Don't Stress the Mess

For Easter this year, I asked "the trio" if they wanted a gift or an adventure. When they all immediately exclaimed, "Adventure!", I was so proud!  I mean, who can remember what we gave them last Easter? Memories made together seem the greater gift. We decided a 3D movie in the afternoon, favorite take out dinner (orange chicken), and a sleepover in the tent out back had all the makings of an "adventure".

 I had seen this amazing idea on the internet for building with mini marshmallows and toothpicks and knew we had to give it a try. These kids, who only know the iPad, selfies, Apple TV, computers, etc. sat down at the dining room table and just began to create. There were no instructions, no rules, except just build something.  They each had a box of 1000 toothpicks and their own bag of marshmallows. I got the toothpicks at the dollar store and the marshmallows on sale at the market for 88 cents a bag. Total investment ~ $5.64. So far, so good!
Now these three may be related, but they are each VERY different and their approach to building reflected their uniqueness. Maddy, usually one to get sidetracked easily, was the most focused and intent. Abbey, always wanting to be right, the winner, the best, the most, made LOTS of different things.

 She made me wear the crown she created. After all, I have taught them they are princesses, but I will forever be The Queen!

 Anyone who knows Abbey, knows one of her prized possessions is her stuffed bear, Rusty. She made her own version of Rusty and I love the result.

 Pa walked by and Abbey insisted he get in on the action. He sat down and immediately made Abbey's name. Seeing this, and not to be outdone, Abbey then returned the favor and made Papa's name. Gotta love those two, each the others biggest fan!

 Jack's structure was, by far, the biggest and most elaborate. All through it, he kept saying, ""This is so cool, Grammie!" At the end, the table was filled with their creations. What we discovered was as the marshmallows are exposed to the air, they get harder and harder, thereby making each structure stronger. The next morning, they were able to pick them up and they stayed just as they had built them. Each kid wanted to take them home. I told them their mother would not let them. It was, after all, made from food and would attract bugs eventually. Besides, their mom does not like clutter and I am pretty sure this would qualify as clutter in her book!
That's when I realized the difference between being the parent and being the grandparent. I, too, kept a tidy and orderly house when my kids were growing up. Messes made me a little crazy. Now, as much as I still like a tidy house, when the kids are over and we are deep in projects, I know that the mess will be there too. Sippy cups will be strewn about the house, often found later with unidentifiable liquid inside! PJs will be dropped in the entry way or down the hall. There will be toothpaste left in the sink. And, guess what?  It's all okay!  I don't stress the mess. It means they are here. They are having fun. We are making memories. All good news!

These faces of joy make our lives bigger, happier and messier than we ever could have imagined.
"Hey, Grammie, remember when we........" Music to my ears!