Back to School Blues

This post is long overdue, considering Connie has been back in school (she teaches 2nd grade) for well over a month now. As with so many other things in my life, better late than never! I have an amazing mother in law. (And father in law, Jerry Lee, just so you don't get miffed!) She has the biggest heart of anyone I know. She and Jerry have accepted me as a part of their family literally since day one. I am so fortunate to have not just one set of wonderful parents, but two. I hardly consider Jerry and Connie in-laws anymore. They are just my family.

Connie was at my beck and call all summer long. Well, she was at Samantha's beck and call all summer. If I needed a nap, she came over. If I needed to get out of the house and run errands, she came over. If I needed to take a walk, she came over. If I needed to meet with clients, she came over. If I wanted to clean the house, she came over. When I didn't want to go to the pediatrian alone, she came with us. You catch my drift! Needless to say, she and Samantha did quite a bit of bonding and she checked out her options for early retirement!

This is my official Thank You, Connie, for being there (and continuing to be there) when I need you. Samantha is so lucky that you are her Wawa!

Family photo - Samantha is staring at the ceiling fan.

Can't see the ceiling fan from the kitchen!

Samantha in her custom made "Samantha loves Wawa" bib ... you can't exactly pick stuff up at the store with Wawa on it!!!

Some of you may be wondering about the origins of Wawa. Steven's grandmother, the original Wawa, did not want to be a "Gran" or "Granny" or anything of the sort when he was born. If you knew her you know exactly why! Don't get me wrong, she was elated to be a grandmother, she just didn't want to be called that. She was a stylish lady, and the traditional names just don't suit her at all. One of her co-workers told her "Ya-ya" is Greek for grandmother. Liking the sound of that, they set out to teach young Steven. Babies being babies, young Steven had a problem pronouncing his Y's, so it came out Wawa. You can figure the rest of the story. (As my mother, "Grammy", is reading this, she is silently praying none of the grandkids go with "Big Mama" since my dad is the "Big Guy.") In her honor and memory, Connie decided she should be a Wawa as well. Though they are figuratively big and literally expensive shoes to fill, Connie is more than suited to the task!