Have You Ever Looked At Life Like A Five-Year-Old?

 

How Do Five-Year-Olds Think? Priceless.

Since they were very young, whenever my grandkids visited us, they would take two hands full of loose coins from the change bucket. They could keep what did not fall out of their hands. Their hands are getting bigger now and they love counting the coins to see how much they get. 

Gramma: "Brie, what are you going to do with all that money," I asked.

Brie: "Give it to my daddy, in case he needs it."

 

Here's Another One...

Brie: "Gramma, how come you don't paint your nails anymore?"

Gramma: "Because I work from my home office, now."

Brie: "So, Gramma, you really need to get out more."

I was stumped for an answer to this five-year-old.

And Another...

With the time change during spring break, it was not dark at dinner time.

Brie: "Gramma, why are we eating dinner in the morning?"

Gramma: "It's not morning; it's evening."

Brie: "Oh, Gramma. You are so silly. It is never light outside at dinner time." 

 

This One Touched My Heart In A New Way

William is nine years old but reads at an eleventh-grade level. He loves books and I teared up when he said, "Gramma, you're an author, right?"

"Sure am!"

"Do you think I could read your books?"

"Of course! But I will expect a review, okay?" That really excited him.

It's these moments -- these are the moments we never forget. you can't put a price on them - PRICELESS

And watching them bowl......another priceless moment...last month.

 Until You Have Bowled with Pumpkins....You Haven't Bowled

A Sense of Accomplishment Can Be Worth More than ME Time

Preparing for this month's Fly On the Wall post was painful when I realized I need to get out more! Each day I am consumed with either writing blog posts, creating YouTube videos, writing health-related articles, analyzing health questionnaires for clients, writing newsletters, interviewing one guest a week for my podcast, bookkeeping for our brick and mortar businesses, or teaching on the internet. 

If you haven't checked out my podcast, please do!  (Now in my 8th year!) You will find incredible true stories of people who went from victim to victor and from hopelessness to helping others find hope. Each guest has become successful and many have made huge positive impacts to society. 

It leaves little time for anything else, as my days start at 5:30 AM and run until dinner time. Don't worry, I cook everything from scratch and manage an organized home. 

But who wants to hear about that in a blog post? However, I did travel to my daughter's home to house/dog sit for one week. That was heaven to me. I took my computer with me, set up an office in her dining room, and worked almost 'round the clock. I decided to fast that week so there was no need to cook. I loved it and accomplished more than I would in two weeks if I was at home.

The grands were in Hawaii that week and the pics speak for themselves:

Curling hair at 5 yrs old?

How blessed I am to see the love these two have for each other

Please have a buzz around and see what the other bloggers in this group posted this month:

Baking In A Tornado

Menopausal Mother

Wandering Web Designer

During the Middle of Chaos, Do You Stop for a Break?

"Building a website can be fun," they said. Have any of you ever done that? Was it fun? 

For the past six weeks, I worked 10 or more hours per day - every day - building my new website. I was fortunate to find the right person - who did a job many times better than I imagined. She went well past the call of duty. I have hired her for life.  There are several pages on the site and I have incorporated both of our jewelry sites, my podcast, my health coaching site, my YouTube channel, and everything in between. One stop - it's all there. 

The entire site theme (mountains and ocean) is carried through all the pages, along with the color scheme. I would love your feedback. Check it out here. PLEASE

BUT....it didn't stop there. I also have a new Facebook page and YouTube Channel. I am scheduled to do three blog posts per week, and two YouTube videos, PLUS coaching and teaching online.  P L U S my podcast is booked until March until next year - two interviews per week.

"Building a website can be fun," they said. But NOW the fun begins. 

One day last week, I was about to drive up the driveway when I heard loud screeching by birds. I stopped to have a look. A baby bird had fallen out of its nest and mom and dad couldn't figure out how to pick it up. 

I felt helpless. There was nothing I could do for this tiny creature. I got a chair from the house and placed it near the fallen bird so no one would drive over it. The cries from the parents went on until nightfall. I knew the demise of that baby but.......

In the middle of last month's chaos, I took a four-day breather to visit the grands. With each visit, I see how they have matured and with joy in my heart also note their kindness to one another, their politeness, and how they love interacting with adults and animals which is a constant thrill for any gramma. 

PICTURES - MOST DEFINITELY SPEAK LOUDER

ALWAYS EXCITED TO SEE GRAMS

WHAT A CATCH

UNBELIEVABLE HEAT This Summer

Loves His Golfing Times with Papa

Time to Cool Down

SOOOO SOFT

 

The newest family member -- Mama was so tiny and her baby is like the size of a small dog

Welcome to a Fly on the Wall group post. Today 4 bloggers are inviting you to catch a glimpse of what you’d see if you were a fly on the wall in our homes. Come on in and buzz around my house.

