Grandpa, my father, played Santa Claus for the Realtor Care and Share program for years. For a picture with Santa Claus you had to bring a canned good. He really loved playing Santa and working with the children.
As my father watched television he would change the channel when the commercials came on switching to another program until another commercial. Back in the day, you could avoid commercials all night. One night I noticed as he was switching channels he was only watching the commercials. Back and forth from commercial to commercial. After asking him why he was only watching the commercials he replied "Last year a child asked Santa for a toy and I had no idea what it was. That will not happen to me again."
We always knew it was the Christmas season when all that was on television was commercial. lol Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
He Loves Taking Things Apart
Ever since Brendan was little he loved to take things apart. Once when he was four, I found a little silver cylinder on the coach. I could not figure out what it was. I asked everybody. I put it on the windowsill and when someone came over I asked if they knew what it was. No luck.
A few weeks later while I was vacuuming I moved the coach to vacuum behind it. There it was!! I ran to the windowsill and got that cylinder. Sure enough, that's what is was. I know you're wondering. You'll never believe it! What I found was the wrapper to an EverReady battery. Yes indeed, he had peeled the wrapper off of a double a battery. I didn't even know that was possible, did you?
Another thing he took apart when he was about eight was a walkie talkie set with the base. My sister had sent it to him for Christmas. All three parts were in pieces on the floor. I asked what it was and he told me. Needless, to say I was not happy. Well sure enough a couple of hours later he had all three parts put back together and working! And in true male fashion had extra parts he did not use. Once again I should have known then I was in trouble. lol
A few weeks later while I was vacuuming I moved the coach to vacuum behind it. There it was!! I ran to the windowsill and got that cylinder. Sure enough, that's what is was. I know you're wondering. You'll never believe it! What I found was the wrapper to an EverReady battery. Yes indeed, he had peeled the wrapper off of a double a battery. I didn't even know that was possible, did you?
Another thing he took apart when he was about eight was a walkie talkie set with the base. My sister had sent it to him for Christmas. All three parts were in pieces on the floor. I asked what it was and he told me. Needless, to say I was not happy. Well sure enough a couple of hours later he had all three parts put back together and working! And in true male fashion had extra parts he did not use. Once again I should have known then I was in trouble. lol
First Train Ride
There was a little cafe not to far from the house where we would go get a drink and visit. Right behind the place was a railroad track. The train would stop there for snacks becuse it was close to the lumber yard where they had pick ups/deliveries. That's where Christopher fell in love with the trains.
One day as the train was coming Christopher heard it and ran outside. As the guys walked toward the cafe Christopher asked if he could look at the train. They said "Sure the engineer is still on there." Christopher told me that the engineer explained things on the train and let him sit in the engineer's chair. When the guys came back they offered to take Christopher to the lumber yard. A whole 200 yards up the track. Christopher even got to blow the whistle. Once finished they backed up to drop him off.
I'll never forget the look on Christopher's face as he was getting off the train. He turned back and waved to the guys as they left. I could tell he was on cloud nine. Whenever those guys came back they would ask about Christopher and the cafe owner would call us and we would go down there so Christopher could talk to them.
One day as the train was coming Christopher heard it and ran outside. As the guys walked toward the cafe Christopher asked if he could look at the train. They said "Sure the engineer is still on there." Christopher told me that the engineer explained things on the train and let him sit in the engineer's chair. When the guys came back they offered to take Christopher to the lumber yard. A whole 200 yards up the track. Christopher even got to blow the whistle. Once finished they backed up to drop him off.
I'll never forget the look on Christopher's face as he was getting off the train. He turned back and waved to the guys as they left. I could tell he was on cloud nine. Whenever those guys came back they would ask about Christopher and the cafe owner would call us and we would go down there so Christopher could talk to them.
We're Moving to Arkansas
A friend's sister was selling a house in AR. I asked about the house, the area, and the weather and then went home and asked what the boys thought about moving to AR. Their Grandparents has recently passed away and other than my brother and sister, we had no other relatives close by. They were all for it. So, back I went to my friend and told her I was interested in buying the house. After the shock wore off we called her sister and made arrangements. June 25, 1997 we left.
I know there's two things you should never mix with friends ~ money and business. Well, there's a third ~ traveling. For weeks we made plans to stop at a few places for sight seeing and such. Christopher was 13 and Brendan 5. Well, once we were on the road we were lucky to stop for food and smoke breaks. Plus the boys were to take turns driving in the U Haul truck which never happened as did any sight seeing. There were even times I had to put my foot down to stop for dinner. She ordered lunch and never ate it all and was just going to eat it at the hotel. I said no the boys need to get out and play. At least they agreed to that!
The good thing was most of our things had been in storage over a year, so when we did get here and started unpacking it was Christmas for the boys. Just had tons of fun with the toys they hadn't seen in a while.
I know there's two things you should never mix with friends ~ money and business. Well, there's a third ~ traveling. For weeks we made plans to stop at a few places for sight seeing and such. Christopher was 13 and Brendan 5. Well, once we were on the road we were lucky to stop for food and smoke breaks. Plus the boys were to take turns driving in the U Haul truck which never happened as did any sight seeing. There were even times I had to put my foot down to stop for dinner. She ordered lunch and never ate it all and was just going to eat it at the hotel. I said no the boys need to get out and play. At least they agreed to that!
The good thing was most of our things had been in storage over a year, so when we did get here and started unpacking it was Christmas for the boys. Just had tons of fun with the toys they hadn't seen in a while.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Debra and Rocky
Another couple we met shortly after moving to AR is Debra and Rocky. They were big rig truck drivers and on the road alot. When they did come into town they always called and invited us over to visit, eat, or go fishing. Debra is home now but Rocky is still on the road. And yes, after 14 years we are still friends.
In 1999 they traveled to Corona alot and was always saying if you ever want to go to CA we'll take you on the truck. Well one time Rocky said they were going to Corona if the boys wanted to go. So I called Betty and Andy and my sister and made arrangements for the trip. Being last minute I didn't have extra money to give them and Debra told me she understood and not to worry they would treat the boys like their own. And off they went.
