Friday, December 30, 1983

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.

Wednesday, November 30, 1983

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!

Sunday, October 30, 1983

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.

Saturday, October 1, 1983

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?

Wednesday, August 31, 1983

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.

Sunday, July 31, 1983

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.

Friday, July 1, 1983

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

Tuesday, May 31, 1983

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.

Sunday, May 1, 1983

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 2nd 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.

Wednesday, March 30, 1983

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.

Monday, February 28, 1983

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.

Sunday, January 30, 1983

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