The Joys of Being A Grandparent

This weekend I had the joy of having four of my five grandchildren visit me. While here the two oldest ran around playing so nicely and then: the oldest boy, Andrew, came running to me to tell me his cousin, Julia, had spilled too much soap on the counter top. His father reminded him that its not nice to tattle on others. (I remember doing something like that.)
It was today that made me happy to be a grandparent and not the parents. My granddaughter, Julia hid my wallet. I left there house without knowing this. I got all the way home to discover no wallet. Driving back to their home, I prayed the whole way it was there. Her mom, Joanna, had looked everywhere for the wallet but couldn't find it. When I got there, she hadn't found it. I looked. Then asked if she had asked Julia. "No" Well, I went back to her room where the girls were playing and asked. She didn't say anything. I took the baby to change her and in walks Julia with my wallet. She was so cute. She looked up at me and said, see I tricked you. I hid your wallet. Her mom scolded her, all I could do was give her a big hug. I said thank you to God for it being there and could only reward her with kindness for having found the wallet.
I have the fortune to enjoy the children, but the discpline is left to the parent.

Friendship and Laughter

Sitting here after knitting with the ladies. It's like the old time quilting bee, where women would sit around one large quilt and sew the layers together. We don't sew layers of fabric together, we sew friendships. We learn how others knit and about their lives. We share one each others concerns , worries and joys. It is usually fun and full of laughter. I look forward to these nights especially the socializing and the friendship. Thanks.

Retirement?

Last week was busy. I managed to complete a Christmas hat and scarf for grandson. Now I want to make a matching sweater. It will need me to go buy yarn. I guess this will require me getting out of the house and off my bottom.
I also was able to sit for the grand kids again. On Tuesday I was able to sit for the grandsons and on Wednesday and Thursday, the granddaughters. Andrew and William's pictures were quickly taken and are added here.
I have officially applied for Social Security. It was painless with the exception that I am not working and have no money to waste on crafts. I will need to work a little.
Visiting a dear friend in Fresno was part of the weekend. Hal drove down with me on Saturday. I awoke with a headache and to thunder. I checked the Doppler and found we wouldn't have lightening south of Modesto. Well, we found lightening to follow us as south as Merced. I do not like storms, wind or lightening. I would have considered not going if I felt threatened. I had a good visit. I wish there was more that I could do, but pray is the only source I have while not there.
Football season is upon me. I am an avid 9er fan and will tolerate other teams, especially the Packers. I spent yesterday making jewelry and watching the 9er's win their first of many games. (I have high hopes.)

Week with Grandchildren

Wow this week has been a great one for grand kids. Monday started off with a visit to grandsons, Andrew and William. I was able to play with William while Andrew worked diligently on a picture of a panther. He had some trouble, but manged to work through it. Then on Wednesday I went with my granddaughters and their mom to the Fountains. There I watched for the first time my youngest granddaughter walk. She didn't have a diaper on so every time she fell down she would wince. Then yesterday, I was paid a pleasant visit from them again. Julia had her mom call me to ask if they could come over and make those ice cones with different colored juices. Then she proceeded to tell me that Jazlyn still had to get dressed, but that she was special and didn't need help to get dressed that she could do that my herself. While here I was able to almost complete the "Easy Hat." I ended up having to frog back a little ways, but I finished it before the 10 o'clock news.
Today comes Jenna. She is in the fourth grade now. Last year I went to Sunnyvale before school start to take her to the doctors and spend some time with her. (She lives between two parents, so I don't get to see much of her.) I plan on picking her up from her mom sometime before 3PM and then doing something special with her. I do want to help her make a bracelet or necklace. I am looking forward to it. Her dad and Ruth will drive up tomorrow with the dogs to spend the weekend with her. Have a happy Labor Day Weekend!

Some new pictures of what's knew with with me. Today I hope to almost complete the onesies quilt. I just want to do a good job quilting it. Speaking of quilting, I have many quilting friends that live in the Auburn area and some near the fire area. I am concerned for them. I haven't heard anything bad yet, so as they say, no news is good news.
The grandsons were so cute yesterday. Andrew is such a perfectionist. It took him an hour to complete a picture. He got upset and through a tantrum. I had him come and sit with me for a while and he was able to continue his drawing. The other grandson just finished his nap and I was able to give him his lunch. We played together while Andrew drew his panther. William played in a tunnel and we played pick-a-boo for the longest time. Good times.

Granddaughters Play

I spent some time yesterday with my granddaughters, Julia and Jazlyn. Their mom called me and asked if I'd like to join them a Wacky Tacky and I of course said "yes." It's an indoor play gym, like McDonald's or Burger King has except it is on a much larger scale (warehouse size). When they stepped in, Julia was ready to go. She is only 3 yrs, but has the ability of a 6 yr. old when it comes to climbing and gymnastics. Her sister on the other hand is only 14 months and is not walking yet. She crawls. I could see she just didn't know what to do at first. Her mom took her up and sat with her awhile, then I sat with her. It took a little while but she started trying out the wheels and stairs. When she got down on the floor, instead of crawling on her knees, up she went to her feet and hands. Julia went up and down the slide over and over again. Jaz joined in with Mom. It was fun to see them play together.

Time on my hands

This will be the second time I've type this out. I think I need more instruction on this site.

Sunday was spent traveling to the Bay Area. We visited our daughter,Ruth, her husband, Jon, and our grand dogs. I brought a potato salad and we bought some KC. The salad was delicious. The recipe was given to me by a knitting friend over a year ago. I finally got around to making it. I've had a lot of time on my hands lately. It seems that there are a lot of teachers that were fired from the district I worked in and are now given jobs over the loyal subs that served them over the years. I really am not too bitter, but... So I have time to clean and cook. Oh no! calories galore. At least the potato salad was shared by others. I finished my cat quilt top and am now working on a oneies quilt top for my oldest grandson. His mom wants me to use the oneies that were made for him by those who attended the shower. It is going to be a challenge, but I'm up for it.