Thursday, November 8, 2007
A Blessing Named Ella
I'm going to be a typical grandmother today. All four of my grands are special; each with his/her own sweet personality. I LOVE them all! Today, though, I'm going to talk about Ella.
Ella is at that very precious stage of life when a child can say the sweetest--or the "darndest" things. Ella is very exuberant and thoroughly enjoys life. I hope she never loses that characteristic.
Yesterday her mother came by our house to get Ella's brother, Luke . He had been spending some time with us after school. She left Ella in the car when she ran in to say hello to Lee. So, I went out to speak to the princess. She exuberantly greeted me--as if she had not seen me for months-- by throwing her arms out for a hug and yelling "GRANMAMA!"
Then, her very sweet little voice, she said, "How's Poppy today? Does he want to see me?"
She is very sure that seeing her would make his day. And--she's correct!
A couple of months ago Ella, and the people who live with her, came over to visit on a Sunday afternoon. She obviously had the Bible story from Sunday School on her mind. She said, "Sit down, Granmama. I'm goin' to read you a story."
Of course, I sat down. Never pass up the chance to have a three year-old "read" or tell you a story!
She picked up my Bible, opened it to the middle and proceeded to "read" the story. It went something like this. (Try to imagine the sweet little lisping voice of a three-year-old who doesn't quite have all the speech sounds or the grammatical nuances of pronouns, etc. mastered.)
"Moses was a little baby. He was in a basket. Uh, Granmama, do you know he Mama name?"
My mind went blank, so I stuttered a little as I replied, "It's, uh,--I can't remember, but his sister's name was Miriam. Didn't she watch him in the basket?" (Believe me, I looked it up later--Jochebed--Exodus 6:20; Numbers 26:59)
Ella looked at the Bible and said, "That's right. He sister name Mirum. He mama name sumpin else. And he in the basket."
"Uh, granmama, what he granfather name?"
"Well," I answered, "Ella, I'm not sure the Bible tell us that."
Now, it may be in some "begats" somewhere, but I wasn't going there with her! Besides I wanted to know what would happen next!
"Oh, Granmama, you know! He grandfather Jesus!"
"Now, Ella, Jesus was not Moses' grandfather."
Before I could go further she exclaimed, "Oh, yes it is! But what Jesus daddy name?"
"That would be Joseph."
"And, Granmama, what Jesus mama name?"
"Mary."
"Oh, that's right! Joseph he daddy and Mary he mama!"
"Now! Moses in the basket with he grandfather. Moses in the basket with Jesus, Mary and Joseph!"
With that she closed the Bible and looked at me with a smile of accomplishment. She had "read" me a Bible story.
That must have been some basket! I know Ella will get all those people straightened out someday. She will learn the difference in Old Testament and New Testament. She will learn the true story of Jesus and know that he died on the cross for her. She may even be able to remember Moses' mother's name when her grandchild asks someday! For now, I just thank God that she has parents who make sure she is having the opportunity to hear and learn those stories. She is blessed. She is a blessing.
Yesterday her mother came by our house to get Ella's brother, Luke . He had been spending some time with us after school. She left Ella in the car when she ran in to say hello to Lee. So, I went out to speak to the princess. She exuberantly greeted me--as if she had not seen me for months-- by throwing her arms out for a hug and yelling "GRANMAMA!"
Then, her very sweet little voice, she said, "How's Poppy today? Does he want to see me?"
She is very sure that seeing her would make his day. And--she's correct!
A couple of months ago Ella, and the people who live with her, came over to visit on a Sunday afternoon. She obviously had the Bible story from Sunday School on her mind. She said, "Sit down, Granmama. I'm goin' to read you a story."
Of course, I sat down. Never pass up the chance to have a three year-old "read" or tell you a story!
She picked up my Bible, opened it to the middle and proceeded to "read" the story. It went something like this. (Try to imagine the sweet little lisping voice of a three-year-old who doesn't quite have all the speech sounds or the grammatical nuances of pronouns, etc. mastered.)
"Moses was a little baby. He was in a basket. Uh, Granmama, do you know he Mama name?"
My mind went blank, so I stuttered a little as I replied, "It's, uh,--I can't remember, but his sister's name was Miriam. Didn't she watch him in the basket?" (Believe me, I looked it up later--Jochebed--Exodus 6:20; Numbers 26:59)
Ella looked at the Bible and said, "That's right. He sister name Mirum. He mama name sumpin else. And he in the basket."
