Heat Wave

 The Heat Wave has arrived!

Its too hot to do anything outside or much of anything else unless you are sitting next to a fan.

Pool Time

The boys love playing outside.  Cutie O asks often to go outside, he will even bring you his shoes.  They love to dig in the dirt, kick the ball, scribble with sidewalk chalk, ride on their Tonka dump trucks, bubbles and playing with the neighbors.

The next 10 days are going to be a bit too hot to do all of their favorite things.  In order to get them outside we had to speed up breakfast and get out as early as possible.

Today the boys splashed in the pool under the shade of one of our trees.  There was a slight breeze and it was only 90º with 65% humidity at 10 a.m.  ONLY!!!!

SpLaSh!

These two cuties and our neighbors could have lasted much longer in the cool water, but this Gammy had melted through by 11 a.m.

Tomorrow looks even hotter, I think we will stay inside, enjoy the AC and do some summer crafts.

He figured out how to squirt the neighbors with the hose.

He's 2

 My Sweet Cutie E turned 2!

This is where the fun begins as he discovers our amazing world and I get to be there for it.

Language. Cutie E is picking up new words everyday.  I need to write them down. Sometimes he takes me by surprise with a new word or when he finally said my name, "Gammy".  Now he just has fun repeating it 3 times in a row.  I love when he calls for Gammy every time.

Observant.  This little dude really is watching what we are doing, our reactions to situations, the words we use and then he catalogs them away.  I was shocked when he announced "Daddy is home" as he saw him turn the corner onto our street from the window.  I had no idea he knew which car his dad drove.  

Sometimes he just knows what to do, like blowing out his birthday candles.  

Independence.  Holly use to tell us, "I do it!" Emerson just makes a fist and says "beep, beep" while pushing you away so  he can get us to back away.  He has something he wants to do on his own or wants someone else to help him. For the record I never say 'beep, beep"🤣

Helper.  Ask him to do you a favor and he will jump to it.  He loves to get diapers, wipes, feed the doggies, carry stuff for you, get his plate and cup and put clothes in the washer and dryer.  But his favorite is to vacuum with the corn popper or Swiffer after I've cleaned the floors.

Lately he is all about carrying things like a gallon of milk or laundry detergent.  Yesterday he unloaded a box from Amazon.  It was a rather large box but he figured out how to get the smaller box out of the larger one and take it up the stairs.

Interactive Play.  Just the other day he mimicked a game they were playing on "Bluey", with the sound of a horse and everything.  The horsey sound is his favorite. He loves playing with his cars, especially on his new city and road carpet.  His car sounds are getting pretty good.

Mimicking.  While this wasn't my favorite stage when my kids were growing up, I do find it hilarious now.  I love that he finds it funny to give me a zerbert after I've given him one.  Or his new game of saying "no, no" and I say "yes, yes". 

Humorous.  This kiddo is so funny and he knows it.  He loves to tease, jump on you and get you to laugh.

Facial Expressions.  As if I didn't know how ridiculous I was, his little face will tell me.  Its so hard to keep a straight face when he makes silly faces, mimics your expression or has a new one to share.

Jesus.  He is so sweet and innocent.  He knows who Jesus is and will call him by name when he looks at a picture, statue or see's him in a book.  Lately he has been asking for certain primary songs or church video's again.  That means he wants to listen or watch again.

Determined.  The determination of a 2 year old to get their way is power and strength at its best.  Good thing we are a bit stronger and more determined.

Kisses.  If Sean and I leave we can't head for the door without good bye kisses.  He makes the sound of a kiss to let you know he wants a kiss or to give you one.  Its so cute.

Big Brother.  He is coming into his own as the BIG Brother.  Just the other day I told Cutie O no, no.  That was followed by Cutie E telling him no as well.  Older Brother knows best.

He does love to give Cutie O hugs and kisses.  They might look more like the WWE when shared and O might not always appreciate them, but they are shared in love.

Favorites Emerge.  Opening Cutie O's door once he is awake and climbing into the crib, "CARS" movie, school busses, veggies, book-books-books, 'Bluey", sidewalk chalk, digging, sticks, bath time, play dough, cooking, socks, long sleeves, music, singing, his quilt, his zebra and tiger stuffies, slides and the park.

This little 2 year old is such a love.  I am so blessed to be with him every day and watch him discover our amazing world.

Love you Cutie E.

