May 23

Schools out Yah Yah Yah (can't you just hear the sarcastic ring). Who cares if schools is out if it's raining cat's and dogs. Bri went to an after school party. They were playing with water ballons when the downpour hit them. Bri was freezing. She also told me that there is a tornado watch out. I doubt it will live long.

May 21

Nothing much happened today. The Brothers & Dad went to Shane Sanker Eagle Ceremony.

Saturday, April 20, 1996

We won the game! 21-10! The other team had all their players yet we (with only 6 players) won the game. Coach Simecka says I did very good today. I am so happy. I also brought drinks today. After the game we went to the yard sale at FBC. We bought a bike for me, a desk for Peter and a Radio for Dad, plus food. Really a fun day. Last night our troop went on a night hike at ELS. Very fun. got a shirt there - it was free.

Love,
Naomi

Wednesday, April 17, 1996

Only 6 player this Saturday!
Today at girl Scouts we decided on a song and game to teach the Brownies. We choose the Human Knot and a song I've never even heard of before. We also decided on what to do at the mother/daughter tea on May 11th. I was part of the menu committee. Also, even after that and going to the YMCA at Estes Park we still have $675.00 to blow. We have decided to get manicures and pitchures and give them to our moms. Still, that only takes $64, so we still have over $600. We have no idea what we want to do with it. Some of may be spent on Bridging costs. The Bridging ceremony may be at CSU! (the same place we will hold the mother/daughter tea) It is outside but if we like it we'll use it. One place we definitely won't hold it is at the Tavelli Gym. Ugh!

Love,
Naomi

Sunday, April 14, 1996

Dear Diary,
Today was the City in Harvest Sunday. 26 churches (I think that the right number, either that or 29) participated. Pastor Larry speaked as did Dary Northorp of First Assembly of God and Rick Olmstead of Vineyard (I think). At night church we talked about what had happened to us the past few weeks. Everybody was razzing Jack Hill because he fell down in the cantata.

Love,
Naomi

Saturday, April 13, 1996

Dear Diary,
We won! By one point. The 1st half we were way ahead of them. Then in the 2nd half they came back and were winning. But Kari sunk a 3-pointer and that clinched the game for us. It was an exciting game for sure Dad showed me a few things that I think will help with my next basketball game. Only 2 more left.

Love,
Naomi
Don't you just love my signature

Friday, April 12, 1996

Dear Diary,
Today I didn't do much. Just school and I started on a new puzzle. Tomorrow is a basketball game at 11:00! I don't know who it is against. I hope we win like we did last time. It was something like 17 to 31 our favor! I also have a night hike with me GS troop. Tell you all tomorrow.

Love,
Naomi

7/25/1993

Hello again, I know I haven't written since May 25, 1993. It is still 1993. Today was Sunday. We toke home two Chenaniah singers. Mom says that's all I can write.

by-by,
Naomi E. Ott

5/25/1993

I was not able to write yesterday because we got home we had to go straight to bed! Today I am packing for the move. Where am I moving, China? Almost it's Japan! No actually I moving to another house!

By-By
Naomi E. Ott

5/23/1993

Today was Sunday as you must know. I went to church this morning. Mom had siad that we might go tonight but then she said she didn't want here all the noise, still it was a nice day.

By-By
Naomi E. Ott

5/22/1993

Today I went down to my Grandparents . . . . and back! Am I tired! Westian had his birthday. Michael and Daddy started on a canoe trip. We have been tring to rent the house for a couple o days now. This is my new signature in a smaller form.

Naomi E. Ott

By-By,
Naomi E. Ott

5/21/1993

Today I went to Dad's ball game. He hit the ball to the outfield. Wowee!

By-By,
Naomi E. Ott

5/20/1993

Today I help deliver newspapers. I delivered 136 papers! Wowee! That's all.

By-By,
Naomi E. Ott

5/19/1993

Today I went to a day camp and to pioneers, that's all. Pretty exciting day. I don't have much to tell you so ....................

By-By,
Naomi E. Ott

5/17/1993

Here again am I. Okay I would like to tell you how Mom must feel. She has been running around all days to get all of us everywhere. So as you must imagine, she is stressed out! All I was go to Brownies. Oh and I went to B.I. Cleaning and let me tell you never ever listen to fox on the radio.

Alho,
Naomi E. Ott

5/16/1993

Still wrighting "right"! Pun here. What have you been doing? What did you say? Oh you want to know about me, eh? Well, what any christian person would do on Sunday, that's the day by the way, go to church and then go on doing what you would do any other day, that's all. Pretty exciting learning about Christ.

Have a nice week.
By-By,
Naomi E. Ott

5/15/1993

Hello, I know I haven't been keeping up but wrighting isn't my favorite thing. Today I and the rest of the family cleaned up their rooms. I got all of mine cleaned up and sweeped.

By-By
Naomi E. Ott

3/12/1993

Today we went down to Grandma and Grandpa's house. They have graduated from clown college. They already have two lined up maybe three. That was all.

Nice seeing you,
Naomi E Ott

3/11/1993

Today I went to my ice skating class. I've been moved to Basic 2 but I may move up to Basic 3! Wow! Next week is spring break and in that time just Sarah Jean is comming over for my birthday and is going to spend the night.

Goodbye,
Naomi E. Ott

3/10/1993

Today I went to Pioneers Club and we have started makeing baskets there with buckets and we are covering them with pieces of cloth. Mine is over halfway done. Thats all.

By-by,
Naomi E. Ott

3/9/1993

Sorry you haven't heard from me but it was a busy weekend. Today was another boring day 'cept Daddy came home and we were in bed at that time so . . .

Goodbye,
Naomi E. Ott

3/6/1993

Today was a boring day so I don't have much to say. I read practily all day. Dad left for Kansas City and won't be back till late Tuesday night. Tomorrow I think I will read a good chapter in Anne's House of Dreams.

By-by,
Naomi E Ott

3/5/1993

Dear "Diary,"
Today I cleaned the rest of my room. Boy was Mom glad and so am I. My birthday is week from the 8th or 9, I'm not sure. It'd on the 15th. I don't know when my friend is comming over. I think her whole family should come over on my birthday and Sarah Jean (that's my friend's name) should stay over night. That would be fun.

from
Naomi E. Ott

P.S. The brothers are snoops!

3/4/1993

Here I am back from Jan. 2. How do you like my cursive handwriting? Today I cleaned half of my once messy room! Now all I have to is cone strip and under my bed. I'm cleaning it cause my new friend is coming over. By the way, your probably wondering how I can clean my own room> Well, we moved and I now have my own room!

From
Naomi

1/2/1993

Today the brothers came home. Well forget about that.

1/1/1993

Today was New Years day. Last night I stayed up till midnigt to say happy new years and I wasent event tired! Today I almost killed Dad because he watched football during one of my favorite shows. I said "I'll never forget this day!" And I won't because later he said that I could watch a show 30 mn because there was 30 mn before the next football game was on. And the ice skating show was an hour long and 30 mn dad said I could watch the rest of the show.

Thanks dad!

September - December 1985

9/16/1985: Dentist Stephen 1:00
Doctor Naomi 8:30

10/4/1985: Today is a red letter day. Peter began to read! For the past couple of weeks we have been working on the sounds of b, d, f, g, a and on sliding ba, da, fa, and ga. Today I had him write B A D and asked him what it said. When he realized that he actually read a word he just lit up. After that we tried all kinds of combinations and he was able to read them all!
10/24/1985: Dentist 9:15 M&P
10/31/1985: 9:15 Dr. Boswell Linda

11/18/1985: Pam Davis 7:00

12/5/1985: Sandra Danielly

August 1985

8/1/1985: We did not get to DisneyWorld till this afternoon. The boys enjoyed themselves but they didn’t much care for waiting in line. They got really upset when it began to rain and Dumbo was shut down just as we were getting to the front of the line. We did get to ride it later which made them happy. We were still there at 10:00 so we got to see the fireworks.
8/2/1985: Another day at DisneyWorld. The magic just doesn’t seem to be there as it is in DisneyLand. We have not seen a single character walking around and the boys are beginning to wonder where Mickey Mouse is.
8/3/1985: The first thing we did today was ride the gondolas. The boys had pestered us both yesterday and Thursday so we went right to it this morning. Later we went to the Grand Prix race cars and the boys loved it.
Naomi has been a real angel this whole time.
Tomorrow we will go to church and rest.
8/4/1985: We went to Mom & Dad’s church today. I have never seen a church so big. Even People’s Church in Fresno doesn’t compare. They have over 2000 people just for Sunday School! The pastor was on vacation so they had a musical program which wasn’t all that impressive.
8/5/1985: Today we went to Epcot. The boys were not very good. I think they are beginning to tire. Plus there aren’t s many rides at Epcot. There is a lot more wandering around and looking at displays.
8/6/1985: We went to Silver Springs today and rode the Glass Bottomed Boats. The boys were absolute terrors. In fact we had to leave without seeing everything because they were throwing such tantrums. We were going to Sea World tomorrow but that is out now.
8/7/1985: Today has been a rest day. The boys really needed it. They spent a large part of the day in the pool and had a ball. We bought the water wings and Michael is paddling all over the pool. Peter is still afraid to stray from the side though.
8/8/1985: The boys spent the day in the pool again. Peter made a real breakthrough and discovered he didn’t have to sty right by the ledge. He is now paddling all over the pool too.
8/9/1985: Naomi did not sleep well last night so of course I didn’t either. Consequently we didn’t leave until 9:00. Still we were home by 5:00. Apart from blinding rain on Florida’s Turnpike, the drive was uneventful. We are glad to be home.
8/11/1985: Today is Stephen’s birthday. We were very low key. I hadn’t baked a cake and had not had time to buy a present. About the only thing we did was sing Happy Birthday.
This evening while sitting on the front porch I saw something unusual on the ground. Upon investigation it turned out to be a snake skin. I am not thrilled.

