Part of the fun of living in the Midwest is dealing with the spring snow. Just when you begin to enjoy the warmer weather, the snow starts. I've been in some pretty big snow storms in South Dakota and Colorado, so I won't be surprised to see another. A few days ago after a warm weekend, I woke up to snow. It didn't last long and since I spent most of the day on the road, was able to see the snow turn to rain, and the roads go from slushy to wet to dry. Watching my 11-year-old granddaughter's softball practice with a winter coat on this evening is just another part of spring. I heard someone in the store today say that the weather won't turn warm until the robin feels snow three times on it's back.
Grandparents.com gives us 30 Fresh Ideas for Spring Fun. I'm looking forward to walking the neighborhood with my grandchildren once the flower gardens begin to show their beauty. We can start out to see how many different colors we can find. We'll bring some cameras do they can take photos of their favorites.
I think I'll skip the camping in the backyard. I remember the last time I set up a tent by myself. I was at Boy Scout Leaders Training Campout in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Don was the Scoutmaster, so stayed in another area of the camp and the boys were with the other scouts in still another area. I was pretty proud at the time of setting up my tent alone, although any good scout could have done it much faster. I woke up that morning to the tent covered with snow. I peaked out of my tent and there was Don walking by. I didn't feel so much alone then. It was fun, but now I think camping out in the house is more my style.
Planting a garden will be fun. I'll probably plant them at the boys' homes, I just need to ask them how much space I'll have to have. I can then take the children on a shopping trip. Granddaughter age 8 is growing a cabbage that she got at school. I'm excited to see how it's grown.
What are your ideas for a spring activity with children and grandchildren?
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
100 Free Things To Do With Your Grandkids
One of my favorite websites to review is Grandparents.com . Last weekend I found 100 Free Things To Do With Your Grandkids . Granddaughter age 11, looking over my shoulder, said "I forgot all about hangman." That was my charge, let's play hangman! I quickly chose the word(s) "Summer Fun" and decided to play while they completed their weekend chores.
My charge to make today fun was solved. They enjoyed the game and a winner emerged. We continued to play as the day went on. We played three times while they completed their chores for the day. The competition was fun and I didn't have to remind them to complete their chores. 100 Free Things To Do With Your Grandkids was added to my favorites.
I hope you enjoy this site. Do you have a favorite site to share with us?
My charge to make today fun was solved. They enjoyed the game and a winner emerged. We continued to play as the day went on. We played three times while they completed their chores for the day. The competition was fun and I didn't have to remind them to complete their chores. 100 Free Things To Do With Your Grandkids was added to my favorites.
I hope you enjoy this site. Do you have a favorite site to share with us?
Monday, April 18, 2011
Summer is Coming
Summer is coming and who is more excited, my grandchildren or me? It's probably me since they look at me strangely whenever I say "Summer's coming!" and with the next breath "Get your warm coats on, we have to get to school." It's hard for me to contain my excitement.
We've had one birthday since my last post and today we have another birthday. So far this year we have granddaughter age 10 now 11, granddaughter age 8 now 9, and granddaughter age 6 turning 7 today. Grandson age 7 is still 7, looking forward to age 8 in a few months.
Granddaughter age 9 has made up a summer fun list for me, one side for indoors and one side for outdoors. Last weekend the weather was exceptionally warm, so we went to their favorite park for a hike. Parks were on her outdoor list. Throwing rocks into the river, watching sticks float down the river, and climbing trees added to the enjoyment of the hike. I got some much needed exercise, also. The weather has turned cold again. We don't mind. There are still velvet pictures to color, plastic canvas Easter bunnies to complete, movies from the library to watch, and lists to make for fun days this summer.
What are your plans for the summer?
We've had one birthday since my last post and today we have another birthday. So far this year we have granddaughter age 10 now 11, granddaughter age 8 now 9, and granddaughter age 6 turning 7 today. Grandson age 7 is still 7, looking forward to age 8 in a few months.
Granddaughter age 9 has made up a summer fun list for me, one side for indoors and one side for outdoors. Last weekend the weather was exceptionally warm, so we went to their favorite park for a hike. Parks were on her outdoor list. Throwing rocks into the river, watching sticks float down the river, and climbing trees added to the enjoyment of the hike. I got some much needed exercise, also. The weather has turned cold again. We don't mind. There are still velvet pictures to color, plastic canvas Easter bunnies to complete, movies from the library to watch, and lists to make for fun days this summer.
What are your plans for the summer?
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
A Different Type of Travel
It's good to be back and traveling with my grandchildren. Those of you who have known me for the past couple of years know that the last 4 weeks have been difficult and writing not on the top spot of my list where it should be. Thanks for your patience and for coming back, now that I am back to my old self.
