Mam & Sam Driving Our Miss. Gram

11:49 a.m. 

"ring, ring"...

11:57 a.m.

"ring ring"...

I look over at my phone during my follow-up visit to Sam's pediatrician and see that Gram has called twice. 

Strange for Gram, a double hitter phone call. 

I get to the car, not overly concerned, but for sure curious and a tad bit nervous. 

"Gram, what's wrong? What happened?!"

Tears, A Strange Spider Story, And Requests for Help Followed. 

Sam & Mam are on their way...And off to her we drove.

Sorry Gram, I couldn't Resist...

We arrived to find Miss. Daisy Gram ready to GO (to the Urgent Care at the Hospital that is), 

loaded Sam up with snacks and made our way back south. 

Elevated knee, possible broken bones, and the full story of trying to kill a spider and falling ensued. 

"Oh Gram" muttered Mam.

"Uh-Oh" muttered Sam. 

Parked in the red lines.

Rushed Gram in for x-rays.

First available appointment for Gram, Toddler friendly Empty Room for Mam, and Toys Galore for Sam.

Only a few minutes of waiting later, x-rays completed on Gram's knee and leg, and sweet doctor that stayed late, diagnosis for Gram-

Nothing Broken (Yah!), Knee-Brace and Toes and Leg Elevated for Gram

and strict orders (yes, Gram, you read this correctly-no funny business!)

to rest, elevate, ice, and take it slow. 

Follow-up Appointment next week, and some serious rest ahead prescribed for Gram. 

Styling Crutches.
Gram... Think Pink Possibilities!

Long Story Short, 

 Mam & Sam get to take care of their Girl Gram!

Dr. Orders that is. 

And, Mam & Sam take those seriously!

Even Though We Don't Think Gram is "happy" about this, 

In the Words of Sam 

(there very limited you know) 

Were "happy"- Sam (& "honored"- Mam) about this chance to help Gram with her "uh-oh"...

xoxo

Mam & Sam

**Mam & Sam Apologize for the Lack of Photos.
For the Sake of All Involved Parties, We Wanted to Live Yesterday to See Today.
IN Honor & Kindness Towards Gram, We Her Paparazzi Resisted.
Don't Think That Will Be Possible Today Though.
Pictures of Mam & Sam Taking Care of Gram To Come!

I left my heart at home...but I'm in San Francisco

A artist's heart in Union Square

I left my heart at home…but I’m in San Francisco

It’s Thursday night…I’m out of town

No Family Dinner!

A trolley car outside my hotel

The Westin St. Francis hotel

What does Gram do when Mam and Sam aren’t along?

Gram goes cooking….

Williams-Sonomas' Flagship store

Feeling punky…and fighting a head-cold of monumental proportions…Gram went looking for an adventure and wouldn’t you know it? There’s a Williams-Sonoma smack dab across the street from her hotel.  And not just any Williams-Sonoma…the granddaddy of them all…the flagship store in Union Square.

Four floors of kitchen bliss!

YIPPPEEEEEEE!

Ahhhhhhhhh!

Ooooooh! 

Well….as chance would have it…I happened into a techniques class on “Cooking with Citrus”

Hmmmm…just the thing for a head-cold

Lots of vitamin C!!


The demo kitchen was to die for!

 I want this kitchen!

Learned how to make:

“Fresh Citrus Spritzers”

“Apple-Citrus Salad with roasted pistachios”

“Citrus-Herb Turkey Cutlets with Baby Broccoli”

“Lemon Bundt cake”

Yummmmmmm!

So good….can’t wait to try it with you, two~

Missed you on my adventure, Mam and Sam!!!

Until next week….

Hugs and Kisses, Gram

Gram's little helper...

A teething toddler and orchestrating a dinner for twelve....

What was Gram thinking??

Well....that's the problem...I wasn't!

I live in my head way too much and things never seem to work out the way that I've planned.

Yesterday was no exception.

As we've mentioned...Thursday's are our family dinners and any loved ones are invited...

open door...open hearts...open kitchen

(Thanks for the sign, Janet!)

I like to get creative and sometimes in my quest I do not consider the costs.

Yesterday afternoon started with a teething, tantruming, toddler.

She was not a happy camper...more like a clinging camper.

The Clinging Camper

Mam had a facial appointment and typically our lil' Samantha will take a nice nap while Mam is away.  That gives Gram ample time to prep.

Because I was trying two new recipes, the prepping was more time consuming than anticipated.

(Chicken Marsala & Coto Risotto...or "rice surprise" according to Uncle Jon)

Little Sam decided that napping was not on her agenda

She wanted to watch cartoons (educational ones, Mam!) and cuddle with Gram.

Gram would normally LOVE this except all she could see was the dinner that would not be on the table at 6 if she didn't get chopping!  

Somewhere in the midst of all Gram's worry she decided that she needed to REMEMBER her priorities...

And sweet (a bit sour) Sam won out!

We could always order pizza!

After our cuddle time...Mam came home...Sam played (destroyed) the house and the chopping got done.

