Welcome to a place where we can share ideas about grandparenting, especially ways to pass spiritual values and family stories to the next generation.

Mary is the co-author of The Grandparent Connection: 365 Ways to Connect With Your Grandchild's Heart.
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Co-author of The Grandparent Connection: 365 Ways to Connect With Your Grandchild's Heart

Friday, May 21, 2010

Blessings

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Friday's Grand Connection Fun
by Mary May Larmoyeux

Some of our grandkids presented me with a precious certificate on Mother's Day. One of our granddaughters said that I had helped her count her blessings. Actually, I had to think about that for a minute. When did I do that?

Then I remembered some times when our grandkids haven't been able to sleep at night. We'd count blessings until they drifted into slumberland. I guess that was etched on their hearts more than I realized.

Once I made Pops a "blessing book," with pictures and notes about why I am blessed to have him for my hubby. (Thanks, Suzanne, for this idea!) We could make a  "blessing book" for our grandkids. It could be a special gift on a 13th or 18th birthday.

I want to be more proactive in thanking God for the blessings that He showers on our family. Psalm 51:12 says, "For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield."

How have you helped your grandchildren count their blessings? Do you have any suggestions about how our lives could be marked with grateful hearts?

Have a great weekend,
Mary
Mary May Larmoyeux
http://www.marymaywrites.com/
http://grandconnection.blogspot.com/

© Mary May Larmoyeux. All rights reserved.
Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

A Queen for Four Days


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Tuesday's Grand Connection Thought

by Mary May Larmoyeux
 
Sunday evening I got home from taking care of three of our out-of-town grandkids while their parents went on a little getaway. It was a busy four days that began with a funeral for a pet crab (the three year old announced that the crab wasn't moving shortly after I arrived) and ended with the dog jumping into the van on Sunday morning when everyone was going to church.

It was great fun to watch a granddaughter make a soccer goal. And it was also fun to be at the elementary school's field day. Our oldest grand and her brother gave their all as they played tug of war, rolled tires, and tossed balls into hula hoops.

As pictures were snapped of the kids with their friends, coaches, teachers, and me, I remembered my parents traveling to Arkansas for our sons' Grandparents' Day. Where does the time go?

I also loved hearing my three-year-old granddaughter pretend to take the family dog to the dentist. "Darling, it's going to be okay," she said. And I couldn't help but smile when she told the dog to "Look me in the eyes." She even suggested that the dog "calm himself," one time. Wonder where she has heard those things?

Proverbs 17:6 says that "Children's children are a crown to the aged." Well, I feel like I was Queen for four days.

But I confess, now that I'm back home, I'm really tired 'ole Nana.

What are some of your favorite memories while watching your grands?

Have a great week,
Mary
www.marymaywrites.com/
http://grandconnection.blogspot.com/

Article and Photo © by Mary May Larmoyeux. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Wonderful Family Traditions



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Tuesday's Grand Connection Thought

by Mary May Larmoyeux

“Recipes, collections, activities—almost anything can become family tradition,” say the Littauers in their book Making the Blue Plate Special. "Start with something that appeals to the majority, they say. "Maybe that’s sharing cinnamon rolls together (homemade or store bought, it doesn’t matter) the first Saturday morning of every month.”

I remember several traditions from my childhood. My grandparents would take my family to lunch on Sundays, after church. We ate in a cafeteria and played a little game called “who can eat for the least amount of money.” (Of course, now I understand that "game.")

And my mother had a recipe for Sugar Cookies that she often made as a special treat when we were having what she used to call "dumpy days." Her mother had given the recipe to her. And, yes, I've passed it down to our children.

When Pops' and my children were growing up, we would regularly mark their heights on a door; we’re continuing this tradition with the grands. They love to see how much they’ve grown! We draw a line for their height, include a date and first name, and sometimes even take pictures when we measure their height. When our out-of-town grands visit, one of the first requests is, "Measure us. See how tall we are."

What traditions do you have with your grandkids ... or what was a tradition that your parents or grandparents had with you?

Have a great week,
Mary
www.marymaywrites.com/
http://grandconnection.blogspot.com/

© by Mary May Larmoyeux. All rights reserved.
Photo © Ragne Kabanova / Dreamstime.com

Friday, May 7, 2010

Everyday Moments


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Friday's Grand Connection Fun
by Mary May Larmoyeux

One of my favorite books is Let’s Make a Memory by Gloria Gaither and Shirley Dobson. "Special moments don’t just happen," Gloria says, "they have to be planned on purpose!"

"In this hectic world when the pace at which we all live is so frantic, we as families must make a covenant with each other to make time for simple things. … We have no guarantees of tomorrows, but we do have this moment."

I really like that!

Elaine told me about writing a prayer for each grandchild and sending the prayers to the adult children to pray for each particular child. She also said that on one of her granddaughter’s birthdays, she and husband made a list of "10 Reasons we appreciate Kelli." Elaine added, "She was thrilled. We put it on poster board and then laminated it."

What a great, and simple, ideas!

As a grandmother, I’m so aware that there are no guarantees of tomorrow, and I know how quickly the grands will grow up. I hope that you and I will both take time for the simple things with our grands—walking in the rain, writing a prayer, picking flowers, looking into the clouds together—marveling at the great God who created everything.

How do you make the most of everyday moments with your grandchildren?

Have a wonderful weekend,
Mary
Mary May Larmoyeux
Article and Photo  © Mary May Larmoyeux. All rights reserved.