When most adults spend quality time with youngsters, they usually think of what they can share with them and teach them about life and the world around them.
While I spent a sizable chunk of April taking care of my two grandchildren, I did plenty of that, but – surprise, surprise – I also learned a few things about myself.
1. My addiction to jigsaw puzzles is alive and well. I had thought my love for putting them together (and the harder the better) had faded over the years, but helping and then pretty much taking over our grandson’s Skylander collection of puzzles turned out to be fun and surprisingly absorbing.
2. It is actually possible for me to like a Justin Bieber song without being fond of the Biebs himself. My granddaughter feels the same way, so I know it’s entirely acceptable.
3. I’ve taken a shine to the Wii Just Dance video games. Great uptempo music, effective aerobic exercise, having fun like a kid with the kids – what’s not to love? And who cares what I look like bopping around with them?
4. I always thought I didn’t like Brussels sprouts, but turns out I do! They can be delicious when you don’t boil the sh*t out of them (sorry, Mom). Five to ten minutes with a dash of salt: perfection. Thanks for the tip, granddaughter! Would you believe she was the one who wanted me to buy them?
5. Apparently and according to my granddaughter, I smile whenever I check my appearance in the mirror. I had no idea, and she finds it “creepy”.
6. I believe five bucks is too generous a gift from the tooth fairy. I don’t care if she is an Immortal Guardian.
7. I no longer think there is anything wrong with wearing your pyjamas around the house all day – my grandson totally encourages it. I still draw the line at wearing them out in public. That’s a trend I will never embrace.
8. According to this little fellow, the skin on my neck is very soft and “crinkly”, and he won’t let me forget it…well, I am his grandma, after all.
9. I adore having the opportunity to indulge them. And such fun to live in the moment with them!
10. I am profoundly grateful for having these little people in my life to love.
What have children taught you about yourself?
Hey Jennifer looks like you had an amazing time with the kids and reading this post had me smiling. Kids are so good at telling us the truth and keeping it real. Love the snaps.
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I know, Kath, funny how they see what we don’t (or what we don’t want to) see. Ah well, it’s all good. All a part of building lasting ties with the ones we love! xo
Darn, missing them now!
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I”l bet, hold onto the memories until next time
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What great 10 points, all expressing deep gratitude. Thanks for sharing and inspiring!
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Thank you, Cecilia. It was my pleasure. 😊
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Jennifer, I love the funny things children say–that’s definitely what I’m looking forward to about grandchildren. It’s also one of the biggest gifts I enjoy with my teens–laughter.Thanks for making me smile (creepy or not). ❤
Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
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You’re welcome, Wendy. 💕
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I love the time I spend with children. They have much to teach if we are open to them. They have also given me clues into what childhood could have been.
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Could have been? Sounds like a story there, Lea…
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Perhaps? 🙂
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What a wonderful list. I fully intend to spoil my grandchildren and have warned both of my children. Maybe that’s why currently, they aren’t even dating. Hmm…
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Ha ha, Jacqui, I hope they wise up soon and get started on your grandchildren. I’m sure you’d make a terrific grandma!
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My youngest son’s daycare provider used to call brussel sprouts “alien heads,” and he would eat them at her house. Although I tried the same tactic, it didn’t work. I must not cook alien heads the right way.
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Ha ha! No, you must be cooking them wrong, or maybe you used frozen alien heads? The fresh ones are better. 😉
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Lucky you, great post Jennifer!
Glad you mentioned “fresh is better” (bought and left on their stem, they’ll keep a good long time hung outside in an unheated garage or garden shed…) and, if you like their flavour after a short cook in water; you’ll like steaming even better – and it’s faster too, ’cause they don’t cool off the cooking water: )
Hope Spring has arrived for you there. It seemed to take forever this year here in Ontario, as well):
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Thanks for the kind comment and the tips, Deb. I will try steaming them the next time. 🙂
Spring is taking forever to warm up, but that’s nothing strange here in Newfoundland!
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You are so blessed to have them around. Very cute kids! I wish every grandma was such a loving and fun one like you 🙂
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Thanks! I’m sure there are much more fun grandmas out there, but I try. 🙂
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Oh yeah our grandchildren do teach us so many wonderful things
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They do. You only have to be receptive to them. 🙂
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I love seeing the beauty I no longer see in common things, through their eyes. Love this post Jennifer. You and your grandchildren are blessed to have each other! ❤
Diana xo
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I’m missing them now, Diana, but they do make you appreciate life for the little things. ❤
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This was so cute! Not the Biebs part, though. Just…no.
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He can’t seem to stay out of trouble, can he? Or is it his music you hate?
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You know I have never heard him sing! His attitude just rubs me wrong. So judgmental, aren’t I?! 🙂
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No, not really, and you’re not alone. He does portray a rebellious punk image, that’s for sure. Spoiled by childhood fame, I reckon.
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This was such a lovely and funny post! You do sound like a very fun family
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Thank you, Darryl. 🙂
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Sounds like two lucky grandkids to have such a fun grandma! Isn’t kids’ honesty refreshing? Well, usually… 😉
I, too, love jigsaw puzzles. It’s been a couple years since I’ve worked on one. I’ll have to start a new one. I find it very calming.
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I do too, Carrie. I know it’s a time suck but there are worse pastimes. 🙂
As for kids’ honesty, I get a real kick out of it, even if you don’t always want to hear what they are thinking.
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