A Night With My Granddaughters

Al and I babysat my granddaughters tonight and I was reminded of how challenging it is to take care of two babies...ages two and a half and 11 months old.  Everything was fine and went wonderfully until it was time to take a bath.  Al was watching the game, and offered to help, but I said I could do it myself.  The last time I bathed them it was a piece of cake, but tonight was different.  They always take a bath together, so as I headed up the stairs with C, the younger one, in my arms, while the older one, A, pealed herself away from her Annie movie and came to the bottom of the stairs and cried for me to carry her up the steps with her sister.  I couldn't carry them both and I knew the older one could get up the stairs easily on her own, so I kept coaxing her to follow me.  Eventually she gave in and came up (though she cried the whole way) as I put the younger one in the water. 

As I started rinsing A's hair after getting C's done, the older one, A, started crying and pointed to her sister  and said, 'do hers!!!'  I was finally able to get the older one's hair rinsed... after I poured more water over her sister's head again.  ;-)  Then, when the bath was over, the A didn't want to get out.  As I put the baby in my arms and tried to get to other one to let me help her out, she refused, so I walked away. (I knew that'd get her out.)  She started crying for me, so I turned around and set the baby down to pull the  2 year old out.  The baby started to cry and I picked her up and then the 2 year old cried because her towel wouldn't stay on and she wanted me to pick her up.  Of course I couldn't carry both of them at the same time, so, I tucked the towel around her and held it together as I walked bent over, hanging on to the older one's towel with my left hand and carrying a slippery wet baby on my right arm. 

I got the pjs out and the correct diapers for each, but the 2 year old kept saying 'pull up, pull up!...because she wanted the pull up diaper on instead.  It's a new thing for her while she is getting potty trained.  She wears a regular diaper at night, but I watched her pull out 3 pull up diapers and try to put one on, out of my reach, as I struggled to get the baby's diaper on.  My youngest granddaughter apparently doesn't like to get dressed anymore....she absolutely refused to let me put her diaper on!  She rolled over and crawled away, and before I could get her back into position, A plopped down on C's diaper on the floor and wanted me to put that one on her.  She started laughing and C was crying as I moved A and placed C on her diaper again.  C was struggling like crazy and I had a hard time getting that diaper on.  I had my left foot holding down her right arm and my right foot holding down her left arm.  Got it done.  Then came the sleeper.  Oh man, she wouldn't lay still.  I bet I turned her over at least 25 times before I successfully got the thing on her!  Then she sat there crying, and kept hitting her legs, like she was saying, "I don't want this on me!!!"  One down and one more to go!  Actually, I was able to use some bribery to get A to cooperate with the diaper and pjs.  Hint...she likes snacks...and her Annie movie was on pause downstairs.  I don't think she struggles so much about getting dressed like she used to.  She may have outgrown that.  But C has taken over where A left off!  

It wasn't so hard getting C's hair combed, even though it is past her shoulders, but I managed to comb A's hair as she was rolling around in circles on the floor, making shreaking sounds.  Her hair is almost to her butt, so there's lots of hair to get tangled.  With some good aims with the hair detangler, and some more bribing, I finally got her hair combed.  Whew!  On the way downstairs, once again A cried for me to pick her up and carry her down.  Al came to my rescue and picked her up and brought her down.  He said he thinks she was jealous that I was holding C and not her.  That may be, I don't know.  I gave C her bottle and she feel asleep in my arms.  And shortly after putting her to bed, A and I looked at pictures until she started to fall asleep.  I sure love my little sunshines.  Good night!

C

A

CHICAGO IS MY KIND OF TOWN

My youngest daughter lives in Chicago and I recently went there to visit her and her boyfriend, Joey.  Now it's a direct flight that takes just a little longer than the 3 hour drive it used to take me when I lived in Iowa, though I have the added cost of an airline ticket.  She lives within walking distance to the shopping areas on Michigan Avenue and State Street, so I did some Christmas shopping while I was there.  We also drove to the suburbs to see my mom.  I've really missed her, and this visit was our little Christmas together since I won't be able to go back for Christmas.  I think this will only be the third Christmas in my entire life that I won't be able to be with my mom. 

 

 We had a couple of days of snow and the temperatures dropped significantly.  It kept most shoppers away, but not us!  The day before, we were walking around Wrigleyville in the rain!

This tree was at the Christkindlmarket.  It is a pretty neat oudoor area with food, hand-made crafts and gifts from Germany.  It was like shopping in little German markets, and the aromas from the food was wonderful!  We got some hot cider wine...but it was so nasty, I had to throw it out!  At least it came with a cute collectable cup...that I did keep. 

