She's Going To School and Lovin' It...

I'm happy to report that Madison is really enjoying going to school.  In fact, she seems almost bored when she's at home now.  I'm so glad that she looks forward to school each day.  Her mother sure didn't!

Madison's teacher happens to be the daughter of my second cousin, which makes the two of them distant cousins.  How about that!  Her name is "Miss Bridget".  The teacher is also the age of our youngest son, Brad.  Man, I'm feeling old!

The other day, I commented to Brandy how Madison is beginning to lose her "babyish" looks, and is beginning to look more like a young girl.  Oh this makes me sad...I'm not ready for her to grow up, but grow up she must!

On a totally different note, there is something very interesting about the above photograph.  Growing in the flowerbed, directly behind Madison, is a watermelon vine, with a large watermelon growing on it!  The vine sprang up from the seeds of a watermelon eaten earlier in the summer.  September watermelon...now there's a strange concept.

Grandparent's Day Surprises...

I never remember when Grandparent's Day is, but Madison and Cade do--thanks to their thoughtful mothers. For the past several years, the children have surprised Ed and me with delightful and thoughtful gifts. This year was no exception.

Madison brought us a hand-decorated gift bag filled with all sorts of items.  Each item in the bag represented something. 

For instance, there was a clock to remind us that time passes quickly, so we should enjoy every minute (we've learned that lesson all too well), a candle to remind us that we are the light of our grandchildren's eyes, and some Starburst candy for an extra burst of energy when we wear out, but the grand kids don't!  So thoughtful!  We love our bag of goodies, and will put everything to good use!

Late in the day, Caden brought us a framed photo collage of himself, which said: Grandchildren-a reward for growing old. How true!

All of the photos on the collage were taken at Chuck E Cheese, so Cade was looking very happy in all them!  There were also two hand-made cards that represent Ed and me.  We got a good laugh out of those replica cards!

We are thankful for these thoughtful gifts, but most of all we are thankful for the privilege of being a part of the lives of these two precious little ones.  They don't call them "grands" for nothing!

His Father's Son...

Quiet little Caden's personality is constantly evolving.  He's turned out to be quite a serious young man--he's becoming very intense.  He also appears to become interested only in certain things, and totally concentrates most of his attention and energy toward those "certain things". 

At the moment Cade's still very interested in tractors, lawn equipment, and tools.  He seems to love nothing better than "fixing" things or pretending to mow down the flowers in the yard with the bubble mower!  A tractor is one of his favorite toys.  None of these things are like his dad, but are more like his "Epa" or Uncle Clint.  Cade's daddy hates yard work and fixing things.

However, Cade's daddy, Brett,  is a very intense, serious person, who usually focuses his attention only on the few certain things that interest him.  He's still that way today.  While Brett was growing up, he took his play very seriously--just like Cade does! 

One of Brett's "all-time" favorite toys was a ride-on tractor.  It ran on battery power, and that poor tractor made a million trips around our yard before it finally wore out.  Brett never liked playing with cars or trucks though. He only liked that riding tractor!

Another very striking similarity, between father and son, became evident  yesterday while Cade was playing around in the yard.  As he constantly moved about the yard getting into things, I found it necessary to speak to him several times.  In other words, I "got onto" him.  He eventually got mad with me, and walked away muttering "Dang it."  This action was exactly like something his father would've done!  Cade is definitely his father's son...

Another Great Maddie Moment...

Madison has always been a little performer, without really meaning to.  She's managed to keep us all entertained and laughing for the past few years. She's always been so dramatic and animated.

I found these movie clips buried in the depths of my computer yesterday.  I had another good laugh when I watched them.

Madison was a little slow in getting started talking to me, but once she got going, she really got going!  See what I mean...
  

My Birthday Candygram From Caden...

My birthday was last week, and I got very unique and thoughtful gift from grandson, Caden. His mom is very creative, and came up with the idea to make a "candy gram" to me from Caden.  (click on the image to enlarge it)

It read:

Don't get a "Big(lemon)head", but I think you're pretty great! You're an "Extra(gum)special" person who's "Mounds" of fun and have brought me tons of "(Almond)joy"! Not to "Butter(finger)" you up, but even if I went into "Orbit(gum), searched the "Milky Way", I couldn't find a Mimi quite like you!   I would love to give you "100Grand" and send you on a shopping "Spree" or even a trip to New "York(Peppermint Pattie)", but I thought it would be more fun to make this giant "Sweet(tart) card instead. That way I can tell you how I've enjoyed the "Big(peanut butter lover's cup)" times with you...from when I was a tiny "Baby(ruth)" until now, almost "3(Musketeers)" old. Playing with your toys, eating all your "candy corn" and throwing "(Pop)rocks" in your fountain are just a few favorite "moments(Mentos)". I hope this makes you "Snicker" and not "Cry(babies)". Have a "Red Hot" birthday!   Love you to "(Reese's) Pieces", Caden

I love my "candy gram".  I'm going to enjoy looking at it for just a few days, before I eventually take it apart and share it with the grand kids.  I'm sure they will both enjoy helping me dispose of the candy :)

Thanks a bunch Caden!  We'll be eating your gift soon!

Maddie's Second First Day of School...

 Maddie's school supplies

Getting ready to go...

Outside of the school

Inside of the school

I can't believe it's that time again already...Time to bid summertime goodbye, and say "hello" to a brand new school year, but alas it is time! All good things must come to an end...

This morning marked the beginning of Madison's first day of her second year of school. Her mama says that Madison woke up at 5:30 in the morning--ready to go! By the time I ambled over to their house a few minutes after seven, Madison was dressed and had already eaten breakfast!

We took a few pictures, then loaded up in the car, bound for Maddie's first day of "Busy Beavers". I really appreciate my daughter giving me the opportunity to "tag along". I enjoy watching Madison experience new things, and like to think that I can be of some support to my daughter.  Sometimes it's very difficult to watch our little ones spread their wings...especially for us "stay-at-home moms".

By the time we arrived at school, several other children were already there. Madison quickly hung up her book bag, then went to explore her new school. She barely gave us a second glance. I am so thankful! It made the morning much easier. The tears being shed this morning didn't belong to Madison...

I can hardly wait to hear about Madison's exciting first day of her new school. I hope she enjoys herself, and learns lots of new and exciting things. As for Maddie's mom, I think she will enjoy her mornings of freedom--once she gets used to her quiet house!

Sugar and Spice...

I've been meaning to post this precious picture for a few days, but somehow I never got around to it.  This is one of the first photos of Madison with her new baby cousin, Gabriella!  Gabby was born about six weeks ago, and she is the second grandchild of Madison's other set of grandparents.

Madison is absolutely thrilled to have another cousin!  I think it's nice that she now has a girl cousin, in addition to her boy cousin, Cade.  Madison also has another boy cousin on the way, (Cade's baby brother) due to arrive in December.  I say, "the more, the merrier!"

Since the arrival of baby Gabriella, Madison has been asking for a baby brother or sister.  Little does she know that her parents have been trying to have her one for nearly two years.  It just doesn't seem to be God's will at this time.  In fact, Madison is somewhat of a miracle baby herself.

I think Madison would make a great big sister, if the Lord ever decided to bless her family with another baby.  If not, she'll still make a great big cousin to her younger cousins.  She sure is growing up fast!