Marriage (2006 Video)

Protected (Joy)

I definitely believe that grandma was protected in all that she did.  Especially when she was on the road.  Grandma had never been in a car accident where she was driving until the very last day that she drove.  She was around 88 when she got in an accident in a parking lot, and that's when she decided to stop driving.

As soon as anyone turned 16, grandma would have them drive her car.  I remember when I was about 14, and I could not wait to be able to drive.  It wasn't the usual, I can't wait till I'm 16.  It was more that I couldn't wait until I could drive so grandma wouldn't have to.

One day I went with grandma to volunteer at Granger Elementary.  I remember leaving the school, and grandma didn't see the crossing guard as she was standing in the middle of the street.  That crossing guard was pretty mad.  Then I think we were driving to to Ron's house, and as we were exiting the freeway, grandma was taking up two lanes.  Also, whenever we were driving and grandma would check her blind spot, the car would follow her gaze.  As she turned her head to the right, her arms would turn the wheel to the right.  I'm pretty sure this all happened in one afternoon.  Hence, as a 14 year old, I couldn't wait until I could drive.

All in all, I shouldn't have been scared because grandma was protected by angels.  Not just in her adventurous driving, but in life in general.  She was definitely one of the most blessed people I've ever met.  She didn't have the riches or things like that, but that would never have been what would have made her feel blessed.  That's not what she treasured.

Favorite Foods (Joy)

Grandma was always great at remembering what everyone's favorite foods were.  Once she knew what your favorite food was, she would make it every time you came over to eat.  Hence, you had to be careful with what your "favorite food" was.

Like Auntie Carolyn's video said, grandma always made yokan for Uncle Ken.

My favorite was her green beans.  Luckily I was smart, and really chose my favorite food as my favorite.

She would always make rice balls with pickles and yakisoba for Sandi's family.

What did she make for you?  And was it really your favorite?

I don't know who really reads this, but if you are reading it, please respond, it would be fun to hear your responses.

Slideshow (2006)

This is the beginning of the slideshow that I made for Grandma's viewing.  Cami (grandchild) is singing with me (Joy).  Most of you (family) should have a copy of the full slide show.  If you don't, let me know and I'll send you one.

Rhett (grandson, 03-2006)

Bruce (grandson, 03-2006)

Chad (grandson, 03-2006)

A List (Joy, 08-2012)

Grandma always liked to make lists of things, especially of her grandkids.  So here goes a list for her right now.

Kid-5

1. Ken
2. Irene
3. Sharon
4. Ron
5. Dick

Grandkids-28 (not in order)

1. Natalie
2. Gary
3. Janelle
4. Brian
5. Melissa
6. Trent
7. Brent
8. Cheryl
9. Julia
10. Paul
11. Marcia
12. Sandi
13. Bruce
14. Keith
15. Susan
16. Ann
17. Mark
18. Tiffany
19. Patrice
20. Tisha
21. Karisa
22. Rhett
23. Darin
24. Taryn
25. Jon
26. Chad
27. Steph
28. Joy

Great-grandkids - 48 (unless I forgot someone, then let me know)

1. Ryan
2. Regan
3. Brixen
4. Sienna
5. Jack
6. Charlotte
7. Dylan
8. Mandy
9. Garrett
10. Maiya
11. Mira
12. Kit
13. Keita
14. Christiaan
15. Danielle
16. Andrew
17. Ashley
18. Jarrett
19. Cami
20. Spencer
21. Noelle
22. Jayden
23. Pete
24. Grace
25. Will
26. Gabriel
27. Nyomi
28. Emi
29. Tobi
30. Mika
31. Rose
32. Tabitha
33. Winston
34. Cooper
35. Talmage
36. Delaney
37. Max
38. Payton
39. Ellie
40. Landon
41. Graham
42. Samantha
43. Marissa
44. Alexis
45. Logan
46. Carli
47. Emmali
48. Ryan

Carolyn (daughter-in-law, 03-2006)

Visit from the grandkids (Journal)

January 1, 2001

Just a few days ago, I was surprised when so many of my grandchildren came to see me.  First, Patrice wanted me to make or show her how to make "kinpira gobo', so she buys the gobo from Clifornia and brings it over.  So I made the kipira gobo and had some rice ready.

The grandchildren were Natalie, Melissa, Patrice, Rhett, Darin, Tisha, Karisa, and Taryn.  They said they were going to the Dome to play.  None of them knew what kinpira gobo was but they all ate it with rice and seem to like it.

I didn't think I had enough food to feed them but like a miracle, the food stretched and they had enough to eat.

Patrice and Natalie stayed here but the rest went to the dome to play for a while and I knew that they would be hungry when they came back so I made yakisoba and some rice ball for them and sure enough, they were hungry and I was glad I had food for them.  Again, the food seemed to stretch and there was enough for them. It was fun to have them and I was glad I was able to feed them.

On New Years day, I asked Ron to stop over and help take the food over and they came and helped me.   I am surprised that I am still able to cook for them, I am 85 years old and I guess I am very lucky.

We had lots of good food to eat because Irene, Cheryl and Linda are good cooks and make lots of good things to eat.

Neil (grandson-in-law, 03-2006)