Weekend Update

What a wonderful weekend Grammy G had. What could be better than spending the whole weekend with the most wonderful little girl in the whole world?

We had so much fun. We played and played. We talked lots. We sang and danced. We had lots of hugs and kisses. It was just perfect. She was so good. I know Missy missed her but I'm so glad I had her. Unfortunately, Tom never stopped by. It would have been nice to have spent some time with him too. It was funny because my best friend called while I was babysitting. Her granddaughter was spending the night with her too. We got to compare notes. In fact, she called every night just to see if I was still having fun. Trust me, I was.

Poor Bosco. He's 13 years old and isn't used to kids being around. Just as he was going to sleep she would come up and hug and kiss him. He would just lay there and take it. Then go back to sleep until the next time. He did enjoy getting to eat her leftovers. I think that was the highlight of the weekend for him. Lots of Serif food. Serif thought it was so funny that I sang our good morning song to the dog.

The work the kids got done on their bedroom is unbelieveable. It looks fantastic. They worked so hard and it shows. I just love the color they picked for their bedroom. I can't discribe it but it brings out the wood of the furniture. It looks so good it almost makes me want to get off my you know what and do something around my house. Notice I said almost?

The smile on that baby's face when her mommy and daddy walked in on Sunday was precious. She was so happy to see her mommy and daddy. Lots of hugs and kisses were exchanged. The kids even took me to Quiznos to thank me for taking care of her. I got to see the finished room and then it was off to Target for halloween candy.

Missy was too tired for the store so I went alone and got everything I needed for the coming week. I was also able to cook the Halloween chili so the kids can pick it up tonight. Doing all that and then cleaning up all the toys that were thrown around the living room made for one tired Grammy. Needless to say I slept really good last night.

So I'm already for the trick or treaters tomorrow night. I hope we gets lots of kids. I do enjoy seeing all the different costumes and it's great to see the neighborhood kids.

TGIF

Well the weekend is almost here. I am definitely ready for it.

The kids have made their decision. They are staying in town and painting their bedroom. Personally, I think that's a good idea for meany reasons. First it will give them a great sense of accomplishment and they have been wanting to do this for so long. Second it will be easier in case someone changes their mind about the weekend. I'm not saying anyone will, but whether it be Missy or Serif, it's nice to know that they can. After all, this is the first time they have been separated for this length of time. I know how hard it would be for me. I just hope they get everything done. Then they can sit back and enjoy their new room.

Last night Tom called to check in. It's always so good to hear from him. I'm so proud of Tom and what he has accomplished. He has been through so much and is doing so well. He's come a long way. Patti is busy this weekend so he may come and spend some time with Serif and me on Saturday. I think that would be so great. He and Patti are so good with that baby. They are crazy about her. She is a very loved little girl.

I have told Missy to have Serif at my house by 7:00 this evening. Charlie Brown is coming on and I want Serif to see if. It is going to be so much fun watching her watch the holiday television specials this year. She is getting so big and we are all enjoying her so much as she gets bigger.

She is going to be Minnie Mouse for Halloween. I can't wait to see her all dressed up. Missy has promised to take lots of pictures for me. I think I'm going to have to give in and get my own camera. It takes too long to get pictures out of Missy.

Now I have to finish my work so I can start my weekend.

Surprise

I got the nicest surprise when I arrived home after a long day at work. There was my wonderful family waiting for me. It was so nice to walk into the house with everyone there. Serif came to greet me at the door. Usually the house is so quiet when I get home. On top of that Terry brought in dinner for me. What more could I ask for.

Then they were off for their appointment and Serif and I were on our own. I fixed her some dinner which she ate like a big girl. She is not a big eater so when she eats anything we all get excited. The dog enjoyed all the leftovers. He does eat well when she's there.

Then it was time to play. She is such a good girl. We played and read stories until mommy and daddy came home. Boy does her face light up when they walk through the door.

Tonight I need to get ready for this weekend. Since I'm not sure what all I can get done with my little helper around, I need to get some of my weekend chores done before she arrives. I did make the swiffer her size so she can at least help me with the floors.

The kids don't even know what they are going to do. They can't decide between going to the coast with friends, having a romantic weekend just the two of them or painting and decorating their bedroom. So many choices. I just want them to have fun. They deserve it. Lets just hope they have made up their minds by the time they leave the baby with me tomorrow afternoon.

Grandparents

I can't believe how long it's been since I last blogged. Work is starting to interfer with my blogging. That is definitely not good.

Today I get to babysit. It's always fun to spend a few hours with my favorite little girl. What is going to be an experience is this weekend. I am going to have my precious grandbaby for the whole weekend. This is big. This will be a first time for both of us. I hope she's ready for this. I hope I'm ready for this.

My children spent lots of time with their grandparents. That was one of the advantages of living so close to them. I enjoyed the nights that they spent at their grandparents houses and I know how much it meant to their grandparents. That is such a special relationship. I know how important those memories are for my children. I want those memories for my granddaughter too.

