Sharing Weekly Takeaways with My Grandkids

Sharing Weekly Takeaways with My Grandkids

by | Nov 4, 2024 | Grandparents

Last year, I started carving out time each Sunday to reflect on my week and share takeaways with my grandkids. Here’s what the experience has been like.

Thinking About Grandparenthood

I used to wonder if my relationship with my grandkids was unique or if every grandma had the same experience. I think this is pretty naive, as each grandma is unique and has a different relationship with each of her grandkids. I know all of my grandkids are also unique. Maybe I’ve watched too many TV shows or read too many books that describe what a “normal relationship with your grandchild” looks like.

Embracing Change & Reflection

I have a separate but equal relationship with each of my precious grandkids. As they have grown, I’ve noticed they each go through phases of feeling unsure of themselves, or less confident than they were the last week we talked.

Then I realize I’m also changing, and each day is unique. One thing I have learned as l’ve grown older is the value of finding a quiet place to sort through my thoughts. I have to turn the TV off so I can relax my mind and process.

I’ve encouraged my grandkids to find a place where they can be quiet, like a nice park, a certain spot in their apartment or any quiet place to think and reflect on the past or upcoming week, even if it’s only for five minutes.

Our Sunday Texts

About a year ago, I came up with the idea of sending them a text every Sunday. I picked Sundays as it’s the only day of the week that none of them are working. On Sunday afternoons, I find a quiet time to take notes about things that are connecting with me at that moment. It could be anything from the music I’m listening to on my walks to a recent chat with a friend. I always include thoughts about my feelings or beliefs, and I sometimes include some additional comments.

Each week is different. During the last two weeks of August, I joined the drop-in choir and sang gospel music. I commented on the fun songs and how the words moved me. I realize what inspires me and brings me joy may not connect to any emotion for my grandkids, but they know it’s straight from my heart.

Depending on their individual schedules, the kids always give me some type of response. Their responses may be a smiley face or a laughing face depending on what I wrote that day. Sometimes they even reply with…(wait for it)…words! I’m thankful as I’ve never received a pile of poop emoji, and I hope I never will.

Last Sunday’s Takeaway

This past Sunday was unique. My husband, John, had back surgery on Monday, and it didn’t go perfectly. The surgery involved clearing out some arthritis around the spine. During surgery, the spinal cord’s covering moved and ended up with a small tear. They immediately glued and patched it.

However, on Wednesday, they had to return John to surgery, assuming that some spinal fluid had leaked into his system. Thankfully, he returned from his second surgery feeling much better. Yippee! The next day, I was able to bring him home. He was still in pain but doing much better.

Since our grandkids are so special to both of us, I wanted to make sure I informed them of what had happened to their grandpa. They were very grateful to hear the good results and immediately connected with him.

Our grandkids are used to receiving my normal Sunday thoughts, but this was a unique takeaway. Let’s hope I can get back to sharing the more mundane takeaways with them, like being kind to others, listening to your heart and living a life of joy and peace.

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

IĀ have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can.Ā In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

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Making Memories on the Golf Course

Making Memories on the Golf Course

by | Oct 7, 2024 | Grandparents

For years l’ve written about what my grandkids were up to, into or moving away from. It has always been about how my life has interacted with theirsā€”the ups, downs and ‘looking forward to’s. Since this summer, I have stood on the sidelines while my husband has been living the dream by playing golf with our grandson. I used to play golf, but arthritis hampers any swing I can even attempt. So I have sent them on their own as they’ve learned to enjoy the sport together.

Standing on the Sidelines

At first, John didn’t say much as he knew I wanted to be out there with them. Once, I did ask if I could just ride in the cart, and I quickly learned that even when you don’t play, it costs money to watch others play. I’m too tight with my spending, so l declined. It was about the same time when I realized I don’t have to be the only grandparent involved in the fun activities. I’m still working on it, but I do understand and enjoy it vicariously. It’s definitely a work in progress.

Our Grandson’s Golfing Experience

Our grandson never played golf in high school. Basketball and baseball were his sports. It was fun to learn he was taking it up while he was in college. He played a bit last year, but really started to hit the links this year. He played with his roommates and sometimes even chose to play the city courses by himself. Then, Grandpa asked him if he could join in on the fun. There was no hesitancy, and soon Grandpa and his grandson were playing weekly.

