Thank goodness for grandparents

Ah grandparents. I will never forget the smell of Old Spice or the happiness I felt as I opened up my grandpa's car door during the summers when he picked me up from swim practice. he was always there and in my corner. He was the only person in the family that shared my and my brother's dislike for steamed brussel sprouts and would say it.  When my dad would make us eat them,  we would all laugh when my grandpa would say, "These damn things are just cabbages that never had a chance." I think my grandpa's presence in my life is the reason I cherish every moment my parents get to be around my kids and vice versa. 

There are so many things that grandparents can share with their grandchildren that you just can't give them. My parents teach my kids with a perspective and wisdom I'm haven't experienced yet, and nothing beats their "I want to spoil you at all cost" love.  I make it a point to schedule grandparent time so that they can build lasting memories together…and while it isn't easy living 1,000 miles apart, it is so very worth it. 

So as the holidays approach, and you begin to debate if it's worth the long ride or the hectic flight for such a short trip, remember that. If your grandparents are still alive, don't take them for granted. I never take for granted the fact that my parents are not only still around but still able to keep up with the little rugrats.  The memories of my time with my grandfather are a huge part of what I remember about my youth, and my grandpa's presence had a big affect on me. I want my kids to share in that revelry. We were so lucky to have my mom with us in London this summer, and I know that both my kids and my mom will never forget that special time they got to share together.

Let's face it, life is just better with grandparents. Their hugs and their love and their stories are unmatched.   

Sitting around doing nothing with my mom.

It is the simple moments with my mom that I love. Right now we are sitting in our hotel room watching some silly girlie movie while the kids sleep in the other room. We have been quite lucky over the past couple of years. We have been able to travel quite a bit together all over the world, sometimes with the kids and sometimes without. But the times I cherish the most are just chillin at the end of the day.

A few years ago we were lucky enough to travel to China with the NBA. She had always wanted to go so when I found out about the trip, I organized it so that she could join along. We had a blast and saw both Shanghai and Beijing together. We stayed at some incredible hotels, saw amazing sites and tasted some wonderful food but what I remember most is one hilarious evening.

While in Beijing, my mom had ordered a glass of wine to the room. She hopped in the shower and was just getting dressed when there was a knock on the door. I opened the door while my mom hid in the bathroom. In walked the nicest and shyest room service man. My mom thought that he had left and walked out of the bathroom in her underwear and bra. This super shy room service man didn't know what to do. He just stood there looking at me, half mortified. My mom had no idea he was there for what seemed like 5 minutes. It was probably about 30 seconds later when I casually informed her that we were not alone...I think I said, "He's still here mom." She then screamed and tried to cram herself into the smallest closet ever which was right by the door. The room service man opened the door and walked right by her quietly saying goodbye. We were on the floor laughing about this for, honestly, a few days. Even now, I am absolutely cracking up.

I am very fortunate to have such a great relationship with my mother. She is able to help me with the kids when I need it and is actually, really grateful for the time she gets to spend with them. Can you believe that, she thanked me for getting to spend such quality time with them when in fact she is doing me the favor of a lifetime. Meanwhile I am so happy and comforted knowing my kids are being taken care of by their grandma. I try my best not to take her for granted....I am thanking her all the time. My kids and I are incredibly lucky. Not only do we have a grandma/mom who loves and supports us but we also have a kick ass grandma/mom who is full of life and makes us laugh.

I am hoping that we have many more stories down the road like the one from Beijing. I can just imagine my mom, my daughter and myself doubled over because of something I did. That would be fantastic! Here's to grandmas!