 

 

Buzz around, see what you think, then click on these links for a peek into some other homes:

 

Baking In A Tornado                  

https://www.bakinginatornado.com/2021/07/hoagies-stogies-and-watering-pants.html

Never Ever Give Up Hope             https://batteredhope.blogspot.com

Menopausal Mother                   http://www.menopausalmom.com/

Wandering Web Designer      https://wanderingwebdesigner.com/blog

Is Dental Surgery as Awful as it Sounds? The Truth How to Survive it

When my dentist put a temporary cap on my front tooth he told me, "That should hold about two weeks, and then we have to start the process of putting in an implant."

My first thought was "Do you know how much an implant costs? $3,000 to $5,000."  I decided to wait until it was necessary and then.....THREE years later, I had a problem.

I tried a new 'recommended' dentist in hopes of walking out with another temporary fix. WRONG! He wouldn't touch it and said I had three options:

• Do one implant but that was risky as the neighbor teeth had issues - $5,000 for the one tooth which could fall out
• Repair the surrounding teeth including the implant $12,500
• Dentures - $4,500      
  

After spending most of the day deciding on my options, having X-rays and consults, dentures seemed the best option.

Was I scared? YUP. My past experiences in the dentist chair, especially as a child, made me sweat and shake. When I was a kid Novocain was not used and screaming out loud was not allowed. See why I waited as long as I did?

With the new technology, dentists no longer have to take an 'impression' to make teeth using a wax mold. They use a scope that takes pictures of your entire mouth. This is sent to the denturist to create your new smile. 

My appointment was set. Three days before Christmas. Excited? Well, it meant I didn't have to cook a turkey dinner but could veg at home for a week or more.

Scared? Terrified! Fifteen teeth to be removed.

The day-by-day journey was unlike anything I have experienced. I had a lot of questions through the different phases but few answers. I have considered writing a book to help anyone going through this nightmare. Extensive research was the only way I survived. 

I knew the endgame would be worth it - but it is the getting there.

Kids are born older now

When I was five years old I played in the dirt; in fact, I ate dirt. I found out years later that is a  calcium deficiency. 

BUT NOW.....the stuff my grandbaby knows....and does.... is a thrill to watch. I'm learning from her instead of the other way around! 

Her birthday party was planned and as my daughter always does -- it was over the top. But we woke up to a blizzard.

As expected, Brie had a positive attitude about it, even though you could see she was disappointed. One little girl was able to make it to the party and the day turned out wonderful. My daughter rented the town pool for an hour and the two little girls and Brie's brother had a great time.

A few days before the party Brie had her dyed with rainbow colors. She was so proud of her new 'look.'

NEVER EVER GIVE UP HOPE

My podcast, Never Ever Give Up Hope, is now in its seventh year. I love doing this show and more passionate about it now than ever. Recently, celebrities from every arena are sharing their journeys of hopelessness to hope. I am booked until 2022!

Please tune in - have a look around and choose an episode to encourage, motivate, or challenge you. I would love your feedback.

Welcome to a Fly on the Wall group post. Today four bloggers are inviting you to catch a glimpse of what you would see if you were a fly on their wall. Buzz around and click on the links for a peek:

Baking In A Tornado

Menopausal Mother

Wandering Web Designer

 

What Are You Addicted to and Who is Spying on You?

The addiction surprised me. I'm a city girl who has lived in a rural community for the past 50 years. However, I love the rush of the city and the opportunities it presents. But, during this time of crisis for our world, I am thrilled to be living in a small town.

So when several people recommended I start watching "Heartland" I laughed. I couldn't imagine enjoying a Canadian drama television series featuring life on a ranch. Yet.....here I am. Just finished season three and I dread the day when I finish watching season 13. Will there be a Season 14? A devoted addict.

Anyone else addicted to a series?

Are you concerned?

How to block hackers and spys

On your Facebook account you can find and block all spybot and fact checkers from accessing your account. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! I blocked over 150 of them and will continue to do it regularly. Give it a try - you will probably be shocked how many there are. 

Brie loves modeling her new dresses

Banilla, anyone?

I was thrilled to spend a full week with the grands. Considering that I had seen them a month ago made it every more thrilling. 

"What kind of ice cream do you want, Brie?"

"Banilla and Rainbow Herbert, please." I asked her to repeat it only because it sounded so cute. 

