A Tired "Handy Man" In the Making...

I've been meaning to write about Cade's recent obsession with my husband's tractor, lawnmower, and his tools. It's Cade's newest "phase". Children never cease to amaze me.

Every time Cade comes to visit, he has to visit "E-pa's" tool shed, sit on "E's" tractor, or sit on the lawnmower! He's content to just sit on the lawnmower or tractor, but he really likes to ride the tractor with Ed! Cade seems to really enjoy exploring the contents of Ed's tool shed, all the while asking "What's that?"

If it's dark outside, and Cade's not able to do any of the things previously mentioned, my husband will take Cade into the bedroom and show him a box of tools that we keep inside of the house.

I've never seen a little boy so thrilled at the sight of a hammer and a screw driver! I give the show "Handy Manny" all of the credit for this obsession! Cade is a loyal fan of the show.

Last week when Cade came for a visit, he arrived carrying a toy weed eater. His mama said that he fell in love with the weed eater the first time he saw it. From the looks of this photo that she took, I'd say she's correct! Someone once said--"a picture is worth a thousand words." I agree :)

MiMi Update...

Thank you so much to those of you who commented on my last post. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers as I fight my way through this health "set back".

I don't write much about myself on this particular blog, but I am battling rheumatoid arthritis, and a gastric ulcer at the moment. I've had rheumatoid arthritis for over seventeen years, but have been able to keep it pretty much under control with two different types of medication.

Unfortunately, all medications have side effects, and the Nsaids required to treat arthritis are some of the most notorious--hence, the ulcer. Because of the ulcer, I've had to stop taking Nsaids for now, which has let my arthritis become more active.

It's going to take some time for my stomach to heal. In the meantime, I'll just have to deal with the fatigue, pain, and stiffness that goes along with rheumatoid arthritis. Lord willing, it will pass. I actually had a pain-free day yesterday, praise the Lord! In the meantime, I have been able to spend short amounts of time with the "grands".

Speaking of those "grands"...they are growing like weeds! Caden is potty trained now, and talking up a storm! Madison has sort of taken on the role of "mother" and tries to boss him, but he is beginning to rebel. The two of them remind me of their parents as children. Brandy was always trying to be her brother's keeper.

In fact, just the other day, Caden's daddy told him that Brandy used to tell on him and cause him to get spankings! (she did) Those were the days, my friend...

The Village Blocks...

It's been a while since I wrote, I haven't felt well for quite some time. Actually, I can't remember the last time that I felt what I'd call good!

The real down side of feeling lousy is not being able to babysit and spend time with the grandchildren. I managed to have them over for a couple of hours last week. I think they enjoyed themselves, and I did, too, but I required a nap whenever they went home!

While Madison and Cade were here, I brought out a set of Village Blocks that belonged to my sons when they were children(many years ago). I think the grandkids enjoyed playing with the little set. Cade especially liked the train! After playing with the village for a while, the grandkids "destroyed" the village by knocking everything over. (What makes children do that?) I jokingly told them that the town had just been hit by Hurricane Madison and Cade!

I'm hoping I will eventually start feeling good again. Until then, my posts may be scarce.

Check Out Our Big Boy...

Isn't Caden getting big?
How about his "big boy" haircut?!
With Brandy's help, I was able to snap this photo of him the other day while he was at her house swimming in the kiddie pool with Madison.
The only way we could keep him still long enough for a photo, was to give him a tootsie roll, which Brandy supplied.
He's a busy boy these days!

Madison's End of the Year Program...

Here is the video of Madison's School Closing Program. Madison is standing beside the microphone wearing a turquoise and white dress. She appears to be enjoying herself. The two little girls on the back row don't seem to be feeling the same way...

It's Been A While...

Madison has already been out of school for over a week now! I took some pictures, and some video of the closing program, but I haven't taken time to share. I was so proud of Madison on the evening of the program! She sang, recited three different pledges, and really seemed to enjoy herself. Oh how I'd love to stop time, and make these sweet, innocent days last longer for her!

Until I get the video of the program uploaded, and ready to share, I'll just share the photo above of Madison sitting on stage. Isn't she a cutie?

Little Miss Madison has been enjoying her summer days! In just the past week, she's been to the library, a t-ball game, played at Caden's house, had Caden and some friends over to her house, and swam in her pool twice! You go Madison!

Dancing With The Stars...No, With E-pa!

Granddaughter, Madison, loves to dance! She loves to sing, too, but that's a post for another day!

I'm told that she and her daddy have been known to dance in their living room at night, with dolls lined up on the couch, as their judges. I've never witnessed this, but I'd love to be a fly on the wall some evening when it's taking place!


A few weeks ago, Madison was over at our house visiting one evening. My husband and I were in the middle of watching "Survivor, Redemption Island", but Madison was in a dancing mood.

Madison talked "E-pa" into dancing with her during the commercial breaks! It's one of the things that makes me love my husband so much. He's never too tired, or two busy to say "no".

The two of them whirled and twirled together while the commercials played. Meanwhile, I sat on the couch and took pictures! At the end of the commercial breaks, the two of them sat down and watched "Survivor", while "E" caught his breath! During the next commercial, the two were back up dancing again!

This was one of those sweet, priceless moments, and, fortunately, I was able to capture it in photos. A grandfather sharing a dance--or two--with his granddaughter. I just had to share...

I also think the lovely couple deserves a "10"! What do you think?