A “Quotable” To Live By!

A Special Download For A “Quotable” To Live By

As promised in this entry at the beginning of the week, here is one of my favorite quotes that you can now download for free. (Just click on the link below to download the eight by ten printable.) 

EB White Quote Download

Free Quote Download

Even at 80+ years, my father was always so energizing to be around because of his constant “wonder” about people and places, and his genuine desire to keep learning!  This is a quote that was among some mementos my dad kept on one of his office shelves.

If we wonder often,

the gift of knowledge

will come!

by Arapaho

I sincerely hope this quote will be a reminder for you to put a little “Windex Shine” on your view of the world; it certainly helps me remember to keep being intrigued!

–Mary 

(Quote print was designed by my friend, Maggie Rees at Pintura Art Gallery who did my Valentine’s Day stationary.  Thanks, Maggie!)

Cinderella Days! A Few Of Their Favorite Things!

Having Fun Doing A Few Of Their Favorite Things!

Cindrella Days! www.mytributejournal.comAs parents and grandparents, I think we’re all well aware of the fact that children’s “favorite things” can change on a daily, if not hourly basis.  I still think it’s fun to take time to talk to them and try to tap into a few of the things that make them really happy and then dedicate part of a day to doing those things!  (Obviously, the activities have to be within reason and really do-able, since they have vivid imaginations!)

I’ve done a couple of approaches to a “Favorite Things” day.  Sometimes I’ll call a few days before my granddaughters come to spend the day, and ask what they’d like to do most at grandma’s that week.  Makena is nearly five years old, so I imagine having her parents tell her that she has a phone call is part of the fun of planning a special day!  When Makena gets on the phone she is so grown up and darling as we talk.  She is thoughtful about the questions I ask, and I’ll often hear Marli talking in the background wanting to say “Hello”!

Another fun way that works well, if you have a pretty good idea of what your grandchildren’s favorite things to do are, is to make a few preparations ahead of time and then surprise them when they arrive at your home!  (I can  guarantee you that by having a few things set up and ready to go–no matter the game or activity, they’ll quickly become some of their “Favorite Things” –at least for that day!)

"Favorite things" List www.mytributejournal.com

Since I am a relatively new grandma, it has obviously been awhile since little ones have played for any length of time in my home, so I’ve invested in a few key items to have in my playroom.  I look at acquiring these things as an investment in the memories that are made at “Grandma’s House”!  If budget and space aren’t too big of an issue, then it’s definitely money well spent!

Beauty Parlor! www.mytributejournal.com

Makena and Marli love to play a variety of things at my house, but the one thing they love to play the most is “beauty parlor”!  They were so excited when I told them that a new item had been added to the beauty supplies!

Playing "beauty parlor"! www.mytributejournal.com

Beauty parlor! www.mytributejournal.com

I didn’t anticipate how much fun these colored braid clip-ons would be for the girls!  It’s times like this that you start to realize that spending time doing their “favorite things” creates some of your “favorite days” with them! 

(Please note: The “mirror” part of these little vanities isn’t real glass.  I also recognize that along with many other things, my camera skills are a work in progress!)      

Playing "Beauty Parlor"! www.mytributejournal.com

Makena and Marli wore the braids most of the day, and couldn’t wait to show their mom!  I love this as a grandma–just like with your own children, not everything you do will always be a big hit; when it is though, I say embrace the moment! 

Makena loves games–and Marli loves to do anything that Makena does, so having a new game to play, or a twist on a familiar one, makes for a win/win situation!  Makena has a number of card games at her home, but I haven’t really gotten too many for the girls at my house, so they weren’t expecting to see one set out on their favorite table!

"Old Maid" card game! www.mytributejournal.com

Old Maid” is a classic game that children love!  

Having new cards with characters on them that are different from the ones they have at home, almost makes it seem like a new game!

"Old Maid" cards www.mytributejournal.com

Don’t you remember having your favorite card that you always wanted to match…no surprise that “Posh Poodle” was definitely Makena’s favorite! 

A smart investment I made is the little table and chairs set.  There are a lot of darling wooden sets our there, but realizing how often grandchildren will move the chairs from room to room and use them in a variety of different ways while playing, made a durable plastic set the way to go for me.  Your door jams and walls will withstand a few little bumps as well.

Playing "Old Maid"! www.mytributejournal.com

Playing "Old Maid"! www.mytributejournal.com

The unexpected moments are often the most hilarious…in the middle of our game, Marli went and got the toy iron and started to pretend she was ironing the cards!  It was a giggle inducing moment!

"Game Night" with Jake and Whitney! www.mytributejournal.xom

Makena especially loved that Uncle Jake and Aunt Whitney played games with her when they were here to visit a few weeks ago! 

Another of Makena and Marli’s favorite things to do is have lunch out on my patio. However, I’ve found that sometimes they don’t want to stop playing to have lunch.  Now when it’s time to eat, I’ve started telling them that it’s “lunch bunch” time and we all sit down together!  I have found with my little granddaughters, that it’s a good idea to make lunchtime something fun to anticipate too.  This way, the girls are more likely to eat better.  (I also know that my daughter wants them to have a good meal and not snack too much, so I feel it’s important to honor her wishes.)