July 1985

7/4/1985: Bud, Nancy, Doug and Diana spent the day with us. The weather stayed fairly nice for most of the day so the kids could swim and the adults played badminton. Later this afternoon it poured getting Buddy & Nancy’s car soaked – they had left the sun-roof open.
7/16/1985: Naomi 9:30
7/27/1985: To celebrate the boys birthday we took them to the Atlanta Zoo. I was not impressed with the zoo but the boys enjoyed it.
Right near where we parked was a fire dept. gathering with lots of engines. After we got through with the zoo the boys went for a close-up look at some of the trucks.
7/29/1985: The boys made me angry today. They had to go to the doctor for their yearly checkup. We had talked about how they would behave now that they were 5 and I had high hopes. The boys were the worst I had ever seen them. They are very healthy but the doctor says they lack attention.
Doctor Boys 9:30
7/31/1985: We got up bright and early this morning to go to Fla. We did not get off as early as we planned but by 7:00 we had dropped Stephen at his office for his trip to Chicago & Iowa and were on the road. First I couldn’t find 75. Then when I stopped for gas the car wouldn’t start and had to be jumped. But in spite of these problems we made it to Orlando by bout 2:30. The boys immediately want to go to Disney land.
Vacation for Mommy and the kids.

June 1985

6/1/1985: Stephen took Michael, Peter and Naomi to a park. Afterwards we went to see Ronald McDonald at the new McDonald’s in town. He was outside and it was sure hot. The boys enjoyed the balloons they got.
6/2/1985: Today it is very hot and they say the hot weather will continue.
6/6/1985: Naomi really started climbing today. First she climbed up into her high chair. Then she crawled up onto the kitchen table to get some candy that was there.
Peter broke the front window this morning while I was outside filling their pool. When I came in he told me all about “the robber who threw stones that broke the window but not the screen.”
6/7/1985: We went to the Beverley’s for dessert and games. We enjoyed ourselves and got home late. Naomi made a huge mess in her pants and on the floor.
6/8/1985: It’s finally cooler. After a week of 95°+ days we got some cooler weather. We hope it stays cooler for a while.
6/10/1985: Stephen left for Athens this morning. He won’t be back till dinner tomorrow.
Mom & Dad must have got my letter about the “robbers” that broke our window. They just had to call and remind me about the mouse in the jacket.
6/11/1985: Naomi’s 5th tooth came through today.
Today was the first day of story hours for the summer. What a zoo! I’ve never seen so many children there. All the kids who were out of school were there. I also signed them up for the summer reading program. They will get a certificate if they read (or have read to them) at least 10 books.
6/14/1985: Stephen’s team wins again.
6/17/1985: Today was the first day of Bible School. It really went very well. I know it shouldn’t surprise me but I was pretty uptight about it. Unfortunately Naomi has developed diarrhea this afternoon so I’ve had to tell Erma I won’t be there tomorrow.

May 1985

5/4/1985: Stephen, Michael and Peter went to the S.S. picnic at Jones’ farm. The boys wanted to go fishing.
5/11/1985: We all went to an Experiment Station picnic. We had steaks and Naomi enjoyed the strawberries. When we got home there was no water as the pumps have failed. The Donalds had some water and Stephen went & filled up some jugs.
5/12/1985: Got up this morning and still no water. We washed up the best we could and went to church. When we got home we had water and it felt good to get cleaned up.
5/13/1985: Dr. Boswell 10:00 Linda
5/14/1985: We didn’t figure the next time we would be without water would be so soon but today it was off for a few hours.
5/17/1985: Stephen’s softball team finally wins a game. After the game, Stephen and the boys go to McDonald’s for ice cream and get back late. Linda was worried to what happened to us.
5/25/1985: We all went to the church picnic at the Jones’ place. We had borrowed some fishing poles from the Pierce’s. At first the fish were not biting but after supper Peter caught two & Michael and Daddy caught one each. All three were excited. We surprised Mommy with them.
5/26/1985: Today was the Canterbury’s last Sunday. We were one of the last ones to leave the reception. Pam Davis taught our class. We didn’t realize how much we enjoyed teaching the boys and girls. We sure missed them.
Michael smashed his finger in the car door when he got out at church. For a moment he just stood there, then let out a blood-curdling scream. His finger appears to be OK but the nail is already black.
5/31/1985: We had the Raymer’s over from the agronomy dept. We had a cookout.

March - April 1985

3/15/1985: Grandma and Grandpa Barr arrived today. By the time we picked them up at the airport and went out for dinner Naomi was too tired and fussy for a party. We will have the cake and presents tomorrow.
3/16/1985: We had Naomi’s party today. She really enjoyed her cake but wasn’t really interested in her presents. I ended up opening them all.
3/17/1985: Mom and Dad left today. They will be back though with Grandma Margaret sometime after Easter.
3/23/1985: Grandma Ott and Aunt Sarah came today. They will be staying through Thursday. It was kind of a surprise as the just called to let us know last night they were coming. Sarah’s friend in N.C. isn’t there any more but they wanted to use the tickets anyway.
3/25/1985: Sarah and I took the boys to story hour and left Naomi with Grandma. Naomi does just fine with Grandma as long as I’m not around.
3/26/1985: I did a little bit of shopping today & took Sarah with me. This gave Mom Ott a chance to be alone with the kids. I think they all enjoyed it.
3/28/1985: We took Mom and Sarah to the airport today. Whew! After having them and my parents almost back-to-back, it will be nice to just be “us” again. We enjoyed the visits but are glad to get back to our routine.

4/7/1985: Stephen and I have taken over the 2 & 3 yr olds during church. This was our first Sunday. I think it went well and I feel that I’m really going to enjoy it.
4/19/1985: Naomi’s tooth finally came through today. I didn’t think it ever would.
4/22/1985: Dentist – Boys 1:00
4/25/1985: Dentist – Linda 9:15

February 1985

2/3/1985: Stephen left for his trip to Biloxi today. We got the boys ready for church, dropped them off and then I took Stephen to the office where everyone was meeting. Naomi is sick so I couldn’t go to church.
2/4/1985: We had a little bit of ice and snow tonight while I was at my decorating class tonight. It was the worst we have had although I still wouldn’t consider it bad. One of the women panicked and left early.
2/5/1985: We have had a busy day today.
2/7/1985: Bud P.M.
2/12/1985: We have had a busy day today. First we went to story hour. Then we went to the airport to see Grandpa Barr. He was supposed to have an hour’s lay-over but his plane was late so we only got to see him for about 10 min.
2/15/1985: Today was a tough day for Michael. We threw his blanket away. It had disintegrated into nothingness so we finally got rid of it. He was devastated. We offered him another blanket but he wouldn’t have anything to do with it.
2/23/1985: The boys were outside today helping Daddy carry leaves to his pile. When Peter was dumping out his bucket he fell and was covered with ants. We raced him into the shower and later gave him a baking soda bath. He seems a little better now. Michael was standing by Stephen as he was cleaning off Peter’s clothes and got a few bites too.
2/25/1985: I have stopped nursing Naomi. I have been planning to stop for a while so when I got up this morning before her I just got food ready for her. She didn’t like that at all. Afterwards, I just sat and held her and cried along with her. I didn’t realize it would be such an emotional experience for me.