As we all prepare for the New Year, everyone writes about New Year's Resolutions. How are yours coming? I have a few of my own. I'm taking them slow this year. I'd rather make them a habit then just part of a list. Several of mine include my grandchildren, of course. I won't put you to sleep with mine this year. As 2011 draws to a close, hopefully I will be able to share the success stories with you.
My past posts were all about the places we visited and things we did around central Iowa. That was great for you that live here in Iowa. Now that I am living in Iowa, traveling in the winter is not my favorite sport, especially with grandchildren in tow. I understand we could get 12 to 14 inches of snow within the next 24 hours. Hmmmm. So for those of you outside of Iowa and those who enjoy winter driving as much as I do, I'm going to spend some time traveling on the Internet.
Do you have a favorite Internet site that you like to travel to? While we are sitting watching the beautiful snowfall or whatever the view out your window, join me as we travel through the Internet in the next few months until summer releases us outside again.
As we all prepare for the New Year, everyone writes about New Year's Resolutions. How are yours coming? I have a few of my own. I'm taking them slow this year. I'd rather make them a habit then just part of a list. Several of mine include my grandchildren, of course. I won't put you to sleep with mine this year. As 2011 draws to a close, hopefully I will be able to share the success stories with you.
My past posts were all about the places we visited and things we did around central Iowa. That was great for you that live here in Iowa. Now that I am living in Iowa, traveling in the winter is not my favorite sport, especially with grandchildren in tow. I understand we could get 12 to 14 inches of snow within the next 24 hours. Hmmmm. So for those of you outside of Iowa and those who enjoy winter driving as much as I do, I'm going to spend some time traveling on the Internet.
Do you have a favorite Internet site that you like to travel to? While we are sitting watching the beautiful snowfall or whatever the view out your window, join me as we travel through the Internet in the next few months until summer releases us outside again.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Manners
The weather precludes a lot of travel these days. I've had my first Iowa ice storm and blizzard. I did have the opportunity to turn a short trip into a long trip getting caught in white out conditions last weekend. My oldest son's driving got us home safely; unfortunately many cars went off the road. We could see their lights. We couldn't even stop to help them, the worst part of all.
Manners have been on my mind, with some experiences I have had lately. Please and thank you are the first manners we teach our children. No singing at the table during meals, no elbows on the table, etc. My husband and I met during a time when my husband automatically opened doors for me and taught my sons to do the same as they grew up. My grandson, age 7, refuses to go through a door before me and smiles so proud each time he is able to hold the door for me.
We've all seen the ill-mannered child and I am not going to elaborate.
Taking grandchildren to school the other day, I stopped at a four-way stop with a car stopping a few seconds before me on the left. He was leaving the middle school, heading to the high school. He had a young man in the front passenger seat hunched over acting very cold. He had on a sweatshirt with his head buried. Nothing unusual in any of this. I motioned for him to go forward. As the car went past, the young man raised his head, looked at me, smiled and waved his thank you. My entire day brightened. I smiled each time I remembered the manners of this young man which appeared automatic for him.
A couple of days later I'm in another town taking a couple of other grandchildren to school and I was again stopped at another stop sign. This was a two-way stop and the through street had a long line of cars driving past. As I was waiting patiently wondering if I should turn around and try to find another route, a woman in a pickup truck stopped to let me go through. As I waved my thank you and received her wave in return, another quick act had brightened my entire day. The temperature was -2 degrees, roads were snow-packed and our travel was very slow. She made a split second decision that probably took less than a minute for me to pull out into traffic.
Yesterday I was in another town at a store full of long lines waiting to check out. I saw what I thought was a clerk opening up a new line, so I scooted out of my spot to get in the new line. I had taken a friend shopping and was in a hurry to get her home so I could pick up grandchildren from school. It turns out the clerk was just standing at the register, not opening the line. I sighed knowing I had lost my place in line. The woman behind me, motioned me back into my old space. I said, "No, that's all right I got out of line." She said "No, what type of person would I be if I did'nt let you back in the line." I thanked her and told her that was very nice of her. She said, "No I've just been well trained in manners."
As I finish up my holiday shopping, with my mind on a hundred things and not being as focused as I should, I've been reminded by others how my actions can make the day brighter for a total stranger.
I'm going to strive to being more conscious of those around me. An act of kindness can take just a few extra seconds and can make many minutes worth of blessing for someone else.
Thank you for reading my blog, have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy your holiday festivities.
Manners have been on my mind, with some experiences I have had lately. Please and thank you are the first manners we teach our children. No singing at the table during meals, no elbows on the table, etc. My husband and I met during a time when my husband automatically opened doors for me and taught my sons to do the same as they grew up. My grandson, age 7, refuses to go through a door before me and smiles so proud each time he is able to hold the door for me.
