Letter to My Grandma

Dear Grandma,

Happy Birthday to my sweet and sassy Grandma.

We miss you so much!

How thankful I am that I had you for all those years.  You taught me how to loosen up and have fun. Sometimes we got into some mischief and kept it our little secret.  Or at least I kept a secret until we were both too old for my mom to get too mad at us.  I think that you were the best Grandma that I could have ever had.  You were just the Grandma that I needed.  A little fun, a little sassy, a little stubborn, and a little sneaky.  You were perfectly perfect for me. You always made me laugh.  Every single time I visited you.  And, oh, the fun we had!

I sure do wish we could hang out together.  Maybe go to the Crossroads Mall.  Watch Dallas together. Or, hit the TCBY yogurt!

Thank you for being the coolest Grandma in town!

Love you,
Donna

I have posted this poem before and I read it at her funeral.  Here it is again.

A grandma is a remarkable woman.

She's a wonderful combination of

warmth and kindness, laughter and love.

She overlooks our faults, encourages our dreams,

and praises our every success.

A grandma has the wisdom of a teacher,

the sincerity of a true friend,

and the tenderness of a mother.

She's someone we admire, respect and

love very much.

A grandma will always have a cherished

place in our memories and in our hearts.

She's someone for whom we want every happiness

in return for the joy she always brings.

A grandma is all the dear and precious

things in life...

When she's a grandma like you.

-author unknown-

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 10

I am so grateful for my sweet and sassy Grandma!  I am thankful that I had her for 42 years.  My whole life she made me laugh and smile every time I was around her.  She taught me about courage. And, she taught me how to rock a pair of leggings.

Sassy Grandma's

Today would have been my Grandma's 94th birthday!

I think she was pretty special...

And, I think the world needs more sassy Grandma's wearing leggings!

If you have a sassy Grandma, make sure you give her a big hug... very soon.

Saying Goodbye to Grandma

My Grandma lived a great life!  She lived until she was 93. She died peacefully on August 6th with her daughters by her side.  On August 9th, we said goodbye to her with a very sweet funeral.

I spoke at a memorial service in her honor at the Villa Asuncion in Princeton, where she lived.  I also spoke at her funeral.  These were pretty much the words I said in her honor.

Good afternoon, my name is Donna Fortenberry.  I have the distinct honor and pleasure of being Christine Taylor Swanson’s granddaughter.  I was so proud of that title that I named my first born Jessica Taylor after her great-grandmother.  I find that both of these ladies are a great combination of sweet and sassy – with an extra dose of sassy.  And, who doesn’t like a little bit of sassy, right?

I am so thankful that families are a part of Heavenly Father’s plan for us.  I am especially grateful that he included grandmothers in that plan.  My grandma was perfectly perfect for me.  I couldn’t have asked for a better grandma.  She was just the one that I needed. 

My mom is a wonderful grandmother.  She makes her home very inviting for her grandkids providing them with special toys, activities and books.  Her entire house has been transformed just for them.  I hope that someday I can do the same for my grandkids.  However, Grandma didn’t really transform her house for us.  When we came to visit, our Grandma WAS the party.  I loved spending the night with my Grandma, especially when I was about 14.  We would take her dog and go to TCBY and get some frozen yogurt and then come back and watch Dallas and Falcon Crest.  We’d eat our yogurt and talk about Sue Ellen and J.R.   Often times, on Saturday afternoon she would drop us off at the mall or let us walk to the mall, which was a huge treat.  Mom would never have let us walk to the mall.   Which, by the way, we all kept a secret until a couple of years ago. 

Grandma and I got along famously even though we were very different.  I am a rule follower.  I play it safe and cautious.  If I can’t figure something out, I tend to wait, so that I don’t make a mistake.  Grandma was an improviser.  She used the tools she had at hand, and moved forward no matter what.  When I was a teenager, I received a brand new pretty pink camera for Christmas.  She asked to borrow it.  She couldn’t figure out how to get the film out, so she used a screwdriver and pried the back of my camera open to free the used film.  After that, my camera always had to have a strip of tape on the back.  If it were me, I would have thought to myself, “I don’t know what to do here, I better wait and find someone to help me.”  Not Grandma.  She just thought to herself, “It won’t open.  What can I find to MAKE it open!”   Which is one of the things that I loved most about her.

