Cousin's Back to School Party 2012

I have been celebrating back to school with my grandchildren for quite a few years now.

Back to School Party 2011

Back to School Party 2010

Back to School Party 2009

Back to School Party 2008

My back-to-schoolers this year are in grades 

7th, 6th, 4th, 4th, 4th, 3rd, 1st, kindergarten, and pre-school.

That is nine out of ten of my little pearls!

So, what makes a back to school party with 

Grandma, Papa and the cousins?

The party plans can be as simple or as extravagant as you like but

regardless of how much money or time I put into them 

our time together and the lasting memories we share

are a priceless treasure to us all.

It is a tradition that my grands DO NOT allow

me to forget!

For me the party always begins with pre-arranging a date 

that works with all of the parents.

Party invitations are hand delivered a few days ahead of time.

This year's theme was Party Bus!

The invites had a bus schedule on them for the time

of pick up and the afternoon drop off time for each child.

Papa and I decorated our "bus" to add to the fun.

(Special thanks to my daughter and son-in-law for loaning us their eight passenger car.)

We decorated the windows and we tied long strands of brightly 

colored curling ribbon to the side mirrors

to add a festive touch as we whipped and fluttered through the streets.

Once everyone was picked up and buckled up it was party time.

The "bus" was filled with chatter between the very  

excited back-to-school cousins.

First stop included personalized lunch orders

and icy sweet  Eegee's slushes!

There was sampling bites shared, laughter, conversations,

and lots of attention from the other customers.

One set of grandparents who's only grandchild

lives several hours away couldn't believe that this

party group of five only represented half of my grandchildren.

They also commented on how well behaved they were.

Grandma was proud!

They were all wearing matching name tags

around their necks with their new grade.

I made the name tags

to help create a little extra special cousin unity.

Once everyone was done eating and washed up

it was time to load back into our party bus and head to our next stop.

Instead of putting together party gifts bags as usual

we treated the kids to a shopping spree at one of

their favorite stores!

They all LOVE going to Dollar Tree.

Every single row was checked out and a whole

lotta' very selective and time consuming decisions were made.

The rule for the kids was that we all had to stay together.

They did a great job following the rule.

Papa and I had the rule to not rush their decisions.

We succeeded too!

After over an hour of very active shopping it was time to check out.

Everyone was thrilled with their

gadgets, goodies, and toys.

Our party bus then headed to Wendy's

for a round of chocolate Frosty's and seven cups of water

for the ride home.

We had a really cool bus driver!

(Thanks Papa)

Without rushing any part of our time together

we were able to keep the party bus on schedule

for our afternoon drop offs.

I use the word lucky a lot about being a grandma

but the truth is that I am just 

very blessed and very, very grateful.

I can't wait until next time....

4th Of July Goodie Boxes

Make the little firecrackers you love these easy and festive one of a kind

4th of July

holiday favors!

All you need is their favorite movie box of candy,

papers in red white and blue, scissors or a paper cutter,

and a glue stick. I added some fun holiday POP 

with an explosion of dazzling curling ribbon

to finish them off!

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

You Gotta Love It

Modern technology is amazing and it's being used between 

the generations even with all of my grands living within 10 minutes of me!

Our grands know how to start skype sessions

with Papa and I and this grandson used this email

video to share one of his recent inventions with 

Papa and I.

Special Guests for the Day

Two of my grandchildren go to a small country school that their mother hand picked for them to attend.  While most schools have several classes per grade and large numbers of children in each classroom this small country school is very different. It is K-6 grades and there is one class per grade. The classes have right around 16 students with a teacher and an aide for each class.

Something else this small school is able to have is some great enrichment activities for the students. This year the kids were able to invite their grandparents to come and have lunch with them. Papa and I went and joined our two grandsons for lunch. It ended up being quite a day with a big Cinco De Mayo celebration!

The kids had the school lunch and the PTO had a special lunch

for the grandparents that included a cupcake.