Golfing Together

After my weekly inquiries, I learned about their games and could create visuals in my head. I soon learned my grandson and husband played from different tee boxes: regular men’s tees and senior tees. Evidently, our grandson could hit the lights out of the ball, which hopefully went in the direction of the green. Grandpa had a better short game, so usually their scores were relatively close. As the summer progressed, our grandson’s short game improved, while Grandpa’s long game was still in need of many, many yards.

A man and his grandson standing on a golf course and smiling.

Finding New Sports to Play

Each time they play golf together, they have a great time with lots of laughter and jokes (hopefully, none about me!). For Grandpa, it’s a dream come true. After our grandson was born, my husband had a needed surgery on his rotator cuff. His goal was to get better and be able to toss the ball with his grandson. They enjoyed each other then, and after a hiatus, they are back enjoying yet another sport together. My husband is thrilled and determined to keep it up.

Keeping Up the Tradition

I know John’s goal is to work hard and continue this new tradition with his only grandson. Perhaps I’ll suggest going South in the winter and add a bit of bribery. It always worksā€”at least it has so far!

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

I have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can. In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

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Our E-Bike Road Trip from Nebraska to Colorado

Our E-Bike Road Trip from Nebraska to Colorado

by | Sep 3, 2024 | Grandparents

Earlier this month, John and I went on a small vacation. Here’s how it went.

Planning Our Trip

We didnā€™t want to do anything too huge or expensive, so we decided to take our bikes to a couple of the state parks around the Midwest and explore. I donā€™t believe weā€™ve had many trips without an itinerary, but we were both ready for it. Relaxing time, good weather and nothing set in stone. We were taking our e-bikes so that made it even more exciting.

Getting the Hang of E-Bikes

Blue vintage ebike in foreground with black ebike in background on Nebraska to Colorado ride

Weā€™ve had our e-bikes for two years, but have only rode them around town. Earlier this summer, we bought a carrier for them so we could load them on the back of our SUV. We even practiced loading and unloading them so it wouldnā€™t be too much of an ordeal. Let me tell you, the first time we loaded them on the trailer, both of us cussed a few times, but we got better and better with each practice.

First Stop: Chadron State Park

After a day driving in Nebraska not on interstates, we stopped at Chadron State Park. Weather was perfect and we set off on a short ride. By the time we got home, our oldest daughter had left a message saying they were going to be up North of us with their two girls but werenā€™t sure of their timeline.

They werenā€™t going too far, but they knew we were close. We were excited to meet up with them somewhere. Later, we learned their timeline changed and we would not be able to meet up with them. We understood and continued on our trip.

Second Stop: Summit County

Nancy standing next to two ebikes with mountains in background

We set off for Summit County in Colorado. We had a great time riding on the trails to the different summits. We did ride to Copper Mountain one year on regular bikes when we were in our twenties. It was fun but tough. We would never have made it this year without the e-bikes.

Checking in with Our Daughter

Soon, our daughter contacted us saying they were enjoying their time away from home. They boated and swam in Lake Granby.

I did mention to them John and I had taken our e-bikes and thought it would be a fun thing for their family to experience. My son-in-law and granddaughters are pretty athletic, and we thought they would enjoy trying something different. I sent them some pictures and hoped theyā€™d be able to give it a try.

But they hadnā€™t seen any e-bikes they could rent. I told them to keep trying, and their goal was to continue looking before leaving the area. I reminded them the e-bikes are heavy and even when they are pedal assist, they can take a bit to get used to while riding them.

My Daughter’s E-Bike Experience

By the next day, they had discovered a bike rental store and planned to ride in the afternoon. They got back to us that evening. Both my granddaughters and son-in-law loved the e-bikes. They enjoyed seeing the scenery from a different perspective and relished the freedom they felt during their ride.

However, my daughter did not like the e-bike. She was shocked by the weight of the bikes and expressed concern about how hard it was to turn corners or even go through a curve.