Around that same time, Grandma decided she wanted to teach me to cook… from a recipe!  She knew I was taking Home Economics and wanted to do her part to further my education.  We prepared everything we needed to bake a cobbler.  This will be the best cobbler you’ve ever tasted, she told me.  I remember being skeptical, because Grandma wasn’t a bad cook, but she wasn’t my most favorite cook.  As we started getting ready to bake I would ask her questions like, “Grandma, where are your measuring cups.”  It quickly became apparent that my improviser Grandma improvised in the kitchen, as well.  She didn’t own a single measuring cup or measuring spoon.  The rule follower in me almost died and was hoping that my Home Economics teacher, Miss Kerby, never got wind of this cooking demonstration that was taking place. Grandma told me just to grab a glass from the cupboard.  Which one, I would ask her.  It doesn’t matter would be her reply.   Who knows if we were even close in our measurements that day.  However, we had a lot of fun enjoying one another. 

In life, I’ve learned that I like to surround myself with people like my grandma.  People that know how to improvise a little bit, if needed.  They help balance me out and make life more fun.  And, that is what Grandma did for me.  She made life more fun.  She taught me that our time on this earth is short.  We need to relax, enjoy it and sometimes improvise a little.

I have a blog that I try to keep up-to-date with family stories and my thoughts on life.  On January 21, 2009 I posted a poem for Grandma.  The author is unknown.  This poem describes how I feel about my Grandma. 

A grandma is a remarkable woman.

She's a wonderful combination of

warmth and kindness, laughter and love.

She overlooks our faults, encourages our dreams,

and praises our every success.

A grandma has the wisdom of a teacher,

the sincerity of a true friend,

and the tenderness of a mother.

She's someone we admire, respect and

love very much.

A grandma will always have a cherished

place in our memories and in our hearts.

She's someone for whom we want every happiness

in return for the joy she always brings.

A grandma is all the dear and precious

things in life...

When she's a grandma like you.

-author unknown-

My grandma is definitely all those things and more!  I am thankful for the joy that she has brought to my life and to the lives of my children.  I am thankful that my kids had the opportunity know her and love her as much as I did.

 The day of the funeral, I added a section.  It was unscripted, but it went something like this.

My Auntie Jan and I were talking and decided to give everyone a note card at dinner last night and have them write one word that described Grandma.  This sounded like a great idea until I started reading all the cards.  I thought to myself 'what have we done?'  But, then I decided that Grandma would have proudly owned every single one of these words.  (At this point, I could see Auntie Jan laughing and clapping out of the corner of my eye.)

I am going to read these words to you today:

• Mischievous
• Strong-willed
• Tenacious
• Sassy
• Chocoholic
• Proud
• Cheater (with White Elephant gifts at Christmas)
• Stealer (I am assuming this one also applies to White Elephant gifts, as well)
• ornery
• Sneaky
• Fun
• Caring

And, my word is Elite.  As in the choicest part or best in class.  Both of those definitions fit my Grandma.  She will always be best in class to me and she is by far the choicest part of our family.

Grandma

Here are some pictures of my Grandma.  She is the cutest thing in the world.  Everyone needs a Grandma like mine.  She is funny, sassy and sweet... all rolled up into one Grandma.

My Favorite Pen Pal

I have the most awesome Grandma in the world!  She and I are pen pals.  She frequently sends me sweet little notes in the mail.  She has shaky handwriting, so I’m not sure how our US Postal Service manages to get them delivered to me!  Once she told me that she had saved all the letters that I had written her, because they were so special.  I realized that I need to write her more often.  This last note was a get well card.  It was my favorite.  She made a point to let me know that she didn’t know that I was having surgery, because my mother hadn’t told her anything about it.  That means that she learned about my surgery from my Auntie Jan.  That card made me smile… a lot!  My grandma is the best pen pal ever!

Game On!

We celebrated Christmas with the Bond side of the family on Christmas Eve.

It was a crazy get together that involved games, food and loud family members!

