Happy Birthday, Jude!

My handsome grandson, Jude, is 9 years old today! He's getting so big, but he's just as enjoyable today as that sweet toddler with the cute bowl-cut blond hair. He captured my heart from day one.

Jude knows how to make me feel special and always has. When he was younger and saw me walking into church, he would squeal with delight. Those moments of supreme importance made me feel better than royalty. And today, he has that same knack for putting those he loves on a lofty pedestal. He gets so excited as he anticipates his birthday outing with Robin and me. He knows he will get a gift from us anyway, but the fact that his excitement includes the time being spent with us just makes me love him more. Such a special young man.

We always start with lunch at a location of his choice. He indulged in a chocolate milkshake afterwards because, hey, it's his birthday.

Papa Robin helped Jude assemble a cardboard car while waiting for lunch.

Jude picked out three sets of Legos, a hard decision considering the shelves loaded with all kinds of Lego fun. He's a master at Legos and had them completed before bedtime. He kept telling us it was the best day of his life. He knows just the right words to say that make others feel loved in his presence. Just one of the many things I love about our Jude. Have a happy birthday and know that Memaw will love you forever.

Honoring Moms & Grandmas

There are those delightful moments in life when you just feel like royalty. Whether perched on a lofty pedestal or lounging in an ivory castle, your perception of self-worth is soaring through orbit. You are all-important. You are on a higher plane. You are God's special gift. And all you had to do was walk through a door and enter the presence of a grandchild.That look of surprise, then the wide smile, two little arms opening as they rush into your own, and the excited squeal of "Memaw" fills the air, and your moment of being supreme has just taken place. I got to experience that today as I visited Sophia's pre-school classroom as they honored moms and grandmas this morning. She shyly acknowledged my presence in a roomful of other supreme beings, then smiled and rushed into my arms. How thrilled she was to have me in her element, and unexpectedly.
Allison and I listened to their sweet tributes and songs, and stole a quick visit to Baylee's room where I was exalted once more. I'm telling you, today I don't stink.
After spending time with the girls, we went to Jude's school to share lunch with him. He, too, didn't know I was coming. He stood in line to enter the cafeteria and spotted his mom. He was so happy to see her. Then, he noticed that I stood slightly behind her and the pedestal I was on elevated to the heavens. That's just how good they make you feel. And look at this cute boy with his missing front tooth! He's proud that he pulled it out himself.
Jude told me that when parents or grandparents visit for lunch that they sit at a special table, separate from the class. So his mom and I had him all to ourselves.
Proud Mama and Memaw were told by Jude's teacher that he was so polite and well mannered, and tells her jokes. She said she wished she had ten more like him in her class. I don't doubt it. Jude has a special knack of knowing how to make others feel special. He's a friend to everyone.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the kids today. I may be a little hard to live with for a few days, until I come down from the clouds where I've been. But I had my moments of glory and they will keep me until one of us walks in the door again.

8-Year-Old Cousins

Get two 8-year-old cousins together and they can entertain themselves very well. I was only needed when they were hungry, thirsty, or needed chocolate chip ice cream. Oh, I was asked to tell them a bedtime story, which I did, using talking bionicles that made me look cool.
This bare-chested duo are sporting tattoos that they had Papa put on them.

They spent much of their time building with Legos and created this castle from a big tub of blocks we keep for the grandchildren.

They wanted a bionicle face on their pancakes instead of the usual funny one. This is my feeble attempt. Thomas gave me a mask to go by, but my efforts didn't produce a match.

We headed to the park after breakfast. They used this time to burn off some energy.

From the park, we went to get lunch and cherry limeades, which were refreshing after all the running, jumping and spinning they did. They said they wished cousin Ashton could have joined them for the sleepover. I do too! It wasn't an exciting trip to Disney World for Spring Break, but Thomas and Jude were content to spend this time together.

Happy 8th Birthday, Jude!

Jude is celebrating his 8th birthday today! Papa and I had a wonderful time with him yesterday when we did the traditional birthday lunch and shopping trip.Jude was able to double the gift experience since birthday money had been coming in. He kept his purchases separate from mine and handled the transaction like a pro.

We spent the most time on the Lego aisle. He loves them and has a huge collection.

We enjoyed Mexican food before our shopping spree. Jude chose the restaurant.

Memaw loves the Jude Juice. It energizes her and fills her up.

Jude is one of the sweetest boys I know. He is so appreciative of everything that is done for him. He thanked us over and over for the lunch and gifts. A few days ago I gave him a choice of ice cream he wanted me to make. He chose one but told me he knew anything I made would be delicious. He tells me I am the best Memaw ever and that I'm beautiful. You don't have to ask me why I love him so! He's tender-hearted, he's smart, he's funny, and he is super special. Happy birthday to my Jude!

Jude's A Winner!

