I'm beginning to realize that many traditions don't begin with the intent of being repeated on a regular basis. I certainly had no idea the first time I offered mints to the kids that this would become common practice. As they sadly put on their shoes, the question comes out, "Mimi, can I have a green mint?"
And all is well as they get buckled into their car seats.
I didn't realize just how seriously these mints were categorized into "good bye" mints until one day . . . sometime during playtime, Landon asked for gum and I offered him a mint instead. He looked at me like I had lost my senses. "Why are you giving me that?" And he refused to take one. I can't help but think that there is something special about that kind of reservation or discipline.
It could also be that he was just scared it would seal his fate to go home earlier than planned.
14 comments:
OH that makes me chuckle. We have consolation gummies at our house....though...a mint might be worth consideration as they get a bit older.
Giving him a goodbye mint in the middle of his visit... I can just imagine the look on his face.
Those special sorts of traditions that have meaning only within a family and make no sense at all to onlookers are like tiny bits of glue that hold a family together. Certainly the big things REALLY hold it together, but things like those mints, known only to your grandchildren, are like a secret language.
What fun seeing through a child's eyes!!! I think Mimi's mints are a great "new" tradition.
Thanks for the smile! Our children's great-grandpa always had Juicy Fruit gum in his pocket - but it was his hello gift :)
It is interesting how it is that you never quite know what will become 'tradition' or a 'memory' or something important in the little one's mind. Love how you let them evolve. The mints is a great example of this - I love how I see you grand parent through your blog.
I don't want to 'mints' words here but...It's so cute to see how much enjoy'mint' you get from your grands! Your involve'mint' in their lives provides so much encourage'mint'. You create a very loving environ'mint'. And your sharing 'mints' a lot to us readers.
Those very same mints are a special treat "only" at Oma's house for one of our granddaughter who just loves them. :-)
Ocean Soul..you had me gigling. You assortmint of mintsed words are an inspiremint to keep the mints going.
What were you thinking...offering mints before the visit was over? :)I think mints are a fine farewell tradition! My grandfather carried mints in his pocket...his 'hello' gift for me when I was a kid.
Maybe if you run out of mints the kids will just stay? I mean, they couldn't leave without one.
Oh, that is precious! Doesn't it make your heart happy that they love being with you that much?
aww, that is great. My mom has a candy jar as well, they get a sucker to eat in the car on the way home after our weekly dinner. The kids never forget:)
What a sweet story of enjoying mimi's house! Love it!
What a neat story of the grands' perception of the green mints. When we were small, a certain salesman used to come to our farm, and he always offered us a peppermint from his pocket. He was known to us children as Mr. Peppermint. Dairymary
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