Sunday, January 13, 2008

Nana's Treat Cabinet

It was gathering day at Nana and Papa's house. We watched part of a football game and a nature show on TV while we talked and just enjoyed the afternoon. I made a lazy man's meal of homemade chili, hot dogs, buns, etc. I noticed the last time I made chili that everyone seemed to enjoy it. One of the few rules at my house is that if you don't like something I'm serving above all SAY SO! If you pretend to like something you don't, you could very well find yourself in the position of finding it on your plate again. Someone ask if the grandchildren ate good at my house. The answer is, "They certainly do." "How do manage that?" you ask. See picture below.

This is Nana's treat cabinet. If you eat all your dinner you can visit the cabinet and select a treat. If you aren't hungry enough to eat, you don't have room for a treat either. Pickup your toys before you go home and you can select a treat to take home. Like I said, "There is very little discussion about the meal at Nana's house."

Sarah, our mother-to-be, is really beginning to look like an expectant mommy. She is having a very easy time and absolutely glowing. Buddy is not really hoovering around her all the time, but he is watchful. I love watching them. They will be exceptional parents.

A new week is here and I'm still not caught up with my list. So, what else is new? I'm never caught up. And probably never will be. Ho-hum. That's my attitude.

I hope the new week is kind to everyone and there are no disappointments or hurt to bear. My best to all.

12 comments:

C.A. said...

Mary, you have got to be the BEST Grandma EVER! :)

I like your parting comment too...and I wish the same for you, my friend.

Hugs....

C.A.

Cheryl said...

You are one smart lady! I wish I were part of your family. I'd love spending Sundays with you!

Jamie said...

I'm with c.a., she already said everything I wanted to!

Great week ahead for you too!

CRUSTY MOM-E said...

I'm forwarding this to my mom, being a grandma herself, she will just LOVE this! I do too! I wonder if it "works" in a mommy house?

Have a great monday! YOu need to print this post, it's sooooooo cute!
And by the way, your approach at supper/dinner time is a great idea..I struggle with "what's the right avenue.." when it comes to eating and my children..
on one side it's a form of respect to eat what you're given mainly due to time and money, but on the other hand, children aren't supposed to be robots..
but do I let them get down from dinner with empty bellies only to rise early in the morning to eat their favorite meal?
Perhaps a visit to your candy cabinet and a vist from you could help me! :)

Happy monday Mary!
always,
Elizabeth

SOUL said...

where were you when soulkid was younger? a treat cabinet? eating real food FIRST... chores... before junkfood? hmmm.
well.
what a grand idea. too bad she's bigger than me now. :))

happy monday!
good luck on that list-- mine is big enough to eat me now. :(

Mary said...

Thanks to everyone for the compliments. I'm nothing special - just a Nana who loves kids.

I do have a rather unique way of managing children (or so I've been told). It has worked for me for years. I never allow myself to raise me voice, I don't make issues about things that don't really matter, and I keep every promise I make.

About eating. If a child ties one real bite of something and doesn't like it, he doesn't have to eat it but he DOES have to taste. I always serve things that I know they like with no more than one new dish per meal. When I say "No treat until you eat" they know I mean it. If one eats and the other doesn't, too bad. The rule stands.

Bottom line, I just refuse to 'take the monkey' so to speak. The kids are free to decide what to do. They know the rules and they know the rules apply.

Crusty, It worked in this mommy's house. Sometimes it wasn't easy but if I didn't show emotion the kids settled in.

Mary said...

Soul: I never tied chores to treats. Chores were before trips or visitors at my house. No emotion just the rule.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

First, let me say I love the "treat cabinet"...what a great idea! I bet your grandchildren LOVE coming to your house!

And that is amazing that you saw SPOON RIVER...I am assuming you saw it at UCLA...? If that is the case, you also heard me sing....in was the Spring if 1963...before we went to Broadway....It really is a small world....!
And in LIFE OF THE PARTY, I was practically an extra...BUT, I enjoyed doing that film very very much....It is a pretty good fllm, too, isn't it? I haven't seen it in a long time, but I remember being impressed with the way it turned out, at the time. I love that you got to my blog through Bud....(I think that must be who you mean...?)
Anyway, it is lovely to meet someone who actually saw SPOON RIVER all those years ago. And thank you for your lovely words about the music.

Shammickite said...

So you have a mother-to-be in your family, how exciting!
How long to go now?
I am expecting my first grandbaby in a month. OlderSon and his Beloved won't know what hit them when that baby arrives!!!

Michelle said...

Can I visit your treat cabinet? hehehehe It looks delicious.

I just sent you an email with pictures. I hope it wasn't too big, but I wanted to show you several things.

Love,
M

SOUL said...

i still want m-n-m's :))

Mary said...

Soul: Next trip to the 'stuff store' I'll be sure to include peanut butter m-n-ms - that is your choice, isn't it?