Thankful Thursday: Thankful for Gingerbread Boys and Being With "The Boys"

Today is Thankful Thursday, (visit Iris at Grace Alone to read more thankful thoughts and to participate--thanks, Iris, for hosting this month!) and with the theme this week of teaching children to be giving and of the importance of older people in a child's life, especially grandparents, I'm thankful for the opportunity I have had to "play grandma"!  The three little boys that Kelsey cares for once a week (nannies) have become very special to me, as well.  Kelsey calls them "her" boys, (though they now have a new baby sister, too!) and so they've kind of become my surrogate grandchildren!  I just love them to bits.  Their mom has allowed me to spend time with them, too, and I sometimes stop in to say Hi and read a story or two to them when Kelsey's nannying, or go along with Kels when she has something she wants to drop off for them, like a birthday gift.

We had a very special treat today to be invited to join with them in the fun of making Gingerbread Boys (and be an extra two pair of hands).  I love spending time with them, loving on them, seeing them grow, enjoying their wonderful and diverse personalities, holding the baby, (today I got to feed her and she fell asleep on my shoulder) and hearing baby coos and gurgles!  What a joy!  I'm really grateful to the Lord for bringing their family into our life, and absolutely love being a little part of theirs, and for the great pleasure of a little foretaste of what being a grandma will be like.

Their mom's been reading "The Gingerbread Boy" by Paul Galdone, 

to the boys in their Homeschool.

I can't help but say to those of you who are young moms, "Is there an older mom out there who would enjoy spending time with you and your children--I don't mean for you to use and abuse her, of course you wouldn't do that, but who could be a help to you occasionally--an extra pair of hands, or to read to the children while you run an errand, etc.?"  There are also older people (I mean Seniors) who are lonely, probably in your neighborhood or community, who would love to consider you their surrogate family.  Especially in this time when so many families are distanced from one another, look around and see if you can see someone who would benefit from a reciprocal relationship!  Proceed cautiously, and with prayer, but see what the Lord will do!  I know I've been very blessed.  (Thanks, Krista, I love your family!)