My grandson the Marine, is back to work in California. (Camp Pendleton)  I'm missing him already and he left less than  a week ago.

I remain  grateful for our men  and women in the armed forces.  I'm proud  we've  made it known to our soldiers, we recognize  the importance of what they're doing for our freedom.  (even if we have different  political views as to why we are in other countries)

I pray we continue to show concern for our soldiers by  watching  the treatment they receive from our government, as we know they sometimes miss the boat, (recent complaints with treatment and facilities in VA hospitals) etc. And make sure they are given every benefit promised when they return.  

I hope we continue to stick together and watch  out for our armed forces.  Stand by them when and where we are needed,  on the home front.  I'm Gary's  grandmother and I'm thanking all of you who are there for our soldiers.

We're (grammology)  making an effort to send all 900 plus soldiers  back in Iraq, a gift box or pen pal. Stephanie, form Eastern Hills Wesleyan Church, has over 200 packages ready to go.   Every time I read about a web site or organization who is working towards giving something to our soldiers I'm one proud grandma for your efforts. We  hope within the next few months we will be able to send  all  900 plus men and women something..

 Lets keep up the great work. When the boxes come I  envision the smiles on their faces, that we have brightened their otherwise, dangerous and stressful day, a deed well done..Thank you again, and my best,

Dorothy from grammology
call your grandma
http://grammology.com

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They wear glasses and funny underwear.

They don't have to be smart.

When they read to us they don't skip and don't mind reading the same story over and over again.

We should all have grandparents, especially if you don't have a TV.  They are the only grown-ups who like to spend time with us.

A grandfather is a man grandmother.

Grandparents have no children of their own.  They like other peoples'.

Grandparents don't have anything to do except be there when we visit..

It's good when they take us to the store and give us quarters.

They walk slowly when they take us for walks, they don't say "hurry up" and they show us pretty flowers and caterpillars.

They live at the airport and when we want them we just go there and get them.  When we're done visiting, we take them back there.

They give us snacks before bedtime, they say prayers with us and kiss us even when we've been bad.

It's funny when they bend over, you hear gas leaks and they blame the dog.

They shouldn't play hard or run.

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My family has just returned from a fantastic weekend with my parents, 3 siblings, their spouses and all my nieces. We were together in the home I grew up in for my mom’s 70^th birthday party. We had a big party for about 50 people, but the best part of the weekend was us, just being together.

My mom and dad have 11 grandchildren between the ages of 14 and 8! All but two are girls and they all had such fun together, even my two sons!! It is wonderful seeing the next generation get along together so well. It makes me realize that we learn about parenting from our parents, mostly what to do, but a little of what not to do also! I suspect our kids’ll be the same…not wanting to repeat the mistakes we make as parents, but also emulating what we are doing right.

Before the party I went through lots of old family pictures, some of my mom when she was a baby! I had them scanned onto a CD and made a copy for my parents and siblings. My 13 year old son was able to help his technologically challenged mom by making the CD into a slide show with captions and music. It was a great tribute to her and a good chance to collaborate with him!!

The weekend was too short, but will provide us with lots of laughs and memories as we look back on it over the days, months and years to come. As I get older I appreciate my family more and more. I am so blessed to have them in my life.

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My daughter read the post I wrote about my grandson regarding my thinking he drank too much.  He was mortified and annoyed.  he tried in a very polite way to make me feel guilty for writing the post.

What he failed to realize, I'm a stickler for opinions.  Before I do most things I think of the consequences, then move forward.
After  which I am  prepared for the criticism.  My grandson was worried the whole world would think he had a drinking problem and thought I should have discussed this with him first.  (so he could justify his drinking)

My response;  I'm sorry you feel that way and are uncomfortable with the post. I still think you drink too much.  Well grandma, shouldn't you have discussed this with me first?  Only if I was writing your opinion and not mine. 

Here is the bottom line....I love you unconditionally.  I always will.  However, I  don't think you have to get drunk or buzzed to have a good time. I hope I never will.  I still consider you may have a drinking issue.  I hope when you go back to the camp you remember my words and look within your heart and mind.

  Ask yourself  do you need to drink everyday?  Can  you go without drinking for long periods of time?
Have you ever drank too much and drove.  Or do you always have a designated driver.  Can you have a good time without drinking?

I hope these questions linger in your mind.  It may seem judgmental that I would dare bring this up again..I believe I would feel worse if I ignored your drinking..so take the challenge and let me know how you do. 

I'm not worried about my future..I'm fighting for yours.  and if he's annoyed I wrote about drinking again.....Well I guess he'll have to get over it. Any time we see a loved one who may need to evaluate a habit of any kind.  It's my opinion you should step up to the plate and face it head on.  I have and I will continue too.

