This week was the first week of Simon Summer Camp with the visit of Thomas, better known as Tuffy. We have had a wealth of experiences each day. How do you build memories for a 2.9 year old? Why, you sing about it, of course. Tuffy and I have been singing along to the brilliant and everlasting Raffi. (If you’re a grandmother, you must download his songs.)
I haven’t had much time to spend alone writing poetry, but that’s as it should be. I missed posting yesterday on actual Friday. His mother is back from her “trip.” The song we sang together to tell her about his camp week is sung to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know it.” When I sang it to him last night at bed time, he cuddled up on my shoulder, and I looked at my daughter and whispered, “I think I’m going to cry.” He popped his head right up and said, “Don’t cry, Mamère!” Then we all laughed and laughed. Pure Joy!
Uncle Ric fixed your tires, so you could stroll.
Svitlana gave you vegetables to grow.
CeCe watered flowers and plants in her yard,
And Mr. Al waved good-bye.KiKi showed you sculptures you could touch.
Mamère and Tuffy, Summer Camp Song 2022
She told you all about them, oh so much.
Sophie made quesadilla out of play dough,
And Rylee chased water rainbows.
Reflections on the Teche 
“Chasing Rainbows” is the perfect metaphor for trying to keep up with Tuffy and hold onto the precious memories! (Those BOOTS!!!!)
Ha! I hadn’t even thought of that! Thanks.
This is pure joy on so many levels!
Such sweet memories, Margaret. My grandkids are here this weekend and I can’t get enough!
Faith, love and joy…the greatest being LOVE
yah,yah…on my walk I remembered the verse wrong! Faith HOPE and love. Let’s throw some joy in there for Tuffy’s visit too.
Oh, my, what a special time. Pure joy is right! Here’s to many more days of joyous and love-filled summer camps. I remember those boots!
A loving time and capture with your song. I’m sure you and Tuffy sang it strong! When a grandma takes the time, she creates with a rhyme, and both voices have the joy to sing along! (Couldn’t help but add a bit, Margaret. This time must have been so wonderful!)
Love it! I will definitely add it to the song.
What a delightful array of activities you offered Tuffy, Margaret. Being a grandma is full of keeping up with fun “things to do”.It is wonderful that you combined your love of singing and poetry writing at Simon Summer Camp. Your little camper has the cutest boots. I have the girls this weekend and that is why I am reading and writing comments way into the early morning.
So much joy! The posts you and some of the other grandmeres in the PF community post make me long for a different childhood with grandmoms like you all. ❤
Oh sweet Laura, you are resilient and you show children love every day through your books and work with children. Maybe one day you will be the kind of grandma you wish you had, but until then, keep being who you are!
What a delightful way to capture your week with Tuffy! Thanks for sharing your lyrics with us.
Thanks for sharing all the Tuffy joy! And Raffi takes me back–a favorite with my kids years ago. Now you’ve got me singing Baby Beluga along with If You’re Happy and You Know It.
Your song is the embodiment of a Mamère’s love. ❤
I raised my kids on Raffi! “Baby Beluga,” “There’s a Spider on the Floor,” were two of their faves! What a joy! Can’t wait to sing them to my grandson, Grayson, who will join the world in early August!