Monday, August 30, 2010

Grandchildren Teach Us


My grandchildren offer me insight, eye-openers, and heartburn. They also give me pure and unconditional love. Who else does that?

The most important thing they offer though is lessons in life, should I care to learn them.

After this past weekend at Bernie's grandma’s house, I was once again the student.

My grandchildren taught me:

1. Kids are smarter than we are, or were. When discussing upcoming birthdays, it seems I'm not "with it." In their hip language, one said, "Grandma," (insert rolling eyes); "Check THAT off your list. Nooooobody gets THAT!" Well excuse me...if an etch-a-sketch was good enough for ME at six, it should be good enough for you.

A laptop? I don't thinkkkkkk so. Who do I look like, Donald Thrump? (Okay, maybe on a bad hair day, but that's beside the point)

2. Kids love, absolutely LOVE games and especially hide and seek, i.e., hiding things of great value from grandma. Anybody seen my glasses?

3. Kids love to sleep with grandmas. Two kids and one fluffy grandma cannot sleep in one bed no matter how much you cling to the side. Don't EVEN suggest taking out the three dolls, a teddy bear missing a nose (that's another story), or their favorite books, movies, and half-eaten fruit. Snug as a bug in a rug...sigh.

4. Kids want to help. Teaching them responsibility is a good thing unless they decide to water your plants when you're not around...and the hardwood floors. Shop vacs...they are our friend.

5. Kids love bath time and getting naked. They also love to watch grandma's hissy fit when they run outside to greet the neighbors. Never turn your back on a 4-year old. EVER.

6. Kids love to dance; however, showing them YOUR moves from 196_ is a big mistake. Suddenly, you feel your age and the hysterical laughter doesn't help.

7. Kids love to help make milkshakes. Note to self: Check lid on mixer. Keep shop vac near.

8. Kids love to play dress up. Especially wearing your favorite blouse as they eat Spaghetti-O's. Ewww...Shop vac's can't fix that.

9. Kids love makeup and perfume. They love smearing it on until they resemble hookers...oh, and making the cat smell pretty. At least now the cat can't hide. I just follow the smell. Padlocks, they are ALSO our friend

10. Kids love their grandmas. Why not? It's the only place they can come, totally be kids, and eat, drink, and ah…be scary.

I love my grandchildren more than my life. They make me so happy when they arrive. On more adventurous days I’ll admit, I'm equally happy when they depart.

My grandbeauties have taught me that sleep, glasses, and live plants—these things can be replaced—but love, unconditional love bestowed with giant hugs and sloppy kisses...never.

JJ, the proud grandma knowing they just don't make a Hallmark for that.



4 Comments:

Blogger Ruth said...

Good one, JJ. Your grandchildren are so lucky to have you!

7:26 PM  
Blogger Chatty Lady said...

No one describes things of humor quite the way you do J.J. Made me laugh once again. This time my blog was of a more serious nature, hoping one of our ladies, or better yet you or me would be the ones finding we had a treasure awaiting. However it sounds to me that you have discovered your treasure tie iwo, and they call you grandma...

8:53 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am not a grandmother, but my sister is. I'm sending her this link right now. I appreciate your humor!
Dotsie Bregel

7:36 PM  
Blogger Dianne Schwartz said...

Hey! I've been missing you!

10:11 AM  

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