Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Do you have a small paper bag laying around?

I'm trying to be calm.

But I am still feeling the pressing need to breathe into a paper bag.

And I'm really trying not to hyperventilate ...

BUT...

Do you know summer vacation is only 59 days away.
Yes.

In 59 days I will have all three of our Grands three days a week. Three long, long days filled with energizer bunny energy, non-stop talking, eating us out of house and home.

In 59 days I will hear the word "Grandma? Grandma? Grandma?" shouted, whispered, whined and whimpered to me approximately 49.3 times per day. Per child.

I'm frightened.

I have gotten a lot older since last years summer vacation.

Or else perhaps I should rephrase that and say I have gotten a lot older because of last years summer vacation.

So I have a plan.

I am going to the store to buy earplugs.

I am going to the doctor to get a prescription for tranquilizers. For the kids. But, sssshhh....don't tell my daughter-in-law.

I am going to the liquor store to buy some kind of alcohol. Technically I am allergic to alcohol but I think if I start now I can build up some kind of resistance to the allergy in 59 days.

Sigh...

But even though I'm panicking just a bit...

...the truth is I'm excited...

...and I'm counting my blessings...

...all three of our chattery, energetic, messy, adorable, sweet, cuddly blessings...

...and I feel totally lucky that I will get to hear the word "Grandma" shouted, whispered, whined and whimpered almost 150 times a day!

And I'm wondering if it is really odd that even though I do recognize how lucky I am...

...that I still think it's not a bad idea to find a stock of small paper bags just in case I hyperventilate over the fact that Summer break is in ... gulp! ... 59 days!

Sigh...

And now I have got that off my chest I want to get this off my chest, too!

The winner of the little bird tree.

It's so weird because when I went to Random Org this morning it kept telling me that I had won it! Really.

So...

Who am I to fight with Mr. Random Org.

OK.

OK.

I'll do the giveaway now. Keep your aprons strings tied. Here's the real winner.

Here are your random numbers:
11 Timestamp: 2010-03-30 15:59:44 UTC


And post 11 is this one:

Ms. Anthropy said...
Is it just me, or do those birds look like the ones from "Follow me on Twitter"?


Congratulations Ms. Anthropy!

Please e-mail me me your address so I can get this in the mail to you today!

And for the rest of you.

Tie up your apron strings. And go find me that paper bag now, please!

Sigh.

post signature



55 comments:

Mandi Miller said...

You sound like one awesome Grandma!! Enjoy your summer with the grandkids!
Thanks for visiting my site yesterday... you are totally cool enough!!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Too funny Jenny! I know you love it though!!! Congrats to the little birds winner....darn I am in love with those...sigh...not meant to be!

GardenOfDaisies said...

Oh Jenny, what a fun summer you are going to have!!
Pool parties, picnics, trips to the zoo, lemonade stands, craft projects, icecream cones etc.... :-)

Mardell said...

You can always send them here ~ the Lil' Lamb would love the playmates! And I thought you weren't going to be watching them so much?! I honestly don't know how you do it. I really don't!

RNSANE said...

I hate that I am already 65 and only have two granddogs!! I am running out of time. Alex gets married May 7th and Laura tells me she's already stopped the birth control pills ( they've been dating six years now, living together three, bought their house a year ago ) and she's already 27 -so there's hope for a grandchild in the future! Yeah!

Julie Harward said...

Yea for the winner! And grandma, just look at all the fun things you'll have to blog about this summer! :D

Nancy C said...

It's all material, that's for sure. Although I get it! Believe me, I get it.

LemonyRenee' said...

You'll get no sympathy from me. I'm on the front lines -- two kids 9 & 6.

But I will meet you for a drink.

Who cares if you're allergic. . . let's see: allergic reaction vs. nervous breakdown. Break out the kleenex!

Diana said...

Oh my dear Jenny it sounds like you will be sooo busy this summer! I feel tired already just thinking about it! But they are a fun and lovable blessing to have around. I will pray for you sweety! Love Di ♥

lissa said...

sounds like you are going to be very, very busy this summer but hey, at least you still have 59 days to plan, to relax and perhaps to get more paper bags?

you're always amusing, thanks for that giggles that always seem to flow out whenever I read your blog, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful if not busy summer

Emily said...

Jenny your are such a hoot! Your Grandkids are very lucky to have YOU as the Grandma. Maybe spend a lot of time at the pool :)

Dianna said...

Oh Jenny...I stopped by to visit with you a spell and thank you for stopping by today and leaving me comments...and I wanted to let you know that I have been so blessed by paying you a visit! Love your sense of humor...how fun you are! Looking forward to hearing about your summer as it progresses. :)

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Somehow you dropped off my dashboard and I had to follow the crumbs back to your blog when I realized it--I really enjoy your postings--They always give me a good grin!! But it looks like I got back just in time to start thinking about summer vacation...I think there are parents who would like to get through this whole business of spring break first! :-)

w said...

oh you'll have so much fun! crafts are always a good choice for kids. and if they happen to sniff the glue a little and pass out, hey. no worries. they'll be back on their feet in 3-4 hours.

