Rug Rat

The Princess had so much fun on Christmas Eve. But she had to take a break from all of the heavy unwrapping and just stretch out on the rug. I remember as a boy, the eagerness and excitement of opening Christmas presents. I can still recall the disappointment of opening so many presents of socks and underwear. But now that I am older, I understand the economic constraints that were hidden from me as a child. And I have a better perspective and understanding of the meaning of Christmas. It is all about thinking more of others and less of myself.

100 Uses For Dough

You can use it for pizza, pastry, bread, cookies and many other food items.

But it is a necessity at a restaurant, when waiting to be served. You can play with it, make shapes out of it and even have it hold your crayons.

Dough is the "duct tape" of the bakery world.

Story Time

Even on Christmas, Curious George and the Man in the Yellow Hat, have to be read. I don't understand his popularity! But all you have to do is open a Curious George book and the room will become quiet and the children will all gather around you to hear the story. Everyone wants to be close to the storyteller. There is a difference between a reader and a storyteller. Anyone can read the book out loud, but a Storyteller embellishes and improvises to make the words come alive! And Grammy is a great storyteller!

BoyZ to Men

Where has the time gone? It seems like only yesterday that they were little boys, but now they are adults with their own children. There is a tremendous amount of pleasure and pride in seeing the type of adults that your children have become. But no matter their age, they will always be my boys.

Keeping It Simple

Despite the complexity of some of the Christmas presents, and the batteries that they require and the assembly that they require, it is the Simple gifts that capture a child's imagination. A Pinwheel is something you can make go around and around and around. And when it spins, the colors become fused into one. And when it is spinning and the colors are one, you should see the smile and glow on a child's face!

The SandMan

The big hit this Christmas were the tools! Immediately they found furniture that needed to be sanded! Tools with batteries, it just doesn't get any better!!

Handy Elves

You cannot underestimate the popularity of hammers and goggles with little boys. Hammers were swinging and hammering away at the work bench. Safety goggles were also a big hit! Safety goggles are what men with tools use. Children learn how to associate what we do with what we wear. Firemen and police wear unique uniforms. Carpenters and plumbers have unique tools that identify their trade. They may be only children, but I think that their non verbal skills of symbols and their association, may even exceed their verbal skills.

California Dreamin'

I completely understand why ancient civilizations worshiped the sun.

They didn't have to have their lives revolve around the evil snow plow operator. He whose name cannot be mentioned, takes the blade of his plow and shoves the entire contents of the street up the whazu of my driveway.

I'm thinking lots of warm thoughts!

Go With The Flow

The kids of today just don't have the same cool straws that I had as a kid.

I had straws with so many loops in them that they looked like roller coasters. I had flavored straws! I had twisty straws! I had bendy straws! I had straws that you could blow a spitball thru and it could dent an amored truck.

There is no generational gap when it comes to fun straws!

Social Skills

He is very popular with all of the young ladies! I was wondering how he does it? Because kids don't have very good social skills. If you want something, you just go ahead and take it away from whomever does have it.

I noticed that whenever someone else begins to assert their authority, that he turns to them and softly says their name.

It is amazing the effect that this has upon neutralizing situations.

A soft voice can turn away and change many things.

The Princess And The Doll

She is busy planning all the new games and activities she can do with her Princess Doll.

Fantasy is imagination unrestricted by reality.

The Christmas Pizza

Tunnel Vision

Maybe tunnel vision really is the best way to view things.

It makes us focus on the things that are the closest to us. Those things that really matter.

By giving them our full attention, they turn their attention to us.

What you give is returned.

HEY!!

She is only one and her vocabulary is expanding. It is interesting to hear how she speaks. The tone inflections, the forcefulness of her speech and her body language.

I had the misfortune of seeing these all come together. She had a hoodsie ice cream cup for desert. It was frozen solid! I took her spoon to cut it into four sections to make it easier for her to eat.

That's when she jumped up, turned around and shouted, "HEY"!

You just can't trust Grampy with your hoodsie.

Burnt Coffee And Denial

We got in the car and I could tell that something was in the air. I asked Grammy if she could smell something.

With a straight face she told me she could smell something like "burnt coffee".

Pul-eeze! Burnt Coffee!! All Grammy had to say was it's your turn to change her diaper.

It was the baddest coffee that was ever burnt.

Sensory Depravation

There was something foul in the air, but what could it be?

It didn't make scents that the sour milk odor could come from the box of toy trains.

But there it was! Someone had thoughtfully placed a bottle of chocolate milk at the bottom of the train box.

And may I say, that the smell of sour chocolate milk is really choice.

Indoor Activities

Why stay indoors and watch football when you can be outside shingling a shed?

Why join an indoor gym when you can weight lift a bundle of shingles? Thirty five years ago, I could carry a bundle of shingles over my shoulder and climb a ladder.