Some of these items contain affiliate links.  Meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  I share these with you because I genuinely enjoy these items and hope you will as well.

  

Breaking Up the Winter Blues

 My Cutie Boys, this has been a tough winter.  Bitter cold temperatures have kept us inside and you have missed playing outside and being with other kids.

Just a few weeks ago you were standing at the sliding glass door asking to go outside.

Mommy and I have had to get creative to keep you two busy during this very cold, long winter.

I started by planning weekly activities for you.  Each week I selected a theme for the month, skills to work on, and then I planned activities, art projects and stories to read that related to the theme.  I included outings if it was warm enough and even some gospel centered videos or coloring pages.  Having something new to do each day was very helpful.

Both of you love to paint and Cutie E discovered that glue sticks are sticky fun.

Luckily the basement has a couple of long hallways.  This allows us to roll, pick up, kick or chase a ball. Both of you are getting so good at ball skills, but you like playing chase best. 

Cutie O got a Water Table for his birthday.  We did not wait till summer to put this together.  Currently it is set up in the living room.  NO WATER!  Just fun toys to play with in a different part of the house, breaking up the boredom of playing in one room with the same toys has helped a lot.

Helping mom put the water table together

For the last couple of weeks both of you have darted to the living room window to watch the kids wait for the school bus and board once it arrives.  Cutie E loves school busses.  To him every big vehicle that passes the house that is yellow is a school bus.  It is adorable to watch you knock on the window and wave to the kids.  Both of you love when they wave back.  

Currently you both love animals and making different animal sounds.  For Christmas you got the Fisher Price Little People Safari Playset.  This has been a lot of fun to play with.  It is very interactive with lights, fun songs, animals, and you can even match the animal to its habitat.  I love that it is tall so that both of you can stand and play together.

As you get older I need to remember to take you to an indoor climbing gym.  Both of you climb on chairs, up the outside of the stairs, onto the couches, up the ottoman, and anything else stationary.  Cutie O isn't as steady and makes me a little nervous.

Your Mommy looked into an indoor climbing set to help keep you two busy and active while stuck inside.  She found one, an Indoor Play Gym.

This was supposed to be for Cutie E's birthday, but you two needed something other than the kitchen table chair.  Mommy broke it out a little  early, but both you you have LOVED it.  Over the last few weeks this has been a life saver.  The two of you have been climbing up, over and under, plus sliding, rocking and building your way through the day.  You have figured out how to drive your cars up the slide and zoom back down.  Your stuffies enjoy sliding as well.  

There are many different configurations to these 3 pieces, making it  different each time you play.  You two are also finding new ways to play with your toys using the slide and arch.  The four adults in your lives have loved that you are able to use some of your energy  inside the family room while it is too cold to play outside.  

A few rounds of chase, sliding down the stairs, throwing a ball down the hall, tossing stuffies over the railings, baking and a few cozy movie days have also made this cold, snowy winter much more fun.  

Spring is hinting at its arrival allowing us to get outside a bit more.  We can't wait for those warmer spring days filled with sidewalk chalk, trikes, balls, walks and stroller rides, but until then we will continue to enjoy these new indoor adventures. 

Some of these items contain affiliate links.  Meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  I share these with you because I genuinely enjoy these items and hope you will as well.

Cutie O

 Today I was reviewing my posts and found this gem all ready to go, but not posted.  I can't believe it got lost in other posts.  This is a morning I don't want to forget, so I'm going to share even though we are heading into spring and Cutie O is walking.

Its not very often that I get one on one time with Cutie O.  This morning Cutie E had a doctors appointment, which left Cutie O and I some quality one on one time.

Our little "O" is adorable.  He has a smile that lights up his entire face.  I love how he giggles at silly sounds, funny faces or peek-a-boo. 

Last week at the park he was flying low in a baby swing.  He got so excited as he zoomed toward me that his little fists would shake, he was smiling and  giggling all at the same time.  I couldn't help but giggle with him.  

Lately he has been trying to keep up with his brother.  He is creeping everywhere, learned how to get up the step between the family room and kitchen, he balances his hand on anything that allows his feet to be planted on the floor.  He has a good looking "downward facing dog", but his planks put all of us to shame.

So, today was a wonderful treat.   We enjoyed a long walk to the post office.

The leaves are beginning to change, some are even falling.  Hearing the crunch of leaves as I step is a joyful sound.  Cutie O was graced by a brown leaf falling right onto his lap.  Once he noticed it, he grabbed it and held on tight.  He tried eating it, but the stem poked his cheek and Grammy pushed it away.