We were so happy to have

MaMaw and Grady (our host and hostess)

Auntie Jan and Uncle Joe

Tammy and her family

Jeff and his family

Corey and his family

and, of course, Grandma

Before the games started, Auntie Jan brought out the Karaoke microphone that played Christmas carols.  Slightly annoying, you say?  No, majorly annoying!  It transforms your voice into some kind of elf/Alvin and the Chipmunks voice.  Seriously, it makes you want to pull every hair from your head!  I told Uncle Joe that he was on my list for letting Auntie Jan buy that and bring it with her.  He assured me that it wasn't his fault and he had no control over the situation (which I am sure is the case).

The theme for our White Elephant gift exchange was... As Seen On TV.  Hmmm... it made for some interesting gifts, but not much fighting!  Jonathan seemed to be hanging on to his Snuggie and Uncle Joe didn't quite know what to make out of his Trendy Top!

Although, Emma seemed to be making a trade!  I can't tell if she was stealing or having a prized item taken from her!

We had so much fun playing, laughing and hanging out together.  I wish there were other holidays, besides Easter and Christmas that we could get together and play.  We should just make some up.

Thank you all for such wonderful memories.  The Fortenberry's love you!

And, The Hunt Is On

Guess what I spent my Christmas morning doing?  Searching for scratch-offs that my Grandma received for Christmas.  Her Christmas presents didn't make it home with her yesterday, so I dropped them off on my way to Mom and Dad's today.  There was one gift missing.  She had received a rather large pile of scratch-offs and they couldn't be found anywhere.  I looked through her bag of goodies over and over.  I called my mom and I called my Auntie Jan.  They both told me to tell her to look in her purse - even though she swore that they weren't in her purse.  Just as she suspected, they weren't in there.  I told her that I would look for them at Mom and Dad's house.  I started unpacking all of her presents.  She looked at me and said that we should look in the new shoes that she received.  I had checked the shoe box three times over, but we checked it again.  I pulled the shoes out and checked in and around the shoes.  This time I noticed that there was a cardboard piece that lined the bottom of the shoe box.  I pulled it up and she had hidden her scratch-offs in this super-secret compartment in the shoebox with her brand new shoes!  I am not sure who she thought was going to take her scratch-offs, but she hid them so well that I almost threw them away!  I was one step away from putting the shoes in the closet and throwing the shoe box away. 

I would like to apologize to my future grandchildren, because one day you will be searching for something really important that I hid from the world!  And, when we find it, I am just going to look at you and grin.  Then, I'm going say, "Well, I'll be..."   All because you can do these things when you are 92 years old.

Gratitude: Day 8

I am grateful for my Grandma!  They don't make them any better (or feistier) than my Grandma.  She makes me laugh every time I visit her.

Last time I visited her she told me that she was more than halfway for Romney and we should go vote for Romney.  I later learned that she had already voted and I'm pretty sure that she didn't vote Romney.  I think she was just trying to make me feel good.

She also calls me skinny.  Anyone that wants to think I'm skinny is my favorite.  (Just a little hint for each of you.)

I am blessed to have such a wonderful Grandma.

Cousin Time - Cheyanne's Birthday

On September 15th, MaMaw, Jessie and I met up in Princeton to visit with my Grandma.  We loved on her and slipped her some cash for her 92nd birthday that would be coming up on the 18th.  Green is her favorite color.  After spending some time with Grandma, we jetted out to Greenville to spend some time with our sweet cousin, Cheyanne.  Cheyanne is one whole hand old!  Cheyanne was hanging with her best bud, so we only saw her, but didn't visit with her.  It is exciting when kids start making best friends.  We did get to visit with her mother (which is my cousin), so that was just as fun!

My sweet cousin, Tammy, loves to tag people on Facebook.  If you saw me tagged in Cheyanne's birthday pictures, I want to clear up a few things.  First of all, one of my friends commented on the fact that I didn't look so happy.  If you read my Craftacular post, then you know that I had a migraine for three days after staying up too late.  Well, this was the first day after I stayed up too late.  It was the worst of the three migraine days.  I was trying to smile and participate, but I was pretty sure that I might die even though there have been no proven cases of death due to migraines.  Second of all, someone wanted to know why we were in a garage.  We are from the country and that is how we roll.  You are just jealous that there isn't enough room in your city garages, driveways and yards. 

