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!