We treated our grands to our cupcakes!

After lunch the little one went back to class because

he didn't want to miss the Otter Pop sale with his class.

Papa and I sat on a nearby bench and enjoyed watching

our grandson playing with his friends

and we reminisced over a game of red rover.

Red Rover, Red Rover

Send "our #4" right over!

He made it!

He and his Papa went and played some tetherball on the playground.

This was extra special because the rest of the class was back in class!

We put a tetherball in our backyard last year for

this tetherball loving grandson! So, he and his Papa

play lots of tetherball at home but getting to play at school

together I'm sure will be long remembered.

Before we knew it it was Otter Pop time for our older grandson.

 I know that all of the kids get by all year long without me worrying

 about them but I had to make sure there was no child left out 

because they didn't have a quarter.

There was only one child from the whole class who didn't get one.

And, I couldn't treat him to one!

Not being able to participate in the Otter Pop sale was

the consequence for some bad behavior he had at school that week.

So, so sad!

Once the Otter Pops had been enjoyed our grandson invited us 

to go see his science project.

We were on our way when our youngest grandson

spotted us. He caught up to us and invited us to

go to the Otter Pop sale with him and his class.

It's a good thing there were two of us.

I made Papa promise to get me a good picture 

of the science project.

We divided and we conquered!

It's funny that this was the topic of his project.

A few weeks earlier I had entertained the boys

with a bunch of small blown up balloons.

The activity:

Create static by rubbing the balloons on our hair.

We completely covered the little brothers head 

in balloons using static electricity!

Who knew I was teaching something useful?

While I was missing the science project I was front and

center at the Otter Pop sale. As his teacher walked by me

she handed me a pair of kid safe scissors and I was

put to work snipping off the tops of the otter pops 

for the entire K class.

Rare picture of me. I'm usually behind the camera.

Once my grandson got his Otter Pop(s)

he pulled out a pair of gloves he had borrowed from his

dad that morning for Otter Pop day. When I asked him about

the gloves he said "So my hands don't get cold and sticky!"

Now, that's planning ahead!

What fun I had!

My memories went back to my own elementary years.

My favorite sales were the candy apples and the 50/50 bars!

I'm always looking for a candy apple just like I remember them.

Fat chance!

His classmates really took to me and they were 

excited to meet my little guy's grandma!

I was told by several of the children that

their grandma's live far away.

I was feeling very blessed.

Papa and I were still hanging around because

we had been invited to attend the

Cinco De Mayo celebration.

The first grade class performed by dancing and singing in spanish.

It was pretty darn cute!

A female Mariachi.

She was excellent!

Every child was glued to her performance.

I loved the costume.

One of my all time favorite dresses

was navy blue with gold buttons.

This gal emotionally shared the history behind her becoming a Mariachi.

 It was her Tata (grandfather) that began teaching her the art as a young girl.

Tata was there (with his own guitar and cane). They were both crying as she

shared her gratitude to her grandfather for his love and support.

I couldn't help but watch her Tata as his granddaughter performed.

He was playing and singing along with her and there was no question 

of just how proud he is of his very talented granddaughter.

I learned that they teach Mariachi playing and singing

at a junior high and high school in a town near us.

I had no idea.

The students from the other schools put on

a very entertaining performance.

At the closing of the performance they announced

that no Mexican celebration is complete

without food.

There were churros, and cups of punch, and Horchata served!

It was a great day shared with two

little boys that we love 

mucho, mucho much!

Personalized Valentine

How about doing a personalized Valentine 

for someone you love this year?

I made these for my three granddaughters.

You can check out the easy and free "type and print template" here.

I listed things they love, their talents, their relationships,

special things we do together, their interests, love notes, and I ended it

with an "I love you!" from Papa and I.

I listed their name after every three words or phrases.

Each one shows just how individual the girls are.

So much fun!