We always have so much fun visiting our country cousins. It always makes me wish that I had kept my kids in the country.  Everything is better in the country (except the fact that you can't get pizza delivery).

Weekend Funnies

Filters Are A Great Thing
I was helping pack my Grandma's belongings, so that she could move to a new assisted living home.  While we were packing, Grandma went down to have lunch.  I ended up taking her something which gave me the opportunity to meet her tablemates.  She proudly introduced me to all her friends leaving this one sweet lady for last. She then said, "Donna, this is Jane.  She don't hardly comb her hair much."  And, that my friends is the innocence of a 92 year old.  I sure hope my filter holds out on me, because I have a lot of thoughts in my head that I think should really stay there!

Dracula
I commented to Fred that I needed to run by the store over the weekend and pick up Dracula for Jessica.  She needed to have it for school by Tuesday.  Fred looked at me thoughtfully and asked, "Does she need the black and white version or the new version?"  Confused and then amused, I answered, "Umm, that would be the print version.  She has to read the book for school.  Not watch the movie!"  He just grinned sheepishly, but wasn't too ashamed that he seemed to forget that kids have to READ in English class.

Courage the Cowardly Dog
This weekend I was talking to Jessica's friend from school.  His name is Euciff (not exactly sure how you spell that).  I had met him last year.  However, I got really confused and kept calling him Eustace - as in the old man from Courage the Cowardly Dog.  I kept trying to figure out why that name sounded so familiar.  Finally, Jess got on to me and said that is NOT his name and reminded me where I was pulling that name from.  Poor guy.  I don't think I called him that to his face.  My kids were never allowed to watch that show, but it seemed like it was always coming on TV and we were always having to change the channel.  We got a good laugh over the fact that I kept calling this poor boy Eustace.  Last year, I met Praveen and called him Perveen and Spyker was Stryker.  Am I that uncool that I can't get these names right?  What happened to kids with normal names like Matt and John? 

Lucky, Lucky Me

I will tell you straight up... I have a very special Grandma.  I sent her a Mother's Day card in the mail and put a little cash in it. It isn't so good for us to get her big gifts, because she doesn't have very much room.  She lives in a little one bedroom assisted living apartment (it isn't much bigger than my college dorm room was).  Besides, if we give her big gifts, I think it makes my mom cranky.  She is the one that has to help her find a place to store or display the gifts.  Anyway, once Grandma hit her '90s she almost seems like a teenager in a lot of ways.  One of them being, she really likes it when you give her cash.  It isn't as special as heartfelt gift.  But, like a teenager, it sure makes her smile!

Just a couple of days after she received her little Mother's Day gift, I received a card in the mail.  It was a "hope you are feeling better card."  She had addressed it herself in her shaky handwriting.  Even putting Frisco TX 75035 on there twice for good measure.  On the inside, was a beautiful note about how she hoped that Jessie and I were both feeling better and doing ok.  She hoped Jessie was doing well and school and how much she loved us.  And, she thanked me for her gift and told me it was the perfect color!

I  have the most special Grandma in the world (I'm sorry if you thought it was yours).  Many people have commented on my strength lately.  If I am strong, I think that it is inherited from her.  She is the strongest woman that I know.  Always a trailblazer, setting out to do her own thing without worrying what others think.  She worked during a time when many women didn't work, and divorced when it wasn't something that was done at the blink of an eye.  She raised kids without a husband when it was much harder to do so, and society probably wasn't as accepting.  She worked hard throughout her entire life.  I am honored to call her Grandma.

I love you Grandma. You are the best.

I Love My Family

Saturday was a day spent celebrating with family.  I love my family so much, and I am thankful for their influence in my life.  I took some special pictures, and wanted to share them here. 

Grandma - getting her to pose for a picture is like pulling teeth!

Uncle Joe and Dad - I love this picture!  Side by side taking pictures of the pinata fun.

Sweet little Cheyanne

Don't you just love little girls?  Mismatched flip flops and dirty feet!