Closet Organizers not required

Brie is four years old but since she was two, she has been very specific (an understatement!) about the clothes she chooses for the day. She has her closet organized and nothing is out of order in her room. When she gets ready for the day, she does not want any input from anyone else. She will make the decisions. 

This gramma was especially impressed that no matter what she tried on, if it didn't 'work' she would carefully hang it back up -- in the proper order in her closet. Everything must match, including shoes and bag. Wonder where she gets that from?

Still getting lost in parking lots

During my visit, the temperatures soared. Summer is my least favorite time of year. The heat must have affected my brain because I suggested that Brie and I go for a walk - in that heat. She wanted to go to the trails which were a few blocks away. 

The trails were shaded but after we walked about one-half mile the heat was taking its toll. Unfortunately, this crazy person didn't bring her phone on the walk (too sticky to carry) and neither one of us knew where we were.

We got off the trails and stopped the first human we encountered.  "Would you be able to tell me how to get downtown?"

 

I ignored the weird look he gave me but I was too hot and tired to admit my ignorance. When he told me how far it was I almost cried. I didn't think either one of us could make it back home in the intense heat. But we did. Brie was so sweet trying to console her gramma.

"Don't worry, Gramma. We'll figure it out. We'll be home and get cooled down soon."

Oh my, was it that obvious that a four-year old detected my panic  concern?

Two and a half hours later, we crawled into the house. My daughter shook her head and reminded me that she never allowed me to go alone to a mall. I would either lose my car or never find my way back to where we agreed to meet up.

My hubby always told me that if he ever wanted a divorce, he would drop me off at the woods and probably never see me again. 

What a Gong Show

After spending FOUR AND A HALF hours on the phone the bank representative said,

"Sorry, we have no idea what is going on. There is nothing more we can do.

"Well, what do you suggest that I do?"

"No idea. Sorry."

I wasted a full day sitting on hold and talking to people who couldn't help me. That morning when I tried to access my bank account on line, it would not open. After several attempts and then being locked out of my account, I started the phone calls. 

They told me the only way to access my account was to call the bank and do any transactions with an agent by telephone.

Frustrated, I decided to try again on Monday. 

Daddy got them new toys - What FUN 

In the meantime.....

While I was on the phone, my friend popped in to say "Hi."  While there, her dog thought carpet was a good place to throw up. TWICE. And Mister is a big dog - need I say more?

While talking to the bank, I had no idea what my friend was doing in my living room for 30 minutes. During one of my minutes on hold, I found her on her knees, shampooing my carpet and attempting to get the stain out. 

At the same time, the new yard man showed up to mow the lawn. I heard the commotion outside, and asked the agent to hold a minute while I checked it out.

"There is no way I can bring that lawn mower up those stairs to your yard."

My friend started arguing with him that every other lawn guy has done it.

"But their machines probably didn't weigh 200 pounds."

Before the lawn guy could continue to protest, my friend started to maneuver the lawn mower by herself. Between the two of them, they lifted it up the three steps.

Now......what happens next week? Hopefully, he will bring a smaller one.

FINALLY....resolution - kinda

Monday morning I called the bank. Their technical department had figured it out. There had been malicious and suspicious activity between my internet provider and my bank. All clients using that provider were locked out of their bank accounts. 

That was a week ago. Still no resolution. At least they know what is going on - want to bet on how long it will take to resolve?

Patience is a virtue -- taking time to watch the clouds move in the sky with your grand daughter puts everything into perspective

This has been a Fly on the Wall monthly post. Check out my fellow bloggers posts to see what they have been up to and enjoy the humor.

Baking In A Tornado                  https://www.BakingInATornado.com

Never Ever Give Up Hope             https://batteredhope.blogspot.com

Menopausal Mother                   http://www.menopausalmom.com/

 

Are You Worrying About Your Health?

Can you think of any other time in the history of our modern world when the number one thought on everyone's mind was the same?  The only time I can think of is Christmas and that only lasts for a day or two. 

The conversations I hear in the grocery store, on the internet, or on the street when taking a walk all have the same core -- the "V" word. Most of them are not positive comments but riddled with fear, anxiety, and judgment. I am not sharing anything you don't already know so I won't dwell on it but one thing I have noticed that seems to be exploding is RUDENESS.  This shocked me. At a time when the human race should be pulling together in kindness, it seems to be the opposite.  

How Often Do You Have a Rude Awakening?

Rude awakenings come in different forms. As a Type A, I pride myself on working multiple jobs, running a tight ship at home, and being the greatest organizer on the planet. But then there is the reality check.

I met with my friend of two-plus decades for early Saturday morning coffee. For as long as we have been friends, this is our special time to share our secrets and concerns. It is usually a serious time outside of any other times we spend together.