Sad days and Happy days

[kimbo]

Last week my son in law was deployed to Afganistan, his first deployment (Army Psychologist) Leaving our daughter and 4 grand babies for the next 9 months. A sad Good bye; their ages are 8 months, 3, 5, and 8 years of age. They all loaded up directly after seeing their Daddy off, for a 6 hour drive to our house to spend a few weeks.


We all went to the creek on Monday. (Memorial Day)

And paying for it today. EXHAUSTED !  Not just exhausted. But Sjoggie-can't-move exhausted. I know you know what I am saying here.

Because we raised our daughters in creek activities when they were young, we now feel the need to reach the next generation.

Packed up all the squirt guns, power soakers, foam floaty noodles, lawn chairs, water float seats, air mattresses and lunch; piled it all in the pick up truck. (didn't take the fishing poles for this trip and no canoe as usual)

We need more adult support, the Grand kids are out numbering us. My daughter with her 12 passenger van comes in very handy.

We found the coolest squirt soakers at Wally world. They are made of that foam stuff much like those foam floaty noodles. You place the end in the water and draw back on the other end, filling it with water and then push and squirt your victim. Yeeeee haw Arkie fun.

My husband and I gave all our wee ones a run for their energy .........for a short while. Dueling water guns and catching crawdads.

These GOOD times come much more seldom than they use to.

I so wish for the energy to play as hard as before-  pre Sjogrens and granny age, too.

Grand kids are so much fun.

They fill my love cup with fun and laughter.

We sjoggies need to make the very best of our good days. And then rest the next day with a smile on our face.

Love, Hugs and blessings, kimbo

[lynnmarie219]

We sjoggies need to make the very best of our good days. And then rest the next day with a smile on our face.

I couldn't have said it better kimbo!

Sounds like you had great fun with the grandkids playing in the creek...so sorry that your SIL has been deployed for 9 months...but know that we are all so proud of him and thank him for his service! His wife and children are lucky to have you and your husband in their lives to help them through this time.

[Gayle]

Kimbo!!
Sounds like you had a wonderful time! So sorry your son in law had to leave, I am sure it is so hard for all the family. Know we are all very proud of our men and women, hold them all in prayers and thank them for their service. Your daughter and grand kids are lucky to have you!

[Cheryl]

Kimbo,
I know that your preparations (and participation) for the creek day were a sacrifice, and I'm sorry you are paying for it physically.   Your grandkids will never understand what it cost you, but they will forever have the memories of a very special day that you made possible!  That sounds like a worthwhile trade-off to me (another granny.)  I hope you made pictures!   
I hope you are feeling better today.   May you have the strength to enjoy them throughout their visit.   I also hope that your daughter understands that you have limitations and will not expect full-time help from you for the next few weeks.  You won't be able to function if you stay exhausted.  Try to rest when you can!
Hugs,
Cheryl

[Katybarstool]

Kimbo

It's lovely to see you posting. I often wonder how you are doing. Being a Grandma is so special isn't it? Your day together sounds so much fun, and kids remember things like that. I will keep your SIL in my prayers.

We are taking two of our grandchildren to the coast next week - for a whole week.They are 3 and 5 and their parents are going on honeymoon. We are looking forward to taking them, but a bit worried about having the energy to do a good job. Luckily, our other adult son is coming along with us. He'll have to do the rough and tumble.

Kathyx 

[Bucky]

((Kimbo)) - sorry to see your SIL go off on deployment for 9 months (but, thankful for his service).  I know the girls will miss their daddy and your daughter, her husband.  Praying he will be safe and the 9 months will go by quickly.

Sounds like y'all had a fun day at the creek.  Sorry, it's taking it toll on you afterwards.   

Guess granny will have to have mandatory "nap time" for everyone while they are staying with you, so granny can get some nap time too.    

Maybe, you could get some plastic spoons - put your "allotment" for the day into a cup - where they can be seen by everyone - and as you use up your spoons, take them out of the cup so everyone will know by counting, how many spoons are still in the cup (and hopefully, there ARE some still left in there) how granny is doing.  The 5 and 8 yr. old should be able to "kinda" understand the spoon theory if you explain it to them at their age levels.

If the girls want granny to play outside with them, tell them it will use up two spoons, but sitting on the couch reading a book only uses up 1, etc. 

I can just picture your husband having a blast with the water soakers . . he's such a big kid at heart anyhow . . this is right up his alley!!   

Enjoy your visit with your grandkids and daughter . . . BUT . . . (and there's always a but) . . . PACE yourself, Kimbo. 

Take care . . . . miss you,
Bucky

P.S.  Blessings to your daughter too as she will have her hands full with four children while her hubby is on deployment.

[kimbo]

Bucky. -  genius as usual! GREAT idea.

Kathy - you have fun with your grandchildren too.

Cheryl- lots of pictures and yes the packing up and unpacking a fun day, as such is exhausting in itself.

Yes Ladies, I simply tell them I love activities, but there is a price to pay and recovery is necessary in regard to exactly how much energy I spend. I am fortunate that they understand; my daughters and husband. The grand kids probably just see me as being in Granny gear.

My daughter will need a lot of strength and support over next 9 months. I pray I have all the right energy for the right times as needed. Some how it always works out.

And yes I do go in my room and migrate when needed. They seem to understand and respect these times.

I am proud of my SIL for serving our Nation. But I have to admit I am praying he comes home sooner.

Hugs, kimbo

[Meld256]

I'm so glad to see you posting, too. We miss you!

Others have put it so well. Like Cheryl said, your grandchildren will remember the fun times you have together and that's important.  I'm sorry you're hurting after the activiites. Our spoons go so quickly!

I'll keep your SIL and daughter and grandbabies in my thoughts and prayers. And for you to have the strength to help comfort and support them while he's gone.

Hugs to ya,
Melinda

Oh, Kathy
That sounds like fun taking the grandkids while the parents are on honeymoon.  Glad you're have help from your other son for the running and such.  I hope you all have a great time together and you are able to pace yourself a bit.
Take care,
Melinda

[quietdynamics]

Oh, thank you so much for posting about your day at the creek the grandkids. Quite the adventure. I loved taking my children when they where young to the lake where we lived...so much fun, the water, some hiking trails, picking wild raspberries...that never made it home...lol.

Please share more as you are able 

I hope to have my granddaughter for a visit. We take her down to the Delaware River and she loves to walk across the Washington's ' Crossing Bridge (well half-way), luckily, I took her to the library with me and we got the schedule for kids reading/art hour...she loves it. I love watching her and I can rest up, She does take a nap with me (which her Mom does not understand.) I tire her out in the AM (no TV) as my "little helper"....

[susanep]

Thank Your Son in law for me for his service. You are such a good grandma. I know though you have fun with the little ones, your energy gets zapped. These illnesses are certainly energy robbers. But, yes make each day a miracle.

susanep