Grandkids bring you into a sweeter, slower present. They show you the future at a time when a lot of your friends are thinking about the past. And they take you back to childhood–theirs, the Parent’s, your own: a three-time admittance to wonderland. ~Adair Lara
Peanut and Twix….our grand girls! Peanut is 9 years old and Twix just turned 4 years old. And not a day goes by where I don’t look at them and feel deeply thankful they are in my life.
Over these 9 years, neither of these girls have experienced a day care facility outside of a Pre-K program. Peanut and her Mama moved in with us when she was 4 months old while then-husband was deployed overseas. Upon his return, they moved to an out-of-state Army base, but were back under our roof when he decided to try college, and Peanut’s Mama took on the role of breadwinner. Peanut went happily to preschool and spent time after school at Entrepreneur and my office about a quarter mile from the school. Twix arrived in 2014, but a divorce disrupted plans and Peanut, Twix and their Mama continued to live with us for another 2 years while regrouping their life direction. Once Mama was stable in a better job, they moved into their own home. Entrepreneur and I moved our office into our home and Twix assimilated into our routine from the day she was born. An arrangement that continues to this day. Preschool is on the horizon for her in a few months, but until then, she is with us five days a week from 7:50am until 5pm.
I’d be lying if I said this didn’t come without challenges. But, I’m not sure I’d want it any other way. To, essentially, have the opportunity to co-parent with our daughter in raising our grand girls has been an experience many grandparents will never have. Granted, some may never want this experience! But, we’re gluttons for punishment looking at it as a rare opportunity to create a tie that binds us to them for the rest of their lives.
Some day in the near future, Twix will spend her days in preschool and then off to kindergarten. Entrepreneur and I will be more free to come and go without worrying about car seats and nap schedules. Our interactions will be limited to occasional family meals, special events, holidays and the periodic sleep-over at Nana and Papa’s house. And, of course, whenever school is not in session! But we will always believe we gave them both the best possible start in life by being spoiled loved and nurtured by family on a daily basis during those developing years before heading off to school.
Annie at McGuffy’s Reader hosts a blog hop every Monday called Sparks. I’m finding that reading everyone’s “Sparks” is one of the highlights of my week. Her philosophy its simple:
The negative energy of the world has become thick and oppressive. Social media has become a part of this dare, negative storm. There is an obvious, universal need for more positive energy and peace. And, we can be a part of this affirmative change.
Also blog hopping with Sandee’s Awww Mondays over at Comedy Plus.
Grand-kids can do that and more. They are wonderful. Love your Spark.
Have a fabulous day. ♥
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Wow…that was nice
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They are a gift, aren’t they? I used to love the times my grandkids came to visit when they were wee ones – but must confess that when they spent a weekend, I was badly in need of rest when they went home. So much energy!
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I completely resemble that remark about needing rest after spending the day with them! 😀
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This is a lovely Spark and you are so blessed to have been able to spend this time with these beautiful little girls, they will carry those memories and your love in their hearts forever!
Josie Two Shoes ~ Sparks
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A truly beautiful Spark, dear Lisa.
They are so fortunate to have you, and of course, you, them.
I absolutely love the quote on the adorable photo of them.
Have a wonderful week, my friend!
xo.
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Excellent spark. Your grandkids are blessed.
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your grandkids are sooooo lucky to have you!
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Lisa, loved both the photograph AND the quote about grandkids! Even though I don’t have kids of my own, I adore children and really enjoy being around them because I learn so much from them – their spontaneity, their imagination, and their ability to express themselves without any self-consciousness.
“we will always believe we gave them both the best possible start in life by being spoiled loved and nurtured by family on a daily basis during those developing years before heading off to school.”
Amen! And I believe that is something both they and you will always cherish forever and ever! What a blessing 🙂
Beautiful Spark, my friend!
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Lovely Spark…blessings abound at your house!
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The sweetness here is beautiful! Warm Valentine hugs!
Sparks: 19
Annie at ~McGuffy’s Reader~
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What a blessing it is that you have been there for your daughter and those precious little granddaughters.
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