Let’s talk about reading a poem today.

Shall we stay inside to read that poem? Or head outside?

Can we make the decision to stay all cozy inside AND head outside… at the same time?

Of course not!

But perhaps this little poem about a snail by 20th century novelist and poet Richard Wright gives us the option to do both…

Make up your mind snail!
You are half inside your house
And halfway out!

In this poem, Richard Wright experiments with the form of the traditional Japanese haiku – with its 3 lines and a specific number of syllables per line.

Wright’s poem celebrates a little wonder of life… the snail.

Read the poem with your kids or grandkids. Read it a couple of times.

Talk about the wonder of that little snail who carries its house from place to place.  Talk about how it pulls itself back into its shell when disturbed, danger threatens or to escape the weather. The snail house also protects the snail from sharp objects or vegetation as it pulls itself from here to there. That little snail house seems like a pretty good deal!

The voice, or speaker, of the poem comes along and notices the half-in, half-out snail.

This is a tiny moment of life, a sliver of time… but that moment can make us hesitate, smile, think and talk to the snail.

Hey! Make up your mind snail!

Ask your kids why that snail may be half-in and half-out. Is it feeling a bit threatened? Is it getting ready to make a move? Is it just enjoying the day? Is it finding a nice place in which to read a poem?

It’s moments like these that poets capture… wonderful moments that so many of us rush by.

It’s poems like these that teach children to notice life. It’s noticing life that counts when it comes to becoming proficient READERS.

During the rest of today, focus on finding little moments and little details, just like the snail half-in and half-out of its house. It’s great fun!

Remember that READING is all about the WORDS… Written, Spoken, Felt.

Oh. Back to the original question. Is it possible for you to be half-in and half-out of your house… at the same time?

You decide!

This is something I’ve wanted to do for quite some time… combine my love of grandchildren, children, education, reading, literacy, family, fitness and health as a resource for fellow Grandparents and Boomers.  We are, after all, a great force of nature!

I first posted a profile pic of me with my husband Barry and all 9 grandchildren, but it got “lost” in the Twitter space…

… and many friends and followers didn’t recognize me @SharonCouto (which I still have) as @GrandparentU.

So yesterday I asked my 6-year old grandson, Alex, to take a photo of me for @GrandparentU.  Kind of get him into this Social Media world!

I handed Alex my cell phone and he went about his work, setting up the shot, albeit laughing up a storm while he listened to my directions.  Little did I know that he was having fun VIDEOING me…

I don’t think I’ve had such at a fun photo shoot ever, and how appropriate is this for a GRANDPARENT site!?

And I don’t think I have a photo of me ever with a smile as big as the one captured through Alex’s beautiful, beautiful eyes…

Now that’s a Grandparent smile!

Join and follow me over at @GrandparentU for some lively understanding, shared wisdom and fun!

Thanks, Alex, for giving me the knowledge, great secret and love of spontaneous LIFE…

Hearts float around us in people, in words, in gestures and in things.

But not everyone sees them, feels them or acknowledges them.

My 6-year old grandson Alex is one of the people who has the gift to find hearts just about everywhere, and in everyone and everything.  Alex loves people.  Audrey has said from the moment Alex was born that he loves life.  He’s happy to be alive.  He finds joy, excitement, laughter and love in every single moment.

Alex finds hearts.  And hearts find him.  Hearts seem to land on him.

This past week, with Matt in the hospital and Audrey caring for him, I spent lots of time with Alex.  He attends afternoon Kindergarten, so he was home with me each morning while his 3 brothers were off to 1st grade or pre-school.  We had time to talk, to play, to build railroads, to cook, to clean, to fold laundry, to download new Apps on my cell phone, to read, to play Webkinz and to eat together.

It was in the eating that the hearts really seemed to make their magic… or where Alex found them,  saw them, felt them, acknowledged them…

A potato chip

A donut gift from Auntie Janie

A peanut butter & jelly sandwich

Yes, I think it’s a true gift to see the hearts that surround us and find absolute delight in them… and Alex’s heart is wide open to receive all the hearts that come his way.

But the best part of all is the happiness, the giving, the perfection of sharing his heart and all these hearts that come his way.   Alex was born with the lesson of sharing this great joy.  It’s deep in his own heart.

We all have this gift.  We just have to open our HEARTS to discover the magic and wonder of people, things and life itself!

A sudden medical emergency is always trying.  It always rearranges lives.  It’s always frightening and stressful and life-changing.

When a medical emergency strikes your son-in-law and leaves your daughter and their 4 children in a blur of whats and what-ifs and what now… well, the grandparents step into their world as quickly as possible to lend their hearts and hands.

I am fortunate to have retired from a 30-year teaching position and to currently work from home.  I am blessed to live near my 9 grandchildren and to see them often.

But last week I found myself in a super crash-course in Grandparenting.

I was able to take a few minutes to organize my “notes” from this  Advanced Course at Grandparent University.

And as the days progressed, I realized that there was still so much more to learn.  Of course, I have the answers to many, many questions.  After all, I am a parent of 4, a retired teacher and an experienced Grandma.

