Blog Feed: Grandma's Briefs

Child Hunger Ends Here: Something sweet for your support

Published on 2012-05-25 06:00:54

This is my last post as a blogger ambassador for the ConAgra Foods Child Hunger Ends Here campaign. The campaign isn't over, nor is the need for support for food-insecure children across the country. My ambassadorship, though, comes to an end next week. In light of that, I'd like to circle back to the beginning, to why I was—and still am—delighted to have been chosen along with a handful of other bloggers nationwide to promote Child Hunger Ends Here. It all boils down to this: I like [..] > read more

A full nest once more

Published on 2012-05-24 06:00:21

No, my daughters haven't moved home. And, no, my grandsons aren't visiting. Still, the nest is full. Literally. The nest right outside my window, the one nearest my desk, where I spend much of my day. Mourning doves usually inhabit the nest each season. Which doesn't always turn out so well. A couple weeks ago, though, this is what I noticed: > read more

Meet Margaret, this week's Grilled Grandma

Published on 2012-05-23 06:00:09

What is a Grilled Grandma? A Grilled Grandma is a grandma whom I've grilled with some grandma-related questions, and she's graciously responded with answers and photos. Here is Grilled Grandma Margaret: How many children do you have? I have 3 sons; my husband has 3 daughters. (The Brady Bunch...without an Alice.) How many grandchildren? What are their ages? Between us, we have 13.I have 8 grandchildren living in Texas, Kansas, and Connecticut. They are 22 (a step-granddaughter), 1 [..] > read more

To each his own

Published on 2012-05-22 06:00:34

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GRAND Social — Grandparent linky — May 21

Published on 2012-05-21 06:00:34

Welcome to the second edition of the GRAND Social linky for grandparent bloggers. It's easy to participate: If you're a blogger and a grandparent, fall in and link up. If you're a reader, grandparent or not, pick a few posts—or all the posts—to visit and share some comment love. How it works: All grandparent bloggers are invited to add a link. You don't have to blog specifically about grandparenting, you just must be a grandparent who blogs. Posts shared can be new, old, one yo [..] > read more

Photo replay: Tux time

Published on 2012-05-20 06:00:59

Baby Mac and Bubby are slated to star in the wedding of their Aunt Megan (Preston's sister) in June. They recently got their tuxes, and my Megan texted photos of the boys trying on their finery, pre-tailoring. (Yeah, Bubby's a tad pale but, meh, it's a photo from a phone. Still cute.) Today's fill in the blank: The last wedding I attended was _____________. > read more

The Saturday Post: "Friends" edition

Published on 2012-05-19 06:00:16

It's been a rather serious week here on Grandma's Briefs, what with stories of guilt and attacks and serious safety hazards. I say it's time for a change of pace, time to lighten the mood. In other words, it's time for my favorite funny fellas, the masters of all things silly: Flight of the Conchords. Happy Saturday to you, my friends. ♪ La, la, la, la! ♪ > read more

Batteries included: Childproofing Grandma's house

Published on 2012-05-18 06:01:06

During the days I served as sole caretaker of Bubby and Baby Mac a few weeks ago, Baby Mac's favorite thing to get into was the television cabinet. He loved nabbing the Wii remotes hidden within and walking around with one in each hand. If he didn't feel like going through the hassle of wrangling the Wii remotes out of the cabinet, he simply grabbed the universal remote for the television, which was usually nearby on the recliner or ottoman. The kid likes remotes. No big deal. Turns out it is a [..] > read more

Flowers and dogs

Published on 2012-05-17 06:01:04

I originally planned a rant-filled post for today to talk about my terrifying experience walking my dogs on Tuesday, the day a stray dog—yes, a pit bull, but let's not go there as my Mickey is part pit bull—attacked Mickey, Lyla, and myself as we headed home. Mickey took the brunt of it...no, all of it. I was going to show you pictures like this (graphic and hard to look at) one of my poor Mickey when he returned from the vet after the attack: > read more

Meet Debbie, this week's Grilled Grandma

Published on 2012-05-16 06:01:04

What is a Grilled Grandma? A Grilled Grandma is a grandma whom I've grilled with some grandma-related questions, and she's graciously responded with answers and photos. Here is Grilled Grandma Debbie: How many children do you have? Two. My daughter Krista is 30, and my son Tim is 26. How many grandchildren? What are their ages? I have four grandkids, with one on the way. Krista has Sara, 4 1/2, Patrick, 3, and Becca, 1 1/2. Their baby brother, Zachary, is expected in July. Tim is th [..] > read more

Grandma guilt strikes again

Published on 2012-05-15 06:01:26

Through the 20+ years I spent raising my three daughters, guilt was an emotion I wore reluctantly yet often. Daily, in fact. Obsessively. The list of things I—and other mothers, surely—had to feel guilty about was endless. Did I nurse long enough? Too long? Eat correctly to make the best breastmilk I could? Oh, I should not have had that beer...or the second one. Did I start them in school too early? Too late? Help them enough with their homework? Or too much? And the clothes, the co [..] > read more

Introducing GRAND Social — A linky for grandparent bloggers

Published on 2012-05-14 01:00:13

My friend and fellow grandma blogger Connie recently started a linky called Say It Saturday on her Family Home and Life blog. For those who don't know what a linky is, it's a feature that invites other bloggers to add blog post links related to a particular topic, and Connie's chosen topic is anything related to grandparenting. Connie's hope with the SIS feature is to help create a network for fellow grandparent bloggers. Right away Connie had several grandma bloggers posting their links, myself [..] > read more

Happy Mother's Day

Published on 2012-05-13 05:00:19

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The Saturday Post: Historical misconceptions edition

Published on 2012-05-12 06:00:18

A few things to consider, courtesy of Open Culture. > read more

Friday field trip: Children's Museum of Phoenix

Published on 2012-05-11 06:00:37

On the final day of my recent stay with Bubby and Baby Mac, we went to the Children's Museum of Phoenix. The museum is located less than 10 minutes from the airport, so it was a great way to end the visit—and gave us a spot to play in case my flight was delayed. The Children's Museum of Phoenix is three floors of fun and one of Bubby's favorite places to play. It was Baby Mac's first time there, and he found plenty of fun himself. We started on the top floor, with the plan to work our way [..] > read more

Cooking, codes, and ending child hunger

Published on 2012-05-10 06:00:57

Since becoming a blogger ambassador for ConAgra Foods' Child Hunger Ends Here campaign, I've made a concentrated effort to purchase as many of the specially marked products that have a code that converts to a meal for food-insecure children when entered on the Child Hunger Ends Here website. The product I've bought most of is the Hunt's Pasta Sauce. Next up would be the Hunt's Tomato Sauce. That's because I have recipes I've made for years and years that use exactly those items. But I was ready [..] > read more

Introducing Grilled Grandma Nancy

Published on 2012-05-09 06:00:42

What is a Grilled Grandma? A Grilled Grandma is a grandma whom I've grilled with some grandma-related questions, and she's graciously responded with answers and photos. Here is Grilled Grandma Nancy: > read more

Never too old to learn: 11 lessons Gramma wants to take

Published on 2012-05-08 06:00:57

I've been a huge fan of this season's The Voice, which ends tonight (go, Juliet!). Since the very first episode, the coaches—Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green and Adam Levine—have regularly commented about singers being "pitchy." Well, I don't really know for certain what pitchy means, but I'm pretty sure I'm exactly that (and probably worse) when I sing. Years of chronic laryngitis and resorting to whistling have left my singing ability with much to be desired. As I san [..] > read more

Wherein I pat myself on the back and reveal a secret

Published on 2012-05-07 06:00:26

I've posted pictures and praise a time or two here on Grandma's Briefs about the accomplishments of my daughters when it comes to races and running. I'm proud of them and their pursuits, and I sincerely wish I could do the same. On Saturday I came close to exactly that, in a relative sort of way, and I'm pretty darn proud of myself. Hence the "pat myself on the back" part of the title. In order for that pat to make sense to most readers, though, I must first share a secret. Well, it's not really [..] > read more

Photo replay: Grandma's favorite Things

Published on 2012-05-06 06:00:54

I always swore I'd never wear a grandma sweatshirt or T-shirt. That was before seeing this one and the related shirts for Baby Mac and Bubby that Megan and Preston brought back from their conference. I am indeed the Grandmother of all Things—well, at least two of them—and will proudly wear the title and T-shirt. Have a magical Sunday! > read more

The Saturday Post: Granny O'Grimm edition

Published on 2012-05-05 06:00:56

Forget Julia Roberts in Mirror, Mirror and Charlize Theron in Snow White and the Huntsman, this is a fairy tale for the grandma gang. I love the line, "She'd show them how it is to feel old and constantly sleepy." Oh, yeah! Today's question: What was your favorite fairy tale as a child—or now? > read more

Small talk with my grandson

Published on 2012-05-04 06:00:24

Bubby, at nearly four years old, has reached the age where we can easily converse about this and that. I understand all he says; he understands most of what I say. When he doesn't understand, he's quick to request clarification with a blunt, "What do you MEAN, Gramma?" I've never been good at small talk, but when it's with Bubby, I'm easily engaged and entertained as long for as he's willing to keep up the chatter. I love to hear his thoughts, his interesting view on the world around him and the [..] > read more

Boys and girl's toys

Published on 2012-05-03 06:00:34

Yes, the apostrophe use—and non use—in the title above is correct, for today's post is about two boys and their discovery of one girl's toys. You see, Megan has agreed to babysit a 16-month-old little girl a couple of days a week. Her first day on the job was Monday, while I was still visiting. Daisy* arrived with all the basic supplies plus a big bundle of her favorite toys. A smart inclusion, those playthings, considering Megan's house is inhabited by little boys, with nary a girl [..] > read more

Introducing Grilled Grandma Kayann

Published on 2012-05-02 06:00:31

What is a Grilled Grandma? A Grilled Grandma is a grandma whom I've grilled with some grandma-related questions, and she's graciously responded with answers and photos. Here is Grilled Grandma Kayann: How many children do you have? I have three children - a son Patrick and a daughter Becky who both live near Portland, Oregon. I lost my son David on September 11 at the Pentagon.How many grandchildren? What are their ages? Six grandchildren: Sophie 15, Meredith 12, and Dave, Jr. 10, who a [..] > read more

Grandparents raising grandchildren: Advice from the trenches

Published on 2012-05-01 06:01:00

Regular Grandma's Briefs readers may be familiar with Sally Kabak. She often comments here on Grandma's Briefs, was featured as a Grilled Grandma nearly two years ago, and she's founder of a popular New Zealand blog for and about grandparents raising grandchildren. Sally recently wrote a book on the topic, called Grandchildren, Our Hopes and Dreams: A Practical and Modern Guide to Raising Grandchildren. Sally's book is exactly what she says it is: a practical guide for grandparents raising grand [..] > read more

15 mommy things grandmas may have forgotten

Published on 2012-04-30 06:00:24

Until the past week, I'd forgotten all of this: 1. How often drinks spill. 2. If you think you have 20 minutes before the kids wake up, take the shower right then—without dawdling—for you really only have 10. 3. Ponytails are a mom's best friend. 4. Dishes and dusting CAN wait...and usually do. Along with answering email, reading, and going to the bathroom when you have to. 5. The shape a sandwich is cut into and whether the crusts are left on or not really do make or break lunch tim [..] > read more

Photo replay: Mini Mouseketeers

Published on 2012-04-29 06:00:27

Bubby and Baby Mac enjoying Mickey Mouse Clubhouse—and each other: April 28, 2012 Today's question: Who were the stars of the show when you last watched Mickey Mouse Club? > read more

The Saturday Post: Hocus pocus edition

Published on 2012-04-28 06:02:06

I'm a huge fan of magic. I love the illusions of Houdini and David Blaine and even Criss Angel (the early stuff from Blaine and Angel, though, before they went commercial and stupid). Because of my love for magic, one of the most enjoyable ways Bubby has matured since I last saw him is that he now likes to entertain me with magic tricks. His wizardry usually involves making another chair, bike, or toy appear seemingly out of nowhere. At this point, his sleight of hand is preceded by him saying, [..] > read more

ConAgra employees work (and play) to end child hunger

Published on 2012-04-27 06:00:41

As a blogger ambassador for ConAgra Foods' Child Hunger Ends Here campaign, I've mentioned a couple times the passionate involvement in the campaign by a handful of musicians. Jewel, Jay Sean, and Owl City are just a few of the celebrities graciously lending their talents to help end child hunger. But regular folk are doing the same, and none more passionately than the employees at ConAgra Foods who sing the campaign's praises and further its progress on a daily basis. To share that passion and [..] > read more

Grandma's ultimate challenge

Published on 2012-04-26 06:00:41

I cannot lie: The last couple days caring for my grandsons around the clock has been a bit of a challenge. Why? Because Baby Mac has got to be the most strong-willed bundle of energy I have ever come across. Baby Mac's steadfast determination to keep up with brother Bubby—who will be four years old in June, compared to Baby Mac turning one year old the same month—has kept me hopping, to say the least. He thinks he should be able to do ab-so-lute-ly everything his brother does, despit [..] > read more

Introducing Grilled Grandma Connie

Published on 2012-04-25 06:00:34

What is a Grilled Grandma? A Grilled Grandma is a grandma whom I've grilled with some grandma-related questions, and she's graciously responded with answers and photos. Here is Grilled Grandma Connie: How many children do you have? We have 5, his and mine, 3 daughters and 2 sons. How many grandchildren? What are their ages? There are 9 grand kids, and 4 surrogate grand kids. > read more

Grandmas are fast learners

Published on 2012-04-24 06:00:07

Things I picked up on rather quickly during my current desert visit: Today's question: What have you learned in the last few days? > read more

What is a grandma?

