How many children do you have? Five

How many grandchildren? What are their ages? Six—Baby Hiccup-6 months, Little Bear-5, Sweetings-5, Yummy-7, Honey-9, Big Bear-12
 
Any great grandchildren? no
 
What do your grandchildren call you? Grandma Kaye
 
Other than the initial elation, what was your first concern upon hearing you would be a grandmother? I was thrilled, I love babies.
 
How often do you get to see your grandchildren? I babysit Little Bear every day while momma works, Big Bear comes after school. Baby hiccup comes 3 times a week for a couple of hours while momma teaches piano lessons. I also tend Sweetings three or more times a week, momma doesn’t work but she volunteers with the PTA so much it could be a full time job. I see Yummy, and Honey after school and the occasional weekend sleepover. They all try to give me Saturday’s off so I can catch up on my work.

What is the best thing about being a grandma? The hugs and kisses—and actually I love the noise and the messes.
 
What is the most challenging part of being a grandma? I get tired—by the end of the day I am worn out!
 
Describe a recent time that one (or more) of your grandchildren made you laugh out loud. They are always so funny—the most recent, Baby Hiccup grinning and waving bye bye to grandma.
 
What is your favorite thing to do with grandchildren who visit your house? Listen to them—they are so funny. They have each other to play with so they mostly ask me to get them this or get them that. I like to read, cuddle, sew, shop and visit great grandma. I like to listen to them as they “show and tell”. I like to buy them ice cream. I like to watch them play with their grandpa. I like to sit outside and watch them play. I love taking them camping or to a movie, or some place special they don’t usually get to go. I spend a lot of time watching ball games too (not my favorite thing to do).
 
What is your favorite thing to do when visiting grandchildren at their house? I don’t usually visit them at their homes—I’m usually gathering them up to come home with me.
 
How do you maintain the bond between yourself and your grandchildren between visits? They call me on the phone all the time!!!! You just saw me already, give me a break!!!!
 
What do you most want to pass along to your grandchildren? I just want them to remember that I loved them. Last year I read a book called “Curly Grandma’s Letters”. It’s a novel concept about preserving your history by writing letters to your grandchildren. I’ve been writing to them for a year now. Even though they see me all the time this has been fun for them. First they get a letter in the mailbox and second they think my letters are funny. I’ve enjoyed the letters they send back and the excitement when they tell me about their letters. Yummy has her letters tucked in a keepsake box. When Big Bear read Little Bear’s first letter he laughed and laughed. I found it kind of exciting to hear him telling others about the story I had written. I think it is a good idea. They might not remember a lot about me but these little letters might help them know a few things about me that they might not have known otherwise. Here is the link to my first letter, http://ladygaladrielkj.blogspot.com/2010/10/book-review-curly-grandmas-letters.html.

What is one word you hope your grandkids think of when they think of you? Love

What is one thing you wish you had learned earlier as a grandparent? I haven’t really had any regrets—I’ve just enjoy every minute the kids let me have with the grandkids. I just try to respect them as parents and let them know I’m here when they need me. I had a wonderful mother and mother-in-law that did the same for me.

What one bit of advice would you give a new grandma? Enjoy every moment and appreciate every minute you have with the kids.
 
Take a moment and stop by Kaye's enchanting blog, The road goes ever ever on.