I understood their concerns and congratulated them on trying something very different. Thatā€™s a trait I always remind them to work on and need to remind myself to continue practicing.

All in all, we all had a great time. I’m disappointed we werenā€™t able to meet up but such is life. All of us trying something new was good! As I reflect, I think I know who weā€™ll leave our e-bikes to once weā€™re done with them, which I hope is never!

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

I have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can. In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

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Finding Time to Connect with My Grandkids

Finding Time to Connect with My Grandkids

by | Aug 5, 2024 | Grandparents

At this moment, Iā€™m sitting in front of our rental cabin at Chadron State Park. Itā€™s a beautiful day, the sun is shining and there is a nice breeze which is keeping the heat away. We came on this 10-day vacation to get away. Weā€™ll spend a couple of days in Chadron, a couple in Custard State Park, and then to Silverthorne, Colorado. Weā€™ve taken our e-bikes and plan to do a little biking at each stop.

Family photo of Nancy and her grandkids at a restaurant

How I’ve Stayed in Touch Over the Years

Just because weā€™re getting away does not mean I want to get away from my grandkids. OK, they are always away, but my normal, and sometimes timely emails and calls are not normal while weā€™re traveling. It made me think of the many different ways Iā€™ve communicated with them over the years.

During COVID, everyone was either in high school or an out-of-state university. During those years, we zoomed a lot. Everyone had free time on Sunday afternoons and I took advantage of my ability to see everyone at the same time. It also seemed to work for their schedule as we met every week, there were times not all four of the grandkids were able to join, but usually they all were there. I had the time of my life. Grandkids, not COVID!

Slowly but surely, they started to graduate from college, one by one. Our zoom calls were smaller as there were times they needed to work. I had expected this but didnā€™t immediately realize the direct effect it would have on me. I refused to pout or complain, although I felt like it, but didnā€™t share my feelings. I put my thinking cap on and went to work.

Finding New Ways to Connect

There were times I let them know I was going to FaceTime them all at the same time. It worked once or twice, but the randomness of my invitations didnā€™t work out very well. They were all getting set in their structure of work, play and friends, none of it coinciding with each other. This wasnā€™t getting me very far.

The next plan I came up with was to FaceTime them individually. That worked pretty well for me, but I frequently received a text saying it wasn’t convenient for them. Donā€™t get me wrong, I never felt like they were trying to avoid me, but I still wanted to get my way. I didnā€™t want to pout, although I may have privately.

My next plan was to ask the three granddaughters who live in Kansas City what day they have in common that is free. We found one! It was a Saturday night earlier this month. Yippee. John and I packed our bags and we took the three granddaughters out to eat. Two and a half hours of pure joy for both my husband and me. Making trips to KC isnā€™t something we can do on the fly, but it was a resolution that worked.

Our grandson Iā€™m able to see more frequently. However, that also comes with its challenges. Heā€™s worked full time while going to UNL so his time is limited. Next fall, heā€™s adding an internship in Omaha. Good for him.

Letting Go & Passing the Torch

Iā€™m now realizing there was a time when I got my way, but I need to pass the torch to them on their own timeline. Whether itā€™s one at a time, or all four, Iā€™ll continue to work on making it happen!

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

IĀ have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can.Ā In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

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From Grandmas to Globetrotters: Our European Adventure

From Grandmas to Globetrotters: Our European Adventure

by | Jul 1, 2024 | Grandparents

A funny thing happened to two grandmas on the way to the Berlin Wall. This sounds like itā€™s the first line of a joke. Well, itā€™s not a joke, but there were many funny times.

A Sister’s Invitation to Europe

Nancy's older sister wearing cream cardigan and glasses smiling for photo at lunch in a restaurant in Europe

Early last fall, my sister asked me if I would be able to travel with her to Europe. I was intrigued and asked her for more information. My sister is five years older than I am and lives in Omaha. We see each other at least once a month.

She lost her husband two years ago after a long and difficult illness. She has four grandchildren and five step-grandchildren. She has more grandma duties and a much more diverse experience than I have had with my four grandkids.

