Thursday, December 9, 2021

Grandma! What Long Bangs We Have!

Since my grandkids were shut-in during the Covid shut-down, they decided to see how long their hair could grow. While visiting with me the other day, they wanted a photo so they could compare whose bangs were longest. This was actually a great way to get them to stay still long enough for a picture. Who knew:?) Now, if my dad were around he would have defeated the purpose of the photo by telling the boys to comb their hair out of their eyes before I snapped the shot! (Lucky for them, I didn't follow in their great-grandpop's footsteps.) Anyway, although I had the immediate answer for them on my phone, they still disputed over who's bangs were longest. The oldest declared that since he was the oldest, his head was the biggest, so his bangs were actually the longest. The middle child felt that he had won hands-down regardless. But the youngest pointed out that his nose was in the way causing his bangs to look shorter. Not wanting to squelch any of their theories, I quickly ran out of the room asking them to follow me, because I continued to tell them that I suddenly remembered there were cookies in the kitchen that needed finding. That worked! Next time, I'll hide my phone :)
Hugs,
Bubbie and her Grandboys

Sunday, September 26, 2021

Learn, Play, Eat, Repeat!

 



It had been a long time coming, and their big day had finally arrived! My grandkids had been packing and repacking their backpacks for weeks, anticipating returning to their friends, classrooms and, of course...recess! With Covid keeping them at home for well over a year, for most, they couldn't wait to get back. With a few new rules and adjustments, they easily adapted and were excited to share their first day back experiences with everyone who would listen...and I'm always up for that! Listening happens to be one of my favorite things to do with my kiddos. It takes little energy, no clean-up and fills me to the brim with happiness!
Happiness and Hugs all around,


Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Hey! Who invited the bear?!


Hey! Who invited the bear?!
I certainly did not! My hands were full enough with six, adorable and energetic grandchildren! They had been asking for another Cousin's Camp since the last, and I'm always here to please...and I did with three days and two nights of tie dying shirts, water play, arts and crafts, birthday party celebrations, games, lots of eating and of course, running around. What fun we had!
 Since I always follow up with a Shutterfly book filled with pages of their most memorable times spent together, it's always easy to get them to strike a pose.  And now that I have the kids taking turns illustrating the front and back covers of the book, it's added another dimension to their experience. They not only look forward to camp, but they adore their collection of special times at Bubbie's house.
Hugs from the gang!!!

Friday, June 25, 2021

Meet and Greet


"Gentleness is a learned behavior. You can help teach your child to be gentle by modeling the behavior yourself, by having your child role play with a doll or stuffed animal, and by helping your child to be aware that her movements and tone of voice are just as important as gentle touch."
Grayson begins his animal toy playdates with a meet and greet. After lining up all of his animals in a neat row, Grayson gives each a gentle hug, followed by a kiss and a little conversation. He usually calls them by their animal names and uses their animal sounds for communication. Grayson is well versed in a multitude of animal languages. He's corrected me many times :)))))
Gentle hugs from,
Bubbie and her Grandkids
Below please find a few links I found helpful:
Play Gently Instead of Roughly
Teaching Your Toddler to be Gentle

Friday, April 16, 2021

A Coving-Out Party

 
It had been 18 months since my sweethearts were together due to Covid. Wow! They were chomping at the bit to break loose and stir up some fun and laughter...and that is just what they did! Although, this was not a full-on Bubbie's camp, we did pack quite a bit of noise and catching-up into a one-night, two-day stay. Even, one of my grand doggies got into the act. When we said, "say cheese," good old Storm held his own. Storm did not miss a beat when it came to tag, relays, or ball play. He was in it till the end. Everyone slept soundly that night, and after they left, and I cleaned up a lot of the sticky, I slept an additional few days, just for good measure. Can't wait for another! I'll be planning a full version of Bubbie's camp this summer, including t-shirts and our "Happy Birthday to Everybody" party! I say, "get 'em while they're young, because they grow up before ya' know it :)"
Hugs,
Bubbie and all her grandbabies...and Storm

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Children Learning to Play Music and it's Many Benefits


10 Benefits of Children Learning a Musical Instrument
Teaches Patience. Playing an instrument means having to persevere through hours, days and possibly years of practice. ...
Creates Responsibility. ...
Boosts Self-Esteem. ...
Improves Reading Skills. ...
Exposes New Cultures. ...
Enhances Coordination. ...
Promotes Math Skills. ...
Encourages Self-Expression.
Well, I'm sold and have been since learning an instrument myself, as a child. I passed the opportunity on to my children and in turn they're now offering the same to their little ones. My grandchildren are loving the process and I love watching them perform! I get to hear a variety of instruments amid a range of ages. I've got a three and eight year old on piano, a six and nine year old on keyboard, an eleven year old playing percussion, and there's my four year old on guitar. That's a whole lot of sound with an incredible amount of fun mixed right in!
Virtual, musical hugs,
Bubbie and her grandkids! 

Top 10 Instruments for Children to Learn
Musical Benefits  

 

Sunday, February 7, 2021

Pretend Play~Great Exercise for the Body and Soul



Dress-Up Can Teach Kids to be Good Humans "Trying on other mindsets and character traits lets the pretender experience feelings that they might not experience otherwise," Golani says. 

Why Kids Love to Play Dress-Up
"Literally walking in other people's shoes may give kids valuable experience in, um, walking in other people's shoes. In fact, studies have linked role-play to empathy: Kids who engaged in it were more skilled in judging how other people might feel than those who didn't."

Who knew:?) I thought kids were simply having fun! This kid is apparantly on his way to an African Safari and ready to lead his animal friends on an exciting run through the jungle, two times around! And believe it or not, before changing costumes, he just finished a harrowing escape from the bad guys as he and his Super Hero friends rescued three innocent kids from the BG's clutches. Whew! Pretend play can be quite an exercise for the imagination!!! 
Virtual hugs, 
Bubbie and her Grandbabies

Friday, January 29, 2021

Training Kids to Train Puppies

"Having a dog is a great way to set rules for your children and teach them about responsibilities." so says Ceasar. Since our shut-in, due to Covid-19, I've been watching Ceasar's words come to fruition with my grandchildren and their new, furry critters slowly acclamating to each of their households. It didn't take long for love, laughter and some major adjustments to quickly take place while rules and chores were divied out to keep order, as best as could be expected. I'm thrilled to report at this time that the kids are loving their dogs, the dogs are loving their kids, and their houses are still standing!
Virtual hugs,
Bubbie and her Grand kids and her Grand doggies plus one Cat! 

Sunday, January 3, 2021

Picture Perfect

 

Nothing makes my day brighter than passing my fridge on the way to anywhere to catch a glimpse of my grandkids' artwork. Whether they mail it to me, hand it to me, or send it through my phone, it doesn't take me long to show it off. Their work is always a refreshing pick-me-up no matter my mood. Using my well-worn letter magnets, I always message them back with a picture of their work covered by my admiration and love. And, it's always fun to find their signatures within their masterpieces...a finishing touch I always encourage:)
Virtual hugs,
Bubbie and her Grandkids
Here are a few links I thought you might enjoy:
Benefits of Displaying Childrens Art
What to do with Kids' Artwork
How to Display Kids' Art