Let me tell you about.........Tea Parties March and April 2012

Recently I have been very fortunate to attend my very first and second tea parties ever.  Prior to these my only experience with anything relative to a "tea party" was the famous scene from the Walt Disney classic version of Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland".   So, needless to say, I had no idea what to expect from this type of a gathering.  Everyone who really knows me is cognizant that I was not really a "girly-girl" growing up with only a big brother and I do not recall ever playing tea party with a friend or female member of my family.  My sons probably would not have tolerated "tea parties with mom", ha!  Thus, my limited (actually zero) knowledge or expectations actually worked in my favor.

March - When I received an invitation in the mail for a tea party I was not at all sure what to expect but I did know that I would not miss it for the world!  The invitation was hand-written by my 6-year old granddaughter, Giada, and I was thrilled when I opened it.  I promptly "RSVP'd" with enthusiasm.

I had several weeks to contemplate and fantasize about the event and it turned out to be even better than anything I could imagine. 

The guests arrived and included grandma Lyndi, great-grandma Barbara, grandson Luca, son Chris, grand-daughter Taziana, me, and our hostesses Ana and Giada.  My daughter in-law and granddaughter had a beautifully decorated table with real china and silverware.  They had some crafts set upon the table for all guests and it was so lovely.

We started with a fun selection of teas to choose from and home-made scones that were visually appealing and tasty!  The next course was finger sandwiches, also home-made.  There were cucumber and chicken salad sandwiches to choose from and I took one of each.  Yummy!  We had cheese and crackers, and last, but certainly not least, was dessert.   I marveled in the notion that my daughter in-law worked so hard at making all of the food and decorations and I was so proud that she was passing something so special onto her children. 

I really enjoyed this party and delighted in watching my grand kids make their individual selections of tea, scones, sandwiches, cheese and crackers, and dessert.  Their personalities are fun and different and they all three make me smile so much when I am around them.   The party was an enjoyable event.

April - Tea Party number two!  I invited my daughter in-law, granddaughter, and grandson to attend a tea party in Denver with me at The Denver Tea Room.  My grand kids have American Girl dolls (both girl and boy dolls) and I found an American Girl Tea Party being hosted at this venue.   For those of you who are not familiar with the American Girl culture, you should look it up sometime as it is quite fun and involved.  This particular party was being held to introduce us to "Molly", one of the iconic girls in the collection.  There was to be an actual person there dressed as "Molly" that would read a story, do some crafts with the kids, and let them have their picture taken with her. 

Again, I was not sure what to expect upon arrival as I had never been to this particular place.  It was located inside a very old Denver bed and breakfast in a neighborhood not typically frequented by me or my daughter in-law.  Parking was precarious but we were fortunate to find a spot with few attempts.  We had to walk a bit to the building which was not bad in itself except for the chilly wind and there were some interesting "characters" standing on the sidewalk along the way.  We rang the front door bell and were brought inside to wait for the arrival of other guests.  The four of us had no idea of what to expect and the anticipation was fun to watch.  

We were escorted into a room that was setup for a party of 10 guests, 4 of which were us, so it was to be a small affair.  We selected our four seats and the kids were told that they could make themselves a name tag if they wanted to; Giada loves to do crafts so she quickly made her way to the area for this task.  There were 2 other little girls working on name tags at the same time as Giada and the 3 of them worked very nice together.  Luca only kinda-sorta wanted a name tag so his mom helped him make one.  He did not want to wear it, though, which was too cute. 

Giada making her name tag

We all waited patiently as the hostesses seated the remaining guests and prepared our tables for goodies.

Luca with his boy "Jerry"

The party began with the serving of the tea.  The youngsters were served a strawberry flavored tea and the adults were served a vanilla-cinnamon flavored tea. 

I recall seeing a sugar cube for the first time when I was little and how they seemed like something "fancy" as opposed to just spooning sugar into your drink.  I surmised that my grand kids had that same reaction as they did not at first know what the the cube was.  When Ana and I told them they both asked for one for their tea. I helped Luca hold his china teacup and watched him blow on the tea and take a tiny sip.  Priceless moment for me, one that I shall always remember.

Soon after the tea, "Molly" entered our room and the children were wide-eyed with excitement as she brought her enthusiastic energy to our group.  She introduced herself, told of where she came from (England), and proceeded to interact with the children.  She asked each of them questions and was truly focused on their responses.  She asked them if they liked chocolate cupcakes because she had some cooking in the kitchen for them.  Of course none of them replied "no"!  "Molly" left as the main course was to be served but promised she would be back to read us a story and help with a craft project.  This notion lit up my granddaughter's face with pure joy.

