Monday, April 19, 2010

Nobody ever told me...

...that when I had Grandchildren I would remember all the little crafts, songs and games I taught to my children when they were small...and that glitter all over the house would be a joy instead of a mess...

...or that when I had Grandchildren I would wear colors I don't even like because to see a happy smile on a little face because I am wearing their favorite color is worth it...

...or that I would be thrilled to climb into my bed at night after an exhausting day of babysitting and smile when random Fisher Price toys and stuffed animals poked me in the back...

...or that I would be willing to read the same Golden Book I used to read my own children about the Poky Little Puppy 17 times in a row because a little voice pleaded, "just one more time Gwamma."...

...or that I would be able to keep my patience when three little girls all say "Grandma?" 89 times EACH every, single hour they are with me...

...or that I would stop total strangers on the street so I could take a picture of their bright green slugbug...because I knew the little girls would love it... ...or that Grandchildren would see me. As a person. And know me enough to know when I am sad or sick or tired. And care enough to give me a favorite blanket or stuffed animal as comfort.

Ruth Goode wrote, "Our grandchildren accept us for ourselves, without rebuke or effort to change us, as no one in our entire lives has ever done, not our parents, siblings, spouses, friends - and hardly ever our own grown children."

In truth, I think somebody probably did tell me all this.

But I never believed it until it happened to me.

One of my favorite Grandchildren things is sitting for hours and making up stories to a fascinated little audience who so kindly are willing to hang on my every word...Mr. Jenny has been gently "nagging" me for some time to write these stories down.

I finally told him I will.

And I am going to start tomorrow doing these stories every week for my Tuesday post.

The first story is named "Stories from Home" and I will put up a new chapter every Tuesday until it is completed.

I hope you join me as I attempt this. Spoken stories are always a little different then written stories but I am challenging and committing myself to it...and I'm hoping you follow along each Tuesday as I start "Story Time Tuesday" here on Jenny Matlock...off on my Tangent!

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66 comments:

~Kristen~ said...

Mr. Jenny is right!!! I am so glad he persuaded you to do this!!! I can't wait to read each Tuesday.

My Mom says all the same things about being a grandmother that you mentioned!

Beedeebabee said...

Oh boy! Story Time Tuesday's are going to be reeeealy special! You are such a gifted writer, and storyteller!
Those three little beauties are very lucky! Have a wonderful day! xo Paulette

From the Old InkWell said...

I know what you mean! And I'll be tuning in to your stories. Maybe I can retell them to mine! :)

Terry said...

I'm looking forward to it...grandchildren and your Story Time Tuesdays! :0)

Emily said...

What a sweet post. As a mother of school age children, this makes me miss their "little" days. I used to read to them ALL the time. It will be fun to read your stories :)

Theresa said...

Oh girl! Grandbabies are "da bomb" I have them ranging from 2 to 14 and they all have me wrapped around their little fingers:) Nothing in this whole world better! Never understood what others were talking about until I got me some of my own. Have a blessed day my friend and I am looking forward to Tuesday's story! HUGS!

Unknown said...

I love that you are doing this! My mother-in-law is doing this very same thing for my daughter. When they are together Abby loves to hear grandma's stories, but she lives in another state. She has started to write a story for Abby and each day she sends her a new chapter. I can't tell you how excited Abby is about the mail coming every day. We are enjoying reading the story together, chapter by chapter. Your grandchildren will treasure this!

What a sweet post!

Beth said...

The picture of the girls is adorable! I love that slugbug! I have always wanted one. Madison freaks out every time we pass one on the road - she screams "slugbug!" and then calls out the color. Too cute.

Cheryl said...

Tuesdays just got richer! I'll never be a grandmother so I'm going to live vicariously through you.

Mardell said...

Oooh! I can't wait. I ♥ your writings! :o) This will be fun.

AND ~~~ HaPpY bIrThDaY!!!!!!!!!!!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Love the idea and can't wait to read your stories -- I have 4 grandgirls myself! I can relate to all your joys and how unexpected they are.

Jeanie said...

A beautiful description of how this grandmother thing feels. I have # 7 on the way. I'm looking forward to your stories.

Tina said...

I'm so excited to "hear" your stories. We had Farmor record her stories on cassette so that our children could listen to her telling them just like we used to listen as little kids. (We have since lost the cassettes, which just KILLS me...they should have gone in the safe). You make me miss my Grandma SO much. But in a good way.

Michele {The Scrap Shoppe} said...

Ya know, not every grandmother would do all those things. You are special!

Can't wait for Tuesday!

Becky said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, QUEEN OF THE CHICKS!