Everything is ready. I have the milk, the chicken nuggets and the goldfish. I have the toys ready to be played with. I have warned the dog that she is coming. All we need is the baby.

As I have said before, I didn't see my grandparents very often. When I have about four years old my father was sent to Korea. My mother and I moved to California to be closer to my father's parents. I have some memories of that time.

One memory is being at my grandparents house while my two cousins were there. Jimmy and Jeff. My parents did not get along very well with my Aunt Madeline. In fact, in later years, my father would disown her. I remember that my grandmother was rocking the other children one by one and putting them down for a nap. She asked me to let her rock me for a little while. That she knew that I didn't need a nap but that it would help with the little ones. I remember her holding me as she rocked. I didn't go to sleep but she talked to me as she rocked me back and forth. Thinking back, I think that was more for her than the little ones. That's one of the few times she was able to hold and rock me. That's so sad. Especially when I think of the hours I have spent rocking and hold my granddaughter. I treasure every minute of that time. I never realized how much my grandmother missed out on with our being so far away. The first time I spent the night with my grandparents was when I was 14 just before we left to spend three years in Germany.

My closeness was not with my grandparents but with my grandmother's father. My Great-Grandpa Brown. Most of my memories are of him. I would love to sit on the porch swing and talk to him. We would just swing and talk. I don't remember what we talked about. I know he talked a lot about the old days. The thing I remember is that he always made me feel like what I said was important. I also remember that he loved to play solitaire and it would bother me that he cheated when he didn't think I was looking. I remember coming home from trick or treating on Halloween when I was seven and my parents getting the telephone call that he had died in his sleep. I'm so thankful for the time I got to spend with him.

Houses

This weekend Missy had me watch a movie called "My Life As A House". This was wonderful and touching movie and about a man, his son and the house they are building. I definitely recommend it but I do suggest that you have a box of kleenex with you when you watch it.

This got me to thinking about the houses we live in. Some of us live in big houses and some in small houses. I live in a small house. When we moved into our house 29 years ago it was new. It was our job to create the home that this house was to be. To give the memories that would be stored in the soul of the house.

All of these houses start out the same. It is what we fill them with that makes them a home or just a dwelling for our possessions. I'm not talking about furniture. I'm talking about the feeling that get when you enter a home. Our home was one of those houses that was not quiet. We had two children and numerous animals running around. Our furniture was hand me down. But when I entered that home I always felt love surround me. I hope that is what everyone else felt when they entered that door.

Now the children are gone and the house has a quiet that is totally different from before. It is weathered and worn. Like it's owner. In the last few years, the home has changed. Now it has become a refuge and sanctuary. It is where I go when something is amiss. Either with my mind, spirit or body. It is my safe haven that I can run to, lock the door and feel safe. It is where I can hide from the rest of the world. The house and I have grown old together.

But even though the house is my sanctuary and retreat, it is still a home. A place where my children can come. A place where they can return to their childhoods. It is their place of comfort when needed. And on special occassions, like Christmas, it is the return to memories and traditions that are so important to a family.

Now the house is making new memories with a new generation. Once again the living room is cluttered with the toys of a child. Squeals of laughter fill the air when my granddaughter is there. Hopefully, when she is older, this house will hold lots of memories of love and laughter. I hope that she will always feel safe and secure when she walks through that front door.

Yes, a house can so much more than the bricks and wood that make it a house.

Fall

Fall has finally arrived in Central Texas. I'm sure it won't last but it was so wonderful to walk out to 50 degree temperatures this morning. In a couple of days we will be back in the 90's again so I plan to enjoy it while I can. We seem to have two seasons around here. Air conditioning and heating.

At least Serif found she could still wear her sweater


I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Sick Baby

I love computers. Not only is it a great way to keep in touch with the world but it's a great way to keep in touch with your family.

What did we do before we could im someone whenever we wanted to? This morning I had a sick grandbaby. There's nothing worse than a sick baby. She was throwing up during the night. Her poor little tummy was bothering her and she didn't want to eat anything. Her mommy stayed home with her.

Missy was good enough to im me and let me know what was going on. She has been able to keep me informed step by step of Serif's progress throughout the day. From when she was able to start sipping water to when she woke up and finally smiled. I am so fortunate to have a daughter who includes me in this wonderful little girl's life.

These days families are scattered and it's hard for grandparents to spend time with their grandchildren. I know of grandmother's who, if they are lucky, get to see their grandchildren once a year. When I was growing up I didn't see my grandparents that often. To me they were voices over a telephone.

I was so happy that my children grew up in the same town as their grandparents. They were able to enjoy them as they grew up. Both of my children have loving memories of their grandparents. There is a special bond between a grandparent and their grandchildren.

I am so happy that I live in the same town as my precious Serif. I try to spend as much time as I can with her. I want to be as much a part of her life as I can. I feel sorry for those grandparents that live close to their grandchildren and don't take advantage of spending time with their grandchildren. They are missing so much.

