Great Grandsons

This week's A to Z letter is "G" and I'm going to shamelessly take advantage of the opportunity to introduce my God-given blessings of three young men who add the joy of grand-motherhood to motherhood. No, I'm not a great-grandmother - yet - but my grandsons are absolutely the greatest.

Jared, 16, is the oldest. After raising two little girls, I have to admit that I wasn't very confident in my expertise when it came to boys. Jared introduced me to a world full of Thomas Train and covering the living room floor with train tracks and "forts", Blues Clues and a fascination with lady bugs and roly polys. He would sit, captivated, through the entire video of Riverdance, then instruct me to "rewind it" and we would enjoy most of it again. His dry sense of humor was evident by the time his single words grew to complete sentences. Jared is a natural musician. He began picking out simple melodies on our piano at an early age and is now enjoying honored positions in his award-winning high school marching and concert bands. He has his parents' eye for detail and his artwork was impressive at a very early age. Some say he has that Harry Potter look. Maybe. I just see a very cool and handsome young man who lights up my world.

Next up is Barrick, a two-and-a-half year old with blond hair and big blue eyes.  He is perpetual motion - and speech. His parents would tell you that Barrick narrates the entire day's activities as they unfold. He's used to regularly interacting with people of all ages as his mom teaches her 30+ piano students in their home. Consequently, he knows no strangers. He greets adults with, "Hi! How you doin'? I doin' fine." His squeals of recognition - "Hi, Nana!" and "Hi Papa!" - are all we need to keep us in grandparent heaven. Barrick is also musical. Both parents are actively involved in music and their DNA and lifestyle are having a huge impact on those natural tendencies. He loves Kinder Musik classes and waits every day for mom to finish teaching piano so he can have his "lesson." Barrick welcomed his new brother with open arms and seldom passes him by without a "love pat" or a kiss. This link will take you to his 13-second rendition of "Elmo's World." Enjoy . https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150282231761257
                                                

Last, but certainly not least, is Brendon. Seven-month-old Brendon is laid back and happy. The only things that interrupt his big toothless grin, wrinkled up nose and giggles are expressions of "I'm hungry" or "time for a nap." He's soft and an armload of cuddles and cheeky kisses. We've had many naps in his dad's recliner while mommy teaches. Brendon's face lights up and his smiles grow larger when Barrick enters the room or stops to acknowledge him. These two little guys are already best buds. His first word, (documented via video), is "Bubba", Barrick’s nickname. Mom and Dad will have to wait to hear their titles roll off this tiny tongue. His infant Mohawk is finally relaxing into a head full of soft brown hair, a striking combination with his deep blue eyes. I'm guessing Brendon will follow the musical lead of his brother and his cousin. Follow this link to "Bubba." https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150318841506257

As a mother and a grandmother, I've had the best of both worlds: Two beautiful little girls to sew for and button into ruffles and three grandsons who help this girlie "Nana" see the world though video games and sneakers. As these manly treasures age, the visits will become less frequent and the hugs more rare, but the memories I have of each phase of their wonderful lives will keep me smiling.

"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord"

(Psalm 127:3, NASB).