I’m blessed to have 10 grandchildren, ages 9 years and younger. They are the joys of my heart and I could easily enjoy being that grandmother who bakes big, fat cookies and spends each afternoon sharing precious moments with her babies. Unfortunately, my grandchildren are scattered across many miles and though I am blessed to have some wonderful ‘Grammy-time’ memories with them, I just don’t get to see them as much as I like.
Being in the mission field during some of their growing up years and now anticipating our return to a mission country literally across the globe from my sweet ones, finding a way to keep our relationships growing and intimate is very important. We must grab all the opportunities possible to make sure that when we DO get to be together, there is a closeness already established.
I know I am not the only one who has a distance challenge with their grandchildren so a while back I posted a question on my FACEBOOK page and asked my readers to share their ideas of how to stay in touch with their grandchildren across the miles. Here are some of the ideas that were shared, along with some I’ve collected and used along the way:
IDEAS FOR STAYING CLOSE
* Phone Calls*
* Email Notes ~ eCards ~ Faxes *
* SKYPE ~ Video Chat Program *
* iPhone4 Face-Time *
* Family Website *
* FACEBOOK ~ Social Network *
* Record Songs, Rhymes and Read-Aloud Stories *
{Lullabies for litte ones, Stories that were your own child’s favorites, Praise Songs}
* Start a Hobby or Collection together *
{Periodically adding new items to your grandchild’s assortment}
* Create A Family Newsletter *
{This is a great idea for one of your grandchildren to head up – let them be responsible for collecting poems, drawings, photos, articles, calendars, book and movie reviews, upcoming events, announcements, etc.}
* Write Letters *
{Enclose stamps, prepaid postcards, and self-addressed, stamped envelopes with a packet of stationery, ink pad, rubber stamp, and stickers}
* Send Greeting Cards *
{Add stickers, gum, comics, coloring book pages, small puzzles, collector’s cards, paper dolls, personalized memo pads, pencil sets, etc}
* Mail Taped Messages back and forth *
* Play a Game – ie checkers, chess — by mail *
* Watch a Sporting Event or Television Show together over the phone *
* Share Recipes *
{Bake samples and send by priority mail; tuck a copy of the recipe inside the box}
* Clip Pictures, Cartoons, Articles *
{Pick areas of your grandchild’s interests to encourage ongoing communication}
* Videotape Important Events *
{Take video of your new home, places you visit, messages to them, etc. and email or post privately on YouTube}
These are wonderful ideas for keeping in touch with those special little people in your life. If you have another idea, please be sure to share in the comments section below!
Can’t wait to hear your ideas!
{Some of the ideas on this list come from the book, Ready or Not, You’re A Grandparent by Debra Evans}
With spring upon us and the winter ‘soup season’ ending, we were happy to have just one more day of chilly weather to enjoy a pot of warm, creamy goodness. This hearty soup fills the bill perfectly with it’s chunky ingredients, real butter, rich cream, and crumbled bacon. This soup is not the one you’ll choose for it’s low calorie properties but it is oh, so worth it!
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