OCTOBER'S MOM OF THE MONTH

{JOAN LUNNY SAIA}

We have another winner.......and yes, it's another rockin' mom out there in her second round with kids (aka Nanny). We love these women that put in their time with their own kids and then are there to do it all over again with their grandkids. Joan has been married 44 years to her now retired CPA husband, Frank. She has three married children and 9 grandchildren that range in age from 3 to 14. She likes to travel, shop, play tennis, and she walks each day. She is active in her church as a Bereavement Counselor, Visitor to the Sick and she coordinates retreats. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, she doesn't cook anymore. Bravo, Joan!

Here are her answers to our questions:

1. What surprised her most about being a mom? The unconditional love she felt for her children. "I could forgive them anything, and ask their forgiveness too. I never knew such love could exist."

2. If she had 3 days to herself, a plane ticket, and $10,000 what would she do? "I would go to Paris. My husband and I spent our honeymoon there 44 years ago. My daughter lived there for 3 years during which we visited often. Everyone falls in love with the sophistication, the history, museums, food and language."

3. What three words would you use to describe yourself BEFORE having kids: "Rebel, Challenging, Lots of wild fun."

4. What three words would you use to describe yourself AFTER having kids: "Cautious, Structured, and still lots of fun."

5. What is your favorite thing your children say to you: "My grandchildren usually compliment me on my clothes, or new haircut, etc. But more importantly, they always say, I love you Nanny."

6. Being totally honest, would you rather make a clay pinch pot or have cosmos with the girls? "I enjoyed good quality time (arts, crafts, etc.) with my children and loved it. I always chose them over my friends. I am glad I did, the time goes by too fast. Now, I enjoy my time with my grandchildren, collecting shells, watching the stars at night. I love time with my friends too, we all need balance in this life."

7. What was your most effective discipline tactic and what percentage of the time did it work? "When my children were young, I would put them in the corner. It was a successful tactic. Now, I consider it cruel and unusual punishment. I prefer to let my grandchildren share their feelings about the issue."

8. What is one thing of your children's that you refuse to throw away? "I still have their security blankies. All three. And I have my grandchildren's cards and drawings all over my kitchen. I can't take them down, lest I insult one of them."