Two Grandmas on the Go

When she asked me about traveling with her, I realized she was finally ready to go to Europe with someone other than her husband. My sister has always been healthy and a great traveler, but she hadnā€™t done much traveling over the past five years. I was honored and thrilled at her invitation.

We giggled about the idea of two unescorted grandmas traveling such a long distance together. What could go wrong? Although I didnā€™t need my husbandā€™s permission, I still asked. Before long, my sister and I were off to planning our spring trip.

Genealogy Dream Trip

Woman standing behind sandbag wall at the Checkpoint Charlie Museum in Berlin, Germany

Since she hadnā€™t traveled in years, I gave her free rein on her hopes and dreams for the trip. We met several times to discuss the details. Mostly, she wanted to be on a river boat cruise and travel in Germany down the Elbe River to Prague. It sounded like she had been thinking about this trip for some time.

She admitted she picked this destination because one set of our grandparents came from Germany and the other set originated in Czechoslovakia. My sister has done a great deal of genealogy work, and she wanted to experience those places our grandparents may have seen.

We agreed on specific dates, the river boat cruise line and additional destinations we wanted to add to our travel plans. We were set. There was only one thing left to do.

Breaking the News to the Grandkids

We needed to tell our grandkids. My sister and I had a great time sharing the questions our grandkids had for us. “Why?” was what they most frequently asked. We told them we were curious about where our grandparents came from, what the land was like and the politics of the past and present. I think it was difficult for all thirteen of them to understand because all of their grandparents lived in the same town they did. Funny thing is, now our grandkids are moving out of Nebraska.

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

I have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can. In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

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Granddaughter Runs Away With It

Granddaughter Runs Away With It

by | Jun 3, 2024 | Grandparents

It was December of 2023 when I first heard my granddaughter had signed up to run the 2024 half marathon in Lincoln. I was thrilled to hear her news. I knew she liked to run a bit, but never imagined she had set a goal to run the half marathon.

Supporting Her Training

I immediately asked her about her training, her goals and her expectations. It was obvious she had thought everything through and was ready to begin her training. I wondered how I could help and what I could do to encourage her through this process. She appreciated my enthusiasm, but also probably appreciated the fact that we no longer lived in the same town so I wouldnā€™t hover over her during practice runs.

My Own Running Journey

I fondly recall the year following my retirement from Lincoln Public Schools, when my daughter told me she had signed me up to run the half marathon. I was a 5K runner, but I had never thought about running anything longer. I wasnā€™t exactly sure I wanted to run that far. Just having retired from being a high school principal, I really didnā€™t know if I wanted to invest that much time and energy on a new goal. Staying at home, going on walks and taking an occasional nap sounded pretty darn good.

Once I reminded myself I couldnā€™t just shut off my life, I agreed to take on the challenge. I found a training regimen to follow and began my new life as a pretend athlete. Yes, pretend athlete. I had never been involved in any type of sport throughout my entire life. This new goal was going to test me.

Her Secret Advantage to Success

My granddaughter was going to have a much easier time than I did in prepping for the run because she had participated in sports at the high school and college level. Whether it was volleyball, tennis or rowing, she knew how to set training goals, monitor them and achieve them. I was not going to be much help to her with that. What I could help with was checking in on her at least once a week for a report on her progress, which I did. Her response was always so positive. It was obvious to me she was going to be successful.

Race Day Preparations

Nancy's granddaughter posing in front of indoor track with hydration backpack before the Lincoln half marathon

May quickly approached, but my granddaughter knew she was ready. She was still nervous, but prepared and eager. She didnā€™t come to Lincoln as soon as I had thought she would because of her allergies. Again, she was on top of things! She arrived in town on Saturday. My husband and I drove her along the route to show her the places that might be more difficult for her, like the inclines and narrow spaces going from streets to the bike path. I especially wanted her to see the starting line.

Finishing the 2024 Lincoln Half Marathon

Sunday came and she was off and running. We had told her where we would be to see her and cheer her on. We followed her on her full journey. She was a machine, keeping up with her goal times and having a very successful finish.

