Get Your Giggle On

Raise your hand if you thought my G word was going to be, grandchildren. Ha! I got ya!

These daily words are driving me nuts to the point I'm about to throw in the towel. I feel as though I've run out of things to say or by the time I can sit down and write I'm too tired to do it.

I thought about writing about my grandmother but I've done that so much y'all probably feel as though you knew her personally. And there's no doubt in my mind you've heard me mention my grandchildren a time or two but have I mentioned all the giggling that goes on around here since their arrival?

G is for giggle.

Yes I have more but going through all my folders looking for nothing but videos featuring giggles takes a ridiculous amount of time considering I have yet to organize my folders, pictures, and videos coupled with how long it takes blogger to upload these things...but this is enough to give y'all the idea we giggle a lot in our family and, since these two arrived, it's nearly nonstop.

G is for giggling grandchildren.

And grateful grandmother.

AND---

Please remember to visit CoasterDoodles! 

ENJOY FREE SHIPPING DURING APRIL!

Y'all can find us on Facebook and 

Instagram (@coasterdoodlessc) and

Pinterest

Use THIS LINK or the code: EMPTYNEST 

for 15% off your purchase!

There's a Naked Barbie on the Table

My house does not look anything like my grandmother's house with the possible exception of the kitchen because a whole lot of things go on in and around my kitchen just like a whole lot of things went on and around her kitchen.

The kitchen is the heart of my home just like it was at Grandmother's. But things do look different and the food that comes out of mine couldn't touch hers with a hundred foot pole. My dining table isn't covered in a white tablecloth with a centerpiece perfectly placed and reflecting the current season because there are way too many craft materials sitting on mine. The main room in my house is different, too as it houses a cradle filled with toys, bookshelves filled with kids' books, random balls under the furniture, and a naked Barbie sitting on a side table.

Naked Barbie. And yes that is Bug's hair tie because
where else would a hair tie be? Certainly not in her hair.
At least there aren't any crumbs. This time. 

Grandmother's house held no toys but there was so much to do and explore. I loved getting into her closet and going through her pocketbooks. Grandmother had pocketbooks for every outfit and she left dainty handkerchiefs, hard candy, and change in some of them and finding those trinkets was the equivalent of finding a buried pirate treasure for me. If I was there on her big cleaning day (which was Tuesday because Granddaddy owned the dry cleaners/laundry in town and he picked up all the linens on Tuesdays so Grandmother cleaned everything on those days) Grandmother somehow made polishing the furniture a game for me. To this day I cannot dust without following the grain of the wood. Her hardwood floors were my ice skating rink. She had one of those secretaries (the furniture, ha) and the little door in the middle above the desk looked like the door to their church so I played church with that thing over and over and the drawers held treasures of pictures of generations of family and I gazed on those time after time for hours, I have some of those photos in my possession now. And our time in the kitchen was never dull.

My granddaddy was the best. He came home from 'the cleaners' every noon for lunch and, if I was there, I would hide in a big closet and wait for him to find me. He would wander through the house calling my name and I would giggle so hard because he had such a time finding me even though I hid in the same closet every. single. time. Granddaddy never seemed to tire of that game but I'm pretty sure he did after raising my own kids and now having grandchildren. He never let me know it, though. Not one time did he fail to look for me and act surprised and excited when he found me.

My grandparents' energy was never-ending while mine can barely get me up three steps and Grandmother sang all the time while working. All. The. Time. I'm way too busy wishing someone else would wash the dang dishes, vacuum the floors, clean this and that to hum a tune.

But we loved spending time together and this is what I hope I do have in common with my grandparents.

I have heard talk that Bug will go to the door at her house and, when asked where she's going she replies, "Amma's house." And when she is here she will suddenly stop playing, turn and look at me, flash me the biggest smile and throw herself around my neck with a huge bear hug completely melting my heart. I'm taking these as good signs that I'm doing ok in the grandparenting department.