They were in the truck three days going, spent four weeks between Betty and Andy's and my sisters house. The boys even got to go to Mammoth with my sister, her husband, and my niece. Then back on the truck for three days to come home.
I worried when they came home they would want to go back to CA for good. When I asked Christopher "you know, it was nice being in CA but it sure is good to be home." Brendan didn't quite understand why we couldn't move the house to CA. He was seven, does his vote count?
In 1999 they traveled to Corona alot and was always saying if you ever want to go to CA we'll take you on the truck. Well one time Rocky said they were going to Corona if the boys wanted to go. So I called Betty and Andy and my sister and made arrangements for the trip. Being last minute I didn't have extra money to give them and Debra told me she understood and not to worry they would treat the boys like their own. And off they went.
They were in the truck three days going, spent four weeks between Betty and Andy's and my sisters house. The boys even got to go to Mammoth with my sister, her husband, and my niece. Then back on the truck for three days to come home.
I worried when they came home they would want to go back to CA for good. When I asked Christopher "you know, it was nice being in CA but it sure is good to be home." Brendan didn't quite understand why we couldn't move the house to CA. He was seven, does his vote count?
Monday, June 14, 2010
Ruby and Darrell
One of the first couples we met after moving to AR was Ruby and Darrell. Brendan played ball with their great grandson and that's how we were introduced. We quickly became part of the family. They always invited us over for Holiday Meals. When the boys birthday came around Ruby would always call and say "Come on over, I baked a birthday cake."
When I had car trouble and needed a ride to work for my 5am to 1pm shift all I had to do would ask and they would be here to take me to work.
Christopher would love to sit with Darrell and listen to his army stories or his days of truck driving. He never tired of hearing those stories. Even as Darrel aged and repeated stories Christopher would sit there like he was hearing it for the first time. Unfortunately Darrell passed away in 2002.
Ruby helped keep an eye on Brendan when I couldn't find someone. Brendan might have been a little old for a sitter, but he was having seizures and I felt more comfortable with somebody looking after him while I was at work. I think both enjoyed the company.
We will be here 14 years this July 1 and I am still good friends with Ruby. In August she will be 86 years young and she calls me a few times a week to go down for coffee or run errands in town. At 85 her health is better than mine. I don't know what I would have done without Ruby and Darrell. Saying thank you just doesn't seem to be enough.
When I had car trouble and needed a ride to work for my 5am to 1pm shift all I had to do would ask and they would be here to take me to work.
Christopher would love to sit with Darrell and listen to his army stories or his days of truck driving. He never tired of hearing those stories. Even as Darrel aged and repeated stories Christopher would sit there like he was hearing it for the first time. Unfortunately Darrell passed away in 2002.
Ruby helped keep an eye on Brendan when I couldn't find someone. Brendan might have been a little old for a sitter, but he was having seizures and I felt more comfortable with somebody looking after him while I was at work. I think both enjoyed the company.
We will be here 14 years this July 1 and I am still good friends with Ruby. In August she will be 86 years young and she calls me a few times a week to go down for coffee or run errands in town. At 85 her health is better than mine. I don't know what I would have done without Ruby and Darrell. Saying thank you just doesn't seem to be enough.
First Call Home, From ER
When Christopher was six, we moved from my parents house to Corona. I told my parents I would call them in a week. When we moved Christopher asked for a skateboard, he had earned half the money by doing chores. At the store Christopher noticed fishing poles and asked for one of those. I don't know, I really don't know alot about fishing and I didn't know how much use we would get out of it. So of course, I said we should stick with the skateboard. Which we did.
Saturday came and Christopher asked if he could go out skateboarding. Sure but stay close because we have Grandma and Grandpa in a bit. And off he went. After a bit I heard a terrible noise. Went outside to check on it and saw Christopher walking towards me. Oh no, he was carrying his board behind him and the awful noise was him crying. I ran up to him.
Christopher had fell off the skateboard and hit his chin and upper lip on the pavement chipping his front tooth. I felt terrible. But I remained calm and asked somebody where the hospital was. Christopher kept screaming at me "I need help, I need a Dr, it hurts." I kept trying to keep him calm.
While we were waiting at the hospital I was sitting in a chair and Christopher had his head in my lap. He looked up at me so innocently and said "I'll bet you wish you bought that fishing pole now." I explained to him that "I believe something was going to happen today no matter where or what we were doing. Unfortunately it was destiny."
Later while talking to Christopher he explained he thought since I was so calm I wasn't helping him. He always knew when someone got hurt people ran around in a panic. So for our first phone call home to Grandma and Grandpa Christopher got to tell them his adventures at the ER.
Saturday came and Christopher asked if he could go out skateboarding. Sure but stay close because we have Grandma and Grandpa in a bit. And off he went. After a bit I heard a terrible noise. Went outside to check on it and saw Christopher walking towards me. Oh no, he was carrying his board behind him and the awful noise was him crying. I ran up to him.
Christopher had fell off the skateboard and hit his chin and upper lip on the pavement chipping his front tooth. I felt terrible. But I remained calm and asked somebody where the hospital was. Christopher kept screaming at me "I need help, I need a Dr, it hurts." I kept trying to keep him calm.
While we were waiting at the hospital I was sitting in a chair and Christopher had his head in my lap. He looked up at me so innocently and said "I'll bet you wish you bought that fishing pole now." I explained to him that "I believe something was going to happen today no matter where or what we were doing. Unfortunately it was destiny."
Later while talking to Christopher he explained he thought since I was so calm I wasn't helping him. He always knew when someone got hurt people ran around in a panic. So for our first phone call home to Grandma and Grandpa Christopher got to tell them his adventures at the ER.
Sleep Eating
One night, not to long ago, Brendan fell asleep in the recliner. He started talking so I tried to answer him before I noticed he was still sleeping. Brendan often talked in his sleep when he was over tired and Christopher or I would always try to get him talking but he was very rarely understood. Maybe just a few words.
