Showing posts with label grandkids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grandkids. Show all posts

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

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, April 23, 2020

Zoom Time with the GrandKids

 
It's been quite a while since I've been able to visit my grandbabies because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Not knowing exactly how much longer I'd be waiting, I took to YouTube videos and learned how to Zoom. I was ready to test out my newly acquired skills on my 6 honey bunnies.  I invited them all to a Show and Tell party. Considering they ranged in age from 2 years old to 10, I decided to begin with the youngest and work our way up. My invitation mapped out my plan to their parents. Each child was asked to have something ready to share. Our call began with our two-year-old holding his favorite horsie while we sang Old Macdonald. He loved filling in all of the animals' sounds as we went along. Without missing a beat sweet pea number 2 showed us how to carefully build a Batman car with his legos. Cutie number 3 performed acrobatic tricks while her sister tumbled masterfully alongside her. My two oldest grandsons then dazzled us with a magic trick involving 2 sofa pillows and a ton of giggles, for our grand finale. Since this event gave everyone a chance to share their favorite things, it ended on a happy note! We're all looking forward to another Zoom-a-Palooza!
I've included a few links with ideas for your own video chats. Enjoy!
Stay well, stay safe, and keep in touch with family and friends. 
Virtual hugs, 
Bubbie and her Grandbabies


Sunday, December 29, 2019

I Spy with my Little Eye, a Chicken!

Yes, my friends, that is a chicken in my vacuum hose. Kids do do the darndest things!
While de-sticky-ing my house after a great visit with my grandkids, I discovered this little, plastic chicken, clearly left behind by my 2 year old grandson.
During their visit, I had given each child a single-sized can of Pringles. Within minutes the youngest dumped and smashed the chips all over the floor. Pulling out my trusty vacuum cleaner, the mess was cleared, and the vacuum was once again put away.
Obviously, somewhere between snacking on a few Pringles myself and putting the vacuum back, my honey-bunny managed to put the chicken in the hose for a quick game of Hide and Seek.
Thankfully, I found Mr. Chicken before any harm came to him. Mr. Chicken now waits patiently in a basket by my door, which has been designated my official "Lost but luckily Found Things."
Happy Holidays,
Bubbie and her Grandbabies
Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to share your kids/grandkids stories. Love to hear them!
Some sweet and funny grandparent quotes.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Grayson's Fifth

Since this 22 month old grandson of mine loves to climb, keeping him off of the piano has become a losing battle. Pulling himself onto the center of the bench is now routine. Once situated, he then proceeds to entertain me with not one, but many versions of Grayson's 5th. Although he's practiced this piece many times, it seems that it has a way of banging itself out differently each time he plays. Fortunately, this pleases him so much that he has a tendency to play louder at each performance. (Maybe I should applaud less :)))) I'm just thankful that he can't reach the pedals yet!
"Learning piano at a young age offers many benefits. It builds confidence and develops creative expression, and studying a musical instrument increases spatial awareness and helps children score higher in reading and math tests than their non-musical counterparts.", so states Bump.com.

Techniques for Teaching 2-Year-Olds to Play Piano 

Having had music lessons as a child, I offered it to all of my kids when they were young. Two of the three still enjoy playing today.
Please share your experiences with playing music yourself at an early age, or your kids or grandkids. Always love hearing from you!
Signing off for now, 
Bubbie and her grandbabies

Monday, July 29, 2019

Cousins Camp

I tried. I really did! Taking pictures of my 6 grandkids was like getting a new litter of excited puppies to stay still. They were so happy to see each other that the last thing they wanted to do was strike a pose. After many failed attempts I settled on individual shots, and if I got lucky, another grandchild or two would get in on the action. All worked out beautifully and I've already compiled their pics into memory books, which are being printed up by Shutterfly, as we speak. They look forward to their keepsake books which they get to enjoy all year long.
We just completed year number four of our 2 night/3 day sleepovers...( I think I sleep about twice that long once they leave :)
They started this year off with camp t-shirts, assigned camp positions, miniature flashlights and clip boards with paper, pen and stickers. I knew this welcome package would keep them busy for at least 10 minutes, so I had many indoor and outdoor activities, a piƱata, foods and movies ready for them. I was determined to find a way to keep these kids entertained and busy. It did work and they all slept well each night.
I would love to hear about your sleepover experiences with your grand babies or kids or whatever comments you'd like to share. Always happy to hear from you!
It has been years since I've posted, but glad to be back! Talk to you again soon!
Bubbie and her kiddos!
Here are a few related links for your reading and learning pleasure:
Camp t-shirts/Camp Fun Stuff for the kids (These are my designs I created for my cousin's camp):
https://www.zazzle.com/kids_camp_camp_t_shirt_bear_personalize_2_sided-235480437631167169
https://www.zazzle.com/collections/camp_fun_stuff-119009907275251819
Lots of great cousin's camp ideas:
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/mini-money-mustaches/cousin-camp-2017-need-free-activity-ideas/
More great camp ideas I found:
https://thedailydigi.com/2013/04/21/tips-for-a-successful-cousin-camp-or-any-event-with-kids/
Shutterfly is my go-to for creating books. In case you were interested, here's their website:
https://www.shutterfly.com