It's not an Olympic Silver Medal but it sure looks like one!

Jude placed really well at the speech meet sponsored by the Association of Christain Schools International. He recited Bible verses in the category of Bible Memorization for his grade level. An awards ceremony was held this afternoon to recognize the winners. Jude received a blue ribbon for "superior" in his category and a silver medal. He was so excited about both tokens of a job well done.

There was never any doubt in our minds that he would knock their socks off. He has confidence that usually takes years to build, and a love and acceptance of others. He's just so approachable and friendly. He stood on that stage, looked the judges in the eyes, and recited his verses. His Mom was also a good coach in preparing him for his stage appearance.

But hey, this kid was on the cover of Fort Worth Child magazine. Of course he won awards today. We're all so proud of him.

Jude is the Dude!

Tea Party Sleepover

Baylee and Sophia had a sleepover with us tonight since Jude has to be at his Speech Meet so early in the morning and it will last most of the day. They wanted to know if we were going to have a tea party. Well, of course, when the girls are here we are supposed to do girlie things. After a dinner of lasagna the three of us got in the kitchen and whipped up some blueberry muffins. I pulled out the tea set, hats and tiaras, and polished all our nails while the muffins baked. Pink sparkly nails are a must at tea parties.
We are enjoying our tea as the muffins cool.

The girls think it is so funny to include Papa in our tea parties and he's always a good sport. He can handle that little teacup as well as we do. The girls enjoy pouring and serving us.

What's a party without a clown? Baylee, as usual, had the quote of the day: "Papa, you're going to squeeze your brain."

There was a little drama at bedtime when Sophia exclaimed that her pajama top and bottoms didn't match. It took a little convincing for her to agree to be seen in them. Girls will be girls. More fun tomorrow.

Break a leg, Jude, at the Speech Meet!

Halloween Cuties, Never Scary

I got to see three of my grandchildren all decked out for Halloween since I went to Allison's and passed out candy while she took the kids out. Needless to say, the pictures are self-explanatory. Cute!

While Jude and Baylee were all caught up in the occasion, Sophia sat herself down and proceeded to eat from her pumpkin sack. She savored every bite. Once a year being this indulgent won't hurt.

Ladies Luncheon

This is the second year that Allison and I have attended the Ladies Luncheon at Jude's school. I'm happy that Allison invites me as her guest each year. We enjoy lunch and fellowship in a Christian environment. One focus of this event is the beautiful tables with unique themes. Enjoy the following parade of tables.

This is the table we were assigned to. It's the first grade table in honor of our Jude and his class.

The candy table had an abundance of M&Ms. I was polite and didn't crash this table.

Jude's teacher shared our table and it was good hearing all the sweet things about him in school. That was our chests puffing out instead of our tummies from too much lunch! Thank you, Allison, for allowing me to share this day with you.

Jude, The Graduate

Jude recently graduated from kindergarten and it was a big evening for our family. Robin and I left the next day for our trip so I'm a little late posting this great event.All the children had speaking parts which always makes the program cute and fun. I'm amazed how the kids can remember all those lines.

Jude had closing prayer after graduation. I was so proud of him, as were his Mom and Dad. He spoke so clearly, never stumbled over a word or phrase, and thanked God for the christian school and teachers. And he doesn't have a shy bone in his body. He gets that from his Mom!

This is Jude with his teacher. He will really miss her and school over the summer break. He loved going to school and being with everyone. I hope that passion continues.

The proud parents. Sorry Brian about the top part of your head. I don't know if it were me or Robin taking that picture. But I do have a reputation for that sort of thing.

After the ceremony we all went to dinner to celebrate. This is a proud time for Memaw since my granddaughter Candice is graduating tomorrow! High school, no doubt. I feel old!

Happy 7th Birthday, Jude!

Our Jude Boy is 7 today and he's excited about it. Of course, kids are always excited about birthdays. It's us older folks who think time is passing too quickly. Robin and I enjoyed our lunch and shopping trip with Jude. He's such a special guy. I don't know how many times he told us he was having so much fun and thanking us for taking him out. He's been taught some good manners. His Memaw and Papa enjoyed the time with him, too, and wonder at what age he might want to skip this tradition. Knowing Jude, he will always be loving.

Jude wore his Star Wars shirt and picked out Star Wars Legos. He was anxious to get home and put it all together. And he actually did a great job following the directions. Must be a boy thing. I remember when Ron would ask me to sit in the floor and play Legos with him and I was lost. I knew nothing about building something recognizable.

Jude and Papa put together a cardboard Mustang while we waited for lunch. Jude chose the blue one. We also treated him to a chocolate shake for his birthday. Yummy.

Jude, we wish you a very happy birthday as you continue celebrating with your family today. You are a true blessing from God and we are so happy to have you in our family. I love you so much.