part; decorating, tasting, tea drinking, sharing, laughing, singing, shouting, ooohing, aaahing, eating!

Saw Dr. Angell

Dr. Angell did not want to inject me with cortisone for my De Quervains, so she referred me to a 'hand' surgeon. Jan 4th 2011 is my appointment. Until then I will continue to see my chiropractor and wear the wrist brace. It seems better today [no baby lifting for the past 10 days]. I skipped my afternoon painkillers and I'm not considering cutting my arm off; so things must be getting better. Dr. Angell saw a suspicious pink spot on my face and decided to 'freeze' it/them - 2 spots. BP 117 over 71. Going to the clinic for the working uninsured that Dr. Angell volunteers at for my PAP/Mamo/Blood work/DPT soon. Live, Love, Laugh

Baby may be giving you 'Mommy Thumb'

De Quervains - tendinitis. On Yahoo! Today. I have had this 3 months from lifting TJ. I see my Doctor tomorrow. Strange how I read about the exact thing I have just before I see Dr. Angell. I hope the cortisone shot helps. Check back in. What did I learn today???? That the pain in my wrist has a name [see first word].

In Mchigan....i

It took 12 hours a week ago this past Monday, to drive from Charlotte NC to Allen Park MI. I did take an hour detour accidentally. But still ----- 12 hours of driving!!! I wanted to get to MI before the rain predicted for Tuesday. I'm nice and warm and cozy in Dee's house in Allen Park. Lily and Sophie [Dee's dog] are with me, having a good time together. TJ is growing by leaps and bounds under his Daddy's full time care. Tim is temporarily unemployed and stay @ home Dad while I'm in Michigan. Jim the 14 yr old grandson played his FIRST freshman Basketball Game today-- they [DCDS] won. WooHoo!!!! Thank goodness for spell check.

Thanksgiving

We have much to be thankful for. On the top of my list [which is very long] is my family [all together for turkey day]. Followed closely by my good health. And in third spot, 'in-door' plumbing. After central heating the list gets too long to publish here. Oh! I can't forget the beagle in my like---- Lovely Lily Pad.

Oh Baby!

Being near a 7 month old baby inspires me to kiss every exposed inch of his little body. Yummy arms and delicious legs. Cute hands and feet. Perfect head, face, ears, eyes, and cheeks. I like to trace the letter 'B' on his ticklish back and finger walk the 'bug' all over him while he squeals with delight. I stopped playing 'this little piggy' and now count his toes from one to ten and go we we we with the tenth one. The cloth that I use for cleaning baby faces has been called 'monkey' since Jim was a wee one. The 'monkey' kisses GG and TJ to get him clean. He [TJ] is not buying into monkey kisses. At 7 3/4 months, TJ is picking up bits of food to put in his mouth. He loves the praise we give him. Who doesn't love praise and admiration?

New scratches and bumps.

Babies are top heavy because of their big noggins. This I know and still I'm surprised when they tumble head first into the grass. OOOOhhhhh GG had a lot of sympathy and guilt on this our first noggin knock. Luckily it was mostly the shock of falling that made baby cry. Caregivers have a hugh responsibility to keep their little ones safe. If something serious happened, it would be almost unforgivable. This alone might make someone think twice before agreeing to daycare a child.

Adult beverage,

Forgot to post last night [see Title]. I slept like a log [who said 'slept like a baby' NEVER lived with a baby] and woke up happy..... nice vodka. Hey, I mixed it with organic carrot juice and apple cider. Speaking of cider, reminds me of Cider Mills, reminds me of carmel apples with peanuts. Apparently NC hasn't figure out that carmel apples are to die for. They do make candied apples, yuck! The family went out for Mexican dinner last night, and I had the whole house to myself. Did I mention that I'm totally deaf in one ear and hear acutely in the other. Houses with people, have family noise. It's nice to be in a house with family - it's nice when I'm home alone. We have enjoyed the 'greenway' every day. We may have rushed into renting this house....the exact same house is 'for rent' across the street and has a fenced backyard for Lily, a FLAT driveway for [our driveway is VERY steep] me and a deck for Ann.

Boy the days fly by when organizing a house.

Ann went to work Monday. Tim and I stayed home with TJ and unpacked as much as possible. Tim is looking for a job, just not every minute of every day. In fact we took TJ and Lily for a walk in the light rain today. Everybody needed to get out of the house and breathe some fresh air. I know TJ and Lily really liked it. My room is all set up except for a comfortable chair. Tim decided that the red Lazy Boy in the family room could go into my room. It's not needed in the family room and I need it. It's the same chair [rocker/recliner] that Jim spent many hours cuddling with me in. Now it's TJ's turn to cuddle in the old red chair with GG. Speaking of TJ, he started to pick up food off his tray and eat it 'all by himself' today. Kodak moment.

Charlotte

We made it! Despite somehow getting lost and ending up driving East [Charlotte is West of Raleigh] on I40 [right highway] and ADDING 1 1/2 hours to the 3 hour drive, I made it! I had the baby, a shaking/panting dog and a cat that meowed most of the way. I did it without any stops. The good part is that I drove through some of the most beautiful NC country. My GPS took me through what seemed like a fall painting. Priceless. The new house is as beautiful as I remember. There is a 'Green way' near here that we walked last evening. I'm sitting in front of the fireplace that I will use next month. Life is good. Count your blessings....... you just may have so many that you don't/won't have time to wish for the things that you don't have.

10:00 pm Tuesday

Most everything is packed. Tim will have to return Monday and get the rest that wouldn't fit into the van, truck, & cars. Tomorrow, Tim will leave at 4am - Ann at 6am and I will leave when the baby wakes up and is fed. I'm in charge of the baby, dog and cat. Happy Birthday Tim.... you're 41 and I'm not far behind; soon to be 61. Good night all...........lots to do tomorrow.

Last Monday in Garner.

Nobody had to get up with the alarm clock today. It felt fantastic to sleep in, even if it was only 1/2 an hour. Tim loaded his truck with left over garage sale things and we took them to an animal charity. Then we stopped at Kroger's for the great egg boxes with the cut out handles and just the right size. I did laundry and sent my eBay items off to all parts of the US. Lily got her daily walk. While I was looking for something in my paperwork, I decided to sort and file things. Then dinner [broccoli] with Tim and Ann. I cleaned the kitchen up, sang to TJ and massaged Ann's neck/shoulders. Ann did my right shoulder/arm before I did her. She has had some massage therapy classes and knows a lot. Now watching "Million Dollar Baby" with a very gravely voiced Clint Eastwood. His voice is so strained that it sounds like it hurts to talk. Tomorrow the moving truck is arriving at 8am. My job will be watching TJ while his parents load the truck [I think Ann will need another neck/shoulder massage]. More muscles coming at 10am.

