Spending Time with Grandma

Exciting times are coming to our house soon! Both my daughter and my daughter-in-law are having babies this month. Because they both live in Lincoln, I’m planning to take the older children whenever that time comes. With the girls only one week apart, I’m trying to be realistic about the possibility of a lot of activity in a short period of time. Being a planner, I’m already trying to think of some things I can do with the older kids while we are all together awaiting the arrival of their new siblings.

Choosing activities to do with the little ones is one of my main concerns. It hasn’t taken me long to learn that they need to be kept busy. If you’re searching for simple, fun activities, then try some of these that I’ve used in the past.

Pop in a Movie

Movie night at Grandma Guzanne’s (yes, that’s what they call me) means gathering blankets and pillows, popping popcorn and settling in for a movie that’s usually their choice. To date, we’ve only watched animated shows. However, with the oldest being seven-and-a-half years old, I’m sure that will be changing soon. I do try to be careful to pick movies their parents approve of. Some of our favorites are: Ice Age, Frozen (of course) and Cars.

Get Creative with Crafts

We love to do crafts! For the younger ones, I make it really simple with taping, coloring or even simple puzzles. I love to see the creativity that even the youngest shows. I find that I am so much more patient with messes and accidents with my grandchildren than I ever was with my children. The older granddaughter and I like to paint pictures, pumpkins and squash (though not as successful as pumpkins). One of our favorites places for being crafty and creative is Paint Yourself Silly. We have spent many afternoons painting creative dishes or animals there and talking the day away!

Put on a Chef’s Hat

We also enjoy cooking together — really! However, I choose simple recipes. Slice and bake cookies are the greatest invention known to man. Macaroni and cheese out of a box is another wonder of modern time. In the summer, we get fresh ingredients and make our own salsa. They love to grind things in the food processor. Of course, we are safe and grandma has to do the “hard parts,” but still we have so much fun. We make messes that I know will get cleaned up once they leave. Yet I barely worry about that these days because these are the times I learn more about them! I learn how they think, what they think and a little more about who they are.

I guess you see the theme here — keep it simple —but spend the time! Messes and chaos happens, but passes so quickly! I find that when I plan for the mess and anticipate it, I hardly mind it at all. And it’s such a minor issue compared to the joy I receive from being with these little people. I’m so excited to add two more bundles to the family, which means more noise, mess, chaos and blessings galore!