My grandbabies love coming to my house ...
I have a big yard for them to run around and play in. I got them a play set to rival any neighbors'. I have a big, underground pool they can dive right into when the weather is hot out (like now; here in Texas, it's in the 100's, first time this year ... and it looks like there will be many more 100-degree days to come). I also have several dogs that the kids can cuddle up to whenever they're sad or lonely.
My house is big, bright, and roomy, with lots of windows, wide-open walk-in areas, plenty of room to sit or flop around when the kids get tired of playing, and lots of toys or educational softward to grab/stimulate their imaginations.
I had three boys. I know what kids like. I know what grabs a kid's heart.
My boys are grown, each with kids of their own, and I intend on nurturing them too, as any good, proud grandma should! When my boys or their wives cannot be with the kids, then here comes their BeBaw, their Grandma Bea, to the rescue! I play and rough-house with them. I read them stories, fix their boo-boos, kiss their tears away, and take them out for ice cream or a healthy snack at McDonald's or Dairy Queen if they've been good. I send them money for Christmas or their birthdays every year. I buy them new clothes for school. I tell them I love them any chance I get and make them proud to know me as their grandma (they call me BeBaw).
All too often, you hear of kids going bad or doing terrible things. It's because their parents don't know how to love or raise them right. If my daddy or mamma ever heard me say one bad thing or do anything to disappoint them, they would have beat my hide all the way to next week. Today's parents have become too permissive or lazy; they don't even care to correct bad behavior, and discipline and prayer have been taken out of the homes and schools: it's no wonder the kids of today are in such a bad way!
Not my house! My kids are very well loved, but if they mess up, they know they will have their punishment/infraction dealt with in a timely way. They know they can't get away with it as long as I'm around! Same goes for the grandkids. If they misbehave, they will go to their rooms after a stern lecture or a few good pops 'cross the butt; they will then think 'bout what they done and then come apologize to me. They may cry for the time being or pout, but deep down inside, they know that they are indeed loved and cherished.
In addition to playing with my grandbabies or doing things with (or for) them, I and BapPaw (that's my husband, their grandpa) take them to church nearly every Sunday. We are raising our grandkids to love God and to know about Him. Maybe that is one reason why they are so good because they have God in their lives; they know right from wrong and what to do if they mess up. Church is very important to us; I want it to be important to the grandbabies as well.
Today, the family is coming. No doubt, BapPaw will be spoiled (and we will spoil our boys, in kind), as it is Father's Day. A trip to the local restaurant or park will be the order of the day; if it gets too hot, we will come home and hit the pool, where we all can splash around, have fun, and cool off. It is going to be a day full of fun and excitement. I can feel it in my bones.
Well, Pete (that's my husband, or BapPaw to the grandkids, Papa to the boys) is rising to start the day, so I'd best go so we can eat, get ready, and go to church for the morning service. Besides, I am singing on the worship team; have to be there earlier than normal. I hope you enjoyed reading about our family, but more importantly, our grandbabies. They are the greatest thing that could have ever happened to us; we feel incredibly blessed to have not only three strong, strapping boys for sons, but six gorgeous, fun little grandbabies who are the lights of our lives!