January 1985

1/7/1985: Tonight was my first decorating class. The teacher spent most of the time telling us what we would be doing throughout the class. She ended up by showing us how to make the icing. I never thought there was so much involved but if you don’t get it just right, you won’t be able to make nice decorations.
1/9/1985: Naomi took her first steps tonight! Just one step each time but she was so excited about it that she kept standing back up to try again. We were pretty excited too. Naturally I had to call my folks. When I told them to guess what exciting news I had Cindy said “You’re pregnant.” If she’d been here, I would have bopped her.
1/15/1985: We went to the Atlanta Symphony tonight. It was fantastic. There is so little culture in this town, we have to take whatever we can get. Even Stephen enjoyed it.
1/17/1985: Michael has a bad cold. I took him to the doctor but as usual, I wasn’t terribly impressed. He barely looked at Michael then said he had the croup but he’d give him penicillin just in case.
1/20/1985: The weather has turned really cold today. The temperature in Atlanta was down to 4°. Naomi & I didn’t go to church because she has picked up Michael’s cold. They cut the morning service short because of the “inclement” weather and cancelled evening services. The boys got a chance to play in the snow (just a dusting) and had a ball.
This evening we had the Bracketts over for games and had a really nice time.
1/21/1985: The schools were closed today because of the cold weather so my cake decorating class was canceled. How disappointing.
1/22/1985: The boys went to their first story hour today. Debbie and Joceyln went with us. The boys seemed to enjoy it although they didn’t say much about till later this afternoon.
1/23/1985: I took Naomi to the doctor today. She is so hoarse that I can barely even hear her cry. Dr. Calvin examined her and I was no more impressed than with Dunaway. He said that usually hoarseness is from some kind of virus and gave her some medicine without even checking out what kind of virus she had or if she does indeed have one!
Stephen left for Baton Rouge.
1/24/1985: Stephen came home tonight. He wasn’t supposed to come home till tomorrow but the meetings got over early so he booked a flight home tonight. We were all very glad to see him.
1/25/1985: Naomi has another tooth through. It was totally unexpected. She was leaning her head back laughing and I just happened to see it pushing out of the top. Maybe that’s why she got the cold so bad.
1/30/1985: Naomi is sick again. She was well for 3 days but now she has a cold again. I hope it’s just another tooth coming through.
1/31/1985: The boys went down to Jocelyn’s house today. While they were there, Sarah Cannady came over. I was glad that I had to go get the boys so I could tactfully ask her to leave. I think she would have stayed all day otherwise.

December 1984

Car registration expires Dec 16
12/1/1984: I got out some of the Christmas decorations today and the boys about went berserk. They are so excited.
12/3/1984: The boys went to play with Jocelyn today and they fought most of the time about Christmas and whether it was Baby Jesus’ birthday. How I pray that our witness will be effective.
12/4/1984: Stephen called from the office and asked if we would like a tree for $5.00. the station was selling them. At first I was a bit leery but it turned out to be a lovely tree.
Tonight Debbie and I went to a holiday tasting party for Station women.
12/6/1984: We went to pick out our pictures tonight. They turned out fairly well. We just wish they had printed the picture of Naomi in the 5x7 size so we could have some wallets to send to relatives.
12/7/1984: Naomi had her 9 mo. check up today. She appears to be doing fine. She weight 16 lbs 15 oz and is 26½” long.
Stephen went to the doctor today. After waiting for 1½ hrs the doctor finally saw him and just asked him how was doing. I was furious. It could have been done over the phone. The only positive thing is that he will get the cast of the 21st.
12/8/1984: Our Sunday School class had a party tonight. We went to a restaurant and Stephen & I both had catfish for the first time. I enjoyed mine but Stephen wasn’t terribly impressed.
12/15/1984: We went to an open house at the Laughlin’s today. Since Reuben & Milly Beverly were scheduled at the same time we all went together. It was a good chance to get to know them a little better.
12/21/1984: Stephen got his cast off today but I don’t really think it was a good idea. His foot is still swollen and bruised. The doctor says it’s not healed yet. He has to come back in 2 weeks to have it x-rayed.
12/24/1984: The boys are really excited. They put out some candy for Santa and an apple for Rudolph.
12/25/1984: Michael woke up this morning with the flu. How disappointing. He laid on the floor to open his gifts. He wasn’t too excited about the whole thing.
Peter, on the other hand, was quite exuberant. We made the boys take turns opening gifts and he could hardly wait each time.
12/26/1984: We left for Michigan today. We got a late start because we weren’t sure if Michael would be able to travel. We only made it to Williamsburg, KY which is just inside the Kentucky line.
12/27/1984: We got to Grandma & Grandpa Ott’s at about 9:30 tonight. We had some pretty rough driving including a patch of zero visibility fog around Findley. Naturally, I was driving. There is a lot of snow on the ground and the boys wanted to go right out to play. We told them to wait for tomorrow morning.
12/28/1984: Disaster! It warmed up and rained during the night so there is no snow for the boys to play in. they are really disappointed.
12/29/1984: We went up to East Lansing today to do a little bit of shopping. We had hoped to see Ruth and Baray but they weren’t home.
12/31/1984: I went to visit Mary today. It was so good to see her. It has been too long. I wish we lived closer. I have really missed her.

November 1984

11/2/1984: We had our picture taken for the church directory tonight. I hope the pictures turn out well.
11/9/1984: Naomi got her first tooth today! It’s about time! She has been fretful and not sleeping well all week. Maybe now she’ll start feeling better.
11/12/1984: We took the boys to see a puppet plat at the library. It was Jack and the Beanstalk. They seemed to enjoy it. It was kind of spoiled by someone getting up at the end and saying that he didn’t appreciate the moral values it presented.
11/15/1984: We went to a Newcomer’s dinner tonight sponsored by the Women’s Chamber of Commerce. It was fairly nice but I was really glad to be able to get out to the fresh air afterwards. The cigarette smoke was suffocating. We took the Bracketts and they seem to enjoy it too.
11/16/1984: I took Naomi to the Doctor today. She has a terrible cold. I had hoped the runny nose would go away after she got her first tooth but it’s gotten worse plus she has developed a cough. The doctor prescribed Amoxce and said to call back if she isn’t better by the beginning of the week.
11/17/1984: We were going to go to the mall today but we discovered that the car is pouring out gas. So we had to turn around and come home which upset the boys terribly. Then Stephen tried to start it tonight and it died completely. May we ought to just bury it!
11/19/1984: Naomi has 2 teeth now!
11/20/1984: Naomi has learned how to climb over obstacles. She was practicing tonight by climbing back and forth over Daddy who was laying on the floor (as usual). The boys used to do the same thing when they were babies.
11/22/1984: We had a nice Thanksgiving today. We had hoped Phil could come, but he didn’t make it. When we asked the boys what they were thankful for, Peter said “our baby” and Michael said “that we can go to Grandma & Grandpa Ott’s at Christmas.”
11/24/1984: Stephen went to play volleyball tonight. While I was feeding Naomi, I got phone call from one of the other players. Stephen had sprained his ankle and was at the hospital emergency room. I had to call the Bracketts and ask them to go pick Stephen up.
11/25/1984: 24 hours after Stephen hurt himself, an expert finally looked at the x-rays. It seems that Stephen had fractured the ankle. They wanted him to come right over so they could put a cast on. Stephen convinced them it could wait until tomorrow when he will see the doctor.
11/26/1984: There does not seem to be a concern about Stephen’s ankle. The doctor things it may be a separated ligament and a bone chip. But, whatever it is, he put on a cast which Stephen will have 4-6 weeks.
11/30/1984: Naomi used her teeth on me when she was nursing tonight. I screamed and pulled her off. She didn’t like that at all. Well, on the 10th Naomi goes for her checkup and I will ask the doctor what I should give her when I’m weaning her.

