New Life

Subscribe to Grand Connection by Email

Tuesday's Grand Connection Thought

by Mary May Larmoyeux

Pops and I had our sixth grandchild on Saturday and I must say, she's beautiful!

Her big sister and brother stayed with us over the weekend, and they were so excited to be with their little sis today! Our four-year-old grandson was ready to play with her--right now. I tried to explain to him that she couldn't play quite yet, but he insisted that babies can play. Well, she didn't seem excited about the toy truck that he kept waving at her.

Big sis looked like a natural as she cradled the baby in her arms. With a grin on her face she seemed to say, "I have a real, live baby doll!"

New life. How precious! No matter what struggles there are in the world around us, new life just breathes hope.

I am reminded of Psalm 139:13-14a:  "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

What was it like when you held your grandchild for the first time?

Have a great week,

Mary
co-author of The Grand Connection: 365 Ways to Connect with Your Grandchild's Heart
http://www.marymaywrites.com/

Treasure bags

Friday's Grand Connection Fun

by Mary May Larmoyeux

Pops and I moved into our new home a few weeks ago ... or should I say, we are moving into our new home. We are now going through the seemingly endless task of unpacking boxes. Sometimes we'll discover treasures that we have long forgotten—a picture of a loved one, a favorite vase, or even a book or two that we had intended to read.

Speaking of treasures. Can you identify the picture above? If you said, "plastic container that a new curtain comes in," you are right! Moving into a new house, we had to buy lots of new curtains, and I just couldn't throw away the nifty plastic containers that they come in. They are perfect for "treasure bags." I've already given a couple of them to two of the grandkids, and they loved them. When we went for a walk they filled their bags with acorns, rocks, and I think a few sticks.

The next time that you purchase curtains, you may want to retrieve some "treasure bags" for your grands. Of course, Ziploc bags could easily be used for the same purpose.

Is there a special place where your grandchildren place their "treasures" when they go on outings with you? What are some of your grandchildren's "treasures"?

Have a great weekend!
Mary
http://www.marymaywrites.com/
co-author of The Grand  Connection: 365 Ways to Connect with Your Grandchild's Heart

©  2011 by Mary May Larmoyeux. All rights reserved.

Photo Credit: © Mary May Larmoyeux

Handprint Wreaths

Subscribe to Grand Connection by Email

Friday's Grand Connection Fun

by Mary May Larmoyeux

With a little help, the grandkids can have a one-of-a-kind autumn wreath. They are sooo easy to make! Here's how:

• Cut a wreath ring out of poster board or cardboard and set this aside.
• Trace each grandchild’s hands on colored construction paper (choose fall colors).
• Repeat this several times.  
• Help the grandkids write something they are thankful for on each leaf. (Of course, older grandchildren could do this by themselves.)
• Now, randomly layer/glue the hands around the wreath until it is covered. 
• Decorate the leaves with some pumpkin or turkey stickers as an added touch.

Here are a couple of examples of autumn handprint wreaths:

 Autumn Handprint Wreath “a”

  

Autumn Handprint Wreath “b”

I'd love to hear about your experience with your grandchildren making autumn wreaths. Please share any tips or ideas that you have for us!

Have a great weekend,
Mary

co-author of The Grand Connection: 365 Ways to Connect with Your Grandchild's Heart
http://www.marymaywrites.com/

© Mary May Larmoyeux. All rights reserved.
Photo © Margaret Thompson. Used with permission.