Junk mail.

I get gobs of junk email each day.  Every so often, another software program comes up with a 'better way' of dealing with junk emails.  Same thing with the mail.  ARGH to the political times just before November.  PLEASE, not at my door!

But what are they.  Either scams or sales pitches for things you don't need or want, or pitches about your physical life, and how they will help you.  ARGH!  No thanks.  Let me seek you out, rather than littering my "Spam" folder or the trash can. 

I do see the subject lines before I "nuke them"...sometimes.  They can be truly funny.  Where I'm headed with this is that group of codgers who became that earlier in life, that bunch who act like they have something large and misshapen put the the wrong cavity of the body, over years, apparently.  They seem constantly in discomfort when what they really are is a grouch...many times about any and all things.

Grouches treat others like all of us treat junk email.  Nuked as quickly and painlessly as possible.  The real problem is grouches have children and grandchildren.  They can continue as grouches, but I don't understand how that's possible.  Yea, I know some kids are monsters.  Not mine, now.  Here's an idea...

Send your favorite grouch some some cool stuff for their  for when their grandchildren stay over.  I love the pilot hat, and whether or not grouchy grandpa or grandma likes it, it's cool, and they won't be able to turn down a gift.  :-)  Add the mittens.  Or maybe a truck.  Or, if it's Halloween, this costume. Or maybe a small gift, like the Oscar mug or a ball cap. There's a ton of Oscar the Grouch stuff just on Amazon.  Too much fun!

For older grandkids, sent the grouch a DVD, like the musical Scrooge with Albert Finney.  Or It's a Wonderful Life, asking them to pay close attention to Mr. Potter, or Clarence the Angel Second Class.  Forget about Mr Poptter and  Potterville, enjoy this classic movie.  Watch Clarence earn his wings.  Invited your neighborhood "Mr Potter" and his grandchildren to view it with you.  Be creative and have fun with this.

  

Pray for your grandchildren today!  Thanks!

Can you think of other great gifts for neighborhood or family grouches?  Email me back with your ideas.  :-)

-Grandpa George

More quotes for grandparents

Grandchildren are God's way of compensating us for growing old.  ~Mary H. Waldrip

Yet another cool grandparenting quote...

Grandmothers are just antique little girls.  
     ~Author Unknown

Alone, part one.

I've been thinking of my father-in-law.  I have, in the past, called him the most patient man in the world.  Not because of his family or his circumstances.  Nor was it a joke.  I watched him.  I wish I had his patience and I thank God for the man he is.  His daughter, my wife, has a lot of him in her.  He is 85 years old now.  He is pictured with our youngest daughter, Elizabeth- one of my favorite  family pictures, taken more than 20 years ago.  Thanks, Dad!

But what got me thinking about him was his life alone.  He has buried two wives and now lives alone.  The word 'alone' is a hard, ugly word.  Holy Scripture tells us that it is not good for man to be alone.  That's where we got Eve.  I know there are plenty of people who live alone.  I hope I will never be one left...and I know that makes me a big baby, and OK.

But, living alone is a part of many peoples' lives. Where it gets difficult is when our status changes.  Our children and grandchild shouldn't live our lives with us.  They aren't prepared, anymore than we were.  We have an opportunity to look properly at any circumstance, and see it as a teaching opportunity.  Our lives change...often and sometimes without warning.

Our lives are not our own the minute we find out we are to be parents.  Or the minute we marry.  We begin living together, factoring in the needs and desires of the other.  So much more the case when children come into the picture.  And while I love being near either of my grandsons, I live to show them the ways to live in this world before a living God.  I'll see.

There will be other posts re: being alone.  There's the whole matter of being alone after a divorce and telling the grandkids.  And there is more than that.

Teach the grandchildren to be loving even in a world that has forgotten.

-Grandpa George

Another cool grandparenting quote.

Elephants and grandchildren never forget.  ~Andy Rooney

Another cool grandparenting quote.

"A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart."  ~Author Unknown

Modern Day Moms - a blog worthy of adding to your list

My daughter Emily is part of a blog called "Modern Day Moms".  It's enough, I guess, that my daughter is part of it.  And, from time to time, I get to see my grandson Miles via picture or video.  That's a true plus. :-)

But way beyond that, they offer great ideas for moms with smaller children.  And in all sorts of areas.  It was put together by high school friends, moms who live in a variety of towns...and state.

Many grandparents check all kinds of blogs: political, religious, news, entertainment, and/or hobbies regularly.  This is one blog you need to add to your list.  Not every article will be perfect for grandparents, but y'all have kids, and this ought to be on their blog list too!

Look at it as a great resource for gift suggestions too. Check it out for yourself!

Have a great day, and hug your grandkids!

-Grandpa George