Published on 2012-04-23 06:00:32

My website stats show that folks often arrive at Grandma's Briefs by way of the search query, "What is a grandma?" As we grandmas darn well know, defining who and what we are isn't as simple as penning a few sentences similar to a dictionary entry. That said, the Grilled Grandmas are experts in the field, so I figured combining their answers to the grilling question of "What one word do you hope your grandkids think of when they think of you?" would provide a pretty darn accurate answer of what [..] > read more

Photo replay: Walking partners

Published on 2012-04-22 06:01:24

My walking partners for the week: Baby Mac & Bubby — April 18, 2012 They'll surely be easier to keep up with than Mickey and Lyla. Especially because if we happen upon a wild animal, they'll run from it rather than to it like the dogs do. I hope. Happy Sunday, one and all! > read more

The Saturday Post: Mama Then & Now edition

Published on 2012-04-21 06:01:00

The International Museum of Women recently launched Mama Then and Now, the latest gallery in the moving and thought-provoking online exhibition called MAMA: Motherhood Around the Globe. MAMA: Motherhood Around the Globe explores the lives, visions and voices of mothers from more than 60 countries. Personal stories are shared through original creative works including film, music, art and more. One of the highlights of Mama Then and Now is the following video in which women from around the world r [..] > read more

National Humor Month: Giggles and grins for kids

Published on 2012-04-20 06:00:23

April is National Humor Month. Don't let it end without getting in a few giggles, grins, and groans with the grandkids. Here are a few to get things started: What does a baby ear of corn call its father?Pop Corn. Why are movie stars cool?Because they have so many fans.How many months have 28 days?All of them. Two snowmen are standing in a meadow. One snowman turns to the other and says, "Do you smell carrots?" What is the strongest bird? A crane.On which side does a leopard have the most spots? [..] > read more

Missing the ordinary everydayness

Published on 2012-04-19 06:01:03

Now that my kids are long grown and long gone, I occasionally miss the little things about having kids in our midst. Like watching them fully engaged in and enjoying ordinary, everyday activities. No posing or posturing, just playing. Fortunately I have Megan to text me photos of ordinary everyday moments that, to a grandmother, are not that ordinary at all anymore and are truly something special to see. To wit, scenes from a recent playdate—an afternoon hosted by Bubby and Baby Mac, featu [..] > read more

Introducing Grilled Grandma Diane

Published on 2012-04-18 06:01:16

What is a Grilled Grandma? A Grilled Grandma is a grandma whom I've grilled with some grandma-related questions, and she's graciously responded with answers and photos. Here is Grilled Grandma Diane: How many children do you have? 4 wonderful sons!How many grandchildren? What are their ages? I have 7 wigglies – that’s my name for them I use in my blogs, radio and such. From Son #1 – 3 = Austin 11, Braiden 8 and Colten 4.From Son #2 - 2 = Clayton 9, and Callie is 7.Son #3 i [..] > read more

Grandma's going to the desert and in her bag she'll pack...

Published on 2012-04-17 06:00:31

I leave Friday for a twelve-day visit with my grandsons—seven days of which I'll be sole caretaker of kids while Megan and Preston attend an out-of-state conference. In campfire-game fashion, I've made a list to ensure I remember all I need for the duration of my longest desert stay yet. Grandma's going to the desert and in her bag she'll pack... A — Aluminum foil for trying the back yard foil river we never got around to doing last time. B — Bandaids to share with the boys. D [..] > read more

Once upon an unstable grandma

Published on 2012-04-16 06:00:59

Based on a long-ago experience and a memory forever ingrained in my mind, I for many years felt sorry for a childhood friend because of her grandma's instability and erratic behavior. It's only since becoming a grandma myself that I've realized that particular grandmother was not only stable as stable can be, but that I've acted just like her on occasion. I lived in Minnesota and was in second or third grade at the time of the incident. On one particular bus ride from my school in town back to t [..] > read more

Photo replay: Bee season

Published on 2012-04-15 06:00:57

More from my back yard: Enjoy your Sunday! > read more

The Saturday Post: Alive Inside edition

Published on 2012-04-14 06:00:26

Yet another testament to the power of music. And the iPod. Today's question: What music do you currently have on your iPod or other music device? > read more

Music feeds the soul and more

Published on 2012-04-13 06:00:52

I have pretty diverse taste in music. That said, I doubt I would have ever heard of Jay Sean if not for the ConAgra Foods Child Hunger Ends Here campaign. I'm delighted to have "met" him through the campaign, though, and would like to now introduce him to you. Not only does Jay Sean have a good voice—I know that for a fact because I used the code from a can of Hunt's Pasta Sauce to download his version of Here's Hope—he has a good heart, too, and is passionate about helping end child [..] > read more

Snickers, smiles, and laughing out loud

Published on 2012-04-12 06:00:26

I'm not one to laugh out loud a whole heck of a lot. I'm a fairly happy person, I've got a pretty active funny bone, but I tend to snicker or chuckle or just plain smile at things that might make others literally LOL. Except, of course, when it comes to my kids and grandkids. My daughters make me laugh out loud. Often. Once, when Megan and Andrea (my youngest two) were away at college, they came home for the weekend. The Monday they left, I spent a good while trying to figure out why I had such [..] > read more

Introducing Grilled Grandma Merci

Published on 2012-04-11 06:01:01

What is a Grilled Grandma? A Grilled Grandma is a grandma whom I've grilled with some grandma-related questions, and she's graciously responded with answers and photos. Here is Grilled Grandma Merci: How many children do you have? 1 daughter and 1 son. How many grandchildren? What are their ages? 2 - a girl, 5, and a boy, soon to be 2. Any great grandchildren? No What do your grandchildren call you? Nunna (Maltese for Grandma) After the initial elation, what was your first concern upon hearin [..] > read more

Nine in five

Published on 2012-04-10 06:00:51

Nine things I've learned in the last five days: 1. I will never again use Kool-Aid to color Easter eggs. The colors aren't vibrant, purple turns brown, green is impossible (even if you mix yellow and blue), and the color doesn't stay on the eggs very well at all. 2. Woodpeckers will from now on be called Woodeffers by me because they do nothing but eff up the wood on the side of my house. And they chuckle from the trees when I chase them off, only to return to their previous effing pecking spot [..] > read more

Lesson learned

Published on 2012-04-09 06:00:31

Not long ago, I wrote in this post of Bubby's utter and undisguised disappointment in the gift I sent him for Valentine's Day. He made it perfectly clear then that little boys want toys not something practical in the gifts they open from their grandma. So when looking for small gifts to mail to Bubby and Baby Mac for Easter, I thought long and hard about my choices, hoping to hit the mark on two counts: 1) they were toys, and 2) they were toys my grandsons would like. For Bubby the Batman fanati [..] > read more

Happy Easter

Published on 2012-04-08 06:00:34

Graphic: The North End Loft > read more

The Saturday Post: Egg inspiration edition

Published on 2012-04-07 06:00:35

Tonight Jim, Brianna, Andrea and I will color our Easter eggs. I thought I was being fairly creative by breaking with tradition and buying all we need to try decorating our eggs using Kool Aid. Well, let's just say our colorful eggs to come ain't got nothing on these interesting creations, some of which I plan to try out next year. Today's question: What is your most tried and true egg-decorating technique? > read more

Grandma was a bully

Published on 2012-04-06 06:00:43

I'm ashamed to admit that I was a sixth-grade bully. As an individual, I didn't have the personality to be a bully on my own. But in a group, I was just as guilty as the others of hurtful and hateful acts upon fellow students. Two acts stand out in my memory: • Once when the teacher had left the room for a bit, my classmates and I managed to hang a shorter classmate from a classroom doorknob by the band of his underwear. The bigger and tougher boys grabbed him and hung him while many of us [..] > read more

Easter in an empty nest: 9 no longers

Published on 2012-04-05 06:01:06

1. No longer do I set out Easter decorations. At least not this year. Maybe next year. Or maybe at least a centerpiece for Easter dinner this year. Maybe. 2. No longer do I buy Easter outfits. 3. No longer do I referee arguments during egg coloring over who got the purple first, who dipped their "dirty" blue spoon into the yellow, and who is copying whom on the designs drawn with crayons. 4. No longer do I have three girls in the pew next to me covering their ears so they don't jump at the stre [..] > read more

Introducing Grilled Grandma Cheryl

Published on 2012-04-04 06:00:20

What is a Grilled Grandma? A Grilled Grandma is a grandma whom I've grilled with some grandma-related questions, and she's graciously responded with answers and photos. Here is Grilled Grandma Cheryl: How many children do you have? Six children and they are 29, 26, 25, 24, 15, and 13How many grandchildren? OneWhat are their ages? 17 monthsAny great grandchildren? NoWhat do your grandchildren call you? Grandmum (grandson lives in U.K.)After the initial elation, what was your first concern upon h [..] > read more

Bad grandma

Published on 2012-04-03 06:00:33

I've always fancied myself a pretty darn good grandma, one who goes out of her way to spread love and joy and special acts of kindness and self-sacrifice all for the sake of her grandsons. A conversation I had with Megan over the weekend made it clear my delusions of grandmotherly grandeur and goodness may be exactly that—delusions. I'm not all that good. And not all that self-sacrificing. At least not all the time. I'm scheduled to soon babysit Bubby and Baby Mac for the longest duration [..] > read more

My backyard buds

Published on 2012-04-02 06:00:09

A weekend of record-breaking temps and abundant sunshine caused many a plant at my place to burst forth with joy far sooner than they typically do. Here are a few shots I took around my yard Saturday and Sunday: Of course, the guy below was pretty happy with the warmth, too, as was his camera-shy cohort who slithered away before I could capture them together—in a photo, not in my hands! Today's question: What signs of spring are you seeing around your place? > read more

Photo replay: The obsession continues

Published on 2012-04-01 06:00:22

Thursday was dress-up day for Bubby at preschool. All the kids were to dress as their favorite character from a book. Megan checked in advance and all books—including comic books—were acceptable inspiration. Naturally, Bubby chose the following character: Clearly my grandson has an obsession. One my daughter is enabling, to be sure. Today's question: Who is your current favorite character from a book? (And don't worry—I won't expect you to dress like him or her.) > read more

The Saturday Post: Rise of the Guardians edition

Published on 2012-03-31 06:01:43

Spring may have just sprung, but it's never too early for a movie lover to start making her list of must-see films for the holiday season. The following trailer hit the Internet just this week, and it's a movie I definitely want to take Bubby to see when it comes out around Thanksgiving. (That is, I must add, as long as the yet-to-be-rated movie ends up PG or tamer; I've mentioned before my cringe-worthy experience with Bubby and a PG-13 movie.) Movie talk aside, spring has indeed sprung. Cheer [..] > read more

Anyone up for show and tell?