October 1984

10/3/1984: We have new neighbors at the bottom of the hill – Bob & Debbie Brackett. He works at the station. They have a 4 year old daughter & 9 week old son. Margaret Duncan came by to tell me about them so I took a loaf of bread I had just baked and went to meet them
10/6/1984: Buddy & Nancy came over today. The kids had fun in the pool and the adults squared off on the badmitton court. Stephen and I need more practice if we are going to play against other people.
10/7/1984: We were going to go to Mt. Gilead church today but Stephen’s folks called and we go kind of late so we went to Second instead. Sarah Kennedy asked me if we had joined yet because she wants me to work with the teens. I’m not sure about that idea at all.
10/8/1984: We went to the fair tonight. It’s a pretty small fair. The boys got all excited about the livestock, then they saw the rides. When they rode the merry-go-round Peter rode on a fixed horse. Michael rode on a regular horse with me holding him but he was still scared. Then they went on the paratrooper with Daddy and were absolutely terrified!
10/10/1984: Naomi went from a crawling position to a sitting position. She was so proud of herself she was smiling all over. She knew she had really done something.
10/18/1984: We have new neighbors down the hill. Bob & Debbie Brackett. He works at the Experiment Station. I took a loaf of bread I had just baked and introduced myself to them and told them we help any way possible. They have a 4 yr old daughter and a 9 wk old son.
10/20/1984: Naomi pulled herself up to a stand today. She was so excited.
Tonight we had dinner at Chuck Laughlin’s. He is the director of the Experiment Station. There were several other couples who were new to the Station.
10/21/1984: We joined Second Baptist tonight. We did it in the evening so the whole family could stand up front but Nomi was shanghaied by a little old lady who loves to hold babies and was trying to make it easier for us up front. Oh, well, the best laid plans . . .
10/26/1984: Naomi woke up with her eye matted almost completely shut. I took hr to the doctor who said she has pinkeye.
Stephen was in Athens this evening so we went over to Julia Chan’s home (C.J. was with Stephen). We all went to Burger King for dinner. It’s nice to get to know new people.
10/27/1984: Stephen and I went to our first performance with the concert series. It was Max Morath Quintet doing ragtime, jazz and “popular” music. It was thoroughly enjoyable.
10/29/1984: Naomi started eating carrots today. She didn’t like them. She made a terrible face and spit. I mixed them with her cereal and she didn’t do too badly. By her 3rd feeding she ate the whole teaspoonful.
10/30/1984: We made the boys jack-o-lanterns today. I thought they would enjoy getting their hands in them to clean them out but they really weren’t thrilled about it. I ended up doing it all. But they were excited about having them and had to keep watching them flicker.
10/31/1984: The boys went trick-or-treating tonight. They wore the masks they had made at Sunday School. They were upset that Daddy didn’t take them to more houses. We finally had one visitor at about 9:00.

September 1984

9/3/1984: We got the boys a swing set today. They were so excited. We set it up this afternoon and they could barely wait till we were done to get on it.
9/4/1984: Stephen went to the eye doctor today. He said that Stephen’s problem is he needs a weaker prescription.
9/7/1984: Gwen Donald came over to introduce herself today. She lives cross the street, one house down. She says she goes walking a couple times a week and has asked me to go with her. I’m glad I’ve finally met at least one of my neighbors.
9/17/1984: Stephen and I both have earaches so we went to the Family Medical Practice to have them looked at. They are probably caused by nasal congestion & drip due to allergies. Naomi had a checkup today and is doing fine. I’m not too thrilled with the doctor though.
9/20/1984: The kids and I went walking with Gwen today. We were just on Cheatham when somehow I fell. I landed on my knee and elbow trying to keep myself off of Naomi. Fortunately she was in her carrier or she really would have been hurt. Stephen came home and took me to the doctor because my elbow was swelling and my hand is numb. Fortunately there are no broken bones but my hand will probably be numb for a couple of weeks.

August 1984

8/2/1984: The music minister from Second Baptist came to visit us today. We were eating dinner when he arrived so he went to make another call. That gave us time to finish eating and quickly get the living room back together.
8/3/1984: Naomi rolled from her back to her stomach today. She has been trying really hard to do it and was quite excited when she finally succeeded.
8/4/1984: Stephen took the boys to the rides down at the cover of 41 and 92. They were so excited they could hardly talk fast enough to get it all out.
8/5/1984: We visited the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church today. It was a bit different than we are used to. There was only one adult class with everyone seated in rows. For communion everyone went to the altar.
8/6/1984: We went over to Dave and Carol Wilson’s home for dessert tonight. They are members of the Alliance Church and Dave works at the Experiment Station.
8/8/1984: Stephen put Naomi on her back tonight instead of her stomach for going to sleep. So Naomi rolled herself over and somehow managed to get her pacifier in her mouth.
8/9/1984: Today was Stephen’s first day at work. Basically all he did was unpack all his books. It will take a while to get into the swing of things.
8/10/1984: Stephen’s folks arrived this evening about 15 min before he got home. We had been watching for them all day. The boys were excited to see them but acted shy when Grandpa and Grandma said Hi.
8/11/1984: We were getting ready to go to a plantation today when Michael got sick all over the carpet. He has slept most of they day and been sick a couple more times. He has also complained of a headache. He wasn’t even very excited about celebrating Stephen’s birthday.
8/12/1984: Michael was feeling better this morning but we still didn’t feel he should go to church so just Stephen and his family went.
Later all but Naomi and I went over to see Stephen’s office,
8/13/1984: Stephen’s parents and sister left today. I certainly hope none of them catch Michael’s flu.
8/14/1984: Peter has been complaining of an earache so we took him to the doctor today. He does indeed have an ear infection.
This evening Pastor Mattox from the Alliance Church came to visit.
8/15/1984: Naomi crept forward today. She got on her hands and knees and rocked back and forth. Finally she launched herself forward.
Peter now has the flu that Michael had. He got rid of all of his lunch at the dinner table. He had been complaining of a headache all afternoon.
Naomi also has been fussy today and vomited her “breakfast.”
8/17/1984: Well, it was inevitable. I now have the flu. I called Stephen up so he could bring something home for dinner.
8/18/1984: I feel slightly better today. Still, I’m not in top form and we had to go to the Jordans for a welcome party for Stephen. I tried to eat some but couldn’t get much down. I’m sure I couldn’t have made a very good impression on everybody.

July 1984

7/1/1984: We went to Kimm and Patty Johnson’s for lunch today. Patty made a delicious pizza and served it on a patriotic table setting. It is sure going to be hard leaving all of our friends.
7/2/1984: Stephen did very well in his softball game tonight. He was 3 for 3 with a triple, a double, and a single. In spite of all of this, though, they lost the game.
7/3/1984: The boys had their first visit to the dentist today. They did very well although the dentist was not able to get x-rays.
Stephen went to an opthalmologist about his eyes. It’s a virus and there is nothing to do about it.
7/4/1984: We went over to the Metlicks for dinner tonight. It was kind of a spur-of-the-moment invitation. After dinner we had homemade peach ice cream.
7/5/1984: The baby sitting co-op and families had a dessert potluck at Nancy Hatcher’s. it was scrumptious! I took a marble cheesecake and everyone wanted the recipe. They gave us a friendship
plaque and wished us good luck and safe journey.
7/6/1984: We took the bouts to the doctor today. They are doing quite well. Peter is maintaining his 1” lead in height and 1 lb in weight.
This evening we to the Schroeders to the Spaghetti Factory for dinner. It was delicious and quite reasonably priced.
7/7/1984: We went over to the Nefs for a picnic lunch today. They have a small pool which the boys really enjoyed. Later, the both managed to get pushed in and get their clothes soaking wet.
Stephen’s softball team won again.
7/8/1984: We made some home made ice cream today and invited the Smiths over after the evening service. We wanted to give them on of the high chairs.
It was a difficult Sunday since it was our last. I hate goodbyes.
7/11/1984: Joey and Heromi Somawang treated us to pizza before church tonight. Fortunately at church we didn’t have a whole lot of goodbyes. I don’t think I could have stood it.
7/14/1984: We were loaded by 9:00 this morning and could have left by 10:00 but the manager came by and said she couldn’t check us out till 1:00. Then when we finally did get ready to leave, the car battery was dead.
When we got to Mom and Dad’s we had a birthday party for the boys.
7/15/1984: Well we all got off today. The kids and I had delays for both flights. We thought we would miss the flight in Denver but John & Marlene helped us race through the airport. Then the flight was delayed anyway. Buddy met us in Atlanta. Stephen left at about noon and made it to Victorville.
7/16/1984: The boys went to school with Doug & Diana today. They seemed really excited, but their teacher said they began to wonder where I was by the end of the day.
Stephen made it to Holbrook, Ariz.
7/17/1984: Stephen had trouble with the truck today. It died and it took 3 hours to get it repaired. Stephen made it to Albuquerque, NM.
The boys did not want to go to school today.
7/18/1984: Stephen got to Elk City, OK today.
7/19/1984: Today Stephen made it to Elk City, OK Brinkley, Ark. If he has a good day tomorrow he thinks he can make it in to Buddy’s.
7/20/1984: Nancy brought me over to Georgia today so I could get the keys to the house and take care of the utilities.
Stephen pulled in to Buddy’s at about 7:00 this evening.
7/21/1984: We got a late start today and didn’t get in until about 5:30. We have discovered many problems such as no shower head, tub stopper doesn’t work, air conditioner doesn’t work, etc, etc.
7/22/1984: This morning Jeff Jordan came over to help us unload the truck. Then tonight we had a rip-roaring thunderstorm. We all sat out on the porch and watched. It was kind of nice for a change.
7/24/1984: We returned the truck today. What a hassle. Two different places refused to take the truck. On the way to the second place Stephen went through a light that I couldn’t make and lost us. What a day!
7/25/1984: We got our phones taken care of today. We had planned to purchase one but since we got a free 3 mo. lease on one of the phones, we decided to put off buying till later.
7/26/1984: Today we did our banking. Things sure are different. We had to pay for the service whereas in Fresno there was no service charge plus they paid interest!
7/27/1984: What a day. We started out to do some running around this morning and had trouble with the car. In fact, it died. We had to be towed to a service station where we spent the afternoon waiting for it to be fixed. When it was done we raced to the grocery store to pick up the boys cake. At that point a terrible storm came up which knocked out our power for 3½ hours. I was still able to cook dinner, though, and we
had the boys birthday cake. Just as they were going to bed the power came back on so Daddy could read their new stories.
7/29/1984: We went to Second Baptist church today. The people were all very friendly and all had to see Naomi and make over her. We went back for the evening service and the watermelon feed afterwards.
7/31/1984: We started our painting today. We go the living room completed. It looks so much better. I just hope the boys will leave it looking nice now.
Naomi rolled from her back to stomach tonight.

