Is there a Grandma in the house?

As you already know, I am totally wrapped up in the care and adoration of the new baby, Emilie.
I can't think of too much else, or talk about much else, so please pardon this silly grandma,
 I  just can't help it.

But today, we went out for a bit and stopped at a local market, roadside stand. You do know that new Jersey is the Garden State, right?  Even this early in the growing season, the produce looks wonderful.
 Mostly it is coming from California or Florida or somewhere, right now.  But they had some hot-house tomatoes.

Just had to have a Jersey tomato sandwich as soon as we got home.

Thick slice of tomato, a  generous slather of mayonaise,  pinch of coarse black pepper and a sprinkle of salt on toast, that's the way I make them.  A deliciously simple  local favorite!
 Even though they are hothouse "maters", they're pretty good!
I got this good multigrain bread at Aldi's, for  only $1.89.
I've been making meals for the little family, trying to come up with some new ideas.

Easy hostessing with fruits and vegetables!  Attractive and wholesome too!

 Watermelon-high amounts of vitamins A and C, and  lycopene, for cardiovascular health.      
Blueberries-antioxidants, and fiber, lower cholesterol and protect heart.                               
      Strawberries-contain phenols, are anti-inflammatory, fight disorders such as osteoarthritis.           Cauliflower is rich in Vitamin C , and K and lots of other nutrients.                                      

 I just keep cutting up fruits and veggies for the family and friends stopping by to see the baby.

I bag up leftovers for healthy snacking anytime and use surplus veggies for stir-fries, or steam for dinner sides.

Fruits can be thrown in the freezer then whirled in the blender with milk or yogurt for delicious smoothies. 

Oh, and we had an important birthday for Aunt Amy,  Mother's Day, and Memorial Day! 

Also Amy, my youngest daughter just graduated from Rutgers School of Law! What an accomplishment! 
She has such determination and brains!

   My,  what an eventful month of May!

My daughter, me and baby Emilie on Mother's Day

My baby girl graduates from law school!  So proud!

So we've been pretty  busy with the new baby,  graduation ceremony, family celebrations and it's been wonderful.  But there are complications and some drama in every family, and it takes a bit of  humor, and grace to pull it off and keep everybody happy.

 3 year old Tommy and his brand new baby sister Emily.

Grandma's tips to keep the older siblings from feeling left out.

• Be patient. Don't push them away, even when they are bothering the baby or you.  If you embrace them and gently guide them they will learn to be gentle and not feel       neglected. They will be helpful if included.
• Realize they have been dethroned and may have some normal jealous feelings.
• Invent ways to make them feel special. Let them fetch things for you, like a blanket or       pacifier.
• Let go.  Grandma or other family members can take older siblings on walks and other outings, or just  outdoors so Mama and baby can nap in peace. You'll appreciate the break and they will feel special.
• Show them pictures of themselves as a newborn, and tell them they were just as cute, sweet, precious.
• Pray with them at table grace time and bedtime, asking God to help them  obey, behave,  and be helpful, and thanking God for the new baby and the family you have.  You can express your values and gratitude. You can teach them while saying a prayer, and it doesn't hurt for a child to see you  talking to God.
• Try to keep normal routines, but allow for extra treats, like staying up later than usual to play a game with Daddy.   Be flexible, understanding, everybody is adjusting!
• Praise them!  Positive reinforcement  creates more positive behavior.

You shall teach them to your children,

 talking of them when you are sitting in your house, 

and when you are walking by the way,

and when you lie down,

 and when you rise. ..

                                                                                        Deuteronomy 11:19 ESV

I am reassuring my daughter that life will settle into more normal patterns, 

as the baby learns to eat on more of a schedule, (and not every hour and a half), 

when we begin to get more sleep. 

In the meantime, I am doing everything possible to make the house run smoothly.  Besides diaper changing, and rocking the baby, I'm playing with Thomas, cooking, cleaning, and  doing all the dirty work, so my daughter who's nursing can concentrate on her mothering roles, and get some rest while she heals and everyone adjusts to all the changes.

 I am also helping with grocery shopping and being an an extra pair of arms when we run errands. Did you know that they make the car seats now, so that they no longer fit in the shopping carts, so I don't understand how a young mother can  possibly do her shopping alone, especially with more than one child!  Frustrating!  So I can solve some problems, just by "being there".

 Anyway, here's a solution I used to get rid of some pesky ants.

Easy Ant Killer Cotton Balls
Make a solution: 1 cup warm water, 1/2 cup sugar, and 2 Tbsp. Borax.
Soak several cotton balls in solution. Squeeze gently and place soaked
 cotton balls wherever you've seen ants making trails.
They will feed and die immediately.
 Use care when placing the cotton balls where children and pets are present.