I backed them in red card stock 

and tied a tulle ribbon at the top.

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!

The Three boys in front are my grandsons.

Having three grandsons competing in the Pinewood Derby

this year made the event extra exciting!

Thankfully, the track was equipped with computerized timers

because some races were too close for the human eye to call.

I just love seeing them in uniform!

The three little boy cousins kept a close eye on the track.

Cheering on their older brothers.

Having seven grandsons I have many more pinewood

derby races in my future.

Our family cheered the boys on to victory!

They ended up with the 1st, 3rd, and 4th fastest cars.

Good sports and good job boys!

Catch Me Kitty

My youngest grandchild just celebrated his second birthday. Papa and I selected this Catch Me Kitty toy as his birthday gift. As we browsed the aisles of toys this one caught Papa's eye. It was something new to the market which meant we probably wouldn't be duplicating a toy that was already in he and his two brothers toy box.

We had just wrapped this gift up for his birthday party the next day when we left for our family bonfire. While at the bonfire this little guy chased my daughter's kitty everywhere saying "key, key" "key, key".  My husband and I looked at each other and we knew we had selected a perfect gift!

This little interactive Catch Me Kitty toy is so much fun and we were right he loves it! It has sensors in it that activate when someone is approaching it from the front or the back so that it runs away. The toddler can chase the "Key, Key" all over the place.

For other play options the run away sensors can be turned off. If you have a toddler gift to select and your little one loves "key, keys" this is a really cute and fun option!

(This is not a paid review)

Each Year They Grow in Inches and Feet

The luckiest kids in the whole wide world,

Have a Grandma & Papa on Gelding Lane.

They get to spend lots of time with them,

Which keeps their parents happy and sane.

As time goes by and memories are made,

The love among our family grows.

Others may not see what is so special,

But each and every grandchild knows.

Through day camps and campouts and parties galore,

They are loved, and nurtured, and praised.

Someday they will give thanks to these grandparents,

For the truly special way they were raised.

'Cause these kids are raised on love and fun,

Each year they grow in inches and feet.

And now you can keep track of it,

When they stop in for a treat!

This poem was written by my oldest daughter as part of a Christmas gift that she and our son-in-law made themselves for my husband and I. As I read the poem aloud to my family before opening the gift I could not hold back the tears. My very soul was bursting with gratitude for my children and my ten grandchildren and the quality time that we are so blessed to be able to share with each and every one of them!

Here is a pic of the gift.

I love it!

This will replace the pencil marks that have tracked the growth of my ten grandchildren behind my laundry room door. Since taking this picture my hubby has screwed it to the wall. I know it is going to be a treasured memory for my grandchildren and Papa and I! 

It was made to be installed six inches above the floor. I'm glad that it stands over six feet tall because I am quite sure that many of my grands will surely grow to be over six feet tall. You better believe that tracking their growth at grandma's house will continue for years to come!

For instructions on how to create your own growth ruler click here. My daughter followed the instructions  found in the attached post closely with the exception of using a higher quality wood and a Sharpie brand paint marker.

Invention Crafts and Santa

My three grandsons came over the other evening just because it had been too long since getting to hang out at grandma's house. The effects of another generation moving into our home last month and the extra time and energy it has taken for Papa and I has trickled it's way down to the younger three generations of our family. Everyone involved has had to make some sacrifices.

Once we felt great-grandma was settled into her new home here I was just as anxious as the boys were to just hang out together in my home. They had invention crafts on their mind when they arrived. While the special tub where I store the invention craft supplies had been moved to make room for great-grandma the tub itself was just as the boys were used to. It was filled with all kind of inspiring objects!

My table was quickly filled with supplies and the invention lab was once again open for business. The youngest wanted to build a rocket. Not just any rocket but a rocket for Santa to get to and from the North Pole.

I asked about the reindeers and he said that they 

could ride on the outside of the rocket!

He was very tickled at just how well the finished 

rocket sleigh soared through the long hallways.

