“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.”
Proverbs 17:6
I’ve always heard that being a grandmother was one of the greatest joys in life. Well, I can honestly say that it is…and so much more! It’s just grand! Our first grandchild, Ella Mae, was born last May and our daughter-in-love was able to stay home with her for the first 7 months. After the Christmas holidays, she returned to work part-time, and guess who is getting to go to her house to play, laugh, sing, and snuggle with our sweet little princess 3 days a week? That’s right…me, PJ! I am beyond excited to spend this time with her. Some of my fondest memories as a child were those days spent with my grandmothers, and it is my hope that our sweet girl will have those memories of us together!
You may be wondering why the photo of my secretary? Stay with me for a moment…there are a couple of reasons! The plate that my DIL made me for Christmas with Ella Mae’s footprints is proudly displayed and…
…notice the book, ” Memories for my Grandchild.”
At a recent celebration of life for a lovely friend of mine, the minister spoke of a book that the family had found the day after my friend passed away. It was a book of her treasured memories written to her first grandchild. What a priceless gift left for her family and especially her grandchildren to cherish! Being the sentimental person I am, I knew I had to have one. I checked Amazon for something similar and found this one!
The book is divided into chapters…Our Family Tree, My Birth and Background, My Childhood and Teenage Years, My Student Life, Love and Marriage, Parenthood and Family Life, Work and Community, Religion and Spirituality, Life and Living, and Grandparenthood. Each chapter asks questions that help prompt the writing of my story. I can’t help but think how wonderful it would have been to have both of my grandmother’s handwritten histories! I want Ella Mae to know things about me that I wish I had asked my grandmothers, like…did you have pets when you were a child? What was the name of your first boyfriend? Your favorite song, scripture passage, etc.?
Sweet Ella Mae, you come from a long line of food lovers, little one! I always fed your Daddy Cheerios every morning, and the way you love them remind me so much of him when he was a little boy! He loved peanut butter and jelly sandwiches everyday for lunch…in fact, he still has one everyday!
She is such a fun lunch date…and loves to eat! Bananas are one of her favorites!
And music is another thing we all love…and I sure hope these little hands follow suit!
For many, many years, music has been one of the ways we serve our church, but most importantly how we serve our God. Your PJ started playing the organ in church at the age of twelve, and I am still playing, only now it is keyboard! I have been singing since I was a little girl…and yes, I was a little girl once upon a time! Da has been playing guitar all his life and has the most beautiful voice. We both accompany your Daddy as he leads worship at our church…he plays guitar and sings just like Da! We read the Bible and prayed with your Daddy everyday just like your Mommy and Daddy are doing with you. My biggest prayer for you, sweet girl, is that you become a follower of Jesus Christ and grow to love and serve Him.
We have days FULL of playing! We play peek-a-boo, pat-a-cake, we sing songs, read stories and anything Ella Mae wants to do!
I never thought I would be on the floor as much as I am these days, but I wouldn’t change it for the world! She makes sure that PJ gets her exercise in everyday!
Our little princess, I want you to know that you come from a long line of strong marriages. Your great-grandparents were married 54 years. Oh how I wish you could have known your Nanny…she would have been crazy about you…just like Pawpaw is! I plan on teaching you all of her recipes because she was the best cook in the whole world! Your Da and I have been married 44 years this month! I already pray for your husband…I know that God is already working, and we trust Him to bring that special man into your life at just the right time!
I love knowing family stories. I love to hear my Daddy (Pawpaw) tell stories of his childhood and I want Ella Mae to know all about her ancestry! This book is perfect for that!
You love when Beau (the rescue dog) comes to the door so that you can talk to him! You would stand at the door all day and watch him! You’re getting really good at saying his name!
I can hardly wait to tell her all kinds of things about her Daddy’s childhood! Oh how I love to reminisce!
This is one of your favorite toys! You are learning to walk by pushing it and every time one of the “songs” comes on that it plays, you stop everything you’re doing and dance! There’s always time for a dance party! Maybe you will follow in your Mommy’s footsteps and be a dancer…I sure hope so!
Being your PJ has brought more joy than I could have ever imagined…
…and when you fall asleep in my arms, it just might be my favorite time of the day…as you can see by my smile! I could hold and cuddle you all day long, sweet girl.
Thank you all for letting me gush for a little while…isn’t that what we grandmothers do best?! What about you, do you have a memory book that you are keeping for your children or grandchildren?
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Life on Lakeshore Drive, Coastal Charm, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, French Country Cottage, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Charm of Home, Katherines Corner, Share Your Cup, 21 Rosemary Lane, Love Of Home, Rattlebridge Farm, Rustic & Refined, Celebrate & Decorate
How incredibly sweet, Pam! Ella Mae looks a lot like you, I think! What a wonderful book to journal all the subjects for her to enjoy someday.
Thanks Rita…have a wonderful Thursday!
What a wonderful idea and great way of capturing all those special memories Pam. So lovely as well that you get to look after little Ella Mae, you will create some beautiful new memories now too.
Yes, Joy it is truly a wonderful blessing to spend this time with her!
Pam, this is wonderful!
Thanks so much, sweet friend!
She is a living doll Pam! How lucky they are to have you close by to help! I kept my youngest grandchild for 3 weeks when my daughter went back to work, and I feel like I have an extra special bond with him. Your grandmother memory book is such a lovely idea! How long will you be helping? I loved doing it but it was hard work 🙂 The thing about grandchildren is they keep you hopping, no sitting when they’re around! I am resting up today, preparing for all of mine to arrive at the beach for the long weekend-
Jenna
Jenna, I know you will have a wonderful weekend with your grands. You create so many special things for them. I am keeping her definitely through this school year, my DIL teaches school. I am available for as long as I am needed. If I keep her next school year, I will do it at my house!
