MERRY CHRISTMAS AND MAY GOD BLESS!
      FROM THE REID & SULLIVAN FAMILY

JOYFUL CHRISTMAS!

It is that time of year again when the last minute shoppers are filling the stores looking for that special gift.   However it is good to remember that a gift can be given anytime of the year.  Everyone is busy shopping, cooking and travelling to be with those that they love.  It such a wonderful time of the year for family and friends to come together and express their love for one another.   However we must remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.  So take time to be thankful for His birth into the world.  Jesus was a special gift from God to us all.  Like God gave us a special gift, we should always give from the heart.  Give and it shall be given!  Give every chance you get!  It doesn't always have to be an item purchased, but a hug,  a kiss, or a pat on the back for a good job well gone.  Tell someone that you appreciate them or show someone how much you care for them.  Be JOYFUL AT CHRISTMAS AND EVERYDAY  of your life.  We are blessed to see a new year approaching!  
HAVE A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS!
From
My Family To Yours

A Praying Grandmother

A GRANDMOTHERS PRAYER

Here I am again Lord Thanking you for each and ever step that I take.

Thank you Lord for my grandchildren and for protecting them from

harm, hurt and danger. Thank you Lord for allowing me to see their

birth into this world. Thank you Lord for allowing me to see their first

steps and hearing them say their first words. When I see them, I just want

to hold them in my arms and keep them safe from harm, but I know that Lord

you will send your Guardian Angels to keep them in all of their ways. I just

thank you Lord because you have been so good to me. You gave me such

wonderful grandchildren and my life just would not be complete without

them in my life. Every time I hear them say “Grandma”, I just want to reach

out and hug and kiss them because they bring me such great joy. I humbly bow

down in your presence with Thanksgiving in my heart. Keep them Lord safely in

your care. I will always thank you for this wonderful blessing. Witnessing them

say their first prayer filled my heart with gladness. I will always teach them the

right things to do. I will teach them your words and help them to grow up to be

honorable individuals that you will be pleased with. I will care for them and nurture

them to the best of my ability. Lord I need your help to carry out my mission as a

Grandmother and to do the very best that I can for them. Let your love flow in our

hearts forever and keep us protected and safe.

In your name Lord.

Amen

By Joselyn Sullivan

Having Christmas Parties?

A Christmas party is a great way to communicate with others and entertain family and friends.  This is a wonderful way for everyone to get involved and participate.  Food, decorations, gifts and more.  I enjoy those activities that involve the whole family.  Be creative and plan a Christmas party!  Most people put up their Christmas Tree right after Thanksgiving. But if you haven't put up a Tree yet,  incorporate decorating your Tree at your party.  That way everyone you invite can participate.  Have fun and enjoy each others company!

T's the most wonderful time of the year.
with the kids jingle belling,
And everyone telling you,
"Be of good cheer,"
It's the most wonderful time of the year.


There'll be parties for hosting, 
Marshmallows for toasting and
Caroling out in the snow.
They'll be scary ghost stories and
Tales of the glories of Christmases
Long, long ago.


It's the most wonderful time of the year.
There'll be much mistletoeing
And hearts will be glowing,
When loved ones are near.
It's the most wonderful time of the year

Children And Christmas

Some of us can remember those Christmas Stockings filled with candy and great surprises.  They were wonderful gifts for the kids then and they are still.  I visited the Dollar Tree Store in my neighborhood and came up with some great ideas for presents.  Everything is $1.00 and no one can beat that price!  

Children want to buy gifts too.  They want to buy or make presents for their teachers, friends in school, neighbors and family.  So let them get into the Christmas spirit as well.  I love even making candy stockings and  creative Christmas cards.  Children are creative little people and you will find that they really have a lot to say in those Christmas cards.  Let them express their feelings and share the joy that they too have within.  It's not how much money you spend for a gift that matters, but how the gift is given.  If given from the heart, it's priceless!  A card coming from my children or grands that say "I Love You" means more to me than something purchased for a lot of money.