His older brother who has mastered the hot glue gun

invented a working crane.

It had a pulley system, moving parts, and a magnet

that picked up metal objects.

Great-grandma interacted very well with the boys while they were here. When the boys left (sooner than they really wished) I was very happy to hear great-grandma say; "That was really fun!"

Is he a Heartbreaker or What?

Oh my goodness!

Is he a heartbreaker or what?

This little man, my 6th grandson out of seven, lives in a home with three adoring older sisters and a mommy that he absolutely adores. When his daddy is home this little heartbreaker is at his side watching and learning from his every move.  

It is easy to tell just how loved he is by his own generosity of hugs and I love you's! I count, as one of my greatest blessings, that my grandchildren are being loved, nurtured, and taught by word and example in their homes.

What Will the Next Generations Bring Back?

We were discussing the most popular baby names for 2011 that were released recently. My mother-in-law who is in her late seventies asked why nobody wants to name their kids John, Mark, Susan, or Mary these days? It made us wonder if after a few generations that those names just might resurface as something new and different again.

As trends resurface from our own memories and from history it sometimes surprises those younger than us that they are not new trends at all but ones that we have seen before. When I was in high school it was hip hugger bell bottom pants, water buffalo sandals, and crocheted ponchos. All of which I have seen resurface over the years. I don't know about the water buffalo shoes. You used to have to soak them for a certain amount of time then wear them until they dried so that they would form to your feet. They would turn your feet an awful orange/brown for weeks!

While there is a certain part of our society that never gave up flower power, tie-dye, the burning of incense, peace signs, and driving a VW van,  for the most they were passing trends. Imagine my eleven year old granddaughter's surprise who happens to love anything with a peace sign on it that I too once loved anything with peace signs on it.

Like my granddaughter I had t-shirts, binder covers, backpacks, hair accessories, and jewelry with
peaces signs on them. I cannot shop and see things with a peace sign and not think of this granddaughter. I recently saw a big collection of  peace sign Christmas ornaments and I couldn't help but think of this granddaughter.

A Peace sign is  actually a very good symbol to have on a Christmas ornament. It could symbolize the way He whose birth we celebrate this Christmas season lived his life and He who said: "Come follow me."

What trend do you hope to never see again?

Boys Keepsake Box

This boy's keepsake box was made for my 5th grandchild. He is eight years old and was baptized on his birthday. It is a tradition for me to create a keepsake box for my grandchildren as a baptismal day gift. On the day of the baptism it is a place to put a copy of the baptism invitation, a copy of the baptismal program, cards, notes, pictures, and any small gifts they may receive.

Each baptism keepsake box it unique. The cousins are always anxious to see one another's  keepsake boxes. Since his baptism was on his birthday I tucked his birthday gift inside which is another grandma and papa tradition. We give the kids their own set of scriptures with a carrying case for their eighth birthday. 

We have the children's names printed on the front of the scriptures. That is something else that all of the cousins have to check out.  Tucked inside the tote are cute bookmarks, marking pencils, and we add a unique zipper pull to each tote. His said "I know the scriptures are true."

The baptism was amazing. Our family came out in full support. Both Papa's gave talks and both grandma's were invited to say the prayers. The "cousins" sang a special musical number titled "Teach Me to Walk in the Light". The kids did an amazing job and the message of the song tugged at my tender grandma heart. I am so grateful for the knowledge that my ten grandchildren are being taught to walk in His light.

As the president of the children's organization stood to welcome my grandson as the newest baptized member of the church she spoke of the "cousins" which he is one of and how grateful she is to have them all  in the children's organization. My ten grandchildren are known as "the cousins" in our church family". Their closeness is seen by one and all!

Following the baptism we celebrated his birthday and baptism with an ice cream sundae bar.

Could he look any more handsome?

The day couldn't have been more perfect.

I am so very thankful for the joy

that days just like this one brings!