Published on 2012-03-30 06:00:52

It's Friday. It's been a whirlwind of a week for many of us, me included. And I think we should end on an easy note. Which means: Show and tell time! Let's all share something from the past week. Something that was awesome, exciting, exhilarating, or, as in my case, scary as . What I'm sharing is that I was on television on Tuesday morning to promote the Child Hunger Ends Here campaign. I've never been on TV before. I've jumped out of an airplane before (tandem jump, of course), and though I did [..] > read more

Irrefutable proof

Published on 2012-03-29 06:00:09

There's been much discussion and debate among family and friends as to whom Baby Mac takes after—Mommy Megan or Daddy Preston. Since Baby Mac first arrived on the scene, I've always leaned toward him taking after Preston's side of the family. Many folks agreed. Even Megan. This week, though, Megan stumbled across some old photos of herself at Baby Mac's age and matched up one of her photos with a recent one of her baby boy: Megan on the left; Baby Mac on the right. While the photo may be [..] > read more

Introducing Grilled Grandma Liz

Published on 2012-03-28 06:00:08

What is a Grilled Grandma? A Grilled Grandma is a grandma whom I've grilled with some grandma-related questions, and she's graciously responded with answers and photos. Here is Grilled Grandma Liz: How many children do you have? 1 daughter, Vera How many grandchildren? What are their ages? 2 - a girl, Natalie, 6 1/2; and a boy, Liam, 4 1/2 Any great grandchildren? no What do your grandchildren call you? Grandma Shoes—Natalie named me and it stuck. After the initial elation, what was you [..] > read more

She came in through the (bedroom) window

Published on 2012-03-27 06:01:00

I write picture books. I've yet to have one published. Thanks to a particularly challenging last week or so as it relates to such things, picture books have been on my mind lately. A lot. And not just as they relate to kids. As a mom, I had a favorite picture book I regularly read, regularly cried to, regularly gave as a baby shower gift to moms-to-be. As a grandma, I learned the error of my ways—at least as far as giving that favorite picture book to new mothers. The book of which I speak [..] > read more

Meanwhile, back at the ranch

Published on 2012-03-26 06:00:16

As I'd mentioned we'd hoped to, Jim and I spent Saturday afternoon at my sister's ranch, and we were delighted Brianna accepted our invitation to join us. We rode ATVs... Gave target practice our best shot... Indulged in a little horseplay... And enjoyed time with family we hadn't seen in a while... Three things I learned from the day: 1. Allow more time next visit so we can go on an actual horseback ride after warming up the horses in the corral. 2. I'm a far better shot with a .22 than I&m [..] > read more

Photo replay: Seeing trails

Published on 2012-03-25 06:00:20

When I stepped outside Friday morning to walk the dogs, this is what I saw: Facing west... > read more

The Saturday Post: Budapest edition

Published on 2012-03-24 06:00:24

From Billy Collins, former US Poet Laureate (2001-2003): Considering trading in my keyboard for a fountain pen! Today's question: When did you last write any form of poetry? > read more

Grandma's a chicken

Published on 2012-03-23 06:00:23

♪♫ "Grandma's a chicken. ♪ Grandma's a chicken." ♪♫ That's what my sister told me last week. Well, no she didn't. I'm not only a chicken, I'm a liar, too. My sister didn't tell me that at all. That's just what I felt like after getting off the phone with her. Not only did I feel like a chicken, I felt like a party-pooping chicken at that. See, my sister and her husband own a ranch. With lots of outdoorsy activities for energetic people with get-up and go and gumption. And last week she [..] > read more

Grandma's Game Night

Published on 2012-03-22 06:00:15

Last night was my monthly game night with some girlfriends. Despite the title of this post, our night o' fun isn't actually called "Grandma's Game Night" seeing's how I'm the only grandma in the group. As you other grandmas can attest, it's impossible to remove oneself completely from the grandma role, even during game night with the group of gals for whom I once served as boss. (Believe it or not, they do still like me, they really like me.) So in the back of my mind, as dice rolled and beer fl [..] > read more

Introducing Grilled Grandma Sandy

Published on 2012-03-21 06:00:48

What is a Grilled Grandma? A Grilled Grandma is a grandma whom I've grilled with some grandma-related questions, and she's graciously responded with answers and photos. Here is Grilled Grandma Sandy: How many children do you have? I have two daughters, Kathleen and Courtney and one son, Joe. They were all raised in a military household and both daughters swore they would NEVER marry anybody in the military because they didn’t want to ruin their children’s lives by moving every three [..] > read more

Tried-and-true treats

Published on 2012-03-20 06:00:46

I spend a lot of time gathering ideas for activities I can pack into my grandma bag and tote to the desert to entertain my grandsons. I have a Pinterest board filled with elaborate GRAND ideas, and I have a bookshelf packed with even more. Sometimes, though, falling back on the tried and true is just as much fun. And just as much fun to photograph, too. I'm speaking specifically about Rice Krispies Treats, which Bubby and I made together last time I got to be grandma-at-the-wheel at his place. I [..] > read more

Finding hope at the grocery store

Published on 2012-03-19 06:00:48

I went grocery shopping last Friday, which is, I've mentioned before, my least favorite thing in the world to do. As I went up the snack-food aisle, I saw the Orville Redenbacher's popcorn packages marked with a big red push pin designating it as part of ConAgra Foods' Child Hunger Ends Here campaign. Which made me smile despite my grocery-shopping blues. Then it made me feel like a numskull. Because it reminded me that I had intended to add to my grocery list some of the products included in th [..] > read more

Photo replay: Camel back

Published on 2012-03-18 06:00:34

Still the preferred mode of desert travel—at least by Bubby (back) and his chum: March 12, 2012 Today's question: What's the most unusual animal you've ever ridden...or touched? > read more

What grandmas really want

Published on 2012-03-13 06:01:00

Last week I wrote about what every grandma needs for stocking her home to be adequately prepared when having grandchildren about the place. This post is along the same lines, only it's not what grandmothers want for nurturing their grandkids, it's what grandmas want for themselves—from their grandchildren, from the parents of those grandchildren. • Pictures. Regularly. Even text-messaged photos will do. Of course, occasional nice shots appreciated, too, ones suitable for framing. [..] > read more

How Grandma sees it: Changes in parenting from the firstborn to the second

Published on 2012-03-12 06:00:37

Bubby, my first grandson, at nine months old: Baby hair everywhere. Baby Mac, my second grandson, at nine months old: Baby hair buzzed. To be continued ... ! Today's question: When did you last cut someone else's hair and how did it turn out? > read more

Photo replay: One down, lots to go

Published on 2012-03-11 07:00:34

Jim's birthday last week, celebrated with his (local) girls. (Missed ya, Meg!) March 4, 2012 Happy Sunday, my friends! > read more

The Saturday Post: Tap Pups wannabe edition

Published on 2012-03-10 06:01:03

In my next life, I want to be a tap dancer. Actually, forget the next life—I want to learn to tap dance in the second half of this life! And I want to be part of something just like this in order to do that: Not gonna happen though, as Tap Pups classes take place in a land far, far away. Meaning, Pennsylvania. But, that high-energy, toe-tapping woman does sell videos. So I'm seriously considering buying one...and maybe the portable tap floor, too. (Or I may just ask for both—and tap [..] > read more

The well-stocked grandma: What grandmas need

Published on 2012-03-09 06:00:45

The other day I stood before my postage scale, weighing a package I'd put together to mail off to Bubby and Baby Mac—Batman jammies for Bubby, a cute short set for Baby Mac, and a special toy for each—when I thought, "Here is yet another thing I've purchased, yet another thing I needed as a grandma." It's not the Batman jammies I considered a grandma necessity—though considering Bubby's Batman infatuation, purchasing the set when I saw it in Target did indeed feel urgent and ne [..] > read more

The golden ticket: Child Hunger Ends Here

Published on 2012-03-08 06:00:46

I've been blogging here on Grandma's Briefs for nearly three years. In that time, it's been interesting to go from scrounging for opportunities to review products and services to now getting so many offers that I end up turning down—or ignoring—more than I accept. While it's cool to have gone from populating the Back Room first with reviews on cleansers and frozen foods to recently getting free clothing and nifty gadgets to try out, the golden ticket for most bloggers—for me&md [..] > read more

Introducing Grilled Grandma Sandy

Published on 2012-03-07 06:00:26

What is a Grilled Grandma? A Grilled Grandma is a grandma whom I've grilled with some grandma-related questions, and she's graciously responded with answers and photos. Here is Grilled Grandma Sandy: How many children do you have? 2 boysHow many grandchildren? What are their ages? We have Chloe who is 9 and her sister Amy who is 7 then we have Grace who is 6 and Oliver her brother who is 4.Any great grandchildren? N [..] > read more

Oh so Bubby

Published on 2012-03-06 06:00:08

Megan—my daughter and Bubby's mommy—posted this on her Facebook wall yesterday: So we just recently sponsored a little boy named Bairon from Ecuador through Compassion. At breakfast today I asked B what he thought Bairon was having for breakfast. Shrugging his shoulders he said, "I don't know, Chinese food?" Trying not to laugh I asked why he would be eating Chinese food. He replied back with a 'duh mom' attitude, "Cuz he speaks Spanish!" Definitely in the running as one of my [..] > read more

11 things grandmas do when no one else wants to

Published on 2012-03-05 06:00:59

1. Change a stinky diaper...every stinkin' time. 2. Willingly leave the theater with the fussy baby during a family outing to a movie she's been looking forward to for three months. 3. Attempt making a birthday cake in the shape of the birthday child's favorite television or movie character despite never having seen the show. And succeed to the delight of her grandchild—thanks to Google...and Wilton cake pans. 4. Call in sick to work to cover babysitting duty when a grandchild comes down [..] > read more

Photo replay: Batman returns

Published on 2012-03-04 06:00:15

Ever since being transformed into a super hero, Bubby has been obsessed with all things Batman—despite having never seen a single Batman movie, cartoon, or series episode. Thursday Megan sent me a text of Bubby posing for Gramma, decked out in his Batman shirt—which Megan says he likes to wear three days at a time—and the Batman mask GG (his paternal great-grandma) cut from a cereal box along with the awesome Batman card he's holding. The voting continues: If you liked this p [..] > read more

The Saturday Post: Let it be, no cry edition

Published on 2012-03-03 06:00:51

Another mashup I love. This time it's music, not movies. Enjoy. Hope your weekend's gonna be alright! > read more

First crushes

Published on 2012-03-02 06:00:28

It saddened me to find out Davey Jones had passed away. He was the first star I ever had a real crush on. (Though Tom Jones was a close second, I must admit.) Unfortunately, I have no posters from the past to remember him by. In all honesty, I don't think I was even old enough to have posters on my bedroom wall at the time that I swooned over Davey. While Davey may have been my first celebrity crush, my first forever crush was on someone else. I do, thankfully, have a poster of him: That is my [..] > read more

Grandma told ya so...