Jonathan brought this butterfly net as one of the prizes.  He ended up picking his own prize.  Funny how that works.  I didn't quite expect him to put it on his head though.

Sitting on the tractor.  Jonathan was so intrigued with Randy's tractor.

The highlight of Jonathan's day came when Randy let him drive his tractor, and then later he got to drive it again with Grady.  Jonathan is already making plans to go visit Mamaw and Grady, so that he can drive Grady's tractor.

Uncle Joe has an armful of dogs.  We brought Mollie, because we thought she might have fun Auntie Jan and Uncle Joe's dog, Josie.

It is so embarassing when Mommy has to trim your ears.  Mollie has a double ear infection. She scratched her right ear until she had all of the hair matted.  I ended up having to cut both ears super short to match.  Cut is too nice of a word.  I whacked at the hair on Mollie's ears.  The groomer is going to be so mad at me!

Tired kiddos!

While we were missing our sweet Aunt Judy this weekend, I'm sure that she was watching us from Heaven.  I think I might have heard her laughing during the confetti egg fight!  Cheyanne inherited her Grandma Judy's luck, because she won $10 in the Easter egg hunt.  Judy was always our big winner, so it is only fitting that she passed her luck down to her granddaughter. 

I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family!

Grandmotherly Love

Me and Granny

My Granny (Jessie Belle Norman Forthman) left this earthly world on February 15, 1988... just four short days after my 16th birthday.  (Please don't do the math on that one.)   I was crushed.  I named my daughter Jessica in her honor.  I never planned to call her Jessie, though.  Somehow, Jessica emerged as a Jessie, and it worked.

As I've mentioned before, my Grandma has been ill.  She seems to be doing much better now.  So, my mom is preparing to move her from a nursing home to an assisted living arrangement.  I had asked what we could do to help.  Mom was hesitant.  Probably because the Fortenberry's bring chaos almost every time we head to Greenville.  The problem starts with Jessie.  She doesn't eat a good breakfast.  Then we leave right at lunch time.  I stop along the route to get them lunch.  Jess doesn't eat hers.  We drive along, and she does all the things you shouldn't do while riding in a car.  She lays down; she has her head hunched down texting; reads books and magazines; and battles low blood sugar from not properly eating.  What results is that Jess is not only sick, but cranky.  She is so cranky that she gets the nickname Crankella on any ride that lasts longer that 30 or 40 minutes.  Jessie's crankiness triggers some kind of radar that Jonathan has.  When she gets cranky he goes into "I must annoy my sister mode."  Needless to say we are a train wreck waiting to happen.  So, we got a call this morning letting us know that we were welcome to head toward Greenville.  We made some slight adjustments to our day, and started on the hour long trek.  I might add that the scenario above did occur!  We took the minivan instead of the car, so that seemed to help with the car sickness a little.  It did not help with the low blood sugar or crankiness.

Me and Grandma

As we started on our drive, I told my kids that today was the anniversary of Granny's death.  I thought it was quite fitting to go visit Grandma on this day.  I hope my Granny would be happy.  I couldn't visit with her today, but I was able to see my Grandma.  I'm glad that things had calmed down in Greenville, so that we could make a trip out there.

And, what a visit it was.  Grandma was filled with all kinds of feistiness.  Jess thought it was hysterically funny, and asked my mom if she was going to be this entertaining when she is older.  Jonathan's comment: "MaMaw is Grandma's daughter.  That means that Grandma can say and do whatever she wants." 

Grandma told Jess that she was the most beautiful girl in the world.  That absolutely made Jessie's day.  Jonathan was told that he was so pretty that he could be a girl.  Jonathan's reply, "Before I was born, my parents thought that I was going to be a girl."  Son, you really shouldn't tell people that the doctor told us that you were a girl at first.  This could cause laughter, plus your dad doesn't like for us to talk about it.  And, once again, Jonathan was kissed to death.  He didn't seem to mind, though.

Grandmothers are special.  I'm glad that I have one watching over me in heaven.  And, I'm especially thankful that I can have a feisty one here on this earth still. 

