Posted on 08/19/08 at 5:24 pm to August
My goodness…these days are flying by…I cant remember what day it is sometimes…lol. I am so sorry, I have been a bad blogger again and keep forgetting to post…Stacey said she is going to find me a bad blogger award if I dont straighten up and post every day…lol.
Not much really going on lately though. Just running during the day or cleaning at home and working in the evenings. Fun stuff there…lol.
School has started once again and the neighborhood is real quiet during the day again…very nice…lol. Jacob is getting better about going to his preschool on thursdays…he was really having a hard time seperating. He would cry the whole 2 hours..now he crys for a few minutes but clings to the preschool teacher. He will get better I know, but it is hard leaving him knowing he isnt happy.
William is doing well Stacey informs me. He is getting sassy and rough as some boys do.. but hopefully she can get him to calm down a bit before he starts preschool next year.
I am starting to look forward to fall…the cooler temps sound nice about now. And then theres the decorating for fall and looking forward to the holidays. I am making a new fall webpage now and I hope to update my blog here with a new fall set also…maybe by next week I will have them done.
Well, as I am at work and there are more guests yet to check in, I will stop for today. If anyone has any ideas where I could get a really cute fall wordpress set..let me know! hugs, Grammy Laurie
Written by Laurie Artcliff - Visit WebsiteGrammy Laurie
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Posted on 08/30/07 at 8:19 am to August
Things I Enjoy:Movies, blogging, reading,
bike riding, walking in the park,
weekend getaways, traveling, dining in,
dinner out, working on my website, writing poetry, reading, soft music, firelight, quiet conversation or heated debate, fresh-cut flowers, scented candles, bubble baths, body lotions and girlie things…
but I built a bookcase once and fix most things around the house!
Things That Make Me Unhappy:
Dishonesty, intolerance, lying, cruelty in any form,
war, anger, blustery cold winter days,
unhappy children
Special Places I’ve Been:
Michigan, Kentucky, lots of other states
Where I Want to Go:
NYC at Thanksgiving and Christmas…Washington State…Hawaii…
Niagara-on-the-Lake…Maine in autumn…
Some Films I’ve Enjoyed:
You’ve Got Mail, A Walk to Remember, Rush Hour 1,2,3, Bruce Almighty,
You, Me and Dupree, Because I said so, The Bourne Ultimatum,
Harry Potter, The Polar Express,
Pirates of the Carribbean, Spiderman II, War of the Worlds,
Just Like Heaven, Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, King Kong,
Favorite Actors:
Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon,
What I Watch on TV:
HGTV, Food Network, any comedy sitcom
Favorite Books:
Any Love Story novel
Favorite Music:
Country, Easy-Listening, Oldies, Light Rock, Classical, some Jazz, some Blues
Favorite Foods:
Chinese, Italian, Surf and turf, Classic American
Other Favorites:
Morning coffee, starry nights, cool fall days, laughing children, shopping, Holidays, christmas music, talking with my hubby, seeing my kids, watching my grandsons
My Philosophy on Romantic Relationships:
There must be chemistry, compatibility, compromise and commitment…open communication…mutuel respect and trust. Shared activities are great, but joined at the hip is not. You need to give each other room to breathe and space to grow individually as well as together in the relationship. I have projects I’m working on and encourage my hubby to work on his. The time spent alone together should be quality time doing things you both enjoy, filled with meaningful conversation and lots of love and affection.
In a Nutshell, I am:
Happy, deeply spiritual, affectionate, fun-loving, friendly, honest, loyal, smart, saucy, creative and artistic
When I stand before God at the end of my life,
I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left
and could say,
I used everything You gave me.”
~Erma Bombeck
Grammy Laurie
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Posted on 08/30/07 at 7:59 am to August
It is not our abilities
that show what we truly are.
It is our choices.
~J. K. Rowling
1. Lemonade or ice cold beer?
Lemonade with a hint of raspberry…yum
2. Destination: Acapulco or Hawaii?
Lost in Hawaii
3. Hotel/motel/B&B or camping?
Hotel 5 star
4. Sneakers or sandals?
Sandals with painted toes and toe rings but my tennies most days
5. Destination: Mountains or beach?
The beach with a good book and a long glass of iced tea
6. Swimming pool or beach?
Swimming pool…private…with a hot tub…be there
7. Carefully planned vacation, or play it by ear?
Plan it out, but play it by ear…plan where you’re going and what you’d
like to see, but do what you want when you get there
8. Long weekends here and there, or a 2-week vacation?
2 weeks every 2 weeks
9. On a bike or on a horse?
Bike riding on a path in the park
10. Air-conditioning or fans?
Air
11. Concerts in the park or baseball games?
Another toss-up…I’ll enjoy myself doing just about anything, just
depends who I’m doing it with
12. Pizza or prime rib?
Prime definitly, and with lobster rules!