I still believe it's all about time. As grandparents, we surely value time differently or I know I do now compared to when I was raising four daughters. Not that I didn't spend time with my girls, I did. I gave up entering the workforce to stay home and I devoted nearly every minute to them and their wellbeing. However, it's so much easier now to drop everything and focus solely on a grandkiddo. I don't have to rush out to work in the mornings or have them ready to go and out the door. I don't have to be responsible for three meals/day. I can have them help me bake cookies and we can eat as many as we want. As long as they don't get hurt, I couldn't care less if something gets broken. Grandparenting is easy. Fun. Relaxing.

We make messes, play until we're tired and then keep playing, celebrate birthdays, watch movies, hug a lot, laugh until we ache, eat whatever we want...

So, my house isn't like my grandmother's house but I think that's ok. I learned the importance of laughter, time, unconditional love from my grandparents and that's exactly what I give my grandloves. And that's what I think makes all the difference.

Does your house look like your grandmother's house?

Please visit CoasterDoodles! 

Y'all can find us on Facebook and 

Instagram (@coasterdoodlessc) and
Pinterest

Use THIS LINK or the code: EMPTYNEST 
for 15% off your purchase!

Long Distance Grandparenting

I'm sure the fact 'grandparenting is grand' has been well documented by any and all who are grandparents but gosh do we ever get tired of saying it? No. The answer is no we never get tired of talking about how great it is to be a grandparent.

I'm one of the lucky grandparents who get to live close to my grandloves. I'm not sure I could stand it if I didn't see these precious faces at least once a week or so.

What about those grandparents who do live far away from their grandkiddos? Thanks to technology, they are able to stay in touch easily and even though it's not the same as living in the same town it is much better than it used to be. Our family keeps up with my favorite nephew and his sweet family this way but now that his oldest has started kindergarten, I started thinking of ways to 'sort of' be a little involved in their lives from 5 hours away.

Here's what I came up with:

• Send cards via snail mail. Who doesn't like getting a sweet little card in the mail? 
• Send little surprises by snail mail. 
• If you video chat with your grands, try something other than simply talking. Find out what their favorite book is and read it to them or send them a new book in the mail and read it with them or sing some of their favorite songs while video chatting. 
• Consider setting up a travel account to be able to be with them for their milestone events. Not everyone is blessed with unlimited funds but a little planning goes a long way. 
• Make a digital scrapbook of you (and your spouse) from childhood to becoming a grandparent. This is a great way for the parents to read your story to the kids and it will probably spark wonderful conversations about what their parents' childhood was like. Make one of the grandkids, too for yourself. I do this regularly for my older relatives and they LOVE it!
• Make videos of your town, even include your friends and send it to the kiddos. Include special attractions or just a sample of a regular day or just playing with your pet. 
• Send them baked goods in the mail. I feel most of my childhood would not have been nearly so fantastic without my grandmother's baked goods. You could even video yourself making the goodies and include it in the package or send it to the parents with instructions to not open it until the package arrives. 
• Send a card with $$ to be spent at their favorite ice cream shop or wherever they enjoy getting a treat. 
• Plant a tree in your yard and take pictures of it as it grows 'with the child' and have the child stand by it for pictures everytime he/she/they visit. 
• If you can't be there for a special event--recital, performance, game, etc... have flowers, a basket of goodies or whatever delivered to them the day of or even directly to the event venue.
• Start a game by taking turns sending a picture of something in your house or a room (and theirs) for you to guess what it is. You could also take turns sending pictures of your favorite book/treasure/whatever. You could make a collage or scrapbook of their favorite things and they could do the same with your photos. 
• Make a family history scrapbook for them. My girls LOVE theirs.
• Share family stories. My girls love hearing family stories over and over again even though they're adults with kids of their own. Even if you've told the story before, tell it. I thought I'd told a few that I hadn't and the girls loved getting a new story but they also never mind hearing the repeated ones. 
• Keep up with the latest kid trends. You can read, volunteer at a local school, get in a mom group on FB--I've found the ones here welcome grandmothers. :)

That's all I've got for now but I would LOVE to hear your thoughts! Research actually shows the benefits of being involved in the lives of our grandchildren reach further than within our families. Children with grandparents who are actively involved have a great compassion for aging, they seem to be happier and live longer. The sharing of new ideas and life wisdom benefits both generations. Children have shown fewer social and emotional problems and less trouble with peers when they have close relationships with their grandparents. Grandparents can benefit from increased brain and physical activity. Staying close with your grandkiddos benefits everyone. 

