Grandma Archives – Jamieson Diaries

See You Later, Grandma Toni!

January 10, 2016 Leave a Comment

Kris, Jordyn and I were lucky enough to have my Mother-in-law a.k.a. Grandma Toni, here in Montana with us for about a month and a half. We really enjoyed having her here and we are so sad she had to leave us. Jordyn especially loved having her Grandma Toni here to follow EVERYWHERE like she was her little shadow. Jordyn adores her Grandma Toni (because Grandmas are always the superstars) and I’m sure she’s wondering where she is, and why she didn’t get to see her this morning.

I’m sure you’ve all heard the classic Mother-in-law horror stories, but I’m one of the select few who can brag about not only having an awesome mother-in-law, but a great relationship with her as well. As always when we’re together we always have such great, in-depth, conversations about life in general. It was especially nice to have an adult to talk to during the day while Kris is at work and I’m hanging with the munchkin. All of my fellow SAHMs (stay at home Moms) understand what I mean! Oh, did I mention how much she HELPED us around the house. I think I’ve done the dishes and laundry ONCE since she’s been here, and I’m not going to lie…I got spoiled rotten. While she was doing the dishes last night I said to her “I’m going to have to start doing my own dishes again” in the most pathetic sounding voice ever LOL.

From bath time, to potty training, to hanging out in the man cave watching movies on the projector and sharing popcorn together, Jordyn and her Grandma were able to create a lot of fun memories. I’m sure the little munchkin will expect Mom (as she calls me) to keep most of these fun traditions up now that Grandma has gone back home. However, she will surely miss Grandma Toni’s cell phone (and sharing Sesame Street videos to Grandma Toni’s Facebook wall LOL) because Mom isn’t as willing to let her play with hers since she broke Mom’s last phone -_-.

One of the hardest parts of being a military family is being based so far away from family and friends. You would think as many times as we have visitors we would get used to the “see you laters” but in all honesty they only get harder. Being married, and even more so, being parents, you learn exactly how much family means to you, and how much you took them for granted when they lived up the street. Thankfully, it is 2016, and we have amazing technology that allows us to be closer to loved ones even when they’re hundreds of miles away. There will be plenty of Facetime calls and Facebook posts until we are able to see each other again. (Prayerfully sooner than later!)

Thanks again for spending so much time with us, Grandma Toni. We are surely going to miss you around here. Safe travels back to Illinois, and we all love and miss you already. Try not to be too sad, because although it’s extremely hard to be so far away from each other, we’re blessed to have people to love and miss as much as we love and miss each other.

We love you!

Brie <3

[01.10.16]

Happy 70th Birthday & Thank You Grandma/GG..

November 19, 2015 Leave a Comment

Today is my Grandmother’s 70th birthday, and oh man, what a blessing she is to this family. Not only has she been blessed to see another day, but she’s here to see the start of a new decade.

If you know me, you know I am for sure a “grandma’s girl” and it’s a title I wear with pride. I have always been extremely close to my grandmother. We have an unexplainable bond that I thank God for every time I get the chance. I had the privilege of growing up either living in the same house or down the street from my Grandma, and for that I am thankful.

In conjunction with a post on the Humans of New York Facebook page (click here to read it) last month, and FLOTUS, Michelle Obama’s, Let Girls Learn initiative, I began to think of my Grandma and how much she has influenced me, but particularly my education. I don’t know if I ever told anyone before, but a huge part of getting my degree was for my Grandmother. Although I always knew I wanted to go to college and receive a degree in a subject I love; my love grew out of my love for my Grandma. When my Grandma got married and had children it was a much different time for women and the life options they were presented to chose from. I remember the first time my Grandma said if she was given the opportunity back then she would have gone to law school to become a lawyer. It never really hit me until I was in high school how privileged I was, as a young Black woman, to be able to go to college and pursue my own dreams. I still remember how proud she was of me at my college graduation, and how she was wiping tears away when I walking up to them after the ceremony to take pictures. In all of the hard work and personal pride I felt in receiving my degree, I was even more happy to have made my Grandmother proud. For me, walking across the stage was my personal way of saying I have listened to everything you have taught me in life and this is my way of saying thank you.

As my grandmother celebrates her 70th birthday, the beginning of a new decade, I want her to go into it knowing how loved she is and how thankful I am for God blessing her to see another year, and how much she has already taught me and continues to teach me about life. On her birthday I want to say a million thank yous and they still wouldn’t be enough.

Happy birthday Grandma/GG! We love you so much and pray you have a wonderful day. You make 70 look GOOD! 🙂

Brie <3

[11.18.15]

All Posts, Dear Diary, Family Love

See You Later, Grandma & Auntie Maya!

August 3, 2015 Comments : 2

This past weekend, we said “see you later”, to my Mom and sister, Maya. They left Saturday morning to head back to the Chicagoland area. (They almost stayed a few extra nights if we hadn’t made their train within minutes of it leaving lol).