My grandson made a Christmas card for me in school.  He gave it to me the other day and it nearly made me cry.  I grab him and kissed, and kissed him.  I told him that I loved him too very much and always will.  Spreading love means so much and we need to remember that giving love is a precious gift too.

So, let the children make those beauty Christmas cards and Christmas Stockings for those that they care about.  You will see a lot of smiling faces and grins of happiness.  That always makes me happy and makes life worth living.

Children enjoy receiving gifts and giving them.  I love to see their faces on Christmas morning when they run to the Christmas Tree to open their gifts.  They are still rubbing their eyes and trying to wake up from their sleep.  :-)  Dressed in the PJ's and looking cute as ever!  Lol...

Making Life Work For You!

Life is what you make it.  It's so easy to just accept life with a whatever happens happens attitude.  But, you have to make life work for you.  You have the opportunity to be happen and enjoy life.  No one has to settle for less or accept whatever is placed in their view.  Choose your lifestyle and stick with it.  Never think that you can't be happy or obtain good things in life.  Make life work for you!  Jesus is the reason for the season, and It is His desire that we have life and have it more abundantly. Rejoice and be glad!  You have so much to be thankful for this season and everyday of your life.  


A gift is wonderful, but spreading love and joy is everlasting.  Tell someone that you love them.  I am always telling my friends and family that I love them so much.  Help a stranger, feed a hungry family or visit the Nursing Home and spread love and joy in their hearts.  You will feel great about it, and those that you touch will never forget it.  Make life work for you and help those in need by sharing joy, peace and love...

Keep Them Close

One day a mother died.  And on that clear, cold morning, in the warmth of her bedroom, the daughter was struck with the pain of learning that some times there isn't any more.

No more hugs, no more lucky moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more "Just one minute."

Some times, what we care about the most goes away, never to return before we can say good-bye, say "I Love You."

So while we have it.... it's best we love it.  And care for it and fix it when it's broken and take good care of  it when it's sick.

This is true for marriage...and friendships!  And children with bad report card's; and dogs with bad hips; and aging parents and grandparents.  We Love them because they are worth it, because we cherish them!

Some things we keep....like a best friend who moved away or a classmate we grew up with.  There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what.

Life is important, and so are the people we know.  And so, keep them close!

Show Thankfulness on Thanksgiving Day!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY IS RIGHT AROUND 

THE CORNER

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for all those wonderful blessings that we have like grandparents, parents, friends, and all other blessings that you want to be thankful for.  It's a time when family get together to make those delicious foods that we enjoy and love like sweet potato pie, juicy turkey, potato salad, and don't forget grandmas turkey stuffing.  My favorite is sweet potato pie.  I got to make my pies!  :)  

Every family looks to enjoy this day with family and friends.  This is a great time to express just how thankful we are.  Here is a way that you can make fun drawings with the kids for Thanksgiving.  Let the kids show their thankfulness  by expressing what they are thankful for through beautiful drawings.  This is fun for all ages, and you can display the thanksgiving drawings for everyone to see when they come other on Thanksgiving Day.  All you need is crayons, safety scissors, drawing paper, washable markers, paste, construction paper and you can use foil as well.  Just cut out shapes with the foil and construction paper if you like or just let them draw on the drawing paper.  Children can be very creative so let them go for it.  I love drawings because you can save them for years to come.  I still have some of my children's drawings from when they were little children.  When we get together, I bring out my memory box, and we laugh and have fun over those sweet memories.  So, enjoy this wonderful project with your grand-kids or children.  Its so much fun to bond!  *******More exciting projects for the holidays.

Touched by an Angel

We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.

Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.


We are weaned from our timidity
in the flush of loves's light
we dare be brave
And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.
Yest it is only love
which sets us free.

