Yea, Obama!

As most of you know, I did not vote for President Obama--we have many philosophical differences in how to get out of the recession and other stuff. But something he said last night during his address to Congress made me want to stand up and cheer.

When he was talking about education, the President said something that we don't hear anymore. It was a common theme when I was growing up. By the time my kids were going to school, things were different. It was discussed in hushed tones by small discreet groups and in a few homes. But most people did not believe it or want it to be the truth. Why? Because it is hard sometimes. And, frankly, I did not think there was a politician from either party that beleived it.

What was this very controversial thing he said?

He said that education begins in the home. And that is not all! He had the gall to say that parents should turn off the TV and the computer and read to their children or help them with their homework. I am sure most people simply chose to ignore what he said or stare at him on the TV set with disbelieving eyes and ears. Many people this morning are probably wondering if he is completle deranged by the rigors of the Presidency already.

But, I say, "you go, Mr. President!" It is about time we get back to thinking that our children's education is our responsibility--not the government's! It is the parents' responsibility to guide a child's education, to teach them the basics of numbers and alphabet and colors. It is a parent's job to see that the child gets to school and does their homework. It is the parent's responsibility to make sure no one (even the parent) does the work for the child.

It is about time we bring this out of the proverbial closet. Let's talk about it out loud and at PTSA meetings. Way to go, Obama. You certainly got this right!

Valentine Pizza with a Stud

This past weekend was Valentine's Day and my husband and I had a wonderful time. But that is not what this post is about. It is really about another Valentine's Day 13 years ago.

I was single and not dating anyone--my choice. I had given up on dating and decided that I could focus on my family and friends and be perfectly fine. And I was doing great, although Valentine's Day was a little sad for me. My friends were all busy and my kids all had boyfriends or girlfriends so I was looking at an evening by myself.

Not so bad, I thought. I would pamper myself with a long shower and a facial. Some wine...I will go to bed early and it will be over. Actually I was starting to look forward to it. The phone rang on my desk and my son, Michael, was on the line wanting to know what I was doing that evening.

I told him and he immediately said I was going out with him. He was in high school and had a girlfriend, so I thanked him for the offer. But to my mind, he needed to spend the evening with his girlfriend and I told him so. Michael explained that he had taken her out the night before and she knew what he had planned for me.

When I got home from work, he had flowers and a stuffed bear for me. We left the house--he drove--and went to Mellow Mushroom Pizza. Michael would not let me pay for anything. He opened doors and was such a great date. We talked and laughed and the evening went by too fast. That was the best pizza I have ever eaten and it was the most memorable Valentine's I have ever had.

Thanks, Baby!

Grandma Duty is Exhausting, but Great

Ok.. I am now rested up after my 8 days taking care of the two grandkids--ages 3 and almost 2. They survived us but were very glad to see their mom and dad come home. We just drug ourselves home and slept for two days. Well, not that long, but I was asleep in bed at 6:30 that night!

My highlights include: not being late dropping the 3 yr old off or picking him up for "school"; getting soundly beaten by a 3 yr old in Wii tennis; going to the park twice and having a great time--no one got hurt (I was worried about me) and no one got lost (worried about my husband); remembered how many things there are to "God Bless" when a child does not want to go to bed; and making a million memories with the two boys that I will never forget.

The almost 2 yr old vegetarian has the most wonderful smile that he showers on you when he sees you. It just makes you feel like you have made his day because you walked into the room. His little spontaneous hugs are always completely unexpected and given from the heart. He reminds me of what unconditional love is all about.

The 3 yr old meat eater is a talker. He reminds me of my son Michael (his uncle) in so many ways and that is one of them. He doesn't cry much but can throw a major temper tantrum when he wants to. He is so cute trying to exert his independence and wants some control over his environment. We quickly learned to give him choices and life was more peaceful. His creative mind kept us in stitches much of the time with what amazing ideas came to him.

It was a wonderful week that we will treasure. But we were tired. I don't remember how I did it with 3 stairsteps. It is obvious to us that it is a good thing that young adults have kids.

My prayer now is that our kids don't get the idea of dropping all 12 grandchildren off for a week at the same time!

"Cop Farts" for breakfast

Ok. Here I am at my daughter's house while she is in Hawaii. If that is not bad enough, I have her two toddlers. OMG! I forgot so many things...not the least of which is "what can I get these kids to eat?" The older one said this morning that he wanted "cop farts" for breakfast. Somehow, I am sure that is not really want he wants. Besides, my daughter did not tell me anything about those in the notes she left for me.

Obviously my brain is fried from lack of sleep. Looking back to dinner last night, I remembered that you have to make some hard choices nutrition-wise. So I gave the meat eater his brother's meat loat (which really disappointed the dog waiting for the next bite to be thrown from the high chair.) And I gave the vegetable eater his brother's acorn squash.

Sometimes it just boils down to quiet... and getting them to eat something without a big battle. Luckily I did get them both to eat some corn and peas--of course there was some bribery involved with the meat-eater. But it all worked out okay.

It is important to encourage children to eat a balanced meal. But sometimes it just isn't going to happen. They are little individuals and have their own likes and dislikes. So I will keep trying to offer nutritious meals.

But, as a grandmom, my main goal is that they do not starve until their parents some home.