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.
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.
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..
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.
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.
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 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:
- When children are near any water, it is important that an adult supervise.
- Eventhough children may know how to swim, when near water they should wear a safety jacket.
- Never leave the child(ren) alone.
- Assist them at all times.
- Place the bait on the hook for them until they understand how to use them.
- Avoid hooks larger than size 10 (hook sizes run backwards). Fish won’t readily take large hooks unless they are feeding voraciously.
- 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
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!!!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Being A Grandparent!
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.
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.
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