Those Moments That Mean The Most

Today's post is a catch-up post.  I never shared how special my birthday was this year (way back in April).  It was the first year that I was ever able to spend my birthday with my grandchildren.  I like looking at the picture of half eaten birthday cake because it reminds me of the beauty of having family to enjoy it with.  These are things that mean so much.

A surprise I never could have expected.  My grandson Zach, who has the most sensitive heart wanted to serenade me with a special song on the viola.  Oh' how I love this child with his special heart!

A birthday gift of earring sent from my sweet, sweet friend Julie @ Mamawj's Moment Away.

She made them just for me and I love her so much for being so thoughtful.  She's a talented gal with a love of crafting.  You can visit her HERE.

As you grow older you come to realize that the special memories you have came from the everyday moments of your life.  I hope you're not walking around this week with your eyes wide shut.  You don't want to miss them.

OX's...Tracy

Teach Your Kids To Vote

It was another first for all four of us today.  How so you may ask?  Well it was the first time Neil and I have ever been able to share the voting process with 2 of our grandchildren, Zach and Ki'a.

And it was the first time the children had the experience of going to the polls and seeing the voting process first hand.

I've noticed that all those T.V. ads that we're sick of seeing have even caught the kids attention.  After so many ads we find ourselves tuning a lot of it out.  Kids listen, even when they don't always show it.  The kids will ask us something and really get us talking about the election.  They make a lot of good points too.  Zach gives a lot of thought to the election and shows enough interest to want to discuss it.  He even makes me and his granddad re-think a few points.

• Zach said "you're really wanting to go vote aren't you Grandma?".  Which gave me the chance to explain that's it a privilege to be able to cast my vote.  That it's also my patriotic duty.  Something that should never be taken lightly.
• When we were at the voting booth, I shared that on election day, we have the opportunity to vote for more than just our President and Vice President.  We also vote for out state leaders and constitutional amendments.

I don't go in-depth with the process.  Heck, some times I'm not so sure I understand it all.  The point is, it was a simple introduction of the voting process.  Our children learn by example.  It was so easy to show them this first hand.  Now they know just how easy it is to perform their civic duty and how important it is.

A First Trick-or-Treating with Grand Kids

As long as you live you'll get to experience new things and last night was a new one for me.  After all these years with the grand kids living in New York, We finally got to trick-or-treat with them.  They make lovely column statues don't you think?

First let me introduce you to Jason aka...Zach.  Our 12 year old menacing grandson.

Next is our fiery little devil aka...Ki'a.  At the last minute she changed her mind and went from pirate to devil.  Good thing the cute tulle skirt her mother made worked out perfect.

The houses were all decked out with their creepiest finery.

The neighborhood is full of beautiful old homes and by dark the streets were taken over with princess', superheros, monsters and ghouls.  It's  a shame my night time photos didn't come out.

Zach was full of optimism.  He said no little Halloween bag would be enough for his haul.  lol.  He took a KING size pillowcase.

These kids made out.  Full size chocolate candy bars and m&m's were some of the nights favorites. 

Do you see those gigantic ghosts?  They were huge!!   We saw some great decorations  and had so much fun laughing and watching all the fun.

We saw lots of adults dressed up and having as much fun as the kids.

I really enjoyed seeing the older folks taking time out to talk to the children.  They seemed to be enjoying the nights visitors.

Most of all I just enjoyed watching my family on this special night.  Knowing that we made memories together.  Ahhh....It really is a good life.