Consequences

If you remember from an earlier post, Millie and Tillie stories were my Mom’s way of teaching us the consequences of our actions. In her stories, Millie was very, very good and Tillie was awful. We had stories for every occasion and on our way to an event we were always told a story so we knew what would happen if we misbehaved and acted like Tillie.

I used Millie and Tillie with my children and now I continue the tradition with my grandchildren. There have been stories for going to the dentist, the first day of school, and as they got older, fighting a traffic ticket and even one for being in labor. You are never too old to hear what the consequences of your actions will be in life!

Another way to teach consequences is to let someone guess what the punishment will be for someone else. I always used another child’s behavior as a teaching experience when my child was being good. When we were at a restaurant and a child was acting unruly I would whisper to mine and ask what she thought would happen to the one that was misbehaving. It was interesting that my child knew what the consequences were and she would shake her head in woe for the other child. Of course when it was mine misbehaving no amount of whispering helped!

At about three years old a child learns to listen and obey and they are usually able to play with the understanding that they cannot run into the street. They begin to understand some of the logic of life. This doesn’t mean they like it or that they will always be mindful, it just means they are beginning to be able to figure things out. Actually, it is a time of great joy for a parent. It is fun to watch our children gain independence and start making decisions.

One of the joys of being a grandparent is not having to say no very often. Rules are relaxed and we have all the time in the world to lavish attention on our grandchildren when they are with us. However, we have learned that all children test the limits every once in awhile and even grandparents need to set standards and rules. We used to take our grandkids to McDonalds about once a week and we let them play for a very long time after dinner. I remember one time when our first grandchild was almost three when we didn’t go to McDonalds for a month. Every time she asked to go we said we couldn’t go there because she wouldn’t leave when we said it was time to go home the last time we were there. I reminded her that we had to carry her out the door screaming and kicking with people wondering if I was kidnapping her.

A month later I asked if she was ready to act like a big girl and go back to McDonalds for dinner and fun in the playland. She said she would be very good when it was time to leave and she was. Since that time we have never had a problem when it was time to go home. We have watched many parents struggle with their kids when it is time to leave and our grandkids always run up and tell us that those kids won’t be back for a very long time!

Learning the consequences of our actions is not an easy lesson to learn. Teaching this can be frustrating and may seem like a never-ending job. These lessons are important to teach and they are the basis for instilling values and ethics in our children, the satisfaction of having your children become responsible adults is the reward.

Earthly Possessions in Grand Haven, Michigan

I am so pleased with the display of my serving pieces at Earthly Possessions in Grand Haven, Michigan. Leah and Hank, the owners, have really made the display so beautiful. They have been really selling well - and the tourist season isn't even here! YEAH!

We were so excited about the display that we decided to keep the First Serving and the Second Serving at Grand Haven and left the extra pieces with them. So we did not go to Saugatuck. Maybe later this spring into early summer we will stop there.

On our way again

We are going to Earthly Possessions in Grand Haven this morning to deliver 3 flower vases filled with wrapped pieces. Then on to Saugatuck to see if I can get in a store there. I wish I had several of these vases pictured above. I only had one - it displays the pieces very well. The other two are nice enough but this one is great.

It was fun putting these pieces together. Leah, the store owner at Earthly Possessions called and asked to have place settings wrapped. Not all matching - just in groupings. I found three chests of silver plated pieces at an antique store last week and I really enjoyed making the sets all different.

Well - we'll see if these sell!

Paul and Rett

We stopped to see the babies in Ann Arbor. They are such cuties. We only stayed a few minutes but it was so nice to see all of them. The babies slept most of the time we were there. Everett was holding Rett. We just wanted to let them know that we are thinking and praying for them and to give Everett and Ellie a kiss.

We have many blessings in this family.

It's been awhile

I've been working on the SMCReunion blog - that has been consuming my time - but it is so much fun looking through all the old yearbooks.

Well - I have to have some minor knee surgery in May - I'll be off work for a bit and hopefully will be able to resume walking again. I knew I was in trouble when I couldn't walk a mile without hurting my knee and when I couldn't sleep through the night because of the pain. (Of course that is why I have gotten so much blogging done on the SMC site - not much sleep - but lots of blogging!) My brother actually called and told me he didn't want me up all night blogging - I needed my sleep. Sweet brother - but I'd rather be blogging than watching TV at 2 in the morning!

We had a great get together with friends last night. We love seeing our friends and such good cooks! I know I've said this before but last night was extreme cooking. We had great treats to start out - ostrich and cream cheese and herbs in filo dough - veggies, olives and cheeses. Dinner had Chicken Cacciatore, vegetables with mint and basil, potatoes, rolls, broccoli slaw, cheesecake and key lime pie. That was the first time I've had ostrich - it was very good. And the first time I was offered cheesecake and I turned it down - because I had never tasted key lime pie either - that was a GREAT dessert. The chicken was moist and yummy. Okay - Okay - I know I have to shop for a dress for Caroline's wedding and this is bad - but so worth it.