June 1984

6/1/1984: We went to Yosemite today and had a great time. We saw all the tourist spots such as Yosemite Falls, El Capitan and the Mariposa grove of giant sequoias. Unfortunately the son got to Peter and Mommy giving Mommy a blinding headache and combining with a greasy pizza to cause Peter to upchuck on the way home.
6/3/1984: Our car stalled tonight on the way home from church. Fortunately the Schroeder’s were right next to us and Joel helped us get it started. Behind was a man with a CB who offered to call a tow truck. When the boys asked about him I said he was like the Good Samaritan. When the boys talked about it later it came out “The Good American.”
6/5/1984: Naomi rolled over from stomach to back today!
This evening we went to the Schroeder’s for dinner. Afterwards Joel & Stephen went over the car to see what needs to be fixed.
6/8/1984: Down to Grandma and Grandpa Barr’s for what will probably be our last visit before moving.
6/9/1984: Grandma and Grandpa babysat the kids tonight while Stephen and I went to a melodrama and then to a Chinese restaurant to celebrate our anniversary.
6/18/1984: Naomi has discovered her feet! I told Connie at the softball game that Naomi would never be able to get her feet into her mouth like Bridget does because she’s so chubby. Then when we came home, what did she do but stick her foot in her mouth!
6/22/1984: Stephen handed in his resignation today. There’s no turning back now.
6/23/1984: I had a yard sale at Tina’s today. I was really disappointed at the turnout. We have decided to do it again next Friday.
6/25/1984: Stephen’s team won the softball game tonight. Afterwards we went to Heron’s for ice cream. Daddy and the boys shared a banana split.
Stephen went to the doctor about his eyes – it’s pink-eye.
6/29/1984: We held the yard sale again today. There still wasn’t much of a crowd but someone did by the TV which boosted our receipts. After paying for the newspaper ads we’ve made about $100.00.
The boys had their first bus ride today.
6/30/1984: Our Sunday school class had a party for the Heins tonight. Several people made home-made ice cream. Afterwards we took several group pictures.

May 1984

5/11/1984: Stephen’s softball team played tonight in the first game of a tournament and they won! Let’s hope it’s just a taste of that’s to come for the rest of the season! Naomi is 22” & weighs 11 lbs
5/12/1984: The softball team played two more games today. They won 1 and lost 1. Two out of three for the tournament is pretty good.
5/14/1984: We had the Schroeders over for dinner tonight before the softball game. At least the dinner went well. The game was a disaster. Stephen slid into home and really scraped his thigh. It wasn’t even worthwhile because he was called out.
5/17/1984: I took Naomi for her DPT shot & polio vaccination today. They give it to her last Friday because she had a cold. She has been miserable all day from the effects from the shot.
5/18/1984: I went to the dentist for 2 fillings. They gave me gas to calm me down but it just made me worse. It felt like going under a general anesthesia. Then they had to use 2 shots to numb on side. I could barely talk afterwards.
5/19/1984: Stephen had graduation this morning and then we left for Grandma and Grandpa Barr’s. They are into their beautiful new house although everything is still in boxes.
5/20/1984: Stephen left for Georgia today. After all the flak he has been receiving at the office I sure hope he gets the job offer. I would hate to leave Fresno but Stephen needs to be where he will be appreciated.
5/23/1984: Stephen came home today. They gave him the offer before he left. That is very rare. From what Stephen has said it would be an ideal place for us. I just hate to leave our church and all our friends here.
5/27/1984: Naomi was dedicated today. Grandpa and Grandma Barr and Aunt Cindy came up for it.

April 1984

4/4/1984: I started hemorrhaging today. The blood was just gushing out. In a panic I called Stephen & the doctor. Stephen rushed home & took me to the doctor. They couldn’t find any reason for it so they sent me home with some medication and orders not to do anything. I called Mom & she’s going to come tomorrow to help out.
4/5/1984: I called the doctor to report how I was doing and asked him how long I was supposed to refrain from doing anything. I can’t do anything until my next appt which is the 13th! Mom can’t stay that long so she is going to take the boy back to Santa Maria again.
4/7/1984: Mom left with the boys today. I’m feeling so much better. I hated to have them go. Still, Wednesday scared me enough that I don’t want to risk it happening again. Nancy Hatcher has arranged for people to come and stay with me next week while Stephen is at work.
4/13/1984: I went to the doctor today and he said everything is fine. We can go to Santa Maria to visit and pick up the boys.
Naomi also went to the doctor. Boy, once she started to gain, she’s done it in a big way. She is up to 9 lbs.
4/14/1984: Mom is really sick. She didn’t come out of her room all day. Since it is so crowded and Mom is so sick we decided to come home today.
4/19/1984: We got a big package from Mom & Dad today. They had huge Easter baskets for the boys and suits for the boys & a dress for Naomi for Easter. Unfortunately the suits are too tight for the boys. Mom got slim.
When Peter saw the basket he said “Oh my goodness! Gracious me!”
4/26/1984: Stephen got a call from Georgia today. They want him to come out for an interview. If he gets the job they would want him to start July 1. That’s not a whole lot of notice.

March 1984

3/2/1984: We picked up our new car today. Stephen isn’t really thrilled about the car but had to have something big so the whole family will fit in. The boys make up for Daddy’s lack of enthusiasm.
3/7/1984: I called the doctor to see if my tubal ligation had been approved but they hadn’t heard yet. So I called the hospital and found out that the board had postponed their meeting until next Tuesday. That’s cutting it awfully close.
3/14/1984: I called about my tubal ligation and it turns out the board postponed the meeting again! They will meet tonight and let my doctor know first thing in the morning. I’m really fed up with the whole business.
Mom & Dad are here.
3/15/1984: It’s a girl! After a sleepless night I went into the hospital at about 9:00. At 1:16 Naomi Elisabeth was born. What a joy for a healthy baby and what a relief to have it all over with.
The tubal ligation was approved.
3/18/1984: Naomi and I came home from the hospital today. The boys seem fairly excited to have us back. Then the boys left with Grandpa & Grandma for the week.
We took Naomi to church & of course everyone oohed and ahhed over her.
3/21/1984: Naomi is not doing so good. We took her to be weighed and she had lost another 3 oz. She is also still jaundiced which all adds up to her probably not getting enough food.
3/23/1984: I went to the doctor today. He says I’m really doing great. I just have to be careful not to over do things. Then we took Naomi to Stephen’s office. Every one thinks she is beautiful.
3/24/1984: The boys came home today. It sure feels good to have the whole family back together. I really missed them.
Naomi has only gained 1 oz. She is still jaundiced but after going to St. Agnes for a blood test we found she’s not as bad as we thought.
3/26/1984: Naomi has lost weight again. She is down to 7 lbs, 5 oz. But after I nursed her we weighed her again and it seems that she is getting plenty of milk.
3/30/1984: Michael fell on the water faucet outside and cut his penis. We knew he hurt himself but didn’t realize it was cut until he got in the bathtub.
3/31/1984: We decided to take Michael to the doctor. His penis is really red and he has developed a cold. The doctor doesn’t think it’s too serious.
As long as we were there we had Naomi weighed. She’s up to 7 lbs, 14 oz! What a turn around.

February 1984

2/1/1984: We went to the zoo today with Sarah & Mrs. Jones. The monkeys must have just woken up because they were really hooting. It was like they were trying to wake up the rest of the zoo. After we walked around for a while we had some popcorn & oranges that Mrs. Jones had brought.
2/3/1984: Grandma Margaret’s
2/10/1984: We have been turned down for a Visa card at our credit union because we have “a bad credit rating & outstanding delinquent debt.” Needless to say, I am upset. They have to have our signature on file before they will release our credit report to us so Stephen went down & got the form.
2/14/1984: We made Valentines for Daddy today. It was a lot of fun to paste and color them. We put them by Daddy’s dinner plate & were going to let them be surprise but Michael blurted it out as soon as Daddy got in the door. He was really excited about it.
2/17/1984: We got our credit problem straightened out. It was based on information that was over a year old & that was inaccurate anyway. It doesn’t seem like very responsible behavior for a credit reporting company.
2/18/1984: We went looking at cars today. We looked at a Vanegan that would be ideal but it is way out of our budget. The boys were very upset that we didn’t bring it home.
2/20/1984: I took the boys to the Smurf movie today. They weren’t too impressed with the movie (neither was I) but the loved getting popcorn & bouncing up and down in their chairs.
2/23/1984: I had my tubal ligation interview today. The gal had to explain the policy of the church & the hospital and then make sure it wasn’t something I would regret or that it would break up my marriage, etc. Now the board has to vote on it but they don’t meet until March 6. Then it has to be a unanimous vote.
2/29/1984: We bought a car today. It is a 1978 Ford Country Squire wagon. It has power everything. The boys are fascinated with the windows that go up and down all by themselves. Peter also likes the “skis” (luggage rack) on top of the car.

