To each his own said the old lady as she kissed the cow

This is a birthday/tribute post to my dear grandma. It is her first birthday since she's been gone and I think most of the family is unsure how to celebrate or what to do. But I know we all want to remember and give toast to an incredible woman who influenced all our lives.

While my brother and I were one of the many grandchildren she had, I know she always made each of us feel special. She may not have had a lot of money, but she always had a lot of heart. But more than that, the lady was a hoot! My mom actually made each family a jar of "Momism's" filled with little pieces of paper of all the funny things she said. The heading to this post is my case in point!

I think it has been a sort of healing process for us to have the jar around. When I am having a bad day or unsure of what is to come, I often ask the Momism jar. While much like a Magic 8 ball....she is way more insightful.

There was one day where Pat and I were disagreeing on something and I was getting frustrated so I decided to ask Grandma why we weren't getting along at the moment. Her response: "Love will find a way, even in a manure pile"

It was such a perfect thing to say that I started laughing right away.

She also loved babies. It makes me sad sometimes that I never had any kids for her to meet before she passed away. But I remember having a conversation with her about it one time. She told me that I would have kids someday and they would be beautiful and look just like me and have my eyes. I know when I finally do have a baby she will be smiling. She always used to say, "Our family is blessed. Not with money, but with healthy babies".

To celebrate tonight Pat and I are going to share a nice bottle of red wine in her honor. For, if you knew her, you know she loved her red wine!

She was quick-witted and one of the wisest women around. I know she was sad to leave us all....but I also know she is watching down on us, day after day, and I can't wait to see her again!

I don't have a great or recent picture of her, but this is from Christmas a few years back. At her nursing home they put on a Cowboy Christmas.


Grandma and baby Aaron!

It's a Cowboy Christmas!


In honor of her birthday I have included one of her favorite recipes. I am sorry I don't have a picture to show you, but I have had it before, and trust me, it's good!!

Daffodil Dip

Ingredients
1 hard cooked egg, chopped
2Tbs chopped onion
1/2 cup mayonnaise (the real stuff!)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 8oz package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley
Dash of pepper

1. Gradually add mayonnaise to softened cream cheese. Mix until well blended. Add parsley, chopped egg, onion, garlic and pepper. Mix well.
2. Serve with veggie dippers such as cucumbers, radishes, cherry tomatoes or crackers.
Last Bite: Make the dip, you'll love it! And hopefully you have a wonderful grandma to love too!