AAAAAAHHHHHHHGGGGGGGGG

TOO cold, cloudy, and a little rain to spoil a moving sale. I'd be surprised if it got to 49* today - tomorrow MAYBE 54* - next week 72* on Tuesday!

TGIF last one in Garner [near Raleigh]

Great weather, great walk, great TJ, great Lily dog. Great pizza - double onion. Great adult beverage - apple cider & vodka. Garage Sale signs in place. All set for an GREAT Garage sale tomorrow. Wish you were here!

a hanfull of days.

Getting more & more ready to move Wednesday. Charlotte here we come. Moving sale Sat. and Sun. Calling for sunny both days. Tim/Ann last day at work tomorrow.

6 more days.

I had planned to put my 'moving sale' signs up today [Wednesday] but, the rain would turn them back into pulp. Nothing much has been done to get things ready to move. After the yard sale, I will be inspired to pack more. When I needed something to hold all Jim's mementos in, I choose an unused suitcase...the kind old enough not to have wheels. Tim put that very kind of suitcase in the moving sale. I think I will snatch it and fill it [instead of a box] for moving. Then I can start filling it with mementos of TJ's. He already has newborn clothes and soon baby toys to put in it. Ann will probably save the things that are important to her - too. When I left Jim's mementos with Dee, Jim said " I don't want that junk". we know that when he is much older and/or has kids of his own, he will be very glad GG and Mom saved his childhood things. He's not far enough out of childhood to appreciate mementos.

7 more days.

We will live in Garner, NC for 7 more days. By next Wednesday, if all goes as planned, we will be living in a beautiful house in Charlotte, NC. Garner is a lovely place to live [ although I bristle at the fact that Garner is in two counties Wake & Johnston - how impertinent (wrong word, but it sounds good) ]. The economy has made it impossible to sell Tim's house for more or what he owes on it. If it sells, it will be much less than what is owed - a "short sale". Every day puts us one day closer to Ann's new job, our new house, and her VERY short [9 minutes] commute to work. More time to spend with the light of her life - TJ. She will be so close [3.5 miles] that she could ride her bike to work. I'm looking forward to pushing the stroller along the 'Green Way'.

Trick or Treat?

Another Halloween has come and gone. This was TJ's first and Jim's 14th. I didn't have very many goblins come to my door and there weren't a lot [50%] of houses with lights on. Still, I like everything about Halloween. I like the pretend/dress-up for the kids, the decorations and the candy. Seems to me that we got full size chocolate bars when I was a goblin. A full size bar was 5 cents way back then. And a new car was $3,500. Snack size and fun size bars were not invented yet. Now cars cost 20k plus and chocolate bars are around a dollar. Were we over indulged? Was 5 cents a BIG deal in the late 50's early 60's? If I knew I would get so few kids, I would have splurged and given each character TWO candies. It seems cozy to light up the dark winter nights. Down come the Halloween lights - up go the Christmas lights. Very festive and cheerful. I think people should leave their holiday lights/decorations up all of January to cheer up the winter. My NC family does NOT celebrate Christmas. I'm not sure if I'll decorate a tree in my bedroom or not. Check back later and see.

...........continued.

This is a follow-up about my last blog. I found a clinic that had a nurse practitioner. I asked for anti-bionics to clear up the infection in my mouth until I relocate and see an oral surgeon. The first thing she said was "I can't treat for anything involving the mouth." But since my left ear has been involved in the infection [it feels like it's underwater], she did a through inspection of my ear, general health and mouth. The good news is that she didn't see any infection - and she said take Sudafed for the ear sensation. So...........I think I may have mouth cancer; my oral surgeon says 'infection.' I think I have an 'infection', the clinic says, no.

Between a rock and a hard place.

This blog is not ABOUT me, it's about life. Today I need to rant about the situation I'm in. Many years ago I lost a tooth that was very important. Since my head surgery in 1980 I have favored my left side for chewing. There was a bridge on that side, but the back tooth holding it in place decayed. If I wanted to chew my food [on that side], I would need a fake tooth. $5000. and serious discomfort later I had an implant. I swore I would never do it again except for a front tooth. Five years after the implant, the titanium post holding the crown on - broke - good bye tooth. Six years later I get a blister on my gum where the broken post is. I think that it might be cancer, so I go to the oral surgeon in Mi that I have been to before, hoping that he will biopsy the gum. Dr. Bliss says that it's an infection not cancer. He put me on antibiotics. He's not sure if the post is causing the infection but the tooth just in front looks decayed under it's crown, so he's pulls it out. The gum is infected again. I want to delay removing the post embedded in my jaw bone until after the move to Charlotte in case I need follow up appointments. Meanwhile I have to get rid of the infection. I called Dr. Bliss today hoping to get a stronger antibiotic and see if that takes care of the problem. "Sorry..can't give drugs without seeing you in the office. Dr Bliss TOLD you that this could/would happen. Good bye." So I'm without an Oral surgeon and an MD in Raleigh soon - to be in Charlotte. Urgent care here I come.... to be continued.

Accepted

Our offer to rent the Mersham house in Charlotte NC was accepted today. How exciting!!! I'm sure Tim, Ann, and TJ and I will be very comfortable there. The three bedrooms are kinda small, but they are not for entertaining anyway. What goes on behind closed doors is not a spectator sport. I packed up all my mini creamers last night while I watch "Hurricane" with Denzel Washington. It seemed like a daunting task [ made much more doable when my sister Katrina did it with me for the move TO NC] but watching the movie made the time fly by. Good movie by the way. We're hoping to have a garage sale the first weekend in Nov. I wish my Dee and sisters were hear to help. Saturday I will 'garage sale' looking for a large dog crate to keep our outdoor/semi wild kitty Pepper in for a few weeks. Ann has been feeding her twice a day since she came to the doorwall as a kitten. She had a brother, but he probably met his demise. Pepper is spayed, gets her shots, and is flea medicated. She will let up pet her and Ann can pick her up.

Quite

There is one spot in my neighborhood that is so quiet that I can hear the grass grow. I may be totally deaf in one ear but, the hearing in the other ear is VERY acute. Sometimes I have to wear an ear plug in the good ear, just to hear at a normal level. Back to the neighborhood; I appreciate quiet, no car noise, no airplane, no traffic noise, no lawn mower noise, no dogs barking, and nothing to disturb the silence, not even a bird. It was just amazing to hear only my foot steps. The stroller was/is quiet and Lily dog wasn't making any noise. I may be wrong but, it seems that we live in a very noisy world. I can't even stand to have a TV as background noise. NOISE POLLUTION is real, just open the new biodegradable 'Sun Chips' bag. GIVE me an EARPLUG!

