After giving thanks, I give up...

Hello Dear Readers,
It's Thanksgiving weekend. Time to reflect and contemplate.
I'm thankful for many things.
And thankfully, I have FINALLY let go and given up on my Partner's wayward daughter. His daughter just turned 21.
Yeah, she's all "grown" now. She thinks she knows it all.
Huh!
I've known her since she was just 9 years old.
The only reason why I even try to tolerate her is because she is the (biological) mother of a precious 4-year old boy.

Grandma & Grandpa show how to make gingerbread cookies.

Nov. 2009

He calls me Grandma.
I love him to death.
My Partner and I have been raising him since the moment he was born. His biological mother loves him, but she can't be bothered with him.
Anyways, up until now I've struggled with this young woman to be more responsible for her little boy.
I've lost the struggle.
She simply does not have a maternal bone in her body.
And now I have found peace because I no longer struggle with the impossible.
I know some readers will argue that I must try to help this young woman.
But you know what? That's baloney.
She's 21 years old. She neither respects nor listens to her divorced biological parents.
What makes you think she will even listen to me? Are you crazy?!

Grandma shows Spidey how to flip pancakes!
Halloween, 2009

God give me strength and courage to raise this little boy. He deserves love, attention, and stability.

PS

In case you're wondering, the boy lives with us, and his biological mother lives downstairs in her own apartment.

Giving Thanks

source: dawncolburn.com

Today I asked my BoyFriend's grandson what he was thankful for. His response surprised me. He said he was thankful for God.
Forget about his toys, his TV set, his cablebox....
Forget about his bike, scooter, his loving & doting family...
He is thankful for God.
This boy is only 4 years old.
It's funny how little children teach us big lessons.
Listen2Auntie:
Stop and listen to your children.

Renovation

photo taken October 2009

Hello Dear Readers,
Did you know I am a school librarian?
One little perk of being a librarian is having lots of time at my computer. I used to enjoy blogging and tweeting from the comfort of my desk (I know that sounds so cheesy).
But I will not be able to enjoy that little perk until January because my library is closed for renovation.
Until then, I am super busy (ack) co-teaching with classroom instruction.
No time to blog and tweet.
Thanks for visiting!

Lemons and lemonade

Dear Readers,
As you can see, I have time-management issues. My Virtual Life has taken a back seat to my Real Life.
My Partner and I must raise his 4 year-old grandson.

photo by L2A October 2009

We are both young 51 year-old Baby Boomers. We both work full-time.

And because I still have to go to physical therapy for my shoulder, I never have time to go the the gym.

My only exercise is taking Coco Chanel out for her nightly walks (by the way, if you STILL haven't met Coco, just click on her name and you will see she has her own dog-blog).

Sometimes I get upset because I don't have any time for myself.

But most of the time (99%) I have loads of fun with this adorable little boy.

He is the child I never had.

Thanks for visiting.

Birthday Thoughts

source: travelphoto.net

Today is my birthday. I am 51.

My twin brother would have turned 51 too, but he died at the young age of 32 years. My brother's life was senselessly snuffed out by an armed robber who has yet to be apprehended.

He left behind a very young wife and and 10 month-old son.

My twin brother was a fearless mountain climber and spelunker. He was also a body-builder. People often compared him to a young Arnold Schwarzenegger.

His son (my nephew) is now a sophmore at the University of Virginia. He looks just like the father he never knew.

Listen 2 Auntie:

Always tell your family how much you love them.

Always kiss your children before leaving the house.

Treat each day as a gift.

RIP Frank 1958-1990

Summer Vacation Series: Physcial Therapy

Hello Dear Readers,
I am enjoying physical therapy for my shoulder. The therapist is top-notch.
Honest.
But a little grim humor goes a long way....
Thanks for visiting!

Summer Vacation Series: Surgery + Recovery

source: The Runaways

Hello Dear Readers,

Sorry for this long absence. I am recovering from shoulder surgery. It's been a lot more challenging than I had previously thought.

Listen2Auntie:

Don't over-do it after surgery. I learned (the hard way) that trimming the hedges is NOT a good idea!!! I also learned to NOT buy a whole watermelon at the supermarket, even if on sale. Ugh. I couldn't carry it into the house. My Partner got angry because he says I'm doing too much.

Thanks for visiting my (much neglected) blog.