I am very blessed to see my 9 grandchildren as often as I want. They all live within 40 minutes or so from each other, and 30 minutes, max, from Barry and me.
We are fortunate enough to be able to attend lots and lots of activities… at their schools, sporting events (swimming, ballet, baseball, softball, running, lacrosse, soccer, hip-hop, gymnastics) and our many family gatherings.
But the day-to-day and day-into-night and night-into-day is Parent University.
Until this week.
Matt’s sudden medical emergency and Audrey’s care sent Barry and I off to Grandparent University: Advanced Course.
Here are my notes:
1. 7-year olds need privacy
2. 6-year olds still need hugs
3. 4-year olds will cling to playground equipment in 20 degree weather for at least 15 minutes before leaving
4. 3-year olds need no less than 5 “blankies” to sleep with
5. Size 8 underwear bunch up on a 3-year old
6. Undershirts are for girls
7. The most fun of playing catch with your Auntie Janie is losing an inordinate amount of tennis balls both over and under the fence
8. “How many balls can 4 boys lose?” means just that (see above)
9. The question, “Grandma, can you make me some money in here?” refers to Webkinz… thank goodness
10. Angry Birds are not grumpy senior citizens
11. “Lucky Charms” mean ONLY the marshmallow bits
12. Tooth brushing is successful only if the sink turns blue
13. Toilet paper is for clogging the toilet
14. Watching Pop-up plunge is entertaining (see above)
15. Pee is for lining the toilet seat for Grandma to sit on
16. I need a PhD in short-order cooking
17. Pez is fun. And sticky.
18. It’s fun sleeping with 5 “men”
19. Grandmas “operate” on stuffed animals, ripped pillows and buttons on request
20. There are at least 2,000,000 kid TV channels to memorize
21. Our Bob-O-Pedic is bedtime Disney World
22. “Laundry” means 3 loads per hour
23. APPS is an acronym for Appropriate grandParent rePlacement System
24. There’s only a small window of time for a child to WISH to be called Superman…
25… or wear Valentine heart socks.
26. One must wave enthusiastically from the front door each time anyone leaves
27. Questions about Daddy are answered with great calm and even greater love…
I’m learning. I’m actually remembering.
Somewhere in the recesses of my mind there is a piece of my own Parent University that recalls homework, rushing off to activities, bedtime rituals, wiping noses and little bummies…
But this Advanced Course at Grandparent University has Barry and me on our toes, on our game, staying alert, keeping us, well… young.
I also must give a great-big college megaphone cheer to Jane for helping with the kids, the technology, the fun – especially for bringing her puppies every day for the boys to play with and to love all over – and to rest on…
And if we can do anything to help Matt get better and home soon and ease Audrey’s worried mind, it’s worth all the credit hours we can put it. I just hope and pray for an A+ for Matt, and soon…
Oh, I love this. I am sure Audrey and Matt are so grateful knowing their boys are getting such loving care.
love this post. hugs
The children are so lucky to have grandparents who are willing and able and located close enough to make a difference in their grandchildren’s lives! Kudos to you!
Sharon, you make my heart swell, just to witness the joy with which you & Barry love on those boys. You get an A+!
You deserve a fat A+ for this post. And a grandparent Oscar. You and Barry are an AMAZING team. You are setting an example for all of us. Audrey and Matt have nothing to worry about when you guys are in charge. I really enjoyed reading all 27 notes. Still laughing about #13 & 14…
What a great post. Those boys will remember this time as being a great and fun memory shared with there grandparents, I know they must be worried about there dad, and they are so fortunate to have grandparents and Aunt Jane to ask questions to. Sending you much love
Donna and Ron
grandkids are precious gifts that make up for all the aches and pains, wrinkles and memory loss that aging brings. little angel faces that fill our hearts and brighten even the darkest days.
so happy that you have been blessed with 9 angels. we’ve got 1 but maybe if we’re lucky God will send us more.
Keeping your entire family in our thoughts and prayers.
You and Barry are two of the most amazing people I have the pleasure to know. Those sweet boys could not be in better, more loving hands. It is such a huge relief for Matt and Audrey to know that they have nothing to worry about with the boys care. Grandma and pop-up have it covered and covered well. Love you, my friend.
In all fairness… it’s been Sharon and Auntie Janie doing most of the childcare this week. I spent all day and night Monday at the hospital with Matt and Audrey. Tuesday thru Friday I helped out a little with breakfast and then I went to work leaving Jane and Sharon with all the kiddo responsibilities. Then…when I get home from work, I chip in with the boys… most playing monopoly, battleship and Wii.
Thanks for everyone’s thoughts and prayers…that’s what we need the most!
You’re are such an amazing grandma. There are no words for it. They are all so blessed. Give Audrey a GINORMOUS hug for me. xo
This is so awesome. What a gift you and Barry are Sharon!
Those boys sure are lucky to have such amazing supports. In watching my six year old son paly with his sister, I wish as a virtual friend we could be closer and he could play battleship, etc. with Audrey and Matt’s boys. Thoughts and prayers with all of you!
What a sweet post. And you are A+++++ Grandparents and parents. Love your Grandparent U stories. Hang in there and I’m praying for Matt. xo
God bless you for stepping in like that for Audrey and Matt! I can only imagine how big a challenge that must be for you 🙂
You’re doing AMAZING mom. I love you so much.
Audrey