Anne said...

Being a grandparent gives you license to be silly...all of the time!!! Only with my granddaughter can I do a silly dance...sing a silly made-up song...make silly faces...and be a silly grandmother!!!

RoeH said...

Grandchildren are just the Best! I like to tell my kids they are better than the 'real' ones. So far they're still speakin' to me. I just bought the Pokey Puppy book for my little girl who just loves puppies. She sees one outside and starts to pant. So cute. Amazing what comes back to us.

jenn said...

i liked this post. look forward to reading those stories.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Such a sweet post and I can't wait till my grandkids are bigger and can say Grammy over and over.

Brittany said...

You're the best GWAMMA EVER! :)

Love the stories about your grandchildren! :)

Kim said...

I'm really looking forward to reading this Jenny.

MrsJenB said...

Fantastic! I am so glad you're doing this and look forward to reading your stories!

Poky Little Puppy = my FAVORITE of all time!!! You're a wonderful Gwamma! ;-)

Holly said...

What beautiful grandchildren you have! They are blessed to have you as their gwamma!!

Very excited to hear/read your stories...what a blessing to those little cherubs!

Looking forward to the grammy days myself!

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

You absolutely should write them down. My daughter has been asking me for any stories or memories I might remember lately, for a family history book she may write in the future. I look forward to seeing a children's book out there written by you!

Stacy said...

What a sweet post! My first granddaughter is just a little over a year and I am just adoring her to pieces.

Amanda Lee said...

This is wonderful that you are doing this! When you finish, you may want to make a recording of yourself reading them -- for the great-great grandkids!

J said...

I love this post. :) It's sweet.

Can't wait to read the stories.

Jo said...

I cant wait to read your stories Jenny! and geez, those grandbabies of yours are just so cute!!!

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Happy Birthday, Matlock! You look darn good for 75!! What are your secrets??!!! I'd like to know them for when I grow up.

I'm happy to hear your grandchildren have written a book together about green garden slugs.

SMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCH!

Darcie said...

I don't want to wish my mommy years away too fast, but you make being a Grandma sound like the most magical thing ever...can't wait.

Ms. A said...

Grandchildren are such a blessing!

Nicole Carpenter said...

I'm so looking forward to Story-Time Tuesday:) Fun, Fun, Fun!!! xo

Beth Zimmerman said...

Looking forward to story time! :)

Lourie said...

What a grand idea! I can hardly wait. :D If I could sit "criss-cross applesauce" aka "Indian style...I sooo would. :P

Mary Lou said...

Grandchildren are like a disease. Even if you've been told about it, you can't truly understand it until you've lived it.
Your girls are real beauties.
Can't wait to read the stories. Maybe one day we will buy the book.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Yessssssss!!! Story Time Tuesdays!

But you are all copywrited and etc., aren't you??????????

Btw, I'm gonna' show a floor plan of downstairs [our house] tomorrow. Feel free to do the same.<--Very lightly veiled hint, hu? -giggles-

^_^
.

laterg8r said...

it's easier when they are not actually your own kids LOL :D

Brenda said...

I can't wait! Fun, Fun, Fun!=)

Busy Bee Suz said...

You make me look forward to the Grandmother days to come. I still have The Pokey little Puppy book that was mine...and I read it to my girls and I will read it again ONE DAY.
Looking forward to YOUR stories Jenny. Your granddaughters are lucky to have you...and you are lucky to have them.

Julie Kwiatkowski Schuler said...

Oh YAY! What an excellent project.

I wish I could feel so warm and fuzzy about the young'uns. I've just spent the last five hours outside with hayfever driving monster trucks through the sandbox, and then they fight with me about coming in so I can make dinner. I'm ready to PUNT the little ragamuffins into bed!

Nicolasa @ {My}Perspective said...

What a beautiful post! I love how special you make them feel and how clearly special they make you feel!

I can't wait for story time!

Jocelyn said...

Kudos Jenny...I can't wait for story time...

I so agree with you...being a grandmother is the best and when I heard from the boys today and to hear those wee voices...saying MeMe.....feel better, uv you!!!! I just melt!!

Thanks for sharing!!

Ms Sparrow said...

You are doubly blessed to have beautiful little redheads who adore you. I have three little great-granddaughters and I remember after I'd had them for a week, I left their tiny handprints on the patio door because they were so precious.

An Empty Nest Happens said...

Jenny, I am a new follower of your blog...an emptynester myself. Loved reading about your grandchildren. I have one granddaughter, and lost a grandson to SIDS this past November. Will check up on your stories on Tuesdays...sounds intriguing! Patty

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Story Time! Can't wait. You have the cutest grandchildren!

grammy said...