He kept twisting his wrist and hand to get a good look at the leaf.  As we were heading home from our walk he fell asleep gripping that same leaf.

Our morning together ended with some play time, lunch and his first taste of Cheerios.  I think I need more one on one time with each of the boys.

A Week With Gammy & Pops

"Over the river and through the woods to . . . "

Wait you two do not need to travel over the river and through the woods to spend the week with Gammy and Pops.  You can just toddle downstairs or call for "Gammy" or "Pops".

In 2013 we were looking for a larger home to accommodate our children looking more like adults.  We didn't have enough elbow room let alone bathrooms.  No teenage boy enjoys sharing a bathroom with two sisters and NO mom enjoys the daily morning arguments that ensued over shower time and long hair.

Our search took us back to a neighboring town we did not expect to move to.  As we walked through our home Sean and I looked at all the possibilities that met our immediate needs, but the ones we were most excited about were the pictures in our mind of this home filled with our children's families, especially grands.

One of our goals was to have Grandparent Summer Retreats with the Grands as soon as they were old enough.  We talked of remodeling Harrison's room with twin beds and a big tv for movie nights and slumber parties.  We dreamed of playing in the yard, bonfires with s'mores, frosting cookies in the kitchen and taking them to the beach.

We didn't want to leave out our children, but this special retreat was for Gammy and Pops to spend time with their grandkiddo's, give them time with cousins and spoil all of them as much as we wanted.  

Our dream still exists, but it has adjusted a bit.  We don't own a home, we live with Cutie E and Cutie O and we will be moving every few years.  No matter, we will figure out a way.  

Last week we had our first Gammy & Pops Retreat.  In many ways it felt like all we had hoped for.  Sean and I slumber partied on the top floor in the spare bedroom, we took naps, watched "CARS", jumped on the beds, helped Pops with a couple of projects, visited Home Depot so the boys could drive the Car Cart, had McDonalds for lunch, took a ride to a state park, played outside and even went to the park.

The week started our super cold, so indoor activities were best.  That helped since all four of us had colds and one Cutie O was cutting 4 chomper teeth at the same time.  

My favorite time with the boys wasn't where we went, but the cozy moments at home.

Each night I sat next to Cutie E at dinner.  On night 3, he says, "Gammy" and reaches over and gives me a big hug.  He did this all on his own.  His first real show of affection without being prompted.  I felt so special.

One evening after cleaning the kitchen from dinner Sean played on the floor with the boys.  When he laid flat they would tackle him, try to tickle him or surf on his back.  I remember him doing that with our own kids.  Listening to the giggles, rough house noised and tumbles brought back many fond memories.

Bath time was a blast.  Those two boys are like little fish swimming around, floating, and playing with the coolest bathtub toys.  Sean and I were amazed watching Cutie E take apart the Waterworks Pipe Toy, then use the pitcher to pour water into the top and plug up the pipe so he could stop up the water.

Holly ordered them the coolest Emergency Car light up bathtub toys.  These cars light up when they are in water.  The boys would drive them all over the tub.

And who doesn't need a Whale Sprinkler in their bath.  Our grandsons.  This whale is adorable.  The boys love to play with the water that it sprouts up, watch him float and light up.

Bath time was really the best.  Sorry no pictures 😂

When the weather finally warmed and noses dried up we headed back to our favorite park, this time we took Pops.  The boys showed him all of their favorite things to do.  Climbing, running, the slide and swings.  Cutie E asked Gammy and Pops to swing with him, he even assigned us specific swings.

Our first Gammy & Pops Retreat was a success.  Even with colds, runny noses and cutting teeth we had a wonderful week with the boys.  They were super excited when Mommy and Daddy came home, we were too. 

Some of these items contain affiliate links.  Meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  I share these with you because I genuinely enjoy these items and hope you will as well.

Happy Birthday Cutie O

Our Dear Sweet Cutie O,

It has been a wonderful year watching you grow, reach milestones and blossom into a very sweet vocal little man.

Here are the moments I don't want to forget:

You have a voice.  The moment you entered the world you let everyone know you were here.  That voice has kept us on our toes and definitely lets us know what you want.  I hope you don't loose the power of using your voice for all the things you love.

The moment Cutie E met you in person it was pure love.  He knew you.  He loved you right away and has been the best big brother.  He looks out for you, protects you and showers you with hugs and kisses.

