Sunday our oldest granddaughter left for camp for the week. Bladen was supposed to go but he is on the down-hillside of recovery of pneumonia.
Their Mom and Dad needed to go to Craig, Colorado. Bladen and Tally thought it would be fun if they came to stay with Grammy and Grandpa (instead of huge long boring ride to Craig).
Blade is twelve. He was lots of help. Although, I wouldn’t let him do lots (still recovering, I would remind him) he could do some things for short spells.
Which meant that the 6-year-old had to give it try to also.
🙂
They stayed with us until last night. We had lots of fun, even going to play miniature golf one night after all the work was done and the last set of water in place. It was ‘way dark’ when we finally drove home. Another ‘cool’ thing.
Several years ago I had a wonderful friend, who has since passed, tell me once: “You know, the footprints on the sands of time are really made with work shoes.” I had forgotten all about her saying this until I ran across the quote last night, while reading just before bed.
Those footprints start young, don’t they? They start young and they stay with you (or your children or your grandchildren) all the rest of life.
When it is you and your children it is a necessity that your children learn to work, to process information, to be a ‘big help’. But with your grandchildren you are giving them a gift…but on the same hand they are giving you one right back.
There is nothing better than working with children who really appreciate what you do and want to be part of it.
The footprints might be on the sands of time, but in reality they are created in the soul.
Your friend in life,
Linda
Life on a Colorado Farm 
So very, very true!! You’re quite the philosopher lady!!
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Wow, Linda. This is so beautiful. Just what I needed to hear heading into summer and gardening season. Little helpers abound!!
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Amen!
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I like those ideas about footsteps. Nice hay too!
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i know they enjoy their time with you – and vice versa! hardworking but simpler life than most even know about!
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Said very well, Linda but they also leave footprints on the heart that stay there forever. Your grandchildren are your treasures. Prayers for Bladen’s health returning to normal very soon. Enjoy the sun and its warmth.
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Thanks for sharing these wonderful thoughts (and photos) with us. It sounds as if you enjoyed your grandchildren as much as they enjoyed being with you.
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Beautiful thought. I used to love the work that my cousins and I did around our grandparents’ homes. It never seemed like the boring old work we had to do at home. Your grandchildren are so lucky to have you.
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Great post… Glad your grands stayed with you all. I know from experience that KIDS are young such a short time —and we need to take advantage of all of those moments. The footprints we make are not only for us and our fulfillment –but for the ones near us… Those kids love it –and you all love it… Keep on making ‘footprints’ together throughout life…. HUGS!!!
Betsy
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And at the same time, you’re giving your grandchildren a great gift: the knowledge that hard work can be fun and rewarding. They’ll do so much better in life than the ones parked in front of the TV, one hand on the remote and the other in a bag of chips…
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♥ 🙂
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What fortunate grandchildren you have. It sounds like they’ve been raised with enduring values.
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So, so very true! And as they grow older the footprints just get deeper into our souls. My heart just bursts with love for my grandsons!
Blessings!
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🙂 heart strings
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I love that the kids are involved and interested in learning “the business.” The footprints HAVE TO start young!
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Rolling bales for loading. That used to be my job. Our dog loved to be there in case there were mice trying to set up housekeeping under the bales. He’d catch them and snap them quick so they wouldn’t bite back.
Should be in your neighborhood tomorrow afternoon. I have your two ph# so I’ll call when we get closer.
Eileen
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Well said!
Cheri
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Much wisdom here. It’s nice to know the next generation values the work, and enjoys it now.
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What a beautiful quote this is, and so true. Your grandchildren are so lucky to be able to stay and work on your farm in such a lovely setting.
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Thanks for this wonderful post. I thought of the following vs. from scripture–
“Grandchildren are like a crown to the elderly”
Proverbs 17:6 NET bible
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Lovely thoughts about children and the passing of experience. The photos reminded me of my childhood when I helped one of my uncle with similar chores. With my cousins we made quite a team! I still remember how fun and hard, too, the work was. But I also remember of the pride when we were finished and my uncle inspected our work and congratulated us for a job well done.
Children learn fast when taught well and don’t mind the effort if recognized as a part of the team.
Great post, thank you, Linda.
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