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.

January 1983

1/1/1983: Daddy took the boys out to wash the car today and then decided to take the out to McDonald’s for lunch. He really enjoys going out with his boys.
1/4/1983: The boys are destroying the image of boys. They got an empty shampoo bottle into the tub and the residue made bubbles. They started saying “I like soap.” Michael didn’t even want to get out of the tub and fought like a wildcat to get back in!
1/10/1983: 9:30 AM Dr. Miller
The boys are changing personalities again. It was Michael who put up the greatest fuss at the doctor today. Peter wasn’t really happy about it but he behaved much better than Michael.
1/13/1983: Aunt Cindy has come to visit for a few days. The boys were very excited to see her – especially when they say that she had a box of goodies for them.
1/15/1983: The boys have had the sniffles for the past few days but today it seems to have developed into a full fledged cold.
Aunt Cindy went home this afternoon.
1/16/1983: Mommy was fine when she went to bed last night but this morning she woke up with a terrible cold. Daddy had to stay home from church to watch the boys.
1/19/1983: Mommy was getting better but today she took a turn for the worse. Her throat got so sore and swollen that she lost her voice entirely.
1/21/1983: The assistant pastor and the music minister from Memorial Baptist came to visit today and answered our questions about the church.
1/22/1983: Grandpa and Cindy came to visit today. Daddy and Grandpa watched a football game!
1/23/1983: Daddy & the boys went to church today. Mommy is still sick.
1/24/1983: Daddy went to Bakersfield today for an Ag-One banquet tonight. He didn’t get home till 1:30. The boys missed him.
1/25/1983: Today was Stephen’s first day of classes for the semester. He has a really good student in on of his classes which has got him excited about the semester.
1/27/1983: Mom’s Birthday

December 1982

12/4/1982: Tonight was the holiday ball. Stephen & I got all dressed up and went to enjoy ourselves. My goal for next year is to be able to dance.
12/5/1982: Daddy & the boys were playing hide & seek tonight. Daddy would hide in their room and the boys would try to find him. It was really fun to watch because they would always go to the last place Daddy had hidden. Sometimes I had to help them. They were always so excited when they found him.
12/6/1982: Michael pedaled the hot wheels tonight for the first time. He knew it was a great accomplishment and called my attention to it.
12/7/1982: Lately the boys have been unhappy about having to come home from the sitter’s. What a switch. Today they were at Sean’s and they really threw a fit about leaving.
12/9/1982: Peter told me he had to go potty before he went today. What an accomplishment!
12/10/1982: 7:30 Nancy’s
12/11/1982: Grandpa came today and the boys were really excited about it.
12/13/1982: Peter did it again! He told me he needed to go before he actually went. Maybe we will be able to get them potty trained after all!
12/14/1982: 9:15 Nancy’s
12/17/1982: 9:15 Nancy’s
12/21/1982: Grandma & Grandpa Ott arrived today, a day earlier than anticipated. Daddy was sure surprised when he got home.
12/22/1982: We had a terrible storm today. There was flooding and power failures up and down the state. We were only without power for about 45 min. Good thing Grandma & Grandpa got in yesterday.
12/24/1982: We drove up to King’s Canyon today. We weren’t able to go into the park because we didn’t have chains but it was a beautiful drive up there. It’s all the snow we’ll have for Christmas.
12/25/1982: The boys had a great time this morning. As soon as they’d got one gift opened they asked for another. They remind me of their Aunt Cindy.
12/26/1982: Grandma & Grandpa left today after going to church and taking us to lunch. They have a friend in L.A. they want to see.

November 1982

11/8/1982: Peter learned to do buttons tonight. He used the big buttons on Mommy’s sweater and did it over and over again. He was certainly proud of his accomplishment!
11/17/1982: I about killed the boys today. They took off their diapers when they were supposed to be napping. They messed and then spread it all over everything. They even took clothes out of their drawers and got them messed up too. It took me all afternoon to get everything cleaned up.
11/19/1982: The boys did it again! They know exactly what they are doing and, except for the spanking, they think it is great fun. How can I convince them it is not fun?
11/20/1982: Grandpa Barr came to visit and took us to the zoo. The boys especially liked Saggy Baggy (the elephant) and the seals.
11/25/1982: Dad’s Birthday
11/28/1982: We are beginning to have some success with the potty chair. The boys always try to do something when they sit on it although they don’t yet tell us they need to go before they wet their diapers.

September - October 1982

9/25/1982: Grandpa came to visit and took us back to the house he is staying at. We picked up his car and brought it back with us.

