Time With Kids and Preparing for New Kid on the Block

Grandbaby number three will arrive this week, God willing! That thought is at the top of my mind, so I thought I’d put it out there before I go any further with this blog. Ha! The kids’ lives are about to change forever. Even when children are grown and gone, they are still the biggest part of parents’ lives, if only in our thoughts. Parenting is definitely the hardest “job” God gave humans, but it also brings the most joy.

I mentioned this in a previous post, but I will be taking care of baby girl three days a week when her mom goes back to work. I’m really looking forward to it. What a great way to making a lasting impact. I think house cleaning and other tasks can take a back seat for a while! Ha!

Dale and I have about all we’ll need for our little “day care”. Friends have loaned or given me some items, and we’ve bought other items. I think the most useful purchase is the pack and play that includes a changing table, diaper organizer, mobile bassinet and a built in bassinet. It’s very cool! I made a video of myself putting it together. I plan on editing it down and posting it on my YouTube channel. I find videos like that very helpful. We also got a nicer mattress for it so baby sleeps comfortably.

After the baby bed, I think the next most useful item, at least for the first few months, will be the swing. The swing and the reclining bouncer will allow her to be comfortable wherever I am in the house. Of course, she will get plenty of tummy time as well. Now that I think of it, I probably need some simple little toys for tummy time. Once she gets a little bigger the “exersaucer” will be fun for her I think. I also hope to take her on walks around the neighborhood. This is all so weird. I didn’t see this grandma role in my future! ha ha! I was able to fit all of these items in my closet, which is nice. I hope to put everything away Fridays-Mondays. We’ll see how it goes.

Great Visit to North Texas

We spent the last week of April with our kids in North Texas. We really enjoyed it. It’s such a blessing that Dale’s remote work allows us to take extended trips like this. I’m hoping that in the future we will be able to spend Friday-Monday with them — the days I won’t be watching baby.

We were able to attend our granddaughter’s band concert and our grandson’s flag football game. But the best part of every trip is just hanging out at home and taking part in their routines. We also enjoyed their church service. Matt Chandler kicked off a series focusing on masculinity in today’s world. It was a really good message.

New Braunfels Overnighter

Last weekend we spent a fun 24 hours with our kids in New Braunfels. Though I love San Antonio, I really like their new hometown too. Their new home is very stylish and comfortable as well. We kicked off Saturday with lunch at the popular Krause Café, then browsed the farmer’s market. That afternoon we had a picnic on the river and tossed the Frisbee. It’s amazing how poorly I throw a Frisbee because I’m pretty decent at disc golf. I’m normally a straight shooter.

Sunday morning we attended their church in San Antonio. It was a very unique church. I’m not used to city churches, especially one that is located in a very charming old building shared by other groups and businesses. I wish I had taken a photo of the stained glass behind the platform. It depicted Jesus as conquering king and warrior, holding a sword. This is what the world will see one day. The Mother’s Day message was very good and the members were very friendly.

We concluded our trip with lunch at the home our son-in-law grew up in. We always enjoy spending time with his parents, plus we got to see where Jackson pulled his childhood shenanigans! Ha ha! The combination of great conversation over Chuy’s food was perfect.

Another Mother’s Day has come and gone. Tonight we will be celebrating Dale’s mother over dinner and games. I am so incredibly blessed. My children bring me such joy. Thank you Lord!

It’s hard to believe that May is almost halfway over. The next two weeks are going to be a blur. The baby will be here. Three of our kids have birthdays. The grandkids finish school and then their family heads to the beach. We finish preparations for our summer road trip. Plus we need a new roof! We had a crazy ice storm a few weeks ago. I’ll conclude the post with a short video of the ice shrapnel! Ha ha!