Nancy's granddaughter at the finish line of the Lincoln half marathon with medal around her neck
When we caught up with her at the finish line, she looked amazing, calm and proud. Other than her toe nails hurting a bit, she was in great shape. What a powerful and determined young woman, who Iā€™m proud to call my granddaughter! Iā€™d love to run with her, but Iā€™d need a scooter to keep up with her!
Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

I have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can. In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

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Finding My Calling with TeamMates Mentoring

Finding My Calling with TeamMates Mentoring

by | May 6, 2024 | Grandparents

I worked with TeamMates Mentoring at Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) shortly after Tom Osborne and his wife created the program in the early 90s. As a principal, I loved greeting the mentors because I knew how much the relationship meant to our students. The closer I got to retirement, I knew being a mentor with TeamMates was something I wanted to do with my free time.

First Steps into Mentoring

I contacted the TeamMateā€™s office and inquired about the organization and weekly requirements. The staff member who helped me was the wife of a fellow LPS administrator. She was excited about my participation in the program and answered all my questions. She called two days later and asked if I was interested in helping them out with a young boy who went to one of our feeder schools. After getting the okay from my superiors, I told her yes.

Building Trust with My First TeamMate

The young boyā€™s mother had just gone to prison, and he and his siblings were going to a foster home. Both the foster parents and the principal of the elementary school were hopeful I could help with the transition. I was ready. At least I thought so.

The first several months were hectic and rather disorganized. This young boy was very active and OCD. I soon realized my role was to give the teacher some time for him to blow off some steam. We met in a small room near the library and frequently drew on the white board. Playing organized games or reading were not yet part of our session. After some time, he became less agitated and followed directions. He obtained skills with his behavior and was a joy to work with. We were TeamMates for several years before the family moved away.

Mentoring a Bright & Independent Young Woman

When I connected with my next TeamMate, I had already retired so it was much easier. She was a middle school student who was very shy and very bright. She loved art and Dungeons and Dragons. She taught me a great deal! I worked hard to get her scholarships and find the perfect art class for her. During her senior year, she told me she didnā€™t want to go to college and was sorry to disappoint me. Yes, I was a bit disappointed but I realized this is what she wanted to do. She was not yet ready to move away from her parents and be on her own. To this day, we still chat on the phone and meet for lunch several times a year.

My New TeamMate with Big Dreams

This year, I have a new TeamMate who attends an elementary school. Her older brother was a student who attended Northstar, and he asked me to keep an eye on her. As a fourth grader, she is very smart, independent and already knows she wants to be an obstetrician. When I was in fourth grade, I didnā€™t even know what that word meant, let alone what I wanted to be.

She has her own challenges but nothing we canā€™t figure out together. For example, she’s so confident that when she works on a craft during our time together, she neglects to read the instructions. Minor details. Weā€™re working on that skill first.

While working with her, I am reminded how I worked with my grandchildren when they were in elementary school. Donā€™t tell them what to do or how to do it, and patience is a virtue. Come to think of it, thatā€™s still the way I communicate with my grandkids today. I’m supportive but stay out of their way! Sometimes those grandparent skills just keeping giving, long after your own grandkids are grown and on their own. Iā€™ll always be there for my grandkids and my TeamMates.

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

IĀ have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can.Ā In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

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Being Phased Out of Everyday Updates From My Grandkids

Being Phased Out of Everyday Updates From My Grandkids

by | Apr 1, 2024 | Grandparents

One of the things I miss about having three of our four grandkids in Kansas City is knowing what they’re doing and what they’re thinking. I donā€™t expect to be informed about everything or even know what they had for lunch. I donā€™t even remember what I had for lunch! But now, I usually just hear about the big events in their lives, and it’s often given to me after the fact through their moms.

Missing the Little Things

When they lived in Lincoln and I heard about an event a little late, I could always squeeze in a trip to cheer them on or run over to their homes to give them a hug.

But then I started thinking, “Was this grandma pouting? Was this grandma being a spoiled brat?” I stopped and realized I wasnā€™t their mom. Iā€™m not the most important person in their life. My grandkids were sharing things with their moms and that is whatā€™s important and how it should be.

Keeping the Lines Open

This got me thinking, “How did I keep my grandmothers in the loop? How good was I at keeping open the lines of communication?” I realized I didnā€™t communicate every day with my grandmothers. I didnā€™t avoid talking to them; I just thought I was too busy with my activities, and I always knew my mother would keep them informed. At least I assumed she would.

