| General Non-Fiction posted February 19, 2025 | Chapters: |
...18 19 -20- 21... 
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Granddaughter visited over Christmas.
A chapter in the book Reminiscing
Chapter 20 Christmas
by barbara.wilkey
| Background We don't remember the days; we remember the moments. |
Chapter 20 Christmas
Every other year Andrew and his family visit for Christmas. Christmas 2025 I must share them with the other grandma. They'll visit us for Thanksgiving this November.
My visitors arrived like a gush of wind, or maybe a tornado. Steven was already here, but he's quiet. Our quiet home was no longer quiet. Immediately it became a hub of activity and talking. I loved every second.
One thing I'm not so sure about is these little girls are picky eaters. I raised boys and everything I put in front of them was devoured and they wanted more. I cooked in huge batches and still struggle downsizing for just my husband and me. We do freeze a lot for second, third, and even sometimes four meals.
Dinner finished, we attended the Christmas Eve candlelight service and then drove around town viewing the Christmas lights.
Back at home, Eleanor, age four, took her bath. From the bedroom we heard Eleanor as she argued with her mom. Andrew sighed and left. "I guess the voice of reason needs to step in."
I couldn't help but smile.
A little while later, Eleanor chose a book from my elementary collection for me to read for her goodnight story. "I happily read but finally asked, "Eli, why do you have on your pink princess dress and not your pajamas?"
"Because Santa comes tonight, and I don't want to waste time getting ready in the morning."
"Of course. I completely understand. I wouldn't want to waste time getting ready either."
"Mom, don't encourage her." Andrew gave that look that only he can get by with. He had mentioned before that I taught first grade for too many years because I think like them.
Charlotte with all the wisdom of a six-year-old said, "Grandma, Eli does what Eli does."
I kissed her forehead and said, "I understand, Sweetheart."
Goodnight kisses and hugs lasted much longer than necessary but the girls were finally tucked into bed.
When Katie returned from checking to make sure the girls were asleep, she asked, "Barbara, what are we going to do with Eleanor?"
I smiled. "My only advice is to choose your battles. Eli is a free spirit. Let her be herself. If it's not important, let it go."
Katie is extremely smart. She has a PHD in biology and teaches at a university in St. Louis. She also does research for the USDA on how the fertilizer farmers use affects the soil. I'm honored when she asks me questions.
A side note. I have two degrees, Early Childhood and Elementary Ed. I have a minor in Microbiology and a master's degree in early childhood. Young children are my thing. LOL
I could go on for pages about these few days. The girls and I made sock snowmen, well, one ended up being a sock duck. We won't discuss whose that was. I have a feeling you already know.
In our backyard, there are now two snail condominiums. They have everything a snail would need to be comfortable. I have promised to go out daily and check on them. I give the girls reports on Sundays during our FaceTime talks.
My back porch had the latest and greatest chalk drawings. Unfortunately, it rained, and they washed away. I wasn't happy about that. I'd smile when I saw the beautiful artwork every time, I check on the snails.
I have numerous lawn ornaments in my front yard. They are things like bunnies, kittens, and of course dachshunds. They are currently not where I placed them but are more grouped in a city of their own. I haven't had the heart to replace them.
A short update on Phoebe. She's doing better at being housebroken. Her favorite plaything is Eleanor. Surprise, surprise. LC the cat will play with Phoebe only on her terms. A typical cat. The girls had the flu last week, so it was a slow week.
Every other year Andrew and his family visit for Christmas. Christmas 2025 I must share them with the other grandma. They'll visit us for Thanksgiving this November.
My visitors arrived like a gush of wind, or maybe a tornado. Steven was already here, but he's quiet. Our quiet home was no longer quiet. Immediately it became a hub of activity and talking. I loved every second.
One thing I'm not so sure about is these little girls are picky eaters. I raised boys and everything I put in front of them was devoured and they wanted more. I cooked in huge batches and still struggle downsizing for just my husband and me. We do freeze a lot for second, third, and even sometimes four meals.
Dinner finished, we attended the Christmas Eve candlelight service and then drove around town viewing the Christmas lights.
Back at home, Eleanor, age four, took her bath. From the bedroom we heard Eleanor as she argued with her mom. Andrew sighed and left. "I guess the voice of reason needs to step in."
I couldn't help but smile.
A little while later, Eleanor chose a book from my elementary collection for me to read for her goodnight story. "I happily read but finally asked, "Eli, why do you have on your pink princess dress and not your pajamas?"
"Because Santa comes tonight, and I don't want to waste time getting ready in the morning."
"Of course. I completely understand. I wouldn't want to waste time getting ready either."
"Mom, don't encourage her." Andrew gave that look that only he can get by with. He had mentioned before that I taught first grade for too many years because I think like them.
Charlotte with all the wisdom of a six-year-old said, "Grandma, Eli does what Eli does."
I kissed her forehead and said, "I understand, Sweetheart."
Goodnight kisses and hugs lasted much longer than necessary but the girls were finally tucked into bed.
When Katie returned from checking to make sure the girls were asleep, she asked, "Barbara, what are we going to do with Eleanor?"
I smiled. "My only advice is to choose your battles. Eli is a free spirit. Let her be herself. If it's not important, let it go."
Katie is extremely smart. She has a PHD in biology and teaches at a university in St. Louis. She also does research for the USDA on how the fertilizer farmers use affects the soil. I'm honored when she asks me questions.
A side note. I have two degrees, Early Childhood and Elementary Ed. I have a minor in Microbiology and a master's degree in early childhood. Young children are my thing. LOL
I could go on for pages about these few days. The girls and I made sock snowmen, well, one ended up being a sock duck. We won't discuss whose that was. I have a feeling you already know.
In our backyard, there are now two snail condominiums. They have everything a snail would need to be comfortable. I have promised to go out daily and check on them. I give the girls reports on Sundays during our FaceTime talks.
My back porch had the latest and greatest chalk drawings. Unfortunately, it rained, and they washed away. I wasn't happy about that. I'd smile when I saw the beautiful artwork every time, I check on the snails.
I have numerous lawn ornaments in my front yard. They are things like bunnies, kittens, and of course dachshunds. They are currently not where I placed them but are more grouped in a city of their own. I haven't had the heart to replace them.
A short update on Phoebe. She's doing better at being housebroken. Her favorite plaything is Eleanor. Surprise, surprise. LC the cat will play with Phoebe only on her terms. A typical cat. The girls had the flu last week, so it was a slow week.
 Recognized |
#16 February 2025 |
I took this photo of one of the girl's snail condominiums.
This post is a little under 700 words.
If I'd gone into everything we did over Christmas, this would have turned into a novel. I'm pretty sure other bits and pieces will come out later. This is a quick rundown.
I do not edit this as much as I do my novels. You'll find many errors. I do edit about three times, but that's not enough. I just posted this and have already corrected three mistakes. I'm sure there's more.
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. This post is a little under 700 words.
If I'd gone into everything we did over Christmas, this would have turned into a novel. I'm pretty sure other bits and pieces will come out later. This is a quick rundown.
I do not edit this as much as I do my novels. You'll find many errors. I do edit about three times, but that's not enough. I just posted this and have already corrected three mistakes. I'm sure there's more.
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