We've all seen the ill-mannered child and I am not going to elaborate.
Taking grandchildren to school the other day, I stopped at a four-way stop with a car stopping a few seconds before me on the left. He was leaving the middle school, heading to the high school. He had a young man in the front passenger seat hunched over acting very cold. He had on a sweatshirt with his head buried. Nothing unusual in any of this. I motioned for him to go forward. As the car went past, the young man raised his head, looked at me, smiled and waved his thank you. My entire day brightened. I smiled each time I remembered the manners of this young man which appeared automatic for him.
A couple of days later I'm in another town taking a couple of other grandchildren to school and I was again stopped at another stop sign. This was a two-way stop and the through street had a long line of cars driving past. As I was waiting patiently wondering if I should turn around and try to find another route, a woman in a pickup truck stopped to let me go through. As I waved my thank you and received her wave in return, another quick act had brightened my entire day. The temperature was -2 degrees, roads were snow-packed and our travel was very slow. She made a split second decision that probably took less than a minute for me to pull out into traffic.
Yesterday I was in another town at a store full of long lines waiting to check out. I saw what I thought was a clerk opening up a new line, so I scooted out of my spot to get in the new line. I had taken a friend shopping and was in a hurry to get her home so I could pick up grandchildren from school. It turns out the clerk was just standing at the register, not opening the line. I sighed knowing I had lost my place in line. The woman behind me, motioned me back into my old space. I said, "No, that's all right I got out of line." She said "No, what type of person would I be if I did'nt let you back in the line." I thanked her and told her that was very nice of her. She said, "No I've just been well trained in manners."
As I finish up my holiday shopping, with my mind on a hundred things and not being as focused as I should, I've been reminded by others how my actions can make the day brighter for a total stranger.
I'm going to strive to being more conscious of those around me. An act of kindness can take just a few extra seconds and can make many minutes worth of blessing for someone else.
Thank you for reading my blog, have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy your holiday festivities.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Happy Birthday
I was planning on skipping my birthday this year and as well behaved as my sons are, they complied with my wishes to ignore my birthday. Blogging as the grandmother of 6, if you are a regular reader, you will notice I only mention my 4 youngest grandchildren. I do not live close to my two oldest grandchildren and great grandson. My sons and daughter-in-law arranged for them to spend the weekend with me as a birthday surprise.
My sons were running in the Living History Farms Cross Country Race and we were all invited to "carb up" before the race. One son had to work unexpectedly the night before the race and would have to miss the carb dinner my daughter-in-law was cooking (her delicious homemade spaghetti). With the table set, we all felt bad when she accidentally included a plate for him, I was led to believe. Just then the doorbell rang. I went to get the door, and there was my granddaughter and my great grandson. I was so surprised, I took a double take after greeting her with a simple "Hi", before the hugs and tears came.
After the race, we were getting ready to go the the Leonardo DaVinci exhibit at the Science Center of Iowa, and I was told to go into the living room. Not realizing until I finally started walking, there sat my other granddaughter and her boyfriend. Double take again and then the tears and hugs.
The weekend was an incredible gift to have my entire family together. (My son was able to get back in time for the race and to spend the entire day with us before he headed back to work the following day.)
We all enjoyed the DaVinci exhibit from the oldest (me) to the youngest (great grandson age 11 months). If you are looking for something to do as the weather turns cold, don't hesitate to visit those special exhibits at local museums, science centers and art centers. I wouldn't have thought the younger children would have found as much fascination and enjoyment in the exhibit as they did. I learned several fascinating facts from the exhibit and a little bit more about what my grandchildren really enjoy. If you live in the Des Moines area, the DaVinci exhibit will be on display through January 16 and is well worth the visit.
If you are looking for a gift for grandma as you celebrate the holidays, don't forget the most special gift of all, a personal visit or phone call.
My sons were running in the Living History Farms Cross Country Race and we were all invited to "carb up" before the race. One son had to work unexpectedly the night before the race and would have to miss the carb dinner my daughter-in-law was cooking (her delicious homemade spaghetti). With the table set, we all felt bad when she accidentally included a plate for him, I was led to believe. Just then the doorbell rang. I went to get the door, and there was my granddaughter and my great grandson. I was so surprised, I took a double take after greeting her with a simple "Hi", before the hugs and tears came.
After the race, we were getting ready to go the the Leonardo DaVinci exhibit at the Science Center of Iowa, and I was told to go into the living room. Not realizing until I finally started walking, there sat my other granddaughter and her boyfriend. Double take again and then the tears and hugs.
The weekend was an incredible gift to have my entire family together. (My son was able to get back in time for the race and to spend the entire day with us before he headed back to work the following day.)
