Do you have a favorite dinner time meal for your family, that you know is always a smash hit?

"It is hard to pick just one but I would have to say either chili, lasagna or roast with potatoes and carrots."

What is your favorite game to play with your grandson? 

"Trains because Archer loves them so much!"

With your family so spread out how do you make quality time with them?

"I am intentional about making the effort to spend time with my family.  We all seem to find the time for what we enjoy and I truly love spending time with my family.  I try to get to Canada every 3 months unless they are coming home and I go to Champaign every Friday on my day off.  I am retiring from my job so I can spend more time with them wherever they happen to land."

Since having a family do you find yourself in situations you never thought you would be apart of? 

"I have been stretched in so many ways because I had a family.  First in learning how to be a Mom and then enjoying activities I would never have been involved in except for the fact my girls were so interested in them!  The one that comes to mind the most is watching and helping the girls start and grow their business.  It gave me a whole new perspective and appreciation to see them work really hard to build something from the ground up!  I have probably gotten to spend more time with my adult children because of the business than I normally would have at this point in their lives.  And now, being a Grandma is an amazing gift that I never really fully anticipated until it happened."

What do you wish you could have told yourself when you were pregnant?

"This too shall pass!  I never really enjoyed being pregnant but the end result changed my life in such a fulfilling and amazing way.  It is really hard to put into words how much I appreciate and enjoy my family.  Maybe that is why I did it again."

Please finish this sentence: It's okay to ...............…..

"take the time to play with my grandchild!  I don't ever feel like I am wasting my time when I am playing with Archer.  I have more time as a Grandma than as a Mom so I can do it and truly enjoy it."

What is your favorite outdoor activity to do with your family? 

"Going to the beach!"

We hear you like to travel. How old were your children when you took them on their first trip?

"We started pretty young.  Amanda was maybe 2 or 3 when we took her along on our first vacation and Trisha started traveling by 2.  We haven't quit yet!"

When did you most feel Mom-guilt?

"I probably felt the most guilty during the period of time it seemed like we ate in the car more than at home because of all the activities the girls were involved in.  It didn't seem like a very healthy life style.  There were probably times when I was working full time that caused some feelings of guilt but I truly do not believe it hurt them and probably made them a little more responsible."

Is there such a thing as Grandma guilt? 

"I have not experienced any Grandma guilt yet...hope I never do."

What is the thing that's been most surprising about being a grandma?

"I never expected the feeling of incredible love that grabbed my heart when he held my finger for the first time … and it has never gone away.  I don't know what I thought would happen but it is something you just have to experience for yourself, no one can really prepare you for it.  It is all the fun and none of the responsibility."

Your girls are grown now but what is something your children do (even now) that makes you feel the proudest?

"Watching them become caring, loving & responsible adults who treat their own families, us and others with respect.  Working through the hard times in their lives and coming out stronger for it.  When I sit in the business they created together and seeing how they created a space that brings so much enjoyment to other people.  Some times I sit in wonder when I am there (www.creamandflutter.com) and realize what they actually accomplished and it makes me very proud of them!"

How have your grandchildren inspired your life?  

"I think spending time with Archer has caused me to realize that the love of a child is an incredible gift.  We should always cherish it and never abuse it!  I am loving this part of my life and am looking forward to having more grandchildren.