Of course, all I think about is the benefit of loving these little sweethearts! 

Read more:

4 Unexpected Health Benefits of Being a Grandparent

Why Grandparents Matter More Now Than Ever

The Health Benefits of Being (and Having) Grandparents

Study: Close Grandparents-Grandchild Relationships Have Healthy Benefits

5 Scientifically-Backed Benefits to Grandmas and Grandpas

Please visit CoasterDoodles! 

Y'all can find us on Facebook and 

Instagram (@coasterdoodlessc) and
Pinterest

Use THIS LINK or the code: EMPTYNEST 
for 15% off your purchase!

Thanksgiving Recap

It's over and the Christmas season has officially begun. I just hope it isn't a rush but something I enjoy, appreciate, and take time to reflect upon. It's not that easy when I think about all of us being together instead of some here and some there. Having family all together in one place becomes quite special once the kids are all grown up and living their lives out in the wide world.

Anyway, we had nearly everyone here for Thanksgiving the two most important being the grand kiddos, of course, because once they arrive everyone else takes a back seat like the third backseat in one of those old station wagons so they're not even facing the front kind of backseat but come on, they're grandchildren.

So, did we take pictures of the spread? Nope. But there was a spread and the attending lovelies brought dishes this year that were super yummy-lish! AthleticTrainerDaughter (Bug's mommy) even made my grandmother's yeast rolls and they were PERFECT! AND TeacherDaughter made a mac and cheese that nearly equaled Grandmother's mac and cheese! Oh and PLEASE let's not mention those evil cookies TeacherDaughter made that I've had at least 7 of so far and I HATE them. It's so wonderful having bakers in the family who are nearly as good as Grandmother! I say 'nearly' because is anyone ever AS good as their grandmother at baking? Anyway, here's a picture of the pumpkin and sweet potato pies and a ceramic turkey and a pumpkin candle.

We were just too busy talking to loved ones not in attendance and playing in the nursery with the teepee and yes that was made for the grandkids but sometimes grown-ups are lucky enough to maintain a close relationship with their inner child and like to get inside and play, too. That's Tucker getting off the toddler bed where he had been looking out the window while on squirrel watch. 

This is what Bug (formerly known in blog land as, Baby M) does when she sees Grandma which is one of the many reasons she will get the proverbial pony whenever she decides she wants it. That's TeacherDaughter holding Bug. 

We were busy taking pictures. Here's Bug's mommy aka AthleticTrainerDaughter. 

And her daddy aka Best SIL in the world, smartest guy we know, computer guru to the point none of us can tell you what he does because it's just too far over our heads, and all around nicest guy you'd ever hope to meet. And yes, he is wrapped around Bug's little finger already. But then, aren't we all?

And the lovely who is still in close touch with her inner child otherwise known as, Baby R's mommy aka ArtistDaughter. 

 We were also busy roaring like tigers because of course that's one of the first things Bug's Clemson obsessed parents taught her to do and I have to admit she does it quite well. Cutest little tiger roar I've ever heard. Here's a still of it:

Her mommy roared for us, too.

We were busy drawing. Here's a shot of Bug using Grandmas's face as a desk which turned into a hilarious game of peek-a-boo once she realized what she had done. Oh and yes, my arms are both filled with grandbabies these days and there's nothing in this world that makes me happier. Talk about a full heart? That's mine. Full. Every single time these two are around.

Here we are putting our heads together. Ha!

It's always all about the little bits in our family and it is a pure delight to have little ones filling up the house and our hearts.

Baby R playing with a turkey candle.
Did I tell Y'all he is rolling over already? At a mere 3 months old?
Yep, he turned 3 months old yesterday.

That face. Melts my heart every time. 

Oh and, that cutest little roar? Her parents are trying to get it on video but the only time she won't roar like a tiger is when the video is rolling so... Isn't that just like a kid? I'll post it for Y'all when we get one. If it's before she goes to college. Ha!

Have a wonderful weekend, Y'all! Love and hugs to all!

Please visit my Etsy shop, CoasterDoodles

and feel free to FAVORITE the shop
or buy something! 😁💓

Look for upcoming sales at CoasterDoodles!