We’ve had the pleasure of spending close to two months with my youngest sister, Maya, a.k.a. Jordyn’s, Auntie Maya. She came back to Montana with us from our Chicago trip, for a majority of the summer, before she had to go back and prepare for school. As always, it was so nice to have her here to spend time with us and be an amazing helper around the house. Little Miss Jordyn, loves having her Auntie Maya around to beat up and love at the same time. The picture collage below should give you a pretty idea of how their relationship works…LOL!

To be fair, they had many adorable moments, as well. Jordyn would get SO excited in the morning when Auntie Maya woke up, and came downstairs. She would let out a little squeal and dance to show her excitement. They also spent a lot of time just being together watching movies, or strolling around base/town looking adorable. For example, the picture below shows a little bit of their cuteness :-).

My Mom got here two weeks after Maya, Jordyn and I returned from Chicago. As usual, she came with gifts (foods and spices we can’t get here in Montana) and outside of being the usual big help she was with Jordyn, she made us curry shrimp, oxtail, and powder buns (Belizean pastry) within her two-week visit. Needless to say, she’s the best, and not only do Kris and I love her, but so do our stomachs and taste buds haha. There were so many mornings I woke up, and Jordyn was awake, changed, fed, and downstairs hanging out with her Grandma, while they let me sleep in, and relax. Reminded me of the two weeks my Mom spent here in Montana around this exact same time, last year. She was so helpful with Jordyn so Kris and I could sleep in some mornings, or catch a nap if we had the opportunity. As much as I know she loves spending time with us (about 10% of the reason she comes to visit) and Jordyn (about 90% of the reason she comes to visit LOL) we love and enjoy her being around just as much, if not more. Jordyn loves her Granny (as I like to call her) and you can tell by how much she loves to yell at her Granny to pick her up or share her food LOL.

When you live so far away from family, spending time together is even more cherished. The hardest part of coming from a large, close-knit family, and living so far away, is loving people so deeply and not being able to see them whenever you want. We all managed not to cry this time around (it’s a miracle), because we know we will get to see each other again next month. We are stopping in Chicago on our way to and from the east coast, in September, for a friend’s wedding/to see friends. If we were unsure of the next time we would get to see each other I’m sure it would’ve been waterworks at the Shelby train station haha.

I’m so happy you guys made it back safely. We love and miss you already. Looking forward to seeing you guys next month, and can’t wait to make even more memories next summer! 😉

Brie <3

[08.03.15]

All Posts, Dear Diary, Family Love

Happy birthday, Mommy!

July 26, 2015 Comments : 2

I know, I was just here wishing my youngest sister a happy birthday, but today is my Mommy’s turn for a birthday shout out. My Mom is turning a young 21 years old for the 27th time ;-). This is the 2nd year in a row we’ve gotten to spend your birthday together here in Montana. Today will be nothing short of fun, filled with great food and laughter. You deserve so much more, but one day I’ll be able to buy you a vacation somewhere with sandy beaches and icy beverages :-).

You’re the best Mom anyone could ask for. You always put our needs and wants before yours (even me at almost 27 years old). If there is something I need or want, you do your best to make it happen. From cooking our favorite meals when you visit us, watching Jordyn for us to go on date nights, to being complete goofballs when we’re together. I couldn’t ask for a better first best friend.

It goes without saying you’re an amazing Grandma to, Jordyn. She does not want for ONE single thing, because I’m pretty sure she owns every baby gadget, contraption, and/or toy there is to offer thanks to you LOL. From her excitement of seeing you in the morning when we visit you/you visit us, to her contagious laughter when you two are playing, she loves you more than you could know already.

Thank you for being the world’s best Mommy and Grandma a girl could ever ask for. My friends have even adopted you as their mother/grandma for their children lol. I pray you enjoy your day, today, and God blesses you to see many many more. Oh, and you know Ares will even have some loving for you whether you want it not haha.

Happy birthday, Madre! We love you sooooo much! 🙂

Brie <3

[07.26.15]

All Posts, Dear Diary, Family Love

Happy Mother’s Day!

May 10, 2015 Leave a Comment

Today, is my first official Mother’s Day, and what a beautiful day it is! I often look at my baby girl and can’t believe God blessed me enough to choose me to be her Mommy. When I hold her, play with her, hear her laugh, talk, cry, or peacefully sleep, I am in awe of how much love and joy she brings to my life. I couldn’t imagine life without her, and I wear the badge “Mommy” proudly.

However, I want this post to celebrate my own Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. It was not until I became a Mother that I truly began to understand the love and sacrifices they have made over the years. My Grandmother was only 20 years old when she had her first child, and my Mother was 21 years old when she had me. I had Jordyn at the age of 25 and even then I freaked out, refusing to believe I was pregnant, until the first ultrasound. Their lives changed years before mine did, and yet, they were able to be amazing women. Every parent, no matter who they are, has their flaws, but growing up is what teaches us our flaws teach us self-improvement. Both my Mother and Grandmother spent most years of their children’s lives being single Mothers. Having a child of my own, and a supportive husband, I couldn’t imagine doing it without him. In their cases, family stepped up, and became the village it took to raise all of us, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

To my Mother: thank you for teaching me independence. Thank you for teaching me the importance of being strong and outspoken. Thank you for teaching me I don’t have to compromise who I am or what I believe for anyone or anything. Thank you for shielding me from harmful ways and people even when I didn’t see it myself. Thank you for working hard to take care of us and provide us with everything we need and want. Thank you for being tough on me. Thank you for expecting greatness from me. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for always being there when I need you. Thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for being MY Mommy and Jordyn’s Grandma.

