The Ups and Downs of Life

Gramma bought the boys scissors.  They understand that "Mommy scissors" are still beyond them, but Nathan explained to me, "I like the Mommy scissors, too."  I promised that someday I would get him his own pair.  We cut construction paper into strips to make it easier for them to cut.  Nathan's hand is still a little small for even the little boy scissors.  I was shocked by his patience to take the scissors and pry it open for every little cut he made.  He was so into the task he didn't seem to notice or perhaps care that Andrew had little problem with his scissors.  I expected him to get frustrated and throw the scissors, soon.  He's already learned that when you really want to do something, a challenge doesn't need to frustrate you or cause you to lose sight of your goal.  I have the wisest grandson.

Gramma also bought the boys wiffle balls to go with their new bats from Aunt Mary.  Andrew is very good at carrying lots of them at the same time.  He likes them so much he doesn't want to leave any behind.  Nathan can actually connect the bat to the ball.  He even stands with his left shoulder facing the pitcher, watches for the ball to come and then times his swing.  Andrew is left handed and still trying to figure out which way he will prefer to bat.  When Gramma pitches she has a very difficult time not throwing the ball at the bat regardless of where the boys are holding it.  I have learned the reason you play ball on the grass is so they won't roll so far.  Grampa is very good at retrieving the balls from under the stove.

We went for a wagon ride along the golf course today.  I was letting the boys choose which way we should go.  Of course, if one said right the other said left.  We worked on compromising and Gramma ended up a bit lost.  This is why we always take a snack and a drink.  By the time I realized how far we had gone and that the cart path didn't have a direct way home, we had to attempt to retrace our steps, or at least my steps.  The boys became sensitive to the fact Gramma goes much slower uphill.  Nathan told me, "I like fast, Gramma.:"  I explained uphill only has one speed.  Everytime I slowed down, he asked, "Are we uphill?"  We also learned that every uphill means a downhill.  I found downhill just as difficult, since the wagon has a way of trying to go faster than me.  I decided to ride with the boys downhill.  I sat in the front, so I could use my feet as brakes, and scooted the boys to the back of the wagon.  Andrew told me, "I don't want you to ride."  We continued to work on our compromise lesson of the day.  I'm glad I'm the only one on the golf course with a camera.

Whatever path you take, it's nice to have company. 

Sometimes the road is uphill and sometimes it is downhill; and both ways have their own set of problems.  And every problem is an opportunity for an adventure.

Two Little Monkeys

We decided to go for a walk with the stroller in the morning; hoping to beat the rain.  On with the hoodies, grab the camera, pack the snacks, don't forget the water, unfold the stroller, load the boys and open the garage door.  Here comes the rain.  But since it was only a light rain and the boys were locked and loaded, I decided to make a run for it.  By the time we reached the end of the driveway, the rain was heavy.  Plan B was a quick trip around a couple of houses along the golf cart path and back to the garage.  By the time we returned and got into the house, I could tell my hair had started to take on a life of its own.  Nathan's eyes were staring at my hair and his mouth was gaping.  "Does my hair look a little different?" I asked.  He didn't have any words for me, just a nod.  A look in the mirror and I knew why.


Gramma continues to work on the boys sense of taste.  Obviously, they've learned their lessons well.  Bling is always in!  At least for those of us with lots of confidence.

 

 

Grampa's favorite desserts are pies.  Andrew is in total agreement and works on this aspect of his taste very seriously.

Auntie Becca is coming home from California and will want her bed back.  Better make use of it, while we can.  The lesson for the day is working on a steady beat, as we sing.

After enjoying our time in Auntie Becca's room, the two little monkeys disappeared, while I remade the bed.  A gripping fear seized me when I realized the house was VERY quiet.  There they are; alone in Grampa's office.  What are they up to?  They found the snack bags Gramma had prepared for the stroller walk, but there wasn't time to eat it.  CAUGHT in the act!

After Grampa finished working he told the boys he would take them for a walk. The boys squealed (literally) in delight and ran to put their hoodies on. They got out to the garage and asked, "Are we going to walk in the stroller?" Grampa told them, "No, we're going to go for a real walk." They ran to the wagon and asked, "Are we walking in the wagon?" "No, we're going for a real walk." And so they did.    All the way around the house.

