I'm a grandma. I've been a grandma for 9 1/2 years and I love it!! BUT, living with my grandaughter changes that dynamic of grandma/grandaughter. I babysit her all the time , so I have to discipline her also. I don't like it. I want to just be her grandma again!  That should be happening soon, as my daughter and grandaughter are planning on moving out soon. I know I will miss her immensely, but, I'm looking forward to the change. This morning, I take my grandaughter shopping to get things we need for our upcoming vacation. What started out as a fun trip turned into her not talking to me and me feeling the same way. She wanted me to buy her a pair of shorts and I said no. I have bought her everything since she was born, so I probably created teh problem, but, money is tight right now and I can't continue giving her everything she wants. The fact that she gets mad about that makes me angry and sad .  How can she not be grateful for everything we have given her , not the few things we've denied her?  Makes me sad..... hope she gets better about that the more I refuse her. ;)  Just not sure how to change her greedy nature.....

I had the most wonderful week. My husband & I went to the Mall of America with our grandaughter, my son and his wife and our two grandsons.  We had so much fun. If you've never gone there, you really should include it in your vacation plans. There is Sea Life under the mall. Our grandkids had the best time there as did we. It's really cool. You walk under tunnels of water that are filled with hundreds/ thousands of different sea life. Very interesting and fun! 
Then , in the middle of the mall is nickelodeon universe. Lots of rides for all different ages. We spent a lot of time in that area! 
It was just so enjoyable being with the family .. We laughed until our sides hurt! That's always good medicine.

Today I've been thinking a lot about my mortality. I've been noticing soo many young people in the death notices lately and my daughter's boyfriends mother is very ill, also. It got me thinking about all the things that I let bother me or that I think are important, that really aren't. I want to appreciate more the people in my life and learn to let all the small things go. It won't be easy as I've always been a very meticulous person, but, I'm really going to try hard. I want to enjoy every minute of my life and show every person in it how much i love them.  So hear's to the start of my new life..... :)

Spent the morning with my daughters and 3 grandkids. We went to the farmers market at South Shore and then let the kids play at the park. It was sooo beautiful down by the lake. Breezy and much cooler than it has been.  A perfect day. This afternoon, Andi & I took the 3 kids to the movies to see The Pirates, a band of misfits. Kinda cute ..... not my favorite animated movie, but still, kinda cute. They left at 4 and I've been kind of relaxing since. I really do enjoy " alone" time, but, I don't get much of it. I'm wondering if some day I will " hate"  it.  I know so many older people that are alone and so very lonely. I hope that never happens to me.  Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy being with people, but, occassionally I like the peace and quiet.  However, grandchildren, are the exception to the rule. :)
Happy Saturday!

4th of July 2012

Today is the 4th of July. A day to be grateful and to celebrate.
A tradition in our family is to go the parade with the entire Buretta Clan and then Mom takes us all out for breakfast after. We all love it! Weren't sure if she was going to make it this year as she hurt her back a few months ago and has been suffering with it since. We were all very happy when she came.  Right now, I'm relaxing in the cool of home( it's 100* outside today) for a few hours before we head to my son's house for supper and then to the park in the evening for fireworks. Love seeing the fireworks with the grandkids. They're always soo excited on the 4th.
The thing I love most in life is being with my family. The older I get the more it means to me. We are so lucky and have such amazing children/grandchildren . Our extended family is wonderful too. So often I hear people complain about their siblings, etc and I'm so very grateful that I have the wonderful family that I do.
I hope all of you celebrate our Country today in your own way. What a wonderful place to live.

With it being so very warm today I'm surprised that I'm not having issues with vertigo.  I have had vertigo issues for many years now, but, was just recently diagnosed with BPPV and vestibular migraines. Finally , an answer!  It's difficult to feel miserable and not know why. I went to so many doctors over the years and never got a diagnosis. About 1 1/2 years ago, I ended up in the hospital with severe vertigo and had to stay for 4 days. Went home feeling as miserable as I did when I was admitted. It was just sheer luck that I had an appt. with my ENT doc a week and a half later.. He did what they call an EPLEY maneuver and sent me home in a cervical collar and bedrest with the head elevated for a couple of days .  Gradually, I finally improved. Have had to have the maneuver done once since then, but, have been ok for a few months now . I always get up from bed slowly in the morning and from any horizontal position. I'm not able to go on rides or move my head fast either. Even have to be careful at dentist and hairdresser from having head back in that position.
If anyone has issues with vertigo with no apparent cause; ask your doc to test you for BPPV.... It'll help improve your life

Yesterday we celebrated our daughter's birthday with a birthday dinner. The twins are 29 this year. We had spaghetti and meatballs, which my husband makes, garlic bread and a really yummy salad. For dessert; a rhubarb pie for Andie and a chocolate layer cake for Arica.  I really love cooking for my family. I also enjoy the chaos when everyone is over. So glad we have a bigger family. I feel bad for people who have no children or close family members.  We also had two bulldogs here last night. Now that was chaos! :)  Our grandpuppy, Jagger, wouldn't let the older bully alone. She wanted to play with that other pooch so desperately. It was very, very cute!
Looks like we might finally get a sprinkle of rain here today. The weather has been so very hot and dry. Wondering if they'll cancel fireworks tomorrow night because of the severe drought we've had. The possibility of them starting a fire is very real. Will just have to wait and see what happens..
Have a good day people!

Sighhhhhh..... Monday and back to work. I really would love to be retired, but, I don't see that happening anytime soon. :(  Guess I shouldn't complain. My husband is back to work too and he's closer to retirement age than I am.
So many people say they couldn't NOT work. That they'd be bored. I don't understand that. There are soo many fun and interesting things to do and places to see. I would even get time to spend in my craft room. I make cards and do some scrapbooking. Haven't had time for any of that lately.
Oh, well.... I should be glad that we have jobs!

Today is the last day of our week long vacation. We really did have such a good time.
Yesterday was our twin daughters 29th birthday. Special days like that make me realize just how lucky I am. I have a wonderful life... yea, I know... sounds kind of corny, but, it's true. I have 3 very special children who love their family. Not a lot of people can say that anymore. We get to spend quite a bit of time with them and I treasure every minute.
Today I'm baking their birthday cakes for their dinner tomorrow night. I always make dinner for the twins. My son, Jason, his wife usually celebrates his day, tho, this year we had him over for his birthday, too.  The cakes this year: rhubarb pie for Andrea and my chocolate layer cake for Arica. Ive always made them two cakes; one each. Figure they deserve their owncake just like every one else.
It's Sunday, so we're off to church. Have a wonderful day!!