Lunch was served and it was unpretentious and perfect for all of the age groups.  The children were served a chicken strip, a scone, and a cucumber sandwich with the only adult variation being an asparagus, tomato, and cheese quiche instead of the chicken strip.  Everything was in nice small portions and tasted pretty good.  Luca needed his chicken strip cut up for him and I gladly assisted.  He made an "uummm" sound as he tasted everything and I was very impressed that he particularly liked the cucumber "samich".  Both of my grandchildren were so well-mannered, as were the rest of the group.  Next up were the cupcakes and they were pretty darn fresh.  Mine and Luca's were burned on the bottom but we still enjoyed them nonetheless.

After lunch was cleared from the table "Molly" returned to read us a story from her book and to also show us her tap dancing talent.  This was fun and the grand kids enjoyed the story and the show.  Giada was eager for the craft to begin and she did not have to wait long.  We were set up to make some book marks from strips of felt, some buttons, some trim pieces, and glue.  "Molly" used the premise of getting tired when reading and the need to mark her spot where she left off each time.  She did a great job of engaging the children in the activity. 

The party wrapped up with pictures and conversation and the purchase of souvenirs.  What a great day, one that I shall reflect on many times.  To quote my granddaughter, "best day ever!"

The take-away from this blog is that no matter the age or gender you should always try something different or out of your comfort zone at least once.  I was fortunate to try it twice and who knows how many more I will rack up in the future.  I look forward to more adventures with my daughter in-law and grandchildren.

As always, thanks for reading my blog!
Grandma P

 

Luca with "Molly"





Tea Party group with "Molly"



Giada with "Molly"



Luca, grandma, Giada




Let me tell you about....my grandchildren....Part 1

I am hoping that when my grandchildren are older there will still be an interface of some sort for them to be able to read my blog.  I would like for them to know their Grandma P from my own thoughts about life.  I was pen pals with one of my grandmothers during her last 5 years of her life and I cherish her writings.  This blog, "Part 1", is about my first grandchild.

My Giada, "Dolcezza Mia", my sweetness -

I remember the day that I was told I was to become a grandmother; it was something that I had wanted for a long time and it was news that made me so happy.  When your mom and dad found out that you were going to be a girl I could not wait to go shopping for pink and purple clothes for you.  I started writing a diary to capture all of my thoughts about you and I have it packed away in a box to give to you when you are older.  The months between finding out about you and actually meeting you seemed so very long but they were worth the wait. 

I was at work on June 17th of 2005 when I received a call from your daddy to let me know that you had arrived in the early morning hours.  It was difficult for me to concentrate for the rest of my work day in anticipation of going to the hospital to meet you for the first time.

Great-grandpa Jim and I went to the hospital together and we were so happy to meet you.  You were so tiny and pink and you smelled so good.   Your mommy and daddy were very tired so we did not stay long.  You had lots of visitors and happy people waiting to meet you.



Here is a picture of the first time we met


You only had to stay in the hospital for 1 day, I think, and your mommy and daddy were happy to take you home. 
You came to visit my house when you were just a week old and I was able to hold you and talk to you which made me very happy. 

Grandpa Steve holding you for the first time

 Grandpa Steve thought you were so cute and he smiled for the entire time that he held you.





There was a party for you, your baby shower, during the summer of 2005 and there were lots of people who came to bring you presents and to see you and your mommy and daddy.  The party was at your grandma Lyndi and Pappa Kevin's house and there was lots of food and even a cake for you.  One of my favorite pictures of you was taken that day by grandpa Steve. 

Look at the smile on your face in this picture as I am holding you.  You were sleeping and must have been having a good dream or you were just happy to have grandma holding you. 

Your first year went by very fast and you were busy with growing and spending time with your many family members.  Such a cute little sweetness, you made so many people smile and amazed me every time I got to spend even a moment with you.  Since I never had girls (only your daddy and your uncle Jason) I found delight in shopping for pink and purple clothes, dolls, and "girl" toys.  Your smile captured my heart from the moment I first saw it and has kept me hostage for 6 1/2 years so far. 

I did not make it to your 1 year birthday party because I had previous out-of-town plans but I did get to see lots of pictures that great-grandpa Jim took while he was there.  Your mommy made you a very cute Winnie the Pooh birthday cake for you to dive into and make a mess with; I think you must have had so much fun.

Pretty soon you were crawling and ready to discover my house the next time you visited me.  You were fun to play with and even more fun to just watch.  Your blue eyes and reddish hair enveloped my heart even more at this very cute age.