Published on 2012-03-01 06:00:14

Remember this picture of Baby Mac I posted on February 12? At that time, I said I thought Mac would be running marathons by the time I saw him again in April. Well, he's clearly one step closer. Get a load of this cell-phone video Megan texted to proud PawDad and Gramma on Tuesday: Today, March 1, Baby Mac is 9 months old. And he's walking. In addition, he has both front teeth on the bottom, and he's working on his first front tooth on the top. What is up with this kid? I'm a little scared to [..] > read more

Introducing Grilled Grandma Kay

Published on 2012-02-29 06:00:30

What is a Grilled Grandma? A Grilled Grandma is a grandma whom I've grilled with some grandma-related questions, and she's graciously responded with answers and photos. Here is Grilled Grandma Kay: How many children do you have? We have three daughters and one son.How many grandchildren? What are their ages? We have been blessed with four grandchildren and number five, a little boy, is due June 2nd.Nicole is fifteen.Ke [..] > read more

Now that I'm a grandma: Realization #47

Published on 2012-02-28 06:00:30

I admit it: I am a prude. I use the word loosely here, not in a sexual sense. I simply mean I've become straight-laced. And I didn't used to be. I've done and said and been all kinds of things in the past that were not very prude and straight-laced at all. Some actually not so far in the past and some still presently going on. For one, I've always considered myself a pretty rocking grandma. Hard rock is my music of choice more often than not. And I only recently quit going to rock concerts&mdash [..] > read more

5 reasons why grandkids love Grandma

Published on 2012-02-27 06:00:23

Today I'm pleased to share with you a guest post highlighting a point of view from the other side of grandmotherhood. Guest post by Sara Dawkins, written especially for Grandma's Briefs readers As a grandchild and great grandchild, I have been blessed to know my grandma and two great-grandmothers on a deeper level than most. As a grandmother you may think that we grandchildren love you for your never-ending candy supply and your gift-giving ability, but believe it or not there is more. When I w [..] > read more

Photo replay: Standing guard

Published on 2012-02-26 06:00:35

Luke and Kameliah stand guard while their mama, Andrea, recuperates from her tonsillectomy. February 24, 2012 Shameless self-promotion: If you liked this post—or Grandma's Briefs in general—please vote for Grandma's Briefs in the About.com Favorite Grandparent Blog poll. Vote once per day per email address through March 21. Thank you! Today's (unrelated) question: What's the highlight of your upcoming week? > read more

The Saturday Post: Poem for my grandsons edition

Published on 2012-02-25 06:00:15

As a grandmother, I'd like to think I have abundant wisdom to share with my grandsons. No need for me to try putting into poetic form advice on being kind and good and true in a world that is often the very opposite of such things, though. Rudyard Kipling already did that—far better than I ever could—when he wrote If. Kipling wrote If in 1895 in a very different time and place, yet his advice and inspiration still stand true today—for my grandsons, for all of us. I love Kipling [..] > read more

The healing power of positive thinking...and puppies

Published on 2012-02-24 06:00:48

Those of you who follow Grandma's Briefs on Facebook and Twitter know that I've been on nurse duty for my youngest daughter, Andrea, who had her tonsils out this week. At 26 years old. Which had her mama—that would be me—pretty concerned. The surgery went well, and I think much of that can be attributed to Andrea's positive attitude going in. I've heard distressing stats on how long it takes adults to recover from tonsillectomies, ranging from two weeks of intense pain (and hunger) t [..] > read more

47 real names for real grandmothers

Published on 2012-02-23 06:01:00

In the stats for Grandma's Briefs, I often see that folks arrive here via search engine queries such as grandma names, what to call grandma, nicknames for grandmas, modern names for grandmas and more. Here to satisfy such searches are some of the names grandmothers really go by, as revealed by some real grandmas themselves—the Grilled Grandmas: Grammy Minna Mamama Gramma Granny Angel (full disclosure: her name is Angel) G-ma G-Maw GG (sometimes standing for Gorgeous Grandma; other times Gr [..] > read more

Introducing Grilled Grandma Cynthia

Published on 2012-02-22 06:00:37

What is a Grilled Grandma? A Grilled Grandma is a grandma whom I've grilled with some grandma-related questions, and she's graciously responded with answers and photos. Here is Grilled Grandma Cynthia: How many children do you have? I have two children and two step-children.How many grandchildren? What are their ages? 5 grandchildren ages, 5, 4, 3, 1, and 2 weeks.Any great grandchildren? No.What do your grandchildren call [..] > read more

Beyond the pits: Grand kids and good canines

Published on 2012-02-21 06:00:43

Once again, the tragedy of a child having been bitten in the face and disfigured by a dog has made the news. And, naturally, it's a pit bull that did the disfiguring. The "naturally" isn't commentary on the nature of pit bulls; it's commentary on the nature of the media. Dogs of all breeds attack and maim children and adults at an alarming rate—4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year per the CDC—yet it's those stories featuring pit bulls as the bad guys that make the news. [..] > read more

I spy with my little eye

Published on 2012-02-20 06:00:21

While visiting my grandsons a few weeks ago, I took 1,308 photos. Seriously. Not all were of my grandsons, though. Here are examples of what I shot when my camera wasn't focused on Baby Mac and Bubby—all taken while in the back yard with the boys, except the fourth, which was taken on our walk to the nearby park (and all straight out of the camera, no editing): Today's question: What did you most recently take photos of? > read more

Photo replay: Keep on truckin'

Published on 2012-02-19 06:01:02

Remember that big orange dump truck Bubby reviewed nearly two years ago? The one he loved to drive really fast around the house? Well look who gets a turn at it now: I hope your Sunday's as much fun as a big orange dump truck! (In the interest of full disclosure—and because Megan will call me out on it in the most embarrassing of manners if I don't admit it first—YES, Baby Mac's shirt is on backwards. And YES, I was babysitting that day and am the one who dressed him. And YES, I tho [..] > read more

The Saturday Post: Movie-laughter edition

Published on 2012-02-18 06:00:54

We can all use a good laugh now and then. Here are several to start your weekend off right: Today's question: Of the movies featured in the mashup, which do you now feel like watching this weekend? > read more

No filter necessary

Published on 2012-02-17 06:00:55

While I admit the truth hurts in many a case, unfiltered truths coming from the mouth of a three-and-a-half-year-old do no harm at all. Especially when the pint-sized truth-bearer is Bubby. Bubby has a lot of toys. More toys than many a kid needs or could possibly ever play with. So when choosing a small gift to send my grandsons for Valentine's Day, I settled on some dinnerware from the Target dollar bin that sported robots on the plates, bowls, and eating utensils for Bubby. I packed them into [..] > read more

Give Grandma a sign

Published on 2012-02-16 06:00:43

My 8-month-old grandson is a genius. Sort of. With Bubby ahead of him by almost exactly three years, Baby Mac does his darnedest to keep up with his brother, to reach major baby milestones in record time. And he's succeeding, for the most part. I showed you not long ago that Baby Mac already nearly walks, sort of, and will surely soon be in full-fledged, fully upright, forward motion soon. Baby Mac already talks, too. Sort of. With baby sign language, at least. I always thought the baby sign lan [..] > read more

Introducing Grilled Grandma Linda

Published on 2012-02-15 06:00:41

What is a Grilled Grandma? A Grilled Grandma is a grandma whom I've grilled with some grandma-related questions, and she's graciously responded with answers and photos. Here is Grilled Grandma Linda: How many grandchildren do you have? What are their ages? I have four grandchildren: Andrew Michael (9), Lauren Grace (5), Grace Carolyn (5), and Payton Elizabeth (3).What do your grandchildren call you? Grandkids call me “Gr [..] > read more

Love manners and matters

Published on 2012-02-14 06:00:29

When I was a child, I rated my affection for something based on one question: Did I love it more than I loved my mom? To me, love was a hierarchy, and Mom was firmly and forever at the top. Sure, I loved macaroni and cheese, I loved mashed potatoes, I loved listening to the Bay City Rollers and wearing my ever so stylish elephant pants. But did I love those things more than Mom? Not even close. I soon started applying the same question to people. I loved my sixth-grade teacher, but not more than [..] > read more

It's show-and-tell time: Share a little love

Published on 2012-02-13 06:01:03

I'm going to try something different today. It requires audience participation, so I hope YOU will participate. It's Monday. No one feels like working. The weekend is hanging on. Am I right? I thought so. So let's stretch out the weekend just a wee bit more by sharing in the comments below one little thing we each loved about our weekend. Maybe it's an article or blog post you read—or wrote—that you especially loved. Well, give us all the link so we can love it, too. And be sure to i [..] > read more

Photo replay: Walking 101

Published on 2012-02-12 06:00:26

This photo of Baby Mac just about walking was taken the end of January, two days before he turned eight months old: I'm pretty sure my grandson will be running marathons with Mommy by the time I see him again in April. Have a warm and lovely Sunday! > read more

The Saturday Post: Grandma-roots-for-Adele edition

Published on 2012-02-11 06:00:09

The Grammy Awards are tomorrow. Though I don't typically watch them, I just might this time. Because of Adele. I want to see her first major performance since having surgery on her vocal chords in November, and I want to see her win. The breathtakingly talented and beautiful 23-year-old (23!) is nominated for six Grammys. Adele garnered three nominations—Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Short Form Music Video—for this song and video: And she's nominated for Best Pop [..] > read more

10 things this grandma wants to know

Published on 2012-02-10 06:00:53

1. How to get natural-looking, 100% gray coverage from home coloring products that promise exactly that. I've gone from brown with gray roots that have become trunks with far-reaching vines highlights to Bronco orange to not-so-orange in the past week trying to figure it out. 2. Why my grandsons seem to be sick so much more often than my daughters ever were. Why all kids nowadays seem to be sick so much more often than kids used to be. 3. What the point is of non-binding caucuses. If it makes no [..] > read more

Can't help but grin

Published on 2012-02-09 06:01:07

Baby Mac didn't feel well during most of my recent visit, thanks to teething, a cold, and what turned out to be an ear infection. That didn't stop my youngest grandson from giggling and grinning more often than not, though, even when feeling his very worst. Yeah, I still have some work to do in mastering that new camera of mine. But you get the picture...for the most (precious) part. Today's question: When and why did you most recently laugh out loud (for real; no "LOL" funny business)? > read more

A deipnosophist I'm not

Published on 2011-07-06 06:00:22

I love words. But as I do with recipes, I get stuck in a rut with those I use most often. So I'm starting something new here on Grandma's Briefs. I want to try out new words, learn new words, use new words, and hope that you might, too. As is the cas > read more

12 things I've never done (and likely never will)

Published on 2011-07-05 06:00:59

I have never: 1. Jumped off a diving board 2. Worn contacts 3. Had my wisdom teeth pulled 4. Been proposed to (marriage was a decision for Jim and me) 5. Gone blonde 6. Gone snow skiing ... despite living in "Ski Country USA" 7. Had a one-night stand > read more

Independence Day!

Published on 2011-07-04 06:00:44

Courtesy The Graphics Fairy > read more

Photo replay: We are family

Published on 2011-07-03 06:00:22

Mac's baptism — June 26, 2011 Today's question: Which family members will you see this holiday weekend? > read more

The Saturday Post: Ray & 'America' edition

Published on 2011-07-02 06:00:39

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend! (Powerful stuff — click arrows next to VIMEO to make full screen.) Today's question: What are your plans for the holiday? > read more

He ain't heavy

Published on 2011-07-01 06:00:22

No doubt about it, Bubby loves and adores his baby brother Mac. Today's question: With whom are you closest in your family, immediate or extended? > read more

A good sport

Published on 2011-06-30 06:00:58

I believe I've mentioned before that as a mother, I never wanted boys. I'm far too overprotective and far too not interested in sports to have raised a healthy and happy son. I know that, accept that about myself. Sure, Jim would have helped out, but > read more

Mail from Grandma, part 2

Published on 2011-06-28 21:45:32

I thought I was pretty clever with my mailbox for Bubby. (Gah! That reminded me I need to get one made up for Mac now!) Because we're a long distance from one another, I mail Bubby things, Megan puts them in his nifty mailbox from Gramma, and we no > read more

Repost: One woman's pleasure is another's worst job ever

Published on 2011-06-28 06:00:18

As I look forward to a job interview this week that just may result in my "best job ever" — and as I recuperate from my visit to the desert (those triple-digit temps did a number on this grandma) — I'm again taking the easy way out and re > read more

Playing around

Published on 2011-06-27 06:00:13

There were all kinds of awesome things about my visit to see my grandsons in the desert. One of those low on the list of greatness but still quite cool was having the time to play around with my iPhone camera. And the iPhone apps that include cameras > read more

Photo replay: PawDad meets Mac

Published on 2011-06-26 06:00:56

June 24, 2011 Today's question: The best part of the past week was ______________. > read more

The Saturday Post: Be Strong edition

Published on 2011-06-25 06:00:25

For most of us, the March 11 tsunami and earthquake that hit Japan was a heartbreaking but now distant story. For the mothers, children, and others of Japan, though, it remains a reality from which they're still working to recover. HoriPro Entertainm > read more