13. Sports car or mini van?
Neither…got to have my SUV
14. Winter, spring, summer or fall?
The soothing daze of early autumn
15. A good book or a good man?
A good book with my man close
16. Planes, trains or automobiles?
Autos…I would like to one day try the plane and train tho
17. Dresses or jeans?
Denim for daytime…basic black, short and sweet, for dress-up
18. Rain or snow?
Soft rains or gently falling snow are OK, but days on end of either
are a no-no
19. Big city or country living?
Country…but close to shopping
20. Gold or silver?
Once upon a time I preferred gold, but with age came an
appreciation of all things valuable
21. Diet or regular?
Alas, diet [sigh…]
22. Shop online or in-store?
Online shopping rules…you can find anything and everything you
need without fighting traffic or crowds
23. Email or snail mail?
Email..it’s quick and efficient…but I will send letters and cards to
those I love
24. Land line or DSL?
Cable all the way…the only way to ride the wave
25. Home phone or cellphone?
My cell is my friend…I never leave home without it
Grammy Laurie
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Posted on 08/27/07 at 7:06 pm to August
It seems some days just fly by and nothing seems to really be accomplished. This has been one of those days. I sit here and think how tired I am but look around and there is still so much to do. Where does the time go? I know I was busy all day…my aching legs and tired eyes telll me I was, but I cant seem to remember what all I got done. It is these times I feel like I am getting old.
Pete got his motorcycle licence today then we went to lunch at the local chinese restaraunt. Then I had to take Amanda to the store then later to work. Jake went down early today. He was as tired as grammy is. I think I will go get myself ready for bed now. Have a great evening and see you here in the morning for coffee!
Written by Laurie Artcliff - Visit WebsiteGrammy Laurie
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Posted on 08/27/07 at 6:54 pm to August
The other day a young person asked me how I felt about
being old. I was taken aback, for I do not think of myself as old.
Upon seeing my reaction, she was immediately embarrassed but I
explained that it was an interesting question and I would ponder
it and let her know.Old Age, I decided, is a gift.
I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person
I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometimes
despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the
sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person
that lives in my mirror (who looks like my mother!), but I
don’t agonize over those things for long.
I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful
life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I’ve
aged, I’ve become more kind to myself and less critical of myself.
I’ve become my own friend. I don’t chide myself for eating that
extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly
cement angel that I didn’t need but which looks so beautiful
on my patio.
I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I
have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon;
before they have understood the great freedom that
comes with aging.
Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the
computer until 4 a.m. and sleep until noon?
I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 70’s
and, if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love …
I will.
I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a too
bulging body and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose
to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.
They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is
just as well forgotten. I eventually remember the important things.
Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your
heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers,
or even when a beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are
what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart
never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy
of being imperfect.
I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn
gray and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep
grooves on my face. So many have never laughed and so many
have died before their hair could turn silver.
As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about
what other people think. I don’t question myself anymore. I’ve
even earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free.
I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but
while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could
have been, or worrying about what will be.
And I shall eat dessert every single day.
Hugs, Grammy
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Posted on 08/26/07 at 6:24 am to August
The last few weeks have been so hot here in Kentucky! I am so looking forward to fall now. I love the fall colors, the smells, the cool refreshing air, and the holidays. I need to start my christmas shopping. I like starting early so that it isnt so hard to afford everyones gifts. The babies will be easy and fun. It’s the adults that are sometimes hard to buy for. I know they need some things, but do I get what they need or use Christmas to get them some things that they don’t need but would love to have. Always a mothers dilemma. When they were small and money was tight I would get them what they needed….clothes, then try to get them a couple toys they really wanted. Now their toys are alot more expensive. LOL.
Pete and I have been riding the bike to a few different places the last few days. I think he is trying to get me more comfortable with it. It is getting easier, but I am still nervous about the whole thing. We have gone to a few flea markets on our jaunts and that has been fun. And getting away from the house is always nice and throw in a good lunch and it is an adventure. Well, for me anyways. LOL. I think it will be much nicer tho, when it cools down some. It is very hot wearing a helmet in 104 degree temps. So again…looking foward to fall.
I have been searching the web for any other grandma’s out there journaling, but really havnt come across too many. Maybe they are out there but not saying they are grandmas. I think it would be fun to connect with a few. I would love some tips or advice. I know these are supposed to be our relaxing fun years, but man it sure doesnt seem like it most days.
Jacob is growing so fast and learning even faster. I enjoy watching him everyday. It seems like something new happens everyday. He is amazed at moving things. He loves to see how things work and try to make them work. He still isnt saying alot of words yet but he communicates what he wants by pointing or getting it himself. He has started handing us things he thinks we want and applauds himself for being so nice.
William is growing fast also. I really miss seeing him and getting to know him. I know he will always know me as grandma, but we wont have as close a relationship as I would like. He is a cutie though and stacey says he is starting to sit up now and laugh at things. The first year flys by so fast, I wish I could capture it all on video to watch over and over again.