"Uh, granmama, what he granfather name?"
"Well," I answered, "Ella, I'm not sure the Bible tell us that."
Now, it may be in some "begats" somewhere, but I wasn't going there with her! Besides I wanted to know what would happen next!
"Oh, Granmama, you know! He grandfather Jesus!"
"Now, Ella, Jesus was not Moses' grandfather."
Before I could go further she exclaimed, "Oh, yes it is! But what Jesus daddy name?"
"That would be Joseph."
"And, Granmama, what Jesus mama name?"
"Mary."
"Oh, that's right! Joseph he daddy and Mary he mama!"
"Now! Moses in the basket with he grandfather. Moses in the basket with Jesus, Mary and Joseph!"
With that she closed the Bible and looked at me with a smile of accomplishment. She had "read" me a Bible story.
That must have been some basket! I know Ella will get all those people straightened out someday. She will learn the difference in Old Testament and New Testament. She will learn the true story of Jesus and know that he died on the cross for her. She may even be able to remember Moses' mother's name when her grandchild asks someday! For now, I just thank God that she has parents who make sure she is having the opportunity to hear and learn those stories. She is blessed. She is a blessing.
Labels: Grandchild Fun
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Halloween 2007
Time to wrap up Halloween for 2007! We had about 130 trick or treaters come by our house. I made 130 little bags of goodies. With so many it is just easier to have it all bagged and ready to hand to them! I used up all the bags and gave the last few kids the leftovers that had not made it into the bags. I turned the light off about 8:20. There were just a few stragglers out in the neighborhood by that time.
My favorites are the little ones who are just trying to figure out what in the world is going on! They are precious! You can just see their little minds working--"OK, We walk up to the door and a big person opens it and gives us... CANDY! WOW! WELL ALRIGHT! LET"S DO THIS AGAIN! "
Poor children! They don't know that their mom's are going to take all the candy away from them when they get home. Some of them will have to do things--like pee in the potty--to get that candy back!
However, I would say, "A good time was had by all!"
These cute little people showed up at my door.
My favorites are the little ones who are just trying to figure out what in the world is going on! They are precious! You can just see their little minds working--"OK, We walk up to the door and a big person opens it and gives us... CANDY! WOW! WELL ALRIGHT! LET"S DO THIS AGAIN! "
Poor children! They don't know that their mom's are going to take all the candy away from them when they get home. Some of them will have to do things--like pee in the potty--to get that candy back!
However, I would say, "A good time was had by all!"
These cute little people showed up at my door.
Yes, Spiderman and Annie Oakley (or at least a cowgirl). Spiderman is grandson, Luke, and the cowgirl is his sister, Ella.
They had been to Trunk of Treats at our church and stopped by to visit our neighborhood. Ella had on cute red boots, but wouldn't wear them in the picture!
Here's another of my favorite young people. This is grandson, Spoony, in his Halloween garb. He doesn't live close enough to come to our house to Trick or Treat, but I stole the picture from his mom's blog--with her permission. His brother, Joshua, considers himself too old for going door-to-door! He's ten! Some of the people at my door tonight were considerably older than that! :-)
You know, I didn't ask what he was going to be. Well, actually I did; but, at that time, they weren't sure. What do you think? Yoda? One of Yoda's friends? Or, am I completely clueless about some character I should know? I'll have to ask, but they would be most unhappy if I called them in the middle of the night to ask such a question. Most sane people are asleep by now!
The next pictures aren't exactly Halloween. I lifted them from my dil--with her permission! The school that Joshua and Spoony attend--and where their mom teaches--has Book Character Day on Halloween. Good way to address the issue of dressing in costume!
Here are the boys in their costumes for the day. Spoony, as Pinnochio, won first prize for boys in First Grade. Joshua, as Jack of beanstalk fame, won second prize for boys in the Fifth Grade. Way to go guys--and Holly!
Holly's blog is here. I have to give her a link. After all, I did steal these pictures from her!
They had been to Trunk of Treats at our church and stopped by to visit our neighborhood. Ella had on cute red boots, but wouldn't wear them in the picture!
Here's another of my favorite young people. This is grandson, Spoony, in his Halloween garb. He doesn't live close enough to come to our house to Trick or Treat, but I stole the picture from his mom's blog--with her permission. His brother, Joshua, considers himself too old for going door-to-door! He's ten! Some of the people at my door tonight were considerably older than that! :-)
The next pictures aren't exactly Halloween. I lifted them from my dil--with her permission! The school that Joshua and Spoony attend--and where their mom teaches--has Book Character Day on Halloween. Good way to address the issue of dressing in costume!