Cozy warm snuggles on cold winter days.

Tight hugs that feel like you were hanging on for dear life.

Grrrrrr!  I've never met a baby that can growl like you can.  It is the best guttural that would scare even a lion.

Your excitement as Cutie E greeted you in the morning or climbed into the crib with you.

Peek-a-boo!

You want to be where the adventure is.

Being where the adventure is meant you needed to figured out how to do things a little earlier than we anticipated, like the army crawl, opening and closing doors and climbing the stairs.

If we can't hear you, its because you are half way up the stairs trying to reach the top before we reach you.

You didn't mind the snow until we laid you in it.

You are our little stinker that loves to play, hug your stuffies, rough house, laugh, tell a story and do everything BIG Brother does.  

I don't want to forget how you babble, cross your feet at your ankles when sitting, your waves at the wrist or how you pull off your socks.

It has been a wonderful year with you.  We are such lucky grandparents to have been with you every day. 

 HaPpy 1st BiRtHdAy Cutie O.  

We love you whole bunches.

Gammy's Lunar New Year Picks

 Some of these items contain affiliate links.  Meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  I share these with you because I genuinely enjoy these items and hope you will as well.

My Sweet Grands,

Before I came to live with you I spent 18 years teaching sixth graders about the eastern ancient civilizations.  I loved teaching.  Learning about how others lived, their customs and traditions, the advancements in science, math, language, religion, writing and art, plus the development of tools and technology is fascinating.

I most enjoyed getting to know the people of each civilization.

At this time of year I enjoyed teaching about the Ancient China civilization, specifically Lunar New Year.  I know you are years away from learning about this unit for your self, but its never to early to start.

Today I gathered up a few of my favorite books and some your parents have purchased for you to specifically read over the next 15 days.  

Lunar New Year by Hannah Eliot.  This is a beautifully illustrated board book introducing young children to the customs, traditions and history of Lunar New Year.  It is part of a series called "Celebrate The World".  I love that these books are teaching children about other cultures and customs in such a beautiful way.  

Lunar New Year

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao by Kat Zhang.  After watching her mother, father and grandmother make bao, Amy is determined to make the "PERFECT" bao.  But, she runs into a few obstacles.  The fun illustrations and engaging story make this a "perfect" read for any age.  Best part, it includes a recipe for bao.

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao

Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon by Kat Zhang.  Amy is back for another adventure.  This time she is trying to create a dragon, but she can't seem to get her ideas on paper.  I love that the story identifies the difference between Eastern and Western dragons as Amy allows her creativity to take shape.  

There are several other stories about Amy Wu, I'm excited to collect them all. 

Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi.  Even though this story is about a Korean family it is still a wonderful read during Lunar New Year.  I love the strength of the main character as she finds her way living in a new country.

The Name Jar

D is For Dancing Dragon: A China Alphabet by Carol Crane.  I have a few of these alphabet books on different topics and LOVE them!  Each letter of the alphabet focuses on a different element of life in China, from ancient times to present day.  Each letter is introduced with a simple sentence or two accompanied by incredible engaging illustrations. What sets this book apart from others are the more detailed explanations of each topic, thus engaging more advance readers and adults.

D is for Dancing Dragon

Lon Po Po by Ed Young.  I was introduced to this story many years ago by our school librarian.  Since I was the only one who checked it out I was gifted the only copy we had.  As you read the story it will feel familiar as it is "A Red-Riding Hood Story From China."  My students loved it.  It was a Caldecott Medal winner in 1990.

Lon Po Po

I save the best for last:

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin.  Grace Lin brings the rough farming life of Fruitless Mountain to life as she weaves the adventures Minli takes in hopes to change her families fortune.  The book is filled with lovable characters, colorful Chinese folktales and life lessons we can each learn.  I loved this book so much that I purchased a classroom set and each Lunar New Year we read the book.  

I have my youngest daughter to thank for this book recommendation.  It has been may favorite since my first read.  I rank it among my favorites, right next to  "Charlotte's Web".

I will hold off on sharing this book with you now, but I can't wait for us to read it together.  

Grace Lin has several other books.  I am in the process of reading her other titles.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

I get so excited to share part of my teaching life with you and can't wait till we get to learn all about the ancient civilizations together.  For now we get to read wonderful stories with beautiful illustrations together.

Love you,

Gammy