This file includes Album Ideas, Grandpa, Grandma, Great Grandma, and Aprons.
Also see Grandchildren and Growing Older.
(You can substitute grandpa or grandparents for grandma.)
When God created grandparents
the world was truly blessed
with all the special joys
that make a family happiest . . .
For grandparents know how to do
the things that warm a heart,
They touch our lives with loving care
right from the very start . . .
They show that they believe in us
and all we're dreaming of . . .
When God created grandparents,
He blessed our lives with love.
(Joe Scruggs)
You know that grandmas are a wonderful thing!
'Cause they always rock and they always sing.
And they love to cuddle and their laps are great.
When it's time to see grandma, I can't wait.
And you know grandpas are really something grand!
They never yell, they always understand.
And they can fix just about any old thing
From a broken heart to a broken swing.
Yes, Grandparents, They sure named them right.
'Cause grandparents are a grand delight.
And they always love you, If you're good or bad.
Like you're the best grandkid they ever had.
They are the parents or your fathers and mothers,
But sometimes there might be others.
Like the nice old lady who lives down the street
Who remembers your birthday and calls you sweet.
Or the nice old man who's a friend of your Dad's,
And he tells you stories from when he was a lad.
And he gives you pennies and he tells you jokes.
They're not related to you or your folks.
But you call them Grandma and Grandpa too
And that's OK for you to do.
'Cause kids need all the grandparents they can get.
No one's had too many yet.
You listened to my childish talk,
found time to take me for a walk.
For memories both old and new,
Grandfather/Grandmother, I love you!
I got some jam on her new couch,
But Grandma doesn't care.
I lost my toothbrush, dropped a glass,
My old jeans have a tear.
I tipped the cat dish on the floor,
My feet are always bare,
The way I look is a disgrace,
But, Grandma doesn't care.
She's very busy, then she sees,
The tangles in my hair
She gets a brush, I make a fuss,
But, Grandma doesn't care.
When I am grown, and on my own,
When visits become rare,
I won't forget the love I'd get
When Grandma didn't care.
Everything my Grandma does
Is something special made with love.
She takes the time to add the touch
That says "I love you very much".
She fixes hurts with a kiss and a smile
And tells good stories grandma-style.
It's warm and cozy on her lap
For secret telling or a nap.
And when I say my prayers at night
I ask God to bless and hold her tight.
'Cause when it comes to giving hugs,
My Grandma's arms are filled with love!
(Ed Cunnigham)
Through my grandmother's eyes
I can see more clearly
the way things used to be,
the way things ought to be,
and most important of all,
the way things really are.
ears that truly listen,
arms that always hold,
love that's never ending,
and a heart made of gold.
What could be more precious
Than a grandmother's special love,
She always seems to know the things
That we are fondest of.
She's always ready with a smile
Or a loving word of praise;
Her laughter always brightens up
The cloudiest of days.
She has an understanding heart
That encourages and cheers;
The love she gives so freely
Grows deeper with the years.
Her wisdom and devotion
Are blessings from above;
Nothing could be more precious
Than a grandmother's special love
My mother feeds me tuna fish
With broccoli on the side.
But Grandma gives me candy
When my mouth is open wide.
My mother slices apples
And oranges for dessert.
My grandma brings me doughnuts
If she finds out I am hurt.
My mother makes me drink my milk
Most every single night.
But Grandma gives me ice cream bars
When I do something right.
My mother cooks up rice and beans
That have an awful taste.
So I say, "See ya later,
I'm going to Grandma's place!"
(Juanita Newcomb)
Some forty winter times
have come and gone
since I was told
one melancholy dawn
that Grandma,
who was my supreme delight,
hadn't made it through
the long and somber night.
So often I have longed
for her embrace
or wished that I could
once more see her face.
At last,
when looking in the mirror,
I'm seeing Grandma
just a little more each time.
When I am with you, we always have fun
You make me feel I'm your special one!
I can tell by the kindness in your smile,
You recall how things look
through the eyes of a child.
If I really need a hug or two,
I know that I can depend on you.
Giving hugs is what Grandmas do best,
And you do it better than all the rest!
Grandmother hugs and Grandmother kisses,
Hot oven cookies and holiday wishes,
Attics with treasures of children grown old,
Stories of magic and princes so bold,
Oceans of patience and rainbows of love,
A bright ray of sunshine sent from above,
You stirred my childhood with rich, golden days,
Touching my life in so many ways.
When shadows are dark, I reach through the night,
The love of my Grandmother shines like a light.
I like to walk with Grandma,
Her steps are short like mine.
She doesn't say, "Now hurry up",
She always takes her time.
I like to walk with Grandma,
Her eyes see things like mine do,
Wee pebbles bright, a funny cloud,
half hidden drops of dew.