"Every house needs a grandma in it"

Hope you're having as much fun as I am! 

                               Love, Linda

Babywatch

I'm staying with my  3 yr. old grandson, waiting for the birth of his little sister!
My daughter and her hubby went to the hospital last night and any time now,
 I could receive the much anticipated call,  "It's a girl!!  Everything's fine."
                    

a cut apart Dollar Tree banner and a wreath make the grand announcement.

 Of course, this baby is all I can think about right now.  I love her already.
 I'm  staying busy, I'm pampering Tommy. He wants to bake cupcakes
 for his Mommy and Daddy.
The house is cleaned, diapers are stocked, nursery is ready.
 My daughter Amy and I decorated too!  We'll take a walk, and wait.
I don't know what I would do without "Aunt Amy", always making big brother
 feel special,  and helping entertain him!  Then  standing by me,
as the anticipation grows!

The last picture of very expectant mommy, and her only child.

said Pooh, by  A.A. Milne

Funny, my first grandchild, already 17, is attending the prom tonight.

 It seems like he was  just born yesterday, and his childhood has sped by so quickly, 

So I'm excited about this special night, and my heart is full of pride and motherly

 concern for him!  But, I'm learning to trust in the Lord, instead of worrying.  

Gary, 3 years ago   Now he's driving, working, making plans for college, and  going to his High School Prom!

How fast the years go by! How our hearts feel like they are so full they'll burst, 

and yet when we have someone new come into our lives--- we start all over, 

and our love just grows and grows. 

I'm so thankful for these grandbabies!

Dear God,                                                                    

Please  give me the grace and wisdom to teach them

 your ways, and enough strength, patience, to share my love

and give the proper care to my grandbabies and their families. 

 Please give me enough time to share all the important things

 I must pass on to them, as only a grandma can do.  

In Jesus' name,  Amen

May 3, 2014                                                                                              

             Now, we've gone into the next day. I guess she will be born on the 3rd, 

             not her due date, the 2nd.                                                                   

             I talked to Julie several hours ago. When first admitted they administered                 

             Cervadil,  to induce her and it didn't work.                                                        

             Now some other meds, Pitocin. The midwife said we will have a baby by morning . 

   Then at midnite,   Pitocin was stopped.  Contractions stopped.                                           

             I think she's resting now, and her husband is with her.I must be patient!

morning breaks,    still no baby.

                                                                     

  A long afternoon..........                                                                              

 Some encouraging words-affirmations  

that I said to my daughter before and during labor. 

           Your body knows how to give birth

              You are a good mother

                Your baby knows the true birthday

                  You are a strong woman

 and try meditating on this verse, one of my favorites: 

"Finally brethren,whatever is true, whatever is noble,

 whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent 

or praiseworthy- think about these things."  Phillipians 4:8 

  At last!  

4:30 pm   Just heard,  She's here!  Everything's fine!

Big brother sees his sister for the first time,  on Facebook
 If you want  to know what's going on, the quickest way is social media! 

"Welcome Home",   driveway chalk decoration,
 redone the second time, because it washed away in the rain last night.

Later, 7:30 p.m.,  Tommy, Aunt Amy and I meet Emilie Grace
 at the hospital,  just 3 hrs. old

 8:30   the happy little family.  

        

  We say goodnight for now, and hope Mommy,Daddy and baby 

come home tomorrow!  

Meanwhile,  I learn that grandson #1, was the Prom Prince last night!                   

  

Gary and his date, Diana 

  

May 4    Okay, It rained again and washed away our chalk     

             greeting  "Welcome Home". 

             Twice it happened! 

              But baby can't come home yet, Billirubin's high.

May 5   We're not doing the chalk  again, cause we don't know when  

            they are coming home.    Waiting again, patiently.                                             

May 6, 2014, 5:00 p.m.  They're finally home from the hospital, Thank you Lord! 

            Mother and baby are doing great, big brother is being good and gentle.

Now, we can sleep peacefully,  Until the next feeding, in 2 hrs!

Love,  GrandmaLinda

Waiting

Waiting for spring.  What a harsh winter we had!

"No winter lasts forever, no spring skips its turn."  ---Hal Borland

On a job the other day in Cape May, a chilly, rainy day there weren't many signs of spring, unless you looked closely.

 Down an alley, I spotted this little cluster of snowdrops.

But now the shopkeepers are busy getting ready to open, planting their windowboxes, and pots.
Three days later... cheerful Pansies- their little faces everywhere!

