A lapful of happiness...

See that happy, smiling woman? That's me, with all my grandkids. Hailey, Raven and Aruna, all in stripes, bundled onto my lap.

I had lovely grandmothers. My mom was a lovely grandma to my kids. Now, I'm a grandma. I crawl on the floor, make faces, read stories, make sweaters and blankies. I have a supply of silly wind-up toys.

We save big cardboard boxes for kids to play in. We bought sleds and snow saucers, have pool toys and a croquet set, but some of the best fun is playing with bits of cardboard, crinkly paper and scraps of yarn.

I love being a grandma. I love the fact that their parents trust me with their children. I always knew that my kids were safe with my mom, and appreciate the chance to read bedtime stories, wipe runny noses and tie up shoelaces. It is an honour and privilege to participate in raising a child that is not your own.

I know many people do not have grandkids, or live far away from them, or aren't part of their lives for any number of reasons. I am so happy to be able to hold three squirmy kids in my lap.