Sheala and Robbie were over yesterday after school - Robbie was on the computer and Sheala was sorting my beads. She LOVES to sort beads - but yesterday she combined colors into spice bottles - this is interesting - I'll have to see if this helps me or not!

OK - time for coffee before work - I'll be back soon.

TESTS! YIKES!

It's been a LONG, LONG, LONG time since I had to take a test. Employee Services is benchmarking where employees are at in several classifications and looking at tests for those positions. We have been asked to take the tests on two days. Today was the first - five tests - less than an hour.

These tests consisted of filing numbers and names, proofreading and math WITHOUT a calculator! Tomorrow there will be a other tests including a math test with a calculator and I'll feel much more comfortable.

I was glad to take them - we didn't have to put our names on the tests but if we wanted to know how we did we could put our names and they will let us know how we did. I can tell you right now - percentages and decimals have always been my downfall.

I tried to talk everyone from the police department into going - I explained to them that if they want to take promotional tests then this was the perfect opportunity to take these tests with no pressure - and learn where we need to study - I even bribed them with chocolate chip cookies for today and sugar cookies for tomorrow - I did talk some into it - seven of us rode over in my van - I promised them we would have fun - I may have exaggerated that part a bit - but the cookies were good!

Family

We are busy planning Caroline’s wedding. So many preparations are already done – Caroline is very organized. I’ve been thinking about how our family is growing by leaps and bounds. When Caroline and Jesse marry, that will bring two more grandchildren and a GREAT grandchild into our family. We are so blessed to have them joining our family.

I remember Bill talking at my Mom’s funeral. He said that when Jim married his mother and he found out he would have another Grandmother he first thought was, “I don’t need another Grandma!” Well, he also said, he was wrong he did need Grandma Shea.

My Mom made sure that Mary Lynn and her family became integrated into our family when Aunt Irene and Uncle Cecil died. Mary Lynn is more a sister than a cousin in our family.

I’ve watched my sister-in-law, Cindy pull together our blended families in such a wonderful way. She makes entertaining 30 people at a time look easy for holidays. Sometimes it’s her family, our family, her first husband’s family, all breaking bread together as one big family. She is amazing.

Mary and Bruce adopted Lillie and Anna and whether we are visiting them at the beach, on the basketball court, or First Eucharist celebrations, they have helped us connect to their family.

I’ve learned we cannot have enough people in our families. Each person is so different. Each branch of our family brings new traditions and new ideas to embrace. Whether we are discussing religion, politics or food – we have different views and opinions. But one thing we all have in common is our love and respect for each other.

I am looking forward to Jesse and Caroline’s wedding where all of us can be together.

A NEW STORE TO PURCHASE FIRST AND SECOND SERVINGS - EARTHLY POSSESSIONS

You can now purchase First AND Second Serving pieces in Grand Haven, Michigan at EARTHLY POSSESSIONS. This a a consignment gallery dealing in Quality Furnishings and Home Decor. It is the first time that BOTH First and Second Serving are available in one location!

Pat and I visited at least 100 antique and consignment shops in the last two weeks. We were on a whirlwind tour of the west side of the state this past weekend. This gallery was at the end of our trip and we only showed both First and Second Serving pieces at this store. When we walked in - we knew we had found the right one. It is decorated beautifully, the inventory is placed tastefully - you can actually walk around with ease and see every piece for sale in the shop. And the aroma of fresh perked coffee was in the air - so refreshing.

We met with the owner, Leah Hawley, and she was so excited about having First and Second Serving pieces for her tourist season that is close at hand. It was fun watching someone react to the pieces - it is a new concept on the west side of the state and she will have the only ones available in all the stores we visited.

If you are traveling to Grand Haven this summer - make sure you stop at this fabulous shop and tell Leah you read about it HERE!

Earthly Possessions
118 North 3rd Street
Grand Haven, Michigan 49417-1210
Phone: (616) 846-7440

St. Mary Cathedral All Class Reunion Blog

I've started another blog. It's all about St. Mary Cathedral - in Saginaw, Michigan. The school closed in 1986 and this is the 2nd All Class Reunion. My brother Jim is co-chair with Stella Mudd Thelen - The last one was sold out at the Horizon Conference Center and it was a blast. Click here to see the St. Mary Cathedral All Class Reunion Blog. I also have a link at the bottom of my blog. This is going to be fun. I've started with a welcome and the next blog was from the centennial yearbook. If you have any articles from newsletters or great memories please post there - Go see - it's going to be fun!

