March 28: Spring Break

 

Spring Break officially begins next week for our children, but Caleb had an added day on this week and so his Mama brought him and Henry over to play at Gramma's house.  Henry fights to get down on the floor these days and spends most of his time either grabbing his feet or rolling over onto his stomach and trying to get his knees under him.  He'll be seven months old here in a little over 10 days.  

I watched as he and Caleb tumbled together on the floor on a blanket.  Later I asked Caleb if Henry had finished his botte and Caleb said, "I think so."  He tried to take him from Henry, who wrapped both hands tightly around it and wouldn't let go!  Henry is a strong little fellow.

I thought Caleb would play outdoors more, but he wanted Grampa to come play baseball with him.  They did that after lunch and seemed to have a good time.  

I took advantage of everyone else being outdoors and Henry napping to catch up on housework.   The plan was to get things done, then head outdoors with Katie, John and Caleb but when I walked out of my room planning to go outdoors, Henry looked at me and wailed just enough to let me know he wasn't happy to be alone.  

We thoroughly enjoyed our time with the boys.  I can't help but look forward into a future where the children are all freely wandering from house to house.  Or so I hope.  We're trying to encourage this with the three from across the field.  I confess in the past, we were a lot more guarded about having the kids running in and out of our house simply because we were often taken advantage of, not by the children...But we want them to know they are welcome and can come, though we will stipulate that they ask if we're busy, first.  

I heard a very interesting fact the other day.  Apparently, studies have proven that children who have a good relationship with their grandparents have far less incidence of depression and suicide.  It gave me pause.  Had Granny not been so involved in our lives would I have made it out of my teens?  Or, for that matter, through my 20's and early 30's?  

I wrote earlier this week about purpose in my life in the senior years.  A few years ago, when we were taking care of Caleb days, someone said to me as I was whining about losing my 'time' in life, that it was just possible what we were doing for Caleb would be the greater work for our lives.  And as soon as Caleb and Katie were settled things sort of went kaplooey across the field and we knew immediately that we needed to be present for those three.  

I have 15 grandchildren, 13 natural grands, 1 step grand and an honorary child, and 3 great grandchildren, yet I only have a hands-on relationship with eight of them.  The others live far away, and families are not prone to communications.  I've accepted this.  But if I can be a positive influence in these eight lives, then I'll count it as good. 

I'm looking forward to our weekend.  We don't really have plans.  It's been a decent week with lovely weather, feeling so much better, and getting things accomplished.  How did yours go?

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