Life, Love and a Little Craziness : Grandma's 99th Birthday!

Today is my grandma's 99th birthday! I can hardly believe it, even though I guess it shouldn't be a surprise. She's the most resilient person I know and for over 20 years doctors have been telling her she'd make it to 100, no doubt. And she's almost there! Next year she'll be a centenarian!

These past few days I've thought back over all of the memories we've shared together...all of the little things she has taught me...

If you're making cinnamon rolls and don't have raisins, chopped up prunes taste even better! Add a box of jello to your cake mix if you want it extra moist. If you don't have time for a full face of makeup a little rouge will always do the trick. It may be scary for other little kids, but "Little Orphan Annie" by James Whitcomb Riley is one of the best poems (especially if she's reciting it). You are never too full for her to make you something to eat (because even if you are, she's making something anyways). Even if you're on a tight budget you should never skimp on going to the doctor or the dentist. When you play bridge always "breast your cards." Start every morning with a bowl of oatmeal. If someone trips you say, "Down went McGinty, up jumped McClusky (this was based on an incident with some of her friends and I guess the saying stuck)! Roll your clothes when you pack because you can fit more in your luggage and it doesn't wrinkle. And so many more!

She's also taught me big things...

She has been one of my greatest loves...and I know I was one of hers. I remember being three years old and thinking she was the most magical person in my life. She could make everything better just with her presence. The food she made tasted better, she smelled better, even her hugs were better. When she'd leave our house after staying for a visit I'd smell her pillow and miss her with all of my being. When I'd spend the night at her house we'd lay in her bed listening to the radio and then she'd give me a kiss and say, "I love you, my girl." Her girl. That's what I was and in my heart that's what I'll always be. She's helped me realize the amount of unconditional love I am capable of because no matter what cruel tricks time and age play with her mind, I will never turn my back on her. The place she has in my heart will never change.

On Saturday we celebrated the big occasion:

We've never figured it out, but when my brother Cameron was around Carter's age he started calling her Dobie (dough-be) and Carter is carrying that on. I think it's very sweet :)