Dito
I so agree
what better place to be
than with a grandchild do make myself step aside and live other things too...but I so love those kids (o:
I missed a few posts...but caught up
cThe dairy farm one could make such a statement...
you need togo to the one that the one guy told you about...see what it is like
now tell me...do you do organic only? I believe in all the things we should do about food...but it is so hard. I am trying to change things slowly.

Love the trunk full of stuff from the craft show (o:

Wow...only eight points
that would be hard...I can't remember how many I started with....
I have been having to much of a free for all... so I should go back.
I know how to do it...I just need to do it

Terra said...

Sent this post to my mom. She is the best Grandma I know (no offense of course!!!)

Pondside said...

Go for it!
I've recently begun to send stories and pictures by email to my two grandsons. It's fun - it's something lasting - the little ones love stories and I love writing them.

Brenda said...

Oh good I am so looking forward to your stories. I see a childrens book in your future. And you know, I know an illustrator that is just waiting for a start. I think you would work wonderfully together!

Julia Christie said...

first of all these little girls are just beautiful! How blessed are you!?! I can't wait to read your stories too...My mother used to tell us stories all the time at bedtime, and I now tell them to my little ones. It's a great idea to capture them for always.

Looking forward to it!
Smiles

mrs. c said...

Your grand daughters are so sweet and I know that you enjoy them. My Victoria is the light of my life and we have so much fun together! We have many traditions and I try to make everytime we do something together special!

I love the story telling idea. Mine would also be a children's story. Everyday in the cafeteria because I am a pre-k teacher, I must eat with my students while other teachers eat in the lounge. It gets really noisy so I asked the moniters if I could use the microphone and tell a story to the whole group. It is amazing, you can hear a pin drop! I just make them up each day, some are better than others and the bad thing is if they ask me to tell one over, I don't remember it. So would this be o.k. for me to write about?

Vicki/Jake said...

You know I'll be here...even if it means I won't get a box packed ...or unpacked. And what's this about a B-Day???? Shame on me for missing it!

Happy late one...

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

What a marvelous idea! Doggone there are so many marvelous ideas out here in blogland - wish I could do them all. But this one sounds like one I can't wait to find out more about.

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

Hi Jenny,
That is a smart hubby you have there. That is a great idea about recording your stores!!
I know we love our grandaughter dogs so much, and we are in practice for the real thing, so can't even imagine how much fun it is gonna be if and when we are ever blessed with the real thing!!
Thanks for a sweet post,
Blessings, Nellie

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

This is a wonderful idea, Jenny! I look forward to reading your sweet and funny Grandma stories. When you complete your stories you will be able to have them made into a book for your adorable grand daughters to keep forever!

Being a "Nonna" has been the most exciting thing to happen to me. My husband and I know a pice of our hearts will go on after we
re gone.

J said...

If you check out my blog post "Presenting: My Life In Red," then you'll see I've given you an award! :D

Nadeen said...

Yup, I believe I've heard a version of one of those stories....

Coralie Cederna Johnson said...

Your precious grandchildren are so adorable. Sweet girls for a sweet Gwamma! Aren't we the luckiest women in the world! I love all your stories and look forward to reading more!
Have a fun-filled day!
Coralie

Willoughby said...

Such sweet little faces! You're grandchildren are adorable!

I'm looking forward to reading your stories!

angeltastic said...

That was so sweet! I've learned since having my son, grandparents are the best! I love the fact that my son has the privledge of getting to know his grandparents. Those relationships are priceless! I'm looking forward to reading more!

Terri Steffes said...

I simply cannot wait.

Nancy/BLissed-Out Grandma said...

See, that's the thing--nobody told me, either. I don't know whether I'd have believed them anyway, but what a fabulous discovery! Grandchildren are...magical.

Natasha said...

Everybody should have a grandmother like you.

~ Rayna

Tara said...

Very sweet! They look like such vivacious loveleigh little girls! i can see their Gwamma in their little faces too!

gayle said...

This is such a wonderful post!! I only have one grandson and am so blessed to have him!! I have never know such love as my love for him!! My girlfriend and I many many years ago made a vow that we would be awesome grandmas one day and we are both holding up to that...she has 5.
I love foreward to your stories!!

Scottfamily said...

I just loved your being a grandma post. As a little girl I always wanted to be a grandma when I grew up and for all of the reasons you listed. We've been blessed with 5 children who all are still young. (ages 6 - 13) They adore their grandparents (my husband's parents live very close to us so they get to see them frequently). I look forward to your stories and your future posts. Thank you for sharing.