Nana & Papa do Braggadocios

Some days are just plain busy...

Someone once said "I wish grownups would stop acting like children..."  I say "Poo Poo to that!"   Please allow me to introduce Nana in Let's Dress Up! Costarring my little druid. Cousins dress and create characters they wish to be!

When I began reading Jessie Wise &  Susan Wise Bauer's The Well Trained Mind I knew I wanted to read the entire book!  Here is where I got hooked: "...you don't have to draw a line between parenting and teaching.  Teaching--preparing the child for the twelve formal years of classical education---begins at birth."   warmest regards,  Nana Mary

I love to make a pretty table adorned with seasonal colors, candles, and dishes for our Thanksgiving meal.  With as many  grandchildren that I have, we are lucky to have another table!   So I decorated their table with a Norman Rockwell book and other books, including colorful blocks and little plastic bugs. (grandboys like these things) I made sure their table had little appetizers like red grapes and homemade cookies  until we were all ready to eat Thanksgiving Dinner. Grandchildren Thanksgiving Table  Along the valance I hung pictures of all my grandchildren as a reminder to them of how thankful I for them, I included my grand - dog too! Our newest granddaughter is up there but very hidden by Nana Mary's arm.   My cup overfloweth with blessings... warmest regards, Nana Mary

Gia is here...and Nana Mary is here...

My grandboys spent  the night with us during a couple days off of school.  We had a fantastic time with them, we played games, we ate good and junk food (grandparent perks)  and they had a visit from their cousin. The cousins began their play by re-creating the dining and front room into a tent city.  I was given a VIP pass to take pictures of their planning. It is a happy talent to know how to play. Ralph Waldo Emerson American writer 1803–1882  

Sitting on the couch at my aunt's home she noticed I was holding a pillow on my lap.    I don't know why I hold a pillow perhaps it's a comfort thing.  It is not necessary that I hold a pillow on my lap when I sit on a couch but if there are "throw pillows"  I naturally pick one to hold.   My aunt said that the pillow I was holding was embroidered by my grandmother!  Isn't it lovely!   Like many grandmothers of her time, they enjoyed making beautiful handiwork like embroidery, crochet, knitting and sewing. I took after my grandmother in many ways; I too enjoy creating beautiful artwork through knitting, embroidery, and sewing.   One day I will be gone and hopefully my grandchildren too will be comforted by the handiwork I left behind...for them...

My husband and I believe all children can learn that work is good for the mind and soul.   "Papa" as he is called by  our grandchildren has fun doing woodwork  projects with them.  Our grandsons have already begun their Christmas gifts.    

Oh the joy of books!  One of my favorite places to go with my grandchildren is the library.   Next is the museum and lastly, Disneyland. I believe our children need to experience the institution of the "house of books" a place that appeals to their "forming" minds.  It's free and it is a great place to talk with them about the knowledge of the world around them.  Ruth Beechick says it perfectly,  as adults our "job during the elementary years, is to supply the knowledge and skills that will allow your child to overflow with creativity as his/her mind matures."  (Ruth Beechick, A Strong Start in Language :  Gr.K-3)  My little granddaughter drinks up books!  I look forward to our next visit at the library.    warmest regards,  Nana Mary

I volunteer at my grandson's kindergarten classroom on Fridays. This past Friday the school announced a candy fund raiser.  I cringed silently and thought about the many little "sales" people who knock on my door with their thick catalogs asking if I would buy something from them.  The catalogs are usually filled with a variety of  things like Holiday wrapping, Holiday gifts, soaps,  food and candy items.  Most of the time these little door peddler know nothing about the items they are selling.  Shame on those companies who prey on little innocent children to market off their products!  Sadly these children often hear "I'm sorry I can't buy this time." Finally Helen Grace got it right.  She must of have been a grandmother!  The students are given one glossy paper with six candy choices, each candy is pictured with a description and labeled alphabetically and an envelope to put the money in.  Candy is priced at  $1.25 a c...