Repost: Hearts grow on

Published on 2011-06-24 06:00:14

In light of the recent arrival of my second grandbaby, Megan's second son, I thought I'd republish this post I wrote nearly a year before Mac was seriously considered. As I watch Megan care for and cuddle her precious Baby Mac (that's him below, cooi > read more

Hero with a side of sass

Published on 2011-06-23 06:00:35

Bubby, at three years old, is heavily into make believe and pretend play. Especially when it comes to being a garbage man, police man, or firefighter — his heroes. In light of that, I purchased Bubby a "big brother gift" of hero hats to go alon > read more

Making the sale

Published on 2011-06-22 06:00:24

Grandmothers teach their grandchildren myriad life lessons and help provide them with plenty of tools for survival and success. Advertising acumen isn't one of those lessons and tools that first comes to mind when considering such lessons and tools, > read more

Meeting Mac

Published on 2011-06-21 06:00:14

Yesterday, Bubby introduced me to his baby brother. My heart is now full. Today's question: Whom did you most recently meet for the first time? > read more

Big three

Published on 2011-06-20 06:00:41

Over the weekend, Bubby had his first of several celebrations scheduled for marking his third birthday. What a remarkable year it has been, filled with fun and firsts as he moved from toddler hood to the big three. Bubby had his first move to a new h > read more

Photo replay: My favorite aunt & uncle

Published on 2011-06-19 06:00:59

This past week I finally got to visit with my favorite aunt and uncle again. It's been decades. Literally. Uncle Mac & Aunt Darlene — June 14, 2011 Today's question: What makes your favorite aunt or uncle your favorite? > read more

The Saturday Post: Zeppelin wedding song edition

Published on 2011-06-18 06:00:51

As of tomorrow, Jim and I will have been married 29 years. When planning our wedding all those kajillion years ago, we know right away that we wanted "Thank You" by Led Zeppelin as our wedding song. Our pastor, on the other hand, said, "I will puke i > read more

Lazy days and books

Published on 2011-06-17 06:00:58

I've always been annoyed intrigued by the articles and trite phrases surrounding the idea of "the lazy days of summer." Summer days have never been lazy in my world, not when the nest was full, not now that it's empty. In fact, my summer days are act > read more

Odd balls

Published on 2011-06-16 06:00:24

Those of you who are friends and family in real life have likely been to my oddball house. Those of you who have become friends and like family through this blog, may have read about my oddball house, in posts such as the one about my creepy wallpape > read more

Lisa with an S

Published on 2011-06-15 06:00:52

Liza Minnelli may be a incredible performer, but I've never really been a fan of hers. I have to say, I loved her mother so much more. There is one particular performance of Liza's that sticks in my head, though, and it goes like this: Seeing > read more

I've gone and done it

Published on 2011-06-14 06:00:27

I've always known it would happen, but I've gone and done it, long before my time. I've gotten old. And here's how I know that for a fact. Well, first a little back story. When my girls were young, I swore I'd never get a minivan. I didn't care how m > read more

Back in my day

Published on 2011-06-13 06:00:32

I had my youngest baby, Andrea, nearly 26 years ago. Listening to Megan talk about pregnancy, labor, and newborn care, it's clear there have been some important — and some not-so-important — changes in the whole process since back in my d > read more

Photo replay: Baby Mac

Published on 2011-06-12 06:00:03

One week from tomorrow, I'll be snuggling this sweetness. June 6, 2011 Portrait by Megan's friend (and Grandma's Briefs reader!), awesome Alison Baum. Today's question: What are a few of your favorite things about babies? > read more

Saturday Post: Sharing too much edition

Published on 2011-06-11 06:00:18

I love the enlightening videos from TED. I found this one especially inspiring, despite its silliness, because it makes me consider that we...okay, that I...may be sharing far too much — and too often — online. Time for me to stop sharin > read more

Ripple effect

Published on 2011-06-10 06:00:38

One of the questions I regularly ask the Grilled Grandmas is "What do you most want to pass along to your grandchildren?". I'm continually impressed by their thoughtful answers because in considering that question myself, I find it difficult to narro > read more

8 ways the iPhone makes this grandma smile

Published on 2011-06-09 06:00:42

This is the iPhone 4; I got the cheaper iPhone 3GS.I got an iPhone a few weeks ago. I think I'm in love. It makes me smile. Here's how: One: The speaker phone is 2.3 billion times better than the one on my last phone (the speaker phone I never even f > read more

Grilling the guest

Published on 2011-06-08 06:00:15

I once was approached by a woman I'd never met, online or off, who asked if she could write a guest post for Grandma's Briefs. Other than a guest-post trading stint featured as part of a SITS activity, I had never published guest posts here. Funny th > read more

Double takes and doppelgangers

Published on 2011-06-07 06:00:56

When Bubby was born nearly three years ago, he weighed 6 pounds, 13.9 ounces and was 19.75 inches long. When Baby Mac was born nearly one week ago, he weighed 7 pounds, 11.5 ounces and was 20 inches long. You'd think the extra pound or so would make > read more

Coupon queen

Published on 2011-06-06 06:00:43

Coupons are a hot commodity in my world. Sure, I use coupons for products when grocery shopping, but what I'm talking about here are coupons as gifts. Somewhere along the line of rearing three daughters, creating coupons to be redeemed for good deeds > read more

Photo replay: Helping out

Published on 2011-06-05 06:00:37

Bubby stepped right up for big-brother duty within hours of Baby Mac's homecoming. June 2, 2011 Today's question: What type of milk do you drink: 1%, whole, soy, etc.? > read more

The Saturday Post: Inspiration from a wee one edition

Published on 2011-06-04 06:00:38

As I noted earlier in the week, Bubby recently got a big-boy bike and is working diligently on mastering the two-wheeler. The youngster in the following video has apparently done exactly that and, considering his success, offers wise words for Bubby > read more

Big whoop

Published on 2011-06-03 06:00:07

After nearly nine months — an eternity to a toddler — of continual talk about the baby brother he'd soon have, the introduction to the real live thing was rather anticlimactic for Bubby. All the gadgets in Mommy's hospital room proved far > read more

Next time

Published on 2011-06-02 06:00:46

I'm over the moon with happiness and thankfulness that Mac arrived safe and sound yesterday. But I gotta admit, there's a fair tinge of sadness attached to my joy. As a long-distance grandma who respected the request from Megan and Preston for neithe > read more

Grandson No. 2 born!

Published on 2011-06-01 08:27:05

Baby Mac arrived at 2:10 this morning! Megan was on the phone with me barely 30 minutes later with the news. The healthy "big boy" weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces and was 20 inches long. Mom, baby, and Dad are doing fine ... now that their hearts have re > read more

Giggling and grilling

Published on 2011-06-01 06:00:12

I believe I've mentioned that I'm not really much of an LOL person, especially when reading things on the computer. I may snicker or smile, but LOLs are rare. Every once in a while, though, I truly do LOL. This week's Grilled Grandma, Maryann, made m > read more

Grandma's big boy

Published on 2011-05-31 06:00:30

As Megan and Preston further introduce Bubby to the concept of being a big boy—a big brother—they last week graduated him from his trike to a big boy bike. With training wheels, of course. Luckily they purchased a helmet to go along with > read more

Summer!

Published on 2011-05-30 06:00:33

Today the trumpets sound and summer officially begins! Simple seasonal pleasures I look forward to: • The smell of freshly cut grass • Raspberries, cherries, blueberries, rhubarb, and sweet corn • Gurgling from the back yard waterfall > read more

Photo replay: Year end

Published on 2011-05-29 06:00:02

Bubby officially finished up his first full year of preschool this past week. I'm happy to report that in his year-end assessment, Bubby proved that he now knows what a rectangle is called. Great job, Big Guy! Today's question: If you could go back > read more

The Saturday Post: Baby Girl edition

Published on 2011-05-28 06:00:32

Graduation season is nearly over. We have our last graduation party to attend tomorrow, for several nieces and nephews. With so many kiddos celebrating their commencements, the graduations of my own daughters have been heavy on my mind, as has one pa > read more

Pine cones, pain, and peanut butter

Published on 2011-05-27 06:00:35

I mentioned in yesterday's post that the book Grandma's Bag of Tricks: Toad Cottages & Shooting Stars is a great boredom-busting book. It's also an awesome need-a-mellow-activity-while-recovering-from-tonsil-and-adenoid-surgery book. I can vouch > read more

5 books and boredom busters

Published on 2011-05-26 06:00:15

Summer will soon be in full swing, which means grandmas, moms, aunts and others will likely have more time with the kids. And likely more time for kids to complain of being bored. That also means, though, that you have more opportunities to wow the w > read more

Less strange, more grilled

Published on 2011-05-25 06:00:54

The Internet has opened up an amazing world of opportunities for meeting strangers with whom I'd have never in a million years come into contact otherwise. This week's Grilled Grandma is one such stranger. I met Melinda through HARO (Help A Reporter > read more

Perspective

Published on 2011-05-24 06:00:15

Like many folks, I’ve faced a fair share of challenges the past couple of years due to the economic mess we’re plodding our way through. I’ve also had a few other challenges and disappointments, many related to family situations, wr > read more

A little of this, a little of that ... not!

Published on 2011-05-23 06:00:54

Where I'm least likely to exercise moderation. (Can you blame me?)Yesterday's post and question was about cupcakes, and Grandma Kc mentioned in her comment that although she loves sugar, she's pretty good about "moderation." Well, I'm not good about > read more

Photo replay: My little cupcake

Published on 2011-05-22 06:00:24

For Mother's Day, Brianna made me vanilla cupcakes topped with candied orange slices — a feast for the eyes as well as the palate! May 2011 Today's question: What is your favorite cupcake flavor? > read more

The Saturday Post: Smile for me

Published on 2011-05-21 06:00:34

Smile while you watch this. You'll be glad you did. Plus, according to Ron Gutman, you'll also feel as happy as if you just ate 2,000 chocolate bars! Dig in! Today's question: What has made you smile today? > read more

Seagulls and cereal

Published on 2011-05-20 06:00:54

When I was nine years old, my parents took us to Disneyworld. They loaded the station wagon to capacity with the family of nine for the trek from our farm in Minnesota to the Happiest Place on Earth. Other than memories of the photos of our Disneywor > read more

Everyday wonders

Published on 2011-05-19 06:00:33

Wonder and amazement are often considered territory of youngsters. As we grow older, we grow less fascinated with the world around us, take for granted the everyday wonders in our paths. Or so I'm told. I'm happy to report that even as a grandma, the > read more

Chronicles of a Grilled Grandma

Published on 2011-05-18 06:00:32

I often lament being a long-distance grandma. But if (and when) I'm honest with myself, I know that if my grandson lived nearby, there would likely be a whole lotta head-butting going on with his mother, my daughter. It's not that I don't know that a > read more

Letter to my only grandson

Published on 2011-05-17 06:00:20

Dear Bubby, Your little brother will soon arrive and before he gets here, I wanted to tell you how very special it has been to have you as my first grandson, my only grandchild for the past nearly three years. In the seemingly short 35 months since y > read more

The search is on

Published on 2011-05-16 06:00:59

Time again for a rundown of some of the searches that have led folks to Grandma's Briefs in hopes of finding what their hearts — or dazed and confused minds — desire. According to my nifty stats application, queries from the past 30 days > read more

Photo replay: Last hurrah

Published on 2011-05-15 06:00:56

This is the last photo of Bubby and me while he's my one-and-only grandson. By the time the next is taken, Baby Mac will be here, doubling the fun. May 11, 2011 Today's question: When was your photo last taken and for what reason? > read more

The Saturday Post: Fave Flix #21 edition

Published on 2011-05-14 06:00:53

Before I proceed, let me first say that, no, you didn't miss my postings of 20 favorite movies before this one. I just had to start somewhere, and if I marked today's offering #1, it would seem like the movie below is my No. 1 favorite film. Which it > read more

Pomp and certain circumstances

Published on 2011-05-13 06:00:15

In recognition of graduation season, here are 9 reasons I'm glad I don't have a teen graduating from high school. 1. Been there, done that. Three times over. 2. The cost: senior pictures, announcements, class rings, yearbooks, caps and gowns, and mor > read more

