MaMa enjoys her grandchildren's company

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Bobbie Thompson (center) enjoys sharing recipes, and other fun things, with her grandkids. Pictured with Thompson is 9-year-old Julia and 5-year-old Trey . -- Staff photo by Taylor

May 19, 2005 - Bobbie Thompson of Austin loves her family, and, especially, the grandchildren. Her husband, Ed, was in the Air Force, which meant he traveled quite a bit (until he retired). This gave Bobbie plenty of time to gain "a lot of practice" with children. She had three of her own to care for when Ed was gone. Today, you'll likely find Bobbie at home with some of her grandchildren who all call her "MaMa."

MaMa likes to keep her grandchildren while their parents work, but this year, the youngest child, Trey, 5, started to kindergarten, and she's had a lot of "extra" time. MaMa said having some time without kids in the house, hasn't changed her life much. There's still lots of hugs and kisses, and good food, when the children are at her home. She loves to cook, and Julia, almost 9-years-old, is learning to help in the kitchen. Julia is in the third grade.

Sometimes, MaMa takes the children for a walk, and some weekends, she and "PaPa" take as many of the young ones as they can to see a special movie. They have a total of six grandchildren - five boys and one girl. The oldest grandchild is 22 and the youngest is 5.

She said she still enjoys going to their school plays, programs and sports games. And, MaMa knows it is important to the kids for her to be there.

The five youngest grandchildren are on soccer teams, and she sees them play at their games. MaMa said it all reminds her of when her son, Billy, played. Now, he coaches Trey's team in soccer.

MaMa said she is so happy when she is with her grandchildren, and misses them very much if she doesn't see them, often. She keeps their favorite snacks in her refrigerator, and everyone knows just where to look!

Because of her nurturing spirit and involvement, MaMa is a great grandmother and role model for the family.