As I reflected on my granddaughterā€™s early years, I realized that my grandkids kept me up-to-date more than I ever did with my own grandmas. Yes, the shame began to creep in!

Communication Then vs. Now

Communicating is also very different today than back in the good ole days. Today, I may text my grandkids to share news or whatā€™s going on in my life. They donā€™t always respond, but they usually reply with a heart or a thumbs up.

There was no social media when I was growing up. The only thing that came close to social media was having the one family phone on a party line with your neighbors. You could hear what your neighbors were talking about, but you really couldnā€™t listen for long because the neighbors could hear the clicks of someone picking up or hanging up the phone. Social media back in my day was talking to friends face-to-face.

Remembering My Grandmothers

Recently, I find myself thinking about my grandparents a lot. Last year for Christmas, my daughter got me a Storyworth book. Each week we were assigned to respond to a specific question. At the end of the year, the stories were printed and bound together. The title of the book is called, ā€œNancy Becker, A Collection of Life Stories.ā€

This gift was a wonderful reminder of how I need to remember my grandparents. Several of the assignments were prompts like “How did your grandparents earn money?” or “Do you have any particularly vivid memories of your grandparents?”

Iā€™ve also thought a great deal about my grandmas as I look around our house. I have a bureau, a pool table, a pie pantry and other pieces of furniture which I love and dust every week. I wonder what Iā€™ll do with these pieces that my grandkids don’t want. Iā€™m not going to worry about itā€”thatā€™s for sure!

Solid cedar wood antique bureau styled in an entryway

As we grow older, role reversals can be difficult. Iā€™ve learned to roll with the punches and embrace the change and keep in my lane.

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

IĀ have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can.Ā In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

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Why My Granddaughter Is on the Cover of Vogue

Why My Granddaughter Is on the Cover of Vogue

by | Mar 5, 2024 | Grandparents

Just when I felt my oldest grandchild found her niche, she decides to move it up a notch.

A New Generation’s Work Model

I was always under the belief that you worked one job and you stayed there. Yes, youā€™d adjust what role you may have in the school or company, but thatā€™s what both my husband and I have done our entire lives. I worked with Lincoln Public Schools in various buildings and positions. John worked with the Lincoln Police Department in various leadership positions. Thatā€™s what people in our generation usually did. Weā€™d learn, grow, take on a new position and repeat for our entire working life. I heard things were changing with this new generation, but I never thought it would apply to my family.

Finding Her Passion

Our oldest granddaughter went to KU while rowing and competing her way to athletic success. Her success only continued after graduation. She loved competition and winning. When she graduated, she worked for a huge soccer team, which now has select teams in Lincoln. She was in communications for the team – creating ads, sponsorships and press releases. She loved the energy that came with the job!

She found herself leaving the team and working as a wedding planner for a relatively small business in Kansas City, though. Not quite sure how or why she made the transition, but she did. And she succeeded there. She was in love with the job, which included many of the same communication requirements as the soccer team. She enjoyed helping couples celebrate.

Taking the Leap From Employee to Entrepreneur

Our granddaughter called last month and said she was going to make another change. I couldnā€™t imagine what her next job might be. Mortician? Running for political office? No, she was opening her own wedding and event planning business. For some reason, I was shocked, thrilled and a tad worried. As I recall my own mid 20s, I was not confident enough for this type of a challenge.

She put me at ease as she continued to explain. She talked to a financial advisor, and he agreed that she was financially able to pull it off. She talked to a lawyer, and she assisted with setting up the business. And there were three friends who wanted to join her in the new adventure. She came up with a business logo, so she was ready to run with the wind.

A Bright Future With Unexpected Recognition

Fast forward to last week when we get another call from our granddaughter. She told us that she was completing her businessā€™s website and would post it soon. The other big news was that she and one of the event center managers were going to be featured in the next UK Vogue Magazine.

She made a connection with several event sites. One of those individuals was going to be featured in the UK Vogue Magazine, and she wanted our granddaughter to join her for the interview. She was so excited because the magazine would be coming out next week.