Gram's lil' helper

Papa came home and he and Sam had a few adventures of their own
(Which Gram and Mam were both very grateful for)

Dinner at 6 for twelve minus one was executed

Laughter was heard...

Stories were told...

children played...

And Gram had a tummy full of joy!

But pizza would have been fine!  Note to self:  Uncomplicate the menu and concentrate on the relationships.  For someone whose love language is quality time...you'd think that I would know this by now....

Gram, Mam, & Sam "Heart" Papa

Papa And Sam.
Sam Leading the Way.
Driving of Course. 

Oh my goodness gracious.
Mam Fail. 

One of the first things Gram & Mam discussed when venturing into the world was blogging was discussing our goals and dreams together. 

Since "Mam" discussing her dreams (and anything and everything else for that matter) with "Gram" is nothing new (its been happening for years people) we chatted thoughts, plans, and dreams for this writing space of Gram, Mam & Sam.

I really stressed the importance of writing at least once a week so that we (and hopefully others) feel connected to this place.
Umm, once again, mam fail.

They say behind a great man is always a fabulous woman.
Is that how the saying goes?
Something like that.
:)

I would have to now say, that in the case of Gram, Mam, & Sam,
in front of three fabulous generations of woman is one
incredibly stellar, full of fun, generous, kind, and more than overwhelmingly-loving
Papa.

He goes by hubby to Gram, daddy to Mam, and Papa to Sam.

The three of us gals can't get enough of him.
He rarely gets enough kudos and credit for being the main man of our hearts.
We love him.

These days, Papa has taken center stage to Sam.
He falls far in front of her affections when were around.
The two of them as Gram so sweetly put it this weekend,
"get each other".
Oh, brother, they so do. 


My dad was playing this weekend with Sam and I remarked to Gram,
"geez...dad is better at this toddler thing than I am". 
He is so patient, so creative, so playful.
We are so blessed.

And as another Thursday rolls around, I am already looking forward to family dinner night, I can't help but help feeling so grateful.
Our family isn't perfect, our lives are sometimes messy (okay more than sometimes :) but were family, and I love us SO much, and I wouldn't trade this family with anyone else in the world.

Sharing a Protein Shake.
Papa let Samantha have her own cup.
Clearly.

"Cheers!"

To Papa,
Thanks for Standing on the Front Line.
We love you.
Gram, Mam, & Sam
xo

Thursday Night Family Dinners

It’s Thursday, which in Gram’s world means

Thursday night Family Dinner!

This is my favorite day of the week.  Anyone that is family is invited and any friends of family are always welcome.

If my memory serves me correctly, this is really why this blog was created. 

Adventures happen in the Kitchen!

Gram and Mam are cooks…serious…okay, not so serious…cooks!

Sam is destined to be a cook.

Sam’s only toys at Gram’s involve cooking.

   

 (Not that I’m trying to unduly influence my granddaughter, mind you, but the power of suggestion rests heavily in the influences that I have not so subtly surrounded her with!)

She has the Fisher Price “starter” kitchen

She has her own “kitchen drawer”

She has an apron, chef’s hat and utensils

She has a shopping cart, shopping basket and pretend food (although her true interests lie in the “real” food that’s in the pantry.)

(See Ocgoodmama for commentary on Samantha’s food issues)

 

But seriously, how can you not love the power of food, fun and festivities?

All of which, in my book, originate in the kitchen.

So…stay tuned for Cooking Up Trouble with Gram, Mam and Sam!

Friday Adventures of GMS!

Hi there! 

Mam here! 

I absolutely look forward to the end of the week before its even begun. 

When Sunday afternoon rolls around, I always begin dreaming of Thursday...Friday...Saturday.

Its kind of always been this way.

But it really started in college. For a various array of reasons.

Mostly, the realization set in at the sweet age of eighteen, freshman year of college. 

I learned my lesson the hard way, first semester freshman year, discovering not only that I was scheduled for three friday classes but...

GASP...

the last one was after lunch...at the worst time ever...

Friday afternoon!

I remember distinctly looking around and feeling like a wandering gyspy with no one else around- wandering the campus (it was SO empty) and thinking two things-

a. they knew something I didn't know (duh-I was a freshman)

and

b. I got screwed. 

I vowed every single Friday afternoon that first semester, that this would NEVER happen again. 

And, it didn't.

After that little lovely learning lesson of life, where I figured out I could jimmy-rig my schedule to get all my classes done in four days

 (Yes, this did mean late night classes on Monday and Thursday nights at times)

I figured out how to schedule all my classes to end on Thursday's. 

So I could enjoy the glory and the love of having every FRIDAY off!

Because life is better in a four day work week.

And much more productive, but that's a whole other rant for another day. 

Some might ask, did you still do well in school in light of this little Friday obsession?

Yes, my friends, not only did I graduate, but with flying colors.

All to the joy and delight of Gram of course. 

:)

So, as you can see, I'm a tad bit obsessed with Friday's.

It's seriously sacred ground. 

