Mother's Day is a special occasion that honors the incredible women who have taken on the role of motherhood. As a mother of two daughters born just 15 months apart in 1997 and 1998, I've had a unique and rewarding journey navigating the joys and challenges of raising children close in age. This Mother's Day, I want to share my reflections on motherhood, sisterhood, and the beautiful chaos that comes with having two daughters so close in age, yet so different in many ways. To say the least, it has been a wonderful journey.

Embarking on a journey to a foreign land is always an adventure, but for me, a 16-year-old from Chicago, my trip to Poland was not just about exploration—it was a voyage of discovery, connecting with my heritage, family, and the rich culture of my ancestors. Despite not speaking the language, I embraced the opportunity to immerse myself in the world my relatives called home.

As the Greatest Generation member, my mom was technologically advanced, especially for her age. She was a wiz with spreadsheets. She created manual spreadsheets before technology caught up to her. She eagerly took to social media, even posting her version of a selfie to share with family and friends. Computer, Smart Phone, IPad, yep, she used them all. But she gladly leaned on her children and grandchildren for technology questions.

What were the longest 48 hours in YOUR Life?

A mere 2,880 minutes. 172,800 seconds. How hard could it be to live through something like that?

I have always been fascinated by time in my entire existence on this earth. The old film of the 1960s, The Time Machine with Yvette Mimieux, takes a scientist into the future to find a Utopian society. Or maybe you remember, Back to the Future, where they find out you never really know what your parents were like when they were our age.

Let's start tripping…

Near or far, we've got a few exciting ways for grandparents and grandkids to connect, learn, and have a blast together using the power of modern technology. Read on if you want to make lasting memories and build a strong bond, no matter the distance. So, put on your digital thinking caps, and let's embark on an incredible journey together!

Today we are going to talk about virtual travel and a few tips and tricks.

For years, when we were young, my sisters, I, and a bunch of cousins would go on the greatest of adventures.

• Where to? A family farm.

• When? Harvest time.

As subsistence farmers, our aunt and uncle needed us to help hand-pick the animal corn. Acres and acres of animal corn. Did I mention many acres of animal corn?

Once upon a time, in the year 2023, there lived a wise and spirited storyteller named Carma. She was known throughout the family for the captivating tales she shared with her grandkids and other children whenever she was around! The children would gather, their imaginations intertwined, forming friendships as they discussed and reimagined the tales long after Carma's words had faded.

Is that you too? Would you like this to be your legacy?

This blog delves into the experiences and wisdom of grandparents, offering advice on how to build strong relationships with grandchildren, navigate family dynamics, and handle challenging situations. It also highlights the evolving role of grandparents today, emphasizing the significance of communication and mutual respect.

Maybe it isn’t the status of being a grandparent, but being a Great Aunt plays a vital role in the life of a Great Niece or a Great Nephew. This responsibility should not be taken lightly. A great aunt can provide guidance, support, and love to their niece or nephew. They can also serve as a source of wisdom to demonstrate and teach the family’s values.

Unplug their thumbs, train their mind and body and unleash their full potential…

It's no secret that kids today are growing up spending more time than ever before indoors, glued to screens and finger-driven devices. Their finger/eye coordination abilities are off the chart, but what about old-fashioned hand-eye coordination that requires more than a finger and gives them a pause from their fingers?

Let's talk about manners!

With summer finally here, temperatures start to heat up, and we begin wearing shorts and flip-flops again. Additionally, disposable cups, plates, and other easily disposable paraphernalia become the norm. This single action of paper product usage has single-handedly ended manners as we know it!

It's a great idea to teach children manners at a young age! Saying "please," "thank you," and "excuse me" are important social skills that can help them interact politely with others. Encouraging and modeling good behavior is a great way to teach these skills.

What was your favorite comfort food when you were a child? Mac and Cheese? Sloppy Joe’s? Meatloaf? French Fries? Something else?

For me, it was Polish sausage and sauerkraut. My Busha (a diminutive form of Polish grandmother, but we called her Bushi) was the best cook in the universe. Walking into her house was like walking into heaven. The smell of sauerkraut simmering on the stove permeated the house all the time.

“It is painful to watch Boomers use technology,” my 30-something son told me as I tried to reset the internet. Although I think I am pretty tech-savvy, I grew up with Big, Beige, and Boring technology. What technology did you grow up with? Was it boring or fun?

The first personal computer I remember using in the 1980s was definitely big, beige, and boring. The operating system it used was MS-DOS which used the language called BASIC (Beginners' All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code). It was a huge advancement for me since I was programming in FORTRAN on a mainframe that accepted keypunch cards. Did I say I was old?

In today’s age of societal turmoil, manners are more important than ever. Good manners, courtesy, and etiquette are the building blocks of a healthy society. If you want to “Change the World,” begin with style and grace, not hate and disdain. Don’t be a Karen.

How about encouraging a budding entomologist?

When I was a little girl, my dad and I would take walks around the block. After a rain, one day, I saw some worms on the sidewalk, and I screamed. I was afraid of these squirmy things keeping me from walking on the sidewalk. My father looked at me, took my hand, and ushered me to the grass next to the sidewalk. He said, "Wait here."

Did you help your parents with a vegetable garden when you were young?

My dad loved to garden and would plant tomatoes every year. When I was little, he asked me if I would help him.

We started at the local hardware store and bought a packet of tomato seeds, which cost 15 cents. Dad showed me how to take some potting soil (he always kept some in his garden shed) and fill the egg holders of a used egg carton mother gave us instead of throwing it out.

You have to use the stairs!

We all love our grandkids. They are a source of joy, pride, and love. So why am I writing about elevators? Because we have to rally to help motivate our grandkids. We know what it was like, early in their childhood; trying something new was easy. Since we live in a microwave society, it can be challenging for us to know how to help them stay motivated and engaged for the long ride.

What is Charm school, and what does it teach? Sometimes called Finishing schools, these programs focused on teaching social graces. In the 1800s, these schools were established to train young women to become polished, accomplished wives and socialites. In other words, preparing them for marriage.

Are you looking for success for your grandkids in 2023? If so, stop reading now.

As we begin a new year, we typically contemplate the changes or enhancements we want to focus on in our upcoming year. You and I probably already have our "to do's or "to change" list ready. The typical list begins with; losing weight, exercising more, saving money, spending more time with family and friends…