Road to recovery

Published on 2011-05-12 06:00:48

For Bubby, the last five days were a road filled with icky medicine, popsicles, no appetite, pain, rough nights, and more popsicles during his recovery from tonsil and adenoid removal. Today, things are nearly back to normal for him. For me, the las > read more

A Grilled Grandma and a Bubby update

Published on 2011-05-11 06:00:32

As many of you know, I'm still on assistant nurse duty with Bubby, so although I'm short on words for this week's Grilled Grandma because of time, I'm long on adoration for this interesting grandma. She's a lovely woman with two equally lovely granch > read more

Label me loony

Published on 2011-05-10 06:00:30

Last week I told you about all the press releases I get in my mail box and how I delete them all. At least most of them. I must admit there are a few product pitches I fall for, and most recently it was labels. I'm a sucker for labels. Not labels mar > read more

Gettin' better every day

Published on 2011-05-09 06:00:36

Even when not feeling well, my Bubby is still adorable. Day 4 after tonsils removed — May 8, 2011 Today's question: When were you last in a hospital, as patient or visitor? > read more

Photo replay: Sweet slumber

Published on 2011-05-08 06:00:35

Guess who I'm hugging today! April 2011 HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! > read more

The Saturday Post: No More Questions edition

Published on 2011-05-07 06:00:48

In recognition of Mother's Day. No More Questions! from StoryCorps. Well...one more question... Today's question: What are your Mother's Day plans? > read more

Pint-sized patient

Published on 2011-05-06 06:00:58

Now that it's over, per Megan's request that I wait until it's done, I can now tell you that Bubby made it safely through his tonsil and adenoid surgery yesterday. Although originally scheduled to spend one night at the hospital (with Mommy) b > read more

Responsibility waived

Published on 2011-05-05 06:00:35

Like many bloggers, I receive countless e-mail press releases. Every day, my inbox is stuffed full of information on products, events, causes, and points to ponder or panic about. Most of the press releases relate to matters of parenting. I get them > read more

Come inside, come inside: The next Grilled Grandma

Published on 2011-05-04 06:00:16

Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends. We're so glad you could attend, come inside, come inside.* Now that I have your attention, I'd like to introduce you to Kathy, this week's Grilled Grandma. All she had to say in her grilling is int > read more

Of kids and conflicts

Published on 2011-05-03 06:00:57

Will ALL my grandkids be as delightful as Bubby?Anyone who has worked with kids knows that you don't like every single one of them equally. Some of them you may not really like at all. Or is that just me? When I was a Girl Scout leader, there was one > read more

A drive on the wild side

Published on 2011-05-02 06:00:33

Jim and I visited my dad on Saturday, which meant a drive on the slightly wild side for us, in more ways than one. First, we had to traverse what I consider the scariest highway in Colorado. Not because it features winding roads and steep slopes, but > read more

Photo replay: Hiding out

Published on 2011-05-01 06:00:24

Isabel's favorite place to hide from Lyla and Mickey. April 15, 2010 Today's question: Where is your favorite place to take a break ... or hide? > read more

The Saturday Post: Yo-Yo/Jonze/Buck edition

Published on 2011-04-30 06:00:11

Spike Jonze is a talented director with an interesting vision. I enjoy his videos (Weapon of Choice, in particular) and movies (Being John Malkovich) but I wouldn't say I'm a huge fan. Yo-Yo Ma is an amazingly gifted cellist, but I've never sought ou > read more

Grandma grumbles

Published on 2011-04-29 06:00:53

This past week wasn't as bad as this particular week, but there were still a few things that got my briefs in a bunch and caused this grandma to grumble: 1. Rejection. As many of you know, I have an agent. For my picture books. And as many of you may > read more

Old enough to be a grandma

Published on 2011-04-28 06:01:18

I often come across women who eschew being called "Grandma." As they put it, they're "not old enough to be a grandma," the distaste heavy on their lips, on their words as they offer the disclaimer accompanying the label. Well, I am old enough to be a > read more

Just grilled: a Harley-ridin' grandma

Published on 2011-04-27 06:00:30

Three reasons I think this week's Grilled Grandma, Sandy, rocks: 1. She rides a Harley. And she gives her grandkids rides on her Harley. Grandmas don't get much cooler than that. 2. She's a licensed massage therapist and treats her grandchildren to m > read more

Spring not yet sprung

Published on 2011-04-26 06:00:57

Many of the blogs I visit regularly have lately featured spring in all its glory: trees in bloom and flowers, flowers, flowers. Beautiful flowers of purples and yellows and pinks and more. Well, that's not the way we do spring in Colorado. At least n > read more

Wherein Birdy is shot down

Published on 2011-04-25 06:00:43

This is NOT an injured bird, just a baby bird.As many of you know, I call my soon-to-be-born second grandson, brother to Bubby, Birdy. At least here on my blog. Megan called Friday to chit-chat and, after a bit, she told me that Bubby had chosen a ne > read more

Happy Easter

Published on 2011-04-24 06:00:40

Photo: The Graphics Fairy > read more

The Saturday Post: 'Brace for impact' edition

Published on 2011-04-23 06:00:53

I originally had a different post created for today. Then I saw this. You'll see my original post for today next Saturday. Today I offer you this amazing talk from Ric Elias, a front-row passenger on Flight 1549 that crash-landed on the Hudson River. > read more

Mismatch mishmash

Published on 2011-04-22 06:00:52

1983 — Seems a lifetime agoI recently considered joining one of those online dating sites. Jim and I have been together a long time — 30-plus years — and I was just curious. He and I talked about it, and he was curious, too. So we'd > read more

Guest post: Grandparents can be fun AND consistent

Published on 2011-04-21 06:00:03

“Mommy lets me stay up late”: How you can have fun and be consistent as a grandparent by Mary AlbertGrandparenting is a lot of fun. I have a great time with my grandchildren when they come to visit, no matter what we end up doing. Even a > read more

Better late than never: Thanking a Grilled Grandma

Published on 2011-04-20 06:00:27

When I was first laid off from my newspaper job in December of 2008, this week's Grilled Grandma, Anne, helped me out immensely. She helped me see that there were indeed writing jobs I could do from home, and even helped me secure a couple that added > read more

Lone cascarón

Published on 2011-04-19 06:00:08

Once upon a time, I was a Girl Scout leader. During the eight years I was privileged to warp shape the minds of little Daisies and Brownies, my troops and I engaged in awesome — and some not-so-awesome — activities. One that I remember ea > read more

15 things I look forward to as a grandma

Published on 2011-04-18 06:00:00

As a relatively new grandma — and a long-distance one at that — I often feel like I've yet to get the full grandma experience. I've not yet had the joy of many activities, events and more that I hear about from other grandmas. Typical gra > read more

Photo replay: Mirror image

Published on 2011-04-17 06:01:04

Bubby at Sea World. March 2011 Today's question: How many full-length mirrors do you have in your house? > read more

The Saturday Post: Ukelele-love edition

Published on 2011-04-16 06:00:03

Sometimes you just gotta look at life from a different perspective. Here's a change in perspective — not on life, but on Queen — that makes me smile every time I watch it. I hope it does the same for you. Today's question: What Queen son > read more

One week

Published on 2011-04-15 06:00:09

Taxes are due. Despite knowing such things happen when making use of a stash meant for tomorrow, it still stings. We procrastinated, not wanting to know, not wanting to let go. Of money. It's just money, I tell myself as I crunch numbers. Then an e-m > read more

Before or After?

Published on 2011-04-14 06:01:41

I've learned from the comments here and from visiting the blogs of others that we're all very similar. On the big things. Such as love of family, commitment to hearth and home, and the desire to be the best we can be for those around us as well as fo > read more

A daring and sharing Grilled GrandPA

Published on 2011-04-13 06:01:33

I've featured many a lovely lady here for the Grilled Grandma feature, but today I bend the rules just a tad and grill up a grandpa. As the grilled grandpa, John, said in his request to be grilled — yes, he asked me — "some of us testoste > read more

Sixty-nine days

Published on 2011-04-12 06:01:34

Today is an exercise in patience as I face sixty-nine more days before getting to hug Bubby and Megan again. Today's question: Who are you missing today? > read more

Please step aside, ma'am

Published on 2011-04-11 06:01:23

My pretty teen daughters — June 2003I recently started reading "29" by Adena Halpern. It's the story of Ellie, who, on her 75th birthday, wished while blowing out the candles on her cake to be 29 years old again — and was magically grante > read more

Photo replay: Baby Mickey

Published on 2011-04-10 06:00:13

Six years ago, with the nest running on empty, Jim and I adopted a new baby. Mickey — April 9, 2005 Today's question: Of all the pets you've had, which have been your favorites? > read more

The Saturday Post: Funny Story edition

Published on 2011-04-09 06:00:37

This post itself isn't the "funny story" part of title. No, it's the name of the movie on the agenda for this evening. Called "It's Kind of a Funny Story," tonight's movie stars Zach Galifianakis in, ironically, one of his (intentionally) least funny > read more

If I were handing out the grades

Published on 2011-04-08 06:00:55

As some of you may recall, I made a Grandma Mail mailbox for Bubby a few months ago. Since then, I've done my best to get one or two pieces of mail off to him each week so he'll have special mail from Gramma to pull from his box. Sometimes it's a Tho > read more

The grandma two-step

Published on 2011-04-07 06:00:09

When my children were babies, I made all the decisions. Big or small, it was all up to me. And Jim, too, of course. Soon my girls grew. And tested my choices, my decisions. Their wishes and input were taken into account ... with the understanding tha > read more

Wherein I (again) admit my jealousy of a Grilled Grandma

Published on 2011-04-06 06:00:41

We're all friends here, so I feel safe in admitting that I can be a jealous grandma, have admitted before I'm a jealous grandma. Of other grandmas, in particular. Especially those grandmas who get to see their grandchildren on a regular basis. This w > read more

Twinkle, twinkle, he's my star

Published on 2011-04-05 06:00:09

Bubby has finally gotten over being too shy to sing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star ... for the most part. (Cameo by Megan's toes as she reads the newspaper.) Today's question: If you were to sing a cover song in public (because you have the mos > read more

Caught in the act

Published on 2011-04-04 06:00:41

They like to pretend they're not best buds, but they're clearly at a loss to deny it when caught in the act. Today's question: Which of your animals are BFFs — whether they admit it or not? > read more

Photo replay: Missing you

Published on 2011-04-03 06:00:05

I miss my little chipmunk with grapes in his cheeks. March 14, 2011 Today's question: What did you have for breakfast this morning? > read more

The Saturday Post: 'Drowned' edition

Published on 2011-04-02 06:00:08

On this date in 1965, The Who made their first radio appearance on the BBC lunchtime feature, "The Joe Loss Pop Show." Forty-six years later, they're still rocking ... hard ... with their most recent appearance being at "A Concert for Killing Cancer" > read more

Friends and food

Published on 2011-04-01 06:00:32

I have a lovely friend who's just a few centimeters away from having her first baby. She recently posted on her blog a great list of ways to assist a friend upon the arrival of their newborn, a list she was given by an equally lovely friend of ours. > read more

Good intentions

Published on 2011-03-31 06:00:36

Recently discovered in my craft room: projects I intended to do with my daughters but never did. I plan to hold onto them. To do with my grandkids. Really. Today's question: What craft project(s) do you intend to do ... but haven't yet done > read more

A Poppins among us: The next Grilled Grandma

Published on 2011-03-30 08:35:09

Three reasons I adore this week's Grilled Grandma: ONE: Tickle fests are regularly scheduled activities when she visits her grandchildren. And when they visit her. TWO: That happy little boy to the right. Absolutely adorable! THREE: Her blog is calle > read more

Open wide and say 'Awww...'

