Friday, December 31, 2010

See you next year!

Our Granddaughters are old enough to understand that in a few days the year will start all over again.

"What does this mean?" they ask.

I tell them it is a marker...a passage of time.

They giggle. They say it means they don't have to go to school until next year! Hooray.

I tell them it is more. It is a time of reflection and a time to think of things to make their lives better and the lives of people around them better.

They giggle. They say it means they don't have any homework until next year!

I tell them it is more.

They giggle. They say it means they don't have to clean up the dog poo from the backyard until next year!

I giggle.

I say, "To heck with this! Let's lay in the bed and read books and cuddle up under corduroy quilts and stay cozy!"

They say, "Grandma, maybe you can read us a book about the passage of time."

I don't giggle.

I tell them, "Girls, let's just enjoy right now. Time will pass whether we're thinking about it or not."

I tell them, "Guess what?"

"What, Grandma?" they ask with their eyes all big and blue and innocent and round.

I tell them, "I will love you next year, and the year after that, and the year after that...and forever..."

They cuddle in closer. "I love you more, Grandma," they say in their sweet voices.

And I think inside my heart, "Oh my dear Granddaughters. There is no way that is possible."

Happy New Year dear friends. We may never pass this away again. Let's make 2011 a year that counts.


post signature

38 comments:

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

How sweet Jenny~ I've never met them but I do love those little girls of yours! Give them a New Years hug for me, tell them thankyou for the joy I received just reading gramma's little stories:)
Cheers to a great new year ahead Jenny!!
xo
paula:)

Unknown said...

Beautiful Beautiful.I wish I had the opportunity to know my own grandma.This post was truly heartwarming.Wish you and the family a happy and peaceful new year.Hope to be more regular at keeping up with blogs I follow, next year.

Jackie said...

AMEN , now that is a lot of love for your granddaughters right there.

Deb said...

a Grandmothers love...like no other...Happy New Year Jenny and Mr. Jenny....I look forward to your posts in 2011...

Cheryl said...

Hugs to you and yours as you cross over into tomorrow living this day fully before moving on.

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

"We may never pass this way again"...were you having a Seals and Croft moment? :)

Let's toast to health, peace, love, joy and some adventure in 2011.

Terra said...

a beautiful story from a beautiful woman with beautiful grandkids (inside and out)

Jeanie said...

Sharing those hugs and cuddles is the best way I can think of to make this day and the new year count.

Pondside said...

It doesn't get any better than that!

The Words Crafter said...

I'm bringing my jammies and pillow and a stack of books and I'm gonna cuddle with you all!

I hope your new year passes slowly when it's wonderful and quickly when it's less.

Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

This was the year that I showed Jake how to hug me instead of his goodbye head-butt...
I loved your post today Jenny...
and I'm so glad I found you and Steve in bloggerville...makes life interesting for sure :(

Happy New Year Hugs
~victoria~

Anonymous said...

that was supposed to be a smiley face Jenny.... :) i'm typing in the dark....:))))

Nancy's Notes said...

Great sweet Jenny! Your posts are always delightful and full of wonder!

Happy New Year! Wishing you many sweet blessings and a year full of the best of everything!

Nancy

La said...

Your relationship with granddaughters is wonderful. I don't know who is blessed more, you for having them or them for having you. I'm pretty sure it is a win-win situation.

I think there are going to be some cupcakes in a jar on our menu tonight.

Happy New Year, Jenny!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Happy New Year sweet Jenny! I think you are one of the luckiest people on earth with those sweet grands!

Busy Bee Suz said...

This is the sweetest Jenny.
You are a ray of sunshine in my days...I can only imagine how BRIGHT it is in your home. :)
xoxoxoxoxo

Splendid Little Stars said...

OK, Jenny. That made me teary-eyed. What a lovely little piece of writing!
A (late) Merry Christmas to you, too! And a wonderful New Year filled with the giggles of sweet little girls.
♥ Margaret

Cheryl D. said...

Beautiful post!

Here's to a fabulous 2011!

Judie said...

Today, I miss my own grandmother so much! When I was with her, I felt truly loved. Great post, Jenny.

Anonymous said...

Sweet Jenny this post is just precious. Happy New Year to you and your little grands. Wishing you the best of all things in the new year. Hugs

Susan Anderson said...

Love this, Jenny. It tugs at my grandma heart strings.

=)

Anonymous said...

Very sweet! A perfect end of the year post. Hope you have a Very Happy New Year!

Teresa

JJ said...

Happy New Year !!!

Mrs. Cherry Heart said...

Precious moments!

Happy New Year Jenny!

God Bless,
Dolly

Grizzly Bear said...

Happy New Year! :)

Unknown said...

Oh Jenny....
Youa re so blessed by these children! Hapyy New Year ,y friend and let's see more of each other for sure!!!!!!! :):)

Cassie said...

Here's wishing you and your grand-daughters the most magical year ever! Thank you for your writings Jenny....you bring back some of the sweetest memories for me... :)

Willoughby said...

What better way to ring in the new year than with those we love the most?!

Here's hoping 2011 is the best year, yet!

Maude Lynn said...

Happy New Year!

noexcuses said...

What a wonderful way to spend the day! I hope that when I am blessed with grandchildren, they are as sweet as yours!

Many blessings to you and your family in the the New Year!

Vicki/Jake said...

On to another year full of ?????
If nothing else, L.O.V.E. :)
Have an awesome, happy 2011 with those who love ya!

Bonnie said...

How lucky those girls are to have such a wise. loving, wonderful Grandma! You are blessed to have them as well of course.

Happy New Year... let the adventure begin!

Unknown said...

I love this post! Bless you Jenny!
After my own grandmothers and mother, you must be the world's best!
Love,
Anna

Anonymous said...

Loved this - especially that they wanted a book about the subject! Love the image as well.

Amy said...

What a delicious way to end 2010 and to welcome 2011. I was a little sad that my Keith was at his grandmother's house, and I didn't get to bang pots and pans, or snuggle him at that moment. Lucky grandparents!

Janiece said...

Jenny,
Thank you so much for your kind words and for visiting my blog.
Happy New Year!

Tina said...

awww your grand daughters are so sweet and clever in their little sayings!

Tina

PERMANENT POSIES said...

Now there is nothing sweeter than to hear your granddaughter say they love you. I have one that always asks me (well everyone)...Are you happy? She just smiles so big when she asks but boy does she want to make sure that everyone is happy. I want to say....You need to pace yourself, child. I hope she is not in for a lifetime of making sure everyone is happy. Anyway.....hope you and yours have a Happy New Year. Are you happy?