When You're Old, You Can Say Whatever You Want. (Apparently)

You truly can say anything when you’re old. Did you know this? It’s true. And people find it H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S. Like the lady who said to me after she spent a whole 5 minutes with my perfectly behaved children (they really were being very good), “Honey, I sure hope you’re fixed!”  True story.

LIstening as Nonnie is telling us something….not sure what

And, then later, she was asking us if we were mormons because we live in Utah. We replied that we were. She then said, “So you don’t smoke?” and we said, “No” and she said, “And you don’t drink?” and we smiled and said, “No”. Then she said, “But, I sure can tell you do other things!” She was a little obsessed with our sex life I think. See. You can say anything. And everyone I’ve told this story to finds it hilarious. I can’t wait to be able to say anything I want.

Nonnie singing to the kids

Avery and Nonnie

We had a good time visiting my husband’s grandmother on our recent trip for his grandfather’s funeral. She is a feisty woman herself. Russian, and strong willed. But, we love her. She brings a lot of spunk to the family. She loved seeing the kids. They were sweet with her too. Avery showed her some of her ballet moves, Kyle held her hand, and little Chandler was as charming as always. She enjoyed singing a cute little song to them about clapping your hands. They all loved it.

Kyle and Nonnie

Chandler and Nonnie

My attempt at a picture of all 3 kids with Nonnie. This cracks me up. Watch out, Chandler is trying to make a get away, and Kyle looks bored to tears.

When this same old lady that made the funny comments above saw us visiting with Nonnie (his grandmother), she plopped herself down in the middle of all of it. At one point, she turned to Nonnie and said, “What do you think Grandma? Don’t you think these kids should be on birth control?” And, Nonnie simply replied, “I hope not. I sure do love my great-grandchildren.” Don’t mess with Nonnie. She can hold her own.

It is hard to watch those that you love get old. And, die. His grandpa was also an amazing man. Mayor of Menlo Park, CA. A very smart, successful engineer in the Bay area. Fought in two wars. And, just a good example of patience, and virtue. You could tell at his funeral that he was loved and admired by his entire family. And, especially by his kids and grandkids. I wish I knew him even better than I did. Now, between the two of us, we only have our grandmothers left. No grandfathers.

A picture of his Grandpa the last time we saw him. With 2 out of the 3 kiddos. He will be missed.

August 2011