By Maya Angelou

Mind, Body and Spirit

Everyday is a new day. A day that we have never seen before. Be thankful for being alive and rejoice. Tomorrow is gone and all that is left is the memories that were made. Make this day, the new day, better than yesterday. Love more, laugh a lot and give freely. Remove all those negative thoughts from your mind. Get rid of all of the heavy weights of the world. Dance, sing, jump, run do what you have to do to remove all of the heavy weights. What really helps me is listening to music. I enjoy listening to music. It calms my spirit. Meditation and prayer gives me hope and makes my pathway clear to see. If your spirit is right, your mind and body will follow. Take care of your body. It is our earthly house and without it, we would not be able to exist on this earth. Get plenty of rest, eat well, and exercise. Play with your grandchildren and spread happiness from heart to heart.

 Someone told me once that it takes more muscles to frown than it takes to smile. So smile!  Be realistic about this journey called life.  Know that we are tested all the time.  So, their may be times when you are going through situations that you don't understand.  Sometimes we can't figure out why, but we must stand the test.  Pressures of this life can be heavy, but we have to handle issues knowing that the battle has already been won.  Have faith that no matter what you go through, you can make it.  You can pass the test!  We all are here for a reason.  We must live and trust in God knowing that with Him on our side, we can't fail!  So, love and be loved.  Share the love that was given to you with others.  Live a good life and be happy.

Sharing Time

Sending time with the grands is always wonderful.  They are so much fun, and wow don't they have a lot of energy!  I was playing with my grand kids this weekend; I couldn't believe the energy they had.  I was wondering if they were ever going to get tired.  Apparently, I was the one that got tired.  Every week I try to spend time with them.  This weekend they stayed over, and we had a great time playing the Wii game, making cookies and just hanging out.  They love to be with me, and I really enjoy my time with them.  It is important to spend time with the people that you love.  To appreciate their company and love that they have for you.  My grands love me, and I love them back with plenty of kisses and hugs.  I can't see myself living without them.  It makes you want to thank God for all of his blessings.

When I think of just how fortunate I am, I become so over joyed and feel great.  Take time to do something with the grands each week.  Plan a day out or a day in.  Their are so many fun things that you can do with them.  It cost nothing to take a walk to the park or bake some cookies together.  They will remember everything that you do with them.  Believe me, it is very important to them just as much as it is important to us.  They look for you to spend time with them and show them that you care.  I am a firm believer that if you give love, it will come back to you more.  It doesn't cost anything to express love, smile and make someone happy.

A Gift For Me

I am here for you with a great big hug and a kiss to say that I love you.  Your smile brightens up my day.  I really can't fully express just how much you mean to me because I don't think that its in the dictionary.  Words just wont define my main expression...  Heaven only knows the true definitions of the way I feel.  You are a gift that will always be in my heart..  Sent from above to give me joy in so many ways...  I can only do what I do to show you just how much you have made my life complete....  So I will say over and over.........

   A hug to say I am here for you..  A kiss to say I love you...  The warm embrace is to say its okay...  Whenever you need me, I will be there.  When I hold your hand, I want you to know that no matter what I will never let you go.  For my heart will always embrace yours whether near or far.  So, I continue to take this journey with you...   If you should stumble and fall, I will be there with my hand reaching out to pull you up...When you cry, I will be their to wipe the tears from your eyes... When your nose is runny, your nose shall I wipe...  I am your supporter, comforter, friend, and your encourager....  I am your grandma..

Pics and Poems: The Value of a Gift

Pics and Poems: The Value of a Gift

A Night Out At Grandmas House!

Girls Just Want To Have Fun!!

Problem Solved~Grandparents Have Issues Too!

Their are times when grandparents need some hugs and kisses too.  Although we would love for life to be great all the time, its not that way.  We have things that get us down sometimes and need encouragement.  Grandparents are always thinking about being their for everyone.  Making sure that all is well with the family and friends.  It's in our nature to care, protect and serve those that we love.  When things don't go right, we are the first to worry and be concerned.

I always ask myself, why am I worrying?  It does not solve any problems.  It just makes things seem worst than what they really are.  When you have that not so good day, it may seem like everything is going wrong.  But, their is one thing that I know for sure and that is that I have a lot to be thankful for.  Whenever I am feeling down, I just look around me and thank God for what I have.  My children, grandchildren, husband, a home and most of all I am here.  I am alive to see another day.

