SuperGramma

My youngest daughter and her family went camping last weekend. After their first night in the tent, Grandson had spots all over his forehead. Looked like he was attacked by an army of mosquitoes. By noon, Grandbaby Girl had them too and Grandson was covered. Being the all-wise grandmother I am, I looked at the medical book and confidently stated they had the measles.

By the next morning, the spots looked a little different and Grandbaby had a strange cough. No doctor’s appointments available, so off I went with daughter and the kids to the walk-in clinic. The verdict – chickenpox, although a more rare kind that doesn’t form pox and then break. Grandson was still feeling fine, but Grandbaby had a fever now and her breathing was terrible sounding. Doctor said take her to the hospital emergency department as it could be serious. So off we went again, this time leaving Grandson with Poppa.

A few hours later, Grandbaby was admitted to hospital suffering from severe croup as well as chickenpox and spent the night and following day. Mom, of course, stayed too and Grandson got to sleep at Gramma’s house. He never acted as though he was upset that Mom and baby sister were in the hospital -  after all, he’s five years old. But his favorite stuffed dog never left his arms and when sister finally came home he kept hugging her. For a few days after, they even managed to play together.

Home at last

It was hard to see Grandbaby so ill, although I know that is the daily experience of many families. It did make us realize again that people are more important than things and we need to cherish our times together while we can. So if you can see your grandkids, give them a hug and let them know how special they are to you. And if they can’t be with you, keep them in your prayers and close to your heart.

Technorati Tags: chicken pox, croup, sick grandkids

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Since summer is stretching ahead of us and your grandkids will probably be bored before you know it, I’ve got some ideas. These are excerpts from my guide called “How To Create Newsletters Your Grandkids Will Treasure.” I’ve chosen a few of the
hobby and activity related ideas and hope you can make use of them, either when with your grandchildren or through the Internet.

1. Collecting Together
   Decide on something to collect together. Exchange information and materials you find and take pictures of your finds (even young kids can use digital cameras). Your collection could be rocks, coins, stamps, spoons, sports cards, recipes, models, even stuffed animals or miniature cars.
2. Share a hobby.
   Grow identical gardens and display photos to show how each of your gardens is doing. Mention tips that might help your young gardener. You could try to grow the largest pumpkin, or the biggest tomatoes. Or decide on a recipe you can each cook and take photos of the finished products.Share sewing, woodworking, building, anything you could be doing together even though the miles are separating you. Between newsletter issues, phone or email to see how they are making out. But be sure to publish the results in the newsletter. After all, this will be a treasured record to be shared with future generations.
3. Lego Challenge
   Tell a story or give a challenge and have them do a lego model related to it. Publish a photo of the results in a future issue.
4. Playdoh Challenge
   Tell a story or give a challenge and have them create a playdoh sculpture for it. Photo and publish as above.
5. Contests
   Write about contests you find online, or make up your own contests and encourage entries. Prizes of courses.
6. Recipes
   Share new recipes – ask them to send a photo or drawing showing them trying out the recipe. Eventually, you and your grandcook could even produce a joint recipe book, filled with illustrations showing you cooking together during those special times when you are able to physically be with them. Printed and bound, imagine what a keepsake that could become. (And thanks to places like CafePress,  it’s easy to publish your own cookbook).

Technorati Tags: activities for grandchildren, sharing hobbies, time with grandkids

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I had a great interview today with 85 year old GrannyBlogger (also my mother). She’s been blogging and creating information products for a few years now and in this chat, shares her knowledge about writing how-to articles. Listen, be inspired, and visit her blog at grannyblogger.com

Technorati Tags: GrannyBlogger interview, creating information products

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Today is National Day of Hope, so I thought I’d write about one of our hopes. Next week would have been the 6th birthday of my great-granddaughter Sara. It’s been a while since she left us, not long after her second birthday, the result of a tragic accident. Every day we think of her and we miss her. My grandson and his wife have had two children since then and we love them dearly, but no one could ever replace Sara in our hearts.

Our hope is that she is resting in the Lord’s arms and some day we will see her again. Without hope, mankind would be more than miserable. But we do have hope, not wishful thinking, but the quiet assurance that comes from trust. If you have children or grandchildren that are no longer with you, don’t despair. Remember and treasure the memories, trust in God and look to the future.  Morning will come again.

Technorati Tags: hope, loss of a child

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One of the best things you can give to a child is the gift of a memory.  The memories you create when you’re with them and those that you share from your life. Grandkids especially love to hear stories about their parents when they were growing up.

When my youngest daughter was about four years old she wanted to have a garage sale. We set her up in our yard with a little table and she brought an assortment of toys and clothing that she’d gathered from around the house. Then daughter and a little friend of hers waited eagerly for customers. They waited and waited, but no one came. We could see the sadness creeping in to their adventure.

So my husband decided he would brighten daughter’s day and become her customer. He dressed up as an elderly lady, complete with wig and marched around the house to the garage sale table. Daughter didn’t recognize him and watched as he picked up first one item and then another. The strange lady tried things on, played with the toys, asked outrageous questions. When he finally chose his purchases and asked for just one shoe, daughter realized something wasn’t quite right. At that point she began looking more closely at her customer, who could hardly keep a straight face. I didn’t dare go out of the house I was laughing so hard.

Twenty-six years later, daughter still delights in that story. Next time you’re with your children or grandchildren, slow down for a minute. Ask yourself  if this is a chance to create a memory. Then go ahead and do it.

Technorati Tags: creating memories, times with children

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