This night Brendan would talk twice, however, I could not get him to talk clearly. Then all of a sudden I noticed he was chewing on the string to his sweatshirt. I have to admit for a little bit I laughed, then I tried to wake him up. "Brendan, you're chewing on your shirt string. Brendan!" Finally half awake I told him again he was chewing on his shirt string. With his eyes half opened, he simply said "I know." I yelled again to try to wake him up this time asking "Brendan, why are you chewing on your shirt string?" this time he took it out of his mouth, looked at it, and said "I'm hungry." Then placed it back in his mouth. I'm sorry but I couldn't help but laugh.
One last time "Brendan" Ah - I got him awake. I told about the shirt string and at first he didn't believe me until he felt the shirt string and it was wet. We laughed for days. I told if I ever threw him out of the house I would throw him out with the shirt on his back and an extra one so he wouldn't go hungry!
This night Brendan would talk twice, however, I could not get him to talk clearly. Then all of a sudden I noticed he was chewing on the string to his sweatshirt. I have to admit for a little bit I laughed, then I tried to wake him up. "Brendan, you're chewing on your shirt string. Brendan!" Finally half awake I told him again he was chewing on his shirt string. With his eyes half opened, he simply said "I know." I yelled again to try to wake him up this time asking "Brendan, why are you chewing on your shirt string?" this time he took it out of his mouth, looked at it, and said "I'm hungry." Then placed it back in his mouth. I'm sorry but I couldn't help but laugh.
One last time "Brendan" Ah - I got him awake. I told about the shirt string and at first he didn't believe me until he felt the shirt string and it was wet. We laughed for days. I told if I ever threw him out of the house I would throw him out with the shirt on his back and an extra one so he wouldn't go hungry!
Horseshoe To The Head
When Christopher was about six we went to Grandpa's company picnic. We were watching Grandpa in a horseshoe tournament. After it was over everybody started walking away. Christopher was running up to me to ask if he could join another competition. He walked across one of the horseshoe pits. Just as he stepped on it one of the adults picked up a horseshoe and threw it down the lane hitting Christopher in the head. He fell and was out for a minute or so. Of course we took him to the hospital as the skin was broken and being knocked out.
Christopher seemed fine at the hospital as the Dr asked him questions. He had to have a little bit of his head shaved and two stitches. He also had a slight concussion and the Dr suggested we wake him up every hour or two and ask him some questions. Christopher thought it was pretty neat being in the hospital but I think his favorite part was being woken up during the night and asked his name and other questions.
The adult that threw the horseshoe just felt terrible. He apologized to Grandpa and sent a little toy for Christopher to say sorry. We knew it was an accident. The horseshoes should have been picked up after the tournament. That's how we learn.
Christopher seemed fine at the hospital as the Dr asked him questions. He had to have a little bit of his head shaved and two stitches. He also had a slight concussion and the Dr suggested we wake him up every hour or two and ask him some questions. Christopher thought it was pretty neat being in the hospital but I think his favorite part was being woken up during the night and asked his name and other questions.
The adult that threw the horseshoe just felt terrible. He apologized to Grandpa and sent a little toy for Christopher to say sorry. We knew it was an accident. The horseshoes should have been picked up after the tournament. That's how we learn.
Yellow Jackets Everywhere
Shortly after we moved here the boys noticed a small creek across the road. They would go down there to play. One day Christopher came running in the house screaming "Brendan got stung, Brendan needs help."
I ran outside to find Brendan running up the driveway waving his arms. As I got close to him I saw there were yellow jackets flying all around him. I wasn't sure what to do. I took off his shirt and started waving it at the yellow jackets. Then picked him up to help him run faster to the house.
As we got to the porch most of them were gone. I asked Christopher to run a bath as I took off the rest of Brendan's clothes and shoes to make sure they were all off him.
I gave him a bath with a little bit of bleach in it and wrapped some oatmeal in a napkin to rub on his skin. It seemed to help but the poor little guy had nightmares. The neighbor came to ask about Brendan and told us he posted a No Trespassing because he didn't want anyone to get hurt. They boys were dissappointed but just followed the creek down the road. However, they were more careful where they stepped.
I ran outside to find Brendan running up the driveway waving his arms. As I got close to him I saw there were yellow jackets flying all around him. I wasn't sure what to do. I took off his shirt and started waving it at the yellow jackets. Then picked him up to help him run faster to the house.
As we got to the porch most of them were gone. I asked Christopher to run a bath as I took off the rest of Brendan's clothes and shoes to make sure they were all off him.
I gave him a bath with a little bit of bleach in it and wrapped some oatmeal in a napkin to rub on his skin. It seemed to help but the poor little guy had nightmares. The neighbor came to ask about Brendan and told us he posted a No Trespassing because he didn't want anyone to get hurt. They boys were dissappointed but just followed the creek down the road. However, they were more careful where they stepped.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Leave A Carrot Out?
Early in 1993, Christopher made a comment close to Easter time. "Mommy, I still believe in Santa Claus do you expect me to believe in the Easter Bunny too?" Well, at nine I thought maybe were getting to that point and prepared to give him the speech about playing along for Brendan as he was only one. I had become fascinated with making my own chocolate candy. Now with Easter coming I decided to make my own candy for the baskets.
I bought pastel colored chocolate in addition to molds of bunnies, baskets, eggs, carrots, and a separate one for a big hollow bunny. While Christopher was at school and Brendan was napping I made enough candy for baskets for Christopher and Brendan, my niece, and a big basket for the house. I was finally finished. The chocolate stored tucked away in the refrigerator.
I put the boys down to bed and was going to wait a bit then start putting the baskets together. About fifteen minutes later Christopher came to me and said "Mommy do you think we should leave a carrot out for the Easter Bunny?" I said "what??" "well, just in case he does come should we leave a carrot out for him?" So needless to say we left a carrot and a glass of water on the kitchen table for the Easter Bunny.
Now I wait until Christopher is sound asleep and run down to Albertson's to buy wrapped Easter Candy. The only thing they had left were jelly beans that were in a little plastic crayola crayons packages. I had to buy a case to amount to anything. I bought regular bite size candies from the candy aisle and used my big hollow bunnies.
Grandpa was in the hospital that year so we got plastic cups to make baskets and took the chocolates I made to the hospital. My dads friend dressed up as the Easter Bunny to hand out the candy.