When I start to think about how blessed I am, those concerns and issues go right out the window.  So I live knowing that no matter what I have to face today or tomorrow, I am blessed.  My philosophy is worries comes just to help you focus on how much we should appreciate life and what we have.  Every issue that we have to deal with in life has a solution.  Issue=solution=problem solved!  Hugs and kisses makes it all better as well.  So, when you start to worry about life and issues  that come, just think about how blessed  you are.

How To Handle Becoming A Grandma For The First Time

My first experience becoming a grandma wasn't the best situation.  My first son Tyrone had gone into Job Corps with his girl friend to get a trade.  I really didn't want him to go away from home, but it was an opportunity for him to get training.  So, I agreed.  One day after he had been their for about a few months, I received  a call from him.  He didn't know just how to tell me at first, but eventually he said to me "mom I have something to tell you."  You know how it is when your child says those word.  You begin to freak out before they tell you wants going on.  I was really nervous and prayed that it wasn't something crazy.  After I got him to trust me and promised that I wouldn't be upset, he told me that his girlfriend was pregnant.  WOW,  that hit me so hard, I almost passed out!  I couldn't believe it!  I was lost for word and become so angry all of a sudden.  All sorts of emotions struck me all at once.  I was in denial and then that turned into disappointment.  I thought the worst, really I am just being real.  At that time, he was only around 17 years old.  Boy, I was very heated with him. I didn't know what to do!  I talked with my mother and she was always the one to help me iron out the winkles of life.  You know that God always gives you someone in your life to help you through those rough times; she was my best friend.  Besides that, she was about to be a great-grandmother. :)

A few weeks later they he came home from Job Corps.  By that time, I had somewhat calmed down a little.  I needed those few weeks before he got home to cool off.  I was rationally sane and we talked and cried  together.  Then we had to visit her family and talk things through with them.  Sometimes this part of the equation can be very tough to handle.  Nevertheless, we got through it and survived.  I made sure that my son got a job and took care of his responsibility. 

A few months later, my first granddaughter was about to be born.  My son and I was right there in the delivery room when she was about to come into the world.  Out of all the children that I had, I never realized the miracle of childbirth until I witnessed it with my own eyes.  When I held her for the first time there in the delivery room, and looked at her, I was sold.  She melted my heart like butter.  I was speechless!!  Needless to say, I named her Jasmine Emonee. I thank the good Lord for every toe and finger on her body.  She was beautiful!!!   From that day on, I knew that we were going to be all right.

In conclusion, handling becoming a grandma for the first time comes with many lessons to be learned.  Sometimes our grandchildren don't always come into this world when we want them to, but they come to bring us joy when they arrive.  I never thought about being a grandma but when I became one, it changed my life.  Some people have good experiences when becoming a grandparent but in my case it shook me because I wasn't expecting that surprise.  I figured that I had awhile to go before becoming a grandma.  Whatever situation you fall into when becoming a grandma for the first time, take a moment to relax.  This is new so you are going to feel a little uneasy.  Think of it as a gift that has been given to you.  Everyone loves to receive gifts.  A grandchild is a perfect gift and the greatest gift of all.  Just remember to take a deep breath and be calm.   Be happy to be a grandparent.  Love that bundle of joy just like your own.  He or she is a new generation.  Be joyful knowing that you have the greatest opportunity and that is being a grandma.  Now, I have six grandchildren.  My son Tyrone now has three beautiful daughters, and my daughter Jessica has two beautiful daughters and one handsome son.  My youngest son Jamel is now 24 years old and he has not made me a grandma yet.  I am not rushing him.  :) He can take all the time he needs. I can love on these grands and whenever he has children, I will love on them too! :)

Grandchildren are wonderful little people who grow up to become remarkable individuals.  So nurture them with plenty of loving care, teach them
all that you know that will help them grow to be strong, healthy and smart.

