How many children do you have?

I have 3 wonderful children. One son and two daughters. :-)

How many grandchildren? What are their ages?

I am blessed with 4 grandchildren. Ages 9, 6, 3 & 1 Three boys and a little girl.

What do your grandchildren call you?

Grandma

After the initial elation, what was your first concern upon hearing you would soon be a grandmother?

Could I possibly make a quilt for them before they arrived.

How often do you get to see your grandchildren?

About once a month during the school year, and then I can enjoy (the boys) a week each month in the summer. :-)

What is the best thing about being a grandma?

Seeing life come full circle and being ever so grateful God granted me this privilege.

What is the most challenging part of being a grandma?

Remembering that when I raised my children I didn't always welcome unwanted advice — so I try REALLY hard to keep my comments about child rearing to myself.

Describe a recent time that one (or more) of your grandchildren made you laugh out loud.

My kids were all going different ways for Easter this year and knowing I wouldn't see my grandchildren until after Easter, I wrote each of them a letter. I explained with stories and pictures about Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. In each letter I included a cross I had made out of palms from Palm Sunday and some money. When my daughter handed my 3 year old grandson his envelope he raced into the living room and tore it open. My daughter ask him who he got the mail from and he excitedly told her, "Mom, I got a letter from Jesus and some money from the church"!

What is your favorite thing to do with grandchildren who visit your house?

Play, build, plan and play some more and when they settle down I love to listen to their stories!

What is your favorite thing to do when visiting grandchildren at their house?

Spend time with them and if time permits take them out to lunch.

How do you maintain the bond between yourself and your grandchildren between visits?

I love writing them letters with lots of pictures so the little ones who can't read can enjoy them as well. I also try to find little things and books I think they might each enjoy and try to send them a package once a month.

We are also grateful for Facetime!

What do you most want to pass along to your grandchildren?

The love of our Lord and what a blessing they each are.

What is one word you hope your grandkids think of when they think of you?

Caring

What is one thing you wish you had learned earlier as a grandparent?

How very fragile life is. We get busy and forget that sometimes...we lost our first grandson, Grady, and that has made a big impact on how much more precious these little people are.

What one bit of advice would you give a new grandma?

Listen to them. Snuggle them. Love them. Enjoy them. They grow up fast!

Is there anything else you would you like to add about being a grandmother?

It was truly such a joy to become a grandmother. I love having the opportunity and time to watch my grandchildren grow and discover something new every day. All kids are a blessing — but YOU SHOULD MEET MY GRANDKIDS! :-)

If you would like to be featured as a Grilled Grandma or know of a grandma whom you'd like to nominate to be grilled, please email me with the subject line GRILLED GRANDMA and include the grandma's name and email address. Thank you!