I laugh as I write this. If anyone would've told me I'd be a grandmother at 35 I would've laughed in their faces. I love how God is absolutely full of wonderful surprises, things we'd never expect yet things that bless us immensely. I am now no longer 35. I am actually 41. It is a fact my students know well. (It's very important when you're 8 to know how old your teacher is!) I am, in truth, a "step-gran," a.k.a. "Nana." This fact makes me the wonderful beneficiary of sweet hugs, giggles, funny stories and all of the delightful chaos that goes along with a sweet little pairing of two little girls. As a mom to a 10 year old boy, I admit it's sometimes a bit of a culture shock at first, but big joy nonetheless. Today our little girls came over while mom and dad were out looking at houses. We made this awesome recipe from Libby's for Pumpkin Cranberry Bread. All three kids took turns pouring in the ingredients and making it all come together. It brought back wonderful memories of cooking with my mom, my son, and watching my grandmother pour handfuls into a big bowl (she never used a recipe). After the bread baked, which is delicious by the way, I had some quiet time to reflect on the morning's events. I was reminded, by my husband's wisdom and my own reflection, that it is the small moments in life that we treasure most. I would trade in some of the crazy theme-park moments in life to have five more minutes with my grandmother. I would pay more attention. I would listen more and talk less. I would sit in silence and soak in the joy of those moments. They are indeed a gift from God. So tonight, here's to life - unscripted, unspoiled, beautiful, simple, and unexpectedly sweet. God's Blessings everyone!
