To say it has been easy would not be the truth. Raising children is hard work. Raising grandchildren seems even harder. The first difference I noticed is I am tired. I do not seem to have the energy I did when I was younger. I sleep lighter than I did four months ago. I listen for the cry of a small child, a cough, or tiny footprints as a child gets out of bed.
The hard work brings joys on this journey. The learning of a new words. The glimmer of joy and self-esteem in a small child’s eyes the first time they dress themselves for the day. Hugs and kisses at bedtime as they snuggle down to sleep knowing they are safe and loved. There are sounds of laughter and giggling, replacing the sounds of anger and fighting. Kind sounds and words are being spoken in the place of roars, growls and mumbled sounds. Changes made from love and guidance in love and kindness.
The Mr. A, the three-year-old, is toilet trained, meaning no more changing diapers for him. Mr. M, the two-year-old boy is interested in the child toilet seat but is not ready for toilet training yet. I now only have two diapers to change at a time, instead of three. Helping to lessen my workload.
There is still plenty of work to do. Laundry every other day, bathes every day. Busy boys playing outside get dirty every day. They are busy exploring bugs, birds and playing with rocks and dirt. I purchased some outside dump trucks and loaders for them to use in the dirt. They dig holes in the front yard along with the dogs. I do not mind as it is an important part of learning and exploring.
There are times Granny digs in the dirt. Removing thistle plants and cacti from the backyard. They learned that even the cacti pretty yellow blossoms are protected by “stickers” that are removed with tweezers. The reason Granny uses the shovel to put the cacti in the wagon and tells them not to touch.
The regular excitement morning and evening of doing chores. Moving sheep to the pasture or returning them to their pens. Carrying their bucket of grain for the horses and helping to push the wheelbarrow loaded with hay. Then the dogs are let out of their kennels to run and play, the perfect opportunity to run with the dogs. Exciting activities for young minds on the farm.
Granny spends time reading small story books to them as they sit quietly while little sister sleeps. Flash cards to help learn letters, words, numbers and colors. The working of puzzles or simply drawing and coloring in the coolness of the house, away from the heat outdoors.
There is no worry on when to eat. Granny has breakfast, lunch, snacks and supper all ready when the time arrives to eat. A variety of tastes and textures stir their taste buds, some familiar but many are new. Granny prepares a balanced diet for the day to encourage young boys to grow and run and play. In seven weeks, the boys have grown more than an inch each, their checks are round their legs and arms are growing muscle. Granny has purchased new shoes for them both as the ones they wore to her home no longer fit.
Their days are full of activity, so when the sun starts to set and rest for the day, they also are ready for a good night’s rest to be ready for the next days activities and adventures. Granny’s farm is a lot of fun, fun in learning and doing. Granny is ready for a little bit of quiet before retiring to bed for much needed rest in order to keep going the next day.
amtolle
Me, Myself and I 