But that was then, and unfortunately, I have discovered the sad realization that I just can't do some of the things that I used to be able to do.

However, there is a great deal of pleasure and pride in seeing your sons being able to do the things that just don't come easy to you anymore.

Stop and Stir the Puddles

Mud Puddles

We went walking beside a trout pond. There had been rains that had created large mud puddles.

What a great opportunity for splashing in the mud, throwing rocks into the puddles and just being kids.

I only had to show them once and they were throwing stones into the puddles next to me.

The mud was flying, clothes were splattered and everyone was laughing.

The Secrets Of Grammy's Purse

Grammy has millions of cheap reading glasses. They are located in every room of the house. They are inside every car, coat pocket and every purse.

Little hands like to go exploring the contents of Grammy's purse.

When she found Grammy's reading glasses, she had to try them on.

Little eyes are constantly observing us.

Sing For Your Supper

Everyone within four booths can hear her lovely singing.

The happier she is, the louder she is. And when she is very happy she is loud and shrill.

And I wonder, what was it like for my grandparents?

Beat-Eaten

If you want an honest opinion of just how good my homemade whip cream is, just ask Eric.

It was funny watching him and Ethan closely observing how to make whip cream. I did have the mixer on a slow speed while they bent over the bowl. Then I made it go full speed so we could all get splattered.

Because once you've been splattered, you've earned the right to be an official taste tester.

Thanksgiving

Although Thanksgiving had been celebrated for many years, it didn't become a holiday until the Civil War. It was President Lincoln who recognized how this celebration of Thanksgiving could help bring healing to the nation.

And indeed the process of healing begins with appreciation of who we are, where we have come from and being thankful for the many blessings that we have.

Big Wheel Keep On Turning

She has gone from being in a stroller to strolling and running.

Grandchildren are like art museums. They inspire and uplift your spirits. They give you a greater appreciation of the beauty in the things that are around you.

Pefect Pitch

We all learn from example. Someone else who shows us how to throw and how to catch.

There is something timeless and innocent about throwing sticks and stones in a stream.

Comfort Zone

He may not be a rocket scientist, but when it comes to his personal comfort, he is a genius.

He can move pillows around and adjust them so that his noble head is always at perfect rest.

Now you really know what your dog does when you're not at home!

We are at peace...Always!

How To Clean A Leather Sofa

First you explain that the arms of a sofa are for the arms of people.

Little people think that because their arms are attached to their bodies that the entire body can rest on the arm of the sofa.

As long as their arm dangles over the arm of the sofa, then they have complied.

The hidden advantage to this is that they slide off of the sofa, leaving it clean in the process

Bridge Over Eight

Building train sets and putting tracks together used to involve kids and grandparents.

But things have changed. Ethan is building tracks all by himself.

There is a real sense of loss as my little man becomes more independent. But it is fun to observe him strategically planning the design of the track, and where he wants to place the bridge.

Then he assembles it all and looks up with pride to see if I have noticed his accomplishment.

And I return his smile, for I am indeed, very proud of him.

I-Scream

It's odd that help will appear out of nowhere to help you eat your ice cream.

Grammy and Grampy are the AAA of food service. If food is ordered that the kids don't eat, we will!

The Binky and the Blue Balloon

The benefit of being older and having all of this accumulated wisdom is being able to show it off in front of grandchildren.

Little eyes light up with amazement as I demonstrate how a balloon will stick to you if you rub it over your clothing. The shapes you can make out of balloon. The ear piercing whistle sounds. But the favorite was making rockets out of balloons.

Of course, if these fail to impress others, I have to shake my head and wonder where did they learn this.

I am really enjoying my childhood!

Boo Hoo

That's a great scarry costume that Ethan has! I don't know how he does it but he seems to float in mid-air!

The Glee Clubl

What can be as uplifting as being in the presence of a happy, laughing child?

Their joy is contagious Their laughter is spontaneous. Their trust is unwavering. Their love is amazing.

Unstained Love

During lunch, the Princess stood up to look at the people behind her. They were thoroughly charmed by her and thought she was adorable with her straw in her mouth. They turned in their seats and bent closer to her.

That's when she blew her chocolate milk at them through her straw.

The beautiful shirt came home stained with pizza and chocolate milk.

The Breakfast Club

Breakfast with Grandparents means that food is served with crayons and coloring books.

Buddy is there to catch any food that falls or undesirable food from any food groups that are unpleasant to a princess.

Telephone Skills

Are telephone skills learned thru our environment and culture?

Or could it be that there is a telephone DNA marker.

And some are born with a natural ability to use the phone?

Telephone Talk

Puppy Love

While walking thru the Disney Store the Princess fell in love with a stuffed puppy.

There is such a strong mutual attraction, it has to be puppy love.

