Sunday, August 27, 2023

Grand Times With the Grands!

 

 

But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." ~Luke 18:16


Because my daughter, her husband, and our granddaughters live in North Carolina, Danny and I have to make plans way in advance to travel in order to see them all.  Oh, how we wish they lived closer to us, but circumstances are what they are, so we make the best of it, even in the oppressive heat of August while their schools are still out.  I know I make it sound in my previous post that the whole gang will be coming here to stay, but pictured above is the Vrbo we rent for the week of our stay.  It's the first time the youngest girls, Savannah and Alexandra, will be spending consecutive nights with us.  They do better than we expect, and a grand time is had by all!





One of the main reasons we rent this particular home is because of the game room set up in the garage.  Yes, we all manage to spend some time there, but as this space is not air-conditioned, it makes it difficult to play there for any stretch of time.  Mom and Dad stop by several evenings after work to see the girls and us.  John, it seems, has a better tolerance for heat than Gammie and Papa, and the girls truly appreciate it!






Virginia is NOT a picky eater; anything put on the table is fair game for her.  Alexandra will try new things, too, but Savannah has to be coaxed to take a taste of anything new to her.  Her favorite meal, which we prepare for her multiple times, is mac and cheese.





Making a face when she first tries French toast, Savannah changes her mind.



Due to the steamy temperatures, we don't do any sight-seeing on this trip, but the girls are more than happy to spend time with us at the house.  What a joy!  There is nothing like being around children to inspire the soul and make us feel young at heart in spite of our advancing years.  

We are so blessed to have these three beautiful granddaughters, and we let God know just how grateful we are to Him for all the smiles, hugs and happiness they bring to our lives.

Yes, I am sad when the time comes to leave for home, but I know how much I will treasure these memories until our next visit.  Through these precious girls, we have tasted the kingdom of God indeed!

Amen!

64 comments:

  1. Dearest Martha Jane,
    Glad you enjoyed your family time together at a 'home—away from home'.
    It looks like those girls are growing up so very fast!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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    1. Yes, Mariette, they are growing up way too fast for my taste, but we are so happy we got to see them and spend time with them. They all went back to school today, so I'm praying for a safe and indoctrination-free experience for all of them.
      Love and blessings!

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  2. What a wonderful idea to rent a place to visit with the grandchildren. It looks like such a precious time. The children are beautiful and must be a joy to your lives. I am so happy to hear you got to spend time with them!

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  3. They grow up so fast. I remember the first time I ate French toast - at the next door neighbor's house. I must have turned up my nose, too, for his mother showed me how best to eat it -- with peanut butter and syrup. I still won't eat it any other way.

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    1. What a cool story about the French toast, Glynn! I hadn't thought of using peanut butter with the syrup. Ironically, picky Savannah doesn't even like peanut butter. Go figure!
      Love and blessings!

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  4. Great pictures Martha! I love seeing how those girls are growing up. We spent the weekend seeing Braden play ball. I cannot imagine what it would be like to have a more extended time. Glad you are enjoying them while you can.

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    1. We are doing our best to see them as much as we can, Bill. They do grow up so fast!!! I read about your recent visit with Braden on your latest blog. There's nothing like being with your grandchild, is there? Hope you get to see him again soon.
      Love and blessings!

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  5. Glad to hear that everyone had a good time. You can't beat good times that you spend with family, they are the best.

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    1. They are the best, Bill, hands down! We were in hog-heaven that week, and wish it could have lasted forever.
      Love and blessings!

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  6. I didn't even try the pool game, Victor, but Danny certainly played Virginia on several occasions when he could brave the heat. I managed to take the photos, although the temperatures were stifling. When all was said and done, we all had a marvelous time. I miss them already!
    Love and blessings!

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  7. Martha Jane: So glad you had a grand time with your granddaughters, Also, glad you were able to travel there and back with no problems, Peace and blessings to you and yours.

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    1. It was such a joyful time, Cecelia, and I wish I could do it all over again! We were grateful, indeed, for the safe travels.
      Love and blessings!

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  8. Lovely pictures of your granddaughters and their activities!
    One never knows. God might find a way to bring the family closer, geographically.

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    1. I can't help but pray for that, Duta. When our oldest, Virginia, was young, they did live close to us, and I did lots of babysitting and caregiving back in those days. How I miss that closeness we had on a daily basis! But, God's will be done in all of it.
      Love and blessings!