 

One interesting thing worth mentioning is that I used my daughter's car and drove into Davenport to visit family and friends one day.  Well, while I was driving down the interstate I realized I had a flat tire.  I pulled off the road into a gas station and called AAA.  They said it'd be an hour before the technician could get there and I wasn't willing to wait that long.  The station told me they couldn't put a new tire on but the WalMart across the road could.  I saw that the tire wasn't completely flat so I drove slowly to WalMart and by the time I got there, the other rear tire went flat.  Now, what kind of luck is that?  Luckily they were able to get the new tires on and after a 3 hour delay, I was back on the road again.  The reason why the tires went flat is because the car sits in storage and rarely gets driven.  The tires suffered from rubber rot.   The mechanic assured me the front tires were in good shape, so I didn't have to worry about them going out on me, too.

Everyone Needs a Victory

"When you get right down to it, life has a fairly simple formula. Everyone needs a victory every day. That's what keeps us going. Each of us should do what we can to give others opportunities for victories. And each of us should do what we can to minimize moments of defeat for the people we love." —Don Gale

I read this quote on another blog and thought it was so good, I wanted to share it.

Scorpions...you are not welcome in my home!!!

I might as well face it, I live with scorpions.  Since moving from Iowa to the desert of the southwest, I have encountered more critters that I have never even seen before.  One of them is the dreaded scorpion.  I just found another one in my house.  I hadn't seen a scorpion in months, but one managed to find it's way inside again.  This was a little one, but I've been told the little ones are the ones that sting the worst.  I have some garlic cloves in my refrigerator just incase I get stung.  Knock on wood...I've been lucky so far.  I don't want it to sound like my house is infested or anything.  Far from it.  I find scorpions about as often as I used to find a spider in my house back in Iowa.  Not often, but one is far too many as far as I'm concerned! 

I Caught Her!

I was laying in bed early this morning, half asleep, listening to my daughter get ready for work.  This is my last day in Chicago before heading home to Phoenix.  Anyway, I heard a wet sneeze, a couple of them actually, and turned around to see my daughter's cat with her head inside my glass of water!  I'm sure she had been doing that all week long! I should have known better because Daisy used to be my cat, and she would always get up on the coffee table, kitchen counter, or night stand to help herself to my glass of water.  I could never hide it.  I'm sure she thought it was placed there for her convenience so she wouldn't have to walk all the way to the bathroom to get a drink from the toilet.  For some stupid reason I guess I thought she didn't do those things anymore.  She's still a cat, still does what she always did.  Like, right after she took a drink and sneezed in my water, she went into the living room and threw up. I heard that, too.  I am going to miss the little stinker, though!

Here I Go Again!

I'm packed and ready for my trip to Chicago to stay with my daughter.  It's been a few months and I'm looking forward to wrapping my arms around her again.  I love this time of year with all the Christmas lights and holiday shoppers filling the city.  With the gigantic tree up at the John Hancock Center, it really puts you in the Christmas spirit.  Not that I'm not already in the spirit of Christmas...I am.  It's just that it's 79 degrees here right now, and it just doesn't feel like Christmas is upon us.  On the other hand, people in my neighborhood are hanging Christmas lights, the stores are decorated with Christmas displays, all have an abundance of gifts filling the shelves, and shoppers are out in full force.  Oh, and I can't forget, my car radio is set to the Christmas music station!  See below...my favorite Christmas song. :-)

Chicago just got hit with a snowstorm so I've packed all the warm clothes I can fit in my suitcase.  This is nothing new to me, I lived in the midwest last winter.  I am looking forward to seeing the snow again, and this time I don't have to shovel it, or drive in it!  My plans are to drive back to Iowa to visit some friends while I'm there, but I'll have to see how the weather holds out.  I also plan to work out at the gym my daughter belongs to, with a guest pass she has for me...yippee!  Hopefully I can convince her to join me in a zumba class.  Most of all, I'm especially excited to see my mom while I am back home.  I miss her very much.

The Best Christmas Song Ever...

Does the music have to be that loud?