10/4/1982: Michael has learned to say Peter’s name. He sounds very British when he says it Pet-uh.
10/5/1982: We took Peter to the doctor today. He had been complaining about his ear since Sunday. He has two infections in the same ear – both an inner and an outer ear infection.
10/7/1982: 10:45 Boehm
10/15/1982: Miller 9:10
10/17/1982: Michael and Peter went into Sunday School without fussing today! Of course the fact that there was a live hamster they could play with may have helped.
10/29/1982: Grandma and Grandpa Barr came tonight. The boys were very excited to see them.
10/31/1982: The boys went trick-or-treating tonite. The were upset when they had to come in.

August 1982

8/1/1982: Philip’s Birthday
8/1-8/14/1982: MOVED TO CALIFORNIA
We didn’t have enough room in the trailer. Had to repack and delay a day. The boys deadbolted us out of the motel room and rifted the suitcases. Michael shaved with Mommy’s razor. All kinds of trouble with the tarp. The brake line on the trailer broke. A tire on the truck separated. The heat was unbearable. The truck radiation sprang a leak. Going over a dip, the spare tire on the truck fell off – thought we’d never get it back on. More trouble with the radiator going through Utah. Had to put new shocks on the car. Finally some good news – it rained and was very comfortable across the desert.
8/29/1982: Our first Sunday at a new church and Michael falls and gashes his head! Fortunately it only required a butterfly but it gave us quite a scare. The nursery attendants called the paramedics and they brought a big fire truck.
8/31/1982: Today was Stephen’s first day of teaching.

July 1982

7/9/1982: Prayer Breakfast
7/10/1982: 8:00 Perm
7/17/1982: Sarah home
7/21/1982: 11:15 Freno

June 1982

6/2/1982: We went over to see Jane and Elliot today about our sink. She was very nice and got someone over within ½ hour. The actual work on it took only about 10 min!
6/5/1982: We have done our part to boost the sagging economy. Today Stephen and I went shopping and spent nearly 200. We bought training pants and bibs for the boys & then - surprise, surprise – we bought pants, shirts, and shoes for Stephen!
6/7/1982: 6:30
We started toilet training Michael today. He seems to like to sit on the pot but we didn’t have any successes today.
6/8/1982: Still no progress with Michael. He waits until I take him off the toile and get fresh training pants on him before he goes. Oh, what a mess it is in training pants!
6/9/1982: We are giving up on Michael. He doesn’t even like to sit on the toilet any more. We’ve just decided to wait until we move. Maybe by then we can work on Peter too.
6/10/1982: Cindy left today. How quiet it seems without the TV on!
6/12/1982: 5:30 Pool
6/14/1982: We went to Cindy’s graduation today. She was extremely nervous and grouchy before the ceremony but once it was over everything was fine. Grandpa and Grandma Barr were really excited to see the boys. Naturally they had toys.
6/20/1982: Today Stephen & I went to UBC for church. Everyone (at least everyone who knew us, which weren’t many any more) made quite a fuss over the boys. Afterwards we went to a family reunion at Clifford’s and Bea’s and had a good time.

May 1982

5/3/1982: 7:50
5/6/1982: Michael now goes up and down stairs without holding onto anyone or anything. In fact, when I tried to hold his hand he pushed it away.
5/8/1982: Peter’s biting is getting to be a problem. Nothing we do seems to deter him. When he gets frustrated & angry he bites. Michael’s arms are bruised all over from Peter’s attacks.
5/10/1982: 9:10
5/14/1982: Dobson
5/14/1982: Pool Pass
5/16/1982: Pool Pass
5/17/1982: 7:00
The boys went to their first softball game of the season. They were more interested in running around than watching the game. Naturally they went in opposite directions just to keep me busy. I don’t know if I will ever get all the dirt out of their clothes!
5/18/1982: Peter has the flu. He has vomiting and diarrhea and is just miserable. I’m miserable too. I hate it when the children are sick. We’ve postponed the dinner with the Hayhurst’s till next week
5/19/1982: Hayhursts 6:30
5/20/1982: Michael fell down the stairs today. I didn’t see it happen because I was changing Peter (he still has diarrhea) but I think he was walking up dragging his blanket and got caught in it. Fortunately he was more scared than hurt.
5/21/1982: Michael took a dive off the top of his crib tonight right onto the top of his head. His nose was all scraped up and when we were cleaning him up he went out like a light. I got Nikki to watch Peter while we took Michael to the hospital. They said he appeared to be fine but we had to wake him up every 3 hours.
5/22/1982: Richmonds
We postponed going to the Richmonds today. We had already decided not to go because Peter is still having diarrhea but after being up every 3 hrs with Michael, that clinched it.
3/23/1982: Pool Pass
3/24/1982: 9:10
Stephen’s softball team won tonight 16-10. They were playing Trinity.
5/26/1982: Beale and Nancy came to dinner tonight. It was a very enjoyable evening. We are really going to miss our friends from Mountview when we move.
5/27/1982: Circle Luncheon 12:15
5/29/1982: So much has happened today, I could write a book. On top of having a lot of people coming for the weekend, my kitchen sink and disposal went on the fritz. No one is going to be sent to fix it till Tues.
5/30/1982: We went to Katherine and Jon’s today and had a very nice time. They have a lovely house.
5/31/1982: 7:00
We had a great picnic with the softball team. To top it all off, the team won.

