Cheerios With Nana

While watching television last night, this commercial came on twice and I had to stop and watch it both times.

 

It's only 31 seconds but it's so sweet!

 

It reminded me of my wonderful Nana and how I miss her so much.  She died a long time ago but she is still very special to me and also to many, many of my cousins.  We all adored her!  How I would love to be at her house today just to hear her talk or sing or play the piano.  I think food also brings back strong memories of loved ones; either because of something they would make or something they loved to eat and perhaps you ate it with them.

 

Photo Courtesy of Cheerios

 

For my Nana, it is a coffee cake recipe that she would make and you could eat it hot or cold.  I believe it is a recipe she made up herself and she called it Snapdoodle.  Being a child of the Depression, Nana would say that anyone could make this coffee cake because the ingredients would be things that you would always have on hand in your kitchen or cupboard.

 

Everyone loved Snapdoodle and when Nana made it, it was a treat!  Just like her, Snapdoodle has simple straightforward ingredients but it makes a lasting impression of something sweet and basically good.

 

I'm sure you must have a Nana in your life or someone who might have filled the role of a nurturing Nana for you.  If this person is still with you, give her a call today or give her a hug.  If she's no longer with you, then talk to her, for I bet she can still hear you and is still looking over you.

 

Cheerios or Snapdoodle, it doesn't matter which one.  Loved ones stay with you forever.

 

Here's the Cheerios With Nana commercial:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSNAdo9Czns

Happy Birthday Mommy!

Mother and Child
 By Pablo Picasso

Today is my Mom's 81st birthday and I truly hope she has a relaxing day.

I've always thought it was funny that my parents birthdays are a week apart.  We've never celebrated them together because my parents are Aries and their strong personalities need separate birthday celebrations.

My Mom did an incredible job of raising six children who were born close in age.  There is only seven years between me (the oldest) and the youngest child.  There is a set of twins in our family and one of my sisters and I were born in the same year so we are the same age for a month.  Think about taking care of six children all by yourself: the logistics, the time, the energy, the patience and the imagination.  You're tired just thinking about it, aren't you? 

My Mom is the ultimate mother.  I can honestly say that she loves all babies and she adores their spontaneity.  She was a hands-on Mom who would get down on the floor and play with us and think up games for us to play.  She showed us how children should be enjoyed and let us dance around or sing or tell stories to entertain the family.  There were many nights when my parents admit to turning off the television just to watch all six of us perform.

You paid your dues, Mom, and today I send you big birthday hugs and kisses!