Ms. A said...

I can sure relate to your apprehension about summer. The grandkids can be exhausting. Makes me want to take a nap just thinking about it!

And, there must be a mistake... I NEVER win anything... thanks!

Mrs. M said...

I love my parents, but I so wish either of them were the type to take my kids during the summer for even a day a week! You are a great grandma (and earplugs totally work!). :)

PS: My son is totally dancing to My Sweet Lord on your player right now. His way of dancing is spinning around in a circle until he falls down. Too cute. :)

Busy Bee Suz said...

Just think of all the blog fodder they will be giving you!!!
You are a lucky Grandma...and we know it as well as YOU.

Samantha2818 said...

Seeing as you're so looking forward to it how about I send you mine too? And by the way we live in Wales so they'd have to sleep over!
~Sam

Terri Steffes said...

I'd like some grands to come over and stay with me sometime but I am sure Ashley and Eric are going to make me wait some more!

Julie Kwiatkowski Schuler said...

*gulp* I've been so busy wondering where we will be living this summer, I almost forgot that whatever happens- both boys will be here, underfoot, getting into everything! Then there will be new pediatricians, and doctors, and schools to register with. I'm going to roll under my bed like a hedgehog now. See you next week.

Pondside said...

Envious Nana here - I had my oldest grandson one day a week for his first summer, and then last year they moved across the continent. I have to be satisfied with skyping til they come back.
May I suggest a big supply of jelly beans - to be used judiciously, by announcing (only at moments of high stress and as a last resort)JELLY BEAN SCRAMBLE and then throwing them out on the grass.
It's worth about 10 minutes of quiet (although it's all relative)

Keri {One Mama's Daily Drama} said...

Ahh! 59 days? At least my MIL will be keeping my monsters for two weeks, or at least she usually does. Now what to do with the other 4 weeks...

BECKY said...

Jenny, I love reading your blog! You are a tremendously funny woman! You are another Erma Bombeck to me!! True!! By the way, is it just my computer, or is your entire top part of your blog missing?? Your big typewriter, with your name on the keys? I haven't seen it for about a day or two. And maybe others have said something, but I didn't read all the comments!

Unknown said...

I remember spending a couple weeks a summer with my grandparents. We went to the library, on field trips to historic sites, made fairy wands and chase lightning bugs. You will have a blast.

Pick up a Parent Magazine(they are free) and list lots of activities in your area.

Mary said...

Your post made me laugh! Love your playlist, too! :D
Thanks for following; I'm honored that you're following after looking at how many are following your blog!

Theresa said...

I went and got a paper bag and need it because I didn't win:) Congrats to Ms. Anthropy! Great gift and tell her to be sure to look inside the birds:) Fun summer for you, oh it will be a fun summer for you!

Have a great day dear Jenny!

laterg8r said...

start a list of things you can do together now so they won't get bored :D

Jess Herbig said...

You are a brave brave woman! 3 of them 3 days a week! that's like, 1 child, 9 days a week! Which would be the same as every day plus some!! If we don't hear from you for awhile, I'll send some Idaho potatoes down your way and that might rouse you from your kid-induced stupor!

Ms Sparrow said...

I get my 3 great-granddaughters for a week every summer. We have a great time doing things they can't do in their little home town. Sure, I get tired by the end of the day, but I adore those little darlings!

Brenda said...

Well you are courageous! I find it very tiring just getting through the weekend with 2 or 3 of our 6. The middle daughter has 4 boys and I can only do that with a lot of help from hubs.

Anonymous said...

Jenny drinking? Count me in! Where and when?

Beth Zimmerman said...

This post reminds me of how much I love it when the grands come to visit! And then when they go home! :) They are definitely worth it even if they do drive you to drink!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Jenny, send me your address and I will mail you a box of paper bags!! I know you look forward to and dread the kids at the same time. I will think of your. Really!

Becky said...

Hey Granny...

if you have any paper bags left over, you can make mini albums out of them!

I've done it with Teresa for Girl Scouts and Alan for Cub Scouts, so your reds could totally do this! (Though, I did the hole punching)

Here's a website that gives instructions:
http://www.scrapbook-crazy.com/paper-bag-album-instructions.html#a1

GardenOfDaisies said...

Hi Jenny, to answer your questions, the fabric I embroider on is called Osnaburg. It is sort of like an unbleached linen, but with thicker threads. It is the same color as burlap but is a much softer and finer weave than burlap. I do admit that the pictures (which are larger than real life) make it look like burlap. :-)

Anything Fits A Naked Man said...

Ear plugs? Tranquilizers for the kids? Sounds like an AWESOME plan!!

Beth said...

I like the way you think! Seriously, you and the grandkids will have so much fun and make some wonderful memories. I miss those carefree summer days of getting to spend the night with my Granny.

J said...