I bought pastel colored chocolate in addition to molds of bunnies, baskets, eggs, carrots, and a separate one for a big hollow bunny. While Christopher was at school and Brendan was napping I made enough candy for baskets for Christopher and Brendan, my niece, and a big basket for the house. I was finally finished. The chocolate stored tucked away in the refrigerator.
I put the boys down to bed and was going to wait a bit then start putting the baskets together. About fifteen minutes later Christopher came to me and said "Mommy do you think we should leave a carrot out for the Easter Bunny?" I said "what??" "well, just in case he does come should we leave a carrot out for him?" So needless to say we left a carrot and a glass of water on the kitchen table for the Easter Bunny.
Now I wait until Christopher is sound asleep and run down to Albertson's to buy wrapped Easter Candy. The only thing they had left were jelly beans that were in a little plastic crayola crayons packages. I had to buy a case to amount to anything. I bought regular bite size candies from the candy aisle and used my big hollow bunnies.
Grandpa was in the hospital that year so we got plastic cups to make baskets and took the chocolates I made to the hospital. My dads friend dressed up as the Easter Bunny to hand out the candy.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Grandpa Is Santa's Helper
My dad played Santa Claus for the Realtor's Care and Share Program. (He also played the Easter Bunny, as he was the perfect size and loved children) If you brought a canned good you could get your picture taken with Santa Claus.
Grandpa loved playing Santa Claus. I remember growing up he would be watching tv and during the commercials he would change the channel to avoid them. Now, all of a sudden he was changing channels but all he was watching was commercials. I asked him what he was doing and he replied "I have six weeks til Christmas. Last year one of the children asked for a toy and I didn't know what they were talking about. That will not happen this year". That brought a tear to my eye, I was so proud of him.
One year a friend had a sick child who was bedriden. The friend asked if Santa could visit her child at home. Of course Grandpa didn't think twice and made plans to visit her. The lady offered him money but he refused to take it. He said "Seeing the joy in that child's face was payment enough" The lady said she would make a donation to the charity she was so happy her little girl got to see Santa.
That started it. People would call for Santa to visit their children at home. So for three weeks before Christmas you could arrange to have Santa visit you at home. He never did take any payments and if payments were offered to the charity he always said they needed to be made anonymously because he didn't want money to be a factor. He also refused to visit anyone's house on Christmas Eve as "That is Santa's busiest day of the year"
Grandpa loved playing Santa Claus. I remember growing up he would be watching tv and during the commercials he would change the channel to avoid them. Now, all of a sudden he was changing channels but all he was watching was commercials. I asked him what he was doing and he replied "I have six weeks til Christmas. Last year one of the children asked for a toy and I didn't know what they were talking about. That will not happen this year". That brought a tear to my eye, I was so proud of him.
One year a friend had a sick child who was bedriden. The friend asked if Santa could visit her child at home. Of course Grandpa didn't think twice and made plans to visit her. The lady offered him money but he refused to take it. He said "Seeing the joy in that child's face was payment enough" The lady said she would make a donation to the charity she was so happy her little girl got to see Santa.
That started it. People would call for Santa to visit their children at home. So for three weeks before Christmas you could arrange to have Santa visit you at home. He never did take any payments and if payments were offered to the charity he always said they needed to be made anonymously because he didn't want money to be a factor. He also refused to visit anyone's house on Christmas Eve as "That is Santa's busiest day of the year"
I Already Fed You
Another thing I would tease Christopher about was when he would tell me he was hungry. He would come to me and say "mommy I'm hungry" I would ask him "didn't I just feed you!" He'd just say "no" Then we would go back and forth. "Ok, but I fed you yesterday didn't I" sometimes he'd say "no, you forgot." I replied "Ok, but I know one day last week I fed you" Poor Christopher going along with me always said "no, you didn't mommy" "well then, lets get something to eat.
I don't know how many times we went through this. And if Christopher wanted to play and I forgot he would lead and "mommy you forgot to feed me yesterday too". That's my boy!
Again, I tried this with Brendan and he wanted no part of it. When he came and said he was hungry if I replied didn't I already feed you, he knew what was coming and just went straight to "No, and you didn't feed me last week either. Oops - get the boy some food!
I don't know how many times we went through this. And if Christopher wanted to play and I forgot he would lead and "mommy you forgot to feed me yesterday too". That's my boy!
Again, I tried this with Brendan and he wanted no part of it. When he came and said he was hungry if I replied didn't I already feed you, he knew what was coming and just went straight to "No, and you didn't feed me last week either. Oops - get the boy some food!
'I'm Gonna Beat You Up'
It seems like everybody has special signals with their children. When Christopher was a toddler he would be playing and I would sneak up to him and say "I'm gonna get you, I'm gonna 'beat you up'." Christopher would laugh and run wanting me to chase him. Of course he knew that I meant I was going to tickle him.
Sometimes when he wanted to be tickled he would jump into my lap and say 'beat me up' mommy. As he got older and other people heard I would have to explain what it meant. That's when I told Chistopher "Maybe you should only ask me to 'beat you up' at home".
When I tried to trick Brendan this way he learned fast that tickling would make time have to pee. So when I told Brendan "I'm gonna beat you up" He seemed like he'd get upset and shout "No, its gonna make me pee in my pants". I tried and tried but he did not want to be tickled. Oh well.
Sometimes when he wanted to be tickled he would jump into my lap and say 'beat me up' mommy. As he got older and other people heard I would have to explain what it meant. That's when I told Chistopher "Maybe you should only ask me to 'beat you up' at home".
When I tried to trick Brendan this way he learned fast that tickling would make time have to pee. So when I told Brendan "I'm gonna beat you up" He seemed like he'd get upset and shout "No, its gonna make me pee in my pants". I tried and tried but he did not want to be tickled. Oh well.
Our Special Room
Once in a while when Christopher was an infant he would start crying. I would have no idea way. He already ate, had a clean diaper, no pins sticking him, (yes, I had a good friend give me cloth diaper service for a year. What a blessing!)
Then Grandpa came home. Here's comes the third degree lol. Did he eat? Is his diaper dirty? Is something pinching him? No Grandpa I checked all those things and more, no fever either. Grandpa would take him in his arms and go into the livingroom.
