The difference in Thirty Years....

"W" and I get the pleasure of keeping the kiddos for a while, while J and E get to tour Germany and Italy!

"Saying goodbye"

What a wonderful opportunity for them and a huge congratulations to my terrific SIL for ALL of the accomplishments that he has made in his accounting firm.

That is why they are there.

Tonight they go to a "swanky" black tie affair in Germany for his firm.

I'm thinking E is getting presented for something or the other.

Like I said....so proud.

So, J was worried that I wouldn't be able to handle all three of the kiddos by myself.

I had to remind her that I had three.

She promplty told me "MOM, that was 30 years ago."  Well, not quite.

So, in my effort to prove my daughter wrong. (remember I'm a little competitve), I of course am going to do everything in my power to "B" like I was 30 years ago.

The difference is?

Where did all this patience come from?

Where did this just tear jerking love come for children that I didn't even birth?  I mean bring tears to your eyes kind of love.

Where did all this time I'm spending playing on the floor, not caring if the dishes are washed or clothes are clean, or house is dusted come from?

welcome to "grand-parenthood"

and....

What a difference 30 years makes.

So, this is what I'm learning....

1) my arms aren't nearly as strong as they used to be...neither is my back (major backache this morning)

2)  it's really okay if the house is dirty

3) time is going nowhere when a crying child needs you.  You have all the time in the world to comfort them.

4)  it's really, really fun to sing silly songs in the car

5)  I'm terrible at working the remote control.

6) A 2 year old knows how to work the remote control.  So does he know how to use a computer, and work the dvd in the car.

7) a 4 year old knows all passwords, knows how to work instagram, play all games on the computer, win them, answer your phone, show you how to skype, work the car key remote, put together the stroller, tell you that vitamins can't be taken until you are 2,  show you how to put a "sippy" cup together, talk you in to reading 5 books at night, and then talking you in to letting her sleep with you while her arms and legs are completely wrapped around you, work the house alarm and air conditioner (and tell you what it's supposed to be set on), and unbuckle and get her little brother out of the car. 

8) it's easy to create cheap games and have fun with them

we have played this over and over and over again....

9) the sticker system works...really, really well.

10)  playing "dress up" is really, really fun

you know one of the biggest differences I see in 30 years?

I guess it would have to be the computer and iphone.

It's really easy to get sucked into staying on those when the kids need you.

just food for thought....

have a wonderful day y'all!

kb