Pumpkin Patch Time

Rainy Day At Grandma's House

Nothing better than reading books in Grandma's BIG bed on a rainy day.  Yes, after 100+ days of gorgeous sunshine, we are back to being Oregon. 

Ru is intently looking at a favorite book that first belonged to her Auntie Kat --
 PIG WILL & PIG WON'T. 

 

 

Later in the day Ru didn't want to take a nap, but was enjoying looking at so many books on her bed. It was truly a BOOK-DAY!  I just love the fact that these twins adore books.  I hope it carries on throughout their lives.  They will have many adventures through reading.   

 

Tender, Sweet, Caring, Funny Moments

I brought the twins over to my house this afternoon for a sleepover.  They never cease to amaze me with their humor and tenderness.  Here are a few examples so far, and it's only been a few hours. 

1)  As I was putting Carson down for his nap he asked me to sing "Puff The Magic Dragon".  I did, but didn't remember all the words.  I told him we could look up the song on the computer after naps.  I found several sites, including old video of the originals -- Peter, Paul and Mary.  But I also found a cute cartoon with the song.  I didn't remember the words, and learned that little Jackie Paper didn't come back to play with his friend, Puff the Magic Dragon because he grew up.  The kids both asked me about that and I thought I explained it OK and we continued to listen.  When the song was done, I put Carson down and realized Ruby was silently sitting on my lap with tears streaking down her little cheeks.  I asked why she was crying and she couldn't talk -- the tears gave way to giant sobs, with the huh, huh, huh sounds one makes when they are crying oh-so-completely. I enveloped her in my arms and just held her while she cried.  Finally I got out of her that she was sad because Jackie Paper grew up and Puff was left alone to go back into his lonely cave.  She said she didn't want to grow up.  She was sobbing so hard I could hardly get her to stop.  Once she stopped, we went down stairs to watch a show, and she seemed OK -- except for minutes later she was still doing the huh, huh, huh that ones does after a big cry. 

2)  During bath time Carson was doing a really great job of washing himself.  He even got behind his knee and announced "people sometimes forget to wash behind their knees!"  Ruby was goofing off and not washing herself so I reminded her about it and said "don't forget to wash your arm pit."  To that she replied, "don't forget to wash your leg pit!"  (referring to the area behind the knee!)
3)  As I placed the lunch plate down in front of Carson, he spontaneously said "Hello sandwich!" 

4)  At dinner tonight -- totally out of the blue -- Carson asked me "Grandma, why do you live by yourself?  You need another person to live here with you." (such a tender little man!) 
5)  Ruby -- "Grandma what is this?"  "It's just part of the pasta."  "Grandma WHAT is it?"  "Ruby, it's just part of the pasta.  It's good."  "But Grandma, what is it really?"  "It's a mushroom!"  "Grandma, I don't eat cooked mushrooms.  I only eat raw mushrooms!"  "OK, you don't have to eat it, but it's really really good!"   

6)  Shortly after getting the kids to bed tonight Carson cried out to me.  I went into him and he said he had a bad dream.  We prayed and he seemed OK.  Then he said "grandma, pray that I dream about diggers!"   (That's why I put an excavator on top of his 4th birthday cake!  See June 2012 blog entry.)  
7)  Ruby -- "Sometimes I get up in the middle of the night and sneak into Mommy and Daddy's room and check on them!"  

Thoughtful Carson

Carson:  Grandma Julee, did you know that Tuesday is
"Taco Tuesday" at our school? 

Grandma:  Yes, I knew that. 

Carson:  Maybe you can come eat
with us on Tuesday! 

 

(this sweet conversation came totally out of the blue)  

Saturday Random Fun With Grandma

Auntie Kat helped me pick out these costumes for the kids and they were so excited to try them on for the first time.  Carson had been asking to be Captain America, and he even told his Mommy he wanted a shield to carry -- Thank you Costco for just the right outfit for a little man who wants to be great!  And Ruby was so thrilled with all the sparkles on her mermaid costume.  Oh, to be 4 again and so excited about Halloween! 

We love this park that is close by.  It is completely enclosed and for about 45 min. they were the only two children playing there and enjoyed all of the equipment. 

That is a very colorful kite that was flying high in the heavy winds we have had all this week. 

Oh how she wants to keep up with him -- but I don't think she ever will be able to.  He is lightening fast and so strong and agile. 



It was their idea to hold hands -- buddies for life! 

 

As I was hugging and kissing the kids before they left Carson said "Grandma I love to come to your house and I am sad when it is time to go!"  Such a tender little man.  I said "you get to see me so much more now that I live near by!"  He added -----   "But, it still isn't enough!"  

That's My Boy

Carson and Ruby were at my house on Wed.  Auntie Kat was with them all day.  When I got home from work I noticed that Ruby and Kat were really having fun together, so I took Carson outside to do some chores, which he LOVES doing (hope that trend continues!)  We raked leaves and put the trash cans out at the street.  I wanted to take him for a walk around the block to show him a neighbor's house that is completely tweeked out for Halloween.  I knew he would love it.  As we were standing there admiring all the decorations, the homeowner drove into the driveway and garage.  Carson wanted to run up to her to let her know how much he liked her yard.  As he was telling her what he thought she asked if he was coming to her house for trick or treating and he said "yes".  Then he added all on his own without one word from me about the subject "Did you know that it is better to give out raisins for Halloween?  They are much more healthy than candy!"  What really makes my heart smile is that when my girls were little that is exactly what I did, much to their chagrin.  I was the dumb mom on the block that didn't give out candy bars -- now my grandson is setting everyone, including strangers, straight on the benefits of raisins.  I LOVE IT.  

How Old Are You?