There he would walk Christopher around and around the coffee table whispering to him. "You know what this is? This is our special room. This is where we can tell each other secrets that will just be kept in this room. If something is making you cry this is where you can tell me" Christopher always stopped crying. Sometimes I think he would cry just to have the special time with Grandpa.
Then Grandpa came home. Here's comes the third degree lol. Did he eat? Is his diaper dirty? Is something pinching him? No Grandpa I checked all those things and more, no fever either. Grandpa would take him in his arms and go into the livingroom.
There he would walk Christopher around and around the coffee table whispering to him. "You know what this is? This is our special room. This is where we can tell each other secrets that will just be kept in this room. If something is making you cry this is where you can tell me" Christopher always stopped crying. Sometimes I think he would cry just to have the special time with Grandpa.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
My Tooth!
When Brendan was around eight we were down at the cafe having dinner and a friend of ours came in. He and Brendan would always play fight.
Brendan had a loose tooth that would just not come out. When they were fighting Brendan leaned closer and his mouth hit the friends fist. He turned to me and said "my tooth came out." Our poor friend felt really bad. All the rest of us were laughing. I tried to explain to him that Brendan's tooth had been loose for a while.
He said he understood but you could tell he still felt kind of bad. I just saw this friend the other day after several years and we talked about this. He told me he felt bad for days. I told him we tried to tell him how much that tooth was bugging Brendan. Finally we laughed about it.
Brendan had a loose tooth that would just not come out. When they were fighting Brendan leaned closer and his mouth hit the friends fist. He turned to me and said "my tooth came out." Our poor friend felt really bad. All the rest of us were laughing. I tried to explain to him that Brendan's tooth had been loose for a while.
He said he understood but you could tell he still felt kind of bad. I just saw this friend the other day after several years and we talked about this. He told me he felt bad for days. I told him we tried to tell him how much that tooth was bugging Brendan. Finally we laughed about it.
A Gift With Animals
Brendan has always been a friend to animals. In CA Betty and Andy had a mean cat. This cat scratched pretty all the children that came around including Christopher. But for some reason never was mean to Brendan. When the cat ran by Brendan would reach out and grab him by the tail and nothing. The cat would wait to be released and walk away.
Brendan used to lay on the floor patting it with his hand saying "here BJ come BJ" and the cat would walk over to him and lay down. Everybody was in shock. If BJ did have enough he would gently waive his paw at Brendan with no claws. It was amazing.
When Brendan started school we'd stop at Betty and Andy's on the way to the bus. BJ was always sitting on the top step waiting for him. Betty told me even after we moved to AR he still went outside and waited on the top step for Brendan around the time the bus came.
Brendan used to lay on the floor patting it with his hand saying "here BJ come BJ" and the cat would walk over to him and lay down. Everybody was in shock. If BJ did have enough he would gently waive his paw at Brendan with no claws. It was amazing.
When Brendan started school we'd stop at Betty and Andy's on the way to the bus. BJ was always sitting on the top step waiting for him. Betty told me even after we moved to AR he still went outside and waited on the top step for Brendan around the time the bus came.
A Chance Meeting
One night after work a few of us went for drinks by the beach. Of course only having a few I drove home. There was no surprise when I noticed there was something wrong with the car. I pulled off the freeway to look for a phone. I never saw anything look so dead. There was nothing and everything was pitch black. I locked my doors and when a car did come by I ducked down thinking what to do.
Another car came by and by the lights I could tell he stopped behind me. Shaking like a leaf I hear a knock on my window and a flashlight shining in the car. I roll down the window to find a policeman looking at me. He asked what the trouble was. All I could think of was to cry. So through my tears I tried to tell him how I got there.
He asked if I had someone to call. Sure, I could call me dad, he's about 20 mins away. So he took me to a phone and I called me dad. When we got back to the car he told me he didn't feel comfortable leaving me there alone and said I could drive around with him til my dad came. I did and we talked. Of course after a few drinks I had no problem talking (not that I ever do)!
Shortly after we got back to the car my dad arrived. He told me he would keep an eye on the car and if I gave him my phone number he would call me if something happened. I gave him my number and thanked him.
Monday morning I had the car towed to a mechanic. Yes, he called. Wanted to make sure it was me who had the car towed. We talked for a bit more and he said "well since your car is in the shop you will need a ride to work, I'll take you if you'd like" I agreed and gave time my address. Now he had to come 15 mins north to take me 30 mins south but he did - for a whole week. That's when our relationship began.
Another car came by and by the lights I could tell he stopped behind me. Shaking like a leaf I hear a knock on my window and a flashlight shining in the car. I roll down the window to find a policeman looking at me. He asked what the trouble was. All I could think of was to cry. So through my tears I tried to tell him how I got there.
He asked if I had someone to call. Sure, I could call me dad, he's about 20 mins away. So he took me to a phone and I called me dad. When we got back to the car he told me he didn't feel comfortable leaving me there alone and said I could drive around with him til my dad came. I did and we talked. Of course after a few drinks I had no problem talking (not that I ever do)!
Shortly after we got back to the car my dad arrived. He told me he would keep an eye on the car and if I gave him my phone number he would call me if something happened. I gave him my number and thanked him.
Monday morning I had the car towed to a mechanic. Yes, he called. Wanted to make sure it was me who had the car towed. We talked for a bit more and he said "well since your car is in the shop you will need a ride to work, I'll take you if you'd like" I agreed and gave time my address. Now he had to come 15 mins north to take me 30 mins south but he did - for a whole week. That's when our relationship began.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Grandpa Has An Answer
Grandpa always liked making up answers for questions that children usually asked. Here are a few:
He had a mole on his forehead right above his eyes. Children used to touch it and ask what it was. Grandpa replied "Well, you see I am a direct descendant of the Unicorn"
Whenever Grandpa knew something and a child asked "How did you know that? Grandpa would reply "I paid attention when I went to school"
Christopher was once singing kindergarten songs and Grandpa started singing with him. When Christopher asked him how he knew them Grandpa said "I paid attention when I went to school." "Oh yeah then sing the one about the Five Little Cookies" Grandpa didn't bat an eye when he told him "You see Christopher when Grandpa went to school we didn't have cookies so we couldn't sing about them." Of course Christopher felt sorry for him and taught it to him.