Here are the boys in their costumes for the day. Spoony, as Pinnochio, won first prize for boys in First Grade. Joshua, as Jack of beanstalk fame, won second prize for boys in the Fifth Grade. Way to go guys--and Holly!
Holly's blog is here. I have to give her a link. After all, I did steal these pictures from her!
I hope you had a good Halloween!
Thanksgiving is next!
You just gotta love this time of year!
HOLIDAYS!!
Thanksgiving is next!
You just gotta love this time of year!
HOLIDAYS!!
Labels: Celebrating Holidays, Grandchild Fun
Saturday, August 18, 2007
A Little Saturday Randomness
What a week! I haven't been around much lately. We have family concerns going on again. Lee is OK--it's not him this time. However, some other people we love facing health challenges. I'll share their stories if/when they give me permission. 'Cause, you know, when you put it on the Internet, you've shared it with everyone!
Anyway, I just haven't had time or emotional energy for much blogging. Now, I'm ready for a little diversion from real life, so I'm ba-a-a-a-ck! Just in time for some quick Saturday updates.
First--Thank you for the comments and emails in response to my call for help. Several people responded. Bloggers are great! Leigh Ann, aka Momma Roar, has made me a great button using a picture I already had ready. I was surprised and delighted that she was able to complete it so quickly. Talented girl, that one! Thanks, friend!
Now--On to some family fare!
Son Kevin and his family have been here for awhile this weekend. Joshua plays on a "traveling" soccer team. They were playing a tournament nearby, so we enjoyed their company last night and today. Holly, Joshua, and I went shopping this morning and had lunch out. Joshua is such a good shopper--His mother and Nanny (other grandmother) have trained him well! :-)
Our shopping trip included stops at Books-*-Mi**ion and Di*k's Sports. There is a new shopping area near my home. It has some great stores and restaurants--several I'm not familiar with. The sports store was new to me. They have everything--even pink/purple Princess soccer balls, footballs, and basketballs--small ones. I may have found Christmas presents for Miss Ella! lol
Holly found a canopy for their family for soccer games. It will get them out of the sun and keep them a few degrees cooler. They were planning to use it for the first time this afternoon. Of course they got it just in time for the "cool" weather we are having--It's all the way down to 99 and 98 from three digits. Sheesh! Will we ever get back to normal?!!
that she can also use in her classroom. I found a new Karen Kin*Joshua and I share the love of reading , so the visit to the book store was great! We explored all the new series books. He showed me the ones he is interested in and we got the last one for a series I had given him for his birthday. Holly found some good books for Joshua and Spoonythat she can also use in her classroom. I discovered a new Karen K*ngsb*ry book. I could have spent the rest of the day in the bookstore!
We finished our excursion with lunch at NYPD Deli--Wonderful pizza and Calzones. After we ate ours, we brought more home for Kevin, Poppy, and Spoony! Poppy/Lee loves Greek salad and they had the real thing. He enjoyed it very much! I'd say we had a successful shopping trip.
Oh--except for one thing! I forgot to take the camera. That is one blogging habit I have not perfected. I have to work on that!
I did take pictures of one thing this week. Well, actually dil, Audre', took the pics at our house. Luke came over after school on Wednesday. I think that is going to be a regular, but not every day, thing since Mom is teaching. He is going to spend about an hour with us on occasional afternoons. His carpool will bring him here to stay until Mom gets here from her school. Both schools are near us and have the same hours, so he won't be here long--Just long enough to eat some ice cream. That is his favorite treat at Grandmama and Poppy's!
Audre' took pictures of Luke in his school "uniform." The school system here has started a Standard School Attire policy this year. Students must wear combinations limited to khaki, navy, or black pants, skirts, jumpers, shorts, etc. and white or navy tops with collars. Each school can choose four additional colors for tops.
I think the kids look very nice, neat, and cute in their SSA. Luke's school allows white, navy, blue, red, yellow, and green. Some schools have put pink in the mix--Got to take care of the princesses among us! They also have some things they can add like vests, jackets, etc.--But everything has to conform to the colors and other policies. If you have loops you MUST wear a belt and all shirts must be tucked in. No more baggin' saggin' pants, no jeans, no midriffs showing, etc.