April 1982

4/1/1982: Michael & Peter got hold of a pair of scissors today and in fighting over them managed to slice Michael’s finger. Fortunately it isn’t too bad. I think both mother & son will survive.
We planted our garden tonight.
4/3/1982: Grandma, Grandpa & Sarah have come to visit for the weekend.
4/5/1982: Fresno called and offered Stephen the job! Hallelujah!
4/8/1982: 6:30 Seder Feast
Cindy arrived for the weekend just as we were leaving for church. A few minutes later and we would have been gone.
4/9/1982: Fresno is anxious to have Stephen. He was going to call and accept the offer today but they called him first. They offered $1,000 moving expenses. That will certainly help out. Of course he accepted the job.
4/10/1982: 10:00 Easter egg hunt
4/11/1982: Peter had a bloody nose today. He must have hit it coming down the stairs. It was a mess and of course he had his good clothes on. He wasn’t very cooperative about keeping his head back with a wet washcloth over his nose but we finally managed to get it to stop.
4/15/1982: WMS 9:00
4/17/1982: 9 – 11 Softball old timers
4/18/1982: We all took a walk to the ice cream shop today. The boys walked about halfway there and about halfway back. Peter ate every last bite of his cone but Michael didn’t eat much of his at all. Of course Daddy couldn’t let it go to waste! They were awfully tired when they got back and took about an hour’s nap.
4/20/1982: Michael climbed up the slide and went down all by himself today. Peter still tries to crawl up on his knees and sticks his feet out on the last rung instead of on the top.
4/22/1982: The boys are learning how to help dress themselves. They like to pull their shirts over their heads and Michael tries to put his own pants on.
4/29/1982: Wilma 1:00
4/30/1982: Stephen brought flowers today. Yellow and white daisies now brighten the kitchen.

March 1982

3/3/1982: Michael threw a tantrum last night at 1:00 in the morning. He cried for an hour straight. When I went in to give them their bottles this morning Michael was in Peter’s crib.
Iowa State chose another person.
3/5/1982: Finelli 8:00 Linda
Stephen wins two Boggle games.
3/7/1982: We moved the boys’ beds apart after Michael ended up on top of Peter. So last night when he got upset, he just climbed out of bed and came into our room. None of us got too much sleep after that. We were all so tired this morning that just Daddy went to church.
3/8/1982: Finelli 8:00 Steve
Peter’s bottom front tooth finally came through. We had begun to wonder if it ever would.
3/14/1982: Stephen left for Fresno today. I hate it when he has to travel. I’m not holding my breath about the job either, but we have to try every possibility.
3/17/1982: Hooray! Stephen gets home today. It has been a long week without him.
3/19/1982: Michael gets a cold. This time a month between colds – not bad.
3/20/1982: We went car shopping and decided to fix the Pinto instead. The cold germs are spreading as Peter gets it.
3/22/1982: We all slept through the entire night last night. That is quite an accomplishment. Barely a night goes by when Michael doesn’t climb out of his crib and end up in Peter’s or right next to the door. And if he’s quiet all night I usually have to visit the bathroom.
3/26/1982: This may not seem like a major accomplishment but the boys are learning how to blow their noses when I tell them to instead of me just wiping.

