My nieces, ages 10 and 12, have been staying with Grandma (my mom) since Memorial Day. It has been wonderful to spend time with the girls since their mother's most recent course of action has been to pretend that I don't exist except as an address to send junk email to.

My mom, the girls and I did many fun things together over the last two weeks, but the best part of the visit was just being with them. Listening to them talk, answering their questions, hugging them and, really, just feeling like an important person in their lives again.

One cool evening as we sat around Mom's outdoor fireplace warming our feet and watching the flames dance, the girls decided to tell riddles.

"Aunt Tammy," Madison asked. "What has eight legs and barks?" I had about 5 seconds to think before she gave me the answer. "A wolf spider." Not to be outdone by her older sister, Hannah chimed in. "What has eight legs and poots?" No time at all to think as Hannah immediately blurted out her own answer, "A pooting spider!" Total abandonment in a chorus of giggles.

Life is good.