Luke is pictured above in his navy and yellow version of SSA. Of course, he was not in the habit of wearing baggin', saggin' clothes before the new policy! I do think he makes a cute little model. Oh, yes! He does wear shoes to school! :-)
I think I may actually get this posted before Saturday is over. I'll see you tomorrow with a song and some scripture for Sunday.
Anyway, I just haven't had time or emotional energy for much blogging. Now, I'm ready for a little diversion from real life, so I'm ba-a-a-a-ck! Just in time for some quick Saturday updates.
First--Thank you for the comments and emails in response to my call for help. Several people responded. Bloggers are great! Leigh Ann, aka Momma Roar, has made me a great button using a picture I already had ready. I was surprised and delighted that she was able to complete it so quickly. Talented girl, that one! Thanks, friend!
Now--On to some family fare!
Son Kevin and his family have been here for awhile this weekend. Joshua plays on a "traveling" soccer team. They were playing a tournament nearby, so we enjoyed their company last night and today. Holly, Joshua, and I went shopping this morning and had lunch out. Joshua is such a good shopper--His mother and Nanny (other grandmother) have trained him well! :-)
Our shopping trip included stops at Books-*-Mi**ion and Di*k's Sports. There is a new shopping area near my home. It has some great stores and restaurants--several I'm not familiar with. The sports store was new to me. They have everything--even pink/purple Princess soccer balls, footballs, and basketballs--small ones. I may have found Christmas presents for Miss Ella! lol
Holly found a canopy for their family for soccer games. It will get them out of the sun and keep them a few degrees cooler. They were planning to use it for the first time this afternoon. Of course they got it just in time for the "cool" weather we are having--It's all the way down to 99 and 98 from three digits. Sheesh! Will we ever get back to normal?!!
that she can also use in her classroom. I found a new Karen Kin*Joshua and I share the love of reading , so the visit to the book store was great! We explored all the new series books. He showed me the ones he is interested in and we got the last one for a series I had given him for his birthday. Holly found some good books for Joshua and Spoonythat she can also use in her classroom. I discovered a new Karen K*ngsb*ry book. I could have spent the rest of the day in the bookstore!
We finished our excursion with lunch at NYPD Deli--Wonderful pizza and Calzones. After we ate ours, we brought more home for Kevin, Poppy, and Spoony! Poppy/Lee loves Greek salad and they had the real thing. He enjoyed it very much! I'd say we had a successful shopping trip.
Oh--except for one thing! I forgot to take the camera. That is one blogging habit I have not perfected. I have to work on that!
I did take pictures of one thing this week. Well, actually dil, Audre', took the pics at our house. Luke came over after school on Wednesday. I think that is going to be a regular, but not every day, thing since Mom is teaching. He is going to spend about an hour with us on occasional afternoons. His carpool will bring him here to stay until Mom gets here from her school. Both schools are near us and have the same hours, so he won't be here long--Just long enough to eat some ice cream. That is his favorite treat at Grandmama and Poppy's!
Audre' took pictures of Luke in his school "uniform." The school system here has started a Standard School Attire policy this year. Students must wear combinations limited to khaki, navy, or black pants, skirts, jumpers, shorts, etc. and white or navy tops with collars. Each school can choose four additional colors for tops.
I think the kids look very nice, neat, and cute in their SSA. Luke's school allows white, navy, blue, red, yellow, and green. Some schools have put pink in the mix--Got to take care of the princesses among us! They also have some things they can add like vests, jackets, etc.--But everything has to conform to the colors and other policies. If you have loops you MUST wear a belt and all shirts must be tucked in. No more baggin' saggin' pants, no jeans, no midriffs showing, etc.
Luke is pictured above in his navy and yellow version of SSA. Of course, he was not in the habit of wearing baggin', saggin' clothes before the new policy! I do think he makes a cute little model. Oh, yes! He does wear shoes to school! :-)
I think I may actually get this posted before Saturday is over. I'll see you tomorrow with a song and some scripture for Sunday.
Labels: Bloggy Business, Family, Grandchild Fun
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Growing "Olt"
Two of my grandchildren were here for a little while yesterday. I always love seeing any of the four of them. Luke and Ella are here more often than the other two. Of course, they live just down the road from us. I pass by their street every time I go to the grocery store, or almost anywhere I go! So nice! Joshua and Spoony live not too far away, but it does take almost two hours for them to get here. So we see them fairly often, but not on a drop-in basis.
Anyway, I started thinking yesterday about some of the really precious times I have had with grandchildren. What a blessing they are! Joshua was our first, and we had him for about four years before the others started coming along. So, he holds that special, first grandchild spot in our hearts. The others have their own special places--and they are each unique and precious! But this little story is about Joshua.