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  9. Once agan, Martha, your "good times with the grands" has not only blessed my heart to see through your eyes, but it opens a treasure trove of memories with my own "grands." The power of families to encapsulate and illustrate so many of the priceless treasures that He intends for all of us. I know there are horrible things that the devil manages to inflict on people in the context of family relationships, but they are the a tiny minority compared to the multitudes that affirm that families (including us grandparents) are the most ingenious device the earth has ever seen to teach the power of love, responsibility, forgiveness, encouragement, and unity. Thank you again for sharing your "grand time" with the rest of us and for reminding us again that the living God made a way to include us in His family and for making a place in His House for each of us--and I'm quite sure He's got the climate control issue covered in every part of it. :)

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    1. Your last line in your comment is priceless, Ron! For the most part, thank goodness, families are a joy and a blessing. God gave us the perfect way to protect, love and nurture our children and grandchildren, didn't He? I'm ever so grateful to the visit with them and the financial ability to make it happen.
      Love and blessings!

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  10. Oh, that looks like so much fun! What a great idea to do that together! I know the girls loved making memories with you! They are all so precious and beautiful! Virginia is certainly maturing into a lovely young lady! I know you miss them already, but yes, what wonderful memories to cherish!!

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    1. And I will cherish them always, Pamela, as you can well imagine. At 13, Virginia is certainly entering those uncharted waters of her teenage years; I pray she will stay as sweet and kind during those as she is right now. Thanks so much for your words of affirmation about the girls.
      Love and blessings!

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  11. What a great idea to rent a house near Mom & Dad--take the pressure off them AND have the girls to yourselves much of the time! SO glad the arrangement worked out so well for you.

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    1. Yes, Nancy, it worked out great for all concerned. What a blast we all had together; I'm already looking forward to the next time we can meet up again. Maybe Thanksgiving, but time will tell.
      Love and blessings!

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  12. Oh my, how the girls have grown!
    And what a gift, they don't run and hide when someone brings out the camera -- like some children do. The expression on Savannah's face when faced with the french toast is hysterical.
    These candids in the game 'room' are precious; what a great idea y'all had. Thank you for sharing them with us!

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    1. Yes, Myra, they've grown like weeds! I so wish I could stop that for just a moment or two. And I'm glad you liked Savannah's expression - it was priceless to me as it says so much about her personality. :) When it comes to cameras, the girls are definitely no shrinking violets. They all love the limelight!
      Love and blessings!

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  13. Spending time with family and grandchildren is wonderful I am blessed to be able to see my grandchildren as much as I do

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    1. I know you are, Jo-Anne, a most blessed woman to have your grands nearby. Watching them grow up is definitely a delight for the heart.
      Love and blessings!

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  14. Martha, this looked like a glorious time with the girls. I know you didn't want it to be over, but I'm sure many wonderful memories were made. A grand ole time. God bless. Karen Friday

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    1. It was glorious, indeed, Karen! No, we didn't want the time together to come to an end, and I'm already looking forward to the next opportunity to all be together.
      Love and blessings!

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  15. Sounds as though another great time was had by all. And yes, grands are the best!

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    1. Amen to that, J. D.! It was the grandest of times.
      Love and blessings!

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  16. What a lovely blog about your granddaughters' visit! I had a great time reading it and checking out the photos. It sounds like you all had a fantastic time, despite the heat. Those moments together are truly precious, and it's clear that you're having a blast with your family.

    The description of the game room and the evenings with the granddaughters is so vivid that I can almost picture myself being there. It's heartwarming to see how you're enjoying the little things, like the granddaughters' favorite food and those special moments of discovery, like that one time with the French toast.

    And what a beautiful conclusion, expressing the joy and gratitude for these moments. It's evident that the bond with your granddaughters is a source of happiness and inspiration for you. I hope you have many more of these precious moments together.

    Sending warm regards and best wishes to you, your family, and especially your dear granddaughters! 🌸

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    1. Thank you so very much for your kind and generous words here, Arieth! So glad my words and photos touched your heart in this way.
      Love and blessings!

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  17. Bom dia, Martha
    Suas netas estão lindas, que alegria esses momentos de diversão e companheirismo, Deus continue abençoando tua família, um forte abraço.