A busy time for us.

We found an older house [1988] in a mature neighborhood. Driving up our treed street makes the stress of the day melt away. It's everything we wanted; 2500 sqft and big garage for Tim, fantastic kitchen WITH a cook Island and wooded backyard [no grass] for Ann and front porch and 9 minutes from Ann's work, quiet and fireplaces [2] for me and an incredible master suite with two skylights - two ceiling fans - and a bay window to look out at the park/backyard. A greenway path and community pool for everyone. Let's hope they take our offer. I will know more Wednesday. Now the packing and garage sale will keep us busy. TJ is happy and getting ready to stand/crawl. He is a good eater. Today he was singing to himself/me while I pushed him in the stroller. [I'm usually the one singing to him].

For Sure

Ann got the finial yes from the new company in Charlotte. She starts her new job Nov. 15th. We are going tomorrow to see a few rentals and hopefully find the one we all agree is the best. Ann wants 4 bedrooms and less than 15 minutes from work. Tim wants a BIG house and two car garage. I want a fenced in yard for Lily dog and a quiet neighborhood. Most rentals take pets with a fee [about $300. per pet]. It takes 3 hours to get from Raleigh to Charlotte. We will spend the night in Charlotte and come home Sunday. I have started to pack up things to move and get ready for a garage sale. My landlord here is a little taken aback by the suddenness of my moving. Off the subject...I have started painting my third painting. I'm getting quite attached to the first two painting. The first one looks like a garden and the second one is larger and shapes mostly rectangles. The one I am working on now is being painted 'without' a brush....I am using what is in nature; flower, grass, tomato, leaves as a carrier for my color choices. It's interesting.

Worry.

We all have worry in our lives, unless you don't think/care about those connected to you. Worry never changed the outcome of anything and it's not a very useful activity to spend very much time on. But of course our minds will think of the people we love; and not everything is perfect with/for them. There-in is the cause for worry. LIVE - LAUGH - LOVE

Internet down yesterday.

No blogging yesterday. When someone asks me "How was Michigan?" , my answer is always the same " I miss Jim". My 14 year old grandson always does special things that make me smile. He was crazy about his new cousin TJ. By the time TJ goes to kindergarten, Jim will be in college. The family plans to come to NC for Thanksgiving. I have to start making 'Garage Sale' signs so I can unload the things that I won't need living with Tim and Ann in Charlotte. This weekend we will go and look for a house to rent VERY near where Ann new work is. So, I will try to do a garage sale Oct 30th. Then Purple Heart can pick up anything that doesn't sell. We should be relocated Nov 10th.

Welcome back.

Breakfast with my two kids and two grandkids this morning - priceless! The flight back to NC from Michigan was uneventful. TJ was great on the plane. just as he was the whole time we were in MI. We [Tim, TJ & I] had a wonderful visit with family and friends. Within less than a month, we [Tim, Ann, TJ and I] should be permanently relocated to Charlotte NC. Lots to do........find a house to rent, get rid of junk, move and set up new living arrangements. Check out facebook to see pictures of our trip. The wedding was great! The bride was beautiful. The groom/nephew was charming. Happy GG! Happy TJ! Sad Dee [no TJ]. Sad Jim [ no TJ no GG].

Kiss the baby.

When TJ looked in the hand held mirror, without any hesitation he KISSED the baby in the mirror. TJ has seem himself many many times in that mirror. And we have encouraged him to kiss the baby. It was great to see him do it so spontaneously. I'm off with TJ and Tim on Delta tomorrow. I believe in tipping the captain.............who else ever has your life in so much control; not your hairdresser or waitress.

WEDNESDAT OCTOBER 6th 2010

ANN Has been hired by a company in CHARLOTTE NC...... we're moving soon!

I'm excited........

Friday is the day Tim, TJ, & I fly to Michigan to see family and attend a wedding. Ann can not get the time off work. She will miss her baby boy terribly. This will be TJ second time on an airplane and he's only 6 months old. There are some grown ups that haven't EVER been on an airplane. I wish there was a direct train system from Raleigh to Dearborn. I think I would enjoy a one day rail trip. Tim will be riding someones bike in Michigan. We both will try to do everything - see everyone we can in the week we will be there. My blogging will suffer next week because I will be having so much fun. Soon I will not want to see snowy Michigan. The heat this summer in NC was brutal, but ...... it didn't mess up my gutters, prevent me from driving [white knuckled] and I don't have to SHOVEL it. The snow people can come and see me...............................in sunny warm NC!

I think about...........

.......things to write about in my blog, but most times I am not certain what I will write about even while I am typing. So, a few things that are excellent in my life: hot or cold coffee with lots of milk, A queen size bed all to myself, orange juice not reconstituted, toilet paper, pedicure, projects like painting or fixing up something, cats & dogs [Lily], baby skin and smiles, my children, grandchildren that need you, good movies, warm bathrooms, cool bedrooms, the intense flavor of fruit chewies, hugs from friend & family, trees, pink flowers, a car that always starts, non fiction books, foot or head rub, ceiling fans, schools bands, basketball [grandson], my computer and change. Things that scare me.............. having to support myself, anger [others] the seamier side of humans.

6 months old today!

Well the reason I'm in NC turned 6 months old today. And what a beautiful day it was. Some rain in the am then sunny and 72 degrees. Ann had the day off to prepare for her second interview with the company in Charlotte NC that she is looking to work at. Ann thinks the interview went very well and she might start working there as soon as Oct 18Th. We're all excited about the change. Well maybe TJ's not too excited about moving, but he gets excited every day about everything. The dog and cat excite him, as do his play balls and bottle. I stared walking him after his first nap and he stays awake the whole time. He met four small children today and took in all the things that are so new to him. Seeing the world through a child's eyes opens a whole new aspect of neighborhood, things and life. It feels good to stop and smell [taste] the roses. Live, love, laugh.

The last day of September....

It feels like it's been raining for 40 days and 40 nights. I'm sure after 3 weeks of drought, that a few people were praying for rain. Be careful of what you pray for.....you just MIGHT get it. I'm not in the camp that prays for what they want, I'm more comfortable in the prayer of gratitude camp. Nothing beats a troubled mind like a through review of the things in your life to be thankful for- starting with INDOOR plumbing and HOT water that comes straight from a small metal devise in the centrally air conditioned and centrally HEATED house that you live in. I could go on and on about all the things that I am grateful for, but I'm sure we would part ways down the gratitude line. Live happy! Be GRATEFUL!

WOW!

