I Am Not My Grandmother

How appropriate that the daily Bible verse from Biblegateway.com is Proverbs 31:10, 27-28. “[Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character] A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:”

I think that would describe my grandmother very well. She was 69 when I was born, and I remember she was always working on something, Lord willing. I had to throw in the "Lord willing" because that was her phrase. She didn't make a promise without adding the phrase "Lord willing." He was willing to have her do a lot of work, because she did. She raised and tended the garden, cooked, sewed, crocheted, quilted, read her Bible, cleaned, and I'm sure did plenty of other work I know nothing about.

I keep busy, but I realized I am not my grandmother this morning. TJ's stuffed grasshopper, Cricket, lost his foot and TJ cried. I told him not to worry because I could sew it back on. He asked, "What does 'sew' mean?" I showed him, thanks to the lessons from my grandmother.

Triple Play Paul

This marks Paul's fourth season to play T-ball. He seems to be more into the game this year. I have a few ideas on the reasons why.

1. He's older and more mature. His ability to understand the game is growing, along with his ability to play.

2. His best friend is on the team. He can commiserate and compete with Alec.

Paul has made a few good plays this season, but today is one for the (well, my) record books. Paul was on the field covering second base. The batter hit the ball straight to him and he caught it! That's impressive enough. Next, he tagged the runner coming from first to second. Then, he ran over and tagged second base, earning a third out for the runner on his way from second to third.

After the game, the coach asked the team, "Who got three players out at the same time?" Paul was elated to be presented with a game ball.

On the way home in the car, Coker and I went on and on about how proud we were. Paul asked, "How'd I get three outs?" Coker explained and I exclaimed further. Paul answered, "I'm out of crackers." Well, baseball can claim only so much of his attention. He's still very proud and looking for anyone to listen to the story of his baseball glory.

Toothless

Paul lost another tooth last night. That makes five, I think. This picture looks more like a grimace than a smile, but it really shows off his teeth!

Easter

The Saturday before Easter is the "Nichols Picnic," which is a family reunion on Coker's mother's side of the family. This is Coker's grandmother's (Lemma Tharpe or Aunt Patchie)'s limb.
These sweet girls are playing peek-a-boo. Casey and Brynleigh are so cute.

Paul gave Casey a ride around the gym.

This is Easter morning after church. Paul won't smile.

Hunting eggs!

TJ loves the swing at Uncle David and Aunt Nise's house.

More hunting.

More swinging.

And falling.

Higher, faster!

I love to catch Paul smiling in a picture!

Isn't he handsome?

Fun, fun Easter in Belton!

Surprise!

TJ's thing lately has been to surprise me. I'm not allowed to watch as he climbs into the car so I can be surprised at how he suddenly appears in his seat.

Wednesday is Meals on Wheels delivery day for us. TJ helps me carry food to the door, and at one house he gets the newspaper too. Today he insisted on hiding until our recipient opened the door, at which point he would jump out and yell, "surprise!" There were no heart attacks; I was relieved that he's not great at hiding yet and that everyone expects him. I think they all got a kick out of silly TJ.

F 150

The boys got a truck! Paul loves driving it immediately, but TJ is a little nervous. It's funny, because they've both been really excited to get it, but TJ is afraid to drive it. He looks anxious sitting here for the picture.

He slowly got more comfortable with it. Today he asked me to bring it out for him.

He's getting to be a great driver. Watch out for the slide!

Report

Paul

4/12/11: "You don't throw the baseball the way dad does." Agreed.

4/16/11: Paul's writing from class. Oh me oh my!

TJ

4/12/11: "Carlos" licked him. He meant the dog next door, "Pablo."

4/18/11: "I want carrots and branch."