I Love You

A long, long time ago when I was in the 6th grade, my Granny had to go live in a nursing home.  We went to visit her and took her this little sign.  It was hung on the wall right at her eye level.  I remember that she looked over at the sign and then looked back at me.  In a frail voice, she said "I love you, too."  I cried and cried, because I didn't like seeing her so sick and weak.  After she died, I swore I was done with nursing homes, hospitals and sick grandmothers.

Unfortunately, life doesn't work that way.  Yesterday, we went to see my Grandma in the hospital.  She has been bouncing in between the hospital and the nursing home for several months now.  She looked really good.  There is a lot said for having naturally good skin.  It also helps when you have some of your make-up tattooed on.  Her hair had grown and it was annoying her.  So, we played beauty shop, and I combed and fluffed her hair. 

When we got there she was taking a breathing treatment.  After the treatment, they roll her onto her back and beat on it to loosen up the junk in her lungs.  Mom took the kids out of the room during the beating process.  Grandma was excited to have me watch this process.  This particular caregiver had been a percussionist in high school (I asked).  She basically played a drum solo on Grandma's back.  It was interesting to say the least. 

The kids hadn't seen Grandma in a long time.  She was highly contagious with MRSA, and I couldn't let the kids see her.  Grandma was sure happy to see those kids.  She said things that made them laugh.  Some of those things I can't repeat.  When you are a Grandma, you can say anything you want!  She loved on them and told them how beautiful they were.  That Jonathan is real trooper.  She uses that crazy Grandma strength that older people have, and puts him in a head lock.  She hugs, kisses and pats on him.  And, of course, she tells him how handsome he is and how much she loves his hair.  Good grief, if people keep telling him that, he's never going to get it cut!

We brought Grandma a little valentine bear that said I Love U on it.  I didn't think about the similarities between that bear and the sign that we once gave my Granny.  That is, until she looked at the bear and then looked over at me.  And, she said, "I love you, too."  This time I was big girl and didn't cry.  I know that Heavenly Father is mindful of my Grandma.  I know that once she has completed her earthly trials, she will return again to be with Him.  I just hate those earthly trials.  But, they are a part of life that we must all endure.

Countdown to Thanksgiving: The Bond's

I am thankful that my Mom's family is close.  It is nice that my kids know their Great Grandmother, Great Aunts and Great Uncles as well as they know the rest of their family.  We always have loads of fun when we get together. 

Grandma, Aunt Judy, Elvis, Mom and Auntie Jan

Grandma and Jessie

Jonathan, Chris (my cousin's son), Jonathan, Clayce, Jess, Cheyanne (my cousin's daughter)

My Cool Cat Grandma

Grandma watching the Elvis impersonator that serenaded Judy on her birthday.

I was seriously blessed to have the two best grandmothers, ever! Hands down. No contest.

I loved my Granny (my dad’s mom) more than words can say. I thought she hung the moon. I was safe at her house. Anytime I was scolded by my parents, my dad was scolded by her. She would say something like, “Donald leave her alone.” My Granny had one daughter and two sons. Her daughter was killed in a car accident at the age of twelve. She raised her two boys and then went on to have three grandsons and one granddaughter. Oh, yes. I was one spoiled little girl! My Papa had to put her in a nursing home when I was in the sixth grade. After that, she was very quiet and didn’t say much. I still loved her more than words can say.

When I was growing up, my Grandma (my mom’s mom) was cool and fun. Like my Granny, she was loved beyond belief. She was a great friend to me when I was growing up. She let us do things that my mom wouldn’t have let us do. At first, Grandma would drop us off at the mall. We just had to be outside of JCPenney at the designated time. Later, she let us walk to the mall alone. We loved our independence at her house. She knew that cousin time was important and would often make sure that I had some girl time with my one and only female cousin. When I would spend the Friday nights with her, we would always make sure to watch Dallas and Falcon Crest. After the shows were over, we would analyze the comings and goings of J.R. and Sue Ellen.

Grandma is an avid reader of our little family blog.  Somewhere along the way, I called her my Cool Cat Grandma on one of my posts.  She really liked that reference.  So, forevermore she will be my Cool Cat Grandma.