BUT…

I must get on the Grandparent University RESEARCH PROJECT train to find the correct answers to these pressing (and actual) questions from these 4 little grandguys:

1. How do dogs pick boogers?
2. What is Vitamin Deed?
3. What is Step 5 in getting rid of hiccups? (I’ve been told by 6-year old Alex that Steps 1-4 are: drinking a glass of water, holding your breath, eating a teaspoon of sugar, standing on your head. He’s very curious about that Step 5.)
4. If baby ducks are called ducklings, why aren’t kids called kidlings?
5. Who invented the silent K, G and W?
6. Why is a foot 12 inches?  And the related: Why is a real foot not 12 inches?
7. How do olives get in the can?
8. Why is it called a highway?
9. Why can’t you always win at the Loser Machine (aka Claw Machine)?
10. Do you get your money back if you throw-up your food?
11. Do they have toilets in igloos?
12. Why can’t pigs walk backwards?
13. I don’t see two lips on tulips. Do you?
14. Why are the NY Giants called NY Giants? (Bad time to talk about this, guys!)
15. Why can’t you fart any time you want?

Hmmmmm.

Inquiring minds. Pressing questions.  Two lips are the most wonderful distraction, anyway… right along with boogers and farts.  Yes?

I guess I’ve gotta get on these topics to stay matriculating at Grandparent U!

We are fortunate enough to be able to attend lots and lots of activities… at their schools, sporting events (swimming, ballet, baseball, softball, running, lacrosse, soccer, hip-hop, gymnastics) and our many family gatherings.

But the day-to-day and day-into-night and night-into-day is Parent University.

Until this week.

Matt’s sudden medical emergency and Audrey’s care sent Barry and I off to Grandparent University: Advanced Course.

Here are my notes:

1. 7-year olds need privacy
2. 6-year olds still need hugs
3. 4-year olds will cling to playground equipment in 20 degree weather for at least 15 minutes before leaving
4. 3-year olds need no less than 5 “blankies” to sleep with
5. Size 8 underwear bunch up on a 3-year old
6. Undershirts are for girls
7. The most fun of playing catch with your Auntie Janie is losing an inordinate amount of tennis balls both over and under the fence
8. “How many balls can 4 boys lose?” means just that (see above)
9. The question, “Grandma, can you make me some money in here?” refers to Webkinz… thank goodness
10. Angry Birds are not grumpy senior citizens
11. “Lucky Charms” mean ONLY the marshmallow bits
12. Tooth brushing is successful only if the sink turns blue
13. Toilet paper is for clogging the toilet
14. Watching Pop-up plunge is entertaining (see above)
15. Pee is for lining the toilet seat for Grandma to sit on
16. I need a PhD in short-order cooking
17. Pez is fun. And sticky.
18. It’s fun sleeping with 5 “men”
19. Grandmas “operate” on stuffed animals, ripped pillows and buttons on request
20. There are at least 2,000,000 kid TV channels to memorize
21. Our Bob-O-Pedic is bedtime Disney World
22. “Laundry” means 3 loads per hour
23. APPS is an acronym for Appropriate grandParent rePlacement System
24. There’s only a small window of time for a child to WISH to be called Superman…
25… or wear Valentine heart socks.
26. One must wave enthusiastically from the front door each time anyone leaves
27. Questions about Daddy are answered with great calm and even greater love…

I’m learning. I’m actually remembering.

Somewhere in the recesses of my mind there is a piece of my own Parent University that recalls homework, rushing off to activities, bedtime rituals, wiping noses and little bummies…

But this Advanced Course at Grandparent University has Barry and me on our toes, on our game, staying alert, keeping us, well… young.

I also must give a great-big college megaphone cheer to Jane for helping with the kids, the technology, the fun – especially for bringing her puppies every day for the boys to play with and to love all over – and to rest on…

And if we can do anything to help Matt get better and home soon and ease Audrey’s worried mind, it’s worth all the credit hours we can put it.  I just hope and pray for an A+ for Matt, and soon…

Can I be heartbroken over a melted Snowman?

Yes, when my 3-year old grandson Henry meticulously created the Snowman (on top of my patio table that should have been winter-stored by now) from perfectly packed snow, winter berries, sticks, a carrot, ferns, mittens that no longer fit him and his wonderful imagination…

Henry carefully placed each berry, each stick, each “crop” of hair (even remarking that the ferns could be used as reindeer antlers).

Henry asked for a little carrot and little mittens.

It was a warm afternoon, so I let Henry sit outside on my deck as he set about his work and then worked and worked.  And worked.

Last night it began to rain.  Henry called me to ask if his Snowman was still there.

I assured Henry that the rain would end.  It would get cold again.  And… well, you know.

But what I didn’t anticipate seeing this morning as I peeked at my back deck was this…

Oh my goodness.

I know all that stuff about solids, liquids and gases existing and depending upon the temperature, pressure and nature of those substances.

I know all about how our world is constantly cycling as a solid, liquid or gas.