Published on 2011-03-29 06:00:54

I had my tonsils removed when I was a youngster. Tonsil removal was a fairly common procedure for kids during the 60s, but it fell out of favor soon after. Seems being a major operation requiring general anesthesia was a little off-putting for some . > read more

Cutting back

Published on 2011-03-28 06:00:09

In celebration of spring, I'm cutting back on quite a few things. Okay, it's not really in celebration of spring, it's out of necessity — financial, physical, and sanity-saving necessity. I've survived and dare I say even thrived (in non-financ > read more

Photo replay: Coins, coins, coins

Published on 2011-03-27 06:00:59

PawDad's assistant coin collector inspects the latest acquisition. Bubby — March 13, 2011 Today's question: How much change do you estimate you have in your purse, pocket, or wallet right now? > read more

The Saturday Post: Playing For Change edition

Published on 2011-03-26 06:00:51

Just a few posts ago, I let the world know how much I hate forwards. Then I received a forward about an organization called Playing For Change, and it changed my attitude ... at least about that one specific forward. Instead of forwarding its content > read more

Do the zoo

Published on 2011-03-25 06:00:08

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, at 6,800 feet above sea level, is America's only mountain zoo. It has a 145-acre footprint, with 45 acres of that in active use for housing and displaying over 150 species — 30 of those species endgangered — and an > read more

The tunes they are a-changing

Published on 2011-03-24 06:00:24

I'm proud to say my family is musical. We dabble in playing — a guitar and piano here, a recorder and ukelele there — but it's in the listening to music that we really excel. As a whole, our hearts, minds and ears are open to myriad genre > read more

Truth be told: Grilled Grandma Kc

Published on 2011-03-23 06:00:04

When asked what flavor of baby they're hoping for, most expectant moms and grandmas say something along the lines of, "Oh, it doesn't really matter to me if it's a girl or a boy, as long as it's healthy." Yes, we all want our babies and grandbabies b > read more

Bugging me

Published on 2011-03-22 07:12:57

Megan's scorpion, heroically nabbed by Preston.My parents transplanted our family of nine from Minnesota to Colorado nearly 40 years ago. Three talking points I recall of their spiel trying to sell my siblings and me on the move were 1) "The people a > read more

I'll just say no

Published on 2011-03-21 06:00:56

When I was a teen, I succumbed to peer pressure far more often than I should have. I did things that weren't good for me just because "all the cool kids are doing it." Trying to fit in, trying to be like everyone else was the name of the game, just a > read more

Photo replay: Aunt A & Aunt B

Published on 2011-03-20 06:00:23

Bubby celebrates PawDad's birthday with Aunt Andie and Aunt B. March 13, 2011 Today's question: What will you celebrate this week, in big ways or small? > read more

The Saturday Post: Shake your sillies out edition

Published on 2011-03-19 06:00:22

Just for fun: Today's question: Which do you experience most often: the sillies, wigglies, crazies or heebie-jeebies? > read more

Shared pleasures and treasures

Published on 2011-03-18 06:00:24

As grandparents, I think it's important to not only explore and enjoy the interests of the grandchild — like the hours we recently dedicated to trucks, Bubby's favorite thing in the world — but also for grandparents to share their interes > read more

Keep on truckin'

Published on 2011-03-17 06:00:44

I believe it's been well documented here that Bubby loves trucks. Garbage trucks, in particular. So when Nonnie Kelly (my mom, his great-grandma) came to visit him with a garbage truck gift — a garbage truck that makes noise and lights up, no l > read more

Grilled Grandma No. 73

Published on 2011-03-16 06:00:19

I find it hard to believe I've had the opportunity to grill up seventy-three special ladies, but this week is sure enough Grilled Grandma No. 73. You'd think that with that many grandmas answering the very same questions, their sentiments would have > read more

Some things just don't mix

Published on 2011-03-15 06:00:37

I love my dogs. They're pampered as can be and have full run of the place. Until Bubby arrives, that is. Once Bubby gets to Gramma's and PawDad's things change. Not just because Bubby is the star of our hearts and deserving of all the attention we ha > read more

Birthday redux

Published on 2011-03-14 06:00:15

One of the great things about Megan having spring break this time of year is that she and Bubby get to share in the birthday festivities for PawDad ... as long as we stretch out the festivities until they're present. And this year we did, as the high > read more

Photo replay: Limber baby

Published on 2011-03-13 07:00:53

Only 12 more weeks 'til our limber baby Birdy hatches. Photo courtesy of Megan, of course. Today's question: How limber are you? > read more

The Saturday Post: Human towers edition

Published on 2011-03-12 06:00:02

Bubby's here, making the most of Gramma and PawDad's Duplo building blocks. Like most kids, he gets a kick out of building towers. Having recently seen the video below, I'm envisioning him gearing up to one day trade the blocks for humans. Lord, I su > read more

Guest post: Grandtravel

Published on 2011-03-11 06:00:21

Bubby and Megan arrived last night so I sincerely thank Mary at HappyHealth.net for the following guest post submission which allowed me to enjoy my visitors from the get-go instead of fretting about a Friday post. Plus, it's perfect timing for grand > read more

16 things I learned from my daughters

Published on 2011-03-10 06:00:58

Megan and Bubby will be here this weekend, which means lots of time with not only my grandson but my entire family, including my lovely girls who have taught me so much. 16 things I learned from my daughters 1. The answers can't always be found in > read more

A rockin' grandma on the grill

Published on 2011-03-09 06:00:49

As I formatted the week's Grilled Grandma feature, I realized I've grilled many a grandma with very similar names. Specifically, I've featured a Janet, a Jeanie, a Jeanne, and a Jeannie, and now I'd like to introduce you all to Grilled Grandma: Janie > read more

Bubbyisms

Published on 2011-03-08 06:00:27

Bubby will be here the end of this week and I can't wait to see him, hug him, hold him. I also can't wait to hear him, as the toddler now talks up a storm, saying things both cute and unexpected. Here's a sampling of the Bubbyisms that made me chuckl > read more

3 magic words

Published on 2011-03-07 06:00:13

If any of you are like me -- and I have a feeling there are a few of you -- after reading the title of this post, you're likely scanning the text to discover as quickly as possible the three magic words of which I write. Well, this post doesn't work > read more

Photo replay: Coming soon

Published on 2011-03-06 06:00:42

This time next week I'll be hugging these two in person. Hooray for Spring Break visitors! Today's question: What is one of your favorite Spring Break memories? > read more

The Saturday Post: Nowhere Boy edition

Published on 2011-03-05 06:00:58

Despite the award-winning movies Jim and I have seen lately (yay to The King's Speech, The Fighter and more!), I keep going back to an under-the-radar little flick from 2009 called Nowhere Boy that we rented a month or so ago. It's a heartfelt > read more

136 discounts for seniors

Published on 2011-03-04 06:00:55

I originally planned for this post to be published in my News to Use section, but several comments on Wednesday included mentions of the beloved discounts bestowed upon those over 50, making it clear this list should be seen by one and all who visit > read more

10 things I want(ed) to be when I grow up

Published on 2011-03-03 06:00:54

Last week I had dinner with one of my favorite people, a dear friend who is very much like me on many things, but oh-so different from me on one very big thing. That big thing being parenting. It's not that my friend and I have different parenting ph > read more

For this I may be killed

Published on 2011-03-02 06:00:36

Jim may very well kill me for this. If there are no more posts going forward, you'll know what happened. If you know where I live, you'll know where to find my killer. Despite the risk, I'm doing this anyway. I'm sending out birthday wishes to Jim ri > read more

Grandma performance review

Published on 2011-03-01 06:00:57

As a former employee and supervisor, I’ve received and given many a performance review in my day. Because I’m no longer employed in a full-time job, I’ve done neither in quite a while. Time for that to change. Today I work both ends > read more

Highlight reel

Published on 2011-02-28 06:00:57

In the midst of all kinds of other things going on, this right here — a Saturday morning Skype session with Bubby — was the highlight of my weekend. It's easy to see why, right? Or am I just biased? Today's question: What was the > read more

Photo replay: Farewell, Grandma

Published on 2011-02-27 06:00:00

Farewell to my favorite grandma. Gramma Wiggins November 18, 1911 - February 25, 2011 > read more

The Saturday Post: Whistling edition

Published on 2011-02-26 06:00:35

I whistle. A lot. So much so that I'm concerned about getting "whistler's lines" around my mouth similar to the wrinkles smokers get from pursing while puffing. I used to sing a lot. Then, for a variety of reasons, I lost my voice a lot. So necessity > read more

5 'About' pages: Meet the grandparents

Published on 2011-02-25 06:00:30

Like most blog readers, if I like what I read when I first visit a blog, I usually click on the 'About' page to find out more about the blogger. The About page can be the tipping point that converts me from a one-time visitor to a regular reader ... > read more

WYSIWYG

Published on 2011-02-24 06:00:12

I was not popular in high school. I didn't run with the athletes or hit the books with the academic overachievers. I wasn't firmly ensconced in the tight-knit groups of loners or stoners, and I wasn't in band, cheerleading, or glee club. I wasn't pop > read more

Introducing Nona Nita

Published on 2011-02-23 06:00:36

I have another grandma fresh off the grill and her name is Nona Nita. Nita is a lovely grandmother of three, who put much thought and kindness into her responses to my Grilled Grandma questions. Here's one example: What is one thing you wish you had > read more

"Black Swan," the grandma version

Published on 2011-02-22 06:00:10

A letter to my daughter: Dear Megan, I'm sure you're wondering why I didn't comment on the blog post you wrote about your gratitude for Preston's grandma -- Bubby's great-grandma -- who came through for you when you needed a babysitter for sick Bubby > read more

10 things I forget I love ... until I remember

Published on 2011-02-21 06:00:39

I love jams and jellies. Chokecherry, strawberry, pomegranate, cherry. Yum! I eat jam or jelly nearly every day. On peanut butter sandwiches. On crackers. On toast. On English muffins. On bagels. (Not all in the same day, of course.) Recently though, > read more

Photo replay: Dogs & granddogs

Published on 2011-02-20 06:00:34

With no grandkids around, a grandma's gotta spread the marshmallow love any way she can. Mickey, Lyla, granddoggy Hunter, granddoggy Luke - Feb. 13, 2011 Today's question: What treat is favored by the pets at your place? > read more

The Saturday Post: Shake the Dust edition

Published on 2011-02-19 06:00:42

Just listen. And learn. And love. Others. Yourself. Your life. Happy Saturday! > read more

Word of the day: DELIGHT

Published on 2011-02-18 06:00:06

Definition of DELIGHT, from Mirriam-Webster.com1: a high degree of gratification: joy; also: extreme satisfaction2: something that gives great pleasure (Example: Her performance was a delight.)3 archaic: the power of affording pleasureDefinition of D > read more

Dreams I'll never see

Published on 2011-02-17 06:00:42

I read a lot of magazines. Just the other day, I pulled seven -- SEVEN! -- from the mailbox. Okay, some of those were Jim's, but still. I told Jim the mailman surely loves coming to our house because we're keeping him in a job. (Keeping the publisher > read more

Straight from Italy ... and Trinidad

Published on 2011-02-16 06:04:35

This week's Grilled Grandma, Mary, leads one of the most interesting lives of all the grandmas I've grilled. Mary is from the US, then she moved to Antigua several years ago. She now lives in the loveliest of places in Italy. And she visits her daugh > read more

Shattered illusions

Published on 2011-02-15 06:01:03

When I visited Bubby earlier this month, it took no time at all for my illusion of him to be shattered. You see, Megan shares photos of Bubby all the time, and we Skype fairly regularly (except for the last few weeks when Megan's computer's been on t > read more

Heart-quakes

Published on 2011-02-14 06:00:48

Happy Valentine's Day! A sweet video to set the day's tone: "TV Kisses Mash Up" "Each kiss a heart-quake..." ~ Lord Byron, Don Juan Today's question: What do you remember about your first kiss? > read more

Photo replay

Published on 2011-02-13 06:00:43

My funny Valentine. February 4, 2010Bubby decked out to be just as funky as the characters we watched in Robots. (Pipe cleaner project idea courtesy of Grandma Lizzie.) Today's question: If you could eliminate forever one daily activity that you do m > read more

The Saturday Post: Esther Hoffman Howard edition

Published on 2011-02-12 06:00:28

Like I said yesterday, this is the weekend of love ... supposedly. So what better to share today than one of my all-time favorite romantic movies: A Star is Born. The 1976 version. With oh-so-hot Kris Kristofferson and the afro-coiffed Barbra Streisa > read more