Weekend Update

We delivered an order yesterday afternoon to Fabulous Finds in Tawas. I took up two dozen serving spoons - all with different beads, bright colors, some old and some older. I love going there the store is little but it is packed with beautiful items.

Today we've been stopping at antique stores - I told Amy and Olympia I would find the shower gift for our friend's daughter-in-law-to-be. I have a specific gift in mind and have found all but two pieces. Even online I haven't been able to find the last two. ST. ANTHONY PATRON SAINT OF LOST AND FOUND, HELP ME WHILE I LOOK AROUND!

There - that should do it - of course my sister, Jane does not call on St. Anthony because he didn't help her find her cordless phone (cordless should give you a hint as to how long ago it was!) St. Anthony always helps me find things. Thank you.

So, Pat is sleeping on the couch here in the office with Gordon Lightfoot playing on the cd player, snoring away. He is so sweet to take me all over the State. We love traveling so this has been a fun business to get into.

The twins seem to be doing well. We are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers.

I went to a meeting at City Hall this week and saw one of my hit and runners - she always knows what's happening in my life - that's fun. Hi Peg.

That's all from here.

Flowers, Flowers Everywhere

Two scenerios - same situation

Caroline and I went last week to a flower shop that I got my flowers from for my wedding. We walked in - the woman said, "We are too busy for you - you will have to make an appointment - if you want to look at the books over there you can, but I can't help you!"

So - we looked at books - there were five people laughing and talking and working behind the counter. The person that "greeted" us walked past us to get flowers - never said a word. We got up to leave and she watched us leave - never asking if we wanted to make an appointment, never asking us to return. We looked at each other and laughed as we were getting in the car.

Then we walked into Gaertner's - just around the block from our home. The wedding flower consultant came over and and said, "We are really busy - but why don't you look at our books and I'll check on you?" So we looked at books - Well, Jackie was back in to check on us, looked up a few pictures that she thought Caroline would like and said, "I've got to get back in there to work on the funeral flowers - I would be so much happier to be with you!" She came out two more times, told Caroline to call when she found out what day she had off and told us she couldn't wait to help Caroline choose her flowers.

MMMMMM..... which one would you think we went back to yesterday - YUP - Gaertners - Caroline picked out beautiful flowers for the wedding. This is a joy working with Caroline and Jesse on this wedding. We're having fun.

Joanna went with Caroline last night and they found a photographer - so things are really coming together.

Happy Birthday, Mom - I bet you are watching over this having as much fun as we are!

A Whirlwind Travel Weekend

So on Saturday our travels continued - we went to Mt. Pleasant looking for treasures. I found two cake plates - one darling little pink glass one that a small cake (like Bill Knapp's used to have)would be perfect on and a pretty white china one with grey and pink flowers. I don't know why I continue to buy cake plates - they don't sell that well - but some of them just jump out at me and I love them - and the price was right.

On Sunday we were driving out of the church parking lot and Pat and I looked at each other and started laughing - it was such a beautiful day - very mild - still tons of snow piles and the sun was shining - off we went to Lansing. We stopped at Goodwill on the way into Lansing - I bought a beautiful deep purple coat for $14 - We stopped at the Antique Mega Mall - din't find anything there. We got close to Pat's sister's house and we called her and asked if she wanted to go out to lunch. We went to Flap Jacks - had a sandwich and then she went with us to a couple more antique stops. It was a very nice day. So - for a tank of gas over the weekend we did a lot of driving.

A twin update - they had a busy weekend - the little baby, Paul, had to have some surgery on his bowels and Rett has had trouble with circulation in one of his legs - all in all - they seem to be doing okay now. Ells Bells was discharged from the hospital and even though it is hard to be away from the boys she needs to have a couple of really good sleep nights. You know you never sleep in a hospital. So our prayers are with them - keep them in yours.

Yuk - our travels are over - back to work - ME

Welcome Twin Boys Paul and Rett

We are so blessed - our Ells Bells and her wonderful husband Everett have had their twin boys. Born yesterday - According to their VERY PROUD Grandma Mary, Paul is 1 pound 9 ounces and Rett is 2 pounds 9 ounces. Everett wrote in his care log that even though they are small - they already are squeezing his fingers and that they already love the boys so much. We are all praying and keeping the whole family in our hearts.

Pat and I played hooky yesterday - I worked four hours and got out at 10 am - I came home and because our friend who cleans our house had knee surgery, Pat was cleaning up a storm. So we both worked to finish it (GET WELL SOON AMERS - I HATE CLEANING) and then we went up north. We stopped at Fabulous Finds - I got a GREAT check - and another order - so I'll be wrapping beads this week. Then we went for lunch to the Ausauble Inn - they have the BEST crabcakes I've ever had. Every time we go there I order them and want to lick the plate. Pat ordered perch and he said it was fabulous.