Pam, what a beautiful post this morning! Ella Mae is absolutely beautiful…what a doll! She is so blessed to have you as a Grandmother. Some of my most happy memories are of my Grandparents. I know that Ella Mae will feel the same about you. How special that you are creating a memory book for her. It will be such a treasure to her. Enjoy that sweet baby, and have a wonderful day!!!
Thanks sweet Shannon. I am enjoying every minute with my sweet baby girl. Have a wonderful weekend!
Sweet sweet post. Need more if those!
Thanks so much, Alice…Happy Weekend!
Your sweet Ella Mae will benefit so much from having your loving presence in her life.
I am enjoying all the sweet moments with her! Happy Weekend!
Parochial school and my grandmothers gave me a strong religious base. I am forever grateful. They didn’t talk about it as much as they lived it and I was watching.
Ella Mae is an absolute joy. Isn’t it funny how children love animals?
Ginene
Ginene, yes children watch…thanks so much! Happy Weekend~
Pam, I’ve been waiting and waiting for this post. I couldn’t wait to hear about your days with SEM! I know you are loving it. You’re right on track with being a wonderful blessing in her life! You are blessed and so is SEM. Happy days! 🙂
Thanks my sweet friend, it is truly a blessing!
Delightful post. Love seeing Ella Mae and hearing about all you do. She is growing so fast.
The book you are writing for her is wonderful. I can sense the joy you are having reliving memories of your son to share with her. I know she will cherish this special book.
Thanks so much, Bonnie. She is so much fun and I love having this precious time with her!
My granddaddy filled out a book like this. He wrote, and wrote and wrote. A few weeks ago would have been his birthday, and I took out the book and read it. So totally awesome that I have it! But Ella Mae has your BLOG!
What a fabulous treasure from your grandfather, and I am so glad my sweet girl will have my blog!
So glad you’re getting to enjoy your granddaughter. There’s just nothing like being a grandparent. I’m in Trussville, Alabama this week for my daughters’ grandmother’s funeral (my mom). She lived to be 95, had10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. She is with my dad once again. Hallelujah!
Nancy, I am so sorry to read of the passing of your Mother. What a legacy she leaves behind with grandchildren and the greats. Prayers for you, sweet Nancy and hugs!
Que bonito relato de tus ocupaciones periódicas al lado de Ella Mae. Es un relato hecho con el corazón y todo el amor del mundo que los abuelos derrochamos con nuestros nietos porque el nieto es algo maravilloso, es el regalo con que Dios nos premia en la edad madura para que disfrutemos relajadamente de ese ser, creo, el más querido.
He disfrutado mucho leyendo, y a cada frase me daba cuenta que de una forma instintiva asentía con la cabeza como si estuviera leyendo mis propias aventuras con los míos.
Disfruta, querida amiga, Ella Mae es hoy por hoy el ser más importante de tu vida…lo aseguro. Pero cuando tengas cuatro nietos como yo tengo ya…seguirán siendo las 4 personitas más importantes de tu vida.
Un gran abrazo y besitos para Ella Mae
Dolores
Querida Dolores, siempre es tan agradable saber de ti mi amigo. Estoy disfrutando cada minuto que puedo pasar con Ella Mae. Ella es tan dulce y cariñosa. Sé que su amor sus cuatro nietos y estoy muy contento de que usted los tiene. Muchas bendiciones y abrazos, Pam
Dearest Dolores, always so nice to hear from you my friend. I am enjoying ever minute I get to spend with Ella Mae. She is so sweet and loving. I know your love your four grandchildren and I am so glad that you have them. Many blessings and hugs, Pam
Pam, I love this, and what an awesome idea! She is absolutely beautiful and so fortunate to have you keeping her three days a week! Priceless precious memories! Love and hugs Lynn
This is so incredibly precious, Pam. I was just thinking this morning that I’d love for my dad to do something like this. It’s important to write things down and remember the legacy of a person. Your sweet Ella Mae is so blessed to have time with you.
Thanks so much, Stacey…I am loving spending time with her and making and writing down memories!
Your Ella Mae is a blessed girl to have you spend time playing and singing with her!
Thanks so much, Julia. She is truly a blessing! Happy Weekend~
Oh your sweet grand baby! She is just gorgeous. That settles it, I need to pressure my kids to make me a Granny! I love that you bought the book to get started on charting her life in such a dear way. And you’re so right, some of my fondest memories are when I was at my Grandparents home. Thats where I learned to cook, swim, fish and love boating.
Christine, thanks so much for your sweet comments. We had no clue what we were missing not having a grandchild. It is way better than anyone ever said! Have a beauty-filled week!
What a lovely post. And definitely ‘Heart Warming”! I hope you’ll come over to the new Fabulous Party. This weeks theme is ‘Warm Heart’. Your post is perfect to share! The party is over here:
http://ourholidayjourney.blogspot.com/2017/02/fabulous-warm-heart-week.html
Enjoy your week!
I linked up to your sweet party! Have a wonderful week!
How sweet she is! Thank you for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
She is such a blessing to our lives!
Ella Mae is adorable and your book is a precious keepsake. Wishing you lots of happy times with your precious granddaughter and thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story, have a great weekend.
Grandchildren are definitely grand, thanks Sandra!
She is such a cutie! So fun that you get to spend time with her. A bonding moment for sure!! I love the idea of the book. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
I never knew how much fun I could have!
Oh how lucky you are to be able to spend so much time with your granddaughter! Mine lives six hours away, so I won’t be able to see her much. When she is older and we can face time or text, hopefully it’ll be easier! I love the memory book idea. I’m currently working on one for my granddaughter.
Awe…. she is a doll. And I love your name, PJ.
🙂 gwingal
Thank Nikki!