Friday, February 10, 2012

Toddlers Learning to Cope

How does one play in bark, without getting any bark in ones shoes? And once the bark gets in your shoes, should you sit in that same pile of bark while trying to get it out? According to Jude, the answers to both of these questions are simply ..."Shoes off!" No discussion, no waiting, just off with the shoes! After several "shoes off" episodes, and giving the play area a try without shoes, Jude decided it is better to have played at the playground with bark in your shoes, then not to have played at the playground at all!
Learning to cope,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Please share your grandkids frustrations, and how they figured it out by themselves!

Related Articles:
Helping Young Children Cope with Frustration
Helping Children Learn Self-Regulation

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Grandparents Day!

Question: What's a hug worth from a grandbaby? 
Answer:  More than money can buy...and we officially get to cash in on those hugs on September 11th this year, 2011. You see, The United States Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day in 1978. This special day to honor grandparents was initiated by a West Virginia housewife, Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade.  (A grandmother of 40!)
Some especially great activities can be found on the site:
Grandparentsday.com

Have you hugged a kid today?
Love,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Please share your suggestions for fun things to do with the grandkids!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Kids Helping Kids

Jude enjoyed being helped, as much as his friend enjoyed helping! The grown-ups all applauded and whooped it up, which caused the children to look for more ways to help one another. Modeling and encouraging kindness certainly pays off for everyone!
Respectfully yours,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. What methods have you used to teach your grandkids and/or kids kindness and caring?
Related Article:
It's Always Cool To Be Kind

Monday, March 14, 2011

Children Working At Play


Maria Montessori, a doctor and pioneer educator, believes that "children have a drive for positive interactions with their environment." She states that, "Play meets a basic human instinct for exploration. It is a basic instinct of human beings to master their environments in order to feel safe and secure."  This hits home for me as I help Jude explore every inch of his environment.  He needs to turn everything upside down and backwards to understand all of it's capabilities, and then some!  Who would have thought toy bins can turn into stepping stones, jump-off blocks, stacking toys and lounging chairs.  And I'm sure he's got a few more tricks up his sleeves!
Keeping it fun,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. How hard do your kids/grandkids work at play?

Related Article:
Creating Indoor Spaces for Toddlers

Saturday, February 19, 2011

A Sense of Balance

Hold it, hold it, hold it...and he did it! Yes! After only six tries, but two minutes of grueling persistence, Jude balances his lightweight, yellow ring on the top of his head for his record breaking time of...wait for it... five seconds! Let's hear it for Jude!  
Keeping it fun,
Bubbie and Jude


P.S. What balancing games have you found to be fun for your kids and grandkids?
Related Article:
Balance, Posture and Movement
Balancing Games 
How To Improve Your Child's Balance 
Balance For Preschoolers 

Friday, November 26, 2010

Toddlers Explore Through Climbing

Watching and helping Jude figure out  how to sit, stand, walk and run have not been nearly as much fun as his latest challenge ...climbing!  This is pure joy!  He's having as much fun conquering those enticing obstacles, as I am observing and spotting him!  His favorite word now is up , which is coming in very handy since everything taller than him needs scaling!  The world according to Jude has become one big jungle gym!
Happy Day-After-Thanksgiving,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Which of your kid's, or grandkid's milestones have given you the most pleasure?
Related Articles:
Safe Exploring For Toddlers
Dealing With Climbing Toddlers
Toddler Development Milestones

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Helping Kids Learn To Draw And Recognize Colors

This fine Monday morning I made an innocent attempt at bringing out the big drawing pad and crayons for some coloring fun.  By the time I demonstrated the fine art of scribbling, Jude showed me how to move with the paper.  Managing to touch, smell, and examine  the paper without picking up a crayon, Jude was then ready to test his sense of "taste!"  Fortunately, he didn't find it palatable, so we cleaned up and went outside to play.  I think I'm going to wait a while before I break out the play-dough!
Bubbie
P.S.  At what ages did you start bringing out some art supplies for your grandkids?
Related Articles and Video:
How To Teach A Toddler To Draw
Games To Teach Toddlers Colors
Video/Ted The Clown Mixing Colors