Tj was astounding today. Good humor - good eater - took naps - sits very well, all the usual stuff, but his understanding of his toys and what he could do with them kept him occupied. He seems to have grown in physiology 50 years. Before he would play a few short minutes with the object near him or handed to him. For some reason I just gave him his toy [shoe box size] and it enthralled him. Tj's brain took a huge leap toward child and away from "baby". Ann and I were amazed at the skill he acquired in one day. Speaking of Ann...she phone interviewed VERY well for a position in Charlotte NC. Friday is a conference interview. Keep your fingers crossed.

yesterday & today

Well yesterday was catch up on "normal" life. Tim is working one hour overtime some days, so my day job is one hour longer. I would stay and visit with Tim till 5pm, but he was there to take care of TJ. Now I am out of there as soon as Tim gets home so I can start recharging my batteries for the next day. There was no recharging last weekend when Tim and Ann left after work Friday and came home @ 6:30 pm Sunday. They took an anniversary weekend in Charlotte NC. There is a pretty good reason that mother nature [god] doesn't give infants to single 60 year old women....... [even 60 year old woman with a 60 year old man]...... we don't have the stamina a younger woman has. My right [non dominate] wrist hurts and I figured out why when I tried to hold TJ under the arms to facilitate his dancing to the music....oh my g _ _. I told you 60 year old women are fragile. While I was at Target tonight, I purchased a wrist brace....hoping that it will help the situation. TJ ate like a lumber jack today.

Autumn

There was a big pink/orange full moon low in the sky at 6:50 this morning. It reminded me of harvest moon except I thought harvest moon was in October. It doesn't FEEL like fall - it's 90+ degrees today. Thank goodness it's not humid and that it cools down at night now. We set a lot of high temperatures records this summer and it was HOT ---- HOTTER than usual. There is NOTHING you can't find on the Internet. Well, except for some good tips............like putting a ice cube into a baby bottle before you put it in the refrigerator for later, freezing baby yogurt is like ice cream, teaching baby to hold/drink from a cup [not sippy] in the bath is less messy, when changing a diaper...putting clean diaper under dirty diaper keeps baby's bottom off surfaces, an inch of water in the kitchen sink is enough to make baby smile and splash, giving baby a wet baby wash cloth while feeding him/her helps keep the food mess down. I'll keep posting new hints as I think of them. Enjoy LIFE!

Happy Anniversary

Tim and Ann are going away this weekend to celebrate their wedding anniversary. They asked me if I would take care of TJ while they rest and play. Of course I said yes and I'll watch him at my house because I want to sleep in my own bed. TJ is back to waking up once or twice during the night, but he goes to bed at 8pm and gets up about 6am. TJ and I have been spending a couple of hours at my house so it won't be too strange for him. And in about 3 weeks Tim and I will fly with TJ to Michigan to attend a family wedding. Our family can't wait to meet him. I'm sure we won't lack people that want to hold, feed and change him. It will probably feel like a vacation for Tim and me. TJ is so animated, that I'm always surprised when he wants to stop playing and take a nap. My days are zooming along. Happy baby...pictures on facebook.com.

Discovery......

As you know, every day is about discovery when you are over 4 months old. But even a 60 year old feels alive and invigorated by learning something new. I try to discover SOMEthing new every day. Watching TJ discover new things [everything is new to him], is like rereading a favorite book. Yesterday it was watching him try to hold running water in his hand. Today it was learning that balls come in very different sizes. Some how TJ communicated to me that he wanted to catch the medium size ball 'in the air' instead of 'catching' [two hands on ball] it from a rolling position. TJ sits so well that we have much better playtime. The fun has begun.

Flu shot

Target had a big ad for flu shots-no appointment $ 24.00. Dr Angell told me to get a flu shot this year because I am taking care of a baby. I didn't get a shot last year, not even the swine flu shot. I didn't get the flu either. It makes me very happy that the swine flu scare was not any where near the epidemic that 'they' were fearing it would be. I bought myself a rare treat [for getting poked in the arm] - fruit snacks. I love the intense flavors in my mouth and the chewiness of the treat. I could have bought an entire 1/2 gallon of ice cream for the cost of a box [10 small bags] of fruit snacks, but that would have clashed with the double chocolate cheese cake that Ann baked yesterday! NEVER have I had such delicious chocolate cheesecake. Well I've eaten four of the 10 bags of chewy treats; that is enough reward for getting a very large needle poked into my arm. Ouch!

The day after Friday....

I have good news.... and not so good news. The good news is the the garage sales were great today.... I even found a Scrabble game that my sister asked me to look for. Now for the not so good news - I'm writing this blog at 11:55 pm, when I should be in bed sound asleep. And that is because I napped off and on from 12:00 - 5:00 pm. I had the kind of dreams about not being able to see clearly, because I should not have been sleeping in the middle of the day. Most of my napping is from boredom, but I had enough 'projects' that could have used my attention. Lily and I had a good walk this evening and I'll try not to nap tomorrow! Happy Sunday!

The day after Thursday [a little late]

TGIF... Friday always has a holiday feel about it. Even if you love what you do every day, Friday is the gateway to the weekend. The weekend, when there is no structure to your day, all things are possible and it's possible to do nothing if that is what you want to do. My Saturday 7:00 - 11:00 am is the only structure I have for the weekend...........garage sales! My hobby, my muse, my entertainment, my folly, my "I love garage sales" Oh what bargains I can find..... a perfectly wonderful large microwave oven $5.00. [for Tim's work]. Fun, Fun, Fun.....

The day after Wednesday......

I'm a pretty much live and let live kind of being. I do have a few things that bother me, but usually they have to do with the helpless [human or animal] getting mistreated by the stupid on two feet. Then there are few pet peeves.......smokers....and the greedy retail stores that want you to use 'their REWARDS cards' to get a better deal/price. It's making me crazy to have to carry around 70 'REWARDS' cards to shop at the grocery, drug, membership, clothes, shoes, airline, cleaners, dentist, doctor, etc [you get the point] WHY CAN'T WE ALL BE 'VALUED' COSTUMERS JUST FOR WALKING IN THE DOOR????? Done - got that off my ????. TJ is 5 1/2 months old and can sit for long periods of time without falling over. He seems to 'sing' [everyone is always singing to HIM]. We're having lots of fun and he naps well. Tomorrow THIF

The day after Tuesday

What a glorious morning for a walk with TJ and Lily. It was soooooooo nice that I added a 1/4 mile to the usual route. It made me sad though, to say; " Hi, do you have a dog?" to a young boy standing alone waiting for the school bus. Never looking at me, TJ or Lily, he turned away from us and mumbled under his breath, "I'm waiting for the bus." We all know why he chose aloofness instead of friendliness. But it never ceases to sadden me that we have to be so caution. TJ is growing up in that world. And the parents of the little [9?] year old boy, what were they thinking leaving him alone on a street corner. On a happier note, my hour walk everyday keeps my spirits up and worry never solved anything or make it go away.