Dorothy from grammology
call your grandma.

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I was just watching the news story on Cold and Cough Medicines Banned for Toddlers. It's amazing how much press these medicines have been getting in the past five years. This year and last it's been a problem with teens taking cough and cold meds to get high. (Paste in the URLs to see the tipsheets and DVDs -- they are amazing. Connect with Kids was on Dr. Phil for this very issue last summer. ) Now it's babies and toddlers. I guess the drug companies will be working on other medications that are less dangerous. Zinc, Vitamin C, fluids, chicken soup!

www.connectwithkids.com/tipsheet/2007/317_jan24/thisweek/070124_syrup.shtml

www.connectwithkids.com/products/generationrx.shtml

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Gary is home from the marines for a month.  Three weeks will be over this coming Tuesday.  How dare time fly by so quickly.  Gary spent 7.5 month in Iraq.  He has a little over a year before he will be released.  It's made him grow up quite a bit.  Being a marine has also encouraged him to drink more.  I wonder if he drinks too much.  My sister and brother tell me most kids go through a drinking time, and then it's over.  I hope so...

We've talked about it, and he feels he's under control and just having fun. When the kids go out they  always has a designated driver, however, I never understood the need to drink.  To me it places you in a vulnerable position, without control. I'm convinced no good  comes from drinking. Then when you factor  what  it can do to your liver and brain it's even harder to comprehend.

However, he's home  and having a good time.  Visiting with friends and family.  Staying with us more then his mom and dad because we're in a more central location. 

Our grandson loves us very much..he's not ashamed to give us hugs and kisses when he leaves and is with his friends.  He is very respectful young man who loves his family.  Sometimes as a grandparent who has already lived a great deal of life, you wish you could show it to your kids and grandchildren and they'd know the right and wrong and not have to make the same mistakes we make. 

Won't happen. I know I have some influence on our kids, I try and always leave them with the thought we're just talking and these are  ideas to consider.   However, as I remember back to my youth, my mom and dad would try to help me make better decisions.   Our mom ruled by guilt and fear of God...I think it did work a little better..however, times are different and we must finesse the situations. 

Don't give up with your kids.  Modify your approach to how you give advice and opinions.  Gary at least listens and maybe it'll take a few times before he drinks less.   I hope so, or maybe I'm over reacting..and kids, sometimes do drink a little too much before they slow down...

Dorothy from grammolgy
call your gandma
http://grammology.com

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During my 77 years of life and 54 years of marriage, I have never learned how to cook.  I never had a reason to learn.  When I was young I had my mother.  In the army I had a mess Sargeant.  In college I had both White Castle and Steak 'n Shake.  During my years of marriage I had my wife.  So, imagine my surprise when my  granddaughter sent me an e-mail letter asking me to send her - by return e-mail - my favorite recipe.  She promised that, if I did so, I would receive 20 new recipes.  Although I would have no need for even one recipe, how could I refuse my granddaughter's plea for help?  After considerable thought I finally sent her the following:

Take two slices of  white bread.  I prefer Wonder Bread.  Lay them on a table, side by side.  On one slice of bread, generously  spread some peanut butter.  I like smooth but chunky is acceptable.  On the other slice of bread spread some jelly.  Either grape or strawberry is my choice but you can use what you like.  Carefully pick up the slice of bread with the jelly on it - jellied side up.  Remember, the peanut buttered slice is still on the table.  Now, CAREFULLY, put the two slices together.  Lick off any dripping jelly and eat the sandwich.  It is good with a glass of milk or any other beverage of your choice.

I am now awaiting my 20 new recipes.  I can't wait to give them to my wife.

 

 

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 Once again, my mom sent me this and I thought everyone here would enjoy it -- especially Dorothy!

 
THE COMPUTER SWALLOWED GRANDMA

The computer swallowed grandma.
Yes, honestly its true!
She pressed 'control' and 'enter'
And disappeared from view.

It devoured her completely,
The thought just makes me squirm.
She must have caught a virus
Or been eaten by a worm.

I've searched through the recycle bin
And files of every kind;
I've even used the Internet,
But nothing did I find.

In desperation, I asked Jeeves
My searches to refine.
The reply from him was negative,
Not a thing was found 'online.'

So, if inside your 'Inbox,'
My Grandma you should see,
Please 'Copy,''Scan' and 'Paste' her
And send her back to me.
his is a tribute to all the Grandmas who have been fearless and learned
to use the Computer........
They are the greatest!!!


e do not stop playing because we grow old;
We grow old because we stop playing.
NEVER Be The First To Get Old!

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