Geraldine Beck Wilson Kirk Betteridge

My Grandma

My Grandma passed away six years ago. The past couple of days I have thought of her often. I am so blessed to have wonderful memories of her. She was such a wonderful example of having a sense of humor through adversity. I used to tell her she could never die, and she would quickly reply that she did not want that. She lived a full life. She loved to travel, and see new things. When she lost her vision, she continued to go to Hawaii. She had to have the most vivid memory, because that was what she relied on for many years.

As a child, I remember their home in Grass Valley. I was young when she and Grandpa Kirk lived there, but I do remember some things.
smell of Grandpa Kirk's pipe -monkey toliet paper holder -chicken coupe -Heratio (the cow) -
picking mint (she told me to chew on it because it tasted so good, I did not think so, and I thought it was wierd) -eating her homemade chicken and dumplings before she went to work the swingshift at the hospital -her hair always up in a tight bun -Pickles -Apple Crisp -Kelly, Dutchess and Prissy (the dogs) -sleeping in the Oriental bed, and awaking up just to look at the carvings - I thought it was so big (it is not:)

I also have some memories when they lived in Nice.
flying to visit with mom, and getting sick on the plane -the long drive from the airport to Nice -the walnut trees and the rose garden -King Rama and Patches (the cats) -surprise visit with Aunt Becky, cousins and Allison -flying up to "help" after her surgery, and while Grandpa Kirk was in the hospital - driving (with a permit) from Sacramento all the way to Nice (two hours I think)

Most of my memories of Grandma are when she moved to Carlsbad - these memories are my most fond.
being 16 and sharing my room with her -her strong dislike of white pantyhose - all the years of nursing -her one bad meatloaf - no one wanted to say it was bad - she tasted it and said this is gross - she claimed it must have been bad meat.... -working at Lotions and Potions -all her crazy friends - Millie, Ellen, Violet, Rosalie, Jenny... -having her live around the corner -all her trips to Hawaii -Her taking care of Grandpa - thinking it was strange to see my Grandma and Grandpa together -going to Dr. Bond with her - watching her loose her sight -Grandpa and Grandma driving together - Grandma drove and Grandpa was the eyes (not a good combination) - telling her she couldn't light candles anymore (tablecloth on fire) -Ken and garlic- need I say more -
Two trips to Hawaii with her -getting a letter from a blind lady on my mission - they were so sweet - all the funny Christmas gifts -Tinker bell -all the missionaries -missing her wedding to Ken (sorry I was on a mission) -visiting her at The Gardens (she was happy there) -hearing about her Tuesdays with Erin, Whitney and Matthew -telling her I was engaged - she said it would have been nice to know you were dating someone first -her worrying I wouldn't find a wedding dress - telling her two days before she died that I had found one - Waking up early in the morning on August 31, and having the feeling she was gone - then getting the call from mom - she had passed away

I still think of Grandma all the time. She would have laughed at my experiences as a mother. I am sure she would find humor in the things that Wilson and Holden do.

Thanksgiving Point Farm

We picked up Aunt Myra on Friday afternoon, and then we to the Farm at Thanksgiving Point. The boys had so much fun feeding the animals, and riding the ponies.

Dinner Time at the Portlocks

So, we are eating dinner, and Wilson starts crossing his eyes. He didn't want to eat, he just wanted to focus on crossing his eyes. Then Ken asked Holden if he had a runny nose, so Holden points to his nose, and starts making crazy faces. Then fun never ends!

Mom, I don't want anymore apple

Wilson and Holden had apples for a snack this morning. Holden dropped his in the mud, so I knew when he was done. Wilson kept eating his apple as he played in the backyard. When it got too hot we went into the house. I had forgotten all about the apple. I was cleaning the kitchen and Wilson climbed up to the counter, dropped what was left of his apple and said, "Mom, I don't want anymore apple". I look at what was left, and was shocked! I have never eaten that much of an apple - he ate most of the core and all.

Brotherly Love

Wilson and Holden had a bath, were watching a movie, and drinking their milk. I went in to check on them, and this is what I found. The were all cuddled up together - they must be really tired!

Pool Time with Cousins

Last night for FHE, we went to Oakridge to swim with cousins. Wilson and Holden love to play with their cousins. They had so much fun being thrown around the pool, and jumping to different cousins.

Boys will find a way to have fun

Wilson and Holden were on the playground this evening playing. Wilson started spinning Holden, and Holden had so much fun! Considering how much the fight and scream, it is a pleasure to hear them laugh together.

Orange

POP SEE CALL

Popsicle Time

Wilson and Holden love to eat popsicles and kick back on the lawn.

Carwash

Ken needed to wash his car, so he got to have two helpers. Wilson and Holden had so much fun soaking the sponges (and themselves) in the bucket of water!

Childhood Memories

One of my fond memories of childhood, is making chocolate chip cookies with my mom. Wilson and I make cookies together often. His favorite part is, at the end, being able to lick the paddle. I hope that Wilson will remember these fun times together too!

Discovery Gateway

We went to Discovery Gateway this morning. Wilson and Holden had so much fun playing. It was a great morning together as a family.

The Sidelines

Holden got to sit in his favorite spot - with Auntie!