School Life

My opinions of my grandchildren are reasonably skewed toward thinking them intelligent beyond the norm, but I have visual proof of their IQ potential every time I am around them. My oldest designs his own lego projects from just looking at the magazines for new products. My brunette grand plays like she is a nine year old, and will literally go to the fridge when she needs a snack, or she'll signal dinner time by crawling into her high chair. The blond grand can count her toes, understands two step commands like find Mimi's cane and bring it to me, and will listen to ten books before growing weary. I see great lives ahead for my grands.

If I remember my developmental courses correctly, I think I see private schooling ahead for these children. At the minimum, my children should consider living in an area with really great schools. The grands will always have the enrichment they need in their lives because we have always provided the opportunities, and we see our boys following in the same footsteps.

My blond daughter-in-law is getting her toddler ready for mother's day out twice a week, and it really brings back memories of the same activities with my boys. My older son started at a homestyle daycare known as Barkers when he was almost two. He loved his time there. She really tried to make it as close to home as possible. The kids were allowed to play in the dirt, make their own pancakes, pick a snack, and learn at their pace. I never heard a concern if one skill just didn't take when it was taught. Barker had her degrees in developmental psychology and really understood learning styles.

My younger son's family had a rough year with cancer and victory over it, so another complete year at home with mommy is a good choice. Brunette grand lost some mommy time while daddy did his best to keep the family as happy as possible, considering the ordeal. I imagine that mom's day out is around the corner next year, and if it isn't that's OK, too.

As far as I can tell, the kids are happy, and that is what really counts. They are secure in their parents love, and what a blessing that is for me.

Well, the Doc was right

My knee surgeon released me from my cane today, and I carefully went about my errands without it. I was a little nervous and was careful to be around a wall or table for each endeavor. I am around 12 weeks out and everything is healed. Amazing, that a person can slice a line 10 to 12 inches long, move muscle around, resculpt bone, add titanium, stitch it all up, and then the knee moves again. Not easily at first, but in 12 weeks all movement except deep knee bends are possible. I still do my PT exercises because the muscles do get stiff if I don't. I imagine this will go on for at least another 3 months while the leg adjusts to walking without assistance.

I was supposed to get the other knee done in Novemember, but I think I will pass. It still moves, and bends, and flexes as needed. I will wait until it freezes up before cutting her open. Maybe I can get by until 70, and by then walkers will be painted in stylish colors for people like me. As long as there is no unbearable pain, I am pretty sure I can wait this out.

My maladies have been so minor compared so some of my dear friends, and I thank God that he has takn care of me for the time being. I've had a lot of down time, and I've had time to think about what is really important to me. It always goes back to family, and God's provisions for us throughout the years.

Sometimes God slows us down on purpose, so we can take the time to just think. I have, unfortunately, spent many years just living without thinking things out ahead of time. Most of the time, all major events that shape our lives have worked out, but now I think I have entered a different era of understanding. I have been forced to take my time with everything and guess what? All seems to be plugging along just fine. I am savoring life and the little stuff, like watching the hummers fight over the sugar water. I never bothered unless the hub asked me to just sit down with him on the patio for a short break. Rest was as elusive as vapor, and I just accepted that. I have become this calm person who really listens when people talk.

Maybe this knee surgery was for higher reasons than my own. I think I might start listening to God a little more each day now. I might surprise myself and go gracefully into old age instead of kicking a screaming to stay young.

Survived Sixty

Son called from NC and quipped that I had made it. Funny!! I actually spent 30 minutes soaking in the tub last night. When the hub asked what I was doing, I replied that I was soaking away the sadness because sixty came too soon. Alliteration was wasted on him, but made me chuckle. Older son will come over this evening to take us out to eat. Hub wanted to take me shopping until I reminded him it was tax free weekend. He said he could buy me that over and under I always wanted. Yeah right.

He got me a low rider card and a shoot 'em up cop video. He is such a romantic. Not! He does have his good points, coffee in bed, and home cooked breakfast including doing the dishes. I will take what I can get. To be honest, I really couldn't think of anything I really needed this year or wanted for that matter. I think that is a good thing.

I am around people who are constantly changing their lives in one way or another. People my age, who seek fulfillment from outside stimulus. I have one friend who literally changes her bedroom for the seasons, pictures included. I wonder, what is wrong with the familiar, the status quo, the comfortable? I admit that I change decorations sometimes, like when we move into a new house, but it is usually because we forgot to see if all of the furniture would fit.

I find happiness is looking back at the memories, remembering when this or that happened, how the event made me feel, the laughter at the time. I find that I like to add to rather than change during this era of my being. Maybe the big 6-0 and the time well spent, will signify a moment in time that I can regard as my moment of maturity. Awe the alliteration again. Some things will never change.

Nine Weeks and Counting

A busy past two weeks, getting back into the swing of life, finds me triumphant about my knee surgery. I really put it off as long as possible, fearing I would have to endure the same problems as my husband during his recuperation. I am even back at the gym and that means a lot for my mental stability. I was worried about my spoiled husband's ability to take care of me while the shoe was on the other foot, but he was an excellent caregiver. I am totally independent again, and that is very important to me.

This warrior's heart is once again restored and the wuss mentality is in the past. The only great side effect of this adventure into medical innovations is my weight loss of 40 pounds. Hub has hinted at a nip and tuck in the near future if the pounds keep falling off. Never gonna happen. I will live with the resulting wrinkles and regard them for what they are... the medals of life. After watching The Doctors, I discovered that I have more smile wrinkles than frown lines, and that is fine with me. The only drawback to all of this good health is my clothes don't fit. Pants are literally falling off my hips whenever I forget to put on a belt. I really don't feel like shopping except online, and that just isn't the same.

I count my blessings as I go forward with life. Richard is gone for the weekend, first to check the hay balers and then the deer lease. I will spend the afternoon and evening enjoying my granddaughter, while my son and daughter-in-law go on a much needed date.