Grampa's Motto

Working on new “useful skills” at Gramma’s. 

Grampa's motto is, "We do what we have to do, so we can do what we want to do."

And Gramma is really tired of him saying it.

It’s laundry day and there’s a lot of work to do. 

At least I can look good while I work.

But when the work’s done, the party’s begun.

In and Out the Window

Nathan – "Whoa!  Does anyone know Gramma is outside?"

"I see you and you better get back in here before they miss you."

"Hey, somebody better get Gramma back in the house, quick."

Scarf Days

  

The boys’ skills are growing more advantageous to Gramma.  Andrew is working on dusting the air registers.  Nathan was checking out the water in the toilet bowls at the same time, which means hand washing and floor mopping are close behind.  I’m so glad little boys have lots of energy.

This week’s lesson –

Their great aunt Becky created a magical toy for them out of a plastic container and multiple silk scarves tied together.  They love pulling and pulling and pulling on the scarves, until the container is finally empty.  We take off the lid and are filled with amazement each time at its emptiness.  An Easter moment over and over.  I watch them and know we all need to learn to hold onto our sense of wonder.  When the same activity repeated a dozen times, still produces an “ooh” or an “ah” of pure rapture,  I know we are closer to God.  I think I know what they feel as I watch their eyes grow and suck in the joy.  I see it each time a new student learns to play Twinkle, Twinkle, or figures out that the pedal on the piano makes notes live close to forever. 

Gramma wishes you many "scarf days" ahead.

Gramma, who is quick to remind people she is pretty mechanically intuitive, has nearly perfected the “Twin Mobile.”  I think it’s worth a chapter in Ryan Joseph and Jeni’s book, Twin Survival Camp.  The secret is to keep the two vehicles close enough, to keep corners from being lethal and not so close the second driver can reach the first driver’s hair.  Speed limits must be enforced and exiting the vehicle before a stop is not recommended.

Friday the 13th

Here’s a picture of our $10 bell that came with a tricycle attached.  Gramma had a harder time figuring out how to ring it then the boys.

Andrew always waits at the doorway to Grandpa’s office, hoping to be noticed.  He already knows, just because Grandpa’s body is in the room, his mind may not be there.  When Grandpa notices and holds his arms out, Andrew lights up and runs so fast, his feet can’t keep up with his top half. 

What I’ve learned…

                All my life, I’ve had trouble taking time to stop and just sit.  A day with the twins, and I know that if I sit down in a chair, it’s exactly what I’m supposed to be doing.  It’s the most glorious 60 seconds you could ever experience.  I thank God that I’ve finally gotten so tired, sitting still is enough.  Terry, on the other hand, learned this lesson in college.  He has no problem sitting.