And, I really don't think anyone else not only "gets this" as much as Gram, but also agrees and shares in my love of Friday's!

Gram, Mam, and Sam (she will get her one day-maybe when she understands days)...

Love Friday's!

We try to always share part of the day together.

Lots of the time, its the whole day.

And, its always a great, grand, and glorious adventure. 

(To us at least!)

Last Friday did not disappoint. 

We set the GPS, turned the engine on, and headed to somewhere new we had been dying 

to see (and shop!)

the OC Mart Mix!

Gram, Sam & I headed on an "adventure" to the north OC
(why does traveling to these parts seem so far?) 
Could it be the teething toddler that we share are tales with?

Yes, this one. 

Enjoying the Barbie car from Gram & Papa. 

We had a ball.

And Sam behaved.

Win, win for all. 

And also located a new favorite place within the OC Mart 

to purchase lots of decor, seasonal everything, & basically just get inspired.

Our eyes were feasting on all the colors, designs, ideas and items around.

Spring Inspired Wreath's

It was a domestic diva's dream.

Thank you TPT Home.

There, I purchased a third apothecary jar I had been looking for everywhere.

And found lots of goodies to fill the jars with as well.

Gram scored some serious "beachy decor" and Sam scored well...nothing...but time with Gram & Mam!

Sam Hanging Outside!

Mam & Sam :)
Trying to Pin Down Sam for a Picture.
Not a Happy Camper.

Where is this Treasure Store Gram, Mam, & Sam speak of?
Here's A Handy Dandy Map!
(This WILL Come in Handy if your not paying attention to the GPS or the freeway and talking to Gram and miss the exit!)
Not like that would ever happen or anything. 

Happy Adventuring!

xoxo
Mam

Gram, Mam, minus Sam

Hi There. Gram Here. 2^nd attempt at my first blog post!

My first attempt is floating aimlessly in the blogosphere... so goes my life….maybe I can go there too? Now that would be a bloggable adventure! Id love to see all the words that have been sent into cyberspace, homeless, wanting to be reunited with their creative force. Ahh…another post for another day.

Trying to teach this GRAM about the finer points of technology and the glitches that can occur is NOT fun so my first lesson…via Mam… is to write in Word…SAVE…and then transfer to blogger.

Had to get that out of the way because trying to re-create creativity that occurs at 6am cannot possibly be duplicated at 10!

Oh…yes…back to the latest adventure…

So yesterday Gram is invited to babysit Sam while Mam goes to the dreaded dentist.

Mam occupies Sam until Mam comes home

Dada comes home so that Gram and Mam…minus Sam….can have an evening out

Let the laughter begin….

The evening begins with a little clothing party where we encourage each other with perfunctory comments…”oh that looks great on you”…”what are you thinking??”…”oh…you have to buy that…it’s sooo you.”

On to a quick (okay…not so quick) bite to eat where we attempt to solve the problems of the world (1^st world or 3^rd world to be determined – and explained at a later date) Serious concerns are voiced over a couple glasses of pinot grig (one for Gram, Two for Mam) and a heaping helping of giggles to lighten the mood. I mean seriously…can two blondes not solve the world problems over a glass or two of wine?

Glancing at our watches…and reminding ourselves that we are both supposed to be on the South Beach Diet (Did I mention that we were at a Mexican Restaurant with endless baskets of chips and salsa?)…we decided that it was time to go home.

The problem-solving on the ride home continues (we hadn’t yet uttered the necessary 10,000 daily words it takes for every female…blonde or otherwise… to feel fulfilled). We almost reach mam’s driveway and we are thoughtfully discussing an issue that needs answers when Mam looks over at me and quite seriously asks, “Do you think that it is Creature vs. Culture?” *** Eagerly nodding, I am in complete agreement when Mam looks at me and bursts out laughing and exclaims that she thinks she means “that other thing” which I quickly conclude to be “nature vs. nurture.” We giggle so hard that we can hardly contain ourselves.

***GRAM-MAM FACT ALERT: In OUR vocabulary there are nuances that we will refer to as “Gram-isms” and “Mam-isms” and there will be NO doubt that there will be “Sam-isms”. (It is a genetic issue) We love words! And when we can’t find the right one, we have been known to create our own. Call it verbal and literary liberties. We also are “saying-challenged.” When it comes to old “sayings” such as, “I can’t see the forest for the trees” (What the heck does that mean, anyway??) our minds just don’t compute and we just can’t seem to ever get it right. Some people may refer to it as a faux pas (but even that sounds like a verbal passing of gas to me!)

Personally…I like it! This new mam-ism is quite hip…edgy. Creature vs. culture. I think I’ll keep it…use it even. Life can be fun. It’s an adventure. It’s what you make of it!

Did I say how much I love to laugh? How much I need humor in my life? It is my coping mechanism of late to ward off the darkness that comes with life’s challenges.

So…thank you, dear Mam for the gift of your time (Gram’s number #1 love language) and the laughter (definitely should BE a love language) and your love. You are so precious to me.

Love and Laughter….Gram, xoxo