Well I guess my back is pretty much healed from the near crippling trip over a curb 3 weeks ago.  My 'trip' happened while trying to take a picture...go figure!  Al said I kept the camera steady as my body heaved over the curb.  Leave it to me to save my camera at the expense of potentially causing serious harm to my body!  It just happened so fast that I didn't have time to react.  My back was pretty sore for awhile but with the tender care I've been giving it, I think it's back to normal.  My daughter-in-law, who is a nurse practitioner, said it most likely was a strained muscle.  I was able to do my usual routine at the gym tonight, however I did leave the spinning class early, and not because of my back, but because the instructor was blasting the music way too loud.  I couldn't take it any longer, so I unstrapped my pedals and walked out.  On top of the loud music he was playing, he was shouting out his instructions so loudly it seriously made me cringe.  I don't know how anyone else could handle it!  After about a half hour of tormenting my ears, I got out of there.   When the class was over I went into the room after everyone left and told him why I walked out.  I was really nice and told him he was a great teacher and the music was great and all that, it was just too loud for my ears.  I also laughed it off and said that I'm the type of person to wear ear plugs in a bar when a band is playing.  And I told him I will be back to take his class again, only next time I will bring my ear plugs. We'll see if he turns the volume down.  Seriously, my ears are still ringing!  

Life

V.A.C.A.T.I.O.N.

Al and I flew to San Francisco to visit my son, daughter-in-law and grandson, who live north of the city.  The main reason for the trip was to celebrate my grandson's first birthday.   I took a ton of pictures...imagine that!  Mason is absolutely a charming little boy.  He is so good natured, and so happy.  The last night we were there I had tears in my eyes as I rocked him to sleep.  I wish I could spend much more time with him. 

While we were there, Al and I took a drive up to Sonoma and met with some of our former high school friends from Frankfurt American High School, where we all went to school.  Lisa and her husband own a vineyard, and we were treated to a delicious lunch and some wine tasting.  It was so much fun catching up with everyone.  It's been 36 years since we went to school together!

Another day we took a drive up to Stinson Beach.  It was a beautiful, warm day.  Perfect, actually!  Al found two sand dollars for me and I found one myself.  I've been to that beach many times before but never got lucky enough to find a sand dollar.  I was so excited, as you can see!  That's what I like about Al.  He shares in my excitement!

Here's Zach, Mary and Mason.  Mason had a blast.  He loved the water and he even loved eating the sand.

When we left San Francisco, we flew down to San Diego for Al's cousin's wedding. It was a beautiful setting on the beach in La Jolla.   Just look at this photo I took...so breathtaking!!!  The setting for the reception was incredibly beautiful, too.

San Diego is a really cool place.  Like I said, I took so many pictures.  I am only posting a smidget of what I took.   Here's a Koala Bear at the San Diego Zoo.    

I hurt myself while taking this picture.  I tripped over a curb and my body twisted somehow.  Darn it! I was hurting so bad and had to walk through the airport right after it happened.  My back is slowly mending, with the help of a heating pad and Ibuprofen.

The Images of Mom

4 years of age - My Mommy can do anything!
8 years of age - My Mom knows a lot!  A whole lot!
12 years of age - My Mom doesn't know quite everything.
14 years of age - Naturally, Mom doesn't know that either.
16 years of age - Mom?  She's hopelessly old-fashioned.
18 years of age - That old woman?  She's way out of date!
25 years of age - Well, she might know a little bit about it.
35 years of age - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
50 years of age - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 years of age - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

Let Me Introduce You To My Family

I have 3 wonderful grown children, and 3 beautiful grandchildren, who are my pride and joy. 

My oldest daughter is Amber...

Here is Amber, with her husband, Dana.

They gave me two beautiful granddaughters...

Aiyana...

and Clara...

Here's both of the girls on Halloween.  Aren't they cute?



My second child is my son, Zach...

And here is Zach with his wife, Mary...

They gave me a beautiful grandson, Mason...

My third child is Alisa...

And here is Alisa with her boyfriend, Joey...

Here's a picture of the whole clan, with Mary being pregnant with Mason and Amber being pregnant with Clara.  We'll get a more current picture after Christmas when we will all be together.

I love them all so much!

Things That Make Me Feel Good!

Foot massages!!!
Waking up in the morning after having 8 hours of sleep.
Being on the beach.
Listening to a song on the radio that reminds me of a happy memory.
Playing with my grandchildren.
Foot massages!!!
Working out and seeing results.
Knowing I did something to brighten someone else's day.
Getting kisses and hugs from my grandchildren.
Talking to my mom on the phone.
Making dinner for my boyfriend.
Being with family.
Being with friends.
Hearing someone say I love you and knowing they really mean it.
A glass of red wine.
Dark chocolate.
An unexpected breeze on a hot day.
Wrapping my hands around a cup of hot coffee in the morning.
Foot massages!!!
Getting my hair done.
Laughing so hard that my stomache hurts.
Making someone else laugh so hard.
Being noticed.
Movies/TV shows that make me laugh and cry.
Music that makes me feel like dancing.
A relaxing, hot bath with a candle burning and music playing.
Having some alone time.
Finishing a great book.
Starting a new book.
A beautiful, sunny day.
Waking up after a good dream.
Having all of my grown kids come home at the same time.
Making someone feel special.
When someone makes me feel special.
Foot massages!!! ;-)

Funny, but true...