I really don't think I could do that... Being a grandparent... I might die... Well, maybe if I had as many as you seem to, heh.

You're a strong person. :P

Nancy Jane said...

I envy you all of that grandchild time because ours live a few states away. Having had them to ourselves for long weekends, I also appreciate the hyperventilating stuff...They are miraculous, fabulous, mixed blessings, aren't they?

Dianna said...

Hi Jenny,
It's me again...I got so tickled when I was here last time, that I completely forgot why it was that I came by besides thanking you for stopping in over at my place. lol
(That's becoming a rather frequent way of life for me...)

Anyway...I wanted to thank you for sharing with me about the soap making articles. We were at Books A Million a month or so ago and started looking at soap making books and I was started to get cold feet because the majority of them made it look like a rather difficult process. I need an easy 1, 2, 3, step book...you know...the kind with pictures. ~wink~ So, I will definitely check out the things you shared.

McVal said...

FUNNY! You're going to have a great time with them and you know it! They're a year older too and more grown up.
Thanks for visiting on my SITS day!
Val

Unknown said...

Good thing there's 7 days in a week because you'll have the 4 to relax and recharge before the grandkids are back and ready to go again. It's going to be fun but you may want to up your vitamins for more energy!

MissKris said...

I have my two grandsons with me, ages 2 and 4, about 55-60 hours per week, Monday-Friday. I've been caring for one, then two, since they both were a month old. At the age of 56 I never dreamt I'd be doing this now but I wouldn't have it any other way. This time around, I have the sense and hindsight to stop to smell the roses. Maybe that's the blessing of grandkids...we were so busy raising their parents we hardly ever had a moment to catch our breath. Well, now I have all the time in the world, and I savor every second of it. As a first-time visitor I'm dropping in out of the blue...what ages are your grandbabies?

Tara said...

Congrats to your winner! I am sure the little birdies wanted to stay with you, but what can you do. I guess you shoulda bought two! I am sure it will be very exciting to have the kiddies come to visit, but I can feel your exhaustion already!

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Jenny,

It was lovely to discover your blog and many thanks for visiting mine.
Enjoy your time with your Grandchildren, I am sure that you will all have a great Summer holiday.

Hugs
Carolyn

Nadeen said...

You are lucky. They could be in Kansas City.

Bits-n-Pieces said...

I was about to brag that WE only have 43 more days...but then I realized that you are probably counting weekend days, too. I'm counting actual school days! lol
So...let me see..if I add in weekends and holidays, our last day of school is in 63 days.
Well booooooo...that doesn't sound near as good!

Martha's Favorites said...

Jenny: You are so funny. I just love to read what you have to say. I wanted to wish you and your family a blessed Easter. I pray for His best for you. You are so dear to me and I am grateful for our friendship. Blessings, Martha

"Alone again.... naturally!" said...

I think your sense of humour will get you by my dear. But just in case I think the paper bags and the ear plugs are a great option! Have a great Easter and have a great summer with the kidlets!

Unknown said...

You can do it Jenny!!! :)

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

haha! Summer's right around the corner, for sure. Have fun with your grandbabies! I want grandbabies!!!!
Blessings & Aloha!
(thank you for stopping by! I have been out of town so am just now catching up on blog reading! Yay for a mid week day off! have to catch up on housecleaning and drawing orders too...)
And congrats to the winner! Aw! I missed your wonderful giveaway!...but now going back to catch up...

Andrea said...

I've got a bag for you Jenny. Can you come over and get it?

I just want you to know that I've been repeating all of your jokes! You crack me up.

Brenda said...

Stop whining; you know you love 'em to death! And you know you love sending them home all sugared up for Mom and Dad to figure out how the heck they'll get them to sleep, LOL! Fun , Fun, Fun! It's a Mom's passive-agressive right to wind up the kids before she sends them home. Kind of a Mom revenge...LOL! I'm still working on convincing GP he's not God and that the sun does not rise and set on his whim. "Gee, thanks Mom!" is all I can say...hahaha! But he does so love being spoiled rotten and the Grandparents and I am grateful that he will forever think that grandma is so much better than Mom. Ignorance is bliss, hahaha! I knind of wonder what grandma does with my Mom when when she's with GP. That is definitely NOT the same woman that raised me! LOL!

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

-chuckle- I remember those scary days! But I had 2 of them after school, all year long and on vacations. :-)

They're too big to need us thus, anymore. They're baby sitting other kids. And we never took on the brood next door. We figured we were too old to start over. :-)

But since another one is coming [soon] next door, we'll be doing more of it.... This spring/summer. Oh well.... :-)
It all does make for memories.

We were just yesterday, reminisssing over such memories, with our oldest Grand, who is now 18. She started coming here, when she was 1 1/2 and they moved back to town. Lots and lots of memories. :-)

Gentle hugs....

gayle said...

Can't believe summer is that close!! Lucky you getting to keep your grandchildren! It will be fun and tiring at the same time!1