I know about melting… my heart, that is.

But I don’t think a Science lesson is in order here.

I think a Love lesson will do, in the form of lots of solid Hugs.

And another Snow Storm.  Pronto!

This is The Story of the Birthday Egg.

The Little Birthday Egg is a gift from our oldest granddaughter, Taylor.  I wrote about it almost 2 years ago as my family celebrated the Birthday of our beloved NanaFlo.

Taylor gave this special gift to Barry and me on the day NanaFlo would have celebrated her 91st Birthday.  It was just like Flo was giving it to us herself through Taylor… letting us know she’s still with us and her family that she loved so dearly.

To understand this Story, you have to know how much NanaFlo adored Taylor.  Taylor is NanaFlo’s first great-grandchild.  Taylor is the beginning of a new chapter.  Taylor is a page-turned.  Taylor is what NanaFlo dreamed of… longed for.  A great-grandchild!

This is the day Taylor was born…

NanaFlo and Taylor!

A 1st-time Grandpa & 1st-time Great-NanaFlo!

But on to the Big Egg. 

Taylor gives of herself in much the same way NanaFlo did… thoughtful.  Naturally thoughtful.  Born to it. 

The Big Birthday Egg is a gift that Barry and I are giving to Taylor this Saturday, on her 11th Birthday.  I found this Egg all dusty and tucked away in an upstairs room of a little vintage shop in Stockbridge, MA during the Christmas season.  I knew it was meant for Taylor on her Birthday… from Barry and me and NanaFlo herself, who always came to a party with a very special gift.  I thought the BIG EGG was such a wonderful way of expressing how little kindnesses keep on giving…

But this is the real miracle.

Since NanaFlo passed away in August 2008, she’s been sending RAINBOWS to let us know she’s here.  To let us know she’s an Angel.  To visit and to give us love, hope, blessings.  Everybody who knows us knows about these special RAINBOWS that appear just like a great big hug, a kiss, a comfort, a smile, a laugh, a funny joke, a little story, a phone call at the perfect moment.

Last night I was was phot0graphing the Little Egg next to the Big Egg… when I noticed something.

Something inside the Big Egg.

As I looked closer, there it was.

A RAINBOW.

A RAINBOW is inside THE BIG EGG in each photo I took of those two Birthday Eggs.  If you look at the left-side bottom of the Big Egg… you’ll see a full, glorious RAINBOW.

It was a moment of WOW.  Joyful WOW.

I think it’s a Birthday Miracle that NanaFlo is sending to Taylor with all her love… and with all the colors of Heaven!

I know it is.

The library.

And a hunt for Pine Cones and Winterberries.

Then you’ve got yourself not only Magic… but Magic Christmas Decorations!

Henry!

Ben discovering that a Pine Needle hill is very slippery!

"Grandma, Pine Cones are sticky and spikey!"

The entire world in one moment!

The beauty of OUTDOORS!

Hills are made for kids!

A spot for Henry's Pine Cones... and to read his library book!

Ben pruning (by himself) the last of Grandma's Winterberries!

Ben's Masterpiece!

The whole world in one tiny red berry!

The most Magical Christmas Decorating of all!

I have never had more Magical Christmas Decorations in my entire life…

And memories to last a lifetime!

I got the sun in the mornin’
And the moon at night…

Well, I’m goin’ on to add grandchildren to the sun and the moon… and when we get all the grandkids in one day, that’s a mighty thankful day.

Take this past Saturday.

Barry and I started our morning at Jake’s basketball game…

Awesome defense!

Then we rushed off to William and Alex’s basketball game… 2 brothers, both #22, on different teams, playing each other…

Oh, wow!

Lovin' the spectators Henry & Ben!

Then across the state to Taylor and Andrew’s swim meet…

Taylor owning the air!

Andrew "taking his mark"!

Then back across the state again to watch Maddie, Jake and William at their swim meet…

A precious good-luck kiss from Grandpa to Maddie... through the glass in the bullpen!

Jake & William with their M&M candy canes for winning their individual heats!

Spectator Dylan donning a swim cap!

If I could write like Irving Berlin, I’d write about the sun in the mornin’, the moon at night… and all the fun, laughter & love in-between from 9 little miracles on a Saturday in December.

And I’d sing it all day long!

It’s a simple thing.

It’s a signaling thing.

It’s a sound thing.

It’s The School Bell…

Benjamin rings The School Bell at his pre-school... as Henry & Mommy listen!

The School Bell cuts through the morning silence with the promise of learning, of discovery, of magical lands and thoughts so far, far away.

The School Bell signals kids from far and near that it’s time to wake up or finish breakfast or put chores aside for the gathering of words, of concepts, of understanding.

The School Bell lets kids know at the end of the school day that those chores still wait to be finished with their hands… but finished with heads filled with ideas.

Kids love beginnings and endings.

Yes, The School Bell tradition is one that I wish could be brought back to every, single school.

It revives them.

It settles them.

Its sound excites and comforts them… all at the same time.