Wednesday, October 20, 2010

As I read back over the last half year of my blogging posts, I came to realize that my posts have taken on a new direction. I realized I spent probably too many posts on my grandparenting role in life. Then I realized that is what my life is comprised of the most these days. I find great joy and contentment in this role although I am not sure it would add much interest to the weekly blog reader. So, maybe you will want to skip over the next few years, and come back when I go back to more of the crafts, recipes and gift-giving that made up this blog originally. I will totally understand, really I will.
Since Monday evening five of my grandchildren, ages 4 and under have been in my care. Their parents had an opportunity to go away together on my son-in-law's business trip. I wanted to keep them, the five of them. I wanted to see what days are like with these five little ones. I tell you, I have a whole new appreciation for my daughter and the life she lives each day. I personally have never been so busy, so tired. This week their little lives have blessed mine in so new ways as I am there throughout all of their happenings, their questions, their fights, and their "best friends again" moments.
And yes, the twins did turn 1 year old while they were away. Actually one had a birthday tonight and one tomorrow. I mentioned before that even though they are identical twins they were born on separate dates...1 hour apart.

Tonight we celebrated the two of them with our very simple and hurriedly prepared birthday dinner. Did you ever prepare dinner with five little ones. I wonder how the Duggar family did it? Thanks to my wonderful sister-in-law who came and took the three oldest on a long walk and treasure hunt, and the two littlest ones who were taking a nap, I made a pot of spaghetti, broccoli and salad. Actually, my other sister-in-law came in the morning to give me a needed break also. How fortunate I am to have these two special SILs and good friends in my life! If you know anyone near you that has many small children, taking time to give them a break, even if only for a hour or two, is a most AMAZING gift. Today, I was made more aware of that then ever before. Gifts of time are so precious!
Hard to believe these two little guys have been with us for a year aready. They certainly add lots of fun and energy to our family.


I hesitated sharing this moment of our family dinner, but I thought you just might enjoy seeing how we went about serving 5 small children dinner. My youngest daughter has help to nanny these children since they were born. She does a great job! I felt a real sense of relief as she walked in the door after her day at work. She has a real gift with little ones. She has evening bath time for the five mastered perfectly. We will miss her so much when she gets married in the next few months. As you can see we divided the adults with the children.



Spaghetti...what grandma would serve that as the dinner menu to so many children? But, I knew they all liked it and you can see by the pictures that they really did....messy faces and all.


Even I have some trouble politely eating spaghetti.


When it came time for dessert, these two had had enough. Quite frankly, birthdays are not as great as they thought they would be. We just could not console the one little one. Actually, the other one doesn't look thrilled either.


Vanilla ice cream balls, chocolate syrup drizzled over and colorful M&Ms on top. Add four big-eyed animals from a KMart clearance counter and you have one fun homemade version of birthday cake. They all loved it. As for the 4 candles instead of "1"...I wanted it to look brighter and I knew they would like it.
It has been a fun and tiring day. Soon their parents will be back, and now I have new ways in my mind to be better able to help out with my daughter and son-in-law's crazy busy, yet rewarding lives.




A yummy, simple dessert with no leftovers when dinner was over.
They love to eat ice cream.

13 comments:

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

I haven't mind those glimpses into your life with your grandkids!! So I hope you won't stop blogging.... blogs are about sharing our lives and kindred spirits will come and rejoice with us at what makes us happy!

So blog away, dear blogging friend!

Lovella ♥ said...

Oh I so enjoy your grandparenting posts. .but then I'm right in it too.
I did especially enjoy the dinner table photo ..
I can't imagine how bushed you must be. .you are a fantastic grandma and mom too.

Judy said...

I can almost feel your exhaustion! But what a gift you gave their mom...and what great memories you all will have. How special to have your twin grandsons for their first birthday! You did it up just right.

Miss Debbie said...

You are a sweet and brave mom/grandmom! I know you gift of service is blessing your daughter and SIL. I also know it is a blessing to your Heavenly Father.."a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice pleasing to God." Enjoy the rest of your time with them and then ...REST! :-)

lindsey said...

I really cant imagine how your daughter does this every day!! But then she has been taught by a great Mum! Great photo's and I dont mind how mnay time you blog about your wonderful grandchildren....I cant believe those beautiful little boys have been around for a year either!!! our twins will soon be three :)

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

What a fun time....But five is a lot at one time......

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

it looks like my house! However... 3 at a time is my record. You are very brave. When we have all 6 overnite, I always have my daughter 'along for the ride'!

What incredible joy they add to our lives. I love crafts, and beautiful things too, but none of it compares with these little ones, so keep sharing. It's so much fun to see your pictures and hear you tell about them.

Barb said...

Judy, I have been a bit frazzled thinking about all I have to do today. Then, I read your post and saw the pictures. My heart is lightened.

This is what life is ALL about.

God bless you and your family,
Barb

Happy@Home said...

I always enjoy your grandparenting posts. Though I don't have grandchildren yet, I am making lots of mental notes on how to be a good grandma from the things I am learning here.
I can't imagine taking care of 5 at once at my age. Yikes, I'm tired just reading your post. But, you do it beautifully and I know your daughter and SIL must be so thankful for this little break.
I can hardly believe the twins are already a year old.

corners of my life said...

Your grandparenting posts ae perfectly timed for me. I enjoy reading them and will be back.

LisaShaw said...

Aww, happy birthday to the precious little ones...they are so cute and have grown so quickly.

Love the family shot!!

As a Grandma you know I enjoy reading all about your grandchildren.

Much love dear friend!

Crickit said...

Happy Birthday to the cutest little one year olds! You seem like such a wonderful and loving grandparent. Your sweet little ones are lucky to have you! :)

Anonymous said...

I for one have enjoyed hearing about your grandchildren and all of the wonderful things you do with them. I miss those days with mine so much! Your grandchildren are all so adorable! I can't believe the little twins are a year old already either. Thank you for sharing with us the way you do. I love those little candles. Sooo cute!!!

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