The day after Monday

Monday is for baking bread -yum - hot homemade bread with real butter. It has been too hot to heat up the whole oven/house just to bake one loaf of bread a week this summer....so I have tried very unsuccessfully to make a decent loaf of bread in the 'bread machine' - I give up......yesterday. It worked once when I used ALL 'Bread' flour, but it had the consistency of Wonder bread- yuk! So.... I am just going to have to bake bread the way I was taught when I was knee high to my mother. Mix, kneed, rise, kneed, shape, rise again and bake in real oven. We didn't have 'bread machines' when I was learning to cook. Come to think of it, I see a lot of them in garage sales. Speaking of garage sales....my favorite words are clearance - sale and 'garage sale'. Give my a few yard sales on a Saturday morning and I am happy as a 'clam'?????? [Why clam???] Today Ann stayed home from work because she was up all night with the baby. Nothing wrong - just fussy/teething. TJ does new captivating [to us] things every day. So much fun to watch. Enjoy life!

The day after Sunday.

We [ Ann & I ] went to an ESTATE Sale Saturday. The plantation of Colonel Wayland Jones Jr of Clayton NC est. 1810 was being emptied out after 200 years of continuous family occupation. I don't think that there was anything 200 years old left in the house except the floors and wood trim. It was exciting to be in a dwelling that was 50 years old when the civil war started. But 200 years is very young. Tutankhamen of Egypt had 2000 years of Egyptian history to study and lived/died 1000 years BEFORE Christ! We are here but for a short time........lets enjoy it to the fullest.

change is coming - again

Ann's company is pulling up shop and moving to Florida in March 2011. If she wishes to stay with Ceridian, she would have to apply [just like any Joe/Jane off the street] to get hired. It looks like we will be moving to where ever Ann lands a job. The last word was Charlotte NC, although Ann, Tim, TJ and I are willing to go anywhere Ann gets a good job. Ann's sister just moved back to Michigan. Beth lived in NC for a few years, but wanted to return to a former position in her chosen field. Tim can weld any where Ann gets a job. Me - The closer we get to Jim [grandson], the happier I will be. Charlotte is two hours closer to Jim and family. I can Granny Nanny anywhere. I prefer NOT to get involved with snow. TJ is great! Getting to be a lot more fun! We walk/stroller/Lily [dog] one hour every morning. Great for the mental/physical health. Keep smiling - it's good for you.

Every day is special.

Today is my first day back to Granny Nanny Child care. What a great day it was. TJ and I started the day with music videos, then a hour walk with Lily (TJ fell asleep), eating and nap. TJ has changed since I last saw him 10 days ago. The trip to Michigan was wonderful. Not too short not too long. Although I would love to see Jim everyday. He started High School today, but had an orientation while I was there. I got to see his beautiful Detroit Country Day School. We stayed at the new house in Beverly Hills, three blocks from DCDS. What a blast for Jim to live so close to his new school. My sisters were glad to see me, as I was to see them. Dee was very sweet and made sure I had everything I needed. Even the ex was helpful, lending me a car to drive. Yeh!

Flying

At 7:03ish tonight I should be on a Delta flight to Michigan. Ann and TJ are flying tomorrow to see her family up north Michigan. I hope to be too busy to blog, but who knows, maybe I will get inspired. My laptop will be returning with me to NC because Jim needs a specific laptop to use in the private high school that he will be starting Sept. 7th. How exciting for Jim to go to a new school. I did tell him [and I will repeat it] that he should have more fun than a barrel of monkeys, in high school. We/he only get 4 years of high school, make the best of it. This is NOT a dress rehearsal, live, love, have FUN! ....We should all have more fun than we can stand, we don't get a second chance to do it again.

I'm back.

Esther, my 101 year old friend died 2 weeks ago. She was sad to see me leave Michigan, because we had become such good friends over the past few years that I visited her almost weekly. And I was not happy about leaving her. So.......... I decided to write to her almost every day, and when I had four pages of STUFF, I would post the letter. I'm sure at one time she received 2 letters at once, because the postal person failed to pick up a letter on Saturday and I had another by Monday. That explains why I haven't blogged in a while. All my thoughts went into the love I sent by snail mail to my wonderful friend. We did talk once by phone, and she said " well Virginia, I never knew you were such a competent amusing letter writer". [I never had a reason to stick pen to paper before.] Esther used to be quite the letter writer herself, until last year. She even wrote to prisoners! I'll miss you Mary Esther Sweeney 3-9-09 to 8-10-10

Who says.............

Who says that babies DON'T come with instructions.............

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA............................ I'm hungry!
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.............................I'm wet!
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA..............................I'm poopy!
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA..............................I'm tired!
WWWWWWWAAAAAA...........................I'm full of gas! The worst.

Ann found that when she switched to reduced LACTOSE formula, all the unexplained crying went away. Today Ann tried spoon feeding TJ rice cereal with great success. He's laughing and has more control over his hands. SOOOOOOOO SWEEEEEEEEEEET!!!!!!

My sister

My younger sister [Tina] just had her first grandchild 2 months before TJ was born. She is also "Granny Nanny" to her granddaughter. We shared 'child rearing' and now we share ' grandchild care'. Tina [Oma] quite a rewarding job to 'day care' Nina. Nina was due 4 weeks before TJ but, was born early. While Tina has a husband to minister to also, I am divorced, in a new state - NC, and live right next door to my son - father of TJ. My every moment is devoted to TJ, my Michigan family, Lily my dog, garage sales and watering plants. I wish Tina were physically closer, but email, texting, and cell phone pictures keep us connected. Tina is the woman I would most like to be like. She is 5 years younger and 5 years more liberated than I am/was. Tina doesn't have a mean bone in her body and wisdom that makes life easier to handle. She is my Dr. Laura, Dr Phil, Dr. Schweitzer and Dr. Spock all in a female body. Nature, environment and family are important to her. I hope she is as happy taking care of her 'Nina" as I am taking care of 'TJ'. I love you, Tina!

classicsforkids.com

TJ fell asleep sitting in an upright position on the couch this morning. He had had a bottle @ 5:30 am and was awake when I arrived @ 7:00 am. He played and pooped till 7:45; diaper changed, I sat him on the couch [supported by pillows] with me in front of him on the floor. I started playing classical music for his AM nap last wee; so I turned on the computer to listen to music with him and he fell asleep SITTING UP. I laid him on his side and continued the music. Classical is not the only choice of music; I sing to TJ, listen to kids songs [Addams Family Theme is a good one] and even play some rock & Johnny Cash [Walk the line, Ring of fire and my favorite "Ghost Riders in the sky"] When my own mother was singing, I knew that she was in a good mood. Music separates us from other animals [other animals dance]. Music and singing are good for the soul, used for therapy, helps us remember things and elevates us from other mammals. SO Sing -be happy!

