A visit with my grandchildren

You know, I loved raising my two sons, John and Michael. . . and for those of you that don't already know - they are twins! But there is something very special about grandchildren that you just can't put into words or define.

I just returned from a long weekend visiting them down South. . . they used to live in Rochester. And I could pop in almost anytime and see them. Then a few years back, a head hunter found my son, promised him the world. . . and, unfortunately, for me, delivered. I cherish every minute I can spend with them.

This weekend was a lot of fun for me. On Saturday morning, John and Jen were running in separate races - John in a half marathon and Jen in an 8K. They both did very well for their age group - but Jen got her name in the paper and John didn't!!!

My job on Saturday morning was to pack all three of my grandsons, Kevin, Jake, and Andrew in my little Honda Civic and drive them to Jake's soccer game. Okay, I admit, I was a little nervous about packing up three kids - and their gear - all by myself. So I allowed PLENTY of time to get Jake there on time. Jen said we needed to leave by 9:45. Forget that! NO! I wanted to allow for every contingency. So at 9:00 am, I loaded the three boys and their gear in the car and was ready to pull out of the driveway by 9:15. "Okay. . . Jake, do you have everything you need?", I asked.

"I think so," he answered.

"JAKE! I don't want an 'I-think-so' Do you have everything you need???"

"Well, I think I need my water bottle and my soccer ball," he replied.

Okay, so we get the water bottle and the soccer ball from the house. "Sometimes I'm irresponsible," Jake said. It was hard, but I did not laugh at him.

John had warned me that some of the kids on this soccer team were, well, less than my expectations for childrens' behavior. So I had pulled Jake aside. . . looked at him with my "stern gramma" look. "Jake," I began, "I want you to have a good time today and Gramma is really looking forward to watching you play. But I expect you to behave the way you are capable of behaving. . . do you understand?"

Jake looked at me with those eyes that said, "Gramma is serious, I better tow the line here."

"Because if you don't," I continued, "Gramma is going to tie you to the bumper of her car and drag you all the way home." Somehow I managed to look into those eyes and keep a straight face.

"What will you use for rope?", Jake asked with only a hint of a smirk on his face.

I may be a strong willed person. But that made me laugh inspite of myself!!!

I was going to insert here a picture of Jake in his soccer uniform. But I didn't like the way that picture turned out.

But here is one that I really like. Humor me. I'm a very proud Gramma.



On Saturday morning, I came downstairs. . . forget grandchildren. . . in the morning, my first priority is my cup of coffee. So I walked into the family room from the kitchen with my treasured cup of coffee. This is what I saw! Kevin and Jake with Bingo, the dog, cuddled up with them!

I have to add a word about Bingo. Those who know me, know that I will tell you, there is no other dog in the world but a Labrador Retriever. But Bingo is an exception. When I first heard John and Jen were considering a rescue dog, I went ballistic. I can relate more true stories than I care to, about the horrors of bringing a rescue dog into your home, ESPECIALLY with small children!

Bingo is a major exception to that rule. Bingo is one of the most loving dogs I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. We don't know her background before coming to John and Jen's home. But I assure you, this dog found the right home. She is good with the kids and all five of them (John, Jen, Kevin, Jake, and Andrew) love her.

And here are other scenes from my weekend!