31 Days at Camp Gane

http://campgane.blogspot.com/2014/09/31-days-at-camp-gane-button.html

Say Thank You

It goes without saying that I adore my 3 Grands. I take great pride in bragging on them every time I get a chance. You should too.
 I had a disturbing brief exchange with a set of grandparents recently. I said to them, I love your granddaughter. She is so sweet. Reply from grandparents...that's what you think...you should have to be around her more. I am confident this was meant to be a backhanded thank you, and I feel relatively sure that these grandparents love their grandchild also.
 So my advice... Say thank you to any compliment. Anything short of that is rude. Take every opportunity to praise your grandchildren. You have no control over what others say. #lifeisgrandatcampgane

Hide and Go Seek

My spend the night company, (Kennedy Jane and Kallie), was delightful. We always have fun.
This morning we played a competitive game of Hide and Go Seek.  It amuses me at how the girls hide in the same spot where they found me, and scream in delight when I finally find them. How fortunate are we that someone always looks for us and screams with delight when they find us.  They are too cute.

During this game of Hide and Go Seek, it occurs to me there is a great life lesson.  When we think we are hiding our feelings, thoughts,or actions, they are in full sight of God.  Wonder how many times He counts to twenty, and wonders why our thoughts, feelings, or actions are still in full view?  We can't hide from ourselves, or from God. Live an authentic life.  Be true to God, yourself and your loved ones.
Love is grand.
#lifeisgrandatcampgane

Imagination

I so enjoy the imagination of my Grands. The best thing we can do for our young girls is support their imagination, build on their dreams and encourage their play.  Instill in them the joy of pretending, and celebrate the hero in them. Besides, it makes life so much fun. Seeing the world through the imagination of my 3 Grands is right where I want to be!
#lifeisgrandatcampgane

10 Lessons I Want My 3 Grands to Learn from Me

1. God loves you. He made you and He makes no mistakes.
2.  Pray
3. I love you and will push you to be the very best you can be.
4. Be yourself. No one can do a better job of being you than you. Believe in yourself and stand up for   what you know is right.
5. Try hard even when it is hard to try.
6. Dream big and follow your heart.
7. Be kind. It is a choice.
8. Imagine, pretend and play all your life. Imagination is a gift.
9. Read.
10. Lend a helping hand to those who can do nothing for you.

Most importantly....Love with all your heart.

Go and do great things...Gane loves you!

#lifeisgrandatcampgane

Keeping Up with the Reids

Great fun with my spend the night buddy...Sanders.  While Mama and Daddy had things to do, Sanders and I played at the Box. We went for a walk, and played on the swings at the park.  Later we had great fun watering the flowers.  My favorite part is rocking. No greater joy than holding a sleeping baby.
Love my baby grand!
#lifeisgrandatcampgane

Insomnia

Insomnia stinks. I should know, because for the last 6 or so years, I have perfected the art of not sleeping. I have tried many remedies (great drugs).

For as long as I can recall, I have kept a night light on so I could see.  The night light is still on, but my eyes are covered with my new sleep mask.

Good news... Sleep mask (mini bra) works!

For less than $10, I have had the best night's sleep (2 nights in a row) in a very long time.  Two nights in a row is scientific proof, as far as I am concerned. Yay for me... Yay for sleep.

I strongly encourage you non sleepers to invest in a sleep mask ( mini bra).  I choose orange and blue.  War Eagle.

#lifeisgrandatcampgane
No I don't care that I look silly....I am asleep!

Camp Gane Goes to School

Today was a very exciting day.  Aunt Ali, Sanders and I enjoyed lunch with Kennedy Jane and Kallie, at St Luke's Episcopal School.

Armed with Chick-fil-A, we met Kennedy Jane's class, and then we went to Kallie's class.  It was fun talking with the girls and their classmates.

Sanders had a grand time visiting with Kallie's kindergarten friends.

Today was a very good day. Love my 3 Grands.

#lifeisgrandatcampgane

Good Read. "Character Building Alphabet Pal"

My friend Deborah Darrington has taught kindergarten for 25+ years.  She has much to brag about with many of her students who are living very successful lives.  Deborah is the teacher you never forget.  

She has authored her first book:"Character Building Alphabet Pal". It is a must have for you and your young learner.

 "Character Building Alphabet Pal" is a parent/ caregiver activity book that introduces young children to the ABC's, pre-writing skills, early phonics, vocabulary and  character building traits, all in the name of fun. 

All 3 of my grands have this book.  Each of them love this book. 

Sanders is just eating up her copy!

Take this opportunity to get your copy.

To order go to authorhouse.com, or any bookstore on line -(Amazon etc) and place an order. Prices begin at $12.95 (sometimes lower so shop around).  eBooks sell for $3.99.
If you want a signed copy, message me... I know the Author! 

Read to your children and grandchildren. One day they will return the favor.

#lifeisgrandatcampgane 

Cousins are the Best

Kennedy Jane and  Kallie spent many happy hours playing with this kitchen set.  Today, they graciously gave the kitchen set to Sanders. A happy day for all 3 cousins.

From the smile of this precious baby girl, there will be many more happy hours playing with the kitchen set.  Cooking up some fun times...love her.

Cousins... Our first best friends. I love my 3 Grands. 

