The Meaning of the Word

Ever wonder where the word Grandparent comes from? I don't actually know, historically speaking. But as it refers to the grandparents of my two sons, it is just an obvious description used in referring to 4 GRAND parents.

Last Tuesday was "Grandparents Day" at Samuel's Kindergarten. The flier that was sent home said something along the lines of, "If you have grandparents in town or can borrow some...." But Samuel had 4 grandparents who were more than willing to drive 3+ hours to come for Grandparents Day.

My folks arrived Monday evening in time for dinner. It was fun to have an evening with them. We hadn't had the chance to really catch up with them in a while. We were also able to video chat with my sister in Mexico. So it was a real family affair.

David's parents arrived Tuesday morning about 10:30. At 11:30, the six of us walked to Samuel's school in time for their special program, which included the reciting of about ten poems and then a short Thanksgiving play (more like a reader's theater, Kindergarten style and in Spanish)

Most of you know that Samuel is in a dual language program. That means, essentially, that half of his teaching is in English and half in Spanish. They do not teach him Spanish, they teach him IN Spanish. This really is a very exciting opportunity and we are amazed daily at how much he is learning. He has two teachers: Mrs. Peterson teaches him in English and Senor Osth teaches him in Spanish. Half of his classmates came into Kindergarten only speaking Spanish. Needless to say Samuel loves Kindergarten.

After the program, David and I took the opportunity to have a date (we went to lunch together -- Jeremiah was at his school) while the Grandparents stayed and had lunch at the cafeteria with Samuel. They first got a tour of his room and then were offered the delicacy of chicken strips, mashed potatos and fruit. Samuel loved showing his grandparents off and also showing off to his grandparents. Overall it was a great success! Thanks to mine and David's GRAND parents for driving all the way to College Station to bless an almost six year old who loves you all very much.

The Sunday before, Jeremiah also had a program at his Mother's Day Out. We decided at the last minute that we would go (we had a church-wide meeting that started 30 minutes after the program started, so we weren't sure we could do both) and man are we glad. At that age, Samuel would have sat at the back of the room crying. Jeremiah marched to the front of a rather large, quite full auditorium, sat on the step of the stage with the rest of his class and sang songs. Or rather, did some of the hand motions to several songs. His favorite part was seeing himself on the screen above the stage. :) He was so cute!!! Several other kids from our church attend the same MDO, so it was fun to be with them and their kids. And also, we weren't the only ones late for the church meeting. :)


Thanksgiving was fun, relaxing, and miserable all at once. Actually, miserable might be a strong word, and it implies that it was something done to us, when actually, we are completely responsible for making ourselves miserable by continuing to eat when there is no room left in our stomachs. But, I guess that's part of Thanksgiving. However, the time spent with family in Longview was, as always, easy and enjoyable.
Samuel and Jeremiah had collected a bag full of rocks to throw into the creek behind Grandma & Grandpa's back yard.
Samuel showing off his rock before he throws it.
Jeremiah after the rock throwing party. I bet you can guess that the rocks were white and that Jeremiah liked to wipe his face with the white residue on hands.

Friday we watched the Aggies give a respectable showing against the Longhorns. Honestly, we hadn't had much faith in them prior to that game, so were pleasantly surprised when we actually played, and played quite well. Next year!! Watch out!

Now we're home and gearing up for Samuel's 6th birthday (Dec. 15). He has requested a Balloon Party. I'm not quite sure what that means, but we're going to figure it out as we go. He's very excited and determined to invite everyone he knows, regardless of age. It's hard putting a cap on party guests for a 6 year old who is in the process of making gifts for all the people coming. He is so giving! That was made clear to me again this weekend as he made presents for Santa Claus "because he doesn't get gifts, he just gives them and I thought it would be nice for him to get some." He also drew a picture during church in Longview and during the traditional "Hug & Howdy" (you know, stand up, greet the people around you and in honor of Thanksgiving, tell them one thing you're thankful for), he insisted on taking it to the man who was "teaching us" (aka the preacher). So he marched to the front of the auditorium and presented the preacher (whom he had never met) with a picture he had colored. I have such great kids! Thank you Lord!!