July 17th has a special place in my heart. It is my grandson Kade’s birthday. I reminded my daughter on Monday that “this time several years ago, you were about ready to pop.” I felt sorry for Kala. It was really hot and she still coached her team through summer camps and basketball summer leagues. To make up for the misery of the heat, Kade showed up within just a few hours of labor and not much of hassle.
Klace and Kade have spent a lot of time at “Bibby and Paw Paw’s” as well as with the other grandparents. We knew early that you had to watch what you said around them because they pick it up very early….and they remember it. They also take things very literally. Kala calls me and tells me things that they have said and sometimes they will even let me know themselves. One of the funniest conversations that they had with Kala was about my ability to play computerized games. Klace told his momma that Bibby was smart. Kade chimed in, “And when Bibby puts on her glasses, she’s next level smart!” Be still my heart. Kade even picked up a new vocabulary word from me and used it the next game he played: “strategy.” See, you have to watch what you say and make sure it’s good.
Another time that my vocabulary was repeated was by Klace when he was in school. His teacher was asking the students about making cookies with their parents. She was shocked that none of the students raised their hand when it came to making cookies from scratch. All the boys and girls said their parents used the already made dough. Hey, it’s good for the cookie dough fundraisers, right? She then said, “None of you have made homemade cookies where you get all of the ingredients together?” Klace said he raised his hand fast on that one. “We do that with my Bibby! Bibby uses ingredients!” My heart filled with pride. He remembered!
This week, I’m going to celebrate Kade’s birthday and Klace’s unbirthday (think Alice in Wonderland). I think it’s only fitting that I get out all of the ingredients to make something they really like, don’ you agree? Here’s to all the parents and grandparents out there watching their language out there~ and making sure it’s worth repeating. Now, get ready… it’s time to collect our ingredients!
Fruit Bowl
(Klace and Kade get it honest…our family absolutely loves fruit!)
1 small seedless watermelon 1 cantaloupe 1 honey dew 2 lbs.seedless grapes 1 lb.strawberries (optional) Directions: Rinse and pat dry all fruit. Cut up all the melons in chunks or use a melon baller. Place in a large storage container with a lid or mixing bowl. Add grapes and strawberries (cutting them in half is optional). Mix the fruit together and allow to chill at least for an hour in the refrigerator before serving.
--Strawberry Slushies (Use a blender with an ice crush selection for the best slushies) 2 cups ice (crushed ice if available) 2 cups sliced strawberries 1 cup cold water 1 tsp. honey Directions: Crush ice in blender until finely crushed. Add the strawberries. Mix the cold water with the honey then pour into blender pitcher. Blend until smooth and slushie, adding additional water if needed. Makes about three 8oz servings. (Frozen berries can also be used, using less ice). Drink with a large/wide smoothie straw.
Libby Hires is a columnist for the Bryan County News.
