With five grandchildren ranging from ages five to 19 years old, how have they enriched your life?
Having five grandchildren ranging from five to 19 years old allows us to enjoy all the many stages as they grow and mature. Spending time with them through these years of life is a joy. Each of our grandchildren has a unique personality, which allows us to enjoy a special relationship with each one.
What is the inspiration for texting your grandchildren every Sunday?
As a grandparent, it has always been important to let them know how much I love them and even more how much Jesus loves them. I want them to know they are in my prayers always. I text frequently on Sundays and other days to assure them of my prayers and how proud I am of their accomplishments and all they do in their lives.
How do you support your grandchildren in their hobbies?
In supporting their hobbies, I encourage them to keep at it and never give up. We love going to their events and showing interest in all that they do. And I love being around them. I get so excited about almost everything they do!
What do Be Be and Poppie nights at your home consist of?
When our older grandchildren were little, we always had a “sleep-over” the night before Christmas. We played games and made a big pallet on the floor with a lot of movies and popcorn. With our five and seven-year-old granddaughters, we started Bebe and Poppie camp as they live out of town. We enjoyed playing dress-up, tea parties with our special china, dancing, and making cookies. We love swimming! This year Rivers was very interested in history, and we visited many historic places in downtown Montgomery. This year was Dalton’s first time staying with us.
What has being a grandparent taught you?
Being a grandparent has taught me to love deeply. Being around them gives me the greatest joy. Being a grandparent has taught us to appreciate every moment we get to be with them, as they grow up so fast.
Tell us about Poppie building a personalized doll house for the youngest grandchildren this past Christmas?
My husband, Steve, their Poppie, has always loved drawing and making things for them. When Ross and Drew were little, he made a giant-sized Batman bean bag toss for birthday parties. When Rivers was born, he drew and painted a beautiful carousel horse we named Sellie for her nursery. Most recently, he built an American Dollhouse for Rivers and Dalton. It is six feet tall!
They say grandparenting lives up to the hype. What do you think?
It truly is hard to describe the love I feel for my grandchildren. I thank God each day for the blessing they are to me.
What do you hope your grandchildren learn from you?
I hope my grandchildren learn about love and comfort from me. I did not have the privilege of grandparents on either side as I came later in life. The last child of six. I am so thankful and privileged to be their Be Be!
Bio: Billie Tomberlin has been married to Steve Tomberlin for 45 years. They have three daughters and live in Pike Road, AL.
