Friday, March 15, 2013

Notes to my granddaughters 2013

A few random thoughts:

Try to always smile at people.  You will most certainly get a smile back.  No need to share your misery, people have enough of their own - but people can never have too many smiles.  Smiling just makes you feel better, and when people smile back at you, it energizes you.  Smiling makes your eyes light up... people react differently to someone who is smiling... Try it.

When in school, (or any place else that provides an opportunity to learn), never let anyone else in the room HEAR more than you do.  Always concentrate on the person speaking, look them in the eye.  You never know when a valuable piece of information will come you way.   Listen with your ears and an open mind.  You do not have to agree with all that you hear, but you must always be willing to learn new things.  NEVER STOP LEARNING! 

When at a party, or a family gathering, or just a happy place - always take a step back and gaze around.  Take a mental picture and store it in your memory bank.  These moments  will help shape your future.  As you get on in years, these memories will warm your heart.  

Always look people in the eye when speaking to them.  Make them feel important.  Use their name when speaking to them - touch their arm, or their shoulder.  Touch is powerful.  Don't be so afraid of germs that you forget how important people are.  Never forget that although it is nice to be important - it is more important to be nice! 

Try new foods!  We are so fortunate to live in a country that embraces so many different cultures and along with these cultures comes such a variety of foods and spices.  Never rule anything out just because you haven't tried it before. 

PLEASE, NEVER poke fun of anyone less fortunate that you are.  There are many degrees of perfection - everyone is perfect in their own way.  Remember that we are all God's children.

When you are invited somewhere, try real hard to always accept the invitation.  If they thought enough of you to invite you, please be respectful enough to show up.  Remember, "people" are important... "things" can be replaced, people cannot.

People will always react kindly to someone with manners.  Always say "Please" and "Thank-you".   Don't forget to say "God Bless You" when someone sneezes - even if it is a stranger.  Always hold the door for the next person following you.  Always give up your seat to someone older than you.  These simple gestures will go a long way in building your character. 

PRAY!!  Take the time to thank God for what you have.  Ask God for help when you are struggling.  Never lose your faith.  We all need someone to lean on, someone to watch over us and protect us.  God is always there..... unconditionally.  

My darling Ally and Ava,  know that I am always here, too..... loving you both unconditionally.... I carry your hearts with me, I carry them in my heart.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

St. Patrick's Day - Family style!

Excerpts from a phone call:

Allison:  Ma, what are you doing next weekend?
Me: Nothing special
Allison:  Wanna cook dinner for us?
Me:  SURE!!
Allison: Corned beef and cabbage?
Me: Absolutely!
Allison: Okay - you cook dinner and bring it to Michelle's.  Michelle will do appetizers, Suse will do dessert, I will do cocktails - sound like a plan?
Me: Perfect way to celebrate a holiday!!

Excerpts from another phone call:
Little Michael:  Ma, are you cooking dinner for Sunday?
Me:  Of course!
Little Michael:  I did not get an assignment!!  I can do stuff, too, ya know!
Me:  Michael, just show up and behave!  That's your assignment!

What's my favorite holiday???  The one when all the kids are together laughing and eating.



Monday, March 11, 2013

It takes a Village to raise a child

I am fortunate to have "old" friends - Friends of longevity.  Friends who have lasted through the test of time and miles.  We have been 'together' for so many years and shared so much of each others' lives.  We laughed together, cried together, celebrated together and mourned with each other.  More importantly, we clung together through the years just because we loved each other, not because we were bound together with a shared bloodline.

Although, as most friendships start by being brought together by our children, that was not the case with us.  We just found each other and throughout the years we've celebrated our kids' Sacraments, Proms,  Graduations, and Weddings.  

I was the first to become a grandma.  AHHH, the swelling in my heart when I just think back as my granddaughters were born.... God bless my friends who listened to me as I talked about my girls relentlessly!  Thank you to my dear friends who were there to share my granddaughters' milestones as well.

Let's jump ahead a couple years - it is my turn to share in their joy! We were so happy to be included in the excitement as our friends became grandparents.  As we celebrated the first birthday of their second granddaughter, I realized how fortunate we all were to have been able to walk the trail of life together all these years.

Her children are a part of me, just as mine are a part of her.... Her joys and sorrows bring smiles and tears to me, just as mine do to her.  Most important, their grandchildren will always be like grandchildren to us too.  When I count my blessings, rest assured these children are always included.



Brianna - 1 year

Olivia - 2 1/2 yrs
 

Friday, March 01, 2013

"Newsworthy"

I have the local "Herald" delivered each week to my home.  When my kids were growing up, I would scour the local paper to see if my kids' pictures were in there.  Invariably, a couple times a year, there were shots of my kids.  It was bound to happen as they were involved in their schools, town sports and Scouting.  They loved seeing their name and photo in the paper.

When my father-in-law died, I remember so clearly sitting in his kitchen and staring at his refrigerator.  It was covered with newspaper clippings!  Some were even frayed and faded.  Grandpa had saved every picture, every article that mentioned their names.  He stared at that everyday - a constant reminder of how wonderful he thought his grandchildren were.

I find myself scouring the Herald each week looking for picture of my grandchildren.... Lo and behold!  This week's edition had a picture of my darling, Ava.  I guess I will start taping things to my fridge now.....