To my Grandmother: thank you for being the definition of selfless. Thank you for being the epitome of class and elegance. Thank you for teaching me the importance of education. Thank you for teaching me the importance of forgiveness. Thank you for teaching me how to be a lady. Thank you for showing me the definition of an angel on Earth. Thank you for teaching me family always comes first. Thank you for being the backbone of our family. Thank you for being my safe haven. Thank you for always being full of life and love. Thank you for making everyone around you smile. Thank you for allowing me to be a “Grandma’s girl.” Thank for having a heart of gold. Thank you for always being there for me. Thank you for always being a shoulder to lean on. Thank you for being the world’s greatest Grandma. Thank you for being MY Grandma and Jordyn’s GG.

To my Great-Grandmother: Thank you for your big hugs and sweet kisses. Thank you for loving your “Brie-Brie” unconditionally. Thank you for your contagious and loving feisty-ness and happiness. Thank you for loving your family unconditionally. Thank you for having thirteen children and creating a huge, crazy, loving, strong-willed, and tightly knit family. Thank you for being the foundation of our extended family. Thank you for always remembering me in the midst of such a large family. Thank you for being MY Great Grandma and Jordyn’s Great-Great Grandma.

Today, I am thankful for all three of you lovely women. I am thankful God has blessed me and my family to have five generations walking this Earth, on this Mother’s Day. I am honored to join you ladies as a Mother on this lovely day, and couldn’t have asked for better women to look up to.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the beautiful, giving, and selfless Mothers in my family and all around the world!

Brie <3

[05.10.15]

All Posts, Dear Diary, Family Love

Happy Birthday GG & Happy 5 Months Jordyn!

November 18, 2014 Leave a Comment

Today is my Grandma’s (a.k.a. Abuelita but better known as Jordyn’s GG) birthday. We were supposed to say “see you later” to GG yesterday morning, but a last minute, unexpected trip to the ER for GG ended up rescheduling that plan for Thursday morning. Don’t worry, GG is doing just fine, and had endured a wonderful case of “vertigo”. Although I am upset she had to go through this, I am extremely happy this unfortunate event took place BEFORE she boarded her train, what should have been the following morning. It also doesn’t hurt that Jordyn and I get to keep GG here with us for a few extra days ;-). GG has been here in Montana with us since September 16^th, and man do we enjoy having her here. It is always nice to have a “piece of home” near you when you’re so far away from everyone. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a Grandma’s girl in general- so Thursday will be a tough day for both Grandma and I. As much as it saddens me, and makes me cry, when my family members have to leave me, I find comfort in the blessing of having so many people to love and so many people to love me back. GG hasn’t even left us yet and we already anticipating the post-GG effects in the Jamieson household. As always, we will bounce back from the sadness, and look forward to the happiness of getting to see each other again in the near future. But in the meantime, I hope my Grandma is having the greatest birthday, ever. It is truly a blessing to be able to call her Grandma. She is one of the most caring and genuinely beautiful people I have ever met in my life. I pray God blesses her to see MANY more. If you would like to send her a birthday shout out, I will be sure to relay the message to her. Happy birthday Grandma/GG! We love you so much!

Jordyn has the pleasure of turning 5 months old on her GG’s birthday. Since her 4 month check in, Jordyn has improved her coordination so much. She is able to reach and grab her toys when they are hanging in front of her. She has even figured out how to slowly move her opposite hand over to the object and grab it with both hands. She has been sleeping through the night since her last week of being 3 months old. (Thanks rice cereal!) I know, I know, we are extremely lucky she sleeps through the night at such a young age. She usually wakes up talking to herself/playing with her fingers and trying to reach her toes for about half an hour before she gives us the warning yell that she is ready to be entertained by her personal court jesters (Mom and Dad). Neither Kris nor I take our new lovely sleep schedule for granted. When doing tummy time, she is still trying to figure out how to prop herself up on her arms, but she has definitely figured out how to get her knees in the crawling position. Tummy time doesn’t last more than 15 minutes, because someone gets pretty impatient at not being able to move, and starts hollering to be put on her back. She also told me to let everyone know she’s working on her attitude problem LOL. Today, we will attempt to try her first spoon fed meal. It’ll only be rice cereal and nursery water so we’ll see how she feels about it. I’ll have pictures to follow within the next few days.

This is about sums up everything that is “new” in Jojo’s world. Oh, I forgot to mention she LOVES to smile and giggle even more now. I just love everything about this feisty, sweet, giggly little Princess J!

-Brie <3

[11.18.14]