January 1984

1/3/1984: We got back home today. What a relief to be back in our own apartment. We enjoy visiting with Grandma & Grandpa but it is good to be back on our own turf with our own things and on our own schedule.
1/6/1984: The Bogarts came over to dinner tonight. We had spaghetti with homemade noodles mad with my new pasta machine. We will be very sorry to see them move.
1/10/1984: I took the boys to the doctor today. They both have colds again. Michael is not too bad except for the conjunctivitis but Peter is working on bronchitis and has an ear infection so he’s back on the antibiotics.
1/11/1984: Daddy took the boys to a farm show today. They were so excited about it all. They talked about the tractors & combines and “compooters.” Then they went to Donald Duck’s for lunch and then on to Daddy’s office where they wrote on the chalkboard and ran the copy machine. All three had a great time.
1/13/1984: Boehm 9:00
I went to the doctor today and we set a date for the baby. Unless the baby decides to have a mind of its own it will be born on March 15th. Only 62 more days.
The car conked out on Stephen. We have to have a new battery - $60.
1/14/1984: It turned out not to be the battery on the car after all. We had to get a new starter instead. That and a tune up cost $165. Too bad it wasn’t the battery!
1/15/1984: After putting all that money into the car, it wouldn’t start after church tonight! We had to have Tim Stevenson give us a jump.
While the boys and I were waiting we sat in the Bishel’s car and Peter left Pepe. So we had to go all the way out there to pick him up.
1/16/1984: Stephen left this morning for the faculty retreat. He had to leave around 6:30 so he could walk up to catch the 7:00 bus.
The boys were upset that they didn’t see him in the morning but the rest of the day was fine until dinner. For the rest of the evening they were asking for Daddy.
1/17/1984: Stephen got back from the retreat today. I thought the boys would be all over him but they just didn’t seem interested at all.
1/18/1984: Stephen took the car in for repair again. This time it was some kind of regulator brushes. It came to another $45.
1/19/1984: Tonight was my last Bible Study. I will miss it. Maybe next fall I can start up again.
1/20/1984: The Nefs came over for spaghetti tonight. Stephen really likes the homemade noodles and wants to show them off.
1/25/1984: Boehm 11:00
I continue to grow – rather I should say the baby continues to grow. I am up to 152 lbs and show no sign of slowing down.
1/28/1984: Car 35600

December 1983

12/7/1983: Stephen played Santa Claus for a cub scout pack tonight. We really stuffed him with pillows so he could hardly move. I think he enjoyed playing the role.
12/10/1983: We bought our Christmas tree today. The boys were really excited and wanted to decorate it right away but have to let it fall out a little bit.
12/11/1983: We decorated the tree today. We had a hard time convincing the boys that the decorations shouldn’t all go in the same area. Peter was even going so far as to hang them all on the same branch.
12/12/1983: Susan 8:35
12/15/1983: We drove along Christmas tree lane tonight. The boys really got excited about all the lights and to top it off Santa Claus was at the end and waved to the boys.
12/25/1983: What a Christmas. The boys made a tremendous haul at home & then we went to Grandma & Grandpa’s and they got another pile there. It’s interesting to listen to them as they interweave Jesus’ birthday & Santa Claus.
12/27/1983: Stephen left for San Francisco today. I hope he will find it worthwhile. I already miss him.
12/30/1983: Stephen came home today. The boys were so excited to see him. Naturally, it didn’t mean anything to me!
12/31/1983: Grandpa & Grandma took us out to Chuck E Cheese’s tonight. The boys were completely entranced. They rode almost every ride there.

November 1983

11/1/1983: The boys have both come down with colds now. We just seem to keep passing this thing around.
11/4/1983: Gavin 3:00
11/18/1983: The boys both have pink eye. I have a feeling that this is going to be a long, hard winter.
11/19/1983: Car 32686
11/23/1983: We had everything ready to some of it even packed in the car so we could leave as soon as Stephen got home but we still didn’t get off till 6:30. With the rain and heavy traffic we didn’t get to Grandma’s & Grandpa’s till 11:30
11/24/1983: Carolyn, Taka & Scotty came today. They had tire trouble so they didn’t arrive until late but the food wasn’t ready till they got there anyway. The food was scrumptious and I certainly ate more than enough for 2 of us.
11/25/1983: Dad’s Birthday
11/30/1983: Sean & Sarah came over today so to keep them occupied we made paper chains. Then while the boys were taking their naps, I got out the Christmas decorations & put them up along with the chains. When the boys got up they went crazy!

October 1983

10/1/1983: I went to the beauty shop today intending to have a couple of inches trimmed off the bottom but ended up getting it cut short.
10/3/1983: Only 8 people showed up for Stephen’s softball game tonight but they actually won. The other team didn’t have their regular pitcher and gave up about 30 walks!
10/4/1983: Today was the first Epicurean meeting of the year. We made pasta. We had regular noodles, spinach noodles & tortellini & 3 kinds of sauces. I stuffed myself. Instead of eating for 2, I ate for about 6!
10/5/1983: Michael has been sick today. While we were taking Stephen to work, Michael lost his breakfast. I had hoped that it was just too much bacon but later he got rid of the little bit of lunch he had. I hope it’s not the flu.
Tonight at church we voted to sell the property.
10/8/1983: We tried to potty train Peter today. He was upset when Stephen took Michael & left him here but soon calmed down when he realized he would get treats. We didn’t have a lot of success. The only thing that happened was that he got sick from too much juice!
10/9/1983: We had Beulah Heaton over for lunch today. She is very interesting to talk to.
We had some success with Peter today. This evening he had a BM in the toilet and later went on his own to urinate.
10/11/1983: Joel Schroeder came over this evening to tell Stephen that he had been chosen for the all-star softball team. Stephen can hardly contain his excitement. He is like a little kid.
10/14/1983: We are spending the weekend at Grandma and Grandpa Barr’s hours. We didn’t leave home until 4:45 so didn’t arrive until 9:00. We are tired but the boys are all wound up.
10/16/1983: We have had trouble with the car. When we got to Pass Roble, it was making a horrible sound so we decided to return to my folks house. About 20 miles later the noise stopped but by then it was too late to turn back around & go home.
10/17/1983: We got up at 5:00 this morning so we could back in time for Stephen’s 11:00 class.
Stephen’s all star game was tonight. He was given the wrong starting time so showed up late. He did fairly well but the team still lost.
10/18/1983: The boys like to pretend they are singing with a microphone. I asked Michael if he had a microphone and he said yes. But when I asked Peter he said “no,” he had a “Peterphone.”
10/19/1983: I got an allergy shot today & it was the worst I’ve had in a long time. My arm is swollen & hot from my elbow to ¾ the way to my shoulder. I hope this doesn’t start a regular thing again.
10/20/1983: They finally came to spray for ants today. I sure hope it works!
Stephen took the boys to the office tonight and then to “Donald Duck’s” to spend their Halloween dollar.
The washing machine has gone on the fritz.
10/21/1983: I went to the OB today. Apart from slightly low blood pressure everything seems to be just fine. The boys had to go with me because Stephen had a meeting. Michael got to listen to the heartbeat & was fascinated but Peter didn’t want to listen.
10/28/1983: Stephen finally went to the doctor about his dizziness. It turns out that he has walking pneumonia and an inner ear infection. When I found that out, I went to the doctor & I have the same thing though not so severe.