How A Princess Says Goodbye

No Crunch

I thought I would explain to Ethan why the leaves have changed from green to yellow. I was prepared to discuss photosynthesis and chlorophyll and their role in the colors of leaves.

So I approached the subject by asking Ethan how the leaves of summer are different then the leaves of fall.

He replied, "They don't crunch"!

Once again I have been shown the way by a three year old.

Don't Knock It

On the way to the park, Ethan shared with me his personal discovery of "Knock, Knock, Who's There", jokes.

It started off with him asking "Knock, Knock!" Then I have to say "Who's There?". Then he says "Boo". Then I have to say "Boo, Hoo"?

Then he would scream with laughter and we would repeat it all over. Again and again and again.

Dinos Are Farm Animals

On our farm, T-Rex is a farm animal. Some farmers have cows and chickens.

They just don't realize how important a dinosaur is for keeping other predators away.

Zero Means Nothing

I asked Ethan what he learned in school. He replied "Zero means N-O-T-H-I-N-G!" With emphasis on shouting "NOTHING" at me.

I am learning that it is wise to think before you speak.

P.A.W.S.

PAWS: Means Pinecones, Acorns and Walking Stick.

Ethan had his arms full of treasures as we walked with Buddy through the woods.

Sometimes the things that bring us the greatest pleasure are right around us. We just need to stop and look around us. Reach down, pick up some acorns and have an acorn battle with Grampy.

A Splash And A Ripple

Log Rolling

Ethan went with Grampy and Buddy on a walk in the woods.

We saw water spiders! Ethan was amazed at the speed in which they zoomed across the water.

Ethan saw a log that was on the ground and had fun just rolling the log and laughing.

We should all go through life laughing and learning how to roll with the logs!

A Bite Out Of Life

It is apple season and the children love apples. We are fortunate to have so many apple trees and so many different varieties of apples.

There is something different about this season, Ethan doesn't want to eat the apple skin. He eats the apple and gives Grampy the skin.

For apples, my role is to deal with the undesirable parts of the apple. There are times in life that we willingly take on what loved ones have discarded and show them the true value of what they have left behind.

Fire

It is only October 3, but it is so cold that we have to have a fire going.

The acorns are the largest that I have ever seen. When they fall from the trees, they can dent cars and crack windshields.

Up here in the cold north, fossil fuel refers to the food oldtimers eat before they go outside to shovel.

The View From My Lap

If you are going to color with someone, it is better to do it together.

She is wearing a pretty yellow bracelet that has a ladybug on it.

She hands me every color that I ask for, except for the color pink. She just can't bear to give it up.

The Secret Decoder Glasses

In order to see the hidden secret codes, you have to wear the special secret decoder glasses.

Eric is such a man of mystery and suspense!! He has his own special way of wearing decoder glasses.

I am now going thru life with a bubble wand in my hand, bubbles under my feet and wearing my special decoder glasses. Given the choice, why grow up?

The Bubble Stomp

Nothing like blowing bubbles on an autumn day.

But then again, there is nothing like chasing bubbles and popping them.

Life should be enjoyed with a bubble wand in your hand and bubbles under your feet.

The Slide

Eric showed me how he can go down the slide on his belly or sitting down.

It is extremely difficult and it is very frustrating for me to enjoy my second childhood, when the slides are too small for me to fit in.

The Past Is Alive

We owe a debt of gratitude to those who give of their time to preserve our history.

It takes a considerable financial investment in the clothing, farm tools, guns and musical instruments.

They make the past come alive for us to enjoy

Wicked

One of the phrases that defines the Boston experience is "wicked good"!

The phrase must have originated in colonial days because at the colonial fyfe and drum competition there were "wickered good" colonial baskets.

The Concrete Jungle

When I went to elementary school, we would play baseball and football and other games outside. Baseball was on a baseball field with grass and dirt.

This is an elementary school in Boston. For recess, the kids have to play on top of the roof of the building. The fence is very tall, to prevent balls and other objects from going into the street.

Something is so very wrong with this.

Mary Had A Little Lamb

Henry Ford relocated and restored the school house that Mary Had A Little Lamb went to. Mary had actually saved the lamb's life when it was a baby. So the lamb was very attached to her. She and her brother went to school one day but failed to properly lock the sheep pen. The lamb followed Mary to school. Mary couldn't take the lamb back home because then she would be late for school. The student desks are big enough for two sheep to lay under. So that day, Mary sat in the back of the class and the lamb slept at her feet, under her desk. Everything was fine until the teacher called Mary up front. As Mary was walking up she heard the giggles from the students as the sleeping lamb woke up to follow Mary. The wrath of the teacher came down upon Mary for bringing the filthy beast to school. It's amazing the power that kindness to others has. Even a little lamb was forever grateful to Mary for her kindness.

I asked Ethan if he enjoyed his Saturday with Grampy. He replied "It's not Saturday, it's Winter"!!