Friday, November 16, 2018

Loving our new roommates


Now, there's a statement you don't hear often! Once again, things have changed at Grandma's house and I'm loving it. Last weekend, my son, daughter-in-law and baby granddaughter moved in. It's been so nice having them here. The condo they were renting is up for sale, so we invited them to stay a bit while they transition.

My son, Jesse and his little family are happy, considerate, thoughtful, helpful, kind and so much more. It's been a real pleasure having them here. In fact, unlike many roommates, they've made our lives so much easier that I'm hoping they decide to stay permanently.

My son has fixed several things already in the week he's been here, despite his busy work schedule and the long commute. And he does it with a smile and no complaints. It's been hard for Gary. He's working long hours lately. So, Jesse has done a few of the small jobs he couldn't get to and some that I couldn't handle or didn't know how to do. Gary and I are both very grateful.

My daughter-in-law, Casi really understands how sick I am and does something to ease my burden every day, several times a day. I have a rough time driving now, so she has given me rides a couple times. Sometimes she brings me a glass of water or whatever I need when I'm stuck in my chair. Sometimes she cooks dinner for everyone. Whatever I need, she is right there to help. And with 7 month old Chloe to tend to, as well!

We have help with the bills, too and there's always someone here when I need a jar opened! May the miracles never cease!

But it's not just about the help. It's so nice to have their company. There's no craziness, no fighting, no attitude. Just pleasant conversation and a lot of love. And of course, there's that cute little baby to play with. Chloe is equally as calm as her parents and smart as all get out as well. Ya, these really aren't your typical roommates.

I also must mention that “our” Aja, my 15 year old granddaughter who's lived with us since about the age of 9 or 10, is truly maturing. She's attending the small town school here, where she is really shining. She's even being honored at assembly this coming week. She has made a ton of new friends, is learning to drive, does her chores without being asked, helps me by carrying in weekly groceries, keeps her room spotless and has a fantastic attitude. She's such a joy to have around.

And what can I say about Gary that hasn't already been said? The man works his tushie off to put a roof over all our heads. I often wonder what I would have done when Lupus hit me if I wasn't already with Gary. Much as I would love to go back to work, it just isn't in the cards. So, I repay his kindness by keeping the house up, paying bills, doing book-work and just generally making a nice home for him to enjoy when he does have some time off. It's the least I can do.

None of us are picture perfect, mind you. We all have our faults and our weaknesses. It's just that we all understand that and are considerate of each other, especially in that respect. I'm loving my roomates these days, past, present and future. All are welcome at Grandma's house. Whether or not they have the capacity to be helpful. I love my peeps!

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Advice from Your Grown Kids: Should You Listen?


Should you listen to advice from your grown kids? Heck, I don't know. I have enough trouble dealing with my own. It seems they always have some kind of opinion on how I should live my life. What do they think they are, adults or something? Since when did they get so smart? Have they forgotten who changed their diapers? Worse than that, they're starting to give me the same advice I gave them years ago. Did they think I'd forgotten my own advice? I'm not that old yet.

- Don't take recycled advice from your grown kids concerning things you taught them. Take your own advice. Cut out the middle man.

It's funny when my grown daughter tells me how to drive. Why do I find this so amusing? Who do you think taught her? That wasn't the tooth fairy gripping the dash in the passenger seat. I may not enjoy driving on inner city highways. That doesn't mean I've forgotten how to drive altogether. Been doing it for 35 plus years. I think I've got the hang of it. .

- Sometimes your kids are right, sort of. Seems this piece of advice from one of my grown kids was pretty smart. I decided to listen, but in my own way. After all, this is my life.

Do your kids want you to work out? Mine do. In fact, my youngest has every confidence that I can lose all my extra weight just by working out. Hello. I'm not 25. I'm 59 years old. My hobbies are reading, writing, gardening and binge watching Netflix. I'm not a slouch, but I'm no athlete. I have Lupus and Rheumatoid besides. I'll be OK. I go for walks. She's right about one thing, though. I do need to move a little more. I'm not too proud to admit that.

- Sometimes you prove your grown kids wrong. It feels so great when that happens. Who knew Mom actually does know what she's doing, even if it doesn't seem like it on the surface? Who knew older people were so wise?

My grown kids love my new husband. They think we should stay together forever. Finally, a piece of advice from my grown kids that I completely agree with. They had their reservations at first, mind you. They thought he was too young for me. They had good reason to question my motives. He's 20 years younger. Please don't call me a cougar, I haven't meowed in years. It seems to be working out anyway. He treats me with respect, takes my advice occasionally, doesn't cheat and shares the remote. Plus he's not greedy with the compliments and back-rubs.

- What was that advice they gave me? Where did I put that list? Wait, what was I looking for? Heck, what do I know? I'm just a senile old lady. I better ask my kids for advice.

One day I'll have to listen to advice from my grown kids. That doesn't mean I will like it. I'll be toddling around their homes in diapers, just like they did when they were babies. Who does the dirty work now? Bwa ha ha ha I'll enter rooms not knowing why I did so and babble on about the old days. Wait a minute, I do that now. Not the diapers, but all the rest. Maybe I should listen to the gems of wisdom that come from the lips of my older kids now, as practice for the eventuality. Maybe I'll even put some motivational posters on my wall and go to EDC. Ya, sure, I'll get on that right away.