I don't know who to give credit to for writing this, but my daughter sent it to me and I wanted to share it... :-)
Important Women's Health Issue: 

* Do you have feelings of inadequacy?
* Do you suffer from shyness?
* Do you sometimes wish you were more assertive?
* Do you suffer exhaustion from the day to day grind?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist about Margaritas.

Margaritas are the safe, natural way to feel better and more confident
about yourself and your actions. Margaritas can help ease you out of
your shyness and let you tell the world that you're ready and willing
to do just about anything. You will notice the benefits of Margaritas
almost immediately and with a regimen of regular doses you can
overcome any obstacles that prevent you from living the life you want
to live.

Shyness and awkwardness will be a thing of the past and you will
discover many talents you never knew you had. Stop hiding and start
living, with Margaritas.

Margaritas may not be right for everyone. Women who are pregnant or
nursing should not use Margaritas. However, women who wouldn't mind
nursing or becoming pregnant are encouraged to try it.

Side effects may include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Incarceration
- Erotic lustfulness
- Loss of motor control
- Loss of clothing
- Loss of money
- Loss of virginity
- Table dancing
- Headache
- Dehydration
- Dry mouth
- And a desire to sing Karaoke

WARNINGS:
* The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you are whispering when you are not.
* The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to tell your friends over
and over again that you love them.
* The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to think you can sing.
* The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you can logically
converse with members of the opposite sex without spitting.

Please share this with other women who may need Margaritas.

Working Out

I am one of those people who has always worked out.  Well, at least for the past 15 years, or so.  I don't do it aggressively, but I do it regularly.  Because I am 54 years old, it does take a lot more work to see the results that I would like.  Oh well, that's life!  My reasons for excercising are to keep my body fit, lower my blood pressure, and maintain a healthy heart.  For the past 3 years I had been using weights at home, running outdoors or on the treadmill, or riding my bike.  I recently joined a new gym that opened up in my area.  Part of my decision to join a gym was to get out of the Arizona heat (summers are brutal when you are trying to run), use the weights for body toning, and take classes for the cardiovascular workout and hopefully to meet some new friends.  I am new to Arizona, and I don't really know very many people here other than my daughter and her family. 

Besides spinning, step, yoga, boot camp, etc., one of the classes I have really enjoyed taking is Zumba, or Latin Heat.  It incorporates different dance techniques to Latin music, like salsa, cumbia, calypso, mambo and rumba for a total body workout.  We also do a little hip-hop and belly dancing. Since I love to dance, this class is right up my alley, even though I have a hard time with some of those moves!  You don't have to dance with a partner, so it's perfect for someone who loves to dance but doesn't get the opportunity to go out and do it often.  And, you are working out in such a fun way...everybody seems to love it...I know I do!

My first post....

I created this blog as a means to put my thoughts down and hopefully share my experiences with others who are at this stage of their lives.  We all have so much to offer the younger generation, but we really have a lot to offer each other as well.  So many times I have thought of starting a blog but just never really knew what topic I wanted to pursue.  I had other ideas but just shook them off.  Then suddenly it hit me.  This is what I live, breath and do everyday...which is, deal with the fact that I am getting older.  So is everyone else, so it's a topic that will never grow old! lol

When I was young, say 21 years old, I thought 28 was old!  Then at 30, I thought 40 was old.  At 50, I didn’t feel old, but the number itself made me feel kind of old.  Inside I felt the same and on the outside I didn’t look much different than at 40, but the number ‘5’ out front made me feel like I was in a whole new category of adulthood, and I had a hard time admitting I was 50 to others.   Funny thing is, nobody really asks your age when you start getting up there in years.  Have you noticed that?  When did that start happening?   I realized ten years ago that the whole year I was 44, nobody ever asked my age.  I went the entire year not ever telling anyone how old I was because nobody asked.  I felt I got robbed out of a year of being only 44 instead of now being an older person of 45!

One thing I can say for sure is this.  Being in my 50's is not as bad as I used to think it would be.  It's all relative.  As long as a person takes care of themselves, feels good, is healthy, then there's no reason why this age should feel any differently.  I'll get into more of that later.  For now, I just wanted to get my first post up!  So, if there's anybody out there who is interested in reading my blog...thank you!!!