Most people have to hurry,
They do not stop to see,
I'm glad that God made Grandma
Unrushed and young like me!
In the not too distant past--
I remember very well--
Grandmas tended to their knitting
and their cookies were just swell.
They were always at the ready
when you needed some advice.
And their sewing (I can tell you)
was available--and nice.
Well, Grandma's not deserted you,
she dearly loves you still..
You just won't find her cooking,
but she's right there at the till.
She thinks about you daily--
you haven't been forsook.
Your photos are quite handy
in her Pentium notebook.
She scans your art work now though
and combines it with cool sound,
To make electronic greetings.
She prints pictures by the pound.
She's right there when you need her,
you really aren't alone,
She's out now with her 'puter pals',
but she took her new cell phone.
You can also leave a message
on her answering machine;
Or page her at the fun meet,
she's been there since eight fifteen.
Yes, the world's a very different place,
there is no doubt of that.
So 'E' her from her web page,
or join her in a chat.
She's joined the electronic age
and it really seems to suit her.
So don't expect the same old gal,
cause Grandma's gone 'Computer'.
(Barbara Cage)
A grandma is warm hugs and sweet memories.
She remembers all of your accomplishments
and forgets all of your mistakes.
She is someone you can tell
your secrets and worries to,
and she hopes and prays that
all your dreams come true.
She always loves you, no matter what.
She can see past temper tantrums and bad moods,
and makes it clear that they don't affect
how precious you are to her.
She is an encouraging word and a tender touch.
She is full of proud smiles.
She is the one person in the world
who loves you with all her heart,
who remembers the child you were
and cherishes the person you've become.
Grandma used to be scared of a mouse,
Would scream if one got in the house.
Now she hugs one night and day,
She'd rather cuddle it than stay
On the couch and watch T.V.
Her first love now is her P.C.
Windows were glass she'd wash and look through,
Now they are programs to help her view
The earth and the sea and the beautiful sky.
A virus was something from which you could die.
Now it's a nuisance that could spoil your day,
But it can be fixed and sent on its way.
She served her time with diapers and dishes,
Now she can do whatever she wishes.
And if that means staying up half the night
To point arrows at icons--that's really alright.
A bit was something you had little of,
Now it takes eight bytes to make the above.
It's all so confusing, it makes her head ache.
A byte was something you take from a cake.
She's learning more about it now,
Her four-year-old grandchild showed her how.
I gaze at my Modern kitchen
Appliances by the score.
but nary a one a handy,
As the Apron Grandma wore.
Huge, made of sturdy cotton
Drab colored so spots wouldn't show.
Held secure by a waist band
Tied with a ribbon and a bow.
The best multi-purpose appliance
The world will ever know.
A supporter for a toddlers first steps
A hider for Childish fears.
A wrapper on chilly evenings
A remover of Childish tears.
A basket for every collection
grain, eggs or baby chicks.
The flowers for the mantel
Cobs, kindling or buffalo chips.
The vegetables from the garden
Or sweet corn from the field.
A protector from hot pans or dishes
At the stove a good heat shield.
A communication signal
to the workers on the farm.
To say that it is meal time
Or to carry an alarm.
A driver of fowl from a garden
or flies from an open door.
The dust from the parlor table
or crumbs to the kitchen floor.
A curtain for shadeless windows,
A frost guard for tender plants.
A cradle for sleepy babies
A tanner for impish scamps . . .
These are some of the uses
of that implement of yore.
That best of all piece of equipment
The Apron that Grandmother wore.
So I gaze at my modern Kitchen
A gadget for every chore
and admit they are not as convenient
as that Apron that Grandma wore.
I don't think our kids know what an apron is.
The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.
It was wonderful for drying children's tears,
and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.
From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.
When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.
And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms.
Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.
Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.
From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables.
After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.
In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.
When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.
When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.
Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool
Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw.
They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron.
But I never caught anything from an apron but love.
(Melissa Evans)
There is a special woman whose love has meant so much.
She blesses those around her with her love and tender touch.
She's strong in faith and courage, yet gentle as a dove.
She has a special mission determined by God above.
He knew that one day children would walk upon this land
and he needed a special woman to guide them with her hand.
She loved them every day until they each had grown,
and soon her little babies had babies of their own.
'Grandma' they now called her, a word she loved to hear.
She spread her hugs and kisses to each grandchild so dear.
She tickled them and sang to them and dried their little tears,
but soon these babies grew as the days turned into years.
God watched this special woman from His kingdom up above,
and though her hair had grayed, her eyes still shown with love.
"Her work is not complete yet" the angels heard Him say.
"I still have precious children that I must send her way."
So though she's not as young as she once used to be,
she still can bounce a baby upon her bended knee.
And though her loving arms are sometimes tired and sore,
they'll never be too tired to hug a child she adores.