I was speechless, which rarely happens to me. Iā€™m still trying to figure out how our granddaughter, this young woman who rowed for KU, is now going to be featured in the UK Vogue Magazine. I also wondered whatā€™s next for her. Maybe this generation changing jobs is not as bad as I once believed. My generation needs to be supportive and hang on for the ride!

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

IĀ have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can.Ā In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

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What I Learned on My Grandson’s Recent Ski Trip

What I Learned on My Grandson’s Recent Ski Trip

by | Feb 5, 2024 | Grandparents

As our grandkids grow older, our ski trips are changing.

Our Memories on the Slopes

Years ago, when our kids were in elementary and junior high (yes, back in the old days when it was called junior high), we would take our daughters skiing in Colorado during winter break. Weā€™d go after Christmas and return ready to start second semester.

We loved going but had to make sure we traveled within our budget. We took our own food and found the cheapest skiing sites and places to stay. We usually rented a house that was owned by someone we knew. Sometimes, those deals backfired when the plumbing frozeā€”leaving us without toilets. Still, we always had a fun time in Colorado as we laughed, skied and rolled in the snow.

My Grandson’s Big Ski Adventure

This year, the week before UNLā€™s second semester began, our grandson went skiing with friends. They had a great plan of where they were staying, where they were going to ski and even bought their lift tickets online in advance so they weren’t left out, literally, in the cold.

This particular week was brutally cold in Nebraska, but the boys were on a mission. Nothing was stopping them, especially knowing they had classes the following week.

And nothing did stop them until after they passed through Denver on their way to the slopes. Avalanches on the highways forced them to reroute several times. After driving several hundred miles around the avalanche, they finally made it to their destination, Winter Park.

Supporting from Afar

We didnā€™t send food with our grandson and his friends, but we tried to help in other ways. We packed my husbands ski pants, ski gloves, hat and a dozen hand warmers. Iā€™m sure his mom sent some of those items as well, but we thought just in case, we wanted to take care of him. We certainly did not say we wanted to take care of him. Heaven forbid. Our grandson is independent and proud but also knows we are always there when he needs us.

I should have sent money with our grandson, though. We later heard the lift tickets were $200 a day. Had we known the cost, we would have purchased a half-day pass. It’s my goal to keep our monetary gifts even across all four of our grandkids.

Staying Connected & Setting Goals

He regularly connected with his parents, especially since our grandson was driving their Suburban. He did keep in contact with us, but only to send pictures of their experience. This was his first big trip with friends, and Iā€™m sure they all worked together to accomplish their goals of having fun and not getting hurt. Maybe they didnā€™t have a goal of not getting hurt, but I sure hope so.

Planning Future Trips

Almost a week later, we received the news that the boys made it back to Lincoln safe and sound. No broken bones, only great stories. Best of all, no frozen waterlines, so they didnā€™t have to put their waste in plastic garbage bags. On the drive home to Nebraska, our grandson and his friends decided to go on another trip together next yearā€”this time, at a much warmer destination!

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

IĀ have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can.Ā In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

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Can This Old Dog Learn New Tricks?

Can This Old Dog Learn New Tricks?

by | Jan 8, 2024 | Grandparents

Our granddaughter bought a puppy. It feels weird to us, but we love that she made the decision and is taking on extra responsibilities.

Pet-Free Beginnings

Neither my husband nor I grew up with pets. My father was allergic to animals, so other than being around horses and chickens, we had no pets. John, my husband, grew up the same way. His father worked on the railroad and was absent much of the time. His mother was raising three kids and didnā€™t want the added burden.

When our girls were young, we thought about having a pet, but Johnā€™s allergies prohibited that from happening. We were also busy with taking advanced degrees and working full-time. Our girls never experienced pets and they never complained or felt slighted by this decision.

When Pets Join the Family

After our daughters were married, their husbands felt differently. It was not an immediate decision, but once both girls had children, the husbands made their wishes known. Pets needed to be part of their growing family. They made the decision to get dogs. One family had a little dog, the other had a lab. The grandkids loved the dogs and they were now a complete family. I always thought our family was complete, but little did I know what complete meant.