Joshua at about 3 years.
Joshua and Spoony when Spoony was less than 2 months old.
One day, as Joshua and I were leaving the hospital, he began to explain his family to me. Joshua and Spoony have lots of people who love them, and Joshua has always had a special relationship with each of his grandparents. His maternal grandparents are Granddaddy and Nanny (aka, Buck and Wanda), his maternal Great-Grandmother is Boo (aka, Margaret or MaMaw). Lee and I are Poppy and Grandmama to the grands. These are the characters in this story.
OK--So Joshua and I are driving along, He is in his carseat in the back and I'm grooving along up front by myself. He says, "You know. Gran'mama, I've got four olts." (Joshua was still working on a couple of speech sounds.)
I answered, "Old whats, Joshua?."
"You know, four olts in my famly."
"Oh! You think you have old people in your family. Who's old?" I couldn't think of anyone that he knew well that was particularly old--certainly not his grandparents!
"You know. There's Grandaddy, and Poppy, and Boo, and You! All olts!"
"Oh, Joshua. Are you sure all those people are old?"
"Oh, yes! All olts. Grandaddy, Poppy, Boo and You! All the olts in my famly."
Well, you can see where this is going. If I'm going to be "olt," I thought it only fair that Wanda also be considered "olt." No matter that she is several years younger than me, wears about a size nothing, is always perfectly coiffed and dresses cuter than any grandmother I have ever known. I mean, I love her, but if I am old, the other grandmother is also going to be old! lol. I gave it my best shot.
"Well, Joshua, how 'bout Nanny. Isn't she one of your olds, too?," I sweetly offered.
"OH, NO! Nanny's not olt. Just Grandaddy, Poppy, Boo, and you, Gran'mama."
I tried again, gearing up my defenses just a little. Boo is probably more than fifteen years older than me, Grandaddy is probably two or three years ahead of me, and Poppy beats me by eight months. I wasn't going down without a fight!
"Joshua, I'm really not old, you know. Your Poppy and Grandaddy and Boo are older than me. I'm not old."
"Oh, yes you are! Grandaddy, Poppy, Boo and you are the olts. Nanny's not."
I was pretty naive, and this was the first time anyone had told me I was old. Of course, I was eligible for AARP discounts at the time. Still, I didn't think of myself as elderly--still don't for that matter! I was not going over to the old side without a struggle. I should have known better!
"Oh Joshua, I don't want to be one of the olds. I'm not really old. I'm young."
"GRAN'MAMA! YOU ARE A OLT!! JUST 'OOK AT 'OO FACE!"
Joshua with Nanny (on the left) and Grandmama.
Joshua is 9 and in the fourth grade in this picture.
It was taken on Grandparents Day at his school last year.
Anyway, I started thinking yesterday about some of the really precious times I have had with grandchildren. What a blessing they are! Joshua was our first, and we had him for about four years before the others started coming along. So, he holds that special, first grandchild spot in our hearts. The others have their own special places--and they are each unique and precious! But this little story is about Joshua.
This is Joshua at about 3 months!
Joshua and Grandmama when he was about 2 years old.
Joshua had just turned four when Spoony (Isaiah) was born. Yes, there is a story behind the name, and I will probably get around to telling it sometime. But, remember, this story is about Joshua. Spoony was premature and spent time in NICU at a hospital near our home. During the early days of Spoony's life Joshua spent a few days and nights with us while his parents stayed near the hospital at Ronald McDonald House. He really had not spent nights alone at our house much before that; so we treasured the time with him.
Joshua and Grandmama when he was about 2 years old.
Joshua at about 3 years.
Joshua and Spoony when Spoony was less than 2 months old.OK--So Joshua and I are driving along, He is in his carseat in the back and I'm grooving along up front by myself. He says, "You know. Gran'mama, I've got four olts." (Joshua was still working on a couple of speech sounds.)
I answered, "Old whats, Joshua?."
"You know, four olts in my famly."
"Oh! You think you have old people in your family. Who's old?" I couldn't think of anyone that he knew well that was particularly old--certainly not his grandparents!
"You know. There's Grandaddy, and Poppy, and Boo, and You! All olts!"
"Oh, Joshua. Are you sure all those people are old?"
"Oh, yes! All olts. Grandaddy, Poppy, Boo and You! All the olts in my famly."
