"Why, Soitenly!"

Muz:

It’s been a couple of weeks since I last brought you up to date on the grandbabies.

Thanksgiving for another year is history. As usual, we spent the afternoon with Tom and Arlene and friends. Of course, Gladys was not here this time around and we all missed her. We were looking through pictures and there were a couple that included you, as you always enjoyed being with Tom’s family and you and Gladys quickly became friends when you had the chance to spend any time together.

Jessica was with us and stayed through Saturday evening, so she got to enjoy the babies. She’ll be coming back this weekend for the 1-year-old party for Logan and Lillian. Should be fun.

Logan and Lilly never cease to amaze us with their very different personalities. Logan is a charmer to the max. He has the most wonderful personality and always smiles and laughs. He’s also learned to scream for no other reason than to hear himself scream! At first it’s cute, and then ….

Lilly has developed into a 15-year-old adolescent at the age of 11-1/2 months! She can give a “look” that just says, “Don’t mess with me!” Or she can just ignore you completely. She, too, likes to scream and see if anyone is paying attention. Last week we were eating out at a pizza place (hey, it’s Josh … where else do you think we’re going to eat out?) and while Jackson was charming his grandparents, and Logan was seriously munching down on some Cheetos, Lilly decided to get the attention of the people at a nearby table. She succeeded.

Finally, Heather took Lilly out of the chair and sat her on the table right in front of her and attempted to correct her behavior.

Have you ever seen a scolded puppy that won’t make eye contact with you so long as it’s being scolded? Just sort of turns it’s head and looks down? That was Lilly at the table! We were cracking up while trying to remain serious for Heather’s sake. So … she’s got “the attitude” at one year of age, can’t imagine what it will be like a year from now! At least we can go home and leave her with Josh and Heather!!

The other day, Logan took a color marker from Lillian, which really ticked off Lilly. She not only got the marker back, but held it with a death grip the rest of the day. Would not let go when it was time to go to bed, and held it tightly all night long! Logan and Jackson may have their hands full with this little sister!

Jan and I took Jackson to the park last week and he decided to get on the swing. Not the swing for children but the one for adults. After he got relaxed in it, he would tell us, “Faster! Swing faster.” So we’d push him just a little bit harder and he’d immediately say, “Slow! Slower!”

But the most fascinating thing about the swing was his shadow. Jackson was amazed by his shadow, once he figured out it was “Jackson’s shadow” and when he moved a finger or kicked his foot, the shadow did the same thing. We had a lot of fun with him at the park.

However, the twins have figured out that we come and pick Jackson up and leave them behind, so they are on to us and they don’t like it one bit! For now, whoever is left behind with the twins has to deal with their abandonment issues.

Heather ordered a play pen for the twins so they could be somewhat corralled while she is doing something in the house. It only took moments for them to escape! Now with the Christmas tree up and decorated, Logan is drawn to that like I am to Guitar Center. He just can’t stay away.

And finally, we were having dinner the other night and looking forward to just kicking back and relaxing with NCIS shows we taped on the DVR. I had two bites of ham left, a bite of Navy beans, and a bite of my roll when Jackson called. “Grindaddy, come here! Come here and we can go get ice cream!”

You would be proud of me for not caving in to his request. I stood firm and let all involved know that just because Jackson “needs” me I don’t always drop everything to respond to a 2-year-old. He needs to know that I am not wrapped around his little finger.

So as soon as I finished my dinner, I told Janice I needed to take Jackson for some ice cream and asked if she wanted to come along. I think I showed them all just how strong I can be.