Valentine's Day and other overhyped happenings

Published on 2011-02-11 06:00:32

Valentine's Day is Monday, which makes this the ultimate weekend of love. Or so we've been made to believe. I'm usually not cynical about much -- I prefer to find the magical in even the mundane -- but Valentine's Day is one of those happenings that > read more

Teachable moments

Published on 2011-02-10 06:00:48

With a mom who's a teacher and a grandma who's always wanting to see how darn smart the kid is, Bubby spends a lot of time singing his ABCs, identifying the sounds of animals, discussing new words, and counting. Sometimes he gets tired of it. Sometim > read more

Courage on the grill

Published on 2011-02-09 06:00:22

Sometimes the nominations for Grilled Grandmas bring tears to my eyes. Literally. This week's Grilled Grandma, Kelli, was grilled as the result of this sweet nomination from last week's Grilled Grandma, Deanna: Dear Lisa,I would like to introduce yo > read more

Emergency in the desert

Published on 2011-02-08 06:00:34

Emergencies in the desert are far different than the ones I'm used to in the mountains. Monday morning, there were a few hours to kill before I had to return to the airport and hop a plane back to the mountains. Preston had left for work, and Megan, > read more

Show of hands

Published on 2011-02-07 06:00:49

Bubby worked diligently on a flower to give Mommy upon her return home. Today's question: From whom did you last receive flowers? > read more

Photo replay

Published on 2011-02-06 07:39:49

He looked at me and said: "I love to play in sand!" Bubby - February 4, 2011 Today's question: When did you last experience sand -- at the beach, in a sandbox, for traction on ice? > read more

The Saturday Post: The worst skater edition

Published on 2011-02-05 06:00:54

I realize this is a complete set-up, but I like to consider it a lovely reminder that when given plenty of space and a little extra time, we can achieve the unexpected. Do something unexpected today. Today's question: How would you rate your ice-ska > read more

OUT: e-mail, IN: Grandma mail

Published on 2011-02-04 06:00:06

This time last year, crafty grandmas were posting photos and directions for the festive little Valentine's Day mailboxes they'd created for their grandchildren. The marvy mailboxes posted by Nina and Kathy were exactly what I needed for Bubby -- a Gr > read more

Freeze frame

Published on 2011-02-03 06:00:29

Today I head to the desert for a five-day visit with Bubby. To him, though, it will likely feel more like a five-day photo shoot -- Gramma takes lots of pictures! By the end of a few days together with Bubby, I usually have 500 or more photos. Enough > read more

Renaissance grandma

Published on 2011-02-02 06:00:31

This week's Grilled Grandma, Deanna, does it all. She writes. She's a photographer. She does all the grandma things grandmas do. And she does them all well. Yep, a true Renaissance grandma, if you ask me. But that's not what stands out the most to me > read more

Is that your final question?

Published on 2011-02-01 06:00:18

The other day, Jim and I were discussing what happens after death, most importantly, what we'll learn upon passing through the pearly gates and gaining truth and knowledge about anything and everything. (Yeah, we're weird that way.) One question at t > read more

Now I lay them down to sleep

Published on 2011-01-31 06:00:21

Well, it's happened. Jim and I have become those people. You know, the ones whose animals take the place of their children once the children are grown and gone. Sure, I have plenty of friends whose animals have always been their kids. Which has worke > read more

Photo replay

Published on 2011-01-30 06:00:03

The highlight of my upcoming week will be hugging this guy on Thursday. Bubby - August 2010 Today's question: What are you most looking forward to this week? > read more

The Saturday Post: Let's get literate edition

Published on 2011-01-29 06:00:34

I've spent the last two weeks shuffling applications, e-mails, tutors and students as I coordinate my Barnes & Noble site for the next semester of tutoring for the Children's Literacy Center. It's a great cause, a great organization with great cu > read more

A Birdy by any other name

Published on 2011-01-28 06:00:42

Megan and Bubby, before he became "Bubby."Wednesday as I ran errands, I called Megan to see how she, Bubby and Preston were doing. They'd been sick -- Bubby had strep -- and I wanted to find out how recovery was going. I also wanted to verify the spe > read more

Searching for sense

Published on 2011-01-27 06:00:36

Ever since publishing my I wanna be HGTV'd post, I've been inundated by visitors landing here via a search for "HGTV." I'm happy to have the hits but feeling a tad guilty that somehow many of those arriving think this site -- despite the granny pan > read more

Gimme a "V" ... and a Grilled Grandma

Published on 2011-01-26 06:02:25

Kids say the darnedest things. That we all know. Despite the cliche, it's still rather funny when wacky words unexpectedly come out of the mouths of little ones. Well, this week's Grilled Grandma, Bernice, tells a funny tale about the darnedest thing > read more

Rule No. 3

Published on 2011-01-25 06:01:02

When my daughters were teenagers, if they wanted their own car, they had to have an after-school job to cover the cost of gas and insurance. Those were the rules. All three wanted their own car, so all three worked. Which led to other rules, primaril > read more

Moving in the right direction

Published on 2011-01-24 06:00:22

Since I very first became a grandma and since I very first started this blog, I've bemoaned the fact that I'm a long-distance grandma. That Bubby lives 819 miles away. Has since the day he was born. This past weekend, though, that's all changed. I'm > read more

Photo replay

Published on 2011-01-23 06:00:30

I have oodles of nieces but very few nephews. This is one of the few. I love him lots. Lisa & Justin - Christmas Day 2010 Today's question: How many nieces and nephews do you have? > read more

The Saturday Post: Time flies edition

Published on 2011-01-22 06:01:16

Believe it or not, January will soon come to a close. Already. Time does indeed fly. This video beautifully shows the passage of time. One year to be exact. In less than 90 seconds. Yet it's not frenetic and harried. It's surprisingly peaceful and re > read more

National Hugging Day

Published on 2011-01-21 06:00:49

Megan passes along my hugs to Bubby.When I pose questions to the subjects of my Grilled Grandma feature, one of the questions always included is, "How do you maintain the bond between yourself and your grandchildren between visits?" I ask that questi > read more

Cooking up memories

Published on 2011-01-20 06:00:08

For many people, regardless of age, their memories of Grandma have her firmly positioned in the kitchen, cooking and baking up goodies that will forever hold a place in the hearts and tastebuds of her grandchildren. I don't have such memories. I don' > read more

A guffaw and a new feature

Published on 2011-01-19 06:00:37

All kids say cute things now and then. But sometimes the things they say are not only cute, they're downright hilarious. Such is the case of a conversation between this week's Grilled Grandma, Gail, and one of her grandsons, which she shared in respo > read more

Get a grip

Published on 2011-01-18 06:00:46

Bubby has clearly decided that ears are not only for listening, they make fantastic handles for holding on to during shoulder rides. I'm wondering how long it'll take before he decides ears also make great grips for dragging baby brother Birdy aroun > read more

Ring of ire

Published on 2011-01-17 06:00:52

Jim and I were married very young. In fact, I was so young, my dad had to sign my life away for me in order for us to obtain a marriage license. Being married so young means I missed out on learning many of the things young single women learn early o > read more

Photo replay

Published on 2011-01-16 06:00:21

Ah, to be a cat on a weekday afternoon. Isabel and Abby - January 14, 2011 Today's question: How often do you take an afternoon nap? > read more

The Saturday Post: Her Channel edition

Published on 2011-01-15 06:00:44

Those of you who "like" Grandma's Briefs on Facebook may already know this. Those who "follow" Grandma's Briefs on Twitter may already know this. And those of you who are super astute site visitors may already know this, too. But since some of you ma > read more

Shoe-la-la! winners

Published on 2011-01-14 15:10:42

Visit the Back Room to find out who won a copy of Shoe-la-la! by Karen Beaumont. Was it you? > read more

Battling my personal lemons

Published on 2011-01-14 06:00:37

I keep seeing featured in the JCPenney ad the red loveseat Jim and I bought just after moving into our house. Because we have so many stairs, we needed a spot for his mom to sleep on the main level when she visited, and the loveseat was the perfect s > read more

Ramble on

Published on 2011-01-13 06:00:30

Nothing incredibly profound here today, just a few of the ramblings rumbling 'round my noggin: Bubby has been honing his sense of humor and it's an unending pleasure to witness. Tuesday night's Skype session included Bubby telling PawDad and me the > read more

Grilling grandmas and taking notes

Published on 2011-01-12 06:00:49

I have a small handmade book I keep on my desk. It's a beautiful blank book, made and given to me by a dear friend.* On the pages of the miniature memento I record quotes, thoughts, sayings that speak to my heart. Yesterday, I added a few new ones to > read more

New giveaway in the Back Room!

Published on 2011-01-11 12:49:44

Don't miss the Shoe-la-la book review and giveaway (with two winners) just posted in Grandma's Back Room, courtesy of Scholastic Press. Hurry and enter -- contest ends Thursday at midnight. > read more

I wanna be HGTV'd

Published on 2011-01-11 06:00:07

I'm a fan of HGTV. My favorite designers are the ever-awesome, ever-cool Antonio and the creative and lovely Genevieve. Time and again, Jim and I talk about how we'd love to have one of them -- or any of the HGTV designers ... or Josh Temple or Ahmed > read more

5 signs you're a long-distance grandma

Published on 2011-01-10 06:00:43

Behind every long-distance grandma is a long-distance grandchild.1. You have a web camera and Skype access, and you're not afraid to use 'em. And use them you do, as often as your grandchild's parents allow. (In secret, you eagerly await the day it's > read more

Photo replay

Published on 2011-01-09 06:00:07

My last documented sunrise of the decade. December 29, 2010 Today's question: Which do you enjoy more: sunrise or sunset? > read more

The Saturday Post: Puzzling edition

Published on 2011-01-08 06:00:15

It's Saturday. There are chores to do, of course, but I sure don't feel like doing any of them. Do you? I have the perfect remedy. Actually, Beverly of How Sweet The Sound, provided the perfect remedy. Each week, Beverly posts a puzzle for her "Puzzl > read more

Bound to happen

Published on 2011-01-07 06:00:44

Well, it's finally happened: I've gotten old. I've not come to that realization because of my wrinkles, my achy joints or my crotchety disposition of late, but because of how freakin' young those in the medical profession now seem to me. My eyes bega > read more

A bird in the hand

Published on 2011-01-06 06:00:21

Our family had a bit of a scare this week: Megan, in her 19th week of pregnancy, experienced some funky business with Bubby's brother-to-be. So her doctor ordered an ultrasound. Thankfully, all turned out well. Baby is alive and kicking and nestled f > read more

A grandma to review ... and grill

Published on 2011-01-05 06:00:37

As a blogger who (occasionally) posts book reviews, I often get approached by folks wanting me to read their books. Sometimes I turn down the authors (or PR companies), sometimes I take them up on the offer, and sometimes I ask if I can grill them. O > read more

Changes on the way

Published on 2011-01-04 06:00:11

At the start of a new year, everyone seems to have plans for how things will change in their lives in the coming months, whether stated aloud or kept private. One person I know has the biggest changes of his life coming his way, and at this point, he > read more

Calendar girl

Published on 2011-01-03 06:00:38

Yesterday I copied all the birthdays and anniversaries from my 2010 calendar onto my 2011 calendar then added the old calendar to my stack of those I've saved for years -- every year since 1997, to be exact. I abhor packrats and do my best not to be > read more

Photo replay

Published on 2011-01-02 06:00:49

My pretty girls. Well, two of the three. Andrea & Brianna - Christmas Eve 2010 Today's question: What is one thing you want to try/do/accomplish in 2011 that you've never done before? > read more

Happy New Year

Published on 2011-01-01 06:00:30

Photo: Flikr Commons > read more

Top smiles of 2010

Published on 2010-12-31 06:00:48

The end of a year begs for lists, so despite sharing a list with you yesterday, I'm here with another today. This time it's ... My top 9 smile-inducers of 2010 Bubby. Always. In all ways! Jim's support, with comments such as, "You really shou > read more