20% off sale is in full swing!

Code: HOLLYJOLLY

Sleepover at Grandma's

Some weekends are routine. Some are filled with busy-ness. Some are spent alone and some are spent with friends and family. Some are quiet and some are loud. Mine are spent in front of the television during football season because it's football season and I love all football- college and NFL. But this weekend was even better than that.

I spent my weekend with this little nugget. It was part of my gift to her mommy whose birthday was Saturday. That's right, she had the birthday, I got the gift.

And my goodness but she was busy. How many tissues does it take to wipe the nose on a 15-month-old? An entire box. Can Y'all hear her say, "Thank you!"?

And cute. She's just the cutest.

And busy. I mean she never stopped except for bed.

She read to me. Yes, I understood every word. Grandma's can do that.

Even when the book was upside down. The talent this kid possesses! 

We had loads of laughs.

Because this kid is full of silliness.

And that was my weekend!

How was your weekend?

Please visit my Etsy shop, CoasterDoodles

and feel free to FAVORITE the shop
or buy something! 😁💓

There's something new at CoasterDoodles!

Handmade felt flowers are coming for 

jute and yarn wrapped letters and wreaths!

Why I Love Breakfast

I know y'all know what's coming but it's coming anyway...because this:

We have officially entered the phase of, 'if it isn't what you're eating then I'm not eating it' or 'I'm so done with baby food.' Yes, that's yard sell stuff still sitting there. They've decided not to have a yard sale so I've got to have one or get this stuff donated. It's driving me nuts but Baby M loves it.

Tucker loves breakfast too.

But for different reasons.

He acts as a vacuum which helps me out with after breakfast clean-up.

Remember the little table I painted and decoupaged for Baby M's room? She was trying to climb the rocker or move it or something and I didn't want her to because the wire from the Foscam runs behind the rocker. Baby M persisted so I blocked her with that little table. Here's what she did:

If you've forgotten, don't even bother trying to fox a baby because the baby will out fox you every single time. That's me calling her auntie at the end to tell her to come see what Baby M had done.

The little stinker.

Happy Monday, y'all!

Please visit my Etsy shop, CoasterDoodles
For some Mother's Day gift ideas!

Can Y'all Keep a Secret?

When is the right time to put your daughter on a 'need-to-know' about the things you let your granddaughter do?

I'm asking for a friend.

Because of my strong aversion to it, I try very hard not to give out unsolicited advice. If everyone is sitting around discussing a topic and sharing opinions then, yes I'll throw my two cents worth in the mix. I'll certainly give a response if someone asks my advice or opinion and I am never afraid to respond with an 'I don't know.' But I work hard to keep my big, fat trap shut when my thoughts are not sought out.

Oh yes, I fail miserably from time to time but I believe, if you ask the lovelies, I am pretty good at not throwing my weight around with my own opinions. Comparatively speaking.

I wonder if this is why phrases like this are created:

It's not like we don't know how to raise kids. We do. Whether we helped raise younger siblings or other relatives, babysat from the time we were 12 years old or had our own children, most of us probably have at least an inkling of how to raise kids. 

But with time, everything changes. According to the 'experts'. Moms are reading everything they can get their hands on these days so they can have the BEST kids. The smartest ones. No one seems to care that much about the kids being happy and enjoying their childhood anymore. No one seems to care whether their kids have manners or common courtesies or respect for themselves, others, living creatures, the Earth... Let's just raise them to be the SMARTEST. To be the one that EXCELS and gains recognition. Please don't even get me started on today's pediatricians. 

I'm glad my daughter does not read all the books or follow all the current 'rules' for raising a child. I'm glad she tunes into her natural instincts. Because, if the parents are going to be catering to the kids' every whim, what's left for grandparents? That my dears is a grandparents job. 

So, when do you put your daughter (or son) on a need-to-know when it comes to things you do for and with your grandchildren? I'm not sure when the actual time is so I started now. I almost made it to the 8-month mark, but not quite. No, I can't give you specifics because what if Baby M's mommy or daddy read this post? I'm not worried about her aunties because, and this is a BIG secret, they have her parents on a need-to-know, too. 