#lifeisgrandatcampgane

A Tea Party

What a nice time with friends.  Two of my dear friends, Joan and Deborah, are up and coming authors. We got together at the Box, to talk over the excitement and anticipation of being published.  Deb has a published book and is excited about more opportunities to sell her book.  Joan has just released her book to an editor. I am quite pleased to call these two ladies my dear friend.  One day soon, their books will be on the best seller list. I can say I knew them when!

We enjoyed some cold cuts, cheese, chicken salad, lays potato chips, and a few sweet treats.  Thank Goodness for the deli at Publix. Maybe just this one time, Mama will forgive me for using paper napkins at the tea party.

#lifeisgrandatcampgane

I Am Famous

"I am famous", is Kallie's takeaway from Kallie Day at St Luke's Episcopal School.  Kallie is in kindergarten and has Ichthyosis.

The school counselor took the opportunity to educate the kindergarten classes about Ichthyosis.  It is her goal to share Kallie's story throughout the elementary school.  Hopefully, with a better understanding about Ichthyosis, the children will be less likely to hurt Kallie's feelings about her skin.

The learning curve is very steep and at each new stage in Kallie's life, we take the opportunity to educate. It is my prayer that we can equip Kallie with the fortitude to fight her own battles.  All the help along that path is greatly appreciated.

A very heartfelt thank you to St Luke's Episcopal School and Mrs. Wallace, the school counselor, for Kallie Day. Kallie's take away speaks for the success of the day. "I am famous."

Kallie always has her big sister, Kennedy Jane, in her corner.  Sweet sisters.

  I love that rare little girl.
#lifeisgrandatcampganpe

Soft Spot

Look Gane...there is some soft skin on my leg. I just noticed it. It's not hard skin.

 Kallie's celebration was coming from a soft spot about the size of a quarter on her thigh. I, of course, broke out in full praise. I said... look Kallie, there is a big spot on your chest.

The improvements, though they may seem small, are worthy of celebration. Kati is using a scrub and a new lotion and so far, the combination is making a noticeable difference.

I suppose to Kallie, finding a soft spot on her skin is similar to us finding a rough spot. All things are relative.

Any improvements with Kallie's skin,we celebrate. Perhaps there is a lesson there for all of us.  Celebrate the small stuff.
#lifeisgrandatcampgane

Just when you think you know...

A year ago, I retired to become full time caregiver for my 3 Grands. As time marches on, Kennedy Jane started 2nd grade and Kallie started full-day kindergarten. That means an extreme reduction in my work hours.

As of Friday of last week, Ali finds herself out of work and a full time Mom to Sanders. (even if it is a brief time.) Sanders as usual is the silver lining.

So now my work hours have been dramatically reduced again. Now what do I do? As we speak, I am eating frozen snickers. Fun size, so there are lots of wrappers.

I am very excited about spending time with Ali and Sanders, when time will allow.  I anticipate the girls getting home from school, similar to Christmas everyday.  I see them almost everyday.

I had lunch with a friend today, and a lunch date with another friend tomorrow.  Very exciting.

My list of things to do is very long. Some long overdue cleaning. Thinking of hiring Ali to help.

Change...Who knew?  God has a plan, and I am waiting. Can't wait to see the next chapter of Camp Gane. Possibilities are endless.
#lifeisgrandatcampgane

What a Year! 10 Important Lessons I Learned from Retirement.

My generation is called Boomers.  I say that is because we are like firecrackers....Bright, colorful and loud. At least, that is the way I face each new day with my 3 Grands.

1.Everyday is a good day.  All days are equal.  There are no days on the calendar to dread, or reports to prepare. Now, there a few bad days; when the Grands are sick, or the car is in the shop, or I need to go to the grocery store and energy is depleted. The only reports due are the ones telling people what a good day we had.  I get paid and I don't go to work. As Kallie says, " All you do is play with us everyday."
Disclaimer:  I enjoyed my working years and most days were good days, but retirement is way more fun!

2.  Life through the eyes of my 3 Grands is so refreshing. A trip to the library holds much anticipation and excitement. It is not just a place to get reading material.

3. Rocking my littlest Grand is time well spent. The joy of holding a sleeping baby is immeasurable.

4. I learned to relax...really relax.

5.  I learned to enjoy the routine of watering flowers.  Stand in one spot and hold the hose-pipe.  (That is the term I grew up with. I understand hose is the proper term, but I like hose-pipe better.) My flower bed is absolutely lovely, thanks to my good friend Penny Smith who planted it for me.  I took my job of watering very seriously, and the results are amazing.

6. Time of day or night looses it's grip on you.

7. I tested my limits and won.  I can do more than even I could have imagined.  Proof.... swimming lessons after a full day with my 3 Grands.

8.  I learned to celebrate the little things, like getting all 3 Grands buckled into car seats.  These are the most important things. I don't have to wish for days gone by...I have memories to last a lifetime, for me and my 3 Grands.

9. I took time to spend with friends. Big girl getaways are the best. It takes longer for me to recover from road trips, however, each trip is worth it.

10. Camp Gane was born.  I am enjoying writing about everyday life with my 3 grands. Thank you to those who read my blog. Please keep reading.

I learned to be grateful that God shows Grace and Mercy. Grace, when God gives me what I don't deserve and Mercy, when He doesn't give me what I do deserve. My standard phrase.."Lord have Mercy" holds greater importance.  I spend more time being grateful for Grace, and enjoying my 3 Grands, who are certainly more than I deserve. I definitely ask for Mercy. I will refrain from listing the Mercy list.
#lifeisgrandatcampgane