I definitely think they have it right when they said the best part of having children is that sooner or later, if you're lucky, you get to become a grandparent.

Serif is feeling better so Grammy G will be stopping by for some hugs and kisses on the way home from work. I am so lucky.

Home

Grammy G was what is known as an Army brat. That means that my daddy (your great-grandpa) was in the army and we moved around a lot. When I was growing up we usually moved every two to three years. It could be hard. Especially being an only child. That meant I spent a lot of time alone and learned to play by myself at an early age.

Don't get me wrong. I loved my life. Of course, to be honest, it was the only life I knew. What I was getting at is that I was used to change.

When I met your grandpa, I settled down to one spot. When we first got married, we lived in a duplex on 6th street. Grandpa's Granny lived in the other side of the duplex. It was nice there and we loved it but we both worked in North Austin. This meant we had to get up very early in the morning to get to our jobs. Since my job started at 7:00 am, we had to be on the road by 6. Trust me, nothing has changed. Grammy G was even less of a morning person back then. So we started looking for a house in North Austin.

We found a great little house. I loved that house. It looked like a doll house. It was very small but perfect for our little family. We were so happy there. That's where we brought your mother after she was born. Unfortunately, adding another child to the family (we already had your Uncle Tom) made the house a little small for us. So we had to look for a house big enough for the 4 of us.

That's when we found the house that Grammy G lives in now. Your mommy was 9 months old when we bought that house. Grammy G has been in that house 29 years this last July. As I said before, I was an Army brat and I was not used to staying in one place that long.

Your grandpa was used to coming home and finding the furniture moved around. That's what I would do when I needed a change. I would move furniture. That worked pretty good but right now I've run out of ways to rearrange my furniture.

Maybe that's why lately Grammy G has actually thought about moving. This last summer was really hard on me. The temperature was over 100 degrees most of the summer. The allergies have been the worse they've ever been. So I started thinking about the possibility of moving.

Then I thought about where I would go. I have family in Kansas. I have lived in Kansas and, even though it is a very nice state, I wouldn't want to live there. I have friends in Colorado and in Oregon. The weather would be nicer there. (At least until the snow came) But then I realized why I couldn't go to any of those places. It's because you wouldn't be there. I don't want to leave my wonderful beautiful grandbaby or my wonderful family. You are too precious and you are growing up so fast. There is no way that I would willingly miss a minute of my special time with you.

So thoughts of moving have put away until they sneak into my thoughts again. I will continue to try to figure out how to rearrange the living room and I will spend every minute I can with you. Afterall, home is where the heart is and my heart is all yours.

Family

This has been a very busy weekend for Grammy G. It was all about family. Just the way I like it. I got to spend lots of time with all my favorite people.

Friday night I had a wonderful visit with Tom, Missy and Serif. As usual, Serif was the main attraction. She entertained us all. Terry had to deal with some family matters and joined us later in the evening. It was all very relaxed and a perfect ending to the work week.

Saturday brought the preparation for Emily's 10th birthday party. What a special day for a luau. The weather was warm and the sky was bright blue. Missy and Terry were helping to care for their friend's animals while they were away this weekend. That meant I got to go with them to care for them on the way to the party and then again when the party was over. It was so much fun to visit with Tibalt and Hamlet. They are both great. Hamlet is the cat and usually a little leery of people but since mommy and daddy were gone Ham was more than happy to accept pets from me. Tibalt, part wiener dog and rat terrier, loves everyone. We had a good visit. Tibalt and Serif are great friends.

Then it was off to the party. We got there early to help set up. Terry's mother is one of those talented people that is very creative. She made a tiki hut bar and also one of those cardboard posters that you put your head through to have your picture taken. One side was a hula girl and the other was a male torch dancer. All the girls loved having their pictures taken. There were straws with flowers on them. Rubber duckies were provided for your drinks. Or, in Serif's case, chewed on. There was a limbo contest and a hula hoop contest. Lots of laughter all around. It was a great birthday party and I think everyone had a wonderful time. The only draw back to the whole day was mosquitos. By the end we were all just scratching our legs raw.

By the time the party was over, all the grownups were pooped. We grabbed Terry's mother and the five of us headed out to a well deserved dinner. It was so nice to sit and relax over some good mexican food. Serif made the rounds around the table and enjoyed eating from everyone's plate. She gave special attention to both of her grandmothers. After a nice relaxing dinner and good conversation, we were all ready to go home to our beds.

Sunday morning was for laying around and relaxing. I had felt like I had spent very little time with Bosco so he got my full attention. Lots of pets and loves. After everyone had a nice relaxing morning and naps were out of the way, it was off to the store. Poor Terry was sick on Sunday so he wasn't having the best time. Allergies in Austin are bad this time of year.

After the store, it was home to get ready for a new week. It was such a nice weekend. I always love spending time with family. But I have to admit it was nice to kick off my shoes, pick up some knitting and relax in front of the TV. Sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the weekend.