Well, you can see where this is going. If I'm going to be "olt," I thought it only fair that Wanda also be considered "olt." No matter that she is several years younger than me, wears about a size nothing, is always perfectly coiffed and dresses cuter than any grandmother I have ever known. I mean, I love her, but if I am old, the other grandmother is also going to be old! lol. I gave it my best shot.
"Well, Joshua, how 'bout Nanny. Isn't she one of your olds, too?," I sweetly offered.
"OH, NO! Nanny's not olt. Just Grandaddy, Poppy, Boo, and you, Gran'mama."
I tried again, gearing up my defenses just a little. Boo is probably more than fifteen years older than me, Grandaddy is probably two or three years ahead of me, and Poppy beats me by eight months. I wasn't going down without a fight!
"Joshua, I'm really not old, you know. Your Poppy and Grandaddy and Boo are older than me. I'm not old."
"Oh, yes you are! Grandaddy, Poppy, Boo and you are the olts. Nanny's not."
I was pretty naive, and this was the first time anyone had told me I was old. Of course, I was eligible for AARP discounts at the time. Still, I didn't think of myself as elderly--still don't for that matter! I was not going over to the old side without a struggle. I should have known better!
"Oh Joshua, I don't want to be one of the olds. I'm not really old. I'm young."
"GRAN'MAMA! YOU ARE A OLT!! JUST 'OOK AT 'OO FACE!"
Joshua with Nanny (on the left) and Grandmama.Joshua is 9 and in the fourth grade in this picture.
It was taken on Grandparents Day at his school last year.
Labels: Family, Grandchild Fun
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
WOMAN TO WOMAN--HAVING THE LATEST, GREATEST
It is Woman to Woman time. If you would like to participate please run on over to Seeds From My Garden and let Morning glory know you want to get in on the fun. Here is our topic for the day:
"Having the latest baby everything..."
This topic will be particularly relevant to today's young mothers. There is such a variety of baby products available in stores that it can be overwhelming. Add to that the pressure you often feel from your peers to have the latest and greatest of baby equipment. Add to that still the bombardment of products that promise to make your baby smarter, faster. When you want to be hip AND have those things that make mommying a little easier, how do you keep from breaking the budget?
For those women who are past the child-raising stage, do you have difficulty with these pressures in wanting to provide the "goodies" for the grandchildren? Do you see them as a hindrance towards a child's natural ability to develop? What were some ways that you were able to achieve similar benefits without all the bells and whistles?"
For those women who are past the child-raising stage, do you have difficulty with these pressures in wanting to provide the "goodies" for the grandchildren? Do you see them as a hindrance towards a child's natural ability to develop? What were some ways that you were able to achieve similar benefits without all the bells and whistles?"
"Having the latest baby everything..."
I have thought and thought about this topic. I have tried to remember what it was like to want "the latest baby everything" when my children were born and I have tried to relate to it as a grandmother. As I was about to come to the conclusion that I really don't have much to contribute, I happened to recall a family story.
This little story pretty much sums up how I have come to view the idea of needing the latest or most popular of anything. Granted, the story does not speak to such things as baby equipment, but it is an example of working with what you have, even without all the bells and whistles. My grandson, S Guy, who was five at the time, provided a real-life illustration of the concept of stepping out of the race for the latest brand name whatchamacallit-especially for children.
S Guy is a very creative and innovative child. He loves to draw and make things. While he was at our home for Thanksgiving we had a piece of furniture delivered. It came in a box. S immediately asked the delivery men if he could have the box. No child has ever been prouder of any toy than he was of that box. He entertained himself for the remainder of the weekend!
That box became a magnificent pirate ship. S got his dad, Kevin, to make him some swords out of cardboard. A piece of packing material became a pirate hat. He asked for something to use to "tie the boat to the dock." He and I went searching for something he could use for that. We agreed on one of Poppy's ties. Poppy was glad to donate one to the cause--He doesn't wear ties anymore and never did particularly like them!
When his family got ready to leave s wanted to take his ship with him. There were TEARS when his parents told him it had to stay at Grandmama's house. I suggested that his other grandmother, who lives next door to him, might have some cardboard. He tearfully assured me, "Nanny never has cardboard!"
Now, I know Nanny! First of all, girlfriend can SHOP--Something has to come in a box! More importantly, she would move heaven and earth to get cardboard for that little boy if he asked for it. But at that moment, he thought he would never see a cardboard box again. He was not a happy child as he left with this parents. I assured him the box would stay in the garage. It is still there, ready to become anything he wants it to be.