He had a mole on his forehead right above his eyes. Children used to touch it and ask what it was. Grandpa replied "Well, you see I am a direct descendant of the Unicorn"
Whenever Grandpa knew something and a child asked "How did you know that? Grandpa would reply "I paid attention when I went to school"
Christopher was once singing kindergarten songs and Grandpa started singing with him. When Christopher asked him how he knew them Grandpa said "I paid attention when I went to school." "Oh yeah then sing the one about the Five Little Cookies" Grandpa didn't bat an eye when he told him "You see Christopher when Grandpa went to school we didn't have cookies so we couldn't sing about them." Of course Christopher felt sorry for him and taught it to him.
Strike Gets a Belly Roll
Grandpa was asked to join a bowling team. I loved going to watch him. Grandpa started this ritual that whenever he got a strike he would take his belly and shake it up and down. Everyone would laugh, however, we always knew they were laughing with him and not at him. Sometimes when we were out and about someone would say to him "oh you're the man from the bowling alley that shakes his belly" Grandpa's reply was always "Yes, so you were there when I got that strike!" It was kind of cool that so many people knew and talked about him.
Grandpa Plays Baseball
Christopher joined a baseball team when he was nine. When I was working Grandpa would take him to practice. Unfortunately the little ones did not stop many balls in the outfield. Grandpa decided he would go out to the field and back up the outfielders. He ended up being the outfield. No matter where the ball was hit Grandpa ended up catching it and throwing it in. Everyone appreciated him being on the field. As far as Christopher was concerned if Grandpa was needed he was there.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Grandma Betty and Grandpa Andy
I met Betty and Andy when we moved to Corona in 1989. My significant other and I were living in a motorhome to save money for a house. After he went to work and I got Christopher on the bus for school, I would go the the General Store for coffee. That's where I met Betty. Two of the girls were wanting to take vacation and Betty asked if I would like to work in the store to help cover for them. Sure I would! That's when our friendship began, although it was more like mother and daughter. Once Betty found out I was pregnant with Brendan she automatically referred to them as Grandma and Grandpa. (My parents lived two hours away) Brendan would only know them as Grandma and Grandpa but to Christopher they were still Betty and Andy. It was after my parents passed away that Christopher asked why we started calling them Grandma and Grandpa. I just said since you're real grandparents are gone isn't it nice to have them? From then on he never called them Betty and Andy. Our friendship continued even after our move to Arkansas. We called each other several times a month and they even drove here to visit us in 2000. It was as I never left and was down the street. Andy passed away 04/04/2003. It was really hard on Betty. I felt terrible there was no way I could go to comfort her. We continued calling and sending pictures until just recently Betty passed away unexpectedly on 03/23/2010. I am still having a hard time dealing with that. Rest in Peace Grandma Betty and Grandpa Andy, we'll love you always!!!! xoxo
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Paid to Volunteer
The park where we lived had an Oktoberfest every year. Grandma Betty was in charge and Grandpa Andy always worked in the drink booth. Christopher was 10 and asked if he could help Grandpa in the booth. Grandpa said "Ok but you're going to have to pay me Two Reese's and a Hershey Bar." As a joke I bought the candy for Christopher to give to Grandpa. Of course everybody laughed. Grandpa made sure Christopher stayed on the soda side and didn't go on the beer side. More than halfway through the day the park manager went to Grandpa and told him Christopher couldn't be back there. Andy advised her he was not on the beer side, he was just giving out sodas. She said it didn't matter. Grandpa told her he was the only one that PAID to volunteer and has stayed there all day and he wasn't going to tell him to leave. After she inquired what he meant Grandpa told her about the candy bars. She laughed and said "Well then, I guess he can stay." They had a great time.
No Less Than $1.07
A friend leased the restaurant at the lodge where we lived. She couldn't really afford much help so I played waitress for tips and she gave the boys a meal. We agreed to the nightly special but she loved the boys and whatever they wanted she gave them. Of course Christopher being older would play with his friends and come down at dinner time. Brendan was 5 and stayed with me. He always was willing to help. My friend offered to give him $1.00 when he helped put out the ashtrays, or lay out the silverware, just easy things. Then comes the first trip the the dollar store. Mommy can I get this? Finally he found something for $.99 Sure your dollar will cover it. We get to the register and he gives the girl the toy. She says $1.07! OMG!! How could I forget the tax. She's trying to explain taxes to Brendan on non-food items. All he keeps telling her is it says $.99! I motion to her that I will put the $.08 on my bill. She takes his $1 and gives him a penny. When we got to the car Brendan looks at me and asks "how much did you have to give her?" I couldn't believe he knew I was lying. Try and explain taxes to a 5 year old. The next time we went to the restaurant and he was offered $1.00 to help Brendan replied "I don't work for less than $1.07" That's my boy!!
Brother or Sitter
With Christopher being eight years older than Brendan sometimes it was hard to decide when watching him stopped and being a brother started. The boys were 8 and 16 when we went to the lake with friends. The water was calm in one area and like small rapids a little down the way. I had no intention of going in the water. Christopher said he would watch Brendan. About an hour later, Christopher comes and tells me when the other children want to be in the calm end Brendan wants to be in the other end and vice versa. I told Christopher I would change and go in the water with Brendan and asked him to give me five minutes. Off I went to change. When I got to the water most of the children were in the rapid end. I got in the calm end with Christopher and Brendan. We played for a bit and I asked Christopher "I thought you wanted to go to the rapid end." Then came the questions: "Well what are you going to do if Brendan goes under or starts floating downstream?" I assured Christopher that I could handle it as I was a good swimmer, on the swim team in high school, and the lake really wasn't too deep. He just stayed. I tried to explain it was ok. Then finally I asked Brendan if he wanted to go to the rapid end. I made sure with Christopher he wouldn't mind both of us going with him. And the three of us stayed in the rapid end the rest of the afternoon. It was a very pleasant day.
