What is a Grilled Grandma? A Grilled Grandma is a grandma whom I've grilled with some grandma-related questions,and she's graciously responded with answers and photos. Here is Grilled Grandma Agnes:

How many children do you have? 5, all grown – one lives downstairs from me.

How many grandchildren? What are their ages? I have 6…ages 10, 8, 7, 6, 4, 3 and one to be born in October (very blessed)

What do your grandchildren call you? They call me Bubbe which is the Yiddish word for grandma.

After the initial elation, what was your first concern upon hearing you would soon be a grandmother? About time :) You see I had my children late in life…that is why I had them close in age….and when they married so close and left home…I had a bit of empty nest syndrome, but then all the grandkids came….I am busy again.

How often do you get to see your grandchildren? I am so lucky they live in the neighborhood or nearby….so I get to see some every day and others a few times a month. In fact, hubby retired to babysit and now picks 3 of them up from school everyday.

What is the best thing about being a grandma? I get to spoil them…My children were spoiled by my in-laws so I keep reminding them of that so they cant say anything. My in-laws used to get up in the middle of the night for my kids and cook…I thought that was crazy until I found myself doing the same….

What is the most challenging part of being a grandma? Keeping up with them…I wish I had more energy, It helped that I lost weight and can move around more….but they are the energizer bunnies…

Describe a recent time that one (or more) of your grandchildren made you laugh out loud. Wow, there are so many times…..I guess the best one would be (and I blogged about this http://beaderbubbe.blogspot.com/2011/02/grandmas-special-dinner.html) the time when I asked what he would like for dinner…he said pancakes but mommy doesn’t let him have them for dinner…So of course I laughed and made his pancakes….his look was priceless!

What is your favorite thing to do with grandchildren who visit your house? Well, I know their favorite thing is going to Toys R Us, but I am lucky to have a big back yard, and a deck…so playing outside either blowing bubbles or playing basketball is always fun. I also BBQ a lot for them. Or we visit the local park, aquarium or zoo.

What is your favorite thing to do when visiting grandchildren at their house? Most of the time they are by me….but when I do go to one of my grandchildren’s house, I am always escorted downstairs to the playroom to check out games….sometimes we even have a family game at the dining room table. And then we go out for dinner or order in.

How do you maintain the bond between yourself and your grandchildren between visits? Those times are few but I when there is a lull, we speak on the phone…..sometimes they even call me just to ask when are they coming to me again.

What do you most want to pass along to your grandchildren? I supposed it would be the love of life itself…since it is so short. Several years ago I almost lost my life…came a little too close …. And when I survived I realized that the important thing is time…we have so little of it, that we should remember material things are not important…it’s love, kindness, hope, and family that matters. And hugs and kisses.

What is one word you hope your grandkids think of when they think of you? Many words…..but if I had to pick one…it would be “handsome”…you see, when they come into my house I usually greet them…"Hi there handsome!” BTW, I have all grandsons….and my bathroom is always being mopped :)

What is one thing you wish you had learned earlier as a grandparent? That grandchildren are more thrilled with the process than the product…i.e., they would rather make cupcakes with you than have you buy them from the store!

What one bit of advice would you give a new grandma? Give your grandchildren hugs, kisses and all your time…they grow up way too fast. Also, let your daughter-in-law have the deciding factor when in your home; and when you are alone with your grandchildren, well, you rule. I never fight over whether my grandchild gets a cookie or not…."go ask your mom” is my mantra…at least when mom is around. :)

Do you have a website or blog? What is the URL and what is it about? I try to blog every day….it’s about family, mine and in general….please stop by…..www.beaderbubbe.blogspot.com

Dear Readers: If you'd like to nominate a grandma for grilling—yourself or any other grandma—please e-mail me her first name and e-mail address and I'll take care of the rest. Thank you!