Don't know.

When I sit down to write my blog, sometimes I don't know what I'm going to write about.........like today. I was going to force myself to write Tuesday (I didn't feel like blogging), but the computer was dizzy. I didn't write yesterday, because Ann had the day off.......which left no time to sit at her computer [I don't have one.....I left it in Michigan with my very smart, handsome, kind, wonderful (I miss him) grandson, Jim. I love my new job of taking care of 2 month old TJ, but I wish Jim was here to kiss and hug and tell him how proud of him I am. Texting helps ease the ache [talking on the phone to Jim makes me cry]. I am proud of both my children. They are sunshine to me. It feels like I will live forever, because my genes/DNA are in my children and grandchildren and hopefully great grandchildren. I have no idea what it feels like to be childless. So I can't say that offspring wouldn't matter. And asking a childless adult the question, would be like eating a great dinner and telling someone that they would ABSOLUTELY love it. We're all different and it would be a boring world to be if we weren't. I think immortally is having heirs.

Over Tired.

Why won't babies just fall asleep like a kitten does when it's tired???? Watch a kitten play, play, play and then just like you turned off a switch.....it conks out - like a light. Babies cry for EVERYTHING wet, hungry, gas, mad at having to stop eating to burp, etc. All those are EASY to fix. But the worst crying is an overtired cry. There is no simple answer to solving the problem and often comforting the baby seems to make a bad situation worse. They are determined to NOT fall asleep even though that is precisely what they need. TJ was crying and crying and Tim was frustrated that everything he thought the baby wanted, didn't stop the crying. I'm pretty sure he thought, if the kid is tired - soothing him will make him fall asleep. Nope. I noticed that there was a slight whine in the crying ans figured out what was wrong........... Over Tired. So with a pacifier, blanket, soothing music, TJ was put in his favorite swing and soon fell asleep. I know this is not rocket science, but these new parents are Very used to a baby that cries ONLY when he need the above items. A little experience helped to make a frustrating situation - easier. Learn something new EVERYDAY.

A step back...........

It's Friday again already. TJ had a 2 month check up/shots on Monday; Ann took off work to take him and I dragged me and the diaper bag along. Tuesday Ann called into work ill, [tummy trouble] Wednesday was a scheduled day off; which brings us to Thursday. I was anti-blog Thursday, but as you can see I'm blogging today. Everyday starts off at 5:30 AM; shoes on, leash Lily and were off for a hour enjoying the cool NC morning and watching the sun rise. We do this for physical and mental health [well my mental health, I think Lily's mental is good.] It's a bit of a drag getting up so early, but I go to bed earlier; what's to do after 9pm anyway? Back to Monday....TJ was in the 90% for weight, 50% for length, and 30% for head circumference. He rolled onto his side just when doc said " be careful, babies will surprise you." It looked scripted. TJ [Hoover] was up to 8 ozs of formula, but a large amount would be returned. Since he is 90% in weight, we are going back to 4 ozs with rice at a slower pace to see if that will keep the cost of formula down. So far it's working!

Thur,Fri,Sat

Here are my ramblings about my first two days as TJ's Granny Nanny; as you may have read, every time TJ cried Thursday I unsuccessfully stuck a bottle in his mouth; two ounces in - one ounce back on GG. Friday I was determined to see if anything was wrong BEFORE I offered dinner. Food was going to be the LAST thing on a long list of other possibilities.......wet, hot, cold, gassy, burp caught sideways, sleepy etc. Friday was a LONG day trying to play -"Guess what's wrong with the Baby" Game and I hate to admit using the plug [pacifier] more than I like/want to. TJ doesn't fuss unless s o m e t h i n g is wrong. On a positive note meals were 4-5 oz instead of 2. But still, why does so much milk EXIT from the orifice that is supposed to be a one way street? If we can put a man on the moon........?????? Can someone PLEASE figure out a way to prevent GURPS [burps with milk in them]. I know; compared to night feedings, colic, and toxic poopy diapers, GURPS are a minor inconvenience. On a gooshy note, TJ touched his Mama's face on purpose Friday and looked straight into her eyes......she melted. Sat AM TJ's parents are biking. I'm over till Ann gets home..........then Garage sales!

First Day Granny Nanny

Well you're probably wondering how my very first day of grandson care is going. It's 3:31 pm Tim comes home first @ 4pm. Now remember that I didn't have baby grandson Jim until his Dee went back to work when he was 6 1/2 months old. And remember that was 14 years ago and I was 46 - a VERY YOUNG grandma. I must admit I've had two weeks to practice baby care with TJ but, today was my inaugural to 6 years of granny nanny - I failed at two crying secessions [this morning]. What I thought was hunger both times, turned out to be a overheated baby from the stroller and a wet baby [commando style]. Milk that is not really needed/wanted ends right back on my clothes. The rest of the day was awesome... I managed to guess the next two and only crying jags as hunger wooohooo. I have the best job in the whole world. It pays in smiles and cooing right now, which is way more precious than money.

Lessons

Everyday is a learning lesson. Just like a newborn who changes everyday, so are children, teens, and adults learning daily. If you are NOT learning, you are not growing. If you are not growing, then you might as well be 6 feet under. Life is for loving and growing [learning]. At 60 years old, I'm still amazed by thing things I learn. Today is Ann's last day home with TJ before she goes back to work. It will be hard for her, but her family depends on her earning power. As much as she would love to stay home with her bundle of joy, her brain is starting to turn to mush; poop, formula, spitting up, diaper rash, mild colic, diaper changes, night time feedings, etc are not stimulating mentally. Ann is intelligent and any employer would be better off if she chose to work for them. Here's to challenges!

Landed in NC

It has been two hectic weeks moving and settling into my new rental house. I am blessed to live next door to my son, daughter-in-law and baby. Lily [my dog] and I have established a routine of going for a walk everyday. We wait for the sun to go down, so it is not so hot. There are green trees everywhere, frogs singing and not much traffic. I'm thinking I have landed in heaven. My Granny Nanny job officially starts Thur. June 3rd. Today I started a journal about baby TJ. I wrote one for Jim when he was a little older [infants don't do a whole lot] but, it will help Mom & Dad know what their baby TJ does all day while they are working hard. I have the best job in the whole world.............Granny Nanny.

4 days until...........