John and I enjoyed visiting the dogs in their homes and even offered to take them for walks when they were out of town. Because of Johnā€™s allergic reactions, we couldnā€™t take care of them at our house. They were good dogs and the grandkids really enjoyed their company. Yes, there were times when I wondered if we should have had pets while our daughters were growing up, but I quickly put that thought aside.

Indy’s Arrival

Now, our granddaughter has a dog, Indy. Sheā€™s just a puppy, but wonā€™t grow much bigger than she is now. She’s such a cutie with so much enthusiasm and energy. I can understand how our granddaughter loves her new pet and enjoys her company. I’m sure Indy keeps her very busy. Fortunately, the apartment she lives in is on the first floor and has a small patioā€”just perfect for a pet!

They live in Kansas City, so I had only seen pictures until their visit to Lincoln for Christmas, when my granddaughter brought the dog along as her companion. And companions they are! They play together, wrestle together and think the other is their best friend in the world.

A Sign of My Grandkids Growing Up

I asked my other three grandkids if they were going to get a pet. The two granddaughters said they were too busy with their work schedules and couldnā€™t handle the extra time needed for pets. Our grandson said maybe, but that it would probably be a cat. He went on to explain cats were more self sufficient and not as needy as dogs. Since Iā€™ve had neither, I just nodded my head in agreement. I donā€™t know if heā€™s actually been around cats, but I could not question his response, only act like I knew what he was talking about.

I think this is another sign of my grandkids growing up and taking on new responsibilities. We are enjoying each and every moment with them, unless we have to clean up after Indy. Weā€™re more accustomed to diapersā€”hopefully John and I donā€™t have to change each other’s soon!

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

IĀ have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can.Ā In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

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Home for the Holidays

Home for the Holidays

by | Dec 4, 2023 | Grandparents

The holiday season is always a busy and delightful one. I enjoy opening up our home to family members, their children and grandkids. Our grandkids are growing older, so several of them are seriously dating others, and we do our best to accommodate everyone. Almost 30 guests will be attending Thanksgiving and Christmas with us this year. Even though Iā€™m thrilled, I also realize my time with each grandkid gets shorter every year.

A Successful Thanksgiving

Iā€™m beginning to adjust to hosting 25-30 people for the holidays. Fortunately, Thanksgiving went well, and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time. It was quick for everyone, though, because the girls needed to get back to Kansas City and my sister and her family had another event to attend.

Planning for Christmas

Now that Thanksgiving is over, itā€™ll be a quick turnaround to Christmas. I still marvel at how I did everything when I was working full-time at Lincoln Public School. Where did I find the time and the energy? I have plenty of time now, but the energy is limited. I always try to plan some type of prep work to do each day, making sure my baby steps will get me ready before December 25th.

My Struggles With Gift-Giving

Unlike previous years, my grandkids have been really on top of getting their gifts ideas to me early. They are more aware of the sales taking place now and will do what they can to get the gifts they want and need. This year, they all want clothes for work. Iā€™ve already ordered dress shirts, sweaters, pants, jeans and shoes. From sneakers to dress shoes to Birkenstocks, everyone in my family is getting a new pair of shoes.

Even though the kids have done a great job texting me their wishlists, I worry that I won’t order their requested items correctly. Somehow, I always manage to get the wrong size, color or number of shoes. One time, I ordered what I thought was one pair of tennis shoes, but I received two. All turned out well because the second pair fit me. Bonus!

The other thing that usually throws me off is trying to find the gift receipt for the orders. Why donā€™t they send a printed receipt on the package anymore? Iā€™m all for saving and recycling paper, but what the heck?

Lastly, John and I create traditional Christmas gift tags on each personā€™s presents, which takes additional time. We always think itā€™s funny to make up a name for who the gift is from. We sit down at our laptops and ask Google for ideas. As an example, we’d search for people who always wear tennis shoes and use their name to indicate thatā€™s who gave our family the gift. The person could be famous or not, but it provides a clue to what the gift might be. It also provides a good laugh for everyone. Even Santa. Ho Ho Ho.

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

IĀ have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can.Ā In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

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