February 1982

2/1/1982: Rent
2/2/1982: Michael has figured out how to open our bedroom door.
2/4/1982: The boys have climbed another rung on the development ladder. They now can scale the door gates. They use the sit and spin toy as a stool.
2/5/1982: Linda reorganized the kitchen so the boys can be in it
2/7/1982: Jon's Birthday
Stephen leaves for a job interview at Iowa State
2/9/1982: Stephen returns home to find the whole family sick with bad colds.
2/11/1982: Michael and Peter using Mommy as a stool climbed into their beds. Stephen gets the "24 hour" bug. Also Michael can climb between the beds.
2/12/1982: Dobson 7 p.m.
2/13/1982: Peter eats lettuce
2/14/1982: With the side of his bed down Michael climbs out, thus quickly bringing an end to nap time.
2/15/1982: Michael surprises Mommy at the bathroom door. He now can climb out of bed with the sides up.
2/16/1982: Peter learns how to climb between their beds and climb out with the side down.
2/18/1982: WMS
2/19/1982: Volleyball 6:30
Cindy arrived just in time to play volleyball with us
2/20/1982: Sarah Birthday
2/21/1982: The boys like to put their heads through the openings of various clothes
2/22/1982: At meal time Peter has been having temper tantrums. Peter has been beating up Michael when he doesn't get his way.
2/24/1982: The boys have become "flashers." They like to expose their belly buttons
Peter was doing laps today. He would run from the kitchen to dining room to living room and back into the kitchen. He though it was great fun. Maybe he was training to be a marathon runner.
2/26/1982: Michael uses the sit and spin as a stool to turn the lights on and off
2/27/1982: Michael ate lettuce

January 1982

1/6/1982: 7:00 Eye Doctor
1/8/1982: Michael gets the 24 hour bug
1/9/1982: Cold wave hits -11 F
1/10/1982: The boys figured out how to climb up on the big round table using the over-turned rocking chair as a ladder. Once up they had fun with the thermometer turning it up to about 90. When discovered, their bottoms were warmed to about 90 too!
1/11/1982: Freno 11:15
1/13/1982: The boys went out and played in the snow for the first time today. Daddy put plastic bags and his socks over their feet since they don't have boots. He said they had a lot of fun and didn't want to come back inside!
1/14/1982: Pay Insurance
1/16/1982: Another cold wave -16 F
1/17/1982: Peter gets another cold
The high for the day was -5 F
1/18/1982: Today was real "warm" 19 F
Peter loves to hide behind Mommy when Daddy is trying to change his diapers.
1/19/1982: Freno 11:15
Peter weighs 28#
Michael " 24# 6 oz
Peter 33"
Michael 32"
1/20/1982: The boys like to spin around.
1/21/1982: The boys have their teeth brushed for the first time. They don't like the taste of toothpaste
1/23/1982: Aunt Cindy came to visit
1/25/1982: Peter got the flu today. It's surprising that it took over 2 weeks from the time Michael had it till Peter got it. Usually they have everything together.
1/27/1982: Mom's Birthday
1/28/1982: 8:30 AM McCreary
1/30/1982: It finally happened. One of the boys got stuck with a diaper pin. Peter was the unlucky victim and Daddy was the culprit. Still, our record is pretty good - 18 months without a stick.

October - December 1981

10/5/1981: Michael's eighth tooth came through today.
10/17/1981: I got a curly perm today. It didn't seem to phase Michael at all but Peter wouldn't have anything to do with me all day. He kept real close to his Daddy.
10/20/1981: 2:45 Freno
10/29/1981: 7:15 Friday
10/30/1981: The boys went trick-or-treating tonight. They really looked cute in their clown outfits. Of course their daddy got most of their candy
10/31/1981: Michael was so angry tonight that he flipped himself out of his crib. What can we do with him if he's not even safe in his crib?

11/23/1981: Stephen passed his defense today with flying colors. Just a few minor rewrites and he will be done. And to think he was so worried about it
11/25/1981: Cindy arrived today to spend Thanksgiving weekend with us.

12/2/1981: Stephen turned everything in today. He is now officially "Dr. Ott." He even beat the deadline by 2 days.
12/11/1981: Graduation was today. It was just a formality but it sure gave us a lot of pleasure. Anyway, he now has document in hand. Nothing can take his Ph.D. away from him
12/24/1981: We went to Michigan to spend Christmas with Stephen's folks.

July - September 1981

7/26/1981: The boys had their birthday party today. It was a success even though Mommy forgot to put eggs in the chocolate cake!
7/27/1981: The boys are 1 yr old today. I can't believe how much they've learned in one short year!

9/20/1981: We got back to Columbus today. It is so good to be home. Boy does our apt seem small though. It will be good to move
9/25/1981: We all have the flu. I thought it was the hot dogs we had for dinner last night but Stephen didn't have them and he's sick too.
Cindy has come to help us move
9/27/1981: We moved to our new apt. today. What a hassle. Cindy was no help at all - she got the flu this morning!