In 2007 we celebrated your Uncle Jason's 25 year birthday party and we all dressed in Hawaiian clothes.  You were dressed in a really sweet outfit.  It was a beautiful May afternoon and we spent some time outside during the party.  You and I had fun blowing bubbles and grandpa Steve took this picture of us.   You were mesmerized by the bubbles and I was just loving the feel of you in my arms.


At this point in your life you and I had not spent much time with each other due to life circumstances yet every time we did get together we had a very intense connection with one another.  I cannot adequately explain my excitement and desire to be around you but I hope through my writing that someday you will know how special you are to me.

When you started to talk grandpa Steve and I delighted in hearing your babble.  Too cute for words!  Your sweet little voice was high pitched and squeaky but oh so wonderful and entertaining.


Your 2 year birthday party was at your mommy and daddy's 1st house.  You had lots of family come to your party and there were lots of presents for you to open and have fun with.  One of the things that I brought you was a big pink ball and you had so much fun with it!  Look at your face in this picture, I adore this look as you are hugging your new pink ball.   Oh my goodness how much I love you.

From year 2 to year 3 you grew in your speaking; walking to running, jumping, twirling, and most of the time smiling or laughing.   I am sure that you kept mommy and daddy very busy.  Your new baby brother was born during this time so your world changed quite a bit.

I took this picture of you and your daddy when I arrived at the hospital to see your new brother, Luca.  You were shy and unsure of what was really going on but you were ever so cute and ready with a smile for me.

At the hospital when Luca was born

Your new world was busy, busy, busy, and I enjoyed getting funny photos from your mommy during this phase.  You started to show interest in playing on the computer and when you came to my house you loved to "play" my piano.  Your mom sent me this great photo of  you "sending an email"!  So serious....haha!
 
You did a lot of hiking and camping over the next year and I am sure that was a lot of fun for you and your family.  I have seen lots of pictures from some of those trips and it always looks like you are having a great time.  You will have lots of good memories to share with your kids someday and you will have some good life skills that your mommy and daddy have taught you.  You are a very lucky little girl.

Mother's Day of 2010 was held at your mom and dad's house and it was a very nice gathering.  We had some lunch and spent some time together for a couple of hours.  I took this picture of you holding this little Winnie the Pooh; two of my favorite things, you and Winnie the Pooh.  When you were born I bought a book of Winnie the Pooh with hopes of having you sit on my lap so I could read it to you someday but I was never able to do so.  I will pack it up and hand it down to you for your own children someday.

Mother's Day 2010

Your graduation from pre-school was a good evening for me as I watched with pride my first grandchild take this educational step.  Your dress was so pretty and you were very happy and surprised to see me.  I was waiting in my seat when you walked with your class down the aisle and when you saw me your face beamed; I got this picture of you when you spotted me.   I was also lucky to get a great picture of the smile of yours that melts my heart.  Your giggles are like magic as they make me feel so wonderful.

You moved on to kindergarten in the fall of 2010 and you were such a big girl about it.  I did not spend much time with you during your kindergarten year as your family was very, very busy and there was a lot of things happening in everyone's lives.  I missed you so much and we spoke on the phone often.  Your mom and dad were busy during this time as they were expecting your new little sister Taziana in October of 2010.

You are such a good big-sister to your brother and your little sister.  Even though you are somewhat shy at times I sense that you have a natural desire to be a leader just like your daddy was when he was little.  He, too, was a bit shy but he was a good big brother and always wanted to be a leader and first in line at school.  Many of your mannerisms remind me of your daddy yet I also see how much of a young lady you are becoming thanks to your mommy and your grandma Lyndi.  You are lucky to have so many positive female family members as you make your way through life. 

You invited me to visit your school during 1st grade and I was so proud that you asked me.  I came and had lunch with you and your brother and we visited your library to look through the book sale that was in progress.  It was a fun time for me, thank you so much for the invitation!

I am looking forward to my first tea party ever in my life on March 30th of this year.  You sent me an invitation that you wrote yourself and I am very excited.

I must confess that I keep all of the pictures that you make for me.  I scan them into my computer so that I will have them forever.   Here are a few of them that I really love.


You colored this for me - 2010




Love this! Valentine 2012




Also Valentine 2012



I look forward to you getting older and coming to visit me when you can; I would really enjoy and appreciate your company.  I would cherish having some time with you to get to know you; I have been dreaming of this for seven years.  I have boxes and boxes of stuff that I save for you and it will be fun to go through them together some day.
Right now it has been over a year since you have been to my house as life is so busy in your family.  I miss you terribly but I know that you are happy, healthy, and you have great parents.  What more can a grandma want for her granddaughter?   
I do hope that you get to read this and some of my other writing's when you are older so that you will know how you affected my life in such a positive way. 

Love always, Grandma P