Is it necessary to have all the latest and greatest? Of course not. Is it OK to have it? I think it is, if it is reasonable to do so. Do most people have it all? I doubt it. I imagine most of us have quite often used the cardboard box philosophy--make do with what you have. After all, the old cardboard box can be anything you want it to be!
Pirate Boy
Note the "rope" that secures the ship to the "dock."
Pirate Boy in Hat
This little story pretty much sums up how I have come to view the idea of needing the latest or most popular of anything. Granted, the story does not speak to such things as baby equipment, but it is an example of working with what you have, even without all the bells and whistles. My grandson, S Guy, who was five at the time, provided a real-life illustration of the concept of stepping out of the race for the latest brand name whatchamacallit-especially for children.
S Guy is a very creative and innovative child. He loves to draw and make things. While he was at our home for Thanksgiving we had a piece of furniture delivered. It came in a box. S immediately asked the delivery men if he could have the box. No child has ever been prouder of any toy than he was of that box. He entertained himself for the remainder of the weekend!
That box became a magnificent pirate ship. S got his dad, Kevin, to make him some swords out of cardboard. A piece of packing material became a pirate hat. He asked for something to use to "tie the boat to the dock." He and I went searching for something he could use for that. We agreed on one of Poppy's ties. Poppy was glad to donate one to the cause--He doesn't wear ties anymore and never did particularly like them!
When his family got ready to leave s wanted to take his ship with him. There were TEARS when his parents told him it had to stay at Grandmama's house. I suggested that his other grandmother, who lives next door to him, might have some cardboard. He tearfully assured me, "Nanny never has cardboard!"
Now, I know Nanny! First of all, girlfriend can SHOP--Something has to come in a box! More importantly, she would move heaven and earth to get cardboard for that little boy if he asked for it. But at that moment, he thought he would never see a cardboard box again. He was not a happy child as he left with this parents. I assured him the box would stay in the garage. It is still there, ready to become anything he wants it to be.
Is it necessary to have all the latest and greatest? Of course not. Is it OK to have it? I think it is, if it is reasonable to do so. Do most people have it all? I doubt it. I imagine most of us have quite often used the cardboard box philosophy--make do with what you have. After all, the old cardboard box can be anything you want it to be!
Here's Pirate S Guy to prove it!
Pirate Boy
Note the "rope" that secures the ship to the "dock."
Pirate Boy in HatLabels: Family, Grandchild Fun, Woman to Woman
Sunday, May 20, 2007
THE FUN AND FANTASTIC FOUR
We had a great time with our children this weekend. Our younger son and his family came on Friday night. They got here in time to see our other grandson's soccer game. Then they came to Grandmama and Poppy's for hamburgers. I was able to go to a soccer game on Saturday while one son stayed with Poppy. The four cousins had a wonderful time being together--they always do. How nice to be together as a family for a day. K and his crew traveled to KY Saturday afternoon to meet the other grandparents for a meal at Patti's (By the way, if you are ever traveling I24 in KY a stop at Patti's is a must! YUMMMM&FUN)
Speaking of the Fun Four--Let me introduce them--
This is E Girl. she is three years old and is the princess of the group. Coming after the three grandsons and her uncle and dad, she is definitely the PRINCESS of ALL THINGS GIRLY in our family! I love this picture! I cannot count the number of times she has flashed those eyes at me just that way--meaning she is making a point about something. E Girl is growing up before our eyes and is a bundle of energy and affection. She is a delight at all times.
This is L. He is six and is just finishing up kindergarten. He is a thinker and a reader. He loves to figure things out and loves to talk. He also likes to play games. He and I have chased each other around the Trouble and Sorry boards a lot in the last year. He is thoughtful and sensitive to others. He enjoys playing soccer and basketball. Another favorite pastime is going to basketball games with his dad (a high school b-ball coach). L Boy and E Girl are brother and sister. They live near us and attend the same church where we have been members for twenty-five years (their mother is currently on the ministerial staff there) Their Dad is our older son.
This is S Guy! He is exuberantly in love with life! He smiles with his whole body! He learned to read this year and is developing a very evident artistic talent. He loves to create things with cardboard boxes and is always thinking creatively. He plays soccer and is on a swim team. He is six and just completing kindergarten. S Guy and L Boy were born exactly two months apart--S is the younger. S Guy and his mom gave us quite a scare when he was born. He was premature and only weighed a little over three pounds. During his time in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit he showed the world that he was a fighter and there were lots of things he was sent to do. He has been going full speed since he was born.
