What is a Grilled Grandma? A Grilled Grandma is a grandma whom I've grilled with some grandma-related questions,and she's graciously responded with answers and photos. Here is Grilled Grandma Gerry:

How many children do you have? I have 3 children, a daughter and two sons.

How many grandchildren? What are their ages? Each <child> has two children, a boy and a girl. Their ages: 12, 11, 9, 7, 5, and 4.

Any great grandchildren? I live with my son who has the 12 and 4 year olds. Therefore the question of great grand kids is zero. My daughter-in-law blogs about our multigenerational family at www.itsafullnest.com.

After the initial elation, what was your first concern upon hearing you would soon be a grandmother? I think I worried about the same thing I did with my kids, <whether they’ll be> healthy.

How often do you get to see your grandchildren? The long-distance ones I see 2-3 times a year. Those are long visits of at least a week. It is always great to drive up and see someone waiting in the windows, followed by jumping and waving.

What is the most challenging part of being a grandma? The most challenging thing is distance!

What is your favorite thing to do with your grandchildren? My favorite thing to do is an 'art' project. We make up silly stories as we go along. I would like them continue to try different options.

I try to do special events with them. Example: one likes the ritual of hot chocolate at the coffee shop. Once a year I try to get them all together. It is great enjoyment watching and hearing them reconnect. Sometimes there are some rough spots.

What one bit of advice would you give a new grandma? They are not your children. One thing they do is challenge your thinking. Grandkids see the grandparents with different eyes. My children thought of my parents in totally different ways than I saw my parents. I know I did the same with my grandparents.

Dear Readers: If you'd like to nominate a grandma for grilling—yourself or any other grandma—please e-mail me her first name and e-mail address and I'll take care of the rest. Thank you!