"There's rosemary, that's for remembrance, pray you, love,
remember, and there is pansies, that's for thoughts."
---Wm. Shakespeare

My grandmom loved pansies, and so do I!

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer"

  Romans 12:12

 Waiting for the Flu to go away. Ugh! 
Old-fashioned remedies for the symptoms, lots of water and some extra rest, and it will pass.
 Alka Seltzer,  Mucinex D, green tea, and sleep.

For  body aches
" Plop,plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is!"

green tea, Mucinex D  for coughing and sinus congestion.
Cepacol for my sore throat.
 Nyquil gave me a good night's rest.

Took off from work today, Staying in bed. Tea and toast, my first meal for a couple days.
 BRAT diet is recomended,  Bananas,Rice, Applesauce and Toast.
 Can't get our to the store for bananas or applesauce. 

"There is no trouble so great or grave
that cannot be diminished by a nice cup of tea."
--- Bernard Paul  Heroux 

Have you tried a Neti-pot?  Very soothing, clears away mucous.
The sinus rinse helps me, and I believe it shortens the length of the illness.
Gotta get better!  I'm not very patient with being sick.  I need to let go.
I'll just treat the symptoms, try to get more comfortable, and wait it out!

 For more home remedies, http://wellnessmama.com/1499/natural-remedies-for-illness

What was that verse about thinking good things?

"Whatever is true,

whatever is noble,

whatever is right,

whatever is pure,

whatever is admirable-

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-

think about such things."

Phillipians 4:8

 

 

My favorite verse!  Now I have my meditations,  and promises to cling to! 

 

Waiting for our new baby, my daughter is expecting next month!
 We've got the nursery ready, and she will be a very well-dressed little baby,
Thanks to friends, and the nurses at the hospital where Julie works, giving her a shower of love!

Julie selected her favorite colors, lavender and green for the baby's bedding.
 I'm so excited!  Everything is so pretty!

 

What a wardrobe!  Our little princess has clothes in all sizes

Big brother Thomas calls her "Cupcake".
 He loves making cupcakes,
and month's ago,he started calling the baby "cupcake"
and it sort of became a theme.

Cupcake piggy bank, cupcake shower-decorations-diaper-cake 

Mommy told him, "pretty soon it won't just be you and me anymore".




He takes his cupcake decorating very seriously.

This spring is going to bring me much joy!
I am going to get better, because I have much to do!

 Tomorrow I'll be better.  Today I'll rest.

 Love, Linda 

My feelings About Mandatory Health Care Insurance

I know we needed to do health care reform, but I don't like being fined or taxed for not having insurance.  It seems ridiculous, because the only reason I would risk having no insurance, is because I can't afford it.   So I haven't had any medical care in 20 years, except  essential screening at a Woman's Clinic, a pap smear and mammogram,and minor dermatological work that I paid for out-of-pocket.  I feel betrayed and afraid of the impending penalty, of essentially being punished again for not making enough money.  I can't understand it.  I've already been without care all these years, but I've tried to live a healthy life of proper nutrition, excercise and  practicing safety.
 I never smoked, or drank excessively or used drugs.
  I think the answer was to reduce health care costs, and change the laws that enable well-meaning doctors and practitioners to be sued so readily.    If the doctors didn't have to buy so much insurance to protect them from lawsuits, they wouldn't have to charge so much for their services.  I  feel like I won't be able to take care of myself with any more tax burden.
 It almost feels like I can't afford to live.  The stress of rising rent, costs of living increases,  for essentials like gasoline, and food. is enough to make one sick.  Seriously, the anxiety of trying to just "get by", for the average low-income hard-working person is going to get worse, for me and many people I know.
I think some people who don't have faith , that God will supply all their needs somehow, and those who suffer depression and other emotional problems will not be able to cope with this. 
Thank God, I know I'll  always be okay.  But during  these times of such a bad economy, when there's not enough work and you can't get payed enough when you do work to pay the rent or mortgage ,  mandatory car insurance, we can't pay more taxes and fines for not having health insurance.
 Rant over

It's My Blog's Third Anniversary!

 Today's my blog's anniversary, my mother's birthday,
and my Etsy shop's  second  anniversary too! 
I am so blessed, with all these wonderful things  in my life,
and I'm  looking forward to another  fantastic year, and blogging about it.
 My blog is fun for me. I love sharing pictures of the beautiful things I see, and talking about my life as a grandmother and  I enjoy showing vintage and antique pieces that I use in my home, or sell in my shop.

  I am  so blessed to still have my mother, and so pleased that she's in fairly good health, and that we can share our faith and our lives. We share many interests, such as crafts,cooking, enjoying tea, and most importantly our big,beautiful family. She has many children and grandchildren, who I, of course, love very much too!

