Grandma for Reals!

"It's such a grand thing to be a mother of a mother -
that's why the world calls her grandmother."

Author Unknown

In 2009 my first granddaughter, Jordan was born, but due to circumstances beyond my desire or control, I have not seen her since she was six months old. So, I haven't really felt like a real Grandma....until June 12, 2014!

Gianna Demetria Karabinis was born. Her mommy and daddy love having me in her life. I saw her every day for the first eight days and today is day nine, Mommy & Daddy are having a family day and I miss her!

I love having conversations with her already! She just listens and acts like she understands and agrees with everything I say.

I am so excited to be a part of Gianna's life. I really want to be someone Gianna will enjoy and I want her to feel my unconditional love for her. I want to; celebrate her achievements, big and small, teach her to love and respect her mommy and daddy, introduce her to the mountains and nature, take her to the beach, attend her school performances, meet her friends, hear her stories, give her lots of kisses, tell her stories of the good old days and stories of her mommy growing up. So many things to do, I can hardly wait. Life just got much more exciting!! Love my little Gianna and so happy I am finally a grandma for reals!!

Lake Tahoe, Heaven on Earth  

In December 2011, Jack and I purchased a home in Lake Tahoe that we hope we can share with our family, especially our grandchildren. As we have decorated and remodeled, we dream about when our grandchildren will someday visit and learn to love the mountains and the lake as we do.

It's beautiful in the winter, warm and cozy. 

A perfect place to gather around the fireplace and 

share family stories and create new memories.

One thing I love most about Lake Tahoe is that the skies are bright, 

clear and bright blue, nearly every single day!

Christmas in Tahoe 2011

Our first Christmas in Tahoe with Gaga & the Easley's

This fireplace keeps us warm & cozy!

Jordan 2011
Picture given to me by Mary (and several others).

No Lions or Tigers, but yes BEARS!

This bear pays us a visit from time to time.

Life is Good in Tahoe

We think our grandchildren will love visiting in our 

"Bear Room" designed especially with grandchildren in mind.

Mr. Tree greets us every morning right next to the thermometer on our deck.

Yes, the temp is 4 degrees....brrrr!

Mr. Tree keeps his great attitude every day reminding us life is good!

Neighborhood Walks

Our neighborhood and forest walks are special times for 

Jack and I and especially Roxie & Lola. 

Everyone who visits is treated to forest walks.

Nothing like a little rest after a forest walk.

And, the Lake....

Jordan is 2!

Of course we think of Jordan everyday, but we especially had her on our mind on her second birthday.  We look at other 2 year olds and try to imagine Jordan acting like them.  Is she talking in sentences, can she pedal a trike?  What size does she wear? Her sweet smile must show lots of teeth.

We sent her 2 CD's of nursery rhyme songs with her name i.e. Little Jordan had a Farm, E I E I O.  The songs were so cute, I hope she is able to hear them.  We also sent a Winnie the Pooh singing birthday card.  I saw a video of Clover's birthday and she loved the musical card which inspired us to send the Winnie the Pooh card.

Miss you, Jordan.  We love you from deep in our heart.

Jordan On Our Minds

Hardly a day goes by that we don't think and talk about Jordan.  How big is she now?  Is she talking?  What is she doing now?  

I have read on the internet that the vocabulary of a typical 19-month-old toddler may consist of as few as ten words or as many as 50. Some may be able to link two or more words together, and is starting to use more "action" words. Verbs like "go" and "jump" are common, and so is linking a verb with her name (or pronoun), as in "Come me," meaning "Come with me." (It will be some months before she inserts the preposition.) Many 19-month-olds are also well-versed in direction words such as "up," "down," "under," "out," and "in."

I wonder how many words Jordan uses.  I imagine her vocabulary is probably pretty good.  She seemed so intelligent as an infant. 

I went shopping the other day and stopped at Carl's Jr for a soda break.  There was a darling little girl at the table next to me.  She was smiling at me and "flirting" with me; encouraging me to interact with her.  We had a great time.  I asked her mom how old she was and she told me 19 months.  (The same age as Jordan.)  I just admired her and soaked up all her mannerisms and actions.  It helped me see how Jordan probably acts.  Meeting this little girl had special meaning for me.  Such an adorable stage!

 

Jordan Turns 1

Jordan 1 year old!

Jack was so happy to receive this beautiful portrait of Jordan for his birthday!  

I was thrilled to see Jordan wearing one of the many bows I had made for her.  

Her little blue dress is perfect with her gorgeous blue eyes!

We have her portrait in our kitchen and we love seeing her 

beautiful smile every morning!

We are very blessed!

Thanksgiving 2009

November 2009

Jordan, Jamie & Jay came on Wednesday before Thanksgiving..  We had a great visit.  Jordan seemed so happy to be back in Fresno.  Jay worked at the Fresno office and Jamie worked from our home!



Jordan seemed to love to visit with her Grandma, Papa and Auntie Jackie!  She was so interactive, smiling and just plain cute!

Grandma love!

We just could not get enough of that girlie!  She is so bright and lovey!  Nothing more special than a granddaughter!  I had no idea how much that baby could swell my heart with love!

Jordan really loved her Auntie Jackie!  They had a great time playing!  Jackie just could not get enough of Jordan!!



Aunt Mary, my sister, crocheted a beautiful sweater set and blanket for Jamie when she was born.  We had fun trying it on Jordan.  Mary was so happy to see this picture.



The rattle was one of Jamie’s, too.  I saved it and Jordan just LOVED it.  I don’t think they make rattles like that anymore.  She was just so interested and curious about all her new surroundings.





This was one of Jamie’s favorite toys when she was an infant.  Jordan liked it, too!









Papa was so impressed how interested Jordan was in him.  She was intrigued by him and enjoyed being with Papa.

Jordan loves her stroller and the out doors. 
GG was so happy to take her for a short walk.

It was a wonderful Thanksgiving!  

We certainly have a lot to be thankful for!

Jordan 5 Months

September 28, 2009

GG turned 80 on September 7, 2009









Soon after her birthday, GG and Grandma took the train to visit Jordan & Jamie for the day.  Jordan was especially playful and happy to see us.

Jordan learning to get around.

Happy girl!

You can dance… you can jive… having the time of your life.

See that girl, watch that scene diggin’ the dancing queen.

(Awww, my lil’ dancing queen)

 

Love that girl!!

We had such a fun and great day!