Fishing is Fun!

Fishing is a great activity that you can do with the grandchildren.  We took our grandson fishing and he loved it.  It's relaxing, fun and exciting.  Under supervision, the kids will have a marvelous time reeling in those fish.  I remember the first time my husband and I took our grandson Deshaun age 8. He was so tickled to get started.  My heart was thrilled just to see how he felt about it.  We live in Virginia Beach were their is a lot of fishing going on.  Our first time with our grandson was on the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier.  That day was exciting for all of us and watching our grandson fish made me and my husband feel so proud of him.  When he reeled in his first fish, you should have seen that look on his face.  Boy, was he a happy fisher young man that day!  He giggled and giggled so much until I was beginning to think that giggle was permanent for life which wouldn't be a bad idea. Can you imagine wearing a giggle on your face for life.  All you would have to do is look in the mirror to make yourself happy. :)   Anyway for me, it was great just watching him fish for the first time.  The laughter that he shared with us that day will always be with us forever. 

Fishing is a great hobby for you and the grandchildren.  Children must be supervised at all times for safety.  We didn't allow our grandson to bother with any of the hooks.  Being concerned grandparents, we wanted to use all safety precautions.   So, he was allowed to hold the fishing rod and reel the goodies in.  For him that was a fun filling enjoyment that he will always remember and so will we. 

Here are some safety rules that I think will be helpful when taking your grandchildren fishing:

1. When children are near any water, it is important that an adult supervise.
2. Eventhough children may know how to swim, when near water they should wear a safety jacket.
3. Never leave the child(ren) alone.
4. Assist them at all times.
5. Place the bait on the hook for them until they understand how to use them.
6. Avoid hooks larger than size 10 (hook sizes run backwards).   Fish won’t readily take large hooks unless they are feeding voraciously.
7. Tiny hooks also allow small fish to “inhale” the bait, rather than nibble at the hook. If a fish swallows the hook and you want to return it to the water, simply cut the line as close to the hook as possible and release the fish.

Red Light, Green Light 1~2~3 Game

I remember this game all too well.  I really loved playing this game with my friends growing up.  I played it with my children, and now I am playing it with my grand kids.  This is a great game to enjoy and have fun.  The kids will love it, and maybe it will bring back some memories for you.  Great game for indoors or outside.  This is the way we played it when I was a kid.  However their are different versions. 

Have the children line up in a row. Make sure that you have an open space so that they will have room to move freely.

The object of the game is to reach the caller first and tag him before he turns to catch you, and then you are next to call.

Have the first person that is going to call the game stand up front far away from the line.

That person will turn their back and cover their eyes.

They will say "Red light, Green light 1~2~3", then quickly turn towards the line and open his eyes to see if he can catch anyone moving. If you are caught in movement, you are out of the game.
After the caller says the phrase and turns to see who he can catch, you have to freeze so you wont get caught.  You have to move as fast as you can while he is saying "Red light, Green light 1~2~3.

The last person that is still in the game and reaches the caller (It) is the winner.

CHEESE, YOU'RE ON CAMERA!!!

Let those Grand Kids Snapshot Away!!!  Children love and enjoy taking pictures.  Whether they are taking the picture or having their picture taken, they find it remarkable.  Taking pictures is so much fun and the memories of the pictures are endless.  This is a great activity that you can do with your grandchildren.  Let them take pictures of the outdoors and family.  Make a photo book to place all of their pictures in  so that they can go back and take pleasure in the pictures that they took. 

The snapshot of a smile, the view of the ocean, or a walk in the park has so much to see and experience through a picture.   Allow your grands to explore the world of picture taking.  They will adore the adventure of examining the different  types of snapshots that they take.    Let them play dress up and take their picture so that they can see how they look on film.  They will be excited and want to continue to take photographs.  Capturing the essence of the holidays also will give them a great feeling of joy. 