4 days until one of the biggest changes in my life happens. Some changes in your life cause more stress/anxiety than others. Married vs divorce, child birth vs child loss, job found vs job loss, new house vs nursing home. The changes that are most stressful challenge your sense of self. If I'm not Mrs. Smith who am I? If I'm not employee 23454 who am I? I have had profound changes and time heals. It sometimes takes many months to feel 'normal' again. It is a different normal and if there are no other challenges to deal with, life is good. This change to NC does not seem stressful because it feels like the right thing to do at this time in my life. Will I take to it 'like a duck to water', only time will tell................and time will heal.

Bittersweet

An oxymoron bitter/sweet. A word that describes perfectly the ending of one close relationship to begin another.......I don't want my close ties to Jim to be severed, but cut they must be to be Granny Nanny to TJ. I can't think of a better [if it can be described as better] time to loosen the ties of Grandma/Grandson then this period in his life when HE will be starting a brand new chapter in his story. High school [not local] begins in September and with that event will come a change of address for Jim. Jim is looking forward to HS and college. Soon eighth grade graduation and many interesting summer adventures like Leadership training in Boston, basketball camp, Washington DC trip and earning money. I will watch from afar his growing into manhood. He will visit, I will visit, WE will miss each other terribly, but that ache will not be as acute because we have an exciting future before us. Learn from the Past - Dream about the Future - LIVE in the PRESENT.

Busy, busy, busy

Clearing out 40 years of accumulation takes time. Today I sold the last piece of furniture I had left. I sold everything.......if it doesn't fit in two cars [my sister is following me to NC], it's not going. For some reason, the accouterments and paraphernalia of making a home have given me a sense of claustrophobia. Moving to NC has given me the chance to lighten my life and free myself from too much stuff. Our society is a consumer driven one. Buy, buy, buy, shop, shop, shop, spend, spend, spend. I used to look at wealthy people as inspiration; now I wonder why I was misguided in thinking that to have more was a good thing. If you look long and closely at what is really NEEDED to live, maybe you will find that you have more than enough stuff. Nothing that I have sold or given away makes me sad. I will miss my family and friends.....NOT my stuff. 7 days until departure.

Happiness

Learn .........from the PAST.
Dream .......about the FUTURE.
Live ...........in the PRESENT everyday is a gift.

Count ........your blessings.

Share.........your fortune with worthy causes; more stuff will not make you happy.

Act .............like someone besides you is important.

Give ...........kindness, respect, empathy.

Say.............a complement to someone everyday.

Walk...........outside everyday [adopt a dog].

Eat..............in moderation.

Vote..........many people don't have that right.

Sleep.........enough.

Don't..........watch TV ...... read, call a lonely friend, garden, do puzzles, take a bubble bath, plant a tree, walk the dog, clean house, read to someone, wash the car, organize, volunteer,
invite someone over, sell stuff on ebay, get a hobby, go bowling [it's smoke free now],

Learn.........something new everyday!

Friends

Jim has buddies stay the night at my house once in a while. I'm more than happy to have his friends here for a day or three. The boys use the basketball court I built for Jim in the backyard, play video games, check facebook, watch movies, talk about girls and eat and eat and eat. Most of the boys have known me for a long time. Last night Jim had a friend stay over. I took them to eat dinner and was pleasantly surprised when his friend Cal thanked me for dinner AND the ride to dinner. Even Jim seemed more relaxed. They did all of the above required teenage things, then went to sleep. Cal had to go home early the next morning. We all jump up at 8:30am, pjs still on; hair a mess. It was "too early" quite in the car but Cal thanked me for getting up so early to drive him home, thanked me for letting him spend the night and thanked me for 'dinner' AGAIN. This is quite the contrast to Jim's other friends that have to be reminded to ''thank' me, reminded to be respectful and are very self-focused [but good kids]. Choose wisely; our "friends" should help civilize us and uplift the human experience.

Did I learn something new today?

Everyday should be a little different than all your previous days. Like snow flakes, they start to all look the same, but each should be in someway, different. A sight you never saw before, a smell you never smelled before, something that you learned that you didn't know before, meeting someone you never knew before. Change is life - life is change. You ate breakfast, just like yesterday and the day before yesterday and all the yesterdays before. After breakfast went to the store where you've been before. Stop, think. What was unusual about this day, that NEVER happened before.......I think you will be surprised. Embrace change..........I makes you feel ALIVE!

Security

I read somewhere that children younger than 12 do not run away from home. There is something about turning 12 that triggers a realization that you can survive without a parent. I'm not sure what it is like to have only one parent from birth on like my grandson . I Jim know that he has always wished he had a Daddy. But I think he has felt secure. My father left my Mom and 4 1/2 kids when I was 4. I saw him once in a while. I have come to understand that that seemly small change in my life really had a profound affect my sense of security. My young brain figured out that if one parent could leave, nothing was stopping the other from leaving. My former secure world just collapsed. In my child's mind, I thought if I did everything the remaining parent wished, I could keep her from leaving too. I was quite set up to consider her needs more important than my own. I was no longer an innocent child. This same fear of abandonment was in place when I married at 19 [3 months pregnant]. I thought my husband's needs were more important than my own. [My husband made sure I knew who's needs were more important] Since I did not want my child to suffer the same fate as I did, I stayed in a marriage that was not in my best interest. When my son turned 12 he asked me to divorce his father. Four years later when my daughter turn 12, and not knowing that her brother had asked, she asked me to divorce her father. Here's hoping that TJ has a secure life!

Foundation

Some like the idea of 'saving' for college. Even I was convinced that it was prudent to do so. At one point in time I had the resources to help send a grandchild or two to college. The best laid plans of mice and men................ On the way to college... preschool, elementary and middle school happened. Co-op preschool age 3-4 established that Jim was a natural leader. Grade school confirmed it and there were many opportunities [financial] to promote his natural abilities. Basketball camp [one in Austria], football camp [downtown on Ford Field], leadership camp in DC, Ann Arbor, Boston etc....Montessori and Charter Schools. And many many opportunities to give Jim a big picture of the world and his place in it. Along the way to High School I realized that a great foundation would carry Jim a long way. He has been accepted at Detroit Country Day High School where he will continue on his chosen path. After HS, I have every confidence that Jim will receive a scholarship to further his education. Spend on a good foundation - college will take care of itself.

Pretending

While I was visiting NC and trying to burp baby TJ, it brought back memories of 36 years ago......I'm 23 and trying to burp my second child Dee [her older brother Tim is 4]. I'm not sure why, but Dee seemed harder to burp plus I was busier taking care of Tim too. My mother-in-law had the patience to sit for hhhhhhhhhhours getting baby Dee to burp. Knowing that my impatience was part of the problem, I resorted to pretending I was Ruth my mother-in-law. If you feel that you could do a better job, why not pretend to be someone that you feel is accomplishing the task. When I confessed my 'pretending' to my beautiful daughter-in-law Ann, said that she used to pretend to be a friend of hers who was much more socially adept the her. Everyday is a gift.............enjoy the present.