Need-to-know is a wonderful thing for grandparents and aunties. It keeps us out of trouble and no one gets upset. I'm sure Baby M won't mind playing along. I mean, there's no use biting the hand or looking a gift horse in the mouth.

Are the parents of your grandloves on need-to-know?\

What do Babies and Wrestling Alligators Have in Common?

Not a single week, hardly a day, goes by that I am not reminded of my age or something I forgot from days gone by or that I learn something new while taking daily care of this face:

Can y'all see her teeth? Isn't she adorable? Or is it just me? 

Lately, for example, I've discovered:

• I hate long onesies that snap in a U shape from one foot to the other. Do y'all remember it being a problem when your kids were babies? Trying to snap those little legs into a footed onesie is an aerobic workout. I kid you not. 
• Diapering is also an aerobic workout. This child will not lie quietly in her crib while I change her diaper. As soon as I get it off, she turns over and turning her back over is like wrestling an alligator. And then I have to change the crib sheet because no diaper means she gets everything wet which also means I get to change her clothes. 
• Changing her clothes. Alligator wrestling? What's harder than alligator wrestling because that's what it's like changing her clothes. 
• Those toys that make the crinkly sound are NOT FUN when you're trying to put the baby down for a nap and you have to move the toy out of the way because the dang thing makes a HUGE noise regardless of whether you pick it up by hand or carefully with tweezers. 
• Putting the baby in a stroller to go for a nice little stroll is a major production. I do not remember this being a production when my girls were growing up. By the time I strap her in the stroller, put my shoes on, get Tucker on his leash and find my keys, I'm exhausted but have to take the walk anyway because that's what Baby M and Tucker think we're doing. 
• Feeding. Good grief. I remember my girls getting messy during feedings but I do not recall me being covered in the food. Or the table. Or the chair. Or anything within a 10' radius. 
• As soon as I put Baby M down for a nap, do two little things and sit down with a cup of something hot, she wakes up. Every. Single. Time. 
• Zulily is of the devil. Stay away from it. 
• Speaking of Zulily, y'all buy my coasters. I have bills. 

Life is never dull with a baby in the house. And I am loving every minute of it. While I do tend to try and see the humor in as many daily happenings as I can, if I had to boil it all down to one thing, it's this: cherish every moment you have with these little ones-- pay attention to everything, the way those tiny little hands hold onto your finger, the softness of their skin, the small, soft sound of their sweet breathing, their laughter that fills your heart with joy, the way they look at you and you know you would give them the world and protect them from all harm, even their tears that you would gladly shed just so they don't have to because you would take away all their sadness- present and future- if you could...Grandmothering is the absolute best!

And to those of you who are about to join the Grandma Club- WELCOME! You're going to LOVE it! It's the best EVER!

Have a wonderful weekend, y'all!

Grandma, Granny, MeMaw, Mimi

Not that anyone around here is having any babies BUT, they do keep asking what I want to be called when the grandchildren do come around.

I never knew how difficult this decision would be.

We've run through a bunch of them to no avail. MeMaw won't do because I don't particularly love it for myself and that's what the lovelies called my MIL. Mimi won't do because that's what the lovelies call my mother. MawMaw won't do because that's what the lovelies call my step-mother.

So we thought of other grandmother names.

• Granny. NOT. Going. To. Happen.
• Gigi. Supposedly a very Charleston thing to call one's grandmother but there was this girl in high school named Gigi and I was not a fan of hers so, no.
• Grammy. I feel almost the same way about this one as I do about Granny.
• Nana. Nope.
• Nonna. Doesn't suit.
• Nonny. You're kidding, right?
• Granmama. Ha! No.
• Bunny, Cookie, Gabby, Honey. Puh-leeze.
• Yaya. This one is still being held for consideration.
• G'Ma. What is that? Text lingo for Grandmother? 
• Lady. Ok, that's what DoodleBug calls me and there IS a story, though I won't go into it right now. So this is still a contender.

None of these suit me.

I am going to be in big trouble if and when those grands start coming. I guess they could say, "Hey you!"

The only two that I am still considering are Yaya and Lady.

My question for y'all is: What are your ideas for this?????

Help me out here. I can't have the grands calling me 'that woman with no name.'