A beginners camera doesn't cost much.  You can purchase one for under $20.00 at Wal-Mart, Family Dollar, or Dollar General.  It's very inexpensive and the rewards are everlasting.  It's an investment that the whole family will love.  They may become interested in the art of picture taking.  Photography is a great art, and the grand kids can learn how to capture the glory of images.

FESTIVE HOLIDAY HANG UPS-FUN AND CRAFTY!

Create decorations with cool cuts for any festive occasion to add flair to a gift package, hang on the wall, on the door, window or on your Christmas Tree.!

1. On colorful construction paper, draw holiday shapes and cut them out with Safety Scissors. You could make decorations for birthday parties, Chanukah's, St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, or Halloween, for example.

2. Decorate your shapes by cutting out interesting shapes. You can also cut other colors of paper, foil, and patterned papers to paste on top with Homemade paste. Or attach them underneath the cut-outs to show through the holes.

3. Embellish your designs with crayons, colored pencils, and/or fine line markers.  Make sure that all markers are usable for children.  Always observe children while they are being creative.

4. Cut a hole near the top of each ornament. Tie yarn in a loop to hang or use ribbon to attach to a package or for hanging.  Have fun and enjoy!

MAKE FUN HOLIDAY PUPPETS

Ingredients:

Crayons
Safety scissors
Lunch-paper bags
Homemade paste
Construction paper

Making fun paper puppets is a great activity.  Children love drawing funny faces and coloring.  Gives them the opportunity to explore and create.  This is an inexpensive fun activity that you can do with your grandchildren at any time.  Make holiday puppets for Halloween, Christmas, Easter and thanksgiving.  Let children tell stories while they are wearing their puppet.  Children enjoy making up stories to tell.  You will be amazed at their imagination. 

Help children cut out funny shapes with the construction paper and safety scissors.  Observe them while they color their shapes.  Let them apply the paste on the back of the shapes, and paste the shapes onto their paper bag.  Before you know it, they would have create a masterpiece!  Children love to be creative!

Homemade paste is easy to make.  All you need is a bowl, water, flour and a spoon.  Add a cup of flour into a bowl, and add water until flour becomes pasty.  Presto!! You have homemade paste.  Enjoy making puppets!

SPENDING THAT QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR GRANDCHILDREN IS MEMORABLE!

Their is something special about the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren.    It's two generations bonding together and learning exciting and fun things.  It touches the inner heart just observing the bond.  Building a strong relationship with your grandchildren is worth more than any wealth.  It's true what they say "money can't buy happiness."  It really can't take the place of the joy and love that surrounds those grandchildren.  That's why spending time with them  is so very important.  Just by reading to them or even playing a game with them creates a connection that can't be removed or replaced.  Improve that bond by spending more time with your grandchildren.  Do some exciting fun activities with them like cooking, reading a book to them, or just taking a fun walk in the park.  The feeling of being together will last forever and will always be remembered. 

Grandparents have always played a major role in helping raise the grands.  They are thrilled to be around us all the time. That's why we have to interact with them making their childhood fun and one that they will never forget.

Time to plan for those Christmas Gifts for the grands.

**Yes, Grandparents it is almost time to give those Christmas Gifts out to those darling little angels. Start making your Christmas list.

Winter is upon us. It's time for your Flu Shot. Grandparents make sure that you have Lollipops for those grands after they get their shots.

**Click here for more information.



Playdough Recipe~A great activity to do with the grands!

Have fun with your grandchildren making playdough.  Its creative and entertaining.

This is a excellent way to sit down with the grands and bond.  It's fun and safe!  Children love to use their hands to make things.  They enjoy mixing, pouring and just the feel of different textures.  You can even make it an educational event by teaching them the different colors and shapes that they make.

 Holidays are approaching and you can make stars shapes, snowmen, bells and all sorts of shapes and colors with them.  They will love it so much!  Plus you can save the playdough for reuse at anytime.  Enjoy bonding with the grands and make memories that will last forever!

Here is the recipe:

1 cup cold water

1 cup salt

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

2 cups flour

2 tablespoons cornstarch

Food coloring-Red, Blue, Yellow, Green

In a large bowl, mix together water, salt, oil, and a few drops of food coloring.

