Celebrating Grandparents!

Grandparents Day is Sunday, September 8, 2013

Grandparents Day is this Sunday and I am excited!   Grandparents Day is a great time to celebrate the impact that grandparents have on us and on our children.  It was declared in 1978 in the US and despite the push by greeting card companies, many people don’t realize that it is an actual day.

My own grandparents were a great influence.  Aside from my folks, they have been the most important people in my life from childhood through to today.

As a Mom, watching my kids with their grandparents is a great joy.  They can learn so much from each other.  I have recently watched the kids teach their grandparents how to use the iPad! And my kids hang on every word of wisdom their grandparents dole out. 

This Sunday gives us all a great opportunity to let them know how much they are loved and appreciated. 

Create a Photo Gift

Grandparents love pictures of their grandkids.  We have access to iPhones, digital cameras and all sorts of user friendly photo editing and printing options these days.  I have been using www.picmonkey.com for my photos. This free online software allows me to create beautiful collages, add effects,  add text and frames to my pictures.  This fun  photobook was created using instragram photos taken of the kids over the year. 

materials:

• 12x12 cardstock (2 sheets makes an album for 12 photos)
• scrap of patterned paper for cover
• glue dots or other adhesive
• cardstock to back pictures 
• ribbon
• silly instagram (or other) photos

• cut 4" x 12" paper strips out of cardstock (six 4"x12" strips makes an album for 12 photos, but you can always do more or less)
• score and fold strips every 4"
• glue together the last fold on the first paper to the first fold on the second paper and repeat with the third piece onto the second piece. so you have one continuous piece. (continue with each strip)
• cut 3 3/4" squares for all of your pages. adhere. we used black cardstock.
• print and trim the goofy grandkids print and adhere to the front page.
• cut a piece of patterned paper 3 3/4" wide and adhere below the grandkids print.
• trim your photos to 3 1/2" squares and adhere to album. (we printed instagram photos onto 4x6 sheets and trimmed them down to 3 1/2" squares)
• cut a piece of ribbon about 21 1/2" long. adhere to the front, wrap it around the back and tie closed

Start a Tradition

There are so many things that you can do to start a tradition with grandparents.  You can plant a tree, take an annual photo, have a sleepover party or go to a movie.  A tradition is great because it gives kids, and grandparents, something to look forward to every year. I love traditions because they cut down on planning.  I always know what we are going to do for grandparents day each year.

Get Artistic

Get out the paints and brushes, take off their shoes and socks and get started on a an heirloom.  There really is nothing more heartwarming than little hands and feet.  And a bonus is that children love to get messy.    A homemade card or gift is often one of my parents’ most favourite gifts to receive. 

Read a Book

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Teach Them a New Trick

If your grandparents are far away the internet can help to shorten the distance.  Take some time to help your grandparent learn to use Skpe or Facebook to stay in touch.  Seeing your face will bring them great joy.  There are some wonderful tutorials online to get your started.  Just remember, most grandparents did not grow up with computers.  Take it slow.

Make a Family Cooking Show

Set up a camera in the kitchen and have your kids put together a show with Grandma cooking.  Not only will everyone have fun creating the video, you will also get a peek at some of Grandma’s age old recipes.  What a great keepsake and such a lovely way to spend the afternoon. 

We love Grandparents and we are so lucky to have them around.  My own Grandmother is 93 years old and my children are so incredibly lucky to have the best grandparents ever. Grandparent’s Day is about celebrating and honouring these special people in our lives. Take some to this Sunday to let your grandparents know how much you love them.

Happy Grandparents Day!