The Glitter Left Behind

It has been said I'm crazy for letting my grandchildren have glitter. People have told me there is no way they'd let anyone have glitter in their house because they find glitter for months to come. I have a different opinion ...

Once the Christmas ornaments were painted - yes, even my three year-old granddaughter, Cady, was allowed to paint and once all was painted, the glitter was made available ... to all.  A sprinkle here, a sprinkle there ... oops ... glitter on the table ... double oops ... glitter on the floor. I assured the grandchildren all was OK and a little glitter spill was no biggie. The smile on their faces melted my heart ... by the time they were finished making their ornaments from the tops of bean cans I had saved, they had found a special place for cotton balls, glitter, popsicle sticks, pictures from old Christmas cards and magazines, and plenty of acrylic paint. They had a blast. Then, before they were allowed to play the Wii, we had clean up time. Thank goodness for my granddaughter, Claire, who is thirteen and my grandson, Aidan who is almost eight ... they were real troopers and did a wonderful job organizing all the craft supplies.

They've all gone home now ... and as I dust mopped the dining room floor, I smiled ... moving the dust mop from one side to the other, the glitter stayed put. I told my husband we'd have to vacuum and damp mop tomorrow to get all the glitter up. He agreed.

As I straightened up the rest of the house, every room was glittery ... the playroom, the bathroom faucet handles, doorknobs, chairs, and even our German  Shepherd sported some glitter on her ear. It warmed my heart ... such a small price to pay for a grandchild's smile.