In another bowl, mix flour and cornstarch.  Then add flour mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, to the large bowl, stirring constantly.  You may need a little more flour to get to the right consistency.

Put some flour on you hands and knead the dough for a few minutes.

Store the playdough in a closed container or a Ziploc bag after use.

Their you have it.  grandmas homemade playdough recipe.  The kids will never forget the bonding and fun!

**Hershey's Reeses's Peanut Butter Pumpkin Spider Recipe



GET HEALTHY, GET FIT AND GET IN SHAPE!

Make fitness fun for you and your grand kids. Enjoy the experience of getting in shape and

let it be memorable.

**Make Fitness A Family Tradition

               

Grandparent

To be a grandparent is not an easy job. Your grandchildren are counting on you to love them unconditionally to a degree that their parents may not be able to. They're counting on you to listen, really listen, without judging right or wrong. It is often assumed that you have no life of your own, and that you only exist to be called on when you are needed. This of course is not true. At the same time do not miss this opportunity that you have been given, a chance for a relationship with the next generation.

Grandparent By Family Friend Poems / CC BY 3.0

Beginning Life Again!

Being a grandparent is great, and family means everything to us.  But, we are not sixteen anymore and our bodies do change.  We have to take care of ourselves and focus on fitness and eating healthy.  Some of us have issues that we are dealing with concerning our health already.  Things like hypertension and diabetes are illnesses that we are encountered with.  Beginning life again, is a great opportunity for us to renew ourselves.  We must admit to ourselves that we are in or about to begin a stage in life where we must make some life changes.  Changes in our eating, exercise, visits to our physician and more.  Loving our family is  precious to us; living, and sharing our hearts with our loved ones means more than life.  This is why it is so vital that we take a good look at health and make sure that we are doing all that we can do to better ourselves. 

When I think about myself, I am so happy to be alive.  I love and enjoy my family, most of all, I really want to continue to live as long as I can to be with them.  I want to see my grand kids grow up and graduate from college or even be around when great-grand kids arrive.  So I ask myself a question this morning, am I doing all that I can for my health?  That is a good question to begin with, are you doing all that you can to obtain good health?   Aging is golden and full of wisdom that we need to share with our family and the world.  We have a lot to teach them, and they love and care for us as well.  My children get on me all the time, especially my youngest son.  He tells me, "mom you have to take care of yourself your not a young chick anymore."  :)  Well lets face it, we are not young anymore, but we can feel young and live long.  Besides to me, age is nothing but a number. :)

So taking care of ourselves is a must.  We are grandparents, and GrandparentsRoc!  Which means that we are special individuals who take care of and love our families.  We also love ourselves and take care of our health.

Grandparents Are Special People

Teaching children about savings when they are young~Click here for more details.

It today's world, money and credit seems to be everything.  Credit however stands out most of all because you can have money, but if you credit is bad, its hard to get anything.  From my experiences growing up, credit wasn't that serious as it actually is today.  Before if you had money, you could get anything.  Now if your credit is not good, you can't even get an apartment.  When I was growing up, I didn't have anyone to school me on credit and how to save money.  In the world today, their is no reason for anyone not to know how to save money and have good credit.  I wish that I did have someone in my life who was able and knowledgeable to tell me about finances.  Because I really didn't know much about money and credit growing up, I want my grandchildren and children to understand the value of maintaining good credit and saving money. 

Talk with your kids and see if they know anything about savings and credit.  Start them with saving a portion of their allowance in their piggy bank.  Help them learn the basic of finances.  Help them learn the value of a dollar. 

GrandparentsRoc

Safety Tips For Halloween!

*Safety Tips That Parents and Grandparents Should Know!

Great Halloween Recipe's For the Kids

*Yummy! Hershey's Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkin Spider Recipe

                                                Celebrate with Hershey's Halloween

Being A Grandparent!

