I married a man with four adult children. Three of them are married with children of their own, so I was an instant grandma. Just what did that mean, I wondered. They’ve rarely been able to visit, so I couldn’t fire up their imaginations with my Elfery™, my little playhouse under the stairs. So what was I to do when we visited them? During our first few visits, I chose to hang back and observe. I was pleasant and participated when called upon, but I didn’t initiate much activity.
I wasn’t surprised to learn that my husband is a natural with kids of all ages, playing silly games with the young ones, teaching them knock-knock jokes, and reading them stories. He does number puzzles with the first-grader, as well as taking him fishing. Being a teacher, my hubby is able to ask the older grandchildren about their school experiences and their sports involvement. So where did I fit in? I certainly didn’t want to be in competition with this super-granddad! I had to find my own niche.
I was somewhat concerned the first time I was asked to watch the three year-old while my hubby and his son went golfing. I did my best trying to keep up with a basketball game he enjoyed, but I can’t say the experience was a huge success. My next opportunity was staying with the six year-old. I’d assumed he’d want to play his video games, but instead, he invited me to play the children’s version of Monopoly. We had a great time, making up our own rules and laughing at ourselves.
Once I had a sense of this family, I had the idea to make an easy treat in their kitchen. I invited the boys to help. They enjoyed stirring and licking the spoons. We all loved the results, including Mom and Dad.
Maybe I was onto something. The next time we visited, I brought an easy cookie mix with frosting. The six year-old especially enjoyed helping. The next morning, I was the first one up, so I made pancakes. That went over big with everyone.
At Christmas time, I gave them the December’s Elfery Toy of the Month™. It consists of an Elfery Storybook, a little rolling pin, miniature cookie cutters, as well as an Elf cookie recipe. We had fun making the various shaped cookies.
As we were preparing to leave that day, the six year-old asked, “Grandpa, the next time you come, will you take me fishing?” And then he said, “And Grandma Linda, the next time you come, will you bring stuff so we can make cookies?”
Oh yeah, I’ve found my groove; I’m the “Cooking Grandma,” and I’m loving it!
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Meet the elves of Glimmer Glen
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View Whimsmoore’s large selection of Play Tents, Playhouse and their furnishings as well as the Elfery Toy of the Month.