So as you now can see, God's plan was very good.
He needed one to spread His love and He knew this woman would.
So in answering God's call, we learn it never is too late.
For loving God's own children are what made this Grandma GREAT!
Sitting on my grandpa's lap
Reading a book or taking a nap
It's the safest place to be
To feel his strong arms holding me
And when I say my prayers at night
I ask God to bless and hold him tight
Cause when it comes to giving hugs
My grandpa's arms are filled with love.
My ice cream dripped on his good pants,
but grandpa doesn't care.
his fishing tackle's tangled up,
his rod is who knows where?
I lost his keys in the garage,
I've made a mess out there.
I'm always getting into things,
but grandpa doesn't care.
I help him in the garden 'cause
we're really quite a pair;
I pull the plants out with the weeds,
but grandpa doesn't care.
When I am grown and on my own,
when visits become rare,
I won't forget the love I'd get when
grandpa didn't care.
(Nancy Wolthoff )
Come Grandpa, walk with me . . .
Help me to be the best kid I can be.
Take me here and take me there . . .
Show me now how much you care.
The many hours we share together . . .
Will be the times I'll remember forever.
(Kay Andrew)
A man who smiles to brighten your days,
Who can make you feel good with warm words of praise.
Who knows what to do to make wishes come true,
That's what a grandfather is.
A man who has lots of good stories to tell,
But knows how to be a good listener as well.
Who is patient and kind, the best friend you can find,
That's what a Grandfather is.
Thanks for all the things you have done,
You hold a special place that no one can fill
In the hearts of those who love you--
And you always will.
(Eleanor B. Fallis)
A boy needs a Grandpa . . .
For man-to-man talks,
To go hand in hand
On companionable walks,
To fix up his toys
When they no longer go,
To tell him the things
Little boys want to know.
A boy needs a Grandpa . . .
To show him the way
To handle a puppy,
To teach him fair play.
To impart bits of wisdom
He's learned through the years,
That it's no disgrace
For a man to shed tears.
A boy needs a Grandpa . . .
To sit on his lap
And if no one is looking,
They take a wee nap,
Each wrapped in an aura
Of love and esteem,
Each smiling gently
At some special dream.
It's so much fun when I'm with you!
You have great things for us to do.
I'll bet that you look back and see
When you were little just like me.
Did you play games and ride a bike?
Why, I didn't know we were so much alike!
I hope you had a Grandpa like mine,
Always patient and loving, cheerful and kind.
Shhh . . . here is a secret, but it is true
Everyone needs a Grandpa like YOU!
Grandfather smiles and Grandfather tickles,
Deep-throated chuckles and candy store nickels.
Wide-eyed in wonder at tales from the past.
A little one hoping the moment would last.
Calm words of wisdom to lead and direct,
Large hands held small ones to guide and protect.
Soft-whispered comfort and love that shone bright.
Warm, golden memories that shine like a light.
Watching and caring right from the start,
Grandfather love lives deep in my heart.
This is a special scrapbook;
We've made it just for you.
You'll notice that, as we grow,
Your scrapbook will grow, too!
We know you can't always be near,
To watch us as we change,
So instead of pictures in an envelope--
We'll send an album page.
Then place it in your special book.
Enjoy your photos and our art.
But, be sure to read our words of love,
That's the most important part!
(Brian Belair, husband of BethCMC, wrote this for the title page of her dad's birthday album)
Moment by moment, day by day,
Memories are made and fade away.
So often we lose what once seemed clear,
Like dreams that slowly disappear.
But are they not what we hold dear?
So we give you this, a picture book.
For with and which to take a look
To see your grandchild as she grows,
What visions to your mind bestows?
Images of wiggling toes?
Grandpa, these we send to you,
And pages that will come anew
To bring a smile and help to build
Memories like a garden tilled
And all our love to you be willed.
(do in fancy font or calligraphy, center on the page)
Grandma and Grandpa,
this book is for you,
though it might be quite puzzling
as the pictures are few.
But every few months
if you don't make a fuss,
We'll send you more pages
with pictures of us!
Title page has a grandparent poem printed on paper. Each kid has a two-page spread ordered from oldest to youngest. One page is the child's name (in sticker or die-cut letters). It is embellished with stickers and paper that 'fit' the child. Their birth date is on the name page.
The second page has a photo. Put a 4x6 photo sleeve on the page with photo tape after you decorate with a paper mat or stickers. Periodically send new photos to grandparents so they can update the pages. (Christy)
I did ABC sentiments albums for my grandmothers. Each page had a sticker letter and pictures. For example, the B page had a boating picture, child on bike, and child playing ball. Journaling identified 'letter word', child and age. I used baby pictures, as well as current pictures. (DeniseB)
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