I am so grateful that my kids have been able to know and love my Cool Cat Grandma. They think she is too funny! I didn’t have the opportunity to know my great grandparents. I never knew what I was missing until I saw my Grandma with her four great grandchildren. A couple of weeks ago, Jonathan and I went to visit her in the hospital. Boy, did he make points with Grandma. He repeatedly offered to go buy her some snacks, and he talked her ear off. Jonathan is shy with his hugs and kisses around most female family members. Upon parting, he gave her some big hugs and kisses. I think that made her day! (Don’t be jealous, Auntie Jan. You might be able to sweet talk a hug and kiss from him.)

Grandma isn’t feeling so well these days. She is in a nursing home trying to get her strength back after a fall that she took in September. We take every opportunity to pray for our Cool Cat Grandma!

Grandma, we love you and we send lots of hugs, kisses and love your way!

Confessions of an Uptight Mother

We took a little trip on Saturday to Greenville. It was technically Greenville, but really it was out in the middle of nowhere. Our family got lost. We forgot to turn right after the barn. That would be the barn that had a sign on its roof declaring BULLS FOR SALE.

I enjoy visiting people that live in the country. It is a nice departure from the hustle and bustle of city life. Everything is much slower and laid back. The people even talk a little bit slower. I'm not sure, but I think I used to talk like that, too. Maybe I still do and I just don't realize it. Either way, it is refreshing.

Our family gathered together to celebrate the birthdays of the youngest and oldest members of our family. Our family matriarch (who likes it better when I refer to her as my cool cat Grandma) is turning 89 years young! And, sweet little Cheyanne is turning 2. Let it be known that both of the birthday girls enjoyed their cake.

Now, here is where the confession comes in. In the picture below, take note of the huge puddle of water that the kids are standing in front off. I watched as kid after kid played in that puddle. I saw toddlers sitting in the water and I saw kids walking through it with their school shoes. Since I am an uptight mother, Jonathan was wearing last year's shoes. I knew that it would be muddy in the country (I do, after all, remember a few things about the country).

My heart palpitated each time I saw kids playing in the water. I saw mothers that were laid back and not concerned by the standing water. I watched in awe. I wanted to be one of those laid back moms. I tried, I really did. Okay, not really. I thought about trying, but I made no real effort. Jonathan knew his boundaries and didn't push them. After we had been there for an hour or so, he tried his luck at walking through the water. He was quickly reprimanded and did not repeat the offense.

Before the rain set in, the plan was to let the kids play with water balloons. The wet rain forced us to change our plans. Instead the kids (and some adults) made due with bubbles. Lots and lots of bubbles. See the bubble war below? Once again, I failed at being laid back. I sent Jonathan and Auntie Jan packing. They were blowing bubbles in the garage. I'm not sure why I felt this was an offense, but I did.

Thirteen years ago, Fred and I set about searching for a house. I suggested Wylie. Fred said no... unless he could have a boat. Fred wanted Plano. I said no. I didn't want to live in the city. So, we compromised and moved to Frisco. I needed to ease into city life. So, I grew into it as Frisco grew and grew and grew.

I went home from the party thinking that I want to be laid back like those country moms. I have surely spent too much time in the city! And, then, the light bulb went on in my head and I felt vindicated. I can be laid back, too. I just forgot. After all, I am the super cool mom that let ten kids make a muddy mess of my backyard with a water balloon fight.

Thank you, Tammy, for hosting a wonderful birthday celebration at your home. We had fun... even if we didn't roll up our jeans and get our feet wet. Next time, though.

Dear Grandma,

Thank you much for the plant. It looks lovely in my home. You are so sweet for thinking of me.

I can't wait to see you... it won't be long.

Love you,
Donna

For My Grandma...

A grandma is a remarkable woman.

She's a wonderful combination of

warmth and kindness, laughter and love.

She overlooks our faults, encourages our dreams,

and praises our every success.

A grandma has the wisdom of a teacher,

the sincerity of a true friend,

and the tenderness of a mother.

She's someone we admire, respect and

love very much.

A grandma will always have a cherished

place in our memories and in our hearts.

She's someone for whom we want every happiness

in return for the joy she always brings.

A grandma is all the dear and precious

things in life...

When she's a grandma like you.

-author unknown-