September 1983

9/2/1983: We went to Grandma & Grandpa’s today. We were supposed to arrive in time for dinner but got a late start. We didn’t get there until 7:00.
9/4/1983: We went on a picnic with Grandma, Grandpa, Cindy & Grandma Margaret today. After we got through eating the boys played on the playground and then we went over to where they had pony rides. The boy were very excited about that.
9/5/1983: We went to the beach today before we came home. It was really too cold but the boys really wanted to go. Cindy and Stephen took the boys into the water since my swimsuit no longer fits.
9/9/1983: Conrad 2:00 PM
We took the boys to the doctor for their regular checkup today. Michael is 38½” tall and weighs 33 lbs. Peter is 39½ tall and weighs 34 lbs. They both seem to be progressing normally.
9/10/1983: Today was the welcome coffee for faculty wives. I met another gal who has twin boys. Hers are about a year younger than ours. It will be nice to have someone to commiserate with.
9/16/1983: 8:45 AM – Ultrasound
I went in for my ultrasound today. Although my bladder felt like my bladder would burst, I had to drink 2 more glasses of water. Praise the Lord, there is only 1 baby. Surprisingly, Stephen seemed disappointed.
9/18/1983: Stephen and the boys didn’t go to church today because Michael had a bad cold
9/21/1983: We took the boys to the doctor today. Both of them have the cold and the cough, seems to be settling in the chest. The doctor said it was a virus and since they didn’t have a secondary infection, the only thing to do is to ride it out.
9/22/1983: I had Sarah Jones today. Tina has the and really needed some time to rest. I hope she improves soon. This is a very bad time to be sick.
9/23/1983: 9:00 Boehm
We went over to the Pherson’s tonight for a departmental gathering tonight. It wasn’t too bad but I still don’t care for “mingle” parties. We were the first ones to leave.
9/24/1983: I felt the baby kick for the first time today. How exciting it is to feel the new life inside.
9/28/1983: Stephen and Robin’s article has been accepted by the California Farmer. That’s exciting news although they haven’t discussed how much they will be paid.
9/29/1983: It has rained all day today. I have enjoyed it and the boys have spent a large part of the day watching out the window.
9/30/1983: 9:40 AM Boehm
Kimm and Patty Johnsom came over tonight to talk to us about supporting them.
It has rained all day today. Has the rainy season started and we won’t see the sun till May?

August 1983

8/1/1983: Mom’s Birthday
Phil’s Birthday
8/5/1984: We left for Grandma’s & Grandpa’s today. The boys got so excited when we visit. We left early in the morning so we could beat the heat.
8/6/1983: We went to the beach today. The boys loved it. We could hardly keep Michael out of the water. Peter was a little more wary but finally consented to go out with Aunt Cindy and then had a good time.
8/7/1983: We were going to go back to Fresno today but were just too lazy so we will leave first thing in the morning.
I went bowling with Mom & Dad and did terribly. I was really surprised at how much it tired me.
8/10/1983: Dad’s Birthday
8/11/1983: Today is Stephen’s birthday & to celebrate we took the boys to the Roeding amusement park. Stephen & I get a real kick out of watching them. Peter grinned most of the time but Michael was so serious.
8/13/1983: The Bogarts invited us over for dinner tonight and it was quite enjoyable. They barbecued shish-kabobs which was a real treat for us. The boys played well with Andrea but got shy when it was time to leave. Andrea wanted to kiss them.
8/18/1983: Stephen came home very upset about Carl. Carl just doesn’t like anything Stephen does and called him on the carpet about what he is planning to teach this semester. Stephen is pretty serious about finding another job.
8/26/1983: Robin and Annette came over tonight. They taught us to play Rook. I really enjoyed it but Stephen just doesn’t do well at cards.

July 1983

7/1/1983: Cindy’s Birthday
We went to Redcrest today. We made a good start by getting off at 8:30. Driving through San Francisco was terrifying. We got on Hwy 1 going south. From Oakland on it was drizzling & raining. We made it in at about 8:00 PM.
7/2/1983: The weather didn’t look too good this morning but it turned out to be a nice day. We went to Fortune to buy some jeans for me and then we went to a Victorian town called Ferndale. We had a nice time there. This evening Robin & Dave came to our cabin to play games.
7/3/1983: We went with the Childs to church in Weott. It was a very different but enjoyable service. Afterwards we went sightseeing in the Redwoods. The boys got to wade in a creek and ended up swimming. For dinner a group of 16 went to the Samoa Cookhouse. Lots of delicious food!
7/4/1983: The day started with Virgil making delicious puffed button pancakes. Then everyone started gathering at the Childs for a huge picnic, games & contests. Stephen won the chip throwing contest. Then there were fireworks which Peter loved but Michael hated.
7/5/1984: We didn’t leave for home until noon. We had to take a tour of the museum and the old schoolhouse on the Childs property. Then we had to take pictures. We had an uneventful drive back (except for an RC truck that almost drove us off the road) and got home at 10:00 pm.
7/7/1983: 9:00 Dr. Hill Linda
7/10/1983: We had a terrible day with the boys today. They both knew we were in the next classroom and screamed and fussed so Mary couldn’t control them. She sent them over to us where they continued to fuss so much that Stephen had to take them out to the car.
7/13/1983: My new table and chairs came today. They really look nice and I’m so excited to have them. We put the boys high chairs away and will just have them sit on these chairs. Another milestone has passed.
7/15/1983: We’ve had the new table and chairs for 2 days now and already the boys are bent on destroying them. They were coloring with colored pencils and when I wasn’t looking started poking the chairs with them. Damage was not too bad (one small tear) but I was very angry.
7/16/1983: We went to Robin & Annette’s for a barbeque and swimming tonight and had a nice time. It has been hot all week so wouldn’t you know it would cool off today when we wanted to swim.
7/17/1983: Sunday school went very well today until right at the end. Then Michael happened to see that we had musical instruments in another class and he wanted to play them. Stephen told him he had to be potty trained to go in that class so now he really wants to work on it.
7/20/1983: Potty training Michael has gone very well. He made up his mind to do it and has only had a couple of accidents. Peter, on the other hand, shows no sign of progress at all.
7/21/1983: The two Bible Study groups got together tonight for a pot-luck and a prayer time. I really enjoy this group. While we were eating we had a small earthquake.
7/23/1983: Mom, Dad, Cindy, & Grandma Margaret came today. They brought all kinds of birthday gifts for the boys plus Mom & Dad took them to the store & bought them Smurf big wheels. We had a very nice day. I am really glad my folks are so close now.
7/24/1983: We were worried that today would be a challenging day for Peter since Michael went into the other class but he didn’t. We hoped it would be incentive for him to be potty trained. For the first time in months he didn’t cry at all!
7/27/1983: As a birthday treat for the boys we went to McDonald’s for lunch. I baked a cake and after church they got to open their gifts and have cake & ice cream.
The test results were positive – I am pregnant.

June 1983

6/1/1983: Today we went with Tina, Marsha & Melinda to Kingsberg. We went to a place called the Fun Attic where they have all different kinds of rooms with crafts, plants, toys, etc. I really enjoyed it. Then we went to a Smorgasbord for lunch and I ate so much I feel kind of sick.
6/2/1983: We went swimming today and finally got Michael to float with his water wings. He didn’t really like it but we were able to let go for a few seconds at least. Peter still clings for dear life.
6/5/1983: Dan & Cindy Wild came over after church today (night) and had popcorn. When they got ready to go, the boys hugged & kissed Jessica.
6/6/1983: Stephen’s softball team won tonight 4-0! Naturally we had to go out for ice cream to celebrate.
6/7/1983: We went swimming today and Michael really went to town. His taste of floating last week must have really excited him because he wouldn’t let us hold him today. He paddled all over the pool.
6/13/1983: Stephen’s team won again!
We went to the pool earlier today but realized when we got there that it’s closed on Mondays. The boys were really upset. We ran through the “splinkers” instead – all 4 of us.
6/18/1984: We went to the Ball’s at Hume lake for the weekend. It is a beautiful place and the boys have great fun going up and down the ladders to the lofts. They don’t quite say “Mr. Ball” right – it comes out “Meatball”!
6/19/1983: We had a very nice church service in the new chapel this morning. Michael fell asleep on the pew so we left him with “Meatball” while we looked around the camp. Then the Balls took us to lunch in the camp dining room.
6/20/1983: Stephen’s team won again. It must be the new shirts. They haven’t lost a game since they got them.
6/21/1983: Stephen took me out for some putt-putt golf for our anniversary. He won the first game but I finally got warmed up and came from behind in a stunning victory in the second game. The boys stayed with Mary Mattias and didn’t want to come home.
6/24/1983: Michael learned how to open the safety latches on the cupboards this evening and the proceeded to show Peter how. Now I’m going to have to find someplace else for my cleaning stuff.
6/29/1983: 8:45 Dr. Hill for Stephen

