The Conflict . . .
Josh called Sunday to ask if we would watch the twins while he, Heather, and Jackson went to San Diego to look for a table for her craft room. Jackson is usually good for a trip such as that. And with three at that age, taking any one of them out of the mix just makes things easier. As much as I was hoping to get done Sunday afternoon (I’ve been trying for three weeks to find time to put a receptacle on the back patio near the pool), I was equally interested in playing in the pool with the twins.
When Jackson found out his brother and sister were going to “Grinmaw’s” while he was going to San Diego, he wasn’t thrilled with the arrangements. He told his daddy he wanted to stay at Grinmaw’s, too. Josh told him the agreement was we were keeping two and Jackson was going to San Diego, that he (Josh) didn’t know if we would be able to keep all three.
To which Jackson replied, “I need to call Grinmaw.” [He goes back and forth between calling her "Grinmaw" and "Grinmama."]
The Resolution . . .
“Grinmama, I can come to your house?”
“Yes, you can come to my house.”
“Can I swim in your pool?”
“Yes, Jackson, you can come over and swim in the pool.”
Conflict resolved with just two questions from a three-year-old.
Relationship . . .
We spent almost two hours in the pool with the three of them (slathered in SPF 50 sunscreen) on this near-100-degree day. Logan wasn’t content to stay on the large step … he wanted out in the pool with Grindaddy, where he could kick his feet (occasionally) and put his face in the water. Lilly altered between playing on the step with Grinmama and going into the “deep” part (only 5 feet … it’s a recreational pool) with Grindaddy. Jackson was content to pretty much stay near the step, or in the paddle boat, on a large float, or under the patio munching on chicken and chips.
We had a great afternoon. Heather got her table. And I still have 2 GFI receptacles to install in the house (kitchen and bedroom) and one outside under the patio, feeding off the one in the bedroom. I suppose in time it will get done, but there are only limited opportunities to enjoy the children growing up.
UPDATE: My boss agreed to let me have the morning off, so as of 10:00am on Monday, the electrical work is done and I’m still alive to write about it.
Sounds like it’s time to remind Jackson and Grinmaw that you can still open up a can of whoop a**! NOT! I remember one of our elders telling about all the time he spent getting his yard “just right” and the day he observed his 12 year old son out there making divots in it with a golf club. His thinking was like yours, the yard will grow back, but the days for having the kids at home are very limited. Plus at your young age you have plenty of time to do ‘lectrician’ work.
Peace
[On the other hand, it very well may be my 'lectrician work will be the thing that brings my young life to an end!]
Y’all are such suckers! ha! NO discipline on either your own parts or toward your grandkids. But, how wonderful for you to have them so close by and to be able to enjoy all of the fun things together that you do.
I know you wouldn’t trade it for anything. Me, either. We have three living close by and they are really fun.
Hope you have a great day today, y’all!
Dee
[You've been a granmaw long enough to know we don't have to concern ourselves with discipline. Spoilin's the game!]
You made the better choice by far as to how to spend a summer afternoon.
[Better and more fun. Though the Psycho-pup "helped" me with the electrical work on Monday and that was good quality time as well. You would appreciate that with the "wally" of "wallysdad" being your dog!]
You certainly made the right decision. They grow up so quickly. The memories you share will last forever. Work to be done will be there tomorrow! Take care and know we love all of you.
[Work is always there.]
I had five in the pool on Saturday morning (with two helping adults). We had a blast…..this Mimi was a little careless with the sunscreen. Faces got a little pink!!
[They are a blast, aren't they?!]
Glad ya got time to play with the grand kids.
and yar not a crispy critter
[I, too, am glad not to be sporting a sunburn, though I could use some sun on my lilly white legs!]
I wish I could play with Lucas in a pool for a couple hours. You are SO blessed — and so are the kids.
You definitely made the right choice. Color me green! Mine grandkids and great’s all live in different states. What I would give to spend a random days with them.
I DID get to see pictures of two of my great-grandkids playing in the ocean this past weekend and that certainly put a smile on my face to see how much fun they were having.
From what I hear, that’s why they call the GRANDchildren. I suppose I’ll find out soon enough