Yard Sale Table
Brendan was always looking for a way to make money. Even before kindergarten. He would ask me if he could sell some of his old toys. I'd ask to see them and say yay or nay. He would always manage to come home with a couple of coins. One day while sitting in the yard he decided to take scrap wood and build his own table. A friend came by and visited a while before he asked for a drink. He asked Brendan if he could go in the house and get him a beer. Brendan did and put it on his table. When the friend took the beer Brendan told him that will be a dollar. The friend said "It's your mom's beer she said I could have it?" Brendan politely informed him "It's on my yardsale table." He got the dollar. He has a good business sense at 5 at least!
Excited About Brother
Christopher was so excited when Brendan was born. He was always begging me to hold him. And believe it or not he was also asking to help bathe him and change his diaper. He was excited about having a new baby and was especially happy it was a brother. The first time I let Christopher change Brendan's diaper, well, you know what happens when you take too long with boys. I was prepared with a towel. After Christopher realized he didn't break him, we both laughed. He still changed him, however, he learned to keep a towel near by and work quicker. I also that they had such a special bond.
Grandpa Takes Maternity Leave
When Christopher was born, he was the first grandchild. Grandpa being a realtor was able to work at home and switch floor time. He was home all the time. If you were sleeping, he would lean over your crib and whisper "Wake up little Christopher - Grandpa wants to play." Grandpa was a big man at 6'2" and 250lbs but as soon as he heard you he ran like there was a fire into your room so he could pick you up. I went back to work when you were eight weeks old. I can't tell you how many I would get to the babysitters house and she'd tell me "Oh your dad picked him up around 1." Sometimes it was as early as 10:00 after the MLS meeting. I remember asking him one time "How does your boss feel about you taking maternity leave?" Grandpa just didn't want to miss anything. Sometimes he would take you to the office with him. I think if he could have he would have taken you everywhere.
Brendan Escapes
Brendan was about 4 and loved being outside. We could be coloring at the table I'd go to the bathroom. Come back he'd be outside. The boys were watching tv when Christopher comes and tells me Brendan was going to ask me for something to drink and has been gone a long time. Yep he got out. I would always check the pool first. My brother had a BIG dog and I always told Brendan the dog could accidental knock him in the pool. Luckily if he did have time to get to the neighbors he parked his big wheel out front. He would climb up on something to reach the lock and get to the backyard. (The doors in the house were childproof). So I put a padlock on the gate. One day I noticed he was in the backyard. I yelled out the window "get in this house right now!" Brendan started climbing up towards the window. I screamed "Get down from there and come in this house" as I went to the back door. When he came inside I wouldn't let him talk as I finished my hissy fit. Finally giving Brendan a chance he told me "I was just coming in the way I got out." Let me explain what he did. He got a sharp knife out of the drawer and placed it in the sink. Then climbed up the lower cabinets to the sink. Once standing in the sink he took the knife and cut the window screen along the bottom and one side to get out. I couldn't believe the screen didn't look damaged until you pushed on it. I should have known then I was in trouble.
"You said One Thing Mommy"
I had received a bonus at work and wanted to buy Christopher a special toy, no matter what the price. He was about 4. I took him to a toy store and before we started I knelt down and said "This is what we're going to do. We'll walk all around then decide on one big toy" He replied "OK one thing Mommy." We went up and down every aisle, some twice. I don't remember how long it took but when we got back to the door I again knelt down and asked Christopher what he wanted. With his finger in his mouth he told me "I don't know." I mentioned somethings I thought he would like and he said no. I remembered he liked the Little People (kind of like weebles) so I asked about them and his eyes lit up. We went to that aisle and they had sets, (ie backyard set, farm set, school). I pulled one off the shelf and said this is like Grandma's backyard with the pool, beach chairs, etc. He took that one out of my hand and he said he wanted it. I said look there's other sets too what about them? Clutching the backyard set to his chest he reminded me "You said one thing mommy." They were like $7. "I know Christopher we get both." "No, one thing mommy." I had a feeling this had a lot to do with the fact that when we went shopping I would let him get one thing. I had ladies looking at me telling me they couldn't believe what they were hearing. lol I had to sneak the other sets and a people on a motorcycle up to the clerk and give them to Christopher at different times.
"The Word"
First, I should try to explain that while we lived in NY we never used swear words. Then we moved to CA. I often blamed CA for the bad language but I actually think it was just us being older. I turned 18 shortly after moving. My sister and brother being 17 and 16. Along with hearing outside selective words, my dad would swear at the traffic. Eventually it always comes home.
I can't remember how old Christopher was (maybe 2 or 3) but he was too old to sit on the table. Grandpa reached down and sat him in the middle of the kitchen table. Grandma jokingly tapped his knee and said "What are you doing on my table?" We always did say mom had a piercing voice. Well, Christopher kind of jumped looked at me, looked at Grandpa then at Grandma and said "Fuf Fu" Now most households would be infuriated but not here, Grandpa just looked at me and said "Maybe we should watch our language when we're talking to your mother in front of the baby." Everybody laughed.
Years later we were in the den teasing Brendan with his hat. Grandpa and I were playing keep the hat from Brendan. Grandpa was sick (cancer) at the time so he if he couldn't reach the hat Brendan would put it on the coffee table for him. If he didn't reach Grandma would push the hat off the table and "get that hat off my table" (jokingly of course with her piercing voice). I guess Brendan was tired of playing b/c he looked at Grandma and said ~yep, you got it~ "Fuf fu". I think Grandpa clapped. Grandma left the room this time and Grandpa and I laughed.
I can't remember how old Christopher was (maybe 2 or 3) but he was too old to sit on the table. Grandpa reached down and sat him in the middle of the kitchen table. Grandma jokingly tapped his knee and said "What are you doing on my table?" We always did say mom had a piercing voice. Well, Christopher kind of jumped looked at me, looked at Grandpa then at Grandma and said "Fuf Fu" Now most households would be infuriated but not here, Grandpa just looked at me and said "Maybe we should watch our language when we're talking to your mother in front of the baby." Everybody laughed.