Flying Turtles

The boys stayed overnight on a Thursday night. They (and their grandparents) slept soundly all night. In the morning, I woke to Terry nudging me, because the boys were awake. I was in the middle of a dream about attending a music convention that was six days long, even though I had only planned for three days. My colleagues were worried we might run out of wine or money. As I came to, Terry was already on his way down the hall. I rolled out of bed and groped my way down the hall after him. I was greeted by the happiest faces waiting for me. As I picked Nathan up out of his crib he asked me, "Where's your necklace?" First thing in the morning, it took three repititions for me to understand what he was asking. Grampa had tucked them in, but surely he wouldn't have let them wear one of my necklaces to bed. Then I realized he was surprised I wasn't wearing one. I guess I wear jewelry so much he thought I slept with it on. I explained it didn't go so well with my nightgown.

Later that morning, I had to use the restroom. Nathan accompanied me, because he knows where Gramma goes, the fun is close behind. Nathan was obviously proud of me when he said, "Gramma, you have pull-ups." That took a few repetitions too, since it's not a common word in my vocabulary. When I fgured out what he meant, I laughed and told him, "Yes, it's what ladies wear before they wear Depends."

 I remember Jim riding our children's flying turtles when he lived with us; proving in every man the boy lives on.  We gave flying turtles to Ben and TJ for their birthdays years ago.  Now Nathan and Andrew have discovered the world of flying turtles.

 Engineering philosophy: No matter how good something is, it can be improved upon. 

Andrew proved he's able to punch his way out of a paper bag.

 

Danny helps the boys learn how to treat a dog, so he will learn to love you.  Nathan is growing fonder (less afraid) of Ollie.  Andrew would take Ollie home in a heartbeat.  I wonder what Bogie would say?

Gramma has taught the boys you can make a fashion statement by having that one piece de resistance.  Something that makes everyone take a second look.  Andrew insists this is the right way to wear a baseball hat.  It may have something to do with his being left-handed.

This is Andrew's look right after doing something that is definitely not on the recomended list.  It's tough when you know you're cute.

Grampa takes a few lessons in playing catch.  He's improving.  The noise in the background is Andrew.  He's not locked up anywhere, just working with his tools.

Ding Dong, Avon Calling

The boys have discovered the doorbell, but it's up too high for easy access.  We had to place a stool outside for them to reach it.  Not to worry, we do leave the door open for them, too. 

 

Andrew has a bit more height, which will definitely contribute to his success as a door to door salesman.  It takes a lot of finger power to ring those doorbells.  Great Grandpa Lynch used to be a salesman for Fuller Brush for awhile.  My grandmother used to comb/brush my hair into long ringlets with the Fuller Brush vegetable brush.  First my mother put a kabushka on my head, so the neighbors wouldn't see my bedhead and then they sent me down the street to my Grandmother's house, so she could "vegetable" brush my hair for me.  My life definitely took a turn for the better when I discovered mousse.  I think I was forty. 
I wonder what happened to David, the boy who sat behind me and used to enjoy pulling on my curls to see them spring back to life when he let go.  When I finally had enough and turned around and yelled at him. I had to have a private conversation with the nun in the hallway.  She told me she had seated him next to me, because I was the only person kind enough to put up with him.  If I remember correctly, she told me I would end up in heaven for it, because it was my purgatory on Earth.  That was one smart nun.  I never had a problem with David again.  Although, he did chase me frequently at recess.

 

The boys are exploring multiple instruments.  Gramma always directs them to the piano as the best possible choice, but they obviously wish to consider all options.

 

If only the stool of the drum set had seat belts.  They are willing to practice much longer than I'm willing to listen.

 

Grampa still rocks with his guitar playing.  The boys have learned to strum gently and sing constantly.

 

Nathan tries his hand at bowing Auntie Becca's violin.  When Grampa took out Gramma's old violin (not the one pictured) he asked where the bow was.  His interest in the violin is close to an obsession.  Now if it were for the piano, I would understand.  There father also had an interest in the violin.  I told him he was welcome to take violin lessons with his piano, which thrilled him until the day he asked, "Would I have to practice the violin?"  When I said he would, he dropped the desire for violin.

 

This is Nathan's "The world has to love me" look.  Gramma is teaching him it will get him anything he wants. It's important to teach each child learn what their strengths are. 

 

During dinner, Nathan was eating very well, so his father placed a potato chip on his plate.  Nathan noticed it and ate it immediately.  After eating another bite of his main course, his father asked him if he would like another potato chip.  "I want LOTS of potato chips," Nathan replied. When that answer only got him a chuckle and one potato chip, he tried again, "I' want FIVE potato chips."  Negotiations are an important part of taking control of your own life.  I wondered later whether he thought FIVE was less or more than LOTS.