What's a Grammy supposed to do?

We have all seen them I confess they make me laugh! You know " If Mom says no ask Grandma" or the padded Grandparent paddle, I laugh but I don't re-post and most of all I DO NOT LIVE by this philosophy ! Truthfully it bothers my conscience a bit. A Grandparents job is to reinforce the parents values!

Now before I get stoned I am not saying there shouldn't be special treats at Grammy's that aren't the norm at home! Even these need parental approval and explanation. For example I usually have Capri Suns for the Grands- at least I did before all the mold issues! When one of the Grands complained that Mommy didn't buy them I explained that Mommy left that to me so I could have the fun of having something special as a treat when they visit.

Part of being a Grandparent is teaching our grands to value and appreciate their parents. We listen to complaints yes - they should know they can share anything with us- but in the end we present a united front with the parents.

About listening, it's simple hours and hours of Leggo information and video games builds the bridge to those deep life conversation we want to be a part of when they are teens.

Grandparents need to provide teaching moments. Formal ones like Vacation Bible School - I take the responsibility of registration, T -shirts, and part of the transportation. Informal ones like taking Grand One with me to shop for back to school supplies to donate. Today I told the Grandboys about the tinny country of Malawi and showed them the pill bottles I am sending for the Malawi Project clinics. Two ideas here - you live in a blessed family and not all kids are born with your advantages, there are ways to help others and we need to look for them and do them!

So what should the answers be when a Grand asks Grammy? Your parents know best and they love you ! I love you too enough to want you to grow up to be a loving , compassionate , responsible adult! Because I love you WHEN MOM SAYS NO GRAMMY DOES TOO!

Missing Mom

I didn't plan this , it's just one of those times when grief and loss sneak up on you . I am having the ladies from my neighborhood over and I wanted to sort of fancy up for them . My way of saying I value you and you are special. Maybe that's a Southetn thing? Well I couldn't do that without pulling out and going through the many "pretties" that my mom has given me over the years. Her treasures. 

I found myself wanting to share the moment with her. Here's the problem , Mom at almost 93 is still here, but she's not here. I can't send a photo she can't see. Oh I will send one and Lauren or D will " show" it to her and she will enjoy the moment telling them about what she sees. I can't seem to get her on the phone today - some days she just forgets how to answer. Here but not here that describes my mom.

So where are the words of wisdom, what have I gathered in this walk that I hope my young friends can use? Say it when you can and say it often. Clear the air - there are things I have apologized to mom about- some silly some serious. She knows I love her - she also knows there are some things we will never see the same. I know she loves Jesus and sees Heaven as her next home. Just be sure your relationship is as it should be . Not everyone gets 93 years! Even though there are many times Mom drives me crazy because we are such different view points on so many things. I am suddenly aware that I do miss her and she isn't even gone!

Missing Mom

If I write it will they read it?

So I am naturally slow at doing "new" things! Maybe it's my southern heritage or maybe it is just my age, but in the case of this blogging thing I have been beyond natural slowness! I have been fighting a battle- and even as I do this I am not sure the battle is won. It has been on my heart for a very long time to share the things the Lord has taught me and is teaching me through a blog. I want to be an encouragement to those around me. I love to teach and share and a blog seems a great way to do that. Of course there is a long list of why this may not work. There's the technology issue- I am of the generation that computers are for rocket scientist. There's the basic generation gap thing- do I have anything of interest to say, does the Titus 2 charge to older women to teach the younger remain relevant today?  What do I really know anyway? What do those around me want to know?
One thing I do know- it just keeps coming back to me,especially when I sincerely ask the question " What am I being asked by my Lord to do?" This idea of blogging always comes to mind.
So my Facebook friends here are my questions to you. If Inwrite will you read?  What would be helpful to you?