Auntie Kat came to visit and was here for her b.day.  She and Ruby were having a conversation that went something like this:

Ruby:  Auntie Kat, how old are you going to be on your birthday?

AK:  How old do you think I am?

Ru:  Five?

AK:  No I am older.

Ru:  Are you seven? 

AK:  No, I'm going to be 30! 

AK:  How old do you think your Mommy is?
 Remember, she is my big sister.

Ru:  I think Mommy is 63. 



Talking Super Heros and Halloween

For some reason, being 4 years old is a great age for being impressed with SUPER HEROES.  We were talking about Halloween this morning at breakfast and Carson said he wanted to be Captain America.  Then he changed it to Spider-man.  Ruby said she wanted to be a super hero, too.  Carson said "girls can't be super heroes!"  I told him girls could too be super heroes, and I thought and thought and could only come up with one -- Cat-Woman.  (Was she really a super hero???  I thought of going into a discussion about women doctors or missionaries and how they are heroes, but decided to save it for later)  I told them Cat-Woman was Bat-Man's helper and that made it really cool!  Ruby was thrilled and said she wanted to be Cat-Woman and help Bat-Man.  Carson was obviously thinking and pondering that thought and finally said

"Does Spider-man fly alone?"  

So Easily Made Happy!

Last Sunday when I had the kids at my church, there are tables set up afterwards with cookies.  Usually I take them out the closest door so they don't even see them, but this time I said "how would you like a cookie?"  (it's always great to have fun things to do at church because it makes more great memories!)  Of course they wanted a cookie.  I let them select the one they wanted.  Ruby picked out a BIG home-made chocolate cookie that turned out to be very messy in the car, but she loved it.  Carson selected a chocolate sandwich-type cookie.  I was surprised because it wasn't the biggest and he loves chocolate chip cookies.  As we were walking away, Carson said to me with such delight in his voice

"Grandma, this is the first time I have ever had a sandwich cookie!" 

So there you are -- memories made at church.

ULTIMATE LOVE

 I got the ultimate love-connection from Miss Ruby Grace.  We are always telling each other we love each other as big as__________  (fill in the blank -- like the Golden Gate Bridge, an elephant, the sky, my house, a palm tree etc). 

Tonight Ruby said

"Grandma I love you more that I love my softie!" 

(that is the little soft monkey/blanket thing she has slept with since she was an infant, and almost CAN'T sleep without it!)  I consider that a HUGE love connection, of which I don't think I can top. 

Sweet Nap

When I peeked on Carson today as he was napping, this is what I found.  How sweet it this?  This little stuffed dog was actually Kristin's when she was a baby.  Carson likes to take it to bed with him when he sleeps at my house.
 

Funny Ruby

(1)   On Friday the children had spent the day at Grandma Carrie's house and Kristin was driving them home.  Carson asked her to put on a particular CD because he liked the music.  She tried to find it, but was driving and it wasn't safe for her to search for it.  Kristin told them she couldn't look for it because she needed to keep her eyes on the road. 
Ruby came up with a great solution........

"I wish you had 3 eyes so you could use 2 eyes to drive and 1 eye to look for the CD!"
(2)  When I picked the children up after Sunday School, they showed me the set of ears they had colored.  (they sort of looked like really large ears attached to a strip of paper, like ear-muffs).  Their lesson had been about the importance of being good listeners -- to their parents, teachers and mostly to God!  Ruby was very quick to tell me
"I drew earrings on my ears!" 
(that's my Ruby  -- accessorizing her listening ears and making a fashion statement)


God-Walk

I was telling a friend today about something that happened last Sunday with Carson.  She said "hopefully, he will feel the same way when he is 15!" 

We were all ready to go to church/Sunday School.  I opened my car door, and realized I didn't have car seats in the car!  I told the kids we couldn't go because we can't drive without car seats.  Ruby was OK, but Carson had a complete melt-down.  He sobbed and sobbed
 "I want to go to church!"   "I WANT to go to church!"
 "Can we walk to church?" 
I made it all better by saying we could do church differently this morning and take a "God Walk".  We got bags to collect nature things and we talked about how God made all of the trees, flowers, clouds, etc., and we even sang songs about what God made.  We made our way to the park, and all was well......... 
Sweet boy, I do hope and pray you have a strong desire to attend church when you are a teenager -- and for the rest of your life. I will remind you of this time someday........ 



Fun With Grandpa Bill

 

Grandpa Bill brought the kids some barn-yard and sea creature puppets and they sure enjoyed them. 

 Ruby's favorite was the pig and Carson loved the lobster. 

It was fun to see because when Kristin and Kat were little girls he would do puppets with them

(remember the movie "What About Bob?")

 

 

Here they are taking turns with i-phone children's games. 

Oh Ruby, You Make Me Laugh.....

Ruby's question to Grandma Carrie. . . .

"Grandma -- where are our gills?"

"We don't have gills, Ruby.  We have lungs."

"Carson, open your mouth so I can see your lungs."



HAPPY 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY KRISTIN & CASEY

The joining of two families.
 (I just LOVE those Jones's.  Kristin hit the jackpot with her inlaws!)

Casey seeing Kristin for the first time before the ceremony started. 

 

 

I have no idea what was being said between the two of them, but the little flowergirl, also named Christen, was sure intent on being a part of that conversation.  

 



 

This little flowergirl is Casey's cousin,  Nicole (whom the twins call "Macole")  She is a senior in high school and lives close by and has babysat Carson and Ruby!

I wonder what those last words of Motherly advice were????

Daddy/Daughter dance -- tears flowed!

We did it!  Thanks Ginger for your assistance....

My favorite shot of the day....

 

Ten years -- such a huge accomplishment for you two -- and the fruit of your marriage are my precious grandchildren.  I love all 4 of you so much and am thankful for each of you!