Friday, February 7, 2025
We love a Friday and the anticipation of the weekend ahead, don’t you?
But, in all honesty, since we each retired a few years ago,
the days of the week can often blend together into one long weekend
and we’re not complaining about it one bit!
Today’s post highlights moments from our GRAND lives,
ones that we’re reminiscing about or
recent ones that we’d like to hold on to and remember!
as each of us recalls a few of these important (at least to us) snapshots
from our past week!
We hope you enjoy today’s edition of our…
Here’s a glimpse into what’s been happening in our own GRAND lives!
While Laurie is very happy to be at this stage of life
so she can enjoy special moments with her Littles
she also finds herself occasionally missing the classroom!
Read on to learn more!
Tumbling Time!
I was absolutely delighted to be invited to watch our 3-year-old Little D
participate in her weekly gymnastics class this week!
The 45 minute class began with Littles under the age of 4 warming up and stretching with a parent or adult friend. The instructor reviewed the different stations in the gym, and the Littles were off to explore the stations with the help of their adult. What excitement and joy I witnessed around that play area!
As a grandma and former elementary teacher I can’t tell you how happy I was to see my Little D calling out, “Look Grammy, look what I can do!” Climbing, balancing, somersaulting, hanging, twirling… all strengthening our little girl’s muscles and boosting her confidence. When we arrived back at her house for dinner and a bath, she was sweet, cooperative and eager to please, different from other tired, cranky bedtimes I've witnessed before.
You know what a positive impact exercise can have on your own mental health.
Well, it can do the same for our Littles!
It's a good reminder to not forget the gross motor side of your child’s development!!
Kindergarten Memories!
This week the following memory popped up on my Facebook feed…
This spring it will be five years since I retired from my teaching career.
Sometimes I really miss these days
and the learning explosion that takes place in kindergarten!
And I certainly didn’t mind ending my Fridays with my favorite cocktail!
Yep! That would be a gin and tonic!
Always a great way to kick off the weekend!
Laura returned late Monday from her five day trip to Madison
It was a fun weekend for us all
(except for poor Hubby who ended up staying home and missing out!)
We Made It!
Daughter A joined me on our road trip to Wisconsin last Wednesday
and we arrived in time for dinner with our Little L and Little P.
We spent the next day solidifying the routines of the household
and on Friday Daughter J and our SIL were on their way to the airport
for their long weekend getaway to North and South Carolina!
During the next three days we played games, we read, we snuggled,
we cooked, we giggled, we did art projects, we danced, we did puzzles….
My heart was overflowing when we said our prayers each night!
Yes this Bacco (that’s me) and NeNe (Daughter A)
were definitely pooped when we got back to Minneapolis
but we were equally filled with wonderful memories of our Littles and our time together!
Yum!
While in Madison, I made a family fave for dinner one night,
our Lemon Butter Ham and Cheese Sandwiches!
They are always a favorite!
I made some extras so Daughter J could enjoy a few when she returned!
Here’s the recipe, just in case you are still looking
for something yummy to make for the BIG game this coming weekend!
Which team will you be rooting for???
Welcome Home!
In yesterday’s post, we shared 5 Valentine activities that your Littles would love,
including these simple Smirror Hearts that Little L painted.
Didn’t they turn out beautifully?
Each one is unique and special... just like our Littles!
It didn’t take long for us to come up with a plan to use them all!
Little L and I glued each heart to colored construction paper
and then I wrote a “Welcome Home” message on them!
WELCOME HOME, MOMMY AND DADDY! WE LOVE YOU!
It was the perfect way to welcome the girls’ mommy and daddy home
after a memorable weekend for us all!
It’s been a busy week for us at Our Grand Lives, too!
Instagram Favorites!
In addition to featuring Groundhog Day on IG earlier this week,
we had a few other fun posts that we shared!
whenever you can!
Snowman Tablescape!
Since the snowy cold weather is far from over here in Minnesota, we’re always looking for fun ways to brighten up a winter meal! Check out these snowmen place settings from Laurie!
Here's what I used:
Plates – from the dollar store (or you could use paper/plastic plates)
Hat – construction paper
Scarf – colorful napkin (paper or cloth)
Arms & Hat Brim - silverware
Buttons - Hershey Kisses (or other candy)
Eyes – unwrapped Hershey Kisses
Nose – a carrot stick of course!
I laid each "snowman" on a placemat I'd positioned lengthwise on the table.
It seemed to bring our "snowmen" to life!
SO CUTE!
What’s Your Favorite Super Bowl Commercial?
This weekend it will be time again to judge the new Super Bowl commercials! Give each person a set of post-it notes with “Love it, Just O.K., and Not For Me” written on them.
When a commercial airs, everyone chooses the post-it that best matches their feelings about it and sticks it to their forehead for everyone else to see!
Watch our Instagram reel to see this activity in action!o
Will there be some runaway favorites this year??
Are You Ready for the BIG Game?
Don’t forget that we have lots of "Super Bowl" resources available for you... if you are looking for decor, games or menu ideas, you'll find them here and our three favorite dip recipes can be found here. Finally, our recently posted chili recipe, including a yummy toppings board, can be found here!
IT'S ALMOST TIME TO KICK OFF THE FUN!
Valentine Fun!
With Valentine’s Day only a week away,
we’re reminiscing about some of our favorite past activities -
with our own kids and, more recently, with our Littles!
A Red & White Dinner!
Perhaps you’ll be sharing a meal with loved ones (especially your Littles) during the coming week. Why not plan a Red & White Dinner like the one Laurie shared with her family each year!
Here’s a list of Little friendly red and white foods to get you started!
Do you have any other red or white foods to add to our list?
If so, we'd love to have you share your ideas with us!
Simply leave a comment at the end of this post
or feel free to email us directly at ourgrandlives@gmail.com.
Our Final Thought for the Week!
The photos below, taken a year ago,
remind us both that whether we’re snuggling together
OR
we’re giggling as we build connections over a screen,
it’s always worthwhile to take the time to show our Littles
just how much they are loved!
It’s in these moments
that wecreate memories that our hearts will hold forever!
And that’s exactly what we believe
our role as grandparents, parents and caregivers can be
and what is most needed in today’s often upside down world!
Sharing our unconditional love
- on Valentine’s Day and Every Day -
IT’S A GOOD THING!
❤️ ❤️ ❤️
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SPECIAL THANKS TO
A Morning Cup of Joe from The Cottage Market
Thank you for featuring this post on your site!
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Thanks so much for sharing with us at SSPS! Melynda @scratchmadefood!
I love these weekly snapshots! You all look like you had a wonderful week, and those sandwiches look delicious! Thank you for sharing them with us at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party #75.
Steph@CrazyLittleLovebirds
Those lemon butter sandwiches sound delicious! I enjoy your weekly snapshot look back. Have a great week ahead, visiting from #MMBC Melynda @scratchmadefood!
What a fun week it was for you all with some gorgeous grand babies!
Oh those sandwhiches look so delicious and I love the snowman place setting! So cute and creative!