TJ & Tim

visit to NC

I didn't blog this week because I was visiting my wonderful Grandson TJ and securing housing. See you Monday

Meltdowns.

We all know 2 year olds have temper tantrums. Now days we like to call them meltdowns. Children are just getting to know their world and many things are not understandable to them. Preteens are dealing with a lot in their lives. Teenagers are a challenge. I'm sorry to say that a lot of adults don't handle life with as much control as they expect a child/teen to have. Jim was at an Easter egg drop with me and my then man friend Rex. Jim was 5 years old. There was a promise of a prize in the plastic eggs. When Jim opened his egg, he was very disappointed [meltdown] at the cheapness of the prize. He got mad and stormed off toward the car. Easter was in April and there were mud puddles. Rex did not want mud in his car; got angry as any 6 foot man should when the POSSIBILITY OF MUD IN HIS CAR was imminent and threatened to spank Jim if he stepped in the mud. Grown man meltdown. It was difficult to tell who was the bigger baby; the five year old who was disappointed and had very little control over his emotions or the 56 year old.

Be still my heart.

Lately Dee and I have been sharing my car. I picked her up from work, she dropped me off at home, and they took my car to do some errands. Jim called me at 8:30 and said " are you in extreme need of your motorized vehicle tomorrow?" Be still my grandma heart. He could have said " do you need you car tomorrow?" Why use little words, when BIG words are so much more interesting.........................I replied " negative."

Moving

The house is 90 % empty. It sounds different. When I look and SEE how much is missing/gone, I get tired thinking about the amount effort it took to get this far. It is a daunting thing to empty a house after accumulating stuff for 40 years. But- it didn't get here all in one day and it will take many days to remove it. One day at a time. It is also liberating not to own a zillion things. If you truly think about it, how much stuff do we REALLY need? I had so much stuff that if I boxed it up, I would forget that I even owned it. Speaking of daunting ----when I think of the effort, time, and energy it took to 'child care' Jim, I sometimes think the prospect of doing it AGAIN 14 years later is insanity. Will I be attentive, will I be energetic, will I be enough, will I ......???? A journey begins with one step - then another - soon 10, 50, 300. One step at a time-one day at a time.

Going to Chicago to see the Aquarium.....

When Jim was 1, 2, 3, 4, one of the things we played with were the dining room chairs. I would line up the chairs like a train. Trains were a BIG thing to little Jim. Jim had a playmate named Kee who was the same age as Jim. Kee was with us [I was her childcare provider 4 days a week.] for 4 years from 6 months of age until 4 1/2 years old. Her family moved away. Back to my train. Well everyone knows you have to go somewhere when you ride a train, so I pretended that our train was headed for Chicago to see the Aquarim. " Take us to Chicago Jim to see the Aquarium." Sometimes Kee was the engineer. We often visited THE HENRY FORD museum to see the trains. Jim loved the "Thomas the Tank" series. Well to make long story short-Jim IS going to Chicago this weekend TO SEE THE AQUARIUM!

Enabler

Grandson [Jim] 14,. only child of my daughter [ Dee]. Jim comes into my house Sunday morning with a long face. HUG what's wrong? "My mother" Dee is close behind him with a long face. HUG what's wrong? " Your grandson" The story? ..... Jim is cold at breakfast so Dee being the great Mommy that she is says " Put your hands on my hot coffee cup to warm up but, don't touch it where I put my mouth......I think you can guess the rest of the story. Jim admits that it was to much temptation when the sentence contained DON'T.......I ask Dee why she expected to parent a teenager the same way she parented a 9 year old? "you only have ONE I had two......I would rather get another divorce than parent another teenager. Were you expecting this to be EASY?" "well maybe it will be easier when you're not here to 'ENABLE' his billergent teenage behavior. I'll be the first to admit, I'm much more relaxed this time around. I've weathered raising TWO teenagers. This time I'm 'Grandma' and as you know - Grandmas' have a hard time not spoiling [enabling] their smart, handsome, athletic, charming, adorable grandchildren. PS ..... I get to do it again!

Trading................

Trading..................

" Hugs & Kisses [ from Jim] for goos and smiles from TJ
" snow for NO SNOW!
" pot holes for aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh
" Basketball games for pushing the stroller
" I'M HUNGRY! for wwwaaaaaa [I'm hungry]
" I need money for wwwaaaaa [I need a diaper change]
" Being close to my daughter for being close to my son
" Sisters for daughter-in-law [ and her sister]
" 9-5 for staying at home
" dressing up for work for jeans & shorts
" house maintenance for carefree apartment
" Metro Detroit for Metro Raleigh

Change is life - life is evolving.......................I'm ready to Evolve!

My Grandsons

14 years later.....

14 years have passed too quickly since I started Child care for my first grandson [Jim] . I'm still a very big part of his life but he is a teenager now and Grandma is not as important as she once was. Helping to raise him was very fulfilling especially because his father chose not be a participatory part of Jim's life. Jim is wise, athletic, mature, responsible, honor student, and blessed with good looks - loves children, basketball, sports, girls, family, friends & food! It hurts my heart to leave him but I have a new chapter in my life to live now. In May I will go to NC to be TJ's child care. The ONLY way to get me away from Jim was to give me a new grandchild to care for. The future looks exciting..................I am blessed.

1996

Jim was born on a beautiful day in February. The 24th was warm and sunny. A great day to enter the world. I marveled at how wonderful my 23 year old daughter [Dee] was at labor and delivery. It seemed like she went to Kmart, chose a son and settled right in to being a new mommy. Lucky Jim . Birthing children seemed like a life shattering alteration to my equilibrium. I didn't know it then but it was post-partum depression. Mommy blues. I [19]was Navy blue for two years after my first born [Tim] and only one year for my [23] second [last] child [Dee]. Now I watch very carefully for symptoms of Baby Blues in the next generation. The blues robbed me of some of the joy of having children. It was easier the second time because I knew that I would eventually regain my center.

I'm moving to NC in May to be my newborn Grandson's [TJ] full time day care [while his parents are @ work]. This is not the first time I have been day care. My first born grandson [Jim] is now 14. What a wonderful experience to be hands on with my grandchildren. I'm looking forward to many happy days as I again help shape our future tax payers. Nothing in life is more important as raising the well adjusted human beings. When Jim was born I was 46. TJ gets a much older Grandma, I turned 60 last month.