Day 2152 Toys

A day at home....just what the doctor ordered! It began snowing early, and the snowstorm continued throughout the day and night. I pretended we were snowed in after the first flakes fell, hunkering down and making homemade chicken soup, pot roast, and always-delicious chocolate chip cookies.

All Tim wanted to do was watch football, so we made a good team. He camped out downstairs in the family room in front of the TV, and I had the first floor all to myself, listening to music, cooking, baking, and going through toys I had cleared out of the downstairs closet.

Never let it be said that I didn’t save my kids’ toys for them. The GI Joe weapons cache is just one small example of the well-preserved treasures I’m sure they’ll someday want… won’t they? This particular weapon-loving son is now pushing 40 and has yet to ask for his treasures, but I remember how much he loved collecting them, teaching me about all the various weapons and what he had to have next. How on earth could I get rid of these?

Just seeing that Rubbermaid container, with each little compartment holding various army-man necessities, makes me smile. If my son ever has a son of his own, I’ll be the #1 Grammy of all time when I pull out this box...and the bins that accompany it, filled with clothing and figures. I couldn’t keep all the vehicles; I’m not that great. But imagine how delighted my son would be if I sent him all this stuff for his 40th birthday! I'm saving it for something right?!

I spent the day doing exactly what I wanted, living the life of Riley and fully embracing the three-day-weekend vibes, leaving whatever chores need to happen for the last day of the weekend. Tim lived his best life as well, lounging in his recliner while I brought him plates of hot food every so often, spoiling him with my culinary skills. After eating my pot roast, he even thanked me for making it....which doesn’t happen often. But I’m guessing after a week or so of me refusing to cook, each meal is slightly more appreciated.

I organized toys, keeping more than any Grammy probably should… sorry, not sorry. I love my lazy life now, Tim and I selfishly doing whatever we want, but raising my kids, reading them stories, singing songs, snuggling up for a movie, or playing army guys was as close to perfection as life could be.

I guess that’s why being a grandparent is so darn special. It lets us hold on to a little piece of that magic, and every once in a while, relive it on a snowy day at home.... no wonder I've saved their toys!! 

"The days are long, but the years are short.” — Gretchen Rubin