Then we stopped at the new casino - it was packed. We almost didn't go in because there were no parking spaces - but finally we got one. There were so many people that I don't think we will ever go back there - everything is jammed together and most of the machines are 1 cent and 2 cent machines. It took me about 20 minutes to lose the $20 limit we have. I think I'll wait until we go back up Suttons Bay or Manistique.

Then we met a few friends for a drink back in Saginaw. I wonder why bars don't have diet tonic water. I decided to drink tonic and lime - because I was thirsty - and I've learned that lesson in life - don't drink wine when you are thirsty - you drink tooooo much. We only stayed for a bit and then home.

So today - I'm wrapping beads.

Snow, snow and more snow

It's snowing outside - I don't even want to drive to work in it. I have to admit - if I had my way I would be somewhere very warm in the month of February! EVERY FEBRUARY! We haven't seen this much snow in about 20 years.

So - had our taxes done yesterday - pleasant surprise - don't owe this year. That's good news. Had to pull together all my information on the bead wrapping business - yikes - that was fun!

Got a call about the MRI - yup - I have a tear - now I have an appointment with the Orhopedic surgeon. I only will go to one - I've seen a few disasters at the work when some of the surgeons the officers have gone to have had less than desirable results working on injuries. I know this surgeon - he did my carpal tunnel and Pat's broken wrist and he is great - so I requested him - he is busy and I can't get in til the end of March - worth the wait!

Ells bells is in the hospital making sure everything is okay with the twins - one has an enlarged heart - but so far everything else is okay. We are saying prayers and waiting patiently for the magic 30 weeks and then hopefully 32 weeks.

Caroline and Jesse

Jesse asked Caroline to marry him - AND - she said yes. They seem very happy. Probably a September wedding - that is a family tradition in our household - September is a great month to get married in Michigan. So the planning has started - phone calls back and forth - calling halls and maybe even looking for dresses - I loved helping Joanna plan her wedding - so I'm looking forward to this (remind me in a few months that I said that, ok?)

Cupid

"I'm just sayin......"

Cupid is in the air

Sheala's Dessert

YUM - Sheala made a sherbet for us for dinner last night. She put in orange juice, frozen raspberries, yogurt and I think peaches and blended it all together (in our blender that Bette Jo and Velma gave us for our wedding in 1972!) and then she put it in the freezer. By the time we ate dessert it was a delicious frozen treat. She and Robbie love to experiment in the kitchen and lately it has been food we can eat instead of throw out! (Usually Robbie's have to be thrown out - he puts very different types of things in his - anything he can find - even soap!)

Sheala also helped me make my Grandma's lasagna. She didn't know there was cottage cheese in the filling with the riccota cheese - she decided not to eat the lasagna and just eat the leftover lasagna noodles with sauce. Sheala and Caroline were making faces when they were talking about foods they don't like - Sheala hates ketchup and Caroline hates fish - they are so funny. Jesse had to work so we missed him and I was going to send lasagna with Caroline for him - but - they left before I put food away and it didn't get sent! Sorry, Jesse!

Joanna and Caroline left to go shopping and Robin took Sheala and Robbie home to do homework. It was a short visit but very nice.

This and That

Yum - Pasongs - on Michigan Ave just down from the Saginaw Court House - only open Tuesday - Friday until 6 pm (7 pm in the summer) has great food. Eat in or Take out - we'll go back again for sure!

We went to Antique Warehouse to check on my case - picked up a small check - then went to two Goodwills and Salvation Army. Only found a couple of plates and a bowl and one spoon and fork. I have to say I've never seen such bare shelves at Goodwill. They have had ads lately showing a picture of those yellow planet aid boxes with a red X on it to show it isn't Goodwill that you are donating to - Pat has made several trips this past couple of weeks from the basement to Goodwill - when we walked in he told me not to bring home anything that we donated! There is an estate sale today - maybe we'll stop by there to see what there is - of course if we see anything we can't buy until tomorrow when it will be half off.

OOOOHHHH - Ells Bells - Joanna called with a great idea for a shower gift for the twinolas from Carolina Moon and Joanna and Sheala and ME - can't wait - what fun we will have next weekend. 28 weeks - great milestone is right - just keep on keeping on - can't wait to see you!

A Premiere Event to Benefit MMCM

I have donated a five piece hostess set wrapped with hearts and red glass beads for the auction to benefit The Mid-Michigan Children's Museum. They will have an auction on Thursday, February 7 from 6-9 pm at the Museum. Tickets are $75

ART FROM THE HEART