Years later we were in the den teasing Brendan with his hat. Grandpa and I were playing keep the hat from Brendan. Grandpa was sick (cancer) at the time so he if he couldn't reach the hat Brendan would put it on the coffee table for him. If he didn't reach Grandma would push the hat off the table and "get that hat off my table" (jokingly of course with her piercing voice). I guess Brendan was tired of playing b/c he looked at Grandma and said ~yep, you got it~ "Fuf fu". I think Grandpa clapped. Grandma left the room this time and Grandpa and I laughed.
Brendan's Arrival
Brendan was born 10/26/91 at 1:39am. We were in Corona at the time you were born. Unfortunately we were two hours away from Grandma and Grandpa. Telling them over the phone that I was pregnant just didn't seem right. I did not gain any weight, which was different from my first where I had lost weight.
As a matter of fact we went home late September for my niece's birthday and nobody realized I was pregnant. To my amazement there was a 5yr old girl that asked me when I was going to have my baby. I just shrugged her off and walked away. Later my sister told me that girl said something to her mother and inquired. She just said no my sisters not pregnant.
Here come the contractions. I sent Christopher to Betty and Andy's and I called Grandma and Grandpa at 12:46am and told them not only was I pregnant but in labor. My mom asked if I wanted them to come and I told her there was no way of knowing how long labor would be. Shortly after you were born I called the Grandparents and they came to meet you. They were so happy to meet you. Again, Grandpa would hold his grandson and walk around the room talking to you. Then, he quietly said we'll have to see how long it takes you to say "The Word" lol (that's another post in itself)
As a matter of fact we went home late September for my niece's birthday and nobody realized I was pregnant. To my amazement there was a 5yr old girl that asked me when I was going to have my baby. I just shrugged her off and walked away. Later my sister told me that girl said something to her mother and inquired. She just said no my sisters not pregnant.
Here come the contractions. I sent Christopher to Betty and Andy's and I called Grandma and Grandpa at 12:46am and told them not only was I pregnant but in labor. My mom asked if I wanted them to come and I told her there was no way of knowing how long labor would be. Shortly after you were born I called the Grandparents and they came to meet you. They were so happy to meet you. Again, Grandpa would hold his grandson and walk around the room talking to you. Then, he quietly said we'll have to see how long it takes you to say "The Word" lol (that's another post in itself)
Christopher's Arrival
Christopher was born 12/16/83 at 3:04 am. He was not due for another month. I was living with my mom and dad at the time. My mom and I went to do a little Christmas shopping then pick up something to eat to bring home. While in the store my water broke. Of course Grandma got nervous and wanted to leave. I told her no, I was going to the car just pay for your things and meet me out there. Then I drove to the restaurant. Mom wanted to go straight home. I said no we told dad we'd bring something home to eat. Then went home.
We did go to the hospital early in the morning when my contractions started. You came shortly after arriving. (I hate to rub it in my my contractions started at 2:16am and you arrived at 3:04am) Grandma and Grandpa couldn't wait to meet their first grandchild. Both held you with such joy. Grandpa held you and walked in circles around the room talking to you. A special bond would be formed between the two of you.
We did go to the hospital early in the morning when my contractions started. You came shortly after arriving. (I hate to rub it in my my contractions started at 2:16am and you arrived at 3:04am) Grandma and Grandpa couldn't wait to meet their first grandchild. Both held you with such joy. Grandpa held you and walked in circles around the room talking to you. A special bond would be formed between the two of you.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Children ~ Not me!
When I was younger I thought I had it made. I could go anywhere and do anything. I would think nothing of packing a small bag and leaving for a few days. Looking back now I guess that wasn't the smartest b/c people never really missed me. They would just say "MeG's on one of her mini vacations, she'll be back." Luckily for me, I always was.
Sure I had friends with children, but they annoyed me to say the least. Yet they always seemed attracted to me. I was staying with a friend whose grandson came over. He was nagging me to play. One day I told him ok if you run around the block I'll play with you. Grandma caught him going out the door and he told her. She put her loving arm around him and just said "I don't think MeG wants to play today. (We lived backed up against a golf course) No, I wouldn't have let him leave! Another friend's son at the bowling alley had some older boys steal his quarters in the gameroom. Yes, he came crying to me. I helped him out.
Then I got pregnant. Little did I know my life was going to change forever!! I could not wait for them to hand me my sons. I could not believe you could love somebody so much. I would do anything for either of my boys. My heart breaks when either of them are hurting a thousand times then whenever I was hurt. And when something good happens I just want to shout it to the world. You can't even stay mad at them. Five minutes later it's like nothing happened. My younger boy once asked "How can you yell at me one minute and worry the next." I answered him by saying "You're my son and I'll always worry about you. Besides you're a part of me and I would never stay mad at myself!" He just gave me a hug. That hug was the reason!
Sure I had friends with children, but they annoyed me to say the least. Yet they always seemed attracted to me. I was staying with a friend whose grandson came over. He was nagging me to play. One day I told him ok if you run around the block I'll play with you. Grandma caught him going out the door and he told her. She put her loving arm around him and just said "I don't think MeG wants to play today. (We lived backed up against a golf course) No, I wouldn't have let him leave! Another friend's son at the bowling alley had some older boys steal his quarters in the gameroom. Yes, he came crying to me. I helped him out.
Then I got pregnant. Little did I know my life was going to change forever!! I could not wait for them to hand me my sons. I could not believe you could love somebody so much. I would do anything for either of my boys. My heart breaks when either of them are hurting a thousand times then whenever I was hurt. And when something good happens I just want to shout it to the world. You can't even stay mad at them. Five minutes later it's like nothing happened. My younger boy once asked "How can you yell at me one minute and worry the next." I answered him by saying "You're my son and I'll always worry about you. Besides you're a part of me and I would never stay mad at myself!" He just gave me a hug. That hug was the reason!
Hello and welcome to my blog!
Hello, I am a single mother of two wonderful sons. I have lived in New York, California, and now in Arkansas. My sons are eight years apart in age. Although they were born in CA we moved to AR when they were 5 and 13. After losing my parents several years ago (both at 60) I realized there are many things I don't remember. Due to recent health issues I have created this blog to hopefully capture some of the past for my sons. Unfortunately there is no way to recall these memories in order as I will be blogging them as they are remembered. Feel free to read and comment on my posts however I hope you enjoy the ride. I enjoyed it the first time!
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