“Having somewhere to go is home – having someone to love is family. Having both is a blessing.” ~Unknown
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Another fun-filled day in Grandma-land.
We did some silly dancing before bed with Minions dancing to Michael Jackson’s “Billy Jean.” 🕺🏼
Winding down? Getting ready for Christmas. 🎄
Happy Thursday, my friend.
“If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.”
~Mother Teresa
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Another exciting day in Grandma-land. We did some activities in the books from Auntie Debbie. Later, we went to the library in the morning, had lunch, then the girls and mommy went to open gymnastics. Then, more snacking, eating, playing, lighting the candles and all the pre-bedtime rituals. A busy day.
I hope you’re having a wonderful Wednesday.
“In time of test, family is best.” – Burmese Proverb.
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Another busy day in Grandma-land. We worked on some craft projects, colored, played all kinds of games like “Grandma the blanket thief”, and snacked a lot.
The little one wanted some “Daddy Ice Cream.l” this afternoon. Apparently, when she was in the store with Mommy, she saw Daddy’s picture on the Ben and Jerrys ice cream and asked why Daddy’s picture was in there. Cute? Turns out that she thinks Daddy looks like Jimmy Fallon from the Tonight Show. I agree.
Another fun and funny day in Grandma-land.
“Becoming a grandmother is wonderful. One moment you’re just a mother. The next, you are all wise and prehistoric.” ~Pam Brown
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Another exciting day in Grandma-land. This morning was so cold, but the sun was out. Later, we went to the Kohl Children’s Museum in Glenview. The girls had a lot of fun running around and playing with all the interactive activities.
The afternoon was filled with crafts, snacks, games, tv and general craziness. Another good day.
“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” – Edith Wharton
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A very cold Sunday morning, around 15°. But, the sun was out, which made it less oppressive, but not much. My son and I went to 9:30 Mass at St. Norbett’s, it was a good day.
Todays Gospel was the story of the Angel appearing to Joseph to tell him that Mary was carrying left through the Holy Spirit.
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,
but before they lived together,
she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,
yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means “God is with us.”
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took his wife into his home.
My take on it… sometimes we are asked to make difficult decisions and perform difficult tasks along our journey in life. “It ‘ain’t’ always easy.”
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After Mass, we stopped at Dunkin Donuts for a hot chocolate and tea. It was very nice mother/son bonding time. A good time to talk and share. We haven’t done this in a long time.
When we got home, the girls were all set and ready for action. A lot of playing, crafting, singing, dancing, and eating.
Happy Sunday, my friends.
“I put my grandma on speed dial, it’s called insta-gram.” – Unknown
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Saturday, winter break has started and real winter is here, very cold, except for a big snow, but that is expected later in the week.
The morning started with dance class for the girls, the last class for a few weeks. It was also pajama party day. Grandma enjoyed watching her little ones running and dancing and having so Fuchs fun.
Let the festivities begin…
Happy Saturday, my friends.
“A grandma is warm hugs and sweet memories.” —Barbara Cage
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Today was the last morning of early rising and scrambling to get up for school and work. Now, winter break begins. For the little ones.
It’s been pretty cold, and we had a few snow flurries this morning, but nothing to write home about. (Oh wait.l. I am writing home about it…🤦♀️) A little white on the roof, but no accumulation… yet. But, it’s on the way. It is Chicago, after all.
Now, for the latest installment of… ELVIS ON THE SHELVIS….
Happy Friday, my friends.
“Children are a great comfort in your old age, and they help you reach it faster, too.”– Lionel Kauffman
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Well, I’ve been in Grandma-land for a dozen days now. I’ve come to realize that chasing little ones around is not for the faint of heart, nor for the old of heart. My hat goes off to all those grandparents who watch little ones all the time. Bless you!
Belle, the newly turned 6 year old asked me this evening at bedtime why my hair wasn’t gray, because I’m a grandma? I said, “Wait, by the time I leave, it will be!” Not really, I didn’t say that, but I thought it. 🤦♀️
This morning, everyone got off to school and work, and I waited for my dear friend Debbie to come for a visit. Debbie and I taught school together at Conrady Jr. High in the 70’s B.C. (Before Children) She taught English and I taught Art. A great team. She corrected my grammar, and I would draw pictures for her. Good times.
Guess where we went for lunch???
Debbie was kind enough to travel over an hour from the city out to the burbs. We did a bunch of shopping after lunch, she brought a bunch of presents for the girls and some for me, and we had such a nice visit.I felt bad because she got stuck in traffic on the way home, and it took her an hour and a half home, with a dusting of snow. Now, that’s a good friend. Thanks Deb!
“Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!”
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Another birthday celebration here in Grandma-land. The little one turned 4, and was greeted this morning with balloons, hugs, kisses and wonderful birthday wishes. Then more celebrating at pre-school, with Mom and Dad visiting. Dinner at PF Changs and a surprise fiery sparkler dessert, followed by birthday cake and more presents at home. Can you say birthday overload?
“Time flies when you’re having fun, but rolls back in time when you are with old friends.”
~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis
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Today was our annual Christmas/birthday celebration with the old girlfriends from bowling. We all get together during the Christmas holidays when I’m in town.
As per tradition, Vicky picks me up, we pick up massive quantities of food at Pita Inn, go back to her house, then eat like there’s no tomorrow. When we finish, Vicky gets out all the makings for her famous baklava. She prepares a great big pan, and as tradition demands, I always say, “Thank you! That looks so good. Aren’t you going to make any for your family.” (She always gives me most of it to take back with me.”
After it came out of the oven, we had some tea and fresh from the oven baklava. Now here comes the painful part… this was about 3:30, and we were meeting the other girls for dinner at 5. 🤦♀️
We also celebrated Lin’s and Vicky’s birthday. A good time was had by all.
Good friends. Good times. Terrific Tuesday.
Toni Andrukaitis 