Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Grandma Rules

When my kids were little, we had a rule. Actually, we had lots of rules. But the one to which I refer today is:

There are to be no animals in the house.

Yes, it was a hard and fast rule. Animals in the yard were encouraged. Animals in the corral were part of the paycheck.

But no animals in the house.

I must admit that the rules have relaxed over the years. Randy sometimes brings a cat or kittens into the house. But they are to remain on his lap. If they escape the confines of said lap, outside they go.
This photo of Randy and Big Cat is from the wintertime. He doesn't have to be garbed in a blanket to have a cat in the house. Even I'm not that mean!
When Kinley was here this weekend, Grandpa brought in three baby kitties.
He put them right on the carpet. And I didn't say a thing. What is wrong with me? It must be Grandma Rules.

Well, for sure, it's Grandpa Rules.

Kinley worked a little magic with her Mommy, too. Jill isn't much of an animal person, but she was right down there with Kinley and the kitties. (It may have been to make sure that Kinley kept the kitty out of her mouth and to wipe her hands after playtime was over. It may even have been to protect the kitty. But still ...)

Sunday morning before church, Grandpa and Kinley were out on the back steps, visiting another kitty. It was a perfect start to the day in Randy's eyes - Kinley and kitties!

A note:  I know lots of people feel differently about animals in the house. I was raised with outdoor animals.  I felt strongly enough about this issue that Randy and I discussed it before marriage, and I told him it was a deal breaker. Since I'm the primary cleaning person around here, I figured I got more votes on this issue. What you do in your house is your business, and I know lots of people adore their house pets.

And, apparently, this Grandma is getting lax in her old age.

10 comments:

  1. Kim,

    Kinley looks like she loves the kitties. The calico is beautiful.

    We had several house cats growing up. One cat in the house at a time.

    Now, we have changed into a dog family. Mom, Sister and I each have a dog.

    The Rancher has the same animal in the house idea that you do ... NO! We might have been able to live with that, but he bought me a Boston Terrier for my college graduation gift. When we lost Jake he was adamant that I could not have another one. I think all the tears convinced him life would be better if I had a little dog.

    J has adjusted well, but one animal is all that is allowed. Molly has been seen in J's chair with J, lol!

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    1. I loved hearing about your negotiation skills when it came to house pets, Robyn! It sounds like you two have worked out quite a nice compromise.

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  2. On the farm the pets could come in the house unlimited times BUT they lived outside. And they were always ready to go back out, after so much "wooling" (a description that I learned from my grandmother)."

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    1. I've never heard that term before, Jane. Isn't it funny what we pick up from our parents and grandparents?! Thanks for chiming in on the discussion!

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  3. This story is adorable!

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  4. Allergies dictate ALOT! I love my kitties and wanted so much for Rylee to have one to play with - then a fox got the one I was trying to tame!!! One visit from Brad and the sneezing began!!! I realized if I wanted to have a place for Brad to come home to - the kittens home would have to be in the outdoors!! I love Brad too! It is hard for him to visit Holly's house with the indoor cat - he is miserable after just a few minutes! I guess we make our sacrifices!!! Tami

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    1. So true, Tami. When Brent came home for Abby's wedding, he commented about the number of grandbaby photos. I told him I was glad to take his photo and add to the mix. He declined - ha! Just like you, I want home to be a place where we can ALL be together - preferably with the animals outside :-)

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  5. SO CUTE! It is def. a Grandma thing my Mom would say!

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    1. Thanks, Jent! Yes, I am finding out about Grandma things for sure! Such fun!

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