May 1983

5/1/1983: Stephen and I went to Epicurean tonight. We had ciopino (sp?) – a kind of seafood stew. It was delicious. I ate so much I got sick. Stephen didn’t like it so I have his left over for my lunch tomorrow.
5/2/1983: Shades of Mountview! Stephen had his first softball game tonight and felt right at home. They lost 20-0.
We had an earthquake today. It frightened Michael but didn’t seem to bother Peter. It was very severe in Coalinga – leveled the town.
5/5/1983: We went to Roeding Park today with Connie, Marsha & Tina & kids. We went to the amusement park & had a great time. Peter especially enjoyed the cars but was frightened of the carousel.
5/6/1983: We went to Grandpa’s today. When we got there, nobody was home so we went out to dinner. Fortunately, just after we got back, Grandpa & Grandma drove up. We were afraid we would have to sleep in the car.
5/7/1983: We went looking at houses with Grandpa and Grandma today. There were some really nice houses and one that Stephen & I particularly liked. Will we ever be able to get a house?
5/8/1983: We had to come home today. The boys were very upset at leaving Grandpa & Grandma. It will be nice when they get settled into a house so we can visit more often.
5/13/1984: We went over to Sean’s house today and played for a while. Then we went over to the university to look at the animals. After that we had a picnic lunch in the park. The boys were upset when it was all over and we had to go home.
5/15/1984: The church picnic was today. Next year we will be more prepared. We brought a tablecloth but there weren’t enough tables so we had to sit on the ground. Since we didn’t have a blanket we had to use the tablecloth. The boys didn’t have a nap so they were cranky & tired. Plus we all got sunburned. We came home early.
5/19/1983: I had my Tupperware party today. Only half the people showed up but it still turned out nice. I have enough punch ingredients left to have another party. I ended up with $13 of free Tupperware.
5/20/1983: I babysat for Ruth Ilmer tonight. Then I went over to Stephen’s softball game. I arrived just in time because Stephen had just been sent in and the boys were having a fit. They calmed down when I arrived and had a good time.
5/23/1983: Stephen annihilates Linda in Boggle. 27-17
We went to Stephen’s softball game tonight and then went out for ice cream with the Bogarts and the Hoffs. The boys were a mess!
5/24/1983: Stephen’s departmental picnic was today. The boys really enjoyed the playground and the ducks & geese but were too excited to eat much.
5/25/1983: We have been swimming the past few days and it has been really nice. The boys like to hang onto the edge and go all the way around the pool. Michael is getting brave enough to float by himself.
5/28/1983: We want to make sure the economic recovery stays on track so today we went out and bought clothes for the boys and a few things for ourselves. We also bought a fan to put in the boys room and wouldn’t you know, for the first time in couple of weeks it was cool enough not to need it.

April 1983

4/1/1983: Michael is sick now. It looks like he has the same thing Peter did.
4/6/1983: We went to the park for a picnic with friends from church. The boys really enjoyed the playground. Afterwards we went to amusement park. Both boys insisted on riding the carousel but when we actually got on Peter didn’t want anything to do with it.
4/9/1983: Grandpa brought new beds for the boys. They are excited about it but aren’t quite sure they want to give up their cribs.
4/15/1983: I have been sick all week and finally went to the doctor today. I have bronchitis again. It concerns me that this is the 2^nd time this year I’ve had it, but the doctor says a lot of people have had it more than once. He said it’s almost an epidemic right now.
4/18/1983: We took the boys to the doctor today. They have the same infection I do but fortunately it hasn’t gone into the lungs.
4/20/1983: I had a terrible reaction to my allergy shot today. The whole upper half of me and even down into my thighs turned red and puffed up. I had to go back to the doctor. They dosed me up after which I came home and zonked out.
4/26/1983: Ruth and Ben Ilmer came over today for me to babysit. They boys had a fantastic time. They were fascinated with Ruth and patted her like a dog. The 3 boys went berserk – running around, screaming & having a lot of fun.
4/27/1983: The boys pushed out 2 boards in the fence today & escaped. Fortunately they were so proud of what they had done that they had to come in and tell me. Otherwise who knows how long it would have been before I noticed they were gone.
We went to Tina and Darryl’s for dinner tonight. Very enjoyable.

March 1983

3/2/1983: Peter decided to make his own breakfast this morning while I was changing Michael’s diaper. He decided toasted plastic blocks sounded very appetizing. My toaster oven is ruined.
3/3/1983: Stephen went to Sacramento today to testify before an energy committee. He enjoyed the ride with Gil and the people he met.
I had a free Mary Kay facial today.
3/4/1983: Daddy left for Pomona today. We are going to miss him. On our way home from dropping him off we stopped and picked up some of our free gifts from Fresno Greeters.
3/5/1983: Grandpa & Aunt Cindy came today. The boys were really excited. Aunt Cindy brought them chocolate bunnies for Easter. We took the boys to the playground and then went out for lunch.
Daddy got home tonight.
3/7/1983: I went to an allergist today and found out I really am allergic to the whole outdoors. My back is a mess of welts where the tested different things. I didn’t have enough back so I have to go again to have more things tested.
3/9/1983: Jim Richardson came tonight. We had forgotten all about it and were just sitting down to dinner. How embarrassing!
3/11/1983: We went shopping fir shoes for the boys tonight. We got some for Peter but just couldn’t find any for Michael. The shoes we liked either ended a size below Michael’s or began a size above.
3/12/1983: We found some shoes for Michael today. We had to go to a Children’s Shoe store and pay a bundle but it’s important they fit right.
3/13/1983: The boys wore the suits from Grandma & Grandpa Barr today. They were so cute. They looked just like little men. They are growing up so fast it makes my heart ache.
3/14/1983: Nancy & Sean came over to visit this morning. The boys were excited to have Sean here but did not want to share their toys. However, after he left, they were so upset that the picking up toys and saying “share Sean.”
3/19/1983: Stephen brought me flowers today for my birthday. They are carnations – pink with white edges. Five minutes after he brought them in my nose was stuffed and my eyes were watery and itchy. Unfair!
3/20/1983: We went over to Sean’s house for a birthday party today. It was lots of fun with cake & ice cream & balloons. Afterwards we went to church were Mommy was in a play. Daddy had to take the boys out because they got very upset when the couldn’t join Mommy on stage.
3/23/1983: We went over to Sean’s house to babysit and then Nancy asked us to stay for lunch, when we went to get washed up Michael & I got locked in. even after taking the door apart we couldn’t get out. We had to climb through the window.
3/25/1983: Peter has come down with Hand, Foot and Mouth disease. There is nothing to do for it but let it run its course. The doctor said we can still go to Grandpa’s for the weekend.
3/26/1983: We were debating whether or not to go to Grandpa’s today but the boys have really been looking forward to it. In fact the first thing Peter said when he woke up was “Go Grandpa’s house.”
3/28/1983: We came home from Grandpa’s today and it’s like we’ve come to another country. The weather is gorgeous without a hint of rain.
3/29/1983: Peter is finally starting to get better. He ate half a sandwich for lunch and some spaghetti noodles for dinner. He is also more active & cheerful.
3/30/1983: The weather has been so beautiful the past few days so Daddy decided to take the boys to the park. They had a lot of fun and returned home with slight sunburns.
3/31/1983: Robin & Annette came over tonight to play games. They taught us to play Uno and then we played Boggle. It was very a enjoyable evening.

February 1983

2/1/1983: Mommy went to a restaurant for lunch the some Faculty wives. The boys went to Benjamin Ilmer’s house. They were fascinated by Baby Ruth and Benjamin’s “General Lee” car.
2/2/1983: Mommy and the boys went with some other Mommies & kids to the zoo. We had a good time running from animal to animal. Then we had lunch at Connie Schroeder’s house.
2/4/1983: Daddy took the boys to the park to fly the kite. They are really a little too young to enjoy it, but they did have fun holding the string once it was up.
2/6/1983: We went over to Darryl & Michelle Hein’s home for lunch after church. It was very enjoyable and the boys were very good till right near the end. Then they got tires and were ready for their nap.
2/7/1983: Jon’s Birthday
2/9/1893: It was a beautiful day so we went to the park. It’s a good opportunity for the boys to run off a lot of energy.
2/10/1983: Michael has decided to be a “baby dolly” today. He puts on a shining voice and says “Mommy hold Baby Dolly” or “Mommy put Baby Dolly in bed” (instead of climbing in himself). I wonder if I haven’t been paying enough attention lately?
2/13/1983: We joined the church today. It doesn’t seem like that big of a deal but I was shaking all over when we stood up front. It feels good to have finally made a commitment to a particular church again.
2/20/1983: Sarah’s Birthday
I knew that we would be called on to work with the kids at church now that we have joined but I didn’t expect it quite so soon. I’ve been asked to work in the nursery today.
2/21/1983: Michael fell off the back of the couch today and suffered a mild concussion. I suppose I should get used to this kind of thing but I don’t think I ever will.
2/24/1983: 7:00 Jim Richardson
2/26/1983: Stephen went to a California Agriculture Teachers Assoc. meeting today. He had to leave here at 5:00 and didn’t get home till late afternoon.
2/27/1983: We stayed for a pot luck after church today. It was given by one of the older classes for the college students. Since Stephen is faculty advisor for the Campus Ambassadors we were invited.