Already

I noticed in the tweens and middle grade girls catalog that the body type of the models and the clothing styles are already for the slim and leggy. Leggings, skimpy shorts, teeny tops - how is a normal sized girls supposed to see herself in these? Or see herself if she does not look good in these. I can't imagine that is the majority of girls in this age group! What are we doing?
 

Remembering and Replicating

I only knew one of my grandmothers. She was a gracious lady, but like most of her generation, not very demonstrative. Much as I hug the grandblessings in my life (with varying degrees of response!) as a long distance grandparent it is never enough.

One thing she did do was signed all her letters "All my best love." Those words were precious and I can see her handwriting in my mind some 40+ years later.

Drop your grandchild a card or post card to day and find a special
way to tuck in a hug!

Good article on Grandparenting

http://www.grandparents.com/grandkids/education-and-school/child-brain-development?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nl871&mc_eid=48739ef081

I would add #6 - tell them the stories you love from the Bible and introduce them to a church where children are valued and engaged.

Blessed Holy Week to you all!

The little old woman and the little old man

Looking at grandparents in children's picture book - we are either sweet knitting/newspaper reading/bird feeders or way out of the rocking chair crazy - big glasses, clashing clothing and unreal toothy grins. There is more variation in how polar bears are drawn! Where are the volunteers, the world travelers, the folks who do not know how to quit working?

This requires action!
 

Kid endorsed!

I am studying 5 picture books a day this month so when I was with the grandkids on a day off from school we went to the library! The 9 year old told me the best picture books were by Patricia Pollaco and she pulled all she could find (after some very clever computer work!). She was right! If you have not looked at picture books these are true stories for older children about tough subjects. Fantastic!

Plus who could not think is a librarian in the making?!

The risk of love

We have two children in the congregation right now with very difficult  health situations. We as adults are being supportive and caring, but is it OK for kids to know about the children in case "something goes wrong"? I offered my grade 2 communion kids the opportunity to pray for one child - it happens they had seen him baptized since our lesson that day fit in.  Now he has a post surgical infection. What if....? The other boy is in grade 1 and battles leukemia.  How long....?

I risked inviting the kids to pray, knowing that as a community we will not suspend our support if things get worse. There is a risk in loving, caring, praying. But what better place to learn and be exposed to grief and loss than the church?

We will move forward in hope and prayer.

Just back...

This is our 15th anniversary year (Geezer love!) and the best gift we could give ourselves was time with family. We rented a big house in AZ for 2 weeks and told the family 6 months ago, anyone can come anytime! (If I had informed them of the date of Easter, many would be "Unavailable...!") Suddenly every calendar got an opening! All siblings, two of the four children, and all 5 grandchildren spent part of the time with us. Intergeneration bonding, new adventures, lots of talk and laughter. Best gift ever!

Not everyone can travel to the warm in winter, but even a local destination with a fun family event can be an attraction! A splash park or amusement park overnight, a weekend house at the lake,  a little travel and a lot of fun!