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Posted on 08/23/07 at 5:14 pm to August
Did you ever try to make a point and not have it go well? Is it loss of the right words, or do people hear only what they want to hear?Sometimes, when we tell the truth (how we really feel) it hurts feelings and causes family or friend conflicts. Working through these things is sometimes harder than telling the truth.. Somehow that doesn’t seem to make sense to me. It made me wonder if instead of offending people, maybe I should be two faced, and not say whats on my mind. What do you think is worse? Saying how you feel, or keeping your mouth shut, and secretly being annoyed? I’d like to hear your thoughts, however, I think, I’ll probably just continue to say whats on my mind.
There seems to be more people who believe you should use tact instead of honesty…Why do you have to sugar coat things? We can’t like everyone, all of the time. However, isn’t there something good about people you know who will always say straight up what they really think. By the way, this implies, you don’t mind the reverse when someone is expressing discontent with you….Tell me what you think, I can take it….(I think)….
Regards, Grammy
Back to me as mother or grandmother…I think my job is to spoil my grandchildren. Do all the things which make them have a great time while they are with us. We try to teach them good manners while they are being spoiled. Clean up before we move on, Say please and thank you. Never allow them to demand anything,,,all the fun and gifts are taught to be received with thank you and please may I. If they assume they are entitled, we take away and start over until they understand the gifts are not expected, rather graciously received and enjoyed.
But then I feel compelled as a mother to always offer “advise”to my daughter, and I know that has got to annoy her as it always seems like I am nagging her, but I see the mistakes that she is about to make and just want to help her avoid the inevitable anger and frustration that comes from those mistakes with our children. She is good about accepting the “advise” as I try to sound helpful and not naggy. Still, how do you separate yourself from doing this when they live with you? Any advise? Let me know what you think.
regards, Grammy
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Posted on 08/23/07 at 9:28 am to August
I am having a little trouble trying to figure out boundries. With my daughter and her son living with us, I have found that I never have alone time anymore. I never have a quiet house. I love them to death, but I also miss my peace and quiet and cant seem to figure out how to balance the two. Our house is pretty big and Jacob has a huge playroom plus his own bedroom as does Amanda, but they are very rarely up there so the downstairs where my desk and computer are is in the center of their activity. I can’t sit here and think or study anything and it is driving me crazy. I wish there was someone who has gone through something similar that could give me some advice. Should I ban them to the upstairs during the day…or take over jakes playroom again as my office and make them stay downstairs…it seems no matter where I put myself…they gravitate to that area.
Written by Laurie Artcliff - Visit WebsiteGrammy Laurie
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Posted on 08/21/07 at 1:03 pm to August
The last couple of days have been eventful!
I walked out into the garage yesterday to find a copperhead snake! I was going out for a bottle of water from the refrigerator we keep out there for cold drinks, and I snapped on the light and ran down the stairs and almost walked right into him. He reared up at me and I turned faster than I ever have before and ran back into the house! I couldnt believe what I had seen, so I peeked back out and sure enough there he was! He was about 2 foot long and ugly as sin as snakes most usually are. I almost had a heart attack! I ran up the stairs to the bedroom and pulled Pete out of bed…he had just layed down a few minutes before. We called animal control, but they don’t deal with wild animals they informed us and that we would have to deal with it ourselves. Like that is a smart thing to do. Holy cow its a poisonous snake after all. Well, Pete took a big broom and pushed him out of the garage then grabbed a shovel, and well I will just say, he wont be bothering us again. I don’t like to kill anything, but we have a baby in the house, and not only that but I don’t want to be bit by anything let alone a snake. So while some may find that offensive, next time, give me your address and I will send him your way!
Well on the lighter side, we have sold quite a few T-shirts now for Pete. I am so happy that it is going well for him! I posted them on ebay and they are selling pretty well! If you would like to buy one, go to ebay and put in Motorcycle Boobs T-shirt. It will bring up a very funny T-shirt. It’s a guy thing. LOL.
I have also posted on the left hand side of the page a link for Jacob and Williams pages. I will add more pictures and comments as time permits.
Written by Laurie Artcliff - Visit WebsiteGrammy Laurie
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Posted on 08/19/07 at 3:02 pm to August
I have been working on my blog today. Boy oh boy is that more stuff to learn! I have found some linkware themes and I love them. I don’t know how to change them to fit my needs, but I will in time.
I went for a motorcycle ride with Pete today! It was actually pretty fun (don’t tell him that tho he will want me to ride more often…lol) We rode about a half an hour south then stopped for lunch at a really good chicken place. Then we went to a flea market in the area and I found some really cute toys to put on my diaper cakes. I also found a blues clue doggy for Jake. We have plans set for next week to go for another ride to who knows where, but I know it will be an adventure.
Written by Laurie Artcliff - Visit WebsiteGrammy Laurie
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