Happy Birthday Mother!

I have a very large family. Here are many of us, at a summer '13  birthday bash.

 So, at this special time of year, as I put away Christmas stuff for me and all my clients, during this long cold winter, the in-between time after the holidays, while we await Easter, the spring and garden activities, I'm slowed down, stuck inside more.  So I can be  focused on those that are the most dear to me.   I'm feeling a little sentimental, not really wanting Christmas to be over, but moving ahead to the next celebrations of life.  A new year promises much excitement and joy, with my ever growing family and business!

  No time for SAD, which is very real and I don't mean to make light of it, because I see it in others and it is seriously debilitating.   I really consciously fight any slight feelings of depression, by getting lots of exercise, laughing and playing, and keeping very active.  I concentrate on positive affirmations, reach out to others, help friends, read good books and pray.  We all have to stick together.  Life is sometimes really tough!  The news is discouraging, businesses are suffering, and the weather has been extremely cold and dangerous. I've made it a point to look in on my older neighbors, and every couple of days, do little gestures, like taking fresh fruits and homemade treats. People need each other, and little things means a lot.  The older I get the more I realize that.

  I've been busy with little Thomas almost every day.  He is so active, and learning so much each day. Our biggest accomplishment recently is getting completely  potty-trained.  I am so lucky to be his Granny-Nanny,  it is the most rewarding job I could ever have!  

 At 3 1/2, he is really charming now, and has quite  lengthy conversations

 with the  lovely waitresses at our favorite neighborhood restaurant,  Larry's II.

The staff is super friendly and attentive, makes families feel  really welcome.   

Demolished that strawberry pancake!

Back at home, Tommy wants to help when I cook. Here we are making
Italian Roasted Chicken Breasts

                   First I cut the breasts into smaller pieces, and arrange in large baking dish.

                   We just pour any Italian Salad Dressing over the chicken.

                    Marinate for a couple hours,

                    then bake at 350* for about 1 hour, turning occasionally. 

 Easy and tasty! 

 I let him squeeze the dressing, and sprinkle seasoning.
 He really likes to help,  tries hard and feels proud to help.
I cooked a huge package to use for dinner tonight and it will make a couple other meals too.
We like it for slicing on salads to pack in their lunches,  and then I'll make another chicken dish in  the next couple days.
Julie and Andy work long days and like coming home to  home-cooked dinners, I'm sure.

 Finally,  he is old enough to understand when I want him to be still for a picture!

  He  just loves the outdoors, and lucky for  us!---  There is a playground right across the street,
and playmates down the street near the cul-de-sac.  Better get outside while it's nice, because we're having lots of lousy weather lately! Lots of snow coming again this week.

  

    "Forget Batman:  When I really thought 

about what I wanted to be when I grew up,

 I wanted to be my dad."  ----Paul Asay

             

              author of   God On the Streets Of Gotham,

                              What the Big Screen Batman Can Teach Us About God And Ourselves

So cute, climbs up onto the new bar stools,to be just like his dad, who's doing work on his lap-top.

 One Father is worth more than a thousand schoolmasters.
                                                                   -George Herbert

Tommy just adores his daddy, and I encourage this attachment, because I feel it's so important that fathers be involved in every aspect of their young children's lives.  So I always make a big fuss when my son -in-law comes in  after work.  "Daddy's home!"we shout, and Tommy reaches up and Andy grins. Melts my heart.  Then he sits as close to his daddy as he can.  They are best buddies.  Daddy usually tucks him in at night. 

The righteous who walks in his integrity- 

                                                   blessed are his children after him.                                               -                                                     --Proverbs 20:7

  Another important job grandmas have is supporting and encouraging the parents of her grandchildren. Just being there to reinforce the family family's ideals and rules, and ease the burden when Mom and Dad need a little help or a break makes a big difference.  I like to think that I  help make things run smoother at their house.   Now I'm helping the little family prepare for baby sister's arrival in the spring. It is most important to listen to the expectant parents concerns and reassure them.

  I loved shopping with my daughter for some new maternity clothes and sweet little baby girl outfits.

Cupcake clothes

 Tommy  knows he's getting a little sister and he calls her "Cupcake"

More Cupcake clothes

 How to be a useful Grandma......

• Learn to be there for them, and when to let them be alone,
• Listen, and reflect their thoughts, 
•  give advice only when asked,
•  do little things they don't have time to do, but need done.
•  and always remember that they are the bosses of their home and family,

 and you will always be welcome, greatly appreciated and a highly respected grandma!
 Happy Grandparenting!

Love, Linda