This is J Man. He is the oldest and was the center of attention for four years before the others began making their appearances. He is bright, friendly, and good. He likes to read and is an excellent student. He plays soccer and basketball, and is on a swim team. He and his dad are HUGE Duke basketball fans! Joshua is ten and is finishing fourth grade this week. J Man and
S Guy are brothers and attend the school where their mother is a teacher. They live in a small town about eighty miles from us. We are always thrilled when they bring their parents and come to see us. Their dad (a CPA) is our younger son.
Here they are together--The Fun and Fantastic Four. They are the delights of our lives. We are proud to be their grandparents. We are equally pleased with their parents. One of our answered prayers is that our sons and their wives would be Godly parents and that our grandchildren would be raised in Christian homes. We often see the evidence of that in the daily lives of all four of these children. Thank you, Lord, for these precious gifts.
Speaking of the Fun Four--Let me introduce them--
This is E Girl. she is three years old and is the princess of the group. Coming after the three grandsons and her uncle and dad, she is definitely the PRINCESS of ALL THINGS GIRLY in our family! I love this picture! I cannot count the number of times she has flashed those eyes at me just that way--meaning she is making a point about something. E Girl is growing up before our eyes and is a bundle of energy and affection. She is a delight at all times.
This is L. He is six and is just finishing up kindergarten. He is a thinker and a reader. He loves to figure things out and loves to talk. He also likes to play games. He and I have chased each other around the Trouble and Sorry boards a lot in the last year. He is thoughtful and sensitive to others. He enjoys playing soccer and basketball. Another favorite pastime is going to basketball games with his dad (a high school b-ball coach). L Boy and E Girl are brother and sister. They live near us and attend the same church where we have been members for twenty-five years (their mother is currently on the ministerial staff there) Their Dad is our older son.
This is S Guy! He is exuberantly in love with life! He smiles with his whole body! He learned to read this year and is developing a very evident artistic talent. He loves to create things with cardboard boxes and is always thinking creatively. He plays soccer and is on a swim team. He is six and just completing kindergarten. S Guy and L Boy were born exactly two months apart--S is the younger. S Guy and his mom gave us quite a scare when he was born. He was premature and only weighed a little over three pounds. During his time in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit he showed the world that he was a fighter and there were lots of things he was sent to do. He has been going full speed since he was born.
This is J Man. He is the oldest and was the center of attention for four years before the others began making their appearances. He is bright, friendly, and good. He likes to read and is an excellent student. He plays soccer and basketball, and is on a swim team. He and his dad are HUGE Duke basketball fans! Joshua is ten and is finishing fourth grade this week. J Man andS Guy are brothers and attend the school where their mother is a teacher. They live in a small town about eighty miles from us. We are always thrilled when they bring their parents and come to see us. Their dad (a CPA) is our younger son.
Here they are together--The Fun and Fantastic Four. They are the delights of our lives. We are proud to be their grandparents. We are equally pleased with their parents. One of our answered prayers is that our sons and their wives would be Godly parents and that our grandchildren would be raised in Christian homes. We often see the evidence of that in the daily lives of all four of these children. Thank you, Lord, for these precious gifts.
Children's children are a crown to the aged,
and parents are the pride of their children.
Proverbs 17:6
and parents are the pride of their children.
Proverbs 17:6
Labels: Family, Grandchild Fun
Sunday, April 22, 2007
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Dora Dress
Is there anyone more exuberant that a three year old celebrating her birthday! Yesterday E Girl--our only princess grandchild--had her "frens" with her as she celebrated. She is always a happy child, but yesterday she was excited beyond belief. She had been talking for weeks about her party. She told me innumerable times, "all my frens are comin' and it's gonna be a Doha pahty!"
This picture shows E Girl in a special dress for her Dora-themed party. The dress has a history. Several little girls in her circle of friends have had Dora parties for their third birthday. The dress has been passed from child to child to wear on the big day. On the front of it there is a birthday cake with three candles and the skirt is full of images of Dora. These girls have a head start on the concept of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants!
This picture shows E Girl in a special dress for her Dora-themed party. The dress has a history. Several little girls in her circle of friends have had Dora parties for their third birthday. The dress has been passed from child to child to wear on the big day. On the front of it there is a birthday cake with three candles and the skirt is full of images of Dora. These girls have a head start on the concept of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants!
Labels: Family, Grandchild Fun