Monday, November 8, 2010

Learning Through Play

Ah, how I long for the good ol' days...playing fetch with Jude, as he would throw his toys from the high chair.  I'd have to bend a mere foot and a half to make my retrieve.  (Seems like it was just a few months ago. Actually it was!)  Now that he's walking...make that running, he's interested in seeing me move a little faster and a lot farther.  My new mantra has turned into, "get in shape, or get out of the game!"
Keep on moving,
Bubbie
P.S.  How are your grandkids keeping you in shape?
Related Articles:
Teaching Toddlers Throughout The Day

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Physical and Social Development for Toddlers

Carrying the kids, turns out, is harder on the back, but much easier on the nerves!  Wouldn't be so bad letting them take the stairs, if they were willing to let you help...but NOOOOOOOO!  I try to take Jude's hand, and he pushes me away.  I feel like a human net.  Standing inches away, without him noticing, my hands are ready for the slip!  I back up slowly covering every little space Jude could fall through, while guiding him down to safety.  Whew! Jude's learning to navigate his way down the steps is working my brain more than a crossword puzzle.  Geez, maybe I'm on to something here!
Best,
Bubbie
P.S.  At what ages did your grandkids start pushing their way towards independence ?
Related Article:
A Toddler's Physical and Social Development

Monday, November 1, 2010

Fun and Games With Toddlers

Hide and Seek happens to be one of my favorite childhood games.  It gets to be even more fun as you get older and wiser.  I always lost to those more ingenious than myself at hiding, but I've finally found my equal...Jude, my 18 month old grandson.  Now, this boy knows how to hide!  The game lasts about 3 minutes, which is right about where my attention span sits these days.  We than move on to bigger and better activities, such as; popping out at each other from behind the bed, racing down the hall, and spinning anything that will spin across Jude's wooden, play table.  As long as his imagination, curiosity, and creativity continues to grow, we'll never be at a loss for play!
Fun and games forever,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Where does imagination and fun take you while playing with your grandkids?

Related Article:
Why "Hide and Seek" Is So Much Fun 

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Friendship Between Toddlers

The start of a friendship between toddlers is sweet to watch.  Sitting side-by-side studying one another with frequent glances and exchange of vocal sounds...being careful not to move too close to one another.  As their comfort level grows they ease into "mine," and "no!"...as in "don't touch anything that I want, and if you do you're taking your life in your hands, because if a grown-up's not looking, I won't hesitate to give you such a push!
Here's to friends,
Bubbie
P.S. At what ages did your  grandkids begin their friendships?
Related Article:

Thursday, October 14, 2010

What Toddlers Laugh At

Jude loves the element of surprise.  All I have to do is hide behind or under something, then pop back up with an excited and silly look on my face while I yell, "Boo!" Works every time!  I think I should try this exercise on all people I meet during the day, who seem to be in a grumpy mood.  I could jump out at cashiers from behind the counters, waitresses from under the booths, and maybe even a store clerk from behind the clothes rack! Think of all the possibilities!  Hmmm...I just did...on second thought, I think I'll stick with the little ones!
Keep 'em laughing,
Bubbie
P.S. How do you get your grandkids giggling?
Related Articles:

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Animal-Kid Stories

What's more fun than any of the toys in a child's room, including the hottest ones that just had to be bought?  Answer: A live, loving, lazy pussy cat ...of course!  Especially one who cooperates long enough to satisfy the short attention span of an 18 month old!  This cat didn't know what she was in for when she innocently jumped onto Jude's table, and decided to stretch out in front of him.  You can't blame Jude for needing to find out if Molly matched up to his other playthings.  So, within just a few minutes of testing, the findings were in.  Molly the cat, made lots of different sounds, had many moving parts, and was certainly softer and more huggable than the competition...and very best of all, no batteries required!  If it wasn't for the "I can pick-up and leave whenever I want, because I'm a cat," attitude, Molly could have been Jude's favorite toy, instead of remaining Jude's favorite house pet ! 
Animal lovers forever,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Share some of your kids or grandkid's animal stories!  Won't you please?
Related Articles:
Getting A Pet With A Toddler In The House
Teaching Toddlers To Get Along With A Pet 

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Teething


Ahh...the fine art of drooling. I've not seen a child do it as well as my grandson, since my sister's child, who was born 24 years ago. (And I do believe he still does it for special occasions!) Fortunately, my little darling doesn't seem to be bothered by the constant flow of liquid pouring from his mouth. I just follow him around with a bucket, and we're good to go! Just couldn't resist sharing this pic...Oh, I know he'll hate me for taking it when he's older, but it's making me laugh...after all...don't I deserve a little chuckle now and then?
Hope it helps,
Bubbie
P.S. Would love to hear from you with your ideas on soothing babies pain when teething!
Related Article:
Teething Solutions