We all enjoyed the DaVinci exhibit from the oldest (me) to the youngest (great grandson age 11 months). If you are looking for something to do as the weather turns cold, don't hesitate to visit those special exhibits at local museums, science centers and art centers. I wouldn't have thought the younger children would have found as much fascination and enjoyment in the exhibit as they did. I learned several fascinating facts from the exhibit and a little bit more about what my grandchildren really enjoy. If you live in the Des Moines area, the DaVinci exhibit will be on display through January 16 and is well worth the visit.
If you are looking for a gift for grandma as you celebrate the holidays, don't forget the most special gift of all, a personal visit or phone call.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
Yes, I'm sitting on my laptop this Thanksgiving, but I'm not taking away from family time. With granddaughters age 6 and 8 away visiting their other grandparents, they won't be spending this holiday with us. I will be with granddaughter age 10 and grandson age 7 at their home. Their father is out of town due to work. This morning I asked them whether we should fix the turkey today with just the three of us or wait until tomorrow when their daddy would be home to enjoy Thanksgiving with us. "Tomorrow with daddy" they both yelled at the same time. Today, we are having "Thanksgiving Lasagne." We are enjoying Christmas DVD's while the children have a day off to just play.
I can imagine many families are doing the same thing with so many working today to take care of the rest of us: doctors, nurses, firemen, policemen, etc. to name just a few. Unfortunately, too many stores are open to get that jump on Black Friday shopping and their employees are forced to work as well. Our hearts go out the military families, spending their Thanksgiving with family members too far away to wait an additional day for a Thanksgiving celebration.
I'm always thankful for family, but this year I'm especially thankful for my family. Since this is the first Thanksgiving since my husband went home to be with the Lord, I'm really preparing Thanksgiving dinner for the first time. He was the one who got up early to put the turkey in the oven, preparing the perfect bird. When it was finished he would prepare the gravy. Then he would carve the turkey and prepare the leftovers. I was responsible for the rest. The easy part.
This year my son, grandchildren, and I will start new traditions. Don and I always bought sweet rolls and donuts the day before to have for breakfast Thanksgiving morning. The first new tradition is Monkey Bread (or pull a part bred) for breakfast. Granddaughter age 8 and grandson age 7 and I searched the grocery store for the frozen Monkey Bread from Bridgford Foods yesterday. I bought two just in case my son would not be able to get back; we wouldn't know for sure until this morning. The children and I had one this morning and will have the second one ready when he wakes up tomorrow. He is due to arrive sometime during the middle of the night. Since they are prepared in the microwave, the oven will be free for the turkey.
Another new tradition this year will be that the children will help me cook. Everything may take longer, but no matter. We will not starve and we will be making some great memories and new traditions. I'll make a list (typically my charge when a large dinner is planned) of what needs to be done to include which items the children can help me with. Instead of dreading tomorrow, I'm looking forward to it now. Thank you, Lord, for families.
Any ideas for new traditions we should try?
I can imagine many families are doing the same thing with so many working today to take care of the rest of us: doctors, nurses, firemen, policemen, etc. to name just a few. Unfortunately, too many stores are open to get that jump on Black Friday shopping and their employees are forced to work as well. Our hearts go out the military families, spending their Thanksgiving with family members too far away to wait an additional day for a Thanksgiving celebration.
I'm always thankful for family, but this year I'm especially thankful for my family. Since this is the first Thanksgiving since my husband went home to be with the Lord, I'm really preparing Thanksgiving dinner for the first time. He was the one who got up early to put the turkey in the oven, preparing the perfect bird. When it was finished he would prepare the gravy. Then he would carve the turkey and prepare the leftovers. I was responsible for the rest. The easy part.
This year my son, grandchildren, and I will start new traditions. Don and I always bought sweet rolls and donuts the day before to have for breakfast Thanksgiving morning. The first new tradition is Monkey Bread (or pull a part bred) for breakfast. Granddaughter age 8 and grandson age 7 and I searched the grocery store for the frozen Monkey Bread from Bridgford Foods yesterday. I bought two just in case my son would not be able to get back; we wouldn't know for sure until this morning. The children and I had one this morning and will have the second one ready when he wakes up tomorrow. He is due to arrive sometime during the middle of the night. Since they are prepared in the microwave, the oven will be free for the turkey.
Another new tradition this year will be that the children will help me cook. Everything may take longer, but no matter. We will not starve and we will be making some great memories and new traditions. I'll make a list (typically my charge when a large dinner is planned) of what needs to be done to include which items the children can help me with. Instead of dreading tomorrow, I'm looking forward to it now. Thank you, Lord, for families.
Any ideas for new traditions we should try?
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