Being a grandparent means the world to me, and I am sure that their are many proud to be a grandparent(s) out there as well.  Their is nothing like watching those grand kids smiling faces.  Sure, they may get out of hand every now and then, but they are still our precious little angels that we love so dearly.  And lets face it, our grand kids get away with things that their mom and dad didn't get away with.  We have to accept that we have gotten soft over the years.  (smile) 

Although we are grandparents and loving it, we too have our lives to take care of as well.  That is why we need to make sure that we take care of our health, have fun, and look great.  Life doesn't stop just because we are wiser and have grand kids; life has just begun.  Do something special for yourself like buy a new outfit and go out to dinner.  Yes, This is our time to enjoy life, be healthy, exercise and have fun with family and friends.  Grandparents are the back-bone of the family, we have to maintain our health so that we can live a long and fulfilling life. 


When I want to relax and enjoy my day.  I find me a quiet place and read a good book or just meditate.  I also love going to thrift stores, yard sales and flea markets.  Find your place of relaxation!  Everyone needs some me time even grandparents(s).  Just make some time for yourself, so that you can enjoy those special times with the family and friends, especially the grand kids.  Life is golden and even more, its precious.

Read To Your Little Ones!

Reading to your little ones is very important for their developmental growth.  It enhances vocabulary, attention span and creativity.  Reading is fun, fun, fun for the children and even yourself. 

 Reading to your children allows you do interact with them which creates a closer bond.   Make the most of story time by including these tips:  Choose books with lots of repetition, children love color so make sure the book is very colorful, and make sure that the books you read are of the correct age of your child(ren).

 Children enjoy your enthusiasm, point to the words and illustrations.  Make funny faces and voices.  Children are overwhelmed with laughter when you make it real and exciting.  Allow your child to participate in the fun.  The both of you will have a wonderful reading fun time.   Remember to read everyday to your child(ren).

I found great reading materials for all ages at my local thrift store.  I am all about saving money and still getting things done and everyone is into saving money.  Checkout the thrift stores, flea markets and yard sales in your area.  You will see that you will find so many good books for you and your children.



Rome Wasn't Build In A Day

WHEN YOU DON'T SEE NO WAY, SEE YOUR DREAM!

Food For Thought!

Sometimes in life we have the tendency to take our blessings for granted.  Even the opening of our eyes in the morning is A blessing that we sometimes take for granted.  Just stop and think for a moment of the simple things in life that we are given each and everyday of our lives!  Then thank the Good Lord for another day.  Each and everyday out of our busy schedule, we need to go into a quiet place and thank God for our blessings, family and friends.  Never take anything for granted because it can be here today and gone tomorrow.  So cherish life with the greatest appreciation knowing that God is merciful and His grace is sufficient for thee........

Hello All,

It's Saturday and I am living in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  It's been raining all day, so I've just been relaxing.  Last night I spent time with my grandchildren, children, and friends.  I really enjoyed it very much.  It's a blessing to be able to share your life with those that you love.

Never Forget to Kiss and Hug your Grandparents!

It you have been blessed to still have your grandmom, granddad or both, you should thank God and cherish every moment with them.  Give them plenty of hugs and kisses and tell them how much you love them deeply.  If they are at home or in a nursing home, visit them and do something nice for them.  They will appreciate it and never forget your love.  I didn't have the great opportunity to express my love to my grandparents, but I am now a grandmom and I love it.  I feel so blessed to have my six grandchildren in my life.  God, I thank you for allowing this privilege.  I am a grandmom and loving it!

Love Poem for Grandparents

Love Poem for Grandparents

Grandma's Hugs are Made of Love
Everything my grandma does
is something special made with love.
She take time to add the extra touch
that says, "I love you very much."

She fixes hurts with a kiss and smile
and tell good stories grandma-style.
It's warm and cozy on her lap
for secret telling or a nap.

And when I say my prayer at night,
I ask God to bless and hold her tight.
Cause when it comes to giving hugs
my grandma's arms are filled with love!



- Unknown AuthorGrandparents