Mimi in Real Life

It seems that "posting time" has taken a back seat for me.........by back seat, I mean in a 15-passenger van!! There could be many reasons for my lack of creativity in expressing what has been transpiring in my tiny world, not the least of which is time management. I manage what little time there is left for me lately with trying to finish a book that has captured my interest more than my desire to post on my blog.

We (Monty and I, known here as Poppi and Mimi) are in Lakewood, CO with four of our grandchildren while their parents are on a much needed vacation in GA with friends on their annual trip to the Chattahoochee River.

Ryan,8(girl), Micah,6 1/2(boy), Addie, 5 next month(girl), and Presley, 3 1/2(girl) are managing my time more this week than I am. It has been a reminder of how much Mamas and Daddys need prayer for the awesome task that is at hand. Shaping the lives of children, which is what goes on in a home whether it is intentional or unintentional, is full time and has tremendous implications. Only God can give the wisdom, strength, endurance, joy and peace that is needed to do this job well.

When I was doing this same job in a full-time capacity many moons ago, I remember thinking (to myself.....I didn't dare say it out loud) that Jesus didn't really know what it was like to be a Mama......you know, tempted in all points like we are!!! But, in His still small voice that I had come to know so well, He reminded me of the 12 "children" He trained, not the least of which was rebellious Judas Iscariot, and the sons of thunder who wrangled about who was the best and should be seated in the best place!!! And those were adults, acting like children!! That had to be really hard!! At least these children are acting their ages.

It really has been a good week for us, aside from the two hottest days of the year without AC in the house!!! SO, we spent the afternoon today in a mall to kill the hottest part of another hot day inside with air-condtioning. Some would say that is demented, taking four children to walk around a mall for three hours, but they don't know us!!! There it was!! Our salvation..... a booth that wanted to take their photo for the bargain price of $20 for an 11x14. They had us when they said they had old-fashioned costumes the children could wear with all of the hats, parasols, caps and bats, necklaces, etc.. You mean they can play "dress-up" and kill some more time in AC? You bet we will spend the $20! Who wouldn't?? (That was a much better deal than the silly Merry-Go-Round there for $8 for a three minute dizzy-maker-ride!!)

Going through the dresses for the girls and the shirts, vests and caps for Micah, and adding all of the accessories made it all worthwhile. And thanks to technology, we were able to see that there was not one good shot of them!!! So we got our money back....sad for them....glad for us!! (Ty and Kaylyn would never have put that 11x14 up in their home, not even in the laundry room in the basement!!!)And we killed enough time to allow us now to head to the "dining in facilities" (also know as the Food Court)for expert mall culinary cuisine!!!

So, now for those of you who have endured this stab at "bringing you into my world", just let me know if you need any other suggestions for perfect grandparenting!!