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    1. Thank you, Lucinalva! I think they're beautiful, too, but I must admit I'm quite biased. :)
      Love and blessings!

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  18. I'm so happy you got to spend time with your grandchildren. Sounds like a fun time. Love all the photos. Who needs sightseeing when you have them to love. James is into mac & cheese now. That's all he wants.

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    1. Just like Savannah, Debby! I do hope her obsession won't be too long lived, but as long as she's eating, I suppose everything will be okay. We had such a wonderful time, as I'm sure you can tell.
      Love and blessings!

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  19. I love seeing these pictures, Martha! The girls are getting so big—especially Virginia.

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    1. It makes me happy to know that you enjoyed the photos, Beckie! Yes, Virginia is certainly maturing before our very eyes. I guess that's what we should expect for a 13-year-old, but I do miss that little girl so much. At least, she is still loving her Gammie and Papa!
      Love and blessings!

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  20. Sorry to be late getting here, Martha! The girls are growing up FAST! They are all beautiful and I know your quality time with them is as meaningful to them as it is to you. Love shared and memories made!! Thanks for sharing!! xo

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed this latest post, Terri! We had some treasured times, indeed. Now, I'm already to go see them again.
      Love and blessings!

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  21. Oh, it sounds like you all are having a wonderful time. A game room even, how cool is that? I hope you are able to enjoy every moment!

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    1. We had a fantastic time together, Marja. I only wish we could do it all over again!
      Love and blessings!

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  22. I'm so glad you had a grand time with your grands, Martha. Precious memories. :) I love the pics. Love and blessings to you!

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    1. Oops! Sorry about the anonymous, Martha.

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    2. We certainly did, Trudy, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. But since they've now started a new school year, that will have to wait until Thanksgiving or Christmas. I sure miss those girls!!!
      Love and blessings!

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  23. Fun times! Squeeze all the good out of them you can.

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    1. We certainly did make the most of our time with them, Diana! Every day, I find myself wishing they lived closer to us.
      Love and blessings!

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  24. We enjoyed it to the max, Barbara! I'm so thankful that God gave us the ability and the means for such a long trip.
    Love and blessings!

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  25. Oh yes, these are the good old days, the ones we live for, the ones we replay in our hearts long after they're over. Thank you for sharing these sweet memories, friend. A picture is worth a thousand words. LOVE.

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    1. I'm so glad you are enjoying these priceless moments with me, Linda! Sometimes, pictures tell the whole story.
      Love and blessings!

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  26. Yes its frustrating when you live far from loved ones. But what great house to rent. You all looked like you had a GREAT time!

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

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    1. Yes, we sure did, Allie! And yes, that house worked out perfectly for us.
      Love and blessings!

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  27. Our gr-kids --- three preschoolers are in Illinois, and 2 are in Switzerland! I know the feeling. Your gr-daughters are lovely. Glad you spent some time with them.

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    1. I'm saddened to learn that your grands live so far away from you, my friend. So many moments we miss in their formative years that can never be reclaimed. I do hope you all get to FaceTime one another. That's been a game-changer for Danny and me.
      Love and blessings!

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  28. Hi Martha Jane, what a lovely time you spent with the family
    I know what it's like to be far away from family as we have lived in several places around the world. Beautiful pictures. God bless.

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    1. We did have a marvelous time, Brenda! Living far away from family is never easy, and you don't realize how much you miss them until seeing them regularly is impossible. How I miss my girls, but I'm holding out hope to see them again sooner than later. At least, we can use FaceTime!
      Love and blessings!

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  29. Glad you were able to have such a beautiful time with your granddaughters. Precious memories being made. And thankful for mac and cheese! :)

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    1. Believe me, Lisa, we were thankful for mac and cheese, too! Savannah is the champion of picky eaters. Yes, our time together was special and precious. I started missing them the day we began our trek back home.
      Love and blessings!

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  30. What a beautiful visit, my friend. I am so glad you had a enjoyable time, smiles.

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    1. We had a marvelous time, Linda, as I'm sure you can tell from the photos. As always, wishing they didn't live so far away!
      Love and blessings!

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  31. Aw, what a great time you had with your sweet girls! Those memories are precious indeed, and they will never forget them either. May God bless all of you!

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    1. Those are priceless memories to be sure, Cheryl. And yes, we will all treasure out time together.

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