My dad had my brother and sister-in-law’s kids (ages 10, 14 & 15) over for last weekend (a 4-day weekend for the kids) and asked if I might like to have them on Saturday. Would I ever! They were with Cory and me one Saturday about a month ago and we had a blast. I knew it would be good for me too, with the way I’ve been feeling lately. Dad dropped the kids off around 11:30, just in time for lunch. I fed them simple lunchmeat and cheese sandwiches on my homemade bread, along with several choices of chips. Oh, and they got to choose the condiments on the sandwiches. You’d have thought they usually eat dry bread and water for lunch! Here are a few of the comments I got as they munched along:
“This sandwich is better than Subway and Schlotzky’s, and I love Subway and Schlotzky’s!”
“You should open a restaurant, Aunt Michelle!”
“This bread could win prizes!”
Sure feels good to be appreciated. <grin>
I wanted to get them out for a walk and needed to pick up a few groceries so we did that. Then I gave them each a dollar to spend at Dollar Tree. My niece Aquilla (14) refused my dollar because she had her own money, and she even bought me a little present, the sweetie. They didn’t even care that I was too tired to go to the park after that.
When we got home DJ (15) wanted to watch Shrek; they love movies. After that I got out some card-making supplies for them. Their daddy is away right now for a bit and I had asked them if they’d like to each make a card to send him. I set out the supplies, called them to the table, and was blown away! Each of them surveyed the supplies and jumped right in. They each had their own choices and ideas and all three cards turned out great. They also made good use of the blank cards I gave them, using every surface. I was so impressed with them, the kids and the cards! Aquilla even went on to make several more smaller cards on her own to take home. (Pics and scans at the end of the post.)
While they were working on their cards I made dinner: oven fried chicken, mashed potatoes and carrots glazed with a bit of butter and brown sugar. This time the rave reviews were about my potatoes. (I have no real recipe for my potatoes. I put the diced potatoes in the pan, pour chicken broth just to the top of the potatoes, and boil. After draining them I mash with a potato masher, adding a good portion of cream cheese [about 4 ounces to 6 potatoes, I suppose]. If they need a touch of liquid, I add a good spoonful of sour cream. That’s it!) These kids eat so well and are so appreciative of everything, including food. I love it!
After dinner Aquilla asked if they could watch The Princess Bride. Like I would ever say no to that; it’s only my favorite movie! As you wish, Aquilla! They loved it! The spent the entire time glued to the TV, laughing throughout the movie. I was surprised and thrilled at some of the humor they got. Cool, a movie we can watch anytime they come over!
After the movie was over I got out the game I’d introduced to them the last time they were here. It’s called Bonkers and the name is pretty accurate. Their dad and I played it when we were growing up and I also played it with my boys when they were younger. I don’t think it’s even made anymore and found my current copy at a Goodwill store. The kids find the game quite fun and hilarious. And, as the slogan states, “It’s never the same game twice!”
By this time it was after 8:00 and I was going a little bonkers, mostly because Zack (10) is so darn active. Not naughty, just B-U-S-Y! So I took them outside to walk around in the complex for a bit. Zack took it upon himself to race around most of the time (thank You, Lord!). DJ, Aquilla and I just ambled along, enjoying the night. We walked around the complex loop probably a dozen times and then there was Grandpa (my dad), pulling into the parking lot. Relief and bumming at the same time for me. I so enjoy their company but was also ready for them to leave because I’ve been getting overwhelmed much more easily lately. A great time was had by all and I’m so thankful for these occasional days together. (They adore Cory, as well, which is so sweet!)
Here are some pics I took, and scans of their cards…
Zack (10), Aquilla (14), DJ (15)
Makin’ and creatin’
Aquilla’s work of art (click to see them all bigger)
DJ’s masterpiece
Zack’s wonder
My boys have lived at least 300 miles away from me since 1996. The good Lord has put many wonderful kids in my life to fill the hole that is there with my boys so far away. DJ, Aquilla and Zackery are three of these beloved kids. I don’t know what I’d do without them! And they clearly love me too, which is so, so wonderful. I thank the Lord for them!