"Lunch Bunch" on the patio! www.mytributejournal.com

 Finger foods are fun for every age!  (I love them!)  One thing that Makena and Marli love, is to eat their lunch with these little “heart attackers”!  (Nurse lingo again!)

Little heart skewers for finger foods www.mytributejournal.com

Heart skewers www.mytributejournal.com

I put some little felt heart stickers on the end of a toothpick and it makes for the perfect lunch utensil!  (This is actually something my own children loved too.)    

"Lunch Bunch" on the patio www.mytributejournal.com

"Lunch Bunch" on the patio www.mytributejournal.com

Just chillin' www.mytributejournal.com

Makena and Marli ended up finishing lunch in my bed, since their favorite program was starting.  It’s also a good time for them to have a little rest and quiet time!  (Grandma too!)

Tuckered out! www.mytributejournal.com

My dad always said there is nothing so precious as a sleeping child!  I wholeheartedly agree!

What “favorite things” are on your children’s or grandchildren’s list?  Any good children’s toys or furniture items that you’ve invested in that you consider a “must have”? 

–Mary

Living And Living Well!

There’s A Difference Between Living and Living Well!

Cowboy boots! www.mytributejournal.com

I grew up in a relatively small town where Levis and cowboy boots were common attire around town and country music was always playing at the main street drug store.  While I didn’t have any aversion to this style when I was growing up,  I just always thought of myself as more the bell bottoms, go-go boots type!  (There’s a time warp for you!)

Just think of the full circle moment I had when I started dating my husband, and he picked me up in a new pair of Levis and freshly polished Tony Lama cowboy boots!  I’ll enhance this little flashback moment for you even more when I tell you that he had a green, short-bed, GMC pick-up truck and George Strait was cranked up on the radio!  (I was in college by then, and in my mind, was very much a city girl–didn’t this guy see that?)  This story gets even better when you imagine that as we drove down the road, without hesitation or embarrassment, my future husband started singing along to the lyrics of George Strait’s song, “Living and Living Well”!  After I took a few moments to regain my composure, I actually started listening to the words of the song, (I mean really, what choice did I have?) and can honestly say that if I had to pick a song that defines what I’ve really wanted to make my life about–this would be it…and yes, my husband still sings along with this song today!

We went to George Strait’s farewell concert his year, and he sang, “Living and Living Well” as one of his closing songs; this “city girl” had tears in her eyes!  Here’s a few words from the chorus:

There’s a difference in

Living and living well.

You can’t have it all,

All by yourself.

Something’s always missing

‘Til you share it with someone else–

There’s a difference in living and living well! 

——————————————–

Living And Living Well And Other Words To Live By…Or At Least Think About!

Like many people, I like to have framed, inspirational quotes and thoughts placed here and there throughout my home, hoping that at the very least as I glance at them each day, perhaps by the sheer process of osmosis, I’ll be more inclined to really apply them in my life!

Love, dream, believe! www.mytributejournal.com

This is a stack of note pads I have on my desk.  I often see various forms of these same types of words at many boutique stores.  While working at my desk paying bills or doing other paper work, I can’t help but wonder if I’m really applying these words in my life!

Inspirational books! www.mytributejournal.com

One of my favorite things to give and get for gifts are inspirational books.  These are the ones on my family room table now.  Often, at the end of a busy day, I’ll plop down on the sofa nearby, put my feet up, and glance through one of these books–or maybe even read a chapter or two.  I’ll be honest though, depending on the day, my spirit is either energized as I enjoy my reading, or I’m given a firm reminder of what’s really important in life…and I try to do better the next day!

A Few Other Reminders Of How To Live Well!

"Keep It Simple" plaque www.mytributejournal.comInspirational sayings! www.mytributejournal.com

Who doesn’t need a reminder to not complicate things too much in our lives!  I know this is one I always have to work on!

"Make A Difference" quote www.mytributejournal.com

If my husband and I were to pick a motto we’ve tried to teach our children, this would be it!  I stitched this for my oldest daughter, Malia, for her 16th birthday.  As much as teenage years can be a time of self pre-occupation, we always wanted to remind our family that it’s always good to define our lives by trying to “Make a Difference” in other’s lives!

"Good-bye Fear" quote www.mytributejournal.com

The saying on this plague has been the one that has really hit my heart lately!  We face change and fears in every stage of our lives, but that doesn’t mean we still don’t need a calm reminder to take a breath and be happy for the possibilities that each day and change brings with it.  The very thought of approaching the world of social media at my age so that I can accomplish my dream, all too often leaves me breathless!

**Stay tuned, one my most favorite quotes is coming a little later this week in a FREE DOWNLOAD for you to print off and place in a frame for your home!  (It’s being designed by my friend, Maggie Rees, at Pintura Art Gallery, who did this Valentine’s Day stationary too!)  If you want to comment about your favorite thought or quote or “like” this on Facebook, I’ll send it to you in one of my favorite “Etsy” frames! 

What I’m learning now is…

The plague above sits on my kitchen counter, and as I grab a piece of toast and some juice each morning before I run out the door to work, or anticipate the arrival of my precious granddaughters, I realize that I’m so grateful for all the opportunities that are mine.  What I’m learning now is that so much of my life would not be possible without the love and support of dear family and friends, who help me realize that having a wide open heart is the best way to live well!

I’d love to hear what your favorite inspiring quotes or words are!

–Mary