Greetings! 

 How are your resolutions going?  I read January 9th is the day most New Years Resolutions are broken.  Perhaps this means the Y will be less crowded this week!  Today I want you to think back instead of to think forward.  What was one of your fondest memories in 2011? One of mine was my son's graduation.  Now, what do we have to do in order to have similar memories in 2012?  For me, I am learning new ways to communicate with my son as a college student.  I hope each of you have a 2012 filled with great memories. 

During the Christmas season I work with many grandparents who are looking for the perfect gift for their genius grandchildren. These grandparents tell me that grandparenting is the best job ever.  Considering it a job, how does one do it well?  Since I am not a granny, I want to tell you how my grandparents and my son's grandparents have made an impact on our lives.    

Some have the fortune to live near grandchildren and get to spend lots of time with them.  I believe time is one of the best legacies one can give.  Some of my fondest memories are both combing my grandma's long hair and making biscuits with my granny. Think about an activity that can be just between you and your grandchild.  For you that may be going to a certain park on Mondays, or building elaborate train tracks, or teaching them a skill, such as quilting, carpentry or computer programing.  

Some grandparents are separated by many miles from their grandkids, so how can they give the gift of time and remain an influence on those they treasure?  I don't recommend phone calls.  I personally disliked talking to my grandparents on the phone. I have noticed Josh usually doesn't converse well on the phone with his either.  But, Josh treasures the letters he has received.  The letters have included stories about his cousins, what the farm animals are doing and what is happening in his grandparents lives.   Occasionally, there is an embarrassing story about something I did when I was his age (thanks Dad).

As grandparents, you hold the keys to your grandchild's history.  We all love to hear stories about those in our past.  Find a way to share that history.  Verbally telling and retelling stories when you are together makes a lasting memory.  Also, how about keeping a life story journal?  Plan to write a memory every Tuesday, then, when your grandchild graduates or gets married, you will have this wonderful gift for them.   

Do you have ideas on grandparenting?  Please share them on our Facebook page. 

 Pie had its early beginnings with the ancient Egyptians, and possibly the Greeks, with the first recorded recipe  calling for a rye crust, goat cheese, and honey. Traveling to England as early as the 12th century, the dish usually featured meat, and the thick crust was often disregarded. Fruit pies were probably introduced in the 16th century with pears and quinces being used as often as apples.  Queen Elizabeth I is credited with making the first cherry pie, although it is doubtful she did the cooking. Sailing across the Atlantic with the colonists (along with the apple seeds they introduced), pies landed in America and began their transformation to what we know today. During the American Revolution, the Pennsylvania Dutch had a hand in perfecting the modern day pie. Created by the American Pie Council, January 23rd has been named national pie day. Need more than a tasty treat to celebrate?  

   Bonus:    What was the first pie crust commonly called? Email the correct answer in the next 48 hours for